K<a>ANSAS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS SINE DIE ON APRIL 30TH.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

On April 30, the Kansas Legislature wrapped up the 2024 regular session.&nbsp;&nbsp;Known in the legislature as Sine Die, it officially marks the final adjournment for the 2024 Legislative Session and ended on Day 88.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate sent 53 bills to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were 233 Senate bills introduced in 2024 for a total during this last two-year cycle of 559. Barring a special session, the full legislature will return on January 13, 2025.

On Tuesday night, the Kansas House and Senate passed&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb37/" target="_blank">SB 37</a>, a bi-partisan compromise plan that reduces taxes for every Kansan.&nbsp;&nbsp;It fully repeals the state income tax on Social Security benefits, cuts property taxes, eliminates the state sales tax on food on July 1st, and simplifies and lowers income taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The passage of SB 37 comes closely on the heels of the Senate coming within one vote of overriding the governor’s veto of HB 2036.&nbsp;&nbsp;This latest compromise plan is nearly identical to HB 2036, with tweaks to reduce the fiscal note to address the governor’s stated reason for vetoing the bi-partisan bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, the bill would:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restructure and simplify individual income tax brackets from three to two;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lower the two brackets from their current levels;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exempt Social Security income from the individual income tax;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dramatically increase the personal exemption while also increasing the standard deduction;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduce privilege tax rates;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exempt $100,000 of appraised value of residential property exempt from the statewide property tax and reduces the statewide mill levy to 19.5 mills; and&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accelerate the elimination of the state sales tax on food to July 1st.

Current law provides for three income tax brackets:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1%:&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 - $15K ($30K joint)

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.25%: $15K - $30K ($30K-60K joint)

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.7%:&nbsp;&nbsp;$30K+ ($60K-joint)

SB 37 simplifies the tax code into two lower brackets:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2%:&nbsp;&nbsp;$0-$23K ($0 - $46K joint)&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.57%:&nbsp;&nbsp;$23K+ ($46K+ joint)&nbsp;

SB 37 passed the House 108-11 with a bi-partisan super majority as well as the Senate 25-9 with a bi-partisan majority.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2096/" target="_blank">HB 2096</a>&nbsp;would enact the Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act, make changes to the Homeowners’ Property Tax Freeze Program, create property tax exemptions for certain businesses subject to government competition and certain personal property, limit transactions that can be considered valid sales for property tax purposes, and modify law related to property valuation notices and appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2096 passed the Senate 23-11. Having also passed the House 91-26.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a>OMNIBUS APPROPRIATION BILL</a><a></a><a></a>

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2551/" target="_blank">HB 2551</a>&nbsp;as recommended&nbsp;by the Conference Committee on House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means, contains funding for selected adjustments in FY 2024 through FY 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expenditures for the Kansas State Department of Education reflect expenditures in the Conference Committee Report on SB 387.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, total expenditures reflected throughout this report include both SB 28, the mega appropriation bill, and SB 438, relating to the Kansas blueprint for literacy. For the purposes of this report, expenditures related to the Kansas State Schools for the Blind and Deaf, State Historical Society, and State Library are included within the higher education function of government.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2551 passed the Senate 22-12 and also passed the House 71-49.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and the bill is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb387/" target="_blank">SB 387</a>&nbsp;would make appropriations for the Kansas State Department of Education for FY 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>SB 387 passed the Senate 35-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having passed the House 115-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a><a>I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.</a>

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2097/" target="_blank">HB 2097</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development Act, which would create nonrefundable income tax credits and a sales tax exemption for qualifying film production activities to incentivize and promote the growth of film and digital media production and industry in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2097 passed the Senate 32-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 102-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2784/" target="_blank">HB 2784</a>&nbsp;would transfer authority for certification of continuing care retirement communities from the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).&nbsp;&nbsp;It also would amend law regarding the certification of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) and would prohibit the State Fire Marshal and the Marshal’s representatives from wearing or operating an audio or video recording device during an on-site inspection in certain facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed HB 2784 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 122-0. I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb500/" target="_blank">SB 500</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to restricted driving privileges for certain individuals who violate the misdemeanor offense of failure to comply with a traffic citation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would take effect on January 1, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 500 passed the Senate 36-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 120-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb287/" target="_blank">SB 287</a>&nbsp;contains several bills related to improving health care law in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would require parental consent to health care services for a minor child provided in a school facility. It would also establish the No Patient Left Alone Act, which would specify that when providing end-of-life care, a patient care facility would not be able to act to prevent a patient from receiving in-person visitation from any person designated by the patient if the patient has the capacity to make such designation.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the patient does not have the capacity for such designation, the patient’s agent for health care decisions established by a durable power of attorney would be allowed to designate visitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would amend law regarding the licensure of rural emergency hospitals and amend law concerning emergency medical services (EMS) to add provisions allowing distribution of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications, as approved by the EMS medical director, to the list of interventions that emergency medical responders may provide.&nbsp;SB 287 passed the Senate 26-10. Having also passed the House 111-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.<a></a>

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb414/" target="_blank">SB 414</a>&nbsp;would&nbsp;amend the elements of the crime of aggravated endangering a child by adding fentanyl to the list of drugs for which causing or permitting a child to be in an environment where the person knows or reasonably should know the drug is present would constitute the crime.&nbsp;&nbsp;It removes a loophole in the law concerning breaches of privacy to ensure people cannot be recorded in their private state without their knowledge, whether or not the breach is done secretly or not.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill also amends law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions; amend provisions in sentencing law regarding computation of time served; and update terms and conditions of supervision for certain offenders.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed the bill 36-0. Having passed the House 114-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb419/" target="_blank">SB 419</a>&nbsp;would provide immunity from prosecution for possession of a controlled substance or certain drug paraphernalia if the person seeks medical assistance while under the influence of a controlled substance or provides medical assistance to a person who is under the influence of a controlled substance and needs medical assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed SB 419 36-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having passed the House 114-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb420/" target="_blank">SB 420</a>&nbsp;would establish criteria to permit juvenile offenders in the custody of the Secretary of Corrections to leave the juvenile facility for certain programming.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would authorize the Secretary to establish work release and educational release programs for juveniles and would specify a juvenile may attend such release programs outside the facility without a staff member or designated adult when the juvenile meets appropriate classification as defined KDOC policies and procedures. The Senate passed SB 420 36-0. Having also passed the House 113-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb291/" target="_blank">SB 291</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law concerning the administration and organization of information technology (IT) and cybersecurity services within each branch of state government.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed SB 291 27-9 and passed the House 113-1. I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2176/" target="_blank">HB 2176</a>&nbsp;would create the Arkansas City Area Public Library District Act and the Udall Area Public Library District Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2176 passed the Senate 32-3 and passed the House 120-0. I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2531/" target="_blank">HB 2531</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Purple Alert Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Purple Alert Plan would be established and implemented by the Office of the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies, and other public and private agencies and organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the Purple Alert Plan, public notice of a missing individual could be promptly broadcast, and a search could be timely undertaken with the cooperation of local law enforcement, news media, and the general public in order to locate the individual.&nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens included are 18 years of age or older who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and are believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death because of their disability and unable to return to safety without assistance.&nbsp;HB 2531 passed the Senate 36-0 and passed the House 120-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2047/" target="_blank">HB 2047</a>&nbsp;would make clarifying amendments to the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2047 passed the Senate 34-2 and passed the House 108-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2392/" target="_blank">HB 2392</a>&nbsp;would modify the definition of “veteran” and “disabled veteran” to clarify the discharge status (or characterization of service) a member of the Armed Forces must receive to be eligible for certain benefits in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would also authorize issuance of a 1st Infantry Division and an Armed Service Occupation Medal distinctive license plates.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2392 passed the Senate 36-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having passed the House 120-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb339/" target="_blank">SB 339</a>&nbsp;would prohibit the distribution of State Foundation Aid moneys within the budget of the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to a school district that has no students enrolled in and attending a school of such district.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would also provide that, if students who are residents of such school district are enrolled in and attending any other school district, such students shall be counted as regularly enrolled in and attending school in such other school district and not counted in the school district of residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 339 passed the Senate 34-3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having passed the House 117-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2530/" target="_blank">HB 2530</a>&nbsp;would make changes to how the members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission are appointed to provide for differing perspectives on a commission that regulates hunting and fishing.&nbsp;The Senate passed the bill 21-18.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted no.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 78-45, it is now headed to the governor.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb318/" target="_blank">SB 318</a>&nbsp;would amend the Code of Evidence to specify how a statutory or common law presumption or inference against a criminal defendant is to be construed and to establish a permissive inference when a person is found to possess certain quantities of a controlled substance.&nbsp;&nbsp;The House voted 122-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed the bill 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb232/" target="_blank">SB 232</a>&nbsp;which would amend law regarding child support guidelines to require the courts to adopt rules that consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses for the mother of an unborn child and the unborn child.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would specify the maximum amount of ordered child support of an unborn child is not to exceed the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother of the unborn child, excluding any costs related to an elective abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 232 passed the Senate 25-12. Having also passed the House 82-38.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes and it is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb172/" target="_blank">SB 172</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would prohibit foreign principals from countries of concern from acquiring any interest in non-residential real property located within 100 miles of the boundary of any military installation located in Kansas or an adjacent state. The Act would not apply to a de minimis interest in such real property; transactions approved by the Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); and foreign principals who hold a national security agreement with CFIUS or the U.S. Department of Defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate passed SB 172 24-14, having also passed the House 86-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It now heads to the governor.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/" target="_blank">HB 2098</a>&nbsp;would create a sales tax deduction for certain motor vehicle transactions, provide for manufacturer’s coupons to be excluded from sales price for sales tax purposes, and create several sales tax exemptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the override vote, HB 2098 passed the Senate 37-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 99-20, the veto was overridden.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2436/" target="_blank">HB 2436</a>&nbsp;would make it a crime to unlawfully coerce a woman to obtain an abortion, engaging in coercion with both the knowledge a woman is pregnant and the intent to compel such woman to obtain an abortion when such woman has expressed her desire to not obtain an abortion.&nbsp;The veto was overridden in the Senate by a vote of 28-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the House also having overridden the veto by a vote of 85-40, he bill will now become law. &nbsp;I voted yes to override. &nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2465/" target="_blank">HB 2465</a>&nbsp;would provide a tax credit for certain contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities and enact a sales tax exemption for pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;It also&nbsp;enacts the Adoption Savings Account Act&nbsp;that would establish adoption savings accounts and dramatically expand the adoption tax credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;By a vote of&nbsp;29-7 in the Senate, the legislature overrode the governor’s veto of this bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 85-40, it will become law.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2583/" target="_blank">HB 2583</a>&nbsp;increases the criminal penalty for harming or killing certain dogs and horses and requires restitution for such crime - including veterinary medical treatment, funeral and burial expenses and replacement of such animal.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate overrode the veto by a vote of 29-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 105-20. I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2648/" target="_blank">HB 2648</a>&nbsp;would generally prohibit the adoption of any rule or regulation that the economic impact statement indicates $1.0 million or more in implementation or compliance costs are reasonably expected to be incurred by or passed along to businesses, local governments, or individuals during the initial five-year period following the adoption of the rule or regulation, unless the rule or regulation has been ratified by the legislature by the enactment of a bill authorizing such rule or regulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would also require the Director of the Budget, in reviewing the economic impact statements for proposed rules and regulations, to conduct an independent analysis to determine the agency has complied with the requirements for economic impact statements and review the agency’s determination of the amount of implementation and compliance costs reasonably expected to be incurred by or passed along to businesses, local governments, and individuals over the initial five-year period following adoption of the rule or regulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate voted to override the veto 27-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 87-38, it now becomes law.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb473/" target="_blank">SB 473</a>&nbsp;contains a number of provisions concerning crimes, punishment, and criminal procedure.&nbsp;&nbsp;This includes a notice to appear that meets certain requirements to serve as a lawful complaint, requiring a minimum appearance bond premium in district court, providing reasons for suspending or terminating authorization of a compensated surety, and authorizing the chief judge of a judicial district to require a compensated surety to submit to a state and national criminal history record check.&nbsp;&nbsp;The override of the veto on SB 473 passed the Senate 27-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>Having also passed the House 87-38, it now becomes law.&nbsp;</a>

H<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2749/" target="_blank">B 2749</a>&nbsp;would provide for the written report of pregnancies lawfully terminated to be submitted by medical care facilities and persons licensed to practice medicine and surgery to the Secretary of Health and Environment, and also requires abortion providers to ask patients for the primary reason for obtaining the abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is strictly voluntary and confidential.&nbsp;The Senate overrode the veto by a vote of 27-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House 84-41, it now becomes law.

The legislature successfully overrode the line-item veto of the Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program in the budget, which provides funding to pregnancy resource centers to help women in crisis pregnancies.&nbsp;&nbsp;This line-item veto was overridden by the Senate 28-11. Having also been overridden in the House 86-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;legislature overrode the governor’s line-item veto of a provision in the budget capping the number of individuals on the state’s Intellectual and Development Disability and Physical Disability wait lists to receive services.&nbsp;&nbsp;By a vote of 28-12 in the Senate and a vote of 116-9 in the House, this line-item veto was overridden.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Senate overrode the governor’s line-item veto of funding to send the Kansas National Guard to Texas to help Governor Abbott secure the border.&nbsp;&nbsp;This line-item veto was overridden by the Senate 28-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also been overridden in the House 84-41, the provision is now law. I voted yes to override.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The legislature overrode the governor’s veto of a one-time $2.2 million appropriation for an osteopathic service scholarship and $750,000 for the KUMC Wichita residency program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The veto was overridden by a vote of 27-13 in the Senate and 97-28 in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a>FAILED VETO OVERRIDES&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb233/" target="_blank">SB 233</a>&nbsp;would enact the Forbidding Abusive Child Transitions Act, or the Help Not Harm Act, which would have prohibited “gender” surgeries and procedures on minors, including puberty blockers and chemical castration.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the Senate overrode the governor on SB 233 27-13, it failed in the House by a vote of 82-43, so the veto is sustained.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb271/" target="_blank">SB 271</a>&nbsp;would prohibit government agencies from purchasing or acquiring drones whose critical components were produced in a country of concern, or whose critical components were produced or owned by a foreign principal.<a>&nbsp;The bill would also&nbsp;</a>prohibit state agencies from entering into a contract or agreement to procure final or finished goods or services from certain foreign principal.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 271 failed in the Senate 21-16, the veto is sustained. I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2618/" target="_blank">HB 2618</a>&nbsp;was the bill requiring legislative oversight of “Bidenbucks” by amending provisions of election law regarding the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act to ensure legislative approval and direction of any funds received by the federal government in elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill also contained other fixes to election-related law.&nbsp;&nbsp;The House overrode the governor’s veto 84-41, but failed in the Senate 26-11 and the veto is sustained.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH RE-RUNS OF LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE ACTION

If you would like to review the past session - Senate and House floor activity or watch committee hearings from each Chamber – you are able to find many choices at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>.

The 2025 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 13th at 2:00 p.m. when we will be back in our offices at the Capitol in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the summer and fall, I may be reached at my legislative email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or my work email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com">elaine@concordiaautomart.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th&nbsp;St., Concordia, KS&nbsp;&nbsp;66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by.&nbsp; My daytime work number is 785 243-3325x2 or email me questions, concerns, or ideas for legislative bills for the next session.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Visit the&nbsp;Kansas Legislature website in the off session at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;which has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, past sessions, historical data, internships, and pages for next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is an honor to serve you in the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov <a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com">elaine@concordiaautomart.com</a> <a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a> 785-243-3325x 2 or 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a><a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene, 2024 legislative wrap 

I’ve heard some folks refer to cattle as hamburger on the hoof. With this reference in mind, the past few weeks had me salivating to think of potential, luscious jellies still on the bush. Yes, each of those fragrant bee-attracting blooms is a bit of jelly on the plant, and I can’t wait to harvest the fruits and heat up the kitchen.

This year’s currant bushes sport fragrant yellow blooms that promise tasty toast toppings, while hundreds of chokecherry bushes blossom out, hinting of savory, rose-red bliss. Unfortunately, some sand hill plums flowered so early that frost nipped blooms. Despite potential damage, I hope to harvest some for the jelly pot.

I’ve kept an eye on the wild grape vines nearby, but I can’t tell whether to develop a hankering for wild grape jelly or not. Grapes are difficult to predict because the plant can set little clusters, but dry conditions can shrivel them before they ever make actual fruit. Complicating matters, birds love wild grapes so it’s a contest to see whether I can pluck these from the vine before my feathered neighbors eat them first.

Years ago, our country currants produced in overdrive, but our free-range chickens dashed hopes of beating them to the harvest. I’d eyeball the deepening color of the round fruits each day, and by the time they reached picking perfection, 30+ walking egg factories gobbled til the little stems hung bare. I felt fortunate to toss a few in salads by the time the chickens finished their dinners. This year, our chickens live a confined life and we have to ask permission to pick wild currants. Based on the bloom, perhaps I’ll collect enough for jelly making.

Because a combination of an early bloom and a late frost wiped out most hopes of summer jelly making last summer, I’ve watched this year’s plants with an eagle eye. Barring insect or hail damage, this year’s jelly making prospects look good.

Currently, no pun intended, scores of empty jelly jars occupy a basement corner. Each empty vessel testifies to my failure to harvest a single chokecherry or sand hill plum over past summers. If there were wild grapes, I never found enough to amount to a pot of simmering purple brew.

This summer’s goal is to harvest bowls of currants, buckets of chokecherries and hopefully grapes, with a pan of sand hill plums added as each fruit ripens. I’ll simmer these in a kettle on the stove to create a little magic with simple ingredients such as Sure Gel and sugar added to fruit juices. Once the cooked mixture drips ever so slowly off a mixing spoon, I’ll pour the ambrosia into empty fruit jars, seal them, and let them jell. For dramatic effect, I’ll stack the results in front of my kitchen window and let the rising sun shine through until it looks like stained glass.

Once I savor those pretty colors, I’ll share with family and friends throughout the winter as reminders of summer on toast and biscuits.

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 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI’ve heard some folks refer to cattle as hamburger on the hoof. With this reference in mind, the past few weeks had me salivating to think of potential, luscious jellies still on the bush. Yes, each of those fragrant bee-attracting blooms is a bit of jelly on the plant, and I can’t wait to harvest the fruits and heat up the kitchen.This year’s currant bushes sport fragrant yellow blooms that promise tasty toast toppings, while hundreds of chokecherry bushes blossom out, hinting of savory, rose-red bliss. Unfortunately, some sand hill plums flowered so early that frost nipped blooms. Despite potential damage, I hope to harvest some for the jelly pot.I’ve kept an eye on the wild grape vines nearby, but I can’t tell whether to develop a hankering for wild grape jelly or not. Grapes are difficult to predict because the plant can set little clusters, but dry conditions can shrivel them before they ever make actual fruit. Complicating matters, birds love wild grapes so it’s a contest to see whether I can pluck these from the vine before my feathered neighbors eat them first.Years ago, our country currants produced in overdrive, but our free-range chickens dashed hopes of beating them to the harvest. I’d eyeball the deepening color of the round fruits each day, and by the time they reached picking perfection, 30+ walking egg factories gobbled til the little stems hung bare. I felt fortunate to toss a few in salads by the time the chickens finished their dinners. This year, our chickens live a confined life and we have to ask permission to pick wild currants. Based on the bloom, perhaps I’ll collect enough for jelly making.Because a combination of an early bloom and a late frost wiped out most hopes of summer jelly making last summer, I’ve watched this year’s plants with an eagle eye. Barring insect or hail damage, this year’s jelly making prospects look good.Currently, no pun intended, scores of empty jelly jars occupy a basement corner. Each empty vessel testifies to my failure to harvest a single chokecherry or sand hill plum over past summers. If there were wild grapes, I never found enough to amount to a pot of simmering purple brew.This summer’s goal is to harvest bowls of currants, buckets of chokecherries and hopefully grapes, with a pan of sand hill plums added as each fruit ripens. I’ll simmer these in a kettle on the stove to create a little magic with simple ingredients such as Sure Gel and sugar added to fruit juices. Once the cooked mixture drips ever so slowly off a mixing spoon, I’ll pour the ambrosia into empty fruit jars, seal them, and let them jell. For dramatic effect, I’ll stack the results in front of my kitchen window and let the rising sun shine through until it looks like stained glass.Once I savor those pretty colors, I’ll share with family and friends throughout the winter as reminders of summer on toast and biscuits.

MADORIN: Jelly on the Bush

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Do you have diabetes? Do you support someone you know that has diabetes? This class if for you!

Dining with Diabetes is a K-State Research and Extension health and wellness program that consist of a series of four classes that includes learning, demonstrations, physical activity and tasting healthy foods. The program's focus is to help individuals learn strategies to lessen the health risks of diabetes.

· Increase knowledge about healthy foods

· Present healthy versions of familiar foods and taste testing of recipes

· Provide basic information regarding diabetes and nutrition

· Provide opportunities for sharing and learning from one another and from diabetes health professionals

Dining with Diabetes is a national extension program provided to Kansans by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and community health partners. The program is a series of four 2-hour classes that are held once a week. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes self-care or healthful food choices; a five to ten-minute low-impact physical activity; presentations on tasty, healthy familiar foods, sampling foods, and demonstrations of cooking techniques using artificial sweeteners, reduced-fat foods, herbs, and spices.

The program is designed for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or at risk for diabetes and their family members, caregivers, and support persons.

Diabetes is an expensive disease. The recent research report, "Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2017" estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes has risen to $327 billion in 2017, this cost was estimated to be $245 billion in 2012. This represents a 26% increase over a five-

year period. This cost includes direct medical expenses ($237 billion) and the cost of reduced productivity ($90 billion). According to this study, people with diabetes spend an average of 2.3 times the amount people without diabetes spend each year on their health. That works out to an average of $16,752 a year per person, about $9,601 of which is directly attributed to diabetes. Source: American Diabetes Association, March 2018.

Diabetes is one of the costliest health conditions in Kansas. Diabetes and prediabetes cost an estimated $2.6 billion in Kansas each year (CDC). More than 50% of spending on type 2 diabetes is for treating health problems that could have been prevented with better diabetes management. Research shows that diabetes can be treated and managed by healthful eating, regular physical activity, and medications to lower blood glucose levels. The Dining with Diabetes program provides education and training focused on behaviors shown to help people with diabetes stay healthy.

Approximately 255,215 people in Kansas, or 11.4% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes.

An additional 66,000 people in Kansas have diabetes but don’t know it, greatly increasing their health risk.

There are 782,000 people in Kansas, 35.3% of the adult population, who have prediabetes with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Every year an estimated 20,271 people in Kansas are diagnosed with diabetes.

*Reference- American Diabetes Association October 2021 Report

Dining with Diabetes classes will be offered on June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2024 from 4-6pm at the Hays Recreation Center Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room. For more information or to sign up please call 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu. Cost is $35/person.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictDo you have diabetes? Do you support someone you know that has diabetes? This class if for you!Dining with Diabetes is a K-State Research and Extension health and wellness program that consist of a series of four classes that includes learning, demonstrations, physical activity and tasting healthy foods. The program's focus is to help individuals learn strategies to lessen the health risks of diabetes.Program Objectives· Increase knowledge about healthy foods· Present healthy versions of familiar foods and taste testing of recipes· Demonstrate new cooking techniques· Provide basic information regarding diabetes and nutrition· Provide opportunities for sharing and learning from one another and from diabetes health professionalsProgram DescriptionDining with Diabetes is a national extension program provided to Kansans by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and community health partners. The program is a series of four 2-hour classes that are held once a week. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes self-care or healthful food choices; a five to ten-minute low-impact physical activity; presentations on tasty, healthy familiar foods, sampling foods, and demonstrations of cooking techniques using artificial sweeteners, reduced-fat foods, herbs, and spices.Who can participate?The program is designed for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or at risk for diabetes and their family members, caregivers, and support persons.Why Dining with Diabetes?Diabetes is an expensive disease. The recent research report, "Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2017" estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes has risen to $327 billion in 2017, this cost was estimated to be $245 billion in 2012. This represents a 26% increase over a five-year period. This cost includes direct medical expenses ($237 billion) and the cost of reduced productivity ($90 billion). According to this study, people with diabetes spend an average of 2.3 times the amount people without diabetes spend each year on their health. That works out to an average of $16,752 a year per person, about $9,601 of which is directly attributed to diabetes. Source: American Diabetes Association, March 2018.Diabetes is one of the costliest health conditions in Kansas. Diabetes and prediabetes cost an estimated $2.6 billion in Kansas each year (CDC). More than 50% of spending on type 2 diabetes is for treating health problems that could have been prevented with better diabetes management. Research shows that diabetes can be treated and managed by healthful eating, regular physical activity, and medications to lower blood glucose levels. The Dining with Diabetes program provides education and training focused on behaviors shown to help people with diabetes stay healthy.Diabetes by the numbers in Kansas*Approximately 255,215 people in Kansas, or 11.4% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes.An additional 66,000 people in Kansas have diabetes but don’t know it, greatly increasing their health risk.There are 782,000 people in Kansas, 35.3% of the adult population, who have prediabetes with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.Every year an estimated 20,271 people in Kansas are diagnosed with diabetes.*Reference- American Diabetes Association October 2021 ReportDining with Diabetes classes will be offered on June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2024 from 4-6pm at the Hays Recreation Center Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room. For more information or to sign up please call 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu. Cost is $35/person.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: Dining with Diabetes will be offered in June 2024

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

You made it through another canning season, and when the last jar was filled you may have been glad to stash all equipment away quickly in order to be done….so why not take a little time right now to check all canning equipment and be prepared for this year’s food preservation season?

· Do you need more of a certain size of jar?

· Check current jars for nicks, cracks or rough edges along the lip and throughout the jar.

· Store empty clean jars in boxes or totes with thin cardboard between layers to protect jars from breakage.

· Next inventory flats, make note of what you’ll need for this season. Carefully check screw bands for rust, recycle those that are unusable.

· Are the bottoms flat and free from warping?

· Are the safety valves still flexible on the pressure canner lid?

· Are air vents clear of food particles?

· Is the pressure dial gauge been checked for accuracy?

· Are the canner handles tight and secure?

· Make sure the canners are clean. The darkened surface on the inside of an aluminum canner can be cleaned by filling it above the darkened line with a mixture of 1 tablespoon cream of tartar to each quart of water. Place the canner on the stove, heat water to a boil, and boil covered until the dark deposits disappear. Sometimes stubborn deposits may require the addition of more cream of tartar. Empty the canner and wash it with hot soapy water, rinse and dry.

· Store with crumpled newspapers inside to absorb moisture and odors. Place the lid upside down on the canner. Do not store a pressure canner with the lid clamped and sealed onto the canner.

· Does the pressure canner rubber seal (gasket) feel flexible and still fits tightly in the lid groove?

· Make sure small equipment, such as a jar lifter, headspace tool, flat magnetic wand, bubble freer and funnel are in good condition and functional.

· This is also a great time to think about updating canning publications -- there is a new edition of the “Ball Blue Book”, 38th edition, as well as the ultimate food preservation guidebook “So Easy to Preserve”.

· You can always check with your local Extension office for the latest canning guidelines. Happy canning!

If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, the answer is YES! If you have a metal weighted gauge pressure canner that does not require testing. However, a dial gauge must be tested for accuracy before each canning season. Contact your local Extension office to get your gauge tested: in Kansas go to, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/ to find your local office. Most Extension offices can test the following brands of pressure canners: Presto, National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor. When canning low-acid vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, it is essential to use a pressure canner to get the product to high enough temperature to kill any Clostridium botulism spores that may be present. If your pressure gauge is registering one pound high, that will result in a 10% reduction in heating and if the gauge is two pounds high, you will have a 30% reduction in heating. This could be the difference between safe food and potentially deadly food. If your gauge is reading too low, you could be over processing your food, resulting in a lower quality product. For the safety of everyone consuming your pressure-canned foods, please check your dial gauge every year!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictYou made it through another canning season, and when the last jar was filled you may have been glad to stash all equipment away quickly in order to be done….so why not take a little time right now to check all canning equipment and be prepared for this year’s food preservation season?First, inventory all canning equipment.<h2>Jars</h2>· Do you need more of a certain size of jar?· Check current jars for nicks, cracks or rough edges along the lip and throughout the jar.· Store empty clean jars in boxes or totes with thin cardboard between layers to protect jars from breakage.· Next inventory flats, make note of what you’ll need for this season. Carefully check screw bands for rust, recycle those that are unusable.<h2>Canners</h2>· Are the bottoms flat and free from warping?· Are the safety valves still flexible on the pressure canner lid?· Are air vents clear of food particles?· Is the pressure dial gauge been checked for accuracy?· Are the canner handles tight and secure?· Make sure the canners are clean. The darkened surface on the inside of an aluminum canner can be cleaned by filling it above the darkened line with a mixture of 1 tablespoon cream of tartar to each quart of water. Place the canner on the stove, heat water to a boil, and boil covered until the dark deposits disappear. Sometimes stubborn deposits may require the addition of more cream of tartar. Empty the canner and wash it with hot soapy water, rinse and dry.· Store with crumpled newspapers inside to absorb moisture and odors. Place the lid upside down on the canner. Do not store a pressure canner with the lid clamped and sealed onto the canner.· Does the pressure canner rubber seal (gasket) feel flexible and still fits tightly in the lid groove?<h2>Small Equipment</h2>· Make sure small equipment, such as a jar lifter, headspace tool, flat magnetic wand, bubble freer and funnel are in good condition and functional.· This is also a great time to think about updating canning publications -- there is a new edition of the “Ball Blue Book”, 38th edition, as well as the ultimate food preservation guidebook “So Easy to Preserve”.· You can always check with your local Extension office for the latest canning guidelines. Happy canning!Do I need to test my pressure gauge?If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, the answer is YES! If you have a metal weighted gauge pressure canner that does not require testing. However, a dial gauge must be tested for accuracy before each canning season. Contact your local Extension office to get your gauge tested: in Kansas go to, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/ to find your local office. Most Extension offices can test the following brands of pressure canners: Presto, National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor. When canning low-acid vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, it is essential to use a pressure canner to get the product to high enough temperature to kill any Clostridium botulism spores that may be present. If your pressure gauge is registering one pound high, that will result in a 10% reduction in heating and if the gauge is two pounds high, you will have a 30% reduction in heating. This could be the difference between safe food and potentially deadly food. If your gauge is reading too low, you could be over processing your food, resulting in a lower quality product. For the safety of everyone consuming your pressure-canned foods, please check your dial gauge every year!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: Get Your Canning Equipment Ready NOW!

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

A few years back, Joyce was hooked on a couple British TV shows all about rescuing wildlife, and the British take that VERY seriously. Thing was, they rescued wildlife that (in my opinion) didn’t need or really shouldn’t have been rescued. I remember in one particular segment of the show they repaired the broken leg of a robin. Really? Now I like robins as well as the next guy, but I’ll bet the money spent on that operation could have bought real guns for a few of their “Bobbies” to carry instead of just nightsticks! If only the Brits’ put that much effort into finding a new phrase to replace “Bloody Hell!”

Some of the things they rescued on the shows were huge boa constrictors and pythons that had evidently been turned loose by disenchanted owners who possibly awoke one morning to find the beast wrapped around one of their body parts, prepping them as a snack. They’d bag them and take them back to their rehab center, where they were weighed, measured and checked over to assure they were healthy. Now I’m a snake guy and I always try to relocate rat and bull snakes I find, but if I came across a python or boa constrictor, the rescuers would find it VERY unhealthy when I delivered it. And then there was the question of what to do with them. Unless they planned to UPS them back to Africa where they belong, they couldn’t just turn them loose in the neighbor’s hayfield. I wonder if British homeless shelters accept snake meat.

Then there were the badgers. The British version of a badger looks slightly different than ours, and they don’t seem to be mean at all, but they’re everywhere! Not an episode of the show went by that they didn’t scoop up a badger from someone’s flower garden. They had an entire commune of badgers back at their facility that would eventually be released back into the wild. If word ever got out that I caught and released a badger in these parts, I’d be the one needing rehab! And heaven forbid one of them should appear a little sickly; if so, it was all hands on deck and the animal ER sprang to life! And if one of the little beggars happened to expire on their watch, it was Katie-bar-the-door and the whole staff appeared to need grief counseling.

A few years back the North American Falconry Association (NAFA) held its annual convention in Hutchinson, KS. There, amongst all the exotic birds of prey from all around the world sat Bob the Turkey Vulture. Now Bob was regal in his own way, but setting there on his perch with his wings all fanned out, he looked like Goofy in a room full of Snow Whites. Bob’s story began with falconers Mario and Brandi Nickerson from Ft. Worth, TX who also ran Nature’s Edge Wildlife Rescue, specializing in rescuing (there’s that word again) reptiles and birds of prey. One day they got some calls about an errant buzzard in town, and that evening they were told the thing was waltzing around in the middle of the football field while practice was in session. Can you imagine; to a football field full of city boys, that must have seemed like the stone gargoyle had come down from the front of the court house. The local animal control people were afraid to approach Bob, probably fearing he was Dracula in disguise and would pounce on them for a snack. When the couple arrived, Bob was on the roof of the house next door, so they retrieved a dead squirrel found stuck in the fence and tossed it near the house. Bob unceremoniously flew on down and began gnawing on their offering. With tarps, nets, and an open pet crate at the ready (and probably EMT’s on standby) they surrounded ole’ Bob, expecting a rodeo, but he again called their bluff and simply waddled into the crate with his treat in his mouth.

Back at the Nickerson’s home, the crate containing Bob was put temporarily in their kitchen till they could figure out Bob’s story. Maybe a vulture in your kitchen is the Texas equivalent of a garbage disposal? I’m thinkin’ that to the British wildlife “rescuers,” having a buzzard in your kitchen would put you right up there on a pedestal with the Queen mum herself. Anyway, Brandi said that the next morning when the cage door was opened and she stood there with Bob’s breakfast (one can only guess what that might have been) he charged out the door and across the kitchen aggressively for his hand-out. Long-story-short, they were pretty sure that given Bob’s reaction to humans and other physical characteristics they saw, he had been raised by humans and recently turned loose to fend for himself. I’m not sure what someone was thinking when they took in a turkey vulture chick as a pet. Did they not consider that one day it would grow into a full-grown buzzard? Would walking him through the park on a Sunday afternoon get as many girls as a puppy? I suppose you could always fly him like a kite.

The Nickerson’s credentials allowed them to keep ole’ Bob for educational purposes which was good. I can only guess what would go through a first grader’s mind when seeing a live turkey vulture close up. Although not really considered a pet, can you imagine the conversation starter Bob would be? And would you list him in your profile on an online dating site? “Outdoors loving animal rescue hero with pet turkey vulture looking for gal who likes black and has always wanted a pet buzzard in her kitchen.” Anyway, I’m glad ole’ Bob found a good home, and who knows, maybe he could be trained to start the dishwasher and run the vacuum cleaner once-in-awhile! 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 OutdoorsA few years back, Joyce was hooked on a couple British TV shows all about rescuing wildlife, and the British take that VERY seriously. Thing was, they rescued wildlife that (in my opinion) didn’t need or really shouldn’t have been rescued. I remember in one particular segment of the show they repaired the broken leg of a robin. Really? Now I like robins as well as the next guy, but I’ll bet the money spent on that operation could have bought real guns for a few of their “Bobbies” to carry instead of just nightsticks! If only the Brits’ put that much effort into finding a new phrase to replace “Bloody Hell!”Some of the things they rescued on the shows were huge boa constrictors and pythons that had evidently been turned loose by disenchanted owners who possibly awoke one morning to find the beast wrapped around one of their body parts, prepping them as a snack. They’d bag them and take them back to their rehab center, where they were weighed, measured and checked over to assure they were healthy. Now I’m a snake guy and I always try to relocate rat and bull snakes I find, but if I came across a python or boa constrictor, the rescuers would find it VERY unhealthy when I delivered it. And then there was the question of what to do with them. Unless they planned to UPS them back to Africa where they belong, they couldn’t just turn them loose in the neighbor’s hayfield. I wonder if British homeless shelters accept snake meat.Then there were the badgers. The British version of a badger looks slightly different than ours, and they don’t seem to be mean at all, but they’re everywhere! Not an episode of the show went by that they didn’t scoop up a badger from someone’s flower garden. They had an entire commune of badgers back at their facility that would eventually be released back into the wild. If word ever got out that I caught and released a badger in these parts, I’d be the one needing rehab! And heaven forbid one of them should appear a little sickly; if so, it was all hands on deck and the animal ER sprang to life! And if one of the little beggars happened to expire on their watch, it was Katie-bar-the-door and the whole staff appeared to need grief counseling.A few years back the North American Falconry Association (NAFA) held its annual convention in Hutchinson, KS. There, amongst all the exotic birds of prey from all around the world sat Bob the Turkey Vulture. Now Bob was regal in his own way, but setting there on his perch with his wings all fanned out, he looked like Goofy in a room full of Snow Whites. Bob’s story began with falconers Mario and Brandi Nickerson from Ft. Worth, TX who also ran Nature’s Edge Wildlife Rescue, specializing in rescuing (there’s that word again) reptiles and birds of prey. One day they got some calls about an errant buzzard in town, and that evening they were told the thing was waltzing around in the middle of the football field while practice was in session. Can you imagine; to a football field full of city boys, that must have seemed like the stone gargoyle had come down from the front of the court house. The local animal control people were afraid to approach Bob, probably fearing he was Dracula in disguise and would pounce on them for a snack. When the couple arrived, Bob was on the roof of the house next door, so they retrieved a dead squirrel found stuck in the fence and tossed it near the house. Bob unceremoniously flew on down and began gnawing on their offering. With tarps, nets, and an open pet crate at the ready (and probably EMT’s on standby) they surrounded ole’ Bob, expecting a rodeo, but he again called their bluff and simply waddled into the crate with his treat in his mouth.Back at the Nickerson’s home, the crate containing Bob was put temporarily in their kitchen till they could figure out Bob’s story. Maybe a vulture in your kitchen is the Texas equivalent of a garbage disposal? I’m thinkin’ that to the British wildlife “rescuers,” having a buzzard in your kitchen would put you right up there on a pedestal with the Queen mum herself. Anyway, Brandi said that the next morning when the cage door was opened and she stood there with Bob’s breakfast (one can only guess what that might have been) he charged out the door and across the kitchen aggressively for his hand-out. Long-story-short, they were pretty sure that given Bob’s reaction to humans and other physical characteristics they saw, he had been raised by humans and recently turned loose to fend for himself. I’m not sure what someone was thinking when they took in a turkey vulture chick as a pet. Did they not consider that one day it would grow into a full-grown buzzard? Would walking him through the park on a Sunday afternoon get as many girls as a puppy? I suppose you could always fly him like a kite.The Nickerson’s credentials allowed them to keep ole’ Bob for educational purposes which was good. I can only guess what would go through a first grader’s mind when seeing a live turkey vulture close up. Although not really considered a pet, can you imagine the conversation starter Bob would be? And would you list him in your profile on an online dating site? “Outdoors loving animal rescue hero with pet turkey vulture looking for gal who likes black and has always wanted a pet buzzard in her kitchen.” Anyway, I’m glad ole’ Bob found a good home, and who knows, maybe he could be trained to start the dishwasher and run the vacuum cleaner once-in-awhile! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Xtreme Wildlife Rescue

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Like many of you, I’ve seen volunteers for the United Kansas Party over the past few months collecting signatures to gain ballot access as a legitimate political party. I’m happy to see them out there, even though their efforts imply something, I think, quite different from their intentions.

Why support them? Not because I think third parties are an effective way to challenge those in power. Outsiders to America’s two-party system face obstacles in the form of both restrictions put in place by the major parties, and also Americans’ attachment to supporting those party candidates they think can win. Small parties usually can’t overcome these challenges.

But there is also the desire to offer voters more choices, to represent points of view that some think are being ignored. Those are civic efforts that show a faith in democracy. But they also lead to the question: what “points of view” are the UKP seeking greater representation for?

In a recent wide-ranging discussion with the Kansas Reflector podcast, Jack Curtis, the founder of the UKP, was asked what “roster of issues” the movement cares most about. He listed a variety of very practical matters—but before any of them, he insisted that the UKP is “pro-democracy and the rule of law.” Normally, you’d consider words like that uncontroversial. But as we look forward to a presidential election that will feature Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, a man facing multiple criminal charges and who waited passively during a violent attempt to disrupt the election of his replacement, we realize that we do not live in normal times.

Curtis also talked about how 10 years ago he would have described himself as a Republican “in a heartbeat,” but added that “as we’ve seen the country change over the past decade,” he’s found himself voting in a more moderate way. The same could be said for the vice chair of the UKP, Sally Cauble; a longtime member of the state board of education and a moderate Republican, she fought frustrating battles to maintain Kansas’s science curriculum standards. And the same could be said for a half-dozen Kansas GOP legislators that have become Democrats in the past 10 years (the number of Kansas politicians that have gone the other direction in the last decade is zero).

In short, I suspect that many in the UKP reflect a well-known type in Kansas: Republicans frustrated by the sharp divides created by the parties, who want to find some space for moderates like themselves and feel they must either switch sides or just escape the parties altogether.

Curtis’s earnest words point to an uncomfortable realization for many Kansas Republicans. Anyone who studies the evolution of political parties knows that their flaws are baked into the way they operate, regardless of ideology. And yet, sometimes there still really are critical elections, where particular parties transform in ways that are deeply troubling. The business of party politics is tawdry, and I respect and wish the best to those who want to find ways to engage without being sucked in. But for now, American politics is inconceivable without competitive parties. If one of those parties changes in ways that you find intolerable, decisions must be made.

The Kansas Republican party is mostly a Trumpist party now. (Props to Senator Jerry Moran for being an exception.) Many Kansan Republicans are fine with that—but for some others, it poses a dilemma. Alternatives are always appealing, but as with many hard things, such Republicans probably don’t have a way around this partisan reality; they can only go through it, as best they can.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasLike many of you, I’ve seen volunteers for the United Kansas Party over the past few months collecting signatures to gain ballot access as a legitimate political party. I’m happy to see them out there, even though their efforts imply something, I think, quite different from their intentions.Why support them? Not because I think third parties are an effective way to challenge those in power. Outsiders to America’s two-party system face obstacles in the form of both restrictions put in place by the major parties, and also Americans’ attachment to supporting those party candidates they think can win. Small parties usually can’t overcome these challenges.But there is also the desire to offer voters more choices, to represent points of view that some think are being ignored. Those are civic efforts that show a faith in democracy. But they also lead to the question: what “points of view” are the UKP seeking greater representation for?In a recent wide-ranging discussion with the Kansas Reflector podcast, Jack Curtis, the founder of the UKP, was asked what “roster of issues” the movement cares most about. He listed a variety of very practical matters—but before any of them, he insisted that the UKP is “pro-democracy and the rule of law.” Normally, you’d consider words like that uncontroversial. But as we look forward to a presidential election that will feature Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, a man facing multiple criminal charges and who waited passively during a violent attempt to disrupt the election of his replacement, we realize that we do not live in normal times.Curtis also talked about how 10 years ago he would have described himself as a Republican “in a heartbeat,” but added that “as we’ve seen the country change over the past decade,” he’s found himself voting in a more moderate way. The same could be said for the vice chair of the UKP, Sally Cauble; a longtime member of the state board of education and a moderate Republican, she fought frustrating battles to maintain Kansas’s science curriculum standards. And the same could be said for a half-dozen Kansas GOP legislators that have become Democrats in the past 10 years (the number of Kansas politicians that have gone the other direction in the last decade is zero).In short, I suspect that many in the UKP reflect a well-known type in Kansas: Republicans frustrated by the sharp divides created by the parties, who want to find some space for moderates like themselves and feel they must either switch sides or just escape the parties altogether.Curtis’s earnest words point to an uncomfortable realization for many Kansas Republicans. Anyone who studies the evolution of political parties knows that their flaws are baked into the way they operate, regardless of ideology. And yet, sometimes there still really are critical elections, where particular parties transform in ways that are deeply troubling. The business of party politics is tawdry, and I respect and wish the best to those who want to find ways to engage without being sucked in. But for now, American politics is inconceivable without competitive parties. If one of those parties changes in ways that you find intolerable, decisions must be made.The Kansas Republican party is mostly a Trumpist party now. (Props to Senator Jerry Moran for being an exception.) Many Kansan Republicans are fine with that—but for some others, it poses a dilemma. Alternatives are always appealing, but as with many hard things, such Republicans probably don’t have a way around this partisan reality; they can only go through it, as best they can.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

INSIGHT KANSAS: Facing uncomfortable partisan realities in Kansas

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

As the 2024 field season gets into full swing, for farmers now is a good time for a refresher on restricted use pesticides (RUPs) and pesticide applicator licenses.

There are lots of ways to categorize pesticides, one of which is general use versus restricted use. In short, a general-use pesticide is one that can be used without any special training. A RUP, on the other hand, should only be used by an individual who is a certified pesticide applicator or is under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. RUPs are classified as such due to their potential to cause ‘unreasonable adverse effects’ on the environment, the applicator, or bystanders if appropriate precautions are not taken when using the product. A few of the RUPs you may be familiar with are Atrazine, Tordon 22K, and Warrior II.

Private applicator versus commercial applicator licenses

There are two types of certifications that will allow you to use a RUP. A private applicator license allows you to use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by you or your employer. However, a commercial license is needed if you are going to apply pesticides on someone else’s property and charge a fee for the service.

You can contact your local Extension office if you need to obtain or renew your private applicator's license. For commercial applicator license those are scheduled by KDA and you have to create an account with them and get registered ahead of time at https://portal.kda.ks.gov/PestFert/CertifiedApplicator/Exam/List or call (785) 564-6688.

Also remember, there are some extra record-keeping requirements for individuals who apply RUPs. There is no standard form, but within two weeks of the application, you should document what was sprayed, including:

· the date and location of the application,

· product name and EPA registration number,

· total amount applied and area treated,

· the site to which the application was made, and

· the name and certification number of the applicator.

In our office we have a small pocket size “Pesticide Application Field Records” book that is free and you can pick up to record your pesticide applications, and a Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland book that is free and updated each year. This publication provides suggestions for chemical weed control in several major crops.

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 DistrictAs the 2024 field season gets into full swing, for farmers now is a good time for a refresher on restricted use pesticides (RUPs) and pesticide applicator licenses.There are lots of ways to categorize pesticides, one of which is general use versus restricted use. In short, a general-use pesticide is one that can be used without any special training. A RUP, on the other hand, should only be used by an individual who is a certified pesticide applicator or is under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. RUPs are classified as such due to their potential to cause ‘unreasonable adverse effects’ on the environment, the applicator, or bystanders if appropriate precautions are not taken when using the product. A few of the RUPs you may be familiar with are Atrazine, Tordon 22K, and Warrior II.Private applicator versus commercial applicator licensesThere are two types of certifications that will allow you to use a RUP. A private applicator license allows you to use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by you or your employer. However, a commercial license is needed if you are going to apply pesticides on someone else’s property and charge a fee for the service.You can contact your local Extension office if you need to obtain or renew your private applicator's license. For commercial applicator license those are scheduled by KDA and you have to create an account with them and get registered ahead of time at https://portal.kda.ks.gov/PestFert/CertifiedApplicator/Exam/List or call (785) 564-6688.Also remember, there are some extra record-keeping requirements for individuals who apply RUPs. There is no standard form, but within two weeks of the application, you should document what was sprayed, including:· the date and location of the application,· product name and EPA registration number,· total amount applied and area treated,· the site to which the application was made, and· the name and certification number of the applicator.In our office we have a small pocket size “Pesticide Application Field Records” book that is free and you can pick up to record your pesticide applications, and a Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland book that is free and updated each year. This publication provides suggestions for chemical weed control in several major crops.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: Review of restricted use pesticides, applicator licenses

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Summer is just around the corner and schools are rolling into their last couple of weeks!

The Cottonwood Extension District was able to take advantage of a state-wide grant program through Kansas 4-H and the Kansas Department of Education. We have four young people joining our team this summer who will be providing focused educational opportunities through several partners.

In addition to a financial literacy curriculum that will be a part of the Ellinwood Library program, youth in several of our communities will have the opportunity to participate in ag-related STEM activities, leadership lessons, and much more.

Joining our team in Barton County will be 4-H alums, Jayla Wyant and Camille Dolechek. Joining the team in Ellis County are Rhyann Brown and Leah Mages. We are excited to see their interaction with youth across our district!

Some activities and programs will be coordinated through partners such as GPS Kids Club and several area libraries; others will be open to all youth in the community. Keep an eye on our Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page for events and activities which will be open to all youth!

During both county fairs, the Summer Engagement interns will have some activities set up for youth to experience which is just one more reason to check out the events and activities of the fair!

While summer sports keep many families busy, be sure to check on the free or low-cost opportunities available through your Rec Center or library! Did someone in your family get a bike? Or maybe it’s time to air up the tires in an old one and enjoy a family bike ride. Find a new walking path and explore that as a family for exercise, fresh air, and memories!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179500533.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictSummer is just around the corner and schools are rolling into their last couple of weeks!The Cottonwood Extension District was able to take advantage of a state-wide grant program through Kansas 4-H and the Kansas Department of Education. We have four young people joining our team this summer who will be providing focused educational opportunities through several partners.In addition to a financial literacy curriculum that will be a part of the Ellinwood Library program, youth in several of our communities will have the opportunity to participate in ag-related STEM activities, leadership lessons, and much more.Joining our team in Barton County will be 4-H alums, Jayla Wyant and Camille Dolechek. Joining the team in Ellis County are Rhyann Brown and Leah Mages. We are excited to see their interaction with youth across our district!Some activities and programs will be coordinated through partners such as GPS Kids Club and several area libraries; others will be open to all youth in the community. Keep an eye on our Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page for events and activities which will be open to all youth!During both county fairs, the Summer Engagement interns will have some activities set up for youth to experience which is just one more reason to check out the events and activities of the fair!While summer sports keep many families busy, be sure to check on the free or low-cost opportunities available through your Rec Center or library! Did someone in your family get a bike? Or maybe it’s time to air up the tires in an old one and enjoy a family bike ride. Find a new walking path and explore that as a family for exercise, fresh air, and memories!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Summer engagement

In 1940, the Great Depression still gripped Ellis, Franklin Roosevelt accepted an unprecedented third presidential term, Bugs Bunny made his movie debut, and the Selective Service Act of 1940, the first peacetime draft in America, went into effect. The world changed and Ellis schools rode those waves.

In January 1940, weak local finances caused the Ellis School Board to vote to lease the local parochial school’s building and equipment and operate it as part of the public school system. The nuns agreed to continue teaching without compensation from February through May. Once the board agreed to this action, they renamed St. Mary’s School to Lincoln Elementary, operating Lincoln School until House Bill 190 made this arrangement illegal in 1945.

While some may find this information contradictory in theory, it solved a community issue. The public school did not have to build a new facility. Nuns continued serving families who desired parochial education. While many forgot this bit of Ellis' history, it reveals how the community worked effectively to meet their children’s educational needs and community values.

World War II began before Ellis fully recovered from the Great Depression. The first half of the '40s saw little development of new programs or building projects in the district. By 1945, the budget had increased to $52,000, a considerable improvement over Depression-era funding even while the district funded an additional grade school.

Once the war ended, community expansion began in earnest. At the Dec. 13, 1946 meeting, board members voted to build a new gymnasium at the high school. Though they approved construction at that time, completion took until spring 1951. In the meantime, the district remodeled the home economics department and updated typewriters in the business department in September 1949.

The '50s introduced more change. Railroad and agricultural businesses thrived while oil and gas industries expanded. Adding further prosperity, the Bureau of Reclamation Project at Cedar Bluff necessitated the building of additional homes to house their employees. More people moved into Ellis, and good fortune reigned.

District 2 in Ellis reflected the successful economic times with a proposed budget of $115,910 in 1951. They celebrated completing the gymnasium and music room, and the first mention of a driver’s education car appeared in the Sept. 13, 1951, board minutes. In addition, rural Districts 26 and 52 were combined with Ellis District 2, requiring District 2 to dispose of those respective properties.

Marking another district first, the board hired a teacher to establish a grade school physical education program. In another innovative action, October minutes record that the district employed a special education teacher to work with 18 to 21 students with developmental delays and/or speech defects.

Teacher salaries also improved. The base salary for “Degree teachers” moved from $2,600 to $2,700 a year. Educators also received the annual increase and a cost-of-living bonus of $100 paid out over their nine-month contract.

Over these 12 years, Ellis mirrored events occurring across the U.S. The Depression was a memory. America had won WW II and returning soldiers experienced a booming economy. Riding these waves of optimism, Ellis residents added programs and improved infrastructure to support their children’s educations. For many, these were western Kansas' golden years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

In 1940, the Great Depression still gripped Ellis, Franklin Roosevelt accepted an unprecedented third presidential term, Bugs Bunny made his movie debut, and the Selective Service Act of 1940, the first peacetime draft in America, went into effect. The world changed and Ellis schools rode those waves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714596744159.jpeg" alt="Ellis Brick High School photo. Courtesy of Ellis High School Alumni Association.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Brick High School photo. Courtesy of Ellis High School Alumni Association.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>In January 1940, weak local finances caused the Ellis School Board to vote to lease the local parochial school’s building and equipment and operate it as part of the public school system. The nuns agreed to continue teaching without compensation from February through May. Once the board agreed to this action, they renamed St. Mary’s School to Lincoln Elementary, operating Lincoln School until House Bill 190 made this arrangement illegal in 1945.While some may find this information contradictory in theory, it solved a community issue. The public school did not have to build a new facility. Nuns continued serving families who desired parochial education. While many forgot this bit of Ellis' history, it reveals how the community worked effectively to meet their children’s educational needs and community values.World War II began before Ellis fully recovered from the Great Depression. The first half of the '40s saw little development of new programs or building projects in the district. By 1945, the budget had increased to $52,000, a considerable improvement over Depression-era funding even while the district funded an additional grade school.Once the war ended, community expansion began in earnest. At the Dec. 13, 1946 meeting, board members voted to build a new gymnasium at the high school. Though they approved construction at that time, completion took until spring 1951. In the meantime, the district remodeled the home economics department and updated typewriters in the business department in September 1949.The '50s introduced more change. Railroad and agricultural businesses thrived while oil and gas industries expanded. Adding further prosperity, the Bureau of Reclamation Project at Cedar Bluff necessitated the building of additional homes to house their employees. More people moved into Ellis, and good fortune reigned.District 2 in Ellis reflected the successful economic times with a proposed budget of $115,910 in 1951. They celebrated completing the gymnasium and music room, and the first mention of a driver’s education car appeared in the Sept. 13, 1951, board minutes. In addition, rural Districts 26 and 52 were combined with Ellis District 2, requiring District 2 to dispose of those respective properties.Marking another district first, the board hired a teacher to establish a grade school physical education program. In another innovative action, October minutes record that the district employed a special education teacher to work with 18 to 21 students with developmental delays and/or speech defects.Teacher salaries also improved. The base salary for “Degree teachers” moved from $2,600 to $2,700 a year. Educators also received the annual increase and a cost-of-living bonus of $100 paid out over their nine-month contract.Over these 12 years, Ellis mirrored events occurring across the U.S. The Depression was a memory. America had won WW II and returning soldiers experienced a booming economy. Riding these waves of optimism, Ellis residents added programs and improved infrastructure to support their children’s educations. For many, these were western Kansas' golden years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

Madorin: History of Ellis Schools 1940 – Part 14

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Spring is my favorite time of year. The weather warms up, and I migrate outdoors to enjoy the weather. I love walking, biking, or simply sitting on my porch to soak up the sunshine. There’s something about sunshine that lifts my mood, and I don’t think I am the only one who feels this way. Science shows that rays from the sun have a positive effect on most of us. It provides a mental boost, and it supplies Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a useful resource throughout the entire body. It plays a role in calcium absorption for strong bones, helps keep the immune system functioning properly, improves insulin sensitivity, and is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Vitamin D can also play an important role in cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, and mental health.

While we know the vitamin has fantastic effects on health, over 40% of Americans are deficient in the essential vitamin, and most of us aren’t getting the recommended intake. Children and adults should get 600 IU per day while those over 70 should aim for 800 IU.

Although many of us lack the essential vitamin, there are several different ways to increase intake. Direct sunlight, diet, and supplements can all help.

Sunlight exposure is the most potent source of Vitamin D. In fact, about 30 minutes of direct sunlight twice a week is equivalent to taking 20,000 IU of the vitamin orally! Experts recommend getting outdoors anytime from 10 am- 4 pm to get the full benefit.

Food can also provide Vitamin D in smaller amounts. Natural sources include trout, salmon, eggs, liver, and mushrooms. Other foods are fortified with the vitamin, and these can include cereal, milk, and juice.

Dietary supplements can also help you reach your Vitamin D needs. These supplements contain high levels of the vitamin, and they have been shown to cure Vitamin D-related diseases such as Rickets. Although a supplement may be convenient, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor first.

Like many of nature’s gifts, Vitamin D is generous in many ways. As you know, the vitamin is necessary for good physical health, and it is promising for mental health. Studies show that people with anxiety and depression are likely to have low vitamin D levels.

While we don’t know if depression is caused directly by low Vitamin D levels, we do know that getting outside to soak up sunshine can promote physical activity and provide opportunities to socialize. Along with these mood boosters, a colorful, Vitamin D-rich diet can support mental health as well.

Vitamin D is a nutrient that influences a vast number of the body’s health responses, and it is critical for good health. Getting enough Vitamin D can be a simple way to take care of your body and mind. So, what can you do to protect your health and avoid Vitamin D deficiency?

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 DistrictSpring is my favorite time of year. The weather warms up, and I migrate outdoors to enjoy the weather. I love walking, biking, or simply sitting on my porch to soak up the sunshine. There’s something about sunshine that lifts my mood, and I don’t think I am the only one who feels this way. Science shows that rays from the sun have a positive effect on most of us. It provides a mental boost, and it supplies Vitamin D.Vitamin D is a useful resource throughout the entire body. It plays a role in calcium absorption for strong bones, helps keep the immune system functioning properly, improves insulin sensitivity, and is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Vitamin D can also play an important role in cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, and mental health.While we know the vitamin has fantastic effects on health, over 40% of Americans are deficient in the essential vitamin, and most of us aren’t getting the recommended intake. Children and adults should get 600 IU per day while those over 70 should aim for 800 IU.Although many of us lack the essential vitamin, there are several different ways to increase intake. Direct sunlight, diet, and supplements can all help.Sunlight exposure is the most potent source of Vitamin D. In fact, about 30 minutes of direct sunlight twice a week is equivalent to taking 20,000 IU of the vitamin orally! Experts recommend getting outdoors anytime from 10 am- 4 pm to get the full benefit.Food can also provide Vitamin D in smaller amounts. Natural sources include trout, salmon, eggs, liver, and mushrooms. Other foods are fortified with the vitamin, and these can include cereal, milk, and juice.Dietary supplements can also help you reach your Vitamin D needs. These supplements contain high levels of the vitamin, and they have been shown to cure Vitamin D-related diseases such as Rickets. Although a supplement may be convenient, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor first.Like many of nature’s gifts, Vitamin D is generous in many ways. As you know, the vitamin is necessary for good physical health, and it is promising for mental health. Studies show that people with anxiety and depression are likely to have low vitamin D levels.While we don’t know if depression is caused directly by low Vitamin D levels, we do know that getting outside to soak up sunshine can promote physical activity and provide opportunities to socialize. Along with these mood boosters, a colorful, Vitamin D-rich diet can support mental health as well.Vitamin D is a nutrient that influences a vast number of the body’s health responses, and it is critical for good health. Getting enough Vitamin D can be a simple way to take care of your body and mind. So, what can you do to protect your health and avoid Vitamin D deficiency?· Let the sun shine· Focus on food· Talk to your docKarissa 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.

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