By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

Throughout 2024 parts of Kansas have been in abnormally dry or drought conditions. Some places, like those that use Cheney Reservoir west of Wichita as a water source, have even had water conservation restrictions in place for several months.

Changes in rainfall have been commonplace for the past few years. This rainfall is distributed unevenly across the state. Some places are going from very dry to getting the expected monthly rain total in a single day. These changes don’t necessarily show up in long-term averages but have a significant effect on agricultural production and infrastructure-disruptive flooding.

The historic trend of widespread droughts can also lead to increased food prices and according to research from Harvard University, such droughts are likely to continue into the future.

These trends prompted the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University to add water conservation questions to their annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey this year.

The survey asked respondents whether local and state governments across the state were addressing water conservation efforts satisfactorily.

33.4% of respondents felt that their local government was not doing enough for water conservation in their part of Kansas. Nearly 40% felt it was doing the right amount, and only 2.4% felt it was doing too much.

Nearly 37% of respondents felt the state government was not doing enough, nearly 34% felt it was doing the right amount, and only 3.2% said it was doing too much.

Respondents were nearly evenly split on whether or not voluntary action by individuals and businesses (33.6%) is sufficient for improving water conservation efforts across the state or whether local governments should pass new laws (35.7%). Similar results appeared for voluntary action by individuals and businesses (33.5%) versus new laws from the state government (34.1%).

About 30% of respondents had no opinion for both questions.

Nearly a majority (49.6%) of Kansans report being very or moderately concerned that the state might be running out of water. An additional 27.7% report being slightly concerned.

Kansas lawmakers face a pivotal choice about the future of water conservation in the state.

The data from the Kansas Speaks survey reflects a growing public awareness of the challenges posed by shifting rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and unequal water availability. With nearly half of Kansans expressing significant concern about the state’s water resources, it’s clear that inaction is not an option.

The question now is whether state and local leaders will take proactive steps to address these concerns through targeted policies and investments or leave the responsibility to voluntary efforts by individuals and businesses.

As extreme weather events and historic drought trends continue to strain Kansas's water systems, the decisions made today will determine whether the state can secure its water future and support its agricultural backbone for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasThroughout 2024 parts of Kansas have been in abnormally dry or drought conditions. Some places, like those that use Cheney Reservoir west of Wichita as a water source, have even had water conservation restrictions in place for several months.Changes in rainfall have been commonplace for the past few years. This rainfall is distributed unevenly across the state. Some places are going from very dry to getting the expected monthly rain total in a single day. These changes don’t necessarily show up in long-term averages but have a significant effect on agricultural production and infrastructure-disruptive flooding.The historic trend of widespread droughts can also lead to increased food prices and according to research from Harvard University, such droughts are likely to continue into the future.These trends prompted the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University to add water conservation questions to their annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey this year.The survey asked respondents whether local and state governments across the state were addressing water conservation efforts satisfactorily.33.4% of respondents felt that their local government was not doing enough for water conservation in their part of Kansas. Nearly 40% felt it was doing the right amount, and only 2.4% felt it was doing too much.Nearly 37% of respondents felt the state government was not doing enough, nearly 34% felt it was doing the right amount, and only 3.2% said it was doing too much.Respondents were nearly evenly split on whether or not voluntary action by individuals and businesses (33.6%) is sufficient for improving water conservation efforts across the state or whether local governments should pass new laws (35.7%). Similar results appeared for voluntary action by individuals and businesses (33.5%) versus new laws from the state government (34.1%).About 30% of respondents had no opinion for both questions.Nearly a majority (49.6%) of Kansans report being very or moderately concerned that the state might be running out of water. An additional 27.7% report being slightly concerned.Kansas lawmakers face a pivotal choice about the future of water conservation in the state.The data from the Kansas Speaks survey reflects a growing public awareness of the challenges posed by shifting rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and unequal water availability. With nearly half of Kansans expressing significant concern about the state’s water resources, it’s clear that inaction is not an option.The question now is whether state and local leaders will take proactive steps to address these concerns through targeted policies and investments or leave the responsibility to voluntary efforts by individuals and businesses.As extreme weather events and historic drought trends continue to strain Kansas's water systems, the decisions made today will determine whether the state can secure its water future and support its agricultural backbone for generations to come.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Public opinion signals urgency for Kansas water conservation

On Friday night, the Southeast of Saline Trojans knocked off the two-time defending state champs in Nemaha Central to claim their second state title in program history.

Below you can find photos from the game taken by Tanner Colvin, and presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine.

The full broadcast with video and commentary can be found by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/trXjgmWexQY">HERE</a>.

By SALINA POSTOn Friday night, the Southeast of Saline Trojans knocked off the two-time defending state champs in Nemaha Central to claim their second state title in program history.Below you can find photos from the game taken by Tanner Colvin, and presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine.The full broadcast with video and commentary can be found by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/trXjgmWexQY">HERE</a>.<figure>
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PHOTOS: Southeast of Saline vs. Nemaha Central 2A State Championship

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? 

Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>

Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. 

So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565281188574.png" alt="Salina Post Logo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTExciting news, Salina Post readers!We are thrilled to announce the launch of our news tip email address. Have a breaking news story, a community event, or a feel-good story that deserves to be shared? Submit your news tips via email to <a href="http://newstips@salinapost.com">newstips@salinapost.com</a>Whether you're a Salina local, a native Kansan, or have moved out of state, we want to hear from you. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged. So, if you have a story to tell or a photo of breaking news we should know about, send it to newstips@salinapost.com.Thanks for reading and listening!-The Salina Post Newsroom

Salina Post news tip email address

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Sonic driven by Maraya Dawn&nbsp;Burns, 22, Salina, was northbound in the 2100 Block of north 9th Street and attempted to make a left&nbsp; turn onto the ramp to Interstate 70 Westbound.

The Chevy struck a southbound 2002 Ford Focus driven by Amanda Kay&nbsp;Stec, 43, Salina. After impact the Chevy&nbsp;came to rest in the ditch.&nbsp;

EMS transported Stec to Salina Regional Medical Center. Burns was not transported, according to the crash report. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Sonic driven by Maraya Dawn&nbsp;Burns, 22, Salina, was northbound in the 2100 Block of north 9th Street and attempted to make a left&nbsp; turn onto the ramp to Interstate 70 Westbound.The Chevy struck a southbound 2002 Ford Focus driven by Amanda Kay&nbsp;Stec, 43, Salina. After impact the Chevy&nbsp;came to rest in the ditch.&nbsp;EMS transported Stec to Salina Regional Medical Center. Burns was not transported, according to the crash report. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

In 2005, Southeast of Saline appeared in and won its first state football championship in school history, defeating Silver Lake 30-28.

The road back to that promised land has been anything but straight and simple, but on Friday night, the Trojans have earned an opportunity to play for a second state title in Hutch against the two-time defending state champs in Nemaha Central.

In the 19 years since their last championship appearance, Southeast of Saline underwent a coaching change, joined a league, and fought through several re-classifications, but one thing has remained the same: the tradition of excellence in Gypsum.

Under 15th-year head coach Mitch Gebhardt, the Trojans have posted 12 winning seasons and made several deep playoff runs, but even amidst all that success, the last five years have been a sight to behold.

Since kicking off the 2020 season, Southeast has an overall record of 53-4, with each of those losses capping off a deep playoff run in a state quarter or semifinal.

Those campaigns served as building blocks as the Trojans grew their program from a feel good success story, into an emerging dynasty, and now, just one box remains unchecked.

“We’ve had so many good teams over the years, and all of those guys helped us build towards getting to this game,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “It’s a great feeling to play in this game, and our kids are awfully proud and excited to do it.”

In addition to great teams on the field, Gebhardt has built a small but mighty coaching staff, with Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Todd Baird and Kent Jacobson helping to elevate the program to new heights.

“The guys I get to coach with are outstanding,” Gebhardt said. “They don’t worry about how long it takes; they just worry about getting the job done, and that’s a big deal when you’re coaching football. Some weeks take longer than others, but those guys do everything they have to put our kids in a position to be successful.”

The Trojans picked up right where they left off in 2024, rolling eight opponents to finish a fifth straight undefeated regular season.&nbsp;

From there, they handed a loss to Larned 76-12, knocked off Norton 34-7, held off Hoisington 30-8, and last week, beat Beloit 34-30 on a thrilling buzzer-beating touchdown.

“I’m really proud of how we handled the situations we faced in that Beloit game,” he said. “Our kids did a great job of not panicking and I think our defense set us up for that finish. We stuck to the game plan, made tackles when we needed to and gave our offense an opportunity to score with 42 seconds left. That was a proud coach moment.”

With 12 wins behind them, just one opponent remains, but the Trojans will have their work cut out for them against a Nemaha Central team that has served as Class 2A’s final boss for three years running.

“Nemaha Central has been outstanding over the years, and their coaching staff does a great job with their guys,” Gebhardt said. “It’s neat that we get to go up against the two-time defending state champs to see how we stack up against them.”

The Thunder have strung together a run rivaling that of SES, winning three state championships since merging Nemaha Valley and Baileyville B&amp;B in 2014.

In addition to two state titles, Nemaha Central boasts a record of 37-1 over the last three years and will be considered favorites by many to three-peat, an outside attitude that suits Southeast just fine.

“If you look at the big picture, they’re the two-time defending state champions, and I think a lot of people will view us as underdogs in this game,” he said. “That’s something that we’ll embrace and talk about, but they’re the champs until they’re not, and we have to take that mentality into this game.”

That lone loss for the Thunder came in a 16-8 headscratcher to Marysville in week one, but since then, Nemaha has been perfect, winning their last seven in the regular season and rolling through Fredonia, Sabetha, Osage City and Council Grove in these playoffs.

Much of Nemaha Central’s success has come on the back of quarterback Carter Hajek, who has completed 60% of his passes for 1,026 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

Hajek truly shines on the ground, where he leads the Thunder with 330 carries for 2,148 yards and 38 touchdowns, with just one fumble all season long.

“Their quarterback run game is what that offense revolves around,” Gebhardts said. “You can’t stop that, but you can try to slow it down a little. He gets a lot of the credit but they do a great job with their scheme and blocking for him to make that happen. We’ll have to get a lot of hats to the football and play together on defense on Friday.”

Hajak has certainly garnered a lot of media attention in the buildup to this game and should rightfully be considered the best pure athlete on the field. But with a three-headed monster on offense and a swarming defense that allows just 11 points per game, Southeast will be ready to challenge the kings on Friday night.

Despite being a first-year starter, Gannon Jacobson has already etched his name into the record books at Southeast of Saline, completing 58% of his passes for over 2,000 yards, 31 touchdowns and ten interceptions while also rushing for just shy of 1,000 yards and eight more touchdowns on the ground.

“Gannon works hard, and he’s a good athlete,” he said. “We knew he’d be good, but he’s continued to improve throughout the year. When you struggle with something you get better, and he struggled early on but he’s worked hard at it and things have slowed down for him. He sees things now that he didn’t before.”

While Jacobson rules the air, Grady Gebhardt, the youngest son of head coach Mitch Gebhardt, has owned the ground, toting the rock 176 times for 1,340 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 20 receptions for 303 yards and two more scores in the passing game.

“Getting an opportunity to coach my kids and the kids in their classes has been outstanding,” he said. “All of them bring something a little different to the table, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”

Teams that have managed to slow down Jacobson and Gebhardt have seldom had an answer for Tucker Thaxton on the edge, as the senior has torched opposing secondaries for 935 yards and 14 touchdowns as Jacobson’s favorite target.

“Tucker has great speed but his route running is outstanding,” Gebhardt said. “He’s worked his tail off to get to where he’s at. Defensively, he’s hard-nosed; he’ll come up and make a hard tackle when he needs to but he knows when to hunt that football too.”

All of this is to say nothing of the Trojan defense led by Brody Chambers (66 tackles, 20 TFL, 6 sacks), Kanyon Douglas (98 tackles, 3 INT), Bryson Lippold (66 tackles), and a slew others, who have allowed 21 or more points just one time all season.

While the Trojans have not played in a football state title game since 2005, this group of players is no stranger to pressure, having played through multiple deep playoff runs in almost every sport in Gypsum.

“These kids have played in so many big games between football, basketball, baseball and track,” he said. “I think they’ll handle this moment well. Winning a game like we did last week helps confidence and helps the way you look at things as well.”

A win over Nemaha Central will take nothing less than the Trojan’s best game of football on Friday, but Southeast is ready to leave it all on the field as they look to cap off the first undefeated season in program history with a 2A title.

“We have to make sure that we take care of the football and get first downs on offense,” Gebhardt said. “In games like this every play matters and when we have an opportunity to make a play we have to make a play. Defensively we have to play as a team and get to the football together. In big teams like this a special teams play can also make a big difference.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 on Friday at HCC-Gowans Stadium in Hutch.

As always, the game can be heard locally on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) or online at 910KINA.com with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.

Due to KSHSAA regulations, the game will not be streamed live on Salina Post but will be available to watch on-demand immediately following the game by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/trXjgmWexQY">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732804801808.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tanner Colvin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tanner Colvin</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIn 2005, Southeast of Saline appeared in and won its first state football championship in school history, defeating Silver Lake 30-28.The road back to that promised land has been anything but straight and simple, but on Friday night, the Trojans have earned an opportunity to play for a second state title in Hutch against the two-time defending state champs in Nemaha Central.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the 19 years since their last championship appearance, Southeast of Saline underwent a coaching change, joined a league, and fought through several re-classifications, but one thing has remained the same: the tradition of excellence in Gypsum.Under 15th-year head coach Mitch Gebhardt, the Trojans have posted 12 winning seasons and made several deep playoff runs, but even amidst all that success, the last five years have been a sight to behold.Since kicking off the 2020 season, Southeast has an overall record of 53-4, with each of those losses capping off a deep playoff run in a state quarter or semifinal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732804861661.jpeg" alt="Grady Gebhardt outruns the Beloit defense in week two. Photo by Tanner Colvin" />
 <figcaption>Grady Gebhardt outruns the Beloit defense in week two. Photo by Tanner Colvin</figcaption>
 </figure>Those campaigns served as building blocks as the Trojans grew their program from a feel good success story, into an emerging dynasty, and now, just one box remains unchecked.“We’ve had so many good teams over the years, and all of those guys helped us build towards getting to this game,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “It’s a great feeling to play in this game, and our kids are awfully proud and excited to do it.”In addition to great teams on the field, Gebhardt has built a small but mighty coaching staff, with Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Todd Baird and Kent Jacobson helping to elevate the program to new heights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732804898908.jpeg" alt="The SES coaching staff reacts to a walk-off touchdown against Beloit in the state semifinals. Photo by Tanner Colvin" />
 <figcaption>The SES coaching staff reacts to a walk-off touchdown against Beloit in the state semifinals. Photo by Tanner Colvin</figcaption>
 </figure>“The guys I get to coach with are outstanding,” Gebhardt said. “They don’t worry about how long it takes; they just worry about getting the job done, and that’s a big deal when you’re coaching football. Some weeks take longer than others, but those guys do everything they have to put our kids in a position to be successful.”The Trojans picked up right where they left off in 2024, rolling eight opponents to finish a fifth straight undefeated regular season.&nbsp;From there, they handed a loss to Larned 76-12, knocked off Norton 34-7, held off Hoisington 30-8, and last week, beat Beloit 34-30 on a thrilling buzzer-beating touchdown.“I’m really proud of how we handled the situations we faced in that Beloit game,” he said. “Our kids did a great job of not panicking and I think our defense set us up for that finish. We stuck to the game plan, made tackles when we needed to and gave our offense an opportunity to score with 42 seconds left. That was a proud coach moment.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732804951390.jpeg" alt="Kanyon Douglas holds up the football after catching the game-winning touchdown against Beloit. Photo by Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Kanyon Douglas holds up the football after catching the game-winning touchdown against Beloit. Photo by Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>With 12 wins behind them, just one opponent remains, but the Trojans will have their work cut out for them against a Nemaha Central team that has served as Class 2A’s final boss for three years running.“Nemaha Central has been outstanding over the years, and their coaching staff does a great job with their guys,” Gebhardt said. “It’s neat that we get to go up against the two-time defending state champs to see how we stack up against them.”The Thunder have strung together a run rivaling that of SES, winning three state championships since merging Nemaha Valley and Baileyville B&amp;B in 2014.In addition to two state titles, Nemaha Central boasts a record of 37-1 over the last three years and will be considered favorites by many to three-peat, an outside attitude that suits Southeast just fine.“If you look at the big picture, they’re the two-time defending state champions, and I think a lot of people will view us as underdogs in this game,” he said. “That’s something that we’ll embrace and talk about, but they’re the champs until they’re not, and we have to take that mentality into this game.”That lone loss for the Thunder came in a 16-8 headscratcher to Marysville in week one, but since then, Nemaha has been perfect, winning their last seven in the regular season and rolling through Fredonia, Sabetha, Osage City and Council Grove in these playoffs.Much of Nemaha Central’s success has come on the back of quarterback Carter Hajek, who has completed 60% of his passes for 1,026 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.Hajek truly shines on the ground, where he leads the Thunder with 330 carries for 2,148 yards and 38 touchdowns, with just one fumble all season long.“Their quarterback run game is what that offense revolves around,” Gebhardts said. “You can’t stop that, but you can try to slow it down a little. He gets a lot of the credit but they do a great job with their scheme and blocking for him to make that happen. We’ll have to get a lot of hats to the football and play together on defense on Friday.”Hajak has certainly garnered a lot of media attention in the buildup to this game and should rightfully be considered the best pure athlete on the field. But with a three-headed monster on offense and a swarming defense that allows just 11 points per game, Southeast will be ready to challenge the kings on Friday night.Despite being a first-year starter, Gannon Jacobson has already etched his name into the record books at Southeast of Saline, completing 58% of his passes for over 2,000 yards, 31 touchdowns and ten interceptions while also rushing for just shy of 1,000 yards and eight more touchdowns on the ground.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732805003081.jpeg" alt="Gannon Jacobson winds up a pass against the Beloit Trojans. Photo courtesy of Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Gannon Jacobson winds up a pass against the Beloit Trojans. Photo courtesy of Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Gannon works hard, and he’s a good athlete,” he said. “We knew he’d be good, but he’s continued to improve throughout the year. When you struggle with something you get better, and he struggled early on but he’s worked hard at it and things have slowed down for him. He sees things now that he didn’t before.”While Jacobson rules the air, Grady Gebhardt, the youngest son of head coach Mitch Gebhardt, has owned the ground, toting the rock 176 times for 1,340 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 20 receptions for 303 yards and two more scores in the passing game.“Getting an opportunity to coach my kids and the kids in their classes has been outstanding,” he said. “All of them bring something a little different to the table, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”Teams that have managed to slow down Jacobson and Gebhardt have seldom had an answer for Tucker Thaxton on the edge, as the senior has torched opposing secondaries for 935 yards and 14 touchdowns as Jacobson’s favorite target.“Tucker has great speed but his route running is outstanding,” Gebhardt said. “He’s worked his tail off to get to where he’s at. Defensively, he’s hard-nosed; he’ll come up and make a hard tackle when he needs to but he knows when to hunt that football too.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732805044488.jpeg" alt="Tucker Thaxton extends to make a one-handed catch. Photo by Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Tucker Thaxton extends to make a one-handed catch. Photo by Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>All of this is to say nothing of the Trojan defense led by Brody Chambers (66 tackles, 20 TFL, 6 sacks), Kanyon Douglas (98 tackles, 3 INT), Bryson Lippold (66 tackles), and a slew others, who have allowed 21 or more points just one time all season.While the Trojans have not played in a football state title game since 2005, this group of players is no stranger to pressure, having played through multiple deep playoff runs in almost every sport in Gypsum.“These kids have played in so many big games between football, basketball, baseball and track,” he said. “I think they’ll handle this moment well. Winning a game like we did last week helps confidence and helps the way you look at things as well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732805077472.jpeg" alt="SES breaks down the huddle after defeating Beloit in the state semifinal. Photo by Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>SES breaks down the huddle after defeating Beloit in the state semifinal. Photo by Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>A win over Nemaha Central will take nothing less than the Trojan’s best game of football on Friday, but Southeast is ready to leave it all on the field as they look to cap off the first undefeated season in program history with a 2A title.“We have to make sure that we take care of the football and get first downs on offense,” Gebhardt said. “In games like this every play matters and when we have an opportunity to make a play we have to make a play. Defensively we have to play as a team and get to the football together. In big teams like this a special teams play can also make a big difference.”Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 on Friday at HCC-Gowans Stadium in Hutch.As always, the game can be heard locally on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) or online at 910KINA.com with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.Due to KSHSAA regulations, the game will not be streamed live on Salina Post but will be available to watch on-demand immediately following the game by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/trXjgmWexQY">HERE</a>.

Trojans travel to Hutch for state showdown with defending champion Nemaha Central

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> The Beacon

From 2021 to 2022, the number of Kansas children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from grew by 37,000.&nbsp;

The rise in food insecurity shows up at food banks across the state.&nbsp;

Aundrea Walker, the executive director of Just Food, said 30% of the people it serves are under 18 years old. Walker has worked at the Lawrence-based food bank for 10 years. She’s never seen demand so high.&nbsp;

“The amount of individuals and households we’re serving is absolutely insane,” she said.&nbsp;

Walker said Just Food spends about $40,000 a month on food. That isn’t enough.&nbsp;

“We’re constantly running out,” she said.&nbsp;

Walker said the pantry had to create new, paid staff positions to collect more food. At other food banks, some families line up two hours before the pantry opens.&nbsp;

The jump in food insecurity is mostly attributed to two things: rising inflation and pandemic-era benefit programs running out. Combined, they leave less money for families and force tough choices between paying bills or eating.&nbsp;

The number of children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from jumped from 13.4% in 2021 to 19.1% in 2022, according to Kansas Action for Children’s 2024 Kids Count Databook.&nbsp;

“(I’m) alarmed by it,” said John Wilson, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children. “When we see every single Kansas county experience an increase in food insecurity among kids, that’s troubling.”&nbsp;

Certain pandemic-era programs ran out at the end of 2021 or start of 2022. Families getting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, could receive the maximum benefit. That ended. Congress temporarily expanded a child care tax credit giving families hundreds more per year. That didn’t make it past 2021. Cost-free student meals were an option. But that was gone by the summer of 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To help kids in Kansas, “we have to help the people who care for them, too,” Wilson said.&nbsp;

Advocates for a stronger social safety want the Republican-controlled Statehouse to put more tax dollars toward things like food security.&nbsp;

Kansas Republicans not likely to address food insecurity

Republican leaders in the House and Senate didn’t say whether they’d debate bills to address the issue. Historically, the conservative state Legislature hasn’t seriously considered proposals in recent years that would expand SNAP or other social service programs.&nbsp;

Advocates for more public spending on social services say the Legislature has instead put up barriers.&nbsp;

The 2015 Hope Act bans state officials from using federal or state money to advertise SNAP programs on radio, billboards or television. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said only 70% of eligible people actually get SNAP benefits in Kansas. That’s below the national average of 82%.&nbsp;

Kansas is one of the last states in the country not using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-10-02/why-kansas-makes-it-harder-to-qualify-for-food-assistance-than-most-other-states">broad-based categorical eligibility</a>. It’s a federal program that allows more flexibility in admitting Kansans to food benefit programs. It doesn’t guarantee more people get SNAP, but it can mean owning a car or having more assets doesn’t disqualify someone.&nbsp;

Kansas also permanently bans people with multiple drug felonies from getting food stamps, and just last year, the House Welfare Reform Committee supported a bill that would prevent families from buying candy or soda with EBT cards.&nbsp;

Republicans argue those policies protect against the misuse of tax money.

Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican, introduced a bill to prevent the Kansas Department for Children and Families from participating in the summer electronic benefits transfer for children program. That program gives Kansas families who are on free or reduced-price lunches a one-time, $120 payment for meals over the summer.&nbsp;

Awerkamp, chair of the Welfare Reform committee, didn’t respond to requests from The Beacon.&nbsp;

Walker, with Just Food, said the Legislature has done some things to help. It eliminated the sales tax on groceries, which helps when you spend $460,000 a year on food like her group does. She said efforts to cap inflation would also help, but food insecurity is a multifaceted problem that can’t be fixed with just one bill.&nbsp;

The pandemic-era benefits programs cost millions, which is one reason Republicans are apprehensive about expansion. Haley Kottler, an advocate for a strong social safety net at Kansas Appleseed, said cheaper alternatives could feed more Kansans.&nbsp;

The Legislature could end the food stamps ban for Kansans with multiple drug felonies. The state could also simplify the food assistance application program so it isn’t as complicated to apply. Kottler also wants to see universal meal programs expanded.&nbsp;

Harvesters helps food banks in 17 counties in northeast Kansas and 10 counties in northwest Missouri. Sarah Biles, a Harvesters spokesperson, said the demand for food assistance hasn’t been this strong since the 2008 recession. Demand at food pantries was dropping year after year until the pandemic hit, and the 2022 numbers ballooned back up to the 2008 level.&nbsp;

Biles said government intervention is important. For every meal provided by a food bank or charitable organization, SNAP can provide nine meals.&nbsp;

“We definitely all need to work together to solve this issue,” she said. “There’s plenty of food in the United States. It’s a matter of getting all that food to where it’s needed most.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729708341876.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> The BeaconFrom 2021 to 2022, the number of Kansas children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from grew by 37,000.&nbsp;The rise in food insecurity shows up at food banks across the state.&nbsp;Aundrea Walker, the executive director of Just Food, said 30% of the people it serves are under 18 years old. Walker has worked at the Lawrence-based food bank for 10 years. She’s never seen demand so high.&nbsp;“The amount of individuals and households we’re serving is absolutely insane,” she said.&nbsp;Walker said Just Food spends about $40,000 a month on food. That isn’t enough.&nbsp;“We’re constantly running out,” she said.&nbsp;Walker said the pantry had to create new, paid staff positions to collect more food. At other food banks, some families line up two hours before the pantry opens.&nbsp;The jump in food insecurity is mostly attributed to two things: rising inflation and pandemic-era benefit programs running out. Combined, they leave less money for families and force tough choices between paying bills or eating.&nbsp;The number of children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from jumped from 13.4% in 2021 to 19.1% in 2022, according to Kansas Action for Children’s 2024 Kids Count Databook.&nbsp;“(I’m) alarmed by it,” said John Wilson, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children. “When we see every single Kansas county experience an increase in food insecurity among kids, that’s troubling.”&nbsp;Certain pandemic-era programs ran out at the end of 2021 or start of 2022. Families getting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, could receive the maximum benefit. That ended. Congress temporarily expanded a child care tax credit giving families hundreds more per year. That didn’t make it past 2021. Cost-free student meals were an option. But that was gone by the summer of 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;To help kids in Kansas, “we have to help the people who care for them, too,” Wilson said.&nbsp;Advocates for a stronger social safety want the Republican-controlled Statehouse to put more tax dollars toward things like food security.&nbsp;<h2>Kansas Republicans not likely to address food insecurity</h2>Republican leaders in the House and Senate didn’t say whether they’d debate bills to address the issue. Historically, the conservative state Legislature hasn’t seriously considered proposals in recent years that would expand SNAP or other social service programs.&nbsp;Advocates for more public spending on social services say the Legislature has instead put up barriers.&nbsp;The 2015 Hope Act bans state officials from using federal or state money to advertise SNAP programs on radio, billboards or television. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said only 70% of eligible people actually get SNAP benefits in Kansas. That’s below the national average of 82%.&nbsp;Kansas is one of the last states in the country not using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-10-02/why-kansas-makes-it-harder-to-qualify-for-food-assistance-than-most-other-states">broad-based categorical eligibility</a>. It’s a federal program that allows more flexibility in admitting Kansans to food benefit programs. It doesn’t guarantee more people get SNAP, but it can mean owning a car or having more assets doesn’t disqualify someone.&nbsp;Kansas also permanently bans people with multiple drug felonies from getting food stamps, and just last year, the House Welfare Reform Committee supported a bill that would prevent families from buying candy or soda with EBT cards.&nbsp;Republicans argue those policies protect against the misuse of tax money.Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican, introduced a bill to prevent the Kansas Department for Children and Families from participating in the summer electronic benefits transfer for children program. That program gives Kansas families who are on free or reduced-price lunches a one-time, $120 payment for meals over the summer.&nbsp;Awerkamp, chair of the Welfare Reform committee, didn’t respond to requests from The Beacon.&nbsp;Walker, with Just Food, said the Legislature has done some things to help. It eliminated the sales tax on groceries, which helps when you spend $460,000 a year on food like her group does. She said efforts to cap inflation would also help, but food insecurity is a multifaceted problem that can’t be fixed with just one bill.&nbsp;<h2>Looking to the 2025 session&nbsp;</h2>The pandemic-era benefits programs cost millions, which is one reason Republicans are apprehensive about expansion. Haley Kottler, an advocate for a strong social safety net at Kansas Appleseed, said cheaper alternatives could feed more Kansans.&nbsp;The Legislature could end the food stamps ban for Kansans with multiple drug felonies. The state could also simplify the food assistance application program so it isn’t as complicated to apply. Kottler also wants to see universal meal programs expanded.&nbsp;Harvesters helps food banks in 17 counties in northeast Kansas and 10 counties in northwest Missouri. Sarah Biles, a Harvesters spokesperson, said the demand for food assistance hasn’t been this strong since the 2008 recession. Demand at food pantries was dropping year after year until the pandemic hit, and the 2022 numbers ballooned back up to the 2008 level.&nbsp;Biles said government intervention is important. For every meal provided by a food bank or charitable organization, SNAP can provide nine meals.&nbsp;“We definitely all need to work together to solve this issue,” she said. “There’s plenty of food in the United States. It’s a matter of getting all that food to where it’s needed most.”&nbsp;

Child hunger rose 6%, and it isn’t clear what Kansas lawmakers will do

Tax Planning is More Than Making Estimated Payments

There is a popular misconception that tax planning for small and medium-sized businesses is simply figuring out how much tax will be owed and making estimated payments. But those are just tax projections.

True tax planning is looking at the life span of a business and asking where it is today in terms of growth and profitability, where it has been in the recent past and where it is going based on current projections.

What goals do the owners have? In the long term, do they want to position the business to sell, to expand into new markets, or transition to family members who will drive the business into the next generation?

“Tax planning” may, in fact, be a misnomer because tax planning is very much like strategic planning, but with a unique goal.

Tax planning specifically looks at how tax laws can be used as a tool to help business owners pay the least amount of dollars in taxes over the lifetime of a business, not just quarter by quarter.

Unlike larger corporations that may have entire departments dedicated to tax strategies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often operate with limited resources and personnel. Thus, it is important to understand and implement effective tax planning with the help of trusted advisors to ensure the long-term financial health of your business.

Tax planning involves analyzing a business’s financial situation with the aim of maximizing tax efficiency while ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations. It encompasses a range of activities, including choosing the right business structure, optimizing deductions and strategically timing income and expenditures to best optimize tax brackets over multiple years.

Strategies for tax planning depend heavily on where a business is in its lifecycle. 

· A young startup company may be pre-revenue with a promising new product that is just beginning to take off. While its taxes are low now, the prospect of a steep climb in sales over the next two years could mean a heavy tax bill at a time when the company is still vulnerable. With tax planning, the company can plan now to utilize deductions and credits they may have been unaware of, as well as net operating loss carryforwards that could tame future tax bills.

For young companies and mature companies alike, the choice of business structure — whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation — has profound tax implications. <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/entity-selection-impacts-tax-efficiency/">Each structure is taxed differently</a> and comes with its own set of regulations. Effective tax planning involves evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of each structure to determine which is most advantageous for the business’s situation. For instance, an LLC may provide liability protection while allowing profits to be passed through to owners without facing double taxation, unlike a C corporation.

One of the most significant benefits of tax planning is its role in enhancing financial stability. For SMBs, <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/tax/business-tax/">cash flow is the lifeblood of operations</a>. By strategically planning taxes, businesses can improve cash flow management. For example, by timing income recognition and deductible expenses, businesses can minimize taxable income in a given year, thus reducing the immediate tax burden. This can free up cash for reinvestment in the business, pay down debts or handle unforeseen expenses.

It’s important to remember that tax planning is a long game.

The purpose is to ensure the financial health of the company well into the future. That may result in some decisions that business owners may be uncomfortable with in the short term; specifically realizing that minimizing tax this year does not always result in the lowest tax expense over time – it may be best to pay more this year in order to maximize a low tax bracket.

For many SMBs, growth is a primary objective. However, rapid expansion can lead to complex tax situations. Tax planning allows businesses to anticipate and prepare for these complexities. The lowest tax a CPA can get for you is not necessarily the best. There may be a reason to pay more taxes. You don’t want to leave money on the table by dropping into the 12% bracket when you know you will be in the 37% bracket next year. Evening out those bumps results in a smoother, more predictable financial picture for your company.

Challenges in Today’s Tax Planning Environment

Certain challenges are impacting <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/tax/business-tax/">tax planning for SMB</a> owners these days due to the uncertainty around what will happen to the federal estate tax exclusion at the end of 2025. Some business owners will be significantly affected. Also, the current interest rate environment is unpredictable. High rates are slowly giving way to reductions, but whether those reductions will be continued is a guess right now.

Additionally, many business owners are vexed these days by delays in receiving K-1 forms that are necessary for filing taxes. It’s important to note that your tax planning advisor will ensure your taxes – including estimates for the current year – are paid on time so you can delay filing your returns until after the deadline, when you are more likely to have K-1 forms and other necessary documents.

Business owners must plan for what is known right now and be flexible enough to revisit their tax planning strategies on a regular basis to make adjustments as needed.

Adams Brown CPAs typically check in with business owners on a quarterly basis to discuss tax plans and to learn what is new in the company that may necessitate a change in the plan.

Adams Brown goes beyond just tax planning. We’re a holistic advisory firm, which means we’re here to help with the big picture – from managing your <a href="https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/services/">personal financial planning</a> to providing <a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/">managed IT services</a>. Our team works together to make sure every aspect of your business life is covered.

If you would like to discuss tax planning or other business needs, contact an Adams Brown tax advisor at <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">adamsbrowncpa.com/contact.</a>

Positioned to go above + beyond® for you and your business with teammates stationed throughout Kansas, working from a network of offices and remotely. <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/about/locations/">Find an Adams Brown office near you.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732056018557.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTax Planning is More Than Making Estimated PaymentsThere is a popular misconception that tax planning for small and medium-sized businesses is simply figuring out how much tax will be owed and making estimated payments. But those are just tax projections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615564449953.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>True tax planning is looking at the life span of a business and asking where it is today in terms of growth and profitability, where it has been in the recent past and where it is going based on current projections.What goals do the owners have? In the long term, do they want to position the business to sell, to expand into new markets, or transition to family members who will drive the business into the next generation?“Tax planning” may, in fact, be a misnomer because tax planning is very much like strategic planning, but with a unique goal.Tax planning specifically looks at how tax laws can be used as a tool to help business owners pay the least amount of dollars in taxes over the lifetime of a business, not just quarter by quarter.Unlike larger corporations that may have entire departments dedicated to tax strategies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often operate with limited resources and personnel. Thus, it is important to understand and implement effective tax planning with the help of trusted advisors to ensure the long-term financial health of your business.What are Tax Planning StrategiesTax planning involves analyzing a business’s financial situation with the aim of maximizing tax efficiency while ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations. It encompasses a range of activities, including choosing the right business structure, optimizing deductions and strategically timing income and expenditures to best optimize tax brackets over multiple years.Strategies for tax planning depend heavily on where a business is in its lifecycle. For example:· A young startup company may be pre-revenue with a promising new product that is just beginning to take off. While its taxes are low now, the prospect of a steep climb in sales over the next two years could mean a heavy tax bill at a time when the company is still vulnerable. With tax planning, the company can plan now to utilize deductions and credits they may have been unaware of, as well as net operating loss carryforwards that could tame future tax bills.For young companies and mature companies alike, the choice of business structure — whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation — has profound tax implications. <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/entity-selection-impacts-tax-efficiency/">Each structure is taxed differently</a> and comes with its own set of regulations. Effective tax planning involves evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of each structure to determine which is most advantageous for the business’s situation. For instance, an LLC may provide liability protection while allowing profits to be passed through to owners without facing double taxation, unlike a C corporation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732636266209.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cash Flow ManagementOne of the most significant benefits of tax planning is its role in enhancing financial stability. For SMBs, <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/tax/business-tax/">cash flow is the lifeblood of operations</a>. By strategically planning taxes, businesses can improve cash flow management. For example, by timing income recognition and deductible expenses, businesses can minimize taxable income in a given year, thus reducing the immediate tax burden. This can free up cash for reinvestment in the business, pay down debts or handle unforeseen expenses.It’s important to remember that tax planning is a long game.The purpose is to ensure the financial health of the company well into the future. That may result in some decisions that business owners may be uncomfortable with in the short term; specifically realizing that minimizing tax this year does not always result in the lowest tax expense over time – it may be best to pay more this year in order to maximize a low tax bracket.For many SMBs, growth is a primary objective. However, rapid expansion can lead to complex tax situations. Tax planning allows businesses to anticipate and prepare for these complexities. The lowest tax a CPA can get for you is not necessarily the best. There may be a reason to pay more taxes. You don’t want to leave money on the table by dropping into the 12% bracket when you know you will be in the 37% bracket next year. Evening out those bumps results in a smoother, more predictable financial picture for your company.Challenges in Today’s Tax Planning Environment Certain challenges are impacting <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/tax/business-tax/">tax planning for SMB</a> owners these days due to the uncertainty around what will happen to the federal estate tax exclusion at the end of 2025. Some business owners will be significantly affected. Also, the current interest rate environment is unpredictable. High rates are slowly giving way to reductions, but whether those reductions will be continued is a guess right now.Additionally, many business owners are vexed these days by delays in receiving K-1 forms that are necessary for filing taxes. It’s important to note that your tax planning advisor will ensure your taxes – including estimates for the current year – are paid on time so you can delay filing your returns until after the deadline, when you are more likely to have K-1 forms and other necessary documents.Business owners must plan for what is known right now and be flexible enough to revisit their tax planning strategies on a regular basis to make adjustments as needed.Adams Brown CPAs typically check in with business owners on a quarterly basis to discuss tax plans and to learn what is new in the company that may necessitate a change in the plan.Adams Brown goes beyond just tax planning. We’re a holistic advisory firm, which means we’re here to help with the big picture – from managing your <a href="https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/services/">personal financial planning</a> to providing <a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/">managed IT services</a>. Our team works together to make sure every aspect of your business life is covered.If you would like to discuss tax planning or other business needs, contact an Adams Brown tax advisor at <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">adamsbrowncpa.com/contact.</a>Positioned to go above + beyond® for you and your business with teammates stationed throughout Kansas, working from a network of offices and remotely. <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/about/locations/">Find an Adams Brown office near you.</a>

Kan. man hospitalized in Salina after SUV lands in creek

The Topeka Capitol Building will soon house a mural celebrating Kansas women who worked to win the right to vote. Join Jeanne Klein, as she discusses the mural and shares about Laura Johns, Salina’s very own suffragist. Manhattan, KS, artist Phyllis Pease will also be here with the watercolor she created for the committee. Your gift helps pay for the mural. While donations are strongly encouraged, we hope you’ll attend either way. The League of Women Voters of Kansas will be on hand to accept donations.

Klein is an Associate Professor Emerita from the Department of Theatre and Dance at KU.

This free presentation is offered by the Smoky Hill Museum, December 5, 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy the presentation in-person at the Museum, or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store&nbsp;for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732729325771.png" alt="468390761_965510985612254_9131711157144185934_n.png" />
 <figcaption>468390761_965510985612254_9131711157144185934_n.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Topeka Capitol Building will soon house a mural celebrating Kansas women who worked to win the right to vote. Join Jeanne Klein, as she discusses the mural and shares about Laura Johns, Salina’s very own suffragist. Manhattan, KS, artist Phyllis Pease will also be here with the watercolor she created for the committee. Your gift helps pay for the mural. While donations are strongly encouraged, we hope you’ll attend either way. The League of Women Voters of Kansas will be on hand to accept donations.Klein is an Associate Professor Emerita from the Department of Theatre and Dance at KU.This free presentation is offered by the Smoky Hill Museum, December 5, 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy the presentation in-person at the Museum, or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store&nbsp;for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

Smoky Hill Museum First Thursday: The Kansas Woman Suffrage Movement

By&nbsp;JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina &nbsp;

Imagine this: A student is immersed in cutting-edge technology, learning from industry experts who bring years of research and real-world experience into the classroom. They sit at a desk in a traditional setting, and they can see their fellow students sitting beside them, intently listening as an instructor writes on a board or discusses the lesson of the day.

What unfolds next is anything but ordinary.

At the end of class, the student slides off their virtual reality, or VR, headset, and opens their eyes not to a classroom, but to their living room, a work office or even a coffee shop.

This isn’t a vision for the future – it’s a reality today for many students at Kansas State University Salina.

Through the integration of virtual environments, K-State Salina is redefining the educational experience, connecting learners across the globe in real time.

“ Through these VR headsets, we have a virtual classroom that we can step into with a whiteboard that we can draw on," said Henry Kerschen, senior in computer systems technology, Olathe. “This campus has done a great job of preparing all of us to have that real, thoughtful development as we’ve worked," Kerschen continued. "What has been that for me is a fully comprehensive experience and it’s given me a good base foundation of information that I can really take with me anywhere.”

K-AIRES will be hub for cutting-edge education, Pure Imagination Studios

As Kansas State University’s College of Aviation and Technology, the Salina campus is setting the standard for technical education, especially in the aerospace and technology industries. Through its expertise in pioneering technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and cyber-physical systems, K-State Salina is shaping the future of education and advancing the mission of Kansas State University as the next-generation land-grant university.

“The instructors at K-State Salina have done a great job of introducing us to new technology,” Kerschen said. “As students, we have this unique opportunity to play with VR headsets and engage in that immersive experience, and we have a lot of tools that allow us to get hands-on with our own educational experiments.”

In August, K-State Salina broke ground on facilities for its new, one-of-a-kind partnership with Pure Imagination Studios, a global leader in immersive entertainment.

This collaboration led to the creation of the K-AIRES center, a $41 million, 47,500-square-foot facility that will be a hub for cutting-edge education and innovation. K-AIRES will house a production lab for Pure Imagination Studios, which has worked on high-profile projects for Netflix, DreamWorks, FOX, The LEGO Group, Marvel Entertainment and others.

“Our students will be working alongside Pure Imagination employees and creatives learning how the industry works,” said Michael Oetken, assistant professor in immersive systems design and director of K-AIRES. “They’ll get to work on projects with Pure Imagination Labs as well as engage in experiential learning with K-State Salina faculty. It’s an exciting new chapter in applied learning on our campus and a great way to gain an education.”

K-State is not waiting for construction to be complete. Students are already learning how to apply advanced technologies daily, from cyber-physical systems to how software and data components interact with the world.

Students are already learning how to autonomously navigate drones through programming, control systems, computer vision and image processing.

“At K-State Salina, we are changing the landscape of education,” said Balaji Balasubramaniam, assistant professor in computer systems technology and graduate program coordinator for the machine learning and autonomous systems certificate. “We are giving the students the experience of using these advanced technologies in the classroom. Students are provided opportunities to immerse themselves through work-study, hands-on projects in class and assisting in research.”

K-State Salina students learn real-world skills to build the future

K-State Salina is not only transforming higher education, but also preparing students for careers in industries that are rapidly evolving.

One area seeing massive technological growth is agriculture, where K-State Salina’s expertise in AI, VR and machine learning is making an impact.

Agriculture companies are embracing AI and digital technologies to enhance precision farming. From tractor mapping software to AI-driven agricultural spray aircraft, these innovations are making farming more efficient and cost-effective.

Austin Chart, a graduate student in integrated systems design and dynamics, Salina, is using K-State Salina’s advanced technologies to improve agricultural practices.

“Farming in general has been a lot more systematic, it’s become much more precision-based, and that level of precision is becoming more and more accurate by the day, especially with this type of technology,” Chart said. “Innovations like machine learning, autonomous systems and AI help producers save money because farmers, using the tools and machines at their disposal, understand their land best and know where to properly apply products.”

Students at K-State Salina have access to industry-standard tools like VR headsets, robots, three-dimensional modeling software and programming software like Unreal Engine — all of which allow them to experiment and build their own projects.

The combination of hands-on learning, industry partnerships and cutting-edge technology sets K-State Salina apart.

Chart credits the hands-on nature of K-State Salina’s courses and the faculty’s connections to industry in helping him prepare to affect the agriculture industry with new technologies.

“Getting your education at K-State Salina feels a little bit like you’re at Hogwarts," Chart said. "We’re not just reading a book — we’re learning the spells. Students are creating programs, creating games and doing these things hands-on and in real-time. I think it’s something that distinguishes K-State from a lot of others around country.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732720637314.jpeg" alt="A K-State Salina student uses a virtual reality headset to participate in a virtual classroom." />
 <figcaption>A K-State Salina student uses a virtual reality headset to participate in a virtual classroom.</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina &nbsp;Imagine this: A student is immersed in cutting-edge technology, learning from industry experts who bring years of research and real-world experience into the classroom. They sit at a desk in a traditional setting, and they can see their fellow students sitting beside them, intently listening as an instructor writes on a board or discusses the lesson of the day.What unfolds next is anything but ordinary.At the end of class, the student slides off their virtual reality, or VR, headset, and opens their eyes not to a classroom, but to their living room, a work office or even a coffee shop.This isn’t a vision for the future – it’s a reality today for many students at Kansas State University Salina.Through the integration of virtual environments, K-State Salina is redefining the educational experience, connecting learners across the globe in real time.“ Through these VR headsets, we have a virtual classroom that we can step into with a whiteboard that we can draw on," said Henry Kerschen, senior in computer systems technology, Olathe. “This campus has done a great job of preparing all of us to have that real, thoughtful development as we’ve worked," Kerschen continued. "What has been that for me is a fully comprehensive experience and it’s given me a good base foundation of information that I can really take with me anywhere.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732720788495.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-AIRES will be hub for cutting-edge education, Pure Imagination Studios</h2>As Kansas State University’s College of Aviation and Technology, the Salina campus is setting the standard for technical education, especially in the aerospace and technology industries. Through its expertise in pioneering technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and cyber-physical systems, K-State Salina is shaping the future of education and advancing the mission of Kansas State University as the next-generation land-grant university.“The instructors at K-State Salina have done a great job of introducing us to new technology,” Kerschen said. “As students, we have this unique opportunity to play with VR headsets and engage in that immersive experience, and we have a lot of tools that allow us to get hands-on with our own educational experiments.”In August, K-State Salina broke ground on facilities for its new, one-of-a-kind partnership with Pure Imagination Studios, a global leader in immersive entertainment.This collaboration led to the creation of the K-AIRES center, a $41 million, 47,500-square-foot facility that will be a hub for cutting-edge education and innovation. K-AIRES will house a production lab for Pure Imagination Studios, which has worked on high-profile projects for Netflix, DreamWorks, FOX, The LEGO Group, Marvel Entertainment and others.“Our students will be working alongside Pure Imagination employees and creatives learning how the industry works,” said Michael Oetken, assistant professor in immersive systems design and director of K-AIRES. “They’ll get to work on projects with Pure Imagination Labs as well as engage in experiential learning with K-State Salina faculty. It’s an exciting new chapter in applied learning on our campus and a great way to gain an education.”K-State is not waiting for construction to be complete. Students are already learning how to apply advanced technologies daily, from cyber-physical systems to how software and data components interact with the world.Students are already learning how to autonomously navigate drones through programming, control systems, computer vision and image processing.“At K-State Salina, we are changing the landscape of education,” said Balaji Balasubramaniam, assistant professor in computer systems technology and graduate program coordinator for the machine learning and autonomous systems certificate. “We are giving the students the experience of using these advanced technologies in the classroom. Students are provided opportunities to immerse themselves through work-study, hands-on projects in class and assisting in research.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732720689531.jpeg" alt="Balaju Balasubramaniam, assistant professor, instructs students on website terminology during class" />
 <figcaption>Balaju Balasubramaniam, assistant professor, instructs students on website terminology during class</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State Salina students learn real-world skills to build the future</h2>K-State Salina is not only transforming higher education, but also preparing students for careers in industries that are rapidly evolving.One area seeing massive technological growth is agriculture, where K-State Salina’s expertise in AI, VR and machine learning is making an impact.Agriculture companies are embracing AI and digital technologies to enhance precision farming. From tractor mapping software to AI-driven agricultural spray aircraft, these innovations are making farming more efficient and cost-effective.Austin Chart, a graduate student in integrated systems design and dynamics, Salina, is using K-State Salina’s advanced technologies to improve agricultural practices.“Farming in general has been a lot more systematic, it’s become much more precision-based, and that level of precision is becoming more and more accurate by the day, especially with this type of technology,” Chart said. “Innovations like machine learning, autonomous systems and AI help producers save money because farmers, using the tools and machines at their disposal, understand their land best and know where to properly apply products.”Students at K-State Salina have access to industry-standard tools like VR headsets, robots, three-dimensional modeling software and programming software like Unreal Engine — all of which allow them to experiment and build their own projects.The combination of hands-on learning, industry partnerships and cutting-edge technology sets K-State Salina apart.Chart credits the hands-on nature of K-State Salina’s courses and the faculty’s connections to industry in helping him prepare to affect the agriculture industry with new technologies.“Getting your education at K-State Salina feels a little bit like you’re at Hogwarts," Chart said. "We’re not just reading a book — we’re learning the spells. Students are creating programs, creating games and doing these things hands-on and in real-time. I think it’s something that distinguishes K-State from a lot of others around country.”

K-State Salina's virtual reality education is like ‘learning the spells’ at Hogwarts

By JASON GRAVES K-State Research and Extension Central District&nbsp;Horticulturist

Thanksgiving invites us to slow down and reflect on gratitude—a practice that doesn’t always come easily amid the busyness of daily life. In my experience, gratitude is much like a garden: it needs patience, care, and intentionality to grow and thrive truly.

In my daily work with gardeners here in central Kansas, I’ve noticed a shared trait: generosity. Gardeners freely share their time, resources, and wisdom, seeing abundance where others might see only scarcity. I believe this generosity is a natural outgrowth of their gratitude. As they nurture life in their gardens, gratitude also seems to take root and flourish within them.

This is where gardening and gratitude naturally meet. The more time gardeners spend in the planting, growing, and harvesting cycles, the more they see life itself as a series of gifts. And that’s what gratitude truly is: naming everything as a gift.

Gratefulness names something as a gift, and the habit of constantly naming everything in my life as a gift changes me.&nbsp; Even life’s challenges are gifts that shape and refine me.&nbsp; Gratitude is the most potent form of honesty.&nbsp; It isn’t a pair of rose-colored glasses that denies what is hard, it is more like a conjunction or a companion that comes alongside difficulty to give us a much fuller sense of reality in every moment. &nbsp;

Difficulties, when they arise, are not the whole of our existence.

Experienced gardeners understand that not every growing season will go according to plan.&nbsp; A sudden heatwave early in the season can render tomato pollen nonviable, leading to crop failure. A swarm of caterpillars may strip coneflower foliage bare. A strong windstorm might topple even the most beautiful, productive apple tree.

These things happen, and most gardeners I work with refuse to let these challenges make them less than human.&nbsp; They refuse to shrink or lose their sense and awareness of reality.&nbsp; They have learned to name everything as a gift, even the hardships.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the tomato crop fails due to heat, they turn their attention to the gift of sweet potato vines that laugh at the hot weather and grow even faster.&nbsp; When the swarm of caterpillars is identified as silvery checkerspot larvae, they anticipate the gift of beautiful black, yellow, and orange butterflies that will soon grace their garden.&nbsp; When the storm topples the apple tree, they mourn the loss but also see the gift of a new opportunity to plant even more sun-loving native flowers to build biodiversity in their landscape.

Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to cultivate gratitude with renewed intentionality. It begins with slowing down and naming everything as a gift. In doing so, we practice the most potent form of honesty—and, like a well-tended garden, our gratitude will grow and flourish.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823329994.jpeg" alt="Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES K-State Research and Extension Central District&nbsp;Horticulturist Thanksgiving invites us to slow down and reflect on gratitude—a practice that doesn’t always come easily amid the busyness of daily life. In my experience, gratitude is much like a garden: it needs patience, care, and intentionality to grow and thrive truly.In my daily work with gardeners here in central Kansas, I’ve noticed a shared trait: generosity. Gardeners freely share their time, resources, and wisdom, seeing abundance where others might see only scarcity. I believe this generosity is a natural outgrowth of their gratitude. As they nurture life in their gardens, gratitude also seems to take root and flourish within them.This is where gardening and gratitude naturally meet. The more time gardeners spend in the planting, growing, and harvesting cycles, the more they see life itself as a series of gifts. And that’s what gratitude truly is: naming everything as a gift.Gratefulness names something as a gift, and the habit of constantly naming everything in my life as a gift changes me.&nbsp; Even life’s challenges are gifts that shape and refine me.&nbsp; Gratitude is the most potent form of honesty.&nbsp; It isn’t a pair of rose-colored glasses that denies what is hard, it is more like a conjunction or a companion that comes alongside difficulty to give us a much fuller sense of reality in every moment. &nbsp;Difficulties, when they arise, are not the whole of our existence.Experienced gardeners understand that not every growing season will go according to plan.&nbsp; A sudden heatwave early in the season can render tomato pollen nonviable, leading to crop failure. A swarm of caterpillars may strip coneflower foliage bare. A strong windstorm might topple even the most beautiful, productive apple tree.These things happen, and most gardeners I work with refuse to let these challenges make them less than human.&nbsp; They refuse to shrink or lose their sense and awareness of reality.&nbsp; They have learned to name everything as a gift, even the hardships.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the tomato crop fails due to heat, they turn their attention to the gift of sweet potato vines that laugh at the hot weather and grow even faster.&nbsp; When the swarm of caterpillars is identified as silvery checkerspot larvae, they anticipate the gift of beautiful black, yellow, and orange butterflies that will soon grace their garden.&nbsp; When the storm topples the apple tree, they mourn the loss but also see the gift of a new opportunity to plant even more sun-loving native flowers to build biodiversity in their landscape.Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to cultivate gratitude with renewed intentionality. It begins with slowing down and naming everything as a gift. In doing so, we practice the most potent form of honesty—and, like a well-tended garden, our gratitude will grow and flourish.

GRAVES: Gardening gratitude this Thanksgiving season

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

We are on the eve of Thanksgiving and one of the most iconic meals of the year. Who does not crave the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries, pumpkin pie, etc. I know my plan is to fall asleep in front of the TV in a turkey induced food coma.

The American Farm Bureau Federation has come out with its annual comparison of the cost of a traditional dinner for 10 and the price has fallen for the second year in a row. The cost is $58.08, or $5.80 per person. This is a reduction of 5 percent from 2023 and down from $64.05 in 2022.

I do not know if anyone else finds this interesting — maybe it is just my ag econ degree talking — but I like comparing one year to the next. I saw one commentator who disputed whether Thanksgiving dinner could be purchased at that price, but I really think that is irrelevant. The fact is one of the things we must be thankful for is living in a country where we have an affordable, abundant food supply.

I also like to think that Thanksgiving is a time when we should celebrate agriculture and all that we, as an industry, do to make the United States the greatest nation in the world. The foundation of any stable nation is a stable food supply. It is really hard to accomplish great things on an empty stomach.

I know we all take the food choices we have for granted. This past week I went to the grocery store to buy our Thanksgiving turkey, and I was met with a wide selection of brands and weights of turkeys. Driving down the street I saw restaurant signs offering to prepare the bird. The possibilities presented on the aisles of our grocery stores are endless. Consider the fact that you do not even have to go to the grocery store to buy food and you start to get the idea.

Most of us do not have to worry about where our next meal is coming from, we just must figure out what we want to eat. That is where those of us in agriculture come in. Without the incredible network of farmers and ranchers this safe, abundant food supply is not possible.

We are so good at what we do that most of our consumers take it for granted, and maybe that is why I find the annual comparison from the American Farm Bureau so fascinating. Most of us will go to the grocery store, pick up the necessary items and never give a thought to the cost or how they got on the shelves. We are good at what we do, but we are not good at tooting our own horn.

Without our incredible production it is not possible to serve a feast to 10 people for less than $60, and that is something the rest of the world is in awe of. So, this Thanksgiving, stop and take a minute to be proud of being part of what feeds the United States, we are really good at what we do. That is something to be thankful for.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690818396954.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWe are on the eve of Thanksgiving and one of the most iconic meals of the year. Who does not crave the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries, pumpkin pie, etc. I know my plan is to fall asleep in front of the TV in a turkey induced food coma.The American Farm Bureau Federation has come out with its annual comparison of the cost of a traditional dinner for 10 and the price has fallen for the second year in a row. The cost is $58.08, or $5.80 per person. This is a reduction of 5 percent from 2023 and down from $64.05 in 2022.I do not know if anyone else finds this interesting — maybe it is just my ag econ degree talking — but I like comparing one year to the next. I saw one commentator who disputed whether Thanksgiving dinner could be purchased at that price, but I really think that is irrelevant. The fact is one of the things we must be thankful for is living in a country where we have an affordable, abundant food supply.I also like to think that Thanksgiving is a time when we should celebrate agriculture and all that we, as an industry, do to make the United States the greatest nation in the world. The foundation of any stable nation is a stable food supply. It is really hard to accomplish great things on an empty stomach.I know we all take the food choices we have for granted. This past week I went to the grocery store to buy our Thanksgiving turkey, and I was met with a wide selection of brands and weights of turkeys. Driving down the street I saw restaurant signs offering to prepare the bird. The possibilities presented on the aisles of our grocery stores are endless. Consider the fact that you do not even have to go to the grocery store to buy food and you start to get the idea.Most of us do not have to worry about where our next meal is coming from, we just must figure out what we want to eat. That is where those of us in agriculture come in. Without the incredible network of farmers and ranchers this safe, abundant food supply is not possible.We are so good at what we do that most of our consumers take it for granted, and maybe that is why I find the annual comparison from the American Farm Bureau so fascinating. Most of us will go to the grocery store, pick up the necessary items and never give a thought to the cost or how they got on the shelves. We are good at what we do, but we are not good at tooting our own horn.Without our incredible production it is not possible to serve a feast to 10 people for less than $60, and that is something the rest of the world is in awe of. So, this Thanksgiving, stop and take a minute to be proud of being part of what feeds the United States, we are really good at what we do. That is something to be thankful for."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: A feast of thanks

By AMY HEBERT FTC Consumer Education Specialist

There’s no shortage of good causes to donate to this holiday season. But before you give somewhere new, make sure you’re not donating to a scam.

Scammers are pros at tricking people into donating.

They’ll often even use names that sound a lot like other charities you’ve heard of to get your money. Here’s how to make sure your money is going to support the cause you care about:

Don’t be rushed or pressured into giving, especially over the phone.&nbsp;

If it’s a request to donate on social media, take the time to make sure the person who shared it with you knows the organization or person fundraising.. 

Research the charity before you give.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732645350652.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY HEBERT FTC Consumer Education SpecialistThere’s no shortage of good causes to donate to this holiday season. But before you give somewhere new, make sure you’re not donating to a scam.Scammers are pros at tricking people into donating. They’ll often even use names that sound a lot like other charities you’ve heard of to get your money. Here’s how to make sure your money is going to support the cause you care about:Don’t be rushed or pressured into giving, especially over the phone.&nbsp;If it’s a request to donate on social media, take the time to make sure the person who shared it with you knows the organization or person fundraising.. Research the charity before you give.&nbsp;Search the name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” Organizations like the&nbsp;Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance,&nbsp;Charity&nbsp;Watch, or&nbsp;Candid&nbsp;also let you research charities.Don’t trust your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information. Calls can look like they come from your local area code, or from a specific organization, even if they don’t. In reality, the caller could be anywhere in the world.. Check out the charity’s website. Does it give you details about the programs you want to support or how it uses donations? How much of your donation will go directly to support the programs you care about? If you can’t find detailed information about a charity’s mission and programs, be suspicious.. Pay attention to how you pay.&nbsp;If a charity asks you to pay with cryptocurrency, by wiring money through Western Union or MoneyGram, with a payment app, or with a gift card, it’s likely a scam. Donating by credit card or check is safer.Learn more about avoiding charity scams at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/charity">ftc.gov/charity</a>.

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