By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The other weekend I watched two deer wander out of a creek bed and meander through a meadow until they caught a scent they didn’t like and took off running. After a few strides, it was difficult to pick out their tan hides against the khaki grasses as they ran toward the tree line in the distance.

I was walking in a local park at the time so I could safely admire the quick, graceful escape. There’s been plenty of times where I wasn’t so happy to see a herd of deer galloping, mainly along the side of the road when I’m driving.

Thankfully I’ve never had the misfortune of hitting one with a vehicle, though there’ve been several close calls. Oddly, though, my close encounters have usually come during the summer months rather than this time of year when deer are more active when people are likely to be heading to and from work.

There are plenty of reasons for fall to be the peak season for vehicles to collide with deer, but the main ones are the animals are most active at dawn and dusk. In the fall, that activity coincides with most peoples’ commutes. It’s also the time of year deer wander farther than normal and are less wary of potential hazards as they seek to find a mate, which increases the chances they cross paths with you.

The Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife has the following advice on how to avoid deer collisions:

Watch for more than one deer, as they seldom travel alone.

-Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses and near water such as streams or ponds.

-Deer crossing signs indicate where high levels of deer/vehicle crashes have occurred in the past.

-Use your bright lights to help you detect deer as far ahead as possible. 

-Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer – the most serious crashes sometimes occur when drivers swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.

-Always wear a seat belt and use child safety seats for the kids.

If you’re driving in Kansas anytime of year, these tips will serve you well, but they’re especially important in the fall. Deer are also just one more reason to keep your eyes on the road when traveling. In 2022, 37 percent of single-vehicle crashes in Kansas involved a deer. There were also 575 injuries reported and six deaths.

If you do hit a deer, pull as far onto the shoulder as you can or off the road entirely if possible. Engage your emergency flashers and contact local law enforcement or Kansas Highway Patrol. Don’t attempt to remove the animal from the roadway.

Beware of the deer. Remember slow and steady is the best course, and it’s always better to be late than never arrive.

"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/2023/6/1687183475033.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe other weekend I watched two deer wander out of a creek bed and meander through a meadow until they caught a scent they didn’t like and took off running. After a few strides, it was difficult to pick out their tan hides against the khaki grasses as they ran toward the tree line in the distance.I was walking in a local park at the time so I could safely admire the quick, graceful escape. There’s been plenty of times where I wasn’t so happy to see a herd of deer galloping, mainly along the side of the road when I’m driving.Thankfully I’ve never had the misfortune of hitting one with a vehicle, though there’ve been several close calls. Oddly, though, my close encounters have usually come during the summer months rather than this time of year when deer are more active when people are likely to be heading to and from work.There are plenty of reasons for fall to be the peak season for vehicles to collide with deer, but the main ones are the animals are most active at dawn and dusk. In the fall, that activity coincides with most peoples’ commutes. It’s also the time of year deer wander farther than normal and are less wary of potential hazards as they seek to find a mate, which increases the chances they cross paths with you.The Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife has the following advice on how to avoid deer collisions:Watch for more than one deer, as they seldom travel alone.-Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses and near water such as streams or ponds.-Deer crossing signs indicate where high levels of deer/vehicle crashes have occurred in the past.-Use your bright lights to help you detect deer as far ahead as possible. -Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer – the most serious crashes sometimes occur when drivers swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.-Always wear a seat belt and use child safety seats for the kids.If you’re driving in Kansas anytime of year, these tips will serve you well, but they’re especially important in the fall. Deer are also just one more reason to keep your eyes on the road when traveling. In 2022, 37 percent of single-vehicle crashes in Kansas involved a deer. There were also 575 injuries reported and six deaths.If you do hit a deer, pull as far onto the shoulder as you can or off the road entirely if possible. Engage your emergency flashers and contact local law enforcement or Kansas Highway Patrol. Don’t attempt to remove the animal from the roadway.Beware of the deer. Remember slow and steady is the best course, and it’s always better to be late than never arrive."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.

Insight: Beware of deer

By MARK R. JOSLYN Political Science Professor at the University of Kansas&nbsp;

The question was asked repeatedly over the past few years: Was 2016 a fluke?

Most Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans thought so.

After all, Trump won by the slimmest of margins in a few pivotal swing states and lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Then Trump’s tenure in the White House was marked by historically low public approval. And his sagging popularity was key to the crushing defeat in 2020.

The MAGA coalition always posed a significant challenge.

While it supported Trump unconditionally, the group constantly battled against public rebuke and narrow appeal. Moreover, it’s demographic characteristics, which skew male, rural and non-college, are typically obstacles for sustained political engagement. Frequently dismissed as racist deplorables, misogynists, weird, phobic, low-information, threats to democracy, supporters of a fascist, and more recently garbage, the MAGA-hat-wearing voters could never be the foundation of an expansive electoral coalition.

Yet, Trump’s sweeping victory last week proved a broad coalition could be constructed around working-class voting blocks, stitched skillfully together by populist appeals and reinforced by widespread economic anxiety.

Successful presidential candidates in fact grow their base rather than being limited by it.

Trump assembled a surprisingly diverse set of supporters, netting Republican gains in most counties across the nation, flipping all 7 battleground states, winning the popular vote, and taking back Congress. In big cities, suburbs, rural areas, in red states and in blue, Trump’s margins improved. The trend cut across demographic categories, with pronounced changes in Latino communities. In 2012, Mitt Romney won 27 percent of Latino voters. In 2024, Trump won 42 percent.

Trump’s performance among the working class improved as well.

In 2020, Trump edged Biden’s working-class support by 4 points. This time it tripled to 12-points.

Among the white working-class, Trump enjoyed a 25-point margin over Biden. Against Harris, it rose to 30. Trump’s electoral influence also reached Kansas, where most counties shifted right.

In southern Republican strongholds like Cherokee (+2.7%), and the much larger Sedgwick (+1.6%), Trump’s margins advanced. They also improved in the blue college town counties of Douglas (+1.2%) and Riley (+3.3%).

In the western counties where Latinos constitute a majority, Trump saw significant growth. Ford county improved 3 percent, Finney 6 percent, Seward 5 percent, and Grant 4 percent.

In short, the 2024 election was a uniform swing for Trump that showcased a new Republican coalition, one that approaches the diversity typically seen within the Democratic party.

However, it would be a mistake to overreact and claim that a lasting realignment has taken place.

It was a close election. The margin of victory in Wisconsin was 0.9%, 1.4% in Michigan, and 2.1% in Pennsylvania.

Keeping the coalition together will be difficult. Latinos are the new swing voters. And not long ago, Barack Obama drew a large share of the white working class.

Circumstances change quickly and future developments could very well benefit Democrats.

Finally, Trump’s opponents repeatedly claimed he was a danger to democracy.

But Trump is also a vivid expression of it.

He forged and expanded a unique coalition, harnessing the strength of the very democratic institutions that his critics argue he wishes to destroy.

The views and opinions expressed in this opinion article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions. If you would like to submit an opinion please submit it newstips@salinapost.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Political Science Professor at the University of Kansas&nbsp;The question was asked repeatedly over the past few years: Was 2016 a fluke?Most Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans thought so.After all, Trump won by the slimmest of margins in a few pivotal swing states and lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Then Trump’s tenure in the White House was marked by historically low public approval. And his sagging popularity was key to the crushing defeat in 2020.The MAGA coalition always posed a significant challenge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>While it supported Trump unconditionally, the group constantly battled against public rebuke and narrow appeal. Moreover, it’s demographic characteristics, which skew male, rural and non-college, are typically obstacles for sustained political engagement. Frequently dismissed as racist deplorables, misogynists, weird, phobic, low-information, threats to democracy, supporters of a fascist, and more recently garbage, the MAGA-hat-wearing voters could never be the foundation of an expansive electoral coalition.Yet, Trump’s sweeping victory last week proved a broad coalition could be constructed around working-class voting blocks, stitched skillfully together by populist appeals and reinforced by widespread economic anxiety.Successful presidential candidates in fact grow their base rather than being limited by it.Trump assembled a surprisingly diverse set of supporters, netting Republican gains in most counties across the nation, flipping all 7 battleground states, winning the popular vote, and taking back Congress. In big cities, suburbs, rural areas, in red states and in blue, Trump’s margins improved. The trend cut across demographic categories, with pronounced changes in Latino communities. In 2012, Mitt Romney won 27 percent of Latino voters. In 2024, Trump won 42 percent.Trump’s performance among the working class improved as well.In 2020, Trump edged Biden’s working-class support by 4 points. This time it tripled to 12-points.Among the white working-class, Trump enjoyed a 25-point margin over Biden. Against Harris, it rose to 30. Trump’s electoral influence also reached Kansas, where most counties shifted right.In southern Republican strongholds like Cherokee (+2.7%), and the much larger Sedgwick (+1.6%), Trump’s margins advanced. They also improved in the blue college town counties of Douglas (+1.2%) and Riley (+3.3%).In the western counties where Latinos constitute a majority, Trump saw significant growth. Ford county improved 3 percent, Finney 6 percent, Seward 5 percent, and Grant 4 percent.In short, the 2024 election was a uniform swing for Trump that showcased a new Republican coalition, one that approaches the diversity typically seen within the Democratic party.However, it would be a mistake to overreact and claim that a lasting realignment has taken place.It was a close election. The margin of victory in Wisconsin was 0.9%, 1.4% in Michigan, and 2.1% in Pennsylvania.Keeping the coalition together will be difficult. Latinos are the new swing voters. And not long ago, Barack Obama drew a large share of the white working class.Circumstances change quickly and future developments could very well benefit Democrats.Finally, Trump’s opponents repeatedly claimed he was a danger to democracy.Perhaps.But Trump is also a vivid expression of it.He forged and expanded a unique coalition, harnessing the strength of the very democratic institutions that his critics argue he wishes to destroy.It was no fluke.The views and opinions expressed in this opinion article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions. If you would like to submit an opinion please submit it newstips@salinapost.com

Insight: The surprising growth of the MAGA coalition

By HAROLD COURTOIS Hospital Administrator, Memorial Health System

For over 30 years, the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program has enabled millions of Americans, including our patients in Abilene, to access essential healthcare. This program allows hospitals and clinics to purchase medications at a discount, ensuring that vulnerable populations—including seniors on fixed incomes and low-income families—can access vital services like chemotherapy, diabetes care, and behavioral health.

Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly undermining the 340B Program to boost profits, prioritizing investors over patients. In 2022 alone, Kansas 340B hospitals faced a combined net revenue loss of $18.2 million, while the top eight drug companies earned $99.4 billion.

Without 340B, Kansans would face higher costs, reduced access to care, and poorer health outcomes, especially in rural areas. The program’s savings support community health, keeping hospitals open and services available.

While recent legislative efforts have helped, there’s still work to do. I urge Kansans to contact their elected officials and advocate for preserving 340B. Together, we can protect this vital program and ensure accessible healthcare for all Kansans.

Harold Courtois is the Hospital Administrator of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene, KS. MHS is an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center along with the hospitals in Lindsborg and Concordia. Salina Regional Health Center is not a 340B hospital, but advocates for this essential program for its affiliated critical access hospitals as well as other rural hospitals in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By HAROLD COURTOIS Hospital Administrator, Memorial Health SystemFor over 30 years, the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program has enabled millions of Americans, including our patients in Abilene, to access essential healthcare. This program allows hospitals and clinics to purchase medications at a discount, ensuring that vulnerable populations—including seniors on fixed incomes and low-income families—can access vital services like chemotherapy, diabetes care, and behavioral health.Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly undermining the 340B Program to boost profits, prioritizing investors over patients. In 2022 alone, Kansas 340B hospitals faced a combined net revenue loss of $18.2 million, while the top eight drug companies earned $99.4 billion.Without 340B, Kansans would face higher costs, reduced access to care, and poorer health outcomes, especially in rural areas. The program’s savings support community health, keeping hospitals open and services available.While recent legislative efforts have helped, there’s still work to do. I urge Kansans to contact their elected officials and advocate for preserving 340B. Together, we can protect this vital program and ensure accessible healthcare for all Kansans.Harold Courtois is the Hospital Administrator of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene, KS. MHS is an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center along with the hospitals in Lindsborg and Concordia. Salina Regional Health Center is not a 340B hospital, but advocates for this essential program for its affiliated critical access hospitals as well as other rural hospitals in Kansas.

OPINION: 340B Program protects access to much-needed health care

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER&nbsp; PhD Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER&nbsp; PhD Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State UniversityThe 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.This is in line with the&nbsp;decisive&nbsp;vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

Insight: Kansas 2024 — A complex, red state

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

I’ve spent a lot of time in the cabs of tractors this month as we continue our marathon of fall harvest.

Spending so much time operating the grain cart during fall harvest has allowed me ample time to get caught up on podcasts, opportunities to start and end new audiobooks, and hear the latest songs on the radio over and over and over again.

While I’ve had this extra tractor time, I’ve also been away from other important tasks. The laundry needs attention. I’ve been slow to respond to my emails. October birthdays will be celebrated later in November. And I’ve officially told my kids they need to conserve the grocery hauls I bring home on the weekends because I can’t make special grocery trips during the week. If we run out of milk, drink water.

If I’m not in a tractor, I’ve been driving through the countryside in a truck pulling equipment to the next field waiting to be harvested. I’ve spent a lot of time on the backroads navigating to the next field.

The other afternoon my daughter was in the truck with me while I was pulling the fuel trailer to a field. She was chatting away about her day, testing me on her latest jokes and riddles she’d been working on, and keeping me up to date on the latest book she’d been reading.

As we approached a tree lined portion of the dirt road, she stopped talking and just looked out the windows until we drove through the trees full of changing leaves.

“You know, Mom,” she said. “I think this is the most beautiful time of the year.”

I couldn't argue with her. The trees are at just the right point of the season where the green summer leaves have turned to the bright yellows, reds and oranges that are synonymous with autumn. They glisten in the afternoon sunlight while moving with the wind, still clinging to the tree branches suggesting there’s plenty of life remaining before winter arrives.

Everywhere I look right now, there’s a warm and fiery palette presenting itself to viewers.

There are people who pay a lot of money to go see the changing of colors in other states. Individual vacations, bus tours and train rides are scheduled around this particular season. Many people either head to the mountains to view the aspens turning or travel back East to see the maple, birch and cherry trees showcasing their peak fall foliage.

But me? I’m perfectly happy enjoying my views from a tractor cab or while driving down the dirt roads as we continue to harvest our fall crops. The background colors of those most beautiful leaves compliment the natural, warm hues of the soybeans and sorghum fields still awaiting harvest.

I know it won’t last for long, so I’m making sure to appreciate all of these peak views now before the leaves dry up and release themselves from their trees to usher in winter.

It truly is the most beautiful time of the year.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherI’ve spent a lot of time in the cabs of tractors this month as we continue our marathon of fall harvest.Spending so much time operating the grain cart during fall harvest has allowed me ample time to get caught up on podcasts, opportunities to start and end new audiobooks, and hear the latest songs on the radio over and over and over again.While I’ve had this extra tractor time, I’ve also been away from other important tasks. The laundry needs attention. I’ve been slow to respond to my emails. October birthdays will be celebrated later in November. And I’ve officially told my kids they need to conserve the grocery hauls I bring home on the weekends because I can’t make special grocery trips during the week. If we run out of milk, drink water.If I’m not in a tractor, I’ve been driving through the countryside in a truck pulling equipment to the next field waiting to be harvested. I’ve spent a lot of time on the backroads navigating to the next field.The other afternoon my daughter was in the truck with me while I was pulling the fuel trailer to a field. She was chatting away about her day, testing me on her latest jokes and riddles she’d been working on, and keeping me up to date on the latest book she’d been reading.As we approached a tree lined portion of the dirt road, she stopped talking and just looked out the windows until we drove through the trees full of changing leaves.“You know, Mom,” she said. “I think this is the most beautiful time of the year.”I couldn't argue with her. The trees are at just the right point of the season where the green summer leaves have turned to the bright yellows, reds and oranges that are synonymous with autumn. They glisten in the afternoon sunlight while moving with the wind, still clinging to the tree branches suggesting there’s plenty of life remaining before winter arrives.Everywhere I look right now, there’s a warm and fiery palette presenting itself to viewers.There are people who pay a lot of money to go see the changing of colors in other states. Individual vacations, bus tours and train rides are scheduled around this particular season. Many people either head to the mountains to view the aspens turning or travel back East to see the maple, birch and cherry trees showcasing their peak fall foliage.But me? I’m perfectly happy enjoying my views from a tractor cab or while driving down the dirt roads as we continue to harvest our fall crops. The background colors of those most beautiful leaves compliment the natural, warm hues of the soybeans and sorghum fields still awaiting harvest.I know it won’t last for long, so I’m making sure to appreciate all of these peak views now before the leaves dry up and release themselves from their trees to usher in winter.It truly is the most beautiful time of the year."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: Colors of harvest

By DAVID NORLIN Salina Resident

If there is one place where Americans and Kansans find common ground, it is accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When candidate-speak is unaccountable, when fact-checkers can’t keep up, in the face of cascading catastrophic issues, when one side says this and the other that, well--hell, yes!&nbsp;&nbsp;We want accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;And truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, why is it that Kansas’ monopoly party slavishly reinforces faulty facts/perceptions, or worse yet simply refuses to show up at election time?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Absence from Kansas debates looks at first like a troubling infection, but examined more closely, it’s a pandemic.

To say they are following Trump is almost cliché.&nbsp;&nbsp;We need not document his many no-shows.&nbsp;&nbsp;But whether it’s copycatism or just arrogance, this campaign tactic has trickled, or cascaded, down to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Salina, JR Claeys, our Saline/Dickinson County 24th District Senator who also runs/manages/consults Trump’s campaign and many others, has followed suit. Who is the ONLY candidate who refused to appear or even send a statement, for the League of Women Voters forum?&nbsp;&nbsp;Claeys.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But his refusal’s arguable effect on Salina history is even more disturbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more than a half century, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters have co-hosted pre-election candidate forums.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, the forum was planned as usual.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suddenly, the Chamber withdrew.&nbsp;&nbsp;No longer did it feel responsible to offer the public an examination of candidates. The Chamber had “received …. concerns regarding [League] partisanship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Their “community partners” made it clear “that there is a perception in the community that the League is a partisan organization.”&nbsp;&nbsp;So, they decided to “protect [their] reputation as non-partisan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Who, it might be asked, is partisan here? An organization that wants the public to be informed, or one that doesn’t?&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s nearly impossible to avoid the echo Chamber’s language regarding the League of Women Voters as a ‘partisan organization.’&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2016, only slightly more ridiculously, now-Kansas-Attorney-General Kris Kobach, infamously conferred the label “communist League of Women Voters.”

After 50 years, why the Chamber’s change of mind—and heart?

The same question might apply in another Senator’s campaign, that of Larry Alley in Senate Disrict 32 Cowley County.When pressed in an earlier debate about his votes on Medicaid expansion, women’s reproductive health, and tax issues—votes that some argued were against the best interests of his constituents—Alley said he would answer questions in a second debate but refused to appear on stage with his opponent, Lawrence Moreno.

<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/news/article_445841e8-8c57-11ef-8d11-67fae60217fd.html">Faced with that reality, the local Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce abruptly cancelled, citing ‘lack of volunteers.”</a>

The U.S. House race for District one is also instructive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Incumbent Tracey Mann of Salina was approached on numerous occasions by broadcast outlets, Chambers of Commerce, and women’s groups, with no response except ‘schedule conflicts.’&nbsp;&nbsp;

The requests:&nbsp;&nbsp;August 17, Douglas County Women For Kansas; September 16, Hutchinson Women for Kansas; October 8 or 14, Hays Chamber and FHSU; Oct 21 or 22, WIBW TV; October 11, 23, or 24, KSAL Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;In all cases, either no response or ‘schedule conflict.’&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most interestingly, says Democratic candidate Paul Buskirk, “The Douglas County W4K, after no response, saw that Mann was appearing just a few miles away in a nearby town the day before their requested debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;They went.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asking him directly why he’d not responded and renewing their request, Mann told them that he visited each county only once in a given year.”

The brick wall of no-shows is not limited to more rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas’ largest city, Mary Knecht, League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro member, relates their experience.&nbsp; 

“Candidates who refused the invitation to participate in a forum for the November 2024 election were Ron Estes, Ty Masterson, and Dan Hawkins.” In other words, both another U.S. House member (Estes) and the leaders of both Kansas Senate and House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why do these public servants feel no responsibility to their public?

In Claeys’ case, he has steered dollars and grants to the downtown TIF district, K-State Salina Aviation program, the Airport Authority, the new federal-grant-supported housing project, in which the Senator is rumored to have a financial interest, and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Money talks. Where Claeys goes, bucks bellow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a VP of Axiom strategies, he manages or ‘consults with’ his and numerous other election races--<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee12ffcebfb13423b277290">including Donald Trump and Kris Kobach</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;All races famous for their blizzards of last-minute postcards against opponents, most filled with unsubstantiated accusations.

Axiom’s profits also come from the ballot initiatives like the $2 million KC Chiefs’ proposed new stadium. Dollars paid stayed--with Axiom.

Besides his legislative salary, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/19/kansas-lawmakers-on-track-for-hefty-salary-increases-in-2025/">due to double next year</a>, Kris Kobach hired his former campaign manager and spokesperson as <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/01/12/kansas-lawmaker-to-advise-kris-kobach-remain-in-state-legislature/69799613007/">‘Senior Advisor,’</a> at over $75,000 a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What really costs us, however, are not his salaries, but his influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“One hundred percent of his contributions came from PACs, corporations or other types of businesses.” His fund-raisers are held in well-heeled<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/04/where-did-kansas-state-senators-campaign-funds-come-from-the-answers-might-surprise-you/"> Kansas City and Wichita at hundreds to thousands a plate</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under these circumstances, why talk to constituents at their doors, to the public at a League of Women Voters debate, or even/especially to the press?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina press uniformly reports non-response.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan King, Salina Post says, “I called 4 different phone numbers repeatedly asking for response.&nbsp;&nbsp;Got nothing.” 

To confirm, I personally emailed Claeys and left voicemail asking for response.&nbsp;&nbsp;I, too, got nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, did Claeys’ Trump our Chamber of Commerce? Or vice versa?

Either way, the public is robbed of its right to truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unaccountably.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID NORLIN Salina ResidentIf there is one place where Americans and Kansans find common ground, it is accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone gets that.&nbsp;&nbsp;When candidate-speak is unaccountable, when fact-checkers can’t keep up, in the face of cascading catastrophic issues, when one side says this and the other that, well--hell, yes!&nbsp;&nbsp;We want accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;And truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, why is it that Kansas’ monopoly party slavishly reinforces faulty facts/perceptions, or worse yet simply refuses to show up at election time?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Absence from Kansas debates looks at first like a troubling infection, but examined more closely, it’s a pandemic.To say they are following Trump is almost cliché.&nbsp;&nbsp;We need not document his many no-shows.&nbsp;&nbsp;But whether it’s copycatism or just arrogance, this campaign tactic has trickled, or cascaded, down to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Salina, JR Claeys, our Saline/Dickinson County 24th District Senator who also runs/manages/consults Trump’s campaign and many others, has followed suit. Who is the ONLY candidate who refused to appear or even send a statement, for the League of Women Voters forum?&nbsp;&nbsp;Claeys.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But his refusal’s arguable effect on Salina history is even more disturbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more than a half century, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters have co-hosted pre-election candidate forums.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, the forum was planned as usual.&nbsp;&nbsp;Till it wasn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, the Chamber withdrew.&nbsp;&nbsp;No longer did it feel responsible to offer the public an examination of candidates. The Chamber had “received …. concerns regarding [League] partisanship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Their “community partners” made it clear “that there is a perception in the community that the League is a partisan organization.”&nbsp;&nbsp;So, they decided to “protect [their] reputation as non-partisan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who, it might be asked, is partisan here? An organization that wants the public to be informed, or one that doesn’t?&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s nearly impossible to avoid the echo Chamber’s language regarding the League of Women Voters as a ‘partisan organization.’&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2016, only slightly more ridiculously, now-Kansas-Attorney-General Kris Kobach, infamously conferred the label “communist League of Women Voters.”After 50 years, why the Chamber’s change of mind—and heart?The same question might apply in another Senator’s campaign, that of Larry Alley in Senate Disrict 32 Cowley County.When pressed in an earlier debate about his votes on Medicaid expansion, women’s reproductive health, and tax issues—votes that some argued were against the best interests of his constituents—Alley said he would answer questions in a second debate but refused to appear on stage with his opponent, Lawrence Moreno.<a href="https://www.ctnewsonline.com/news/article_445841e8-8c57-11ef-8d11-67fae60217fd.html">Faced with that reality, the local Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce abruptly cancelled, citing ‘lack of volunteers.”</a>The U.S. House race for District one is also instructive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Incumbent Tracey Mann of Salina was approached on numerous occasions by broadcast outlets, Chambers of Commerce, and women’s groups, with no response except ‘schedule conflicts.’&nbsp;&nbsp;The requests:&nbsp;&nbsp;August 17, Douglas County Women For Kansas; September 16, Hutchinson Women for Kansas; October 8 or 14, Hays Chamber and FHSU; Oct 21 or 22, WIBW TV; October 11, 23, or 24, KSAL Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;In all cases, either no response or ‘schedule conflict.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Most interestingly, says Democratic candidate Paul Buskirk, “The Douglas County W4K, after no response, saw that Mann was appearing just a few miles away in a nearby town the day before their requested debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;They went.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asking him directly why he’d not responded and renewing their request, Mann told them that he visited each county only once in a given year.”The brick wall of no-shows is not limited to more rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas’ largest city, Mary Knecht, League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro member, relates their experience.&nbsp; “Candidates who refused the invitation to participate in a forum for the November 2024 election were Ron Estes, Ty Masterson, and Dan Hawkins.” In other words, both another U.S. House member (Estes) and the leaders of both Kansas Senate and House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why do these public servants feel no responsibility to their public?In Claeys’ case, he has steered dollars and grants to the downtown TIF district, K-State Salina Aviation program, the Airport Authority, the new federal-grant-supported housing project, in which the Senator is rumored to have a financial interest, and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Money talks. Where Claeys goes, bucks bellow.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a VP of Axiom strategies, he manages or ‘consults with’ his and numerous other election races--<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee12ffcebfb13423b277290">including Donald Trump and Kris Kobach</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;All races famous for their blizzards of last-minute postcards against opponents, most filled with unsubstantiated accusations.Axiom’s profits also come from the ballot initiatives like the $2 million KC Chiefs’ proposed new stadium. Dollars paid stayed--with Axiom.And then there are JR’s salaries.Besides his legislative salary, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/19/kansas-lawmakers-on-track-for-hefty-salary-increases-in-2025/">due to double next year</a>, Kris Kobach hired his former campaign manager and spokesperson as <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/01/12/kansas-lawmaker-to-advise-kris-kobach-remain-in-state-legislature/69799613007/">‘Senior Advisor,’</a> at over $75,000 a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;What really costs us, however, are not his salaries, but his influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who funds him?&nbsp;&nbsp;“One hundred percent of his contributions came from PACs, corporations or other types of businesses.” His fund-raisers are held in well-heeled<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/04/where-did-kansas-state-senators-campaign-funds-come-from-the-answers-might-surprise-you/"> Kansas City and Wichita at hundreds to thousands a plate</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under these circumstances, why talk to constituents at their doors, to the public at a League of Women Voters debate, or even/especially to the press?&nbsp;&nbsp;Salina press uniformly reports non-response.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan King, Salina Post says, “I called 4 different phone numbers repeatedly asking for response.&nbsp;&nbsp;Got nothing.” To confirm, I personally emailed Claeys and left voicemail asking for response.&nbsp;&nbsp;I, too, got nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, did Claeys’ Trump our Chamber of Commerce? Or vice versa?Either way, the public is robbed of its right to truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unaccountably.&nbsp;&nbsp;The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: No-shows rob the people

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Most voters make their decisions for various unreflective reasons; engaging in a prolonged internal struggle over whether or not to support any particular candidate, especially a candidate nominated by a party which the voter identifies with, just isn’t typical behavior.

Donald Trump, though, has never been a typical candidate; he’s always been a contentious one. There is less talk today of “Never Trumpers,” as many of those Republicans who opposed Trump’s rise to dominance within the GOP have left the party. But not all have—even in Kansas, a state that gave Trump 56% of the popular vote in 2016 and 2020, and will likely do so again.

Given that Kansas Republicans have historically divided into moderate and conservative factions, perhaps the fact that there remains a small but persistent number of Republicans who still reject Trump’s control over the GOP isn’t surprising. Stephanie Sharp, a Republican who served three terms in the Kansas House, is one of the prime movers behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.women4us.org/">Women 4 U.S.</a>, a national organization of self-identifying conservative women working against Trump’s return to the White House. Steven Howe, current Republican member of the Kansas House, condemned Trump’s “<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">deceit and lies</a>” and plead with his own party to turn away from their support for the former president. And then there is U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, the only one of the Republicans which Kansans have elected to Congress who has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article292202050.html">declined to endorse Trump</a>&nbsp;for president. While he’s never directly condemned Trump either, this is a man who, if you’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-tale-of-two-congressmen-with-10-point.html">paid attention to his speeches over the years</a>, clearly has little respect for the leader of his own party.

I also have to include here a deeply conservative friend of mine, a life-long Republican voter who finds Trump’s dismissive attitude towards both the law and the truth utterly disqualifying, despite mostly agreeing with Trump on matters of policy.

He, like those mentioned above, knows that his opposition won’t significantly affect voting results in Kansas; it’s a given that Kansas’s electoral college votes will go to Donald Trump.

But what will that result have on the longstanding divide within Kansas’s dominant political party? All political parties deal with internal divisions over policy priorities, but a rejection of the person who leads the party itself? The Bernie Sanders faction of the Democratic party, despite its grievances, made its peace with and supported both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, and is set to do the same for Kamala Harris, whereas the absence of any Trump-critical Republicans from the current GOP campaign—from Mitt Romney to Lynn Cheney to Mike Pence--suggests a division quite unlike the divides Kansas Republican faced over Governor Brownback, for example.

I think of another friend, a smart and passionate GOP volunteer, who is entirely on board with the MAGA line: that Trump won the election in 2020, and that Trump’s actions to challenge being denied his supposed win were justified, despite the violence involved. Assuming neither of my friends change their minds, how can their party accommodate such a stark division?

Perhaps by just ignoring it? (It’s notable that Rep. Howe has faced no intra-party challenge in his re-election race). Or if Trump loses, maybe find common ground by treating the past decade as just a strange, rough patch in party history, something that historians will have to figure out?

Neither of those options will be available if Trump wins, or just refuses once again to accept his loss. So long a Trump’s presence endures, I would anticipate that a small but persistent fracture will remain in our state Republican politics. Who knows how long it will take for it to heal then?

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasMost voters make their decisions for various unreflective reasons; engaging in a prolonged internal struggle over whether or not to support any particular candidate, especially a candidate nominated by a party which the voter identifies with, just isn’t typical behavior.Donald Trump, though, has never been a typical candidate; he’s always been a contentious one. There is less talk today of “Never Trumpers,” as many of those Republicans who opposed Trump’s rise to dominance within the GOP have left the party. But not all have—even in Kansas, a state that gave Trump 56% of the popular vote in 2016 and 2020, and will likely do so again.Given that Kansas Republicans have historically divided into moderate and conservative factions, perhaps the fact that there remains a small but persistent number of Republicans who still reject Trump’s control over the GOP isn’t surprising. Stephanie Sharp, a Republican who served three terms in the Kansas House, is one of the prime movers behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.women4us.org/">Women 4 U.S.</a>, a national organization of self-identifying conservative women working against Trump’s return to the White House. Steven Howe, current Republican member of the Kansas House, condemned Trump’s “<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">deceit and lies</a>” and plead with his own party to turn away from their support for the former president. And then there is U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, the only one of the Republicans which Kansans have elected to Congress who has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article292202050.html">declined to endorse Trump</a>&nbsp;for president. While he’s never directly condemned Trump either, this is a man who, if you’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-tale-of-two-congressmen-with-10-point.html">paid attention to his speeches over the years</a>, clearly has little respect for the leader of his own party.I also have to include here a deeply conservative friend of mine, a life-long Republican voter who finds Trump’s dismissive attitude towards both the law and the truth utterly disqualifying, despite mostly agreeing with Trump on matters of policy.He, like those mentioned above, knows that his opposition won’t significantly affect voting results in Kansas; it’s a given that Kansas’s electoral college votes will go to Donald Trump.But what will that result have on the longstanding divide within Kansas’s dominant political party? All political parties deal with internal divisions over policy priorities, but a rejection of the person who leads the party itself? The Bernie Sanders faction of the Democratic party, despite its grievances, made its peace with and supported both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, and is set to do the same for Kamala Harris, whereas the absence of any Trump-critical Republicans from the current GOP campaign—from Mitt Romney to Lynn Cheney to Mike Pence--suggests a division quite unlike the divides Kansas Republican faced over Governor Brownback, for example.I think of another friend, a smart and passionate GOP volunteer, who is entirely on board with the MAGA line: that Trump won the election in 2020, and that Trump’s actions to challenge being denied his supposed win were justified, despite the violence involved. Assuming neither of my friends change their minds, how can their party accommodate such a stark division?Perhaps by just ignoring it? (It’s notable that Rep. Howe has faced no intra-party challenge in his re-election race). Or if Trump loses, maybe find common ground by treating the past decade as just a strange, rough patch in party history, something that historians will have to figure out?Neither of those options will be available if Trump wins, or just refuses once again to accept his loss. So long a Trump’s presence endures, I would anticipate that a small but persistent fracture will remain in our state Republican politics. Who knows how long it will take for it to heal then?Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

INSIGHT KANSAS:  Kansas Republicans and the problem of Donald Trump

By STEVEN HOWE State Representative (R-71st District)

The United States of America is a land full of second chances. It is a land of refuge and opportunity, a land of redemption. We have a constitution that helps secure the rights of the people, and among those precious rights is freedom of speech - which means even criticizing elected officials like myself or former President Trump. The checks and balances that our founders framed for us are beautifully made for freedom loving people. 

Earlier this year I wrote an Op-Ed very critical of former President Trump and the events that led up to January 6, 2021. In my column I took the former President to task for his repeated and false claims that the 2020 election was “stolen” and the events leading up to January 6. Also in the op-ed, in light of this year’s Kansas presidential preference primary I stated, “.....I will not vote for him a third time in 2024.” 

When the op-ed was published in January there were approximately 10 Republicans up for the nomination. I was hopeful that a potentially younger conservative candidate would help the Republican Party move forward. 

By the time the Kansas presidential preference primary rolled around on March 19th, everyone had dropped out or suspended their campaigns, and President Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee on March 12.

For the past seven months I have observed, and have contemplated deeply about the choices before us. To say a lot has changed in that time is an understatement. Yesterday I got in line to advance vote, and I cast my vote for Donald J. Trump for President. Although I have my own personal reservations, I believe he has the superior executive leadership experience to lead our country for the next four years.

I do not consider my vote to be a blank check for anyone. I will continue to engage and be a civil voice within the Republican Party, and work to bring people together to get things done.

Whether it is eliminating the state income tax on social security benefits or eliminating the state sales tax on food, there is common ground that has been achieved because Republicans and Democrats were willing to work together. Let’s hope Kansas can be a model for what is possible at the national level - Ad Astra Per Aspera- To the Stars Through Difficulties.

Steven K. Howe currently serves as the State Representative for District 71 in Salina and Saline County, and is the Republican nominee for State Representative for Kansas’ District 71.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709073668247.jpeg" alt="Steven Howe" />
 <figcaption>Steven Howe</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVEN HOWE State Representative (R-71st District) The United States of America is a land full of second chances. It is a land of refuge and opportunity, a land of redemption. We have a constitution that helps secure the rights of the people, and among those precious rights is freedom of speech - which means even criticizing elected officials like myself or former President Trump. The checks and balances that our founders framed for us are beautifully made for freedom loving people. Earlier this year I wrote an Op-Ed very critical of former President Trump and the events that led up to January 6, 2021. In my column I took the former President to task for his repeated and false claims that the 2020 election was “stolen” and the events leading up to January 6. Also in the op-ed, in light of this year’s Kansas presidential preference primary I stated, “.....I will not vote for him a third time in 2024.” When the op-ed was published in January there were approximately 10 Republicans up for the nomination. I was hopeful that a potentially younger conservative candidate would help the Republican Party move forward. By the time the Kansas presidential preference primary rolled around on March 19th, everyone had dropped out or suspended their campaigns, and President Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee on March 12.For the past seven months I have observed, and have contemplated deeply about the choices before us. To say a lot has changed in that time is an understatement. Yesterday I got in line to advance vote, and I cast my vote for Donald J. Trump for President. Although I have my own personal reservations, I believe he has the superior executive leadership experience to lead our country for the next four years.I do not consider my vote to be a blank check for anyone. I will continue to engage and be a civil voice within the Republican Party, and work to bring people together to get things done.Whether it is eliminating the state income tax on social security benefits or eliminating the state sales tax on food, there is common ground that has been achieved because Republicans and Democrats were willing to work together. Let’s hope Kansas can be a model for what is possible at the national level - Ad Astra Per Aspera- To the Stars Through Difficulties.Steven K. Howe currently serves as the State Representative for District 71 in Salina and Saline County, and is the Republican nominee for State Representative for Kansas’ District 71.The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

Rep. Steven Howe reflects on voting for Trump after earlier criticism

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

This year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;

Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?

First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.

Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;

Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasThis year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: What is Really Going On With Inflation?

Agriculture and aviation are two of the biggest industries in Kansas, but it’s been rare for commodity farmers and commercial airlines to interact as partners. As sustainability moves from boardroom buzzword to real world applications, there’s a need for more conversation between the industries.

Kansas Farm Bureau recently facilitated some of that conversation between farmers in south-central Kansas and representatives from Delta Airlines centered largely around the recent push to produce more sustainable aviation fuel. Essentially, the grains and oilseeds farmers grow will be refined into jet fuel.

Sustainability has a wide variety of meanings depending on the context. For airlines, sustainability is a biofuel with a lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-derived propellant. For farmers, sustainability is keeping the land they farm productive so future generations can continue working it.

It’s logical two different industries would have different definitions for the same term. One is a little over 100 years old, while the other has been around for a few thousand years. It makes perfect sense for the upstart industry (relatively speaking) to learn from the much older one of what sustainability looks like.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to farming. Over visits to farms across just three counties in Kansas, airline officials were able to see firsthand just how different farms are. Many employed the same conservation-minded practices like no-till and cover crops that aim to boost soil health, but the practices were long-term investments in the land. A lower carbon footprint isn’t the goal, it’s merely a byproduct of good stewardship.

To their credit, Delta officials didn’t come to Kansas expecting to resolve all the issues surrounding sustainable aviation fuel, rather they showed up with an open mind and sought to better understand policy perspectives of growers in the region and experiences across the agricultural value chain.

They heard firsthand about opportunities and challenges to implementing conservation practices on farms. Farmers provided their experiences on topics like raising grain sorghum, using cover crops to increase soil health and for grazing, wheat planting, drought and minimum- or no-till practices.

Orville Wright covered 120 feet over the course of 12 seconds in the first powered flight of what’s now known as an airplane. An observer during that first flight could probably figure out a 747 is one of the results of that flight, but couldn’t comprehend the testing, innovation and change necessary to get from one to the other.

The same is true in agriculture. The plow, which may be the most important tool in settling Kansas, is not long for this world. Breaking generations of tradition isn’t easy and doesn’t always happen quickly, but I have no doubt Kansas farmers will be leaders in the coming evolution.

The conversation between agriculture and aviation is just getting started. It’s commendable the two industries are talking, trying to figure out how to best help each other thrive in the future. This was just the beginning of the conversation, and no one is quite sure where it will lead. One thing everyone knows: the sky’s the limit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687183475033.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauAgriculture and aviation are two of the biggest industries in Kansas, but it’s been rare for commodity farmers and commercial airlines to interact as partners. As sustainability moves from boardroom buzzword to real world applications, there’s a need for more conversation between the industries.Kansas Farm Bureau recently facilitated some of that conversation between farmers in south-central Kansas and representatives from Delta Airlines centered largely around the recent push to produce more sustainable aviation fuel. Essentially, the grains and oilseeds farmers grow will be refined into jet fuel.Sustainability has a wide variety of meanings depending on the context. For airlines, sustainability is a biofuel with a lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-derived propellant. For farmers, sustainability is keeping the land they farm productive so future generations can continue working it.It’s logical two different industries would have different definitions for the same term. One is a little over 100 years old, while the other has been around for a few thousand years. It makes perfect sense for the upstart industry (relatively speaking) to learn from the much older one of what sustainability looks like.Perhaps the biggest takeaway is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to farming. Over visits to farms across just three counties in Kansas, airline officials were able to see firsthand just how different farms are. Many employed the same conservation-minded practices like no-till and cover crops that aim to boost soil health, but the practices were long-term investments in the land. A lower carbon footprint isn’t the goal, it’s merely a byproduct of good stewardship.To their credit, Delta officials didn’t come to Kansas expecting to resolve all the issues surrounding sustainable aviation fuel, rather they showed up with an open mind and sought to better understand policy perspectives of growers in the region and experiences across the agricultural value chain.They heard firsthand about opportunities and challenges to implementing conservation practices on farms. Farmers provided their experiences on topics like raising grain sorghum, using cover crops to increase soil health and for grazing, wheat planting, drought and minimum- or no-till practices.Orville Wright covered 120 feet over the course of 12 seconds in the first powered flight of what’s now known as an airplane. An observer during that first flight could probably figure out a 747 is one of the results of that flight, but couldn’t comprehend the testing, innovation and change necessary to get from one to the other.The same is true in agriculture. The plow, which may be the most important tool in settling Kansas, is not long for this world. Breaking generations of tradition isn’t easy and doesn’t always happen quickly, but I have no doubt Kansas farmers will be leaders in the coming evolution.The conversation between agriculture and aviation is just getting started. It’s commendable the two industries are talking, trying to figure out how to best help each other thrive in the future. This was just the beginning of the conversation, and no one is quite sure where it will lead. One thing everyone knows: the sky’s the limit."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.

INSIGHT: Agriculture and aviation

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Insight Kansas

Our local Oktoberfest celebration took place a few weeks ago. This event is one of my favorite, and one of my biggest volunteer commitments. Everyone on the planning committee puts in a lot of time and effort with the sole purpose of raising money to better our community, and we have a great time doing it.

We have had great weather over the years for the event and bad weather was bound to hit us at some point; this year it hit us hard.

For the 10 days leading up to Oktoberfest, a bit of anxiety built as we watch rain dance in and out of the weather forecast. We explored options for moving the event but found that wouldn’t work with some of our licensing. We decided to move forward and hope for the best.

About an hour before the event’s start time law enforcement showed up to let us know straight-line winds of 60-plus miles per hour were headed our way. Before the squad car left the park, huge drops of rain were hitting us and the wind came up on us like a freight train.

Our crew rushed into action trying to salvage decorations and other light objects. Then some of our smaller tailgating size tents for tickets and the stage started to bend and break. We dashed through the rain to help the band get instruments loaded back in their vehicle to avoid further damage.

When there was no more that could be done we all took shelter under our only sturdy tent and waited out the rest of that down poor watching cascades of rain creating rivers and lakes throughout the park. It was clear the event would not be what we had hoped. It would have been easy to call the event off and admit defeat at this point.

However, the Oktoberfest committee has a very clear understanding that we make our community by raising money AND hosting a fun community event. We went into crisis management mode and talked through a lot of options for salvaging the event before settling on a plan.

When the first and high winds stopped, we sent out word to the community the event would look different but it would still happen. We invited people to join us for some fun in the rain. Amazingly, without a band or most of our activities we still had almost 300 people, which is a little less than half of our normal crowd, show up to raise a glass, grab dinner and join in an unforgettable Oktoberfest. We are so grateful that people showed up in less than ideal circumstances and make the best of a tough night.

Our misfortune was fairly small with everything happening in the world. People in western North Carolina are not worrying about the loss of their crops, property and roads, they are working to save their neighbors and help those in need. People with terminal illnesses are fighting for their lives while securing for the needs of their loved ones. People with big and small problems are finding ways to make their life and those around them better.

Life is full of unpredictable and often unpleasant circumstances. The only thing we can truly control is our reaction. You can choose to work toward solutions instead of focusing on everything that is going wrong. You can choose kindness, grace, forgiveness and optimism.

When there are storms in your life, will you call the game on account of rain or invite friends to join you in the rain?

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Insight Kansas Our local Oktoberfest celebration took place a few weeks ago. This event is one of my favorite, and one of my biggest volunteer commitments. Everyone on the planning committee puts in a lot of time and effort with the sole purpose of raising money to better our community, and we have a great time doing it.We have had great weather over the years for the event and bad weather was bound to hit us at some point; this year it hit us hard.For the 10 days leading up to Oktoberfest, a bit of anxiety built as we watch rain dance in and out of the weather forecast. We explored options for moving the event but found that wouldn’t work with some of our licensing. We decided to move forward and hope for the best.About an hour before the event’s start time law enforcement showed up to let us know straight-line winds of 60-plus miles per hour were headed our way. Before the squad car left the park, huge drops of rain were hitting us and the wind came up on us like a freight train.Our crew rushed into action trying to salvage decorations and other light objects. Then some of our smaller tailgating size tents for tickets and the stage started to bend and break. We dashed through the rain to help the band get instruments loaded back in their vehicle to avoid further damage.When there was no more that could be done we all took shelter under our only sturdy tent and waited out the rest of that down poor watching cascades of rain creating rivers and lakes throughout the park. It was clear the event would not be what we had hoped. It would have been easy to call the event off and admit defeat at this point.However, the Oktoberfest committee has a very clear understanding that we make our community by raising money AND hosting a fun community event. We went into crisis management mode and talked through a lot of options for salvaging the event before settling on a plan.When the first and high winds stopped, we sent out word to the community the event would look different but it would still happen. We invited people to join us for some fun in the rain. Amazingly, without a band or most of our activities we still had almost 300 people, which is a little less than half of our normal crowd, show up to raise a glass, grab dinner and join in an unforgettable Oktoberfest. We are so grateful that people showed up in less than ideal circumstances and make the best of a tough night.Our misfortune was fairly small with everything happening in the world. People in western North Carolina are not worrying about the loss of their crops, property and roads, they are working to save their neighbors and help those in need. People with terminal illnesses are fighting for their lives while securing for the needs of their loved ones. People with big and small problems are finding ways to make their life and those around them better.Life is full of unpredictable and often unpleasant circumstances. The only thing we can truly control is our reaction. You can choose to work toward solutions instead of focusing on everything that is going wrong. You can choose kindness, grace, forgiveness and optimism.When there are storms in your life, will you call the game on account of rain or invite friends to join you in the rain?"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.

Insight Kansas: What you can control

Corn harvest is ramping up across Kansas and while every field will be different, reports from across the state range from better than expected to a great crop. Prices, however, are just ugly. As the calendar marches toward October, soybean harvest and wheat planting will make already crowded schedules even busier.

In Finney County, Kyle Deaver had started shelling dryland corn. Irrigated fields are still ripening but soybeans are getting close to being harvest ready. Rain showers were a welcome benefit last week that will help with wheat planting.

Deaver believes the corn crop in his area will have a solid, average year, but it’s “a lower price than I’d like to see,” he says. Corn prices have been trending down since topping $8 a bushel in 2022, and they’ve fallen about 60 cents a bushel since the beginning of the year. It’s now hovering just above $4 as harvest rolls though Kansas.

On the eastern side of the state, Ottawa Coop’s Waverly location manager Mike Beying said a rain would still help soybeans in the field and he’d welcome a slowdown in corn harvest to free up some more storage.

“Space is tight,” he says. “When the corn is coming, it’s coming fast.”

Beying says his location has received corn from four counties so far, and some of those loads were around 250 bushels per acre, significantly above the usual target of 130 to 140 bushels per acre for the area.

“We’ll be above that average in a lot of places,” Beying says. “It just depends on where the rain happened to fall.”

The rain didn’t fall on the fields of Marion County farmer Nick Peters. He reported there was no measurable rain in his area from July 3 to Aug. 13. For the second straight year, a lack of moisture meant the corn died early and Peters finished up harvest earlier than usual.

“If there had been any type of moisture then it could have really made a difference,” he says. “It was better than last year. It wasn’t our best crop, but it was better than we thought it was going to be. Considering all the factors, we’re happy.”

Peters says he’s staying busy with spraying and waiting for soybeans to dry down for harvest. He’s hopeful for some moisture to help with wheat drilling and to give a boost to his double crop beans.

“Prices are a little rough right now,” Peters says. “Overall, we definitely could be worse off. We’ll survive and advance.”

The eternal optimism of farmers never ceases to amaze me. A better than expected harvest after six weeks of no rain isn’t easy to deal with. And the excitement from a bumper crop is still dampened by low prices. It’s a testament to the faith growers have in the weather, markets and their own ability to look beyond today’s results and believe tomorrow’s will be better. Whether corn harvest is just starting or already wrapped up, one thing’s for certain. There’s always next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687183475033.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauCorn harvest is ramping up across Kansas and while every field will be different, reports from across the state range from better than expected to a great crop. Prices, however, are just ugly. As the calendar marches toward October, soybean harvest and wheat planting will make already crowded schedules even busier.In Finney County, Kyle Deaver had started shelling dryland corn. Irrigated fields are still ripening but soybeans are getting close to being harvest ready. Rain showers were a welcome benefit last week that will help with wheat planting.Deaver believes the corn crop in his area will have a solid, average year, but it’s “a lower price than I’d like to see,” he says. Corn prices have been trending down since topping $8 a bushel in 2022, and they’ve fallen about 60 cents a bushel since the beginning of the year. It’s now hovering just above $4 as harvest rolls though Kansas.On the eastern side of the state, Ottawa Coop’s Waverly location manager Mike Beying said a rain would still help soybeans in the field and he’d welcome a slowdown in corn harvest to free up some more storage.“Space is tight,” he says. “When the corn is coming, it’s coming fast.”Beying says his location has received corn from four counties so far, and some of those loads were around 250 bushels per acre, significantly above the usual target of 130 to 140 bushels per acre for the area.“We’ll be above that average in a lot of places,” Beying says. “It just depends on where the rain happened to fall.”The rain didn’t fall on the fields of Marion County farmer Nick Peters. He reported there was no measurable rain in his area from July 3 to Aug. 13. For the second straight year, a lack of moisture meant the corn died early and Peters finished up harvest earlier than usual.“If there had been any type of moisture then it could have really made a difference,” he says. “It was better than last year. It wasn’t our best crop, but it was better than we thought it was going to be. Considering all the factors, we’re happy.”Peters says he’s staying busy with spraying and waiting for soybeans to dry down for harvest. He’s hopeful for some moisture to help with wheat drilling and to give a boost to his double crop beans.“Prices are a little rough right now,” Peters says. “Overall, we definitely could be worse off. We’ll survive and advance.”The eternal optimism of farmers never ceases to amaze me. A better than expected harvest after six weeks of no rain isn’t easy to deal with. And the excitement from a bumper crop is still dampened by low prices. It’s a testament to the faith growers have in the weather, markets and their own ability to look beyond today’s results and believe tomorrow’s will be better. Whether corn harvest is just starting or already wrapped up, one thing’s for certain. There’s always next year."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.

Insight: Faith and harvest

By Dr. ROBERT FREELOVE Senior Vice President &amp; Chief Medical Officer, Salina Regional Health Center

Every fall, seniors have the opportunity to evaluate and make important decisions about their Medicare coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th. While there are many plans to consider, your options essentially come down to two choices: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

Original Medicare is a federally funded program that offers extensive access to healthcare providers across the nation. Beneficiaries can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, ensuring that seniors can receive timely care, even in smaller or more rural communities. This flexibility can be critical, especially for those living in more rural areas where provider options are limited.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare. While they are required by law to cover all the services that traditional Medicare offers, these plans often operate within narrower networks of doctors and hospitals. Additionally, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain services and medications, which can sometimes lead to delays in receiving necessary care.

This issue is particularly concerning for residents in rural areas. For example, Salina Regional Health Center, which serves more than 12,000 square miles of central and north central Kansas, provides critical access to healthcare in some of the state's most rural areas. Unfortunately, the restricted networks of many Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to care in these regions, disproportionately affecting the seniors who live there.

While Medicare Advantage plans may appear more affordable due to their lower premiums, it’s important to understand the full picture. These plans often come with additional costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. A recent Kaiser study revealed that nearly half of all Medicare Advantage enrollees pay more for a seven-day hospital stay than those covered by Original Medicare.

As we approach this year’s open enrollment, I strongly encourage seniors and their families to carefully consider their options. Contact your local healthcare providers and hospital to see how a Medicare Advantage plan might impact your access to care. Choosing the right Medicare plan is not just about finding lower premiums—it's about ensuring you have access to the healthcare you need to continue living well in north central Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676355338.jpeg" alt="DR. FREELOVE" />
 <figcaption>DR. FREELOVE</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. ROBERT FREELOVE Senior Vice President &amp; Chief Medical Officer, Salina Regional Health Center Every fall, seniors have the opportunity to evaluate and make important decisions about their Medicare coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th. While there are many plans to consider, your options essentially come down to two choices: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.Original Medicare is a federally funded program that offers extensive access to healthcare providers across the nation. Beneficiaries can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, ensuring that seniors can receive timely care, even in smaller or more rural communities. This flexibility can be critical, especially for those living in more rural areas where provider options are limited.Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare. While they are required by law to cover all the services that traditional Medicare offers, these plans often operate within narrower networks of doctors and hospitals. Additionally, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain services and medications, which can sometimes lead to delays in receiving necessary care.This issue is particularly concerning for residents in rural areas. For example, Salina Regional Health Center, which serves more than 12,000 square miles of central and north central Kansas, provides critical access to healthcare in some of the state's most rural areas. Unfortunately, the restricted networks of many Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to care in these regions, disproportionately affecting the seniors who live there.While Medicare Advantage plans may appear more affordable due to their lower premiums, it’s important to understand the full picture. These plans often come with additional costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. A recent Kaiser study revealed that nearly half of all Medicare Advantage enrollees pay more for a seven-day hospital stay than those covered by Original Medicare.As we approach this year’s open enrollment, I strongly encourage seniors and their families to carefully consider their options. Contact your local healthcare providers and hospital to see how a Medicare Advantage plan might impact your access to care. Choosing the right Medicare plan is not just about finding lower premiums—it's about ensuring you have access to the healthcare you need to continue living well in north central Kansas.

FREELOVE — Evaluate your Medicare options: A crucial choice for seniors this fall

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Associate Professor of Political Science Kansas State University

While the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.

For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Associate Professor of Political Science Kansas State UniversityWhile the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.You can check your registration status at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at <a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.

Opinion