<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague">Obituary for Fred Robert Vague | Parson Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>

Fred Vague was a hero to his sons.&nbsp; His life was simple but complex.&nbsp; Life was difficult but he made the most of every opportunity.&nbsp; From his birth in Castleton, Kansas, to his death in Wichita he did not physically stray from his roots.&nbsp; However, that did not stop his active mind from going to far places and exploring complex things with his mind.&nbsp; This was a result of the cruel act of blindness.&nbsp;

Fred Robert Vague was born on July 31, 1925, to Frederick and Viola Mae (Dague) Vague.&nbsp; He died on August 1, 2021 at the age of 96. He was a loving husband to Cristel Erlee (Higgins) Vague and the father of Rex Robert Vague and Ron Alan Vague.&nbsp; He had two siblings, Helen Ann McClellan and Melvin Vague.&nbsp;

“Fred R” or “Zeke” as many called him, had a long and fruitful life.&nbsp; He grew up in the town of Hutchinson, Kansas, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1943. &nbsp;He joined the Navy on September 15, 1943 during World War II.&nbsp; He advanced to the rank of Motor Machinist Mate 2c. And was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 19, 1946.&nbsp; He attended Hutchinson Junior College from 1946 to 1948.

He married Cristel Erlee Higgins on July 30, 1948.&nbsp; He attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and after graduation, with a law degree, in 1951 moved to Wichita, Kansas to live.&nbsp;

Fred was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and subsequently progressed to total blindness.&nbsp;

He worked for the Travelers Insurance Company in Wichita for 25 years as a claims attorney, and was the supervising adjustor of the claims department.&nbsp;

Fred will be remembered as an active man whom nothing seemed to bother much.&nbsp; Considering his condition and the hardships it placed on him, that outlook on life was exceptional.&nbsp; His active mind and inquisitiveness about all things served him well throughout the years.&nbsp; He bowled on the blind bowlers league in Wichita for many years. He was a ham radio operator, woodworker and loved all things mechanical.&nbsp; He was the builder, mechanic and pit crew for his sons' 10-year go-kart racing hobby.&nbsp; He had a love and passion for automobiles and books, and although finances were tight, managed to obtain several cars that are considered classic by today’s standards, as well as an extensive library. He read every day, first reading braille, then listening to talking books furnished by the Kansas State Library, and went through a prodigious number of them over the years.&nbsp; He was an avid Shocker fan, and enjoyed listening to WSU games whenever he could.&nbsp; He also enjoyed attending the drum and bugle corps competitions when they came to the Wichita area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He and Erlee resided in the north Wichita area in the house of their dreams for 43 years.&nbsp;

Fred was an amazing man who accomplished many things even with his visual disability. Family and friends remember Fred as being sweet, tenderhearted and smart.&nbsp; He leaves a legacy of love and integrity.&nbsp; He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife. 

Survivors include his sons Rex (Georgianna Dirga) Vaguen and Ron (Brenda) Vague; grandchildren Briana Vague, Alex (Tam) Vague, Alana Vague, Aaron (Jessica Allen) Vague; and great-grandchildren Destiny and Luna.

<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/1069072/memorial-tree">Plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Fred&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/1069072/memorial-tree">by clicking here</a>.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to Fred's family, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/sympathy">visit our floral store</a>.

<h2>Fred Vague, Wichita</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628634150708.jpeg" alt="Fred Vague" />
 <figcaption>Fred Vague</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague">Obituary for Fred Robert Vague | Parson Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>July 31, 1925 - August 1, 2021Fred Vague was a hero to his sons.&nbsp; His life was simple but complex.&nbsp; Life was difficult but he made the most of every opportunity.&nbsp; From his birth in Castleton, Kansas, to his death in Wichita he did not physically stray from his roots.&nbsp; However, that did not stop his active mind from going to far places and exploring complex things with his mind.&nbsp; This was a result of the cruel act of blindness.&nbsp;Fred Robert Vague was born on July 31, 1925, to Frederick and Viola Mae (Dague) Vague.&nbsp; He died on August 1, 2021 at the age of 96. He was a loving husband to Cristel Erlee (Higgins) Vague and the father of Rex Robert Vague and Ron Alan Vague.&nbsp; He had two siblings, Helen Ann McClellan and Melvin Vague.&nbsp;“Fred R” or “Zeke” as many called him, had a long and fruitful life.&nbsp; He grew up in the town of Hutchinson, Kansas, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1943. &nbsp;He joined the Navy on September 15, 1943 during World War II.&nbsp; He advanced to the rank of Motor Machinist Mate 2c. And was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 19, 1946.&nbsp; He attended Hutchinson Junior College from 1946 to 1948.He married Cristel Erlee Higgins on July 30, 1948.&nbsp; He attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and after graduation, with a law degree, in 1951 moved to Wichita, Kansas to live.&nbsp;Fred was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and subsequently progressed to total blindness.&nbsp;He worked for the Travelers Insurance Company in Wichita for 25 years as a claims attorney, and was the supervising adjustor of the claims department.&nbsp;Fred will be remembered as an active man whom nothing seemed to bother much.&nbsp; Considering his condition and the hardships it placed on him, that outlook on life was exceptional.&nbsp; His active mind and inquisitiveness about all things served him well throughout the years.&nbsp; He bowled on the blind bowlers league in Wichita for many years. He was a ham radio operator, woodworker and loved all things mechanical.&nbsp; He was the builder, mechanic and pit crew for his sons' 10-year go-kart racing hobby.&nbsp; He had a love and passion for automobiles and books, and although finances were tight, managed to obtain several cars that are considered classic by today’s standards, as well as an extensive library. He read every day, first reading braille, then listening to talking books furnished by the Kansas State Library, and went through a prodigious number of them over the years.&nbsp; He was an avid Shocker fan, and enjoyed listening to WSU games whenever he could.&nbsp; He also enjoyed attending the drum and bugle corps competitions when they came to the Wichita area.&nbsp;&nbsp;He and Erlee resided in the north Wichita area in the house of their dreams for 43 years.&nbsp;Fred was an amazing man who accomplished many things even with his visual disability. Family and friends remember Fred as being sweet, tenderhearted and smart.&nbsp; He leaves a legacy of love and integrity.&nbsp; He will be greatly missed.He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife. Survivors include his sons Rex (Georgianna Dirga) Vaguen and Ron (Brenda) Vague; grandchildren Briana Vague, Alex (Tam) Vague, Alana Vague, Aaron (Jessica Allen) Vague; and great-grandchildren Destiny and Luna.A private family service will be held.<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/1069072/memorial-tree">Plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Fred&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/1069072/memorial-tree">by clicking here</a>.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to Fred's family, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Fred-Vague/sympathy">visit our floral store</a>.

Fred Vague

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Timothy-Null">Obituary for Timothy Clay Null | Ryan Mortuary</a>

Timothy Clay Null, age 65, of Salina, KS, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021. Tim was born on April 12, 1956 in WaKeeney, KS and is the son of Lewis “Jack” Null, Peggy Null (Hildebrand), Benjamin Koralek, and Lillian Koralek (Choitz). A 1972 graduate of Ellsworth High School, Tim went on to proudly serve in the United States Marine Corps. Tim was a lineman for KP&amp;L before retiring as a distribution systems operator for Westar Energy.

Tim married the love of his life, Carla J. Null (Kohls), on August 21, 1976 in Ellsworth, KS. Tim and Carla had two children, Erin and Andrew.

To know Tim, was to love him. Tim’s eyes sparkled with every smile and he had an infectious laugh that easily made the day better. Tim enjoyed woodworking, sewing, tinkering, being his grandkids' biggest cheerleader, joking, finishing up that “one last thing” (project he was working on), cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and loving his family. Tim never knew a stranger and told everyone who would listen about his grandkids, who are his pride and joy. Tim devoted his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. Tim stood firm in his faith and lived his life for Jesus.

Tim is survived by his wife Carla of the home; his daughter Erin (Pinson) and son-in-law Chad of Lyons, KS; his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Miriam of Colorado Springs, CO; and his grandchildren: Willow, Blake, Dharma, Mallory, and Eloise. He is also survived by his brother Pat Null (Teresa); sister Lonnie Soukup (Donald); brother Chant Koralek; brother Dave Koralek (Marge); brother-in-law Scott Kohls (Barb); sister-in-law/nephew Angela and Joshua Kohls; many nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who were very special to him.

Tim was preceded in death by his fathe, Jack Null; his dad and mom, Ben and Lil Koralek; his mother-in-law Lois Kohls; his brother-in-law Craig Kohls; his brother Mike Null; and his sister-in-law Gladys Koralek.

Tim’s family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Episcopal Christ Cathedral Church Fellowship Hall, located at 138 South 8th, Salina, KS. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Punchin’ Out Parkinsons of Central Kansas in Tim’s memory, located at 600 East Elm Street in Salina, KS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Timothy Clay Null, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Timothy-Null/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Timothy Clay Null, Salina</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628632383415.jpeg" alt="Timothy Clay Null" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Clay Null</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Timothy-Null">Obituary for Timothy Clay Null | Ryan Mortuary</a>April 12, 1956 ~ August 6, 2021 (age 65)Timothy Clay Null, age 65, of Salina, KS, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021. Tim was born on April 12, 1956 in WaKeeney, KS and is the son of Lewis “Jack” Null, Peggy Null (Hildebrand), Benjamin Koralek, and Lillian Koralek (Choitz). A 1972 graduate of Ellsworth High School, Tim went on to proudly serve in the United States Marine Corps. Tim was a lineman for KP&amp;L before retiring as a distribution systems operator for Westar Energy.Tim married the love of his life, Carla J. Null (Kohls), on August 21, 1976 in Ellsworth, KS. Tim and Carla had two children, Erin and Andrew.To know Tim, was to love him. Tim’s eyes sparkled with every smile and he had an infectious laugh that easily made the day better. Tim enjoyed woodworking, sewing, tinkering, being his grandkids' biggest cheerleader, joking, finishing up that “one last thing” (project he was working on), cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and loving his family. Tim never knew a stranger and told everyone who would listen about his grandkids, who are his pride and joy. Tim devoted his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. Tim stood firm in his faith and lived his life for Jesus.Tim is survived by his wife Carla of the home; his daughter Erin (Pinson) and son-in-law Chad of Lyons, KS; his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Miriam of Colorado Springs, CO; and his grandchildren: Willow, Blake, Dharma, Mallory, and Eloise. He is also survived by his brother Pat Null (Teresa); sister Lonnie Soukup (Donald); brother Chant Koralek; brother Dave Koralek (Marge); brother-in-law Scott Kohls (Barb); sister-in-law/nephew Angela and Joshua Kohls; many nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who were very special to him.Tim was preceded in death by his fathe, Jack Null; his dad and mom, Ben and Lil Koralek; his mother-in-law Lois Kohls; his brother-in-law Craig Kohls; his brother Mike Null; and his sister-in-law Gladys Koralek.Tim’s family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Episcopal Christ Cathedral Church Fellowship Hall, located at 138 South 8th, Salina, KS. Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Punchin’ Out Parkinsons of Central Kansas in Tim’s memory, located at 600 East Elm Street in Salina, KS.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Timothy Clay Null, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Timothy-Null/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Timothy Clay Null

Hey Chiefs fans: You can now get the training camp scoop from The Voice of The Chiefs on KINA and 99KG!

KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) will air Mitch Holthus' training camp reports between 5-5:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Additionally, the reports will air on 99KG (99.9 FM) between 6-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Chiefs' training camp reports are sponsored by American Ag Credit and Long McArthur Ford.

In case you missed the latest from Mitch, here's today's training camp report:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627501458199.jpeg" alt="Mitch Holtus. Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Mitch Holtus. Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Hey Chiefs fans: You can now get the training camp scoop from The Voice of The Chiefs on KINA and 99KG!KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) will air Mitch Holthus' training camp reports between 5-5:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Additionally, the reports will air on 99KG (99.9 FM) between 6-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.The Chiefs' training camp reports are sponsored by American Ag Credit and Long McArthur Ford.In case you missed the latest from Mitch, here's today's training camp report:<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1103107906%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-uO4lVH1fi1t&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/mon-aug-9-chiefs-training-camp-report-with-mitch-holthus/s-uO4lVH1fi1t" title="Mon, Aug 9 Chiefs Training Camp Report with Mitch Holthus" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mon, Aug 9 Chiefs Training Camp Report with Mitch Holthus</a></div></div>

Did you miss Mitch on air? Listen to the latest Chiefs report here

My dad passed away about a year ago, but he left my mom in really good shape financially. They never had any consumer debt, the house is paid for, and they had about $1 million in assets. Dad also left her a $500,000 trust. Mom is going to be 60 next year. She is in good health, but considering her age and financial situation, do you think she needs long-term care insurance?

I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Losing a spouse, or a father, is tough at any age. The good news is your dad did a great job of planning to take care of your mom. He left her in fine shape money-wise, but yes, she needs long term care&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a good estate planner. You need to help your mom do everything possible to handle her situation wisely.

I usually suggest folks wait until age 60 to buy long-term care insurance, because the likelihood of filing a claim before then is very slim.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;about 95% of long-term care claims are filed for people over 70. That’s why, in most cases, it doesn’t make sense to get long-term care insurance earlier than age 60.

Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, though. If someone has a family history of illness or other health issues at a younger age, they may need to get long-term care insurance earlier. But you shouldn’t buy long-term care coverage at a young age just because you’re paranoid of what&nbsp;might&nbsp;happen,&nbsp;or&nbsp;because you think you’ll&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/saving-for-down-payment-guide" target="_blank">save money</a>. That’s just not true.

In the event your mom becomes unable to take care of herself at some point, long-term care insurance would be an absolute necessity. The cost of nursing home care these days is astronomical. Again, your mom is in a great place financially, but a prolonged stay in a nursing home somewhere down the road could eat up her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">nest egg</a>&nbsp;in a hurry.

Long-term care insurance is a wise part of any good asset management plan.

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My dad passed away about a year ago, but he left my mom in really good shape financially. They never had any consumer debt, the house is paid for, and they had about $1 million in assets. Dad also left her a $500,000 trust. Mom is going to be 60 next year. She is in good health, but considering her age and financial situation, do you think she needs long-term care insurance?DarbyDear Darby,I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Losing a spouse, or a father, is tough at any age. The good news is your dad did a great job of planning to take care of your mom. He left her in fine shape money-wise, but yes, she needs long term care&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a good estate planner. You need to help your mom do everything possible to handle her situation wisely.I usually suggest folks wait until age 60 to buy long-term care insurance, because the likelihood of filing a claim before then is very slim.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;about 95% of long-term care claims are filed for people over 70. That’s why, in most cases, it doesn’t make sense to get long-term care insurance earlier than age 60.Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, though. If someone has a family history of illness or other health issues at a younger age, they may need to get long-term care insurance earlier. But you shouldn’t buy long-term care coverage at a young age just because you’re paranoid of what&nbsp;might&nbsp;happen,&nbsp;or&nbsp;because you think you’ll&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/saving-for-down-payment-guide" target="_blank">save money</a>. That’s just not true.In the event your mom becomes unable to take care of herself at some point, long-term care insurance would be an absolute necessity. The cost of nursing home care these days is astronomical. Again, your mom is in a great place financially, but a prolonged stay in a nursing home somewhere down the road could eat up her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">nest egg</a>&nbsp;in a hurry.Long-term care insurance is a wise part of any good asset management plan.Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Does my mom need long-term care insurance?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.

A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.

It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.

The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”

The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”

Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.

Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.

Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.

“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.

The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”

That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.

For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.

Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.

Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.

McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.

“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.

The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.

In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.

McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.

Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.

“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”

Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.

“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.

“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”

The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628204297918.png" alt="It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

Budget office: Infrastructure bill adds $256B to deficits

Reno County Commissioner&nbsp;Daniel Friesen penned an opinion column in support of being vaccinated against COVID-19. The column sparked a response (below) from State Sen. Mark Steffen. Courtesy <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>.

OPINION: Reno County commissioner makes case for the vaccine

By DANIEL P. FRIESEN Reno County Commissioner

If you look closely, I just got my first dose Wednesday of last week.
 Prior to my vaccination, like many, I had reservations about the 
vaccine - nothing specific, it just didn't seem worth it. I had Covid-19
 last year and generally felt my risk was low. Those are similar reasons
 I’ve heard from other people that have chosen not to get the vaccine.

However,
 I felt compelled to get the vaccine if as a county commissioner, I’m 
going to support our health department and local medical community’s 
plea for you to get it too. While I certainly have strong convictions on
 personal freedom and choice, I am also a very analytical person that 
seeks facts and information and have never found my decisions on 
Covid-19 policy to be driven politically.

The latest information I
 have from our local hospital is that resources are again tight (related
 to many factors including a shortage of nurses), and hospitalized covid
 patients are increasing again. The situation is significant enough that
 many Kansas hospitals are again full and deferring patients elsewhere. 
This was a surprise to me and a large factor in this open letter to our 
community.

I believe our local health professionals when they say 
people are showing up at the hospital with life threatening covid 
symptoms who didn’t even know they were at risk. They also say they are 
now actively seeing younger covid patients as the virus naturally moves 
towards a population that is less vaccinated.

It seems quite 
possible that the Covid virus is here for a long time to come, and most 
every person will encounter it at some point. It is also quite evident 
that the virus and its impact is wildly unpredictable. These factors all
 look like risks to me, especially to those most vulnerable. You should 
weigh those risks with the Reno County commission’s current position on 
mandates.

I would not expect Reno County to require masks, limit 
gatherings, or close businesses or schools through this next wave. We 
have the right tools at our disposal to individually handle this threat 
and weather the storm the best we can. Most every adult and adolescent 
has an opportunity to get a potentially life-saving vaccine, stay home 
when they are sick or vulnerable to sickness, and do other common sense 
measures like listening to their family physician.

Yet, my fear is
 that people in our community are going to die because they did not get 
the vaccine or our medical resources become overwhelmed. I continue to 
respect the decision of those who choose not to get it, but I recently 
have come to respectfully disagree with those who argue the potential 
risk of the vaccine outweighs the value.

There seems to be good 
local evidence that vaccinated individuals currently have a hugely 
better likelihood of surviving contracting covid. Specifically, greater 
than 99% of all hospitalizations and deaths related to Covid-19 in Reno 
County are unvaccinated and we have yet to lose one person who was 
vaccinated. Consider that when you consider your risks.

You can 
choose to believe me or not, parse my words, or find information that 
supports an argument against what I have laid out above. It really does 
not matter because at the end of the day, those decisions are your own 
to make, and I am simply hopeful you consider the risk to yourself, your
 loved ones and your community in whatever you decide.

Finally, two important specific notes. One, vaccines are <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">widely available to you today</a>.
 Two, if you are a registered nurse who has time, please consider 
offering your skills to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center - Kayla 
Orellana (620) 665-2227. They are in increasing need for your help as 
Covid patient counts continue to rise.

Commissioner Daniel 
Friesen is vice-chair of the Reno County Commission. He was elected last
 November and took office in early January of this year. Friesen was 
previously a third-term mayor of the City of Buhler, holding that 
position for 11 years before joining the Commission.

OPINION: State senator responds to county commissioner's column

By MARK STEFFEN Kansas State Senator

It was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle 
that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The
 Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican 
Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the 
covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border 
betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of 
voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban
 refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals
 spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the 
spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!

At the very core is 
the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals 
brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and
 they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine 
complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall
 for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and 
complications are associated with this current shot than all other 
vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!

A
 recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved 
the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for 
complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of 
naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!

Recent studies out 
of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection
 after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic 
Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear 
rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with 
misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off 
putting. Do the research!

Injecting our children with this mRNA 
shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their 
thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that 
vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than 
unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society 
knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please 
do your research!

It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant 
is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original 
Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and 
hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in 
preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine 
continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, 
hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, 
to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I 
won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.

I will 
leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, 
then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to 
tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a 
stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, 
are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.

For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

Reno County Commissioner&nbsp;Daniel Friesen penned an opinion column in support of being vaccinated against COVID-19. The column sparked a response (below) from State Sen. Mark Steffen. Courtesy <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>.<h2>OPINION: Reno County commissioner makes case for the vaccine</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628158712566.jpeg" alt="Daniel Friesen" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Friesen</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL P. FRIESEN Reno County CommissionerBelow is my vaccination card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628158688655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you look closely, I just got my first dose Wednesday of last week.
 Prior to my vaccination, like many, I had reservations about the 
vaccine - nothing specific, it just didn't seem worth it. I had Covid-19
 last year and generally felt my risk was low. Those are similar reasons
 I’ve heard from other people that have chosen not to get the vaccine.However,
 I felt compelled to get the vaccine if as a county commissioner, I’m 
going to support our health department and local medical community’s 
plea for you to get it too. While I certainly have strong convictions on
 personal freedom and choice, I am also a very analytical person that 
seeks facts and information and have never found my decisions on 
Covid-19 policy to be driven politically.The latest information I
 have from our local hospital is that resources are again tight (related
 to many factors including a shortage of nurses), and hospitalized covid
 patients are increasing again. The situation is significant enough that
 many Kansas hospitals are again full and deferring patients elsewhere. 
This was a surprise to me and a large factor in this open letter to our 
community.I believe our local health professionals when they say 
people are showing up at the hospital with life threatening covid 
symptoms who didn’t even know they were at risk. They also say they are 
now actively seeing younger covid patients as the virus naturally moves 
towards a population that is less vaccinated.It seems quite 
possible that the Covid virus is here for a long time to come, and most 
every person will encounter it at some point. It is also quite evident 
that the virus and its impact is wildly unpredictable. These factors all
 look like risks to me, especially to those most vulnerable. You should 
weigh those risks with the Reno County commission’s current position on 
mandates.I would not expect Reno County to require masks, limit 
gatherings, or close businesses or schools through this next wave. We 
have the right tools at our disposal to individually handle this threat 
and weather the storm the best we can. Most every adult and adolescent 
has an opportunity to get a potentially life-saving vaccine, stay home 
when they are sick or vulnerable to sickness, and do other common sense 
measures like listening to their family physician.Yet, my fear is
 that people in our community are going to die because they did not get 
the vaccine or our medical resources become overwhelmed. I continue to 
respect the decision of those who choose not to get it, but I recently 
have come to respectfully disagree with those who argue the potential 
risk of the vaccine outweighs the value.There seems to be good 
local evidence that vaccinated individuals currently have a hugely 
better likelihood of surviving contracting covid. Specifically, greater 
than 99% of all hospitalizations and deaths related to Covid-19 in Reno 
County are unvaccinated and we have yet to lose one person who was 
vaccinated. Consider that when you consider your risks.You can 
choose to believe me or not, parse my words, or find information that 
supports an argument against what I have laid out above. It really does 
not matter because at the end of the day, those decisions are your own 
to make, and I am simply hopeful you consider the risk to yourself, your
 loved ones and your community in whatever you decide.Finally, two important specific notes. One, vaccines are <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">widely available to you today</a>.
 Two, if you are a registered nurse who has time, please consider 
offering your skills to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center - Kayla 
Orellana (620) 665-2227. They are in increasing need for your help as 
Covid patient counts continue to rise.Commissioner Daniel 
Friesen is vice-chair of the Reno County Commission. He was elected last
 November and took office in early January of this year. Friesen was 
previously a third-term mayor of the City of Buhler, holding that 
position for 11 years before joining the Commission.-----------------<h2>OPINION: State senator responds to county commissioner's column</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611761226060.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Mark Steffen&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mark Steffen&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK STEFFEN Kansas State SenatorIt was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle 
that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The
 Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican 
Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the 
covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border 
betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of 
voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban
 refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals
 spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the 
spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!At the very core is 
the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals 
brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and
 they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine 
complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall
 for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and 
complications are associated with this current shot than all other 
vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!A
 recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved 
the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for 
complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of 
naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!Recent studies out 
of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection
 after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic 
Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear 
rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with 
misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off 
putting. Do the research!Injecting our children with this mRNA 
shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their 
thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that 
vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than 
unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society 
knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please 
do your research!It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant 
is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original 
Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and 
hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in 
preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine 
continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, 
hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, 
to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I 
won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.I will 
leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, 
then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to 
tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a 
stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, 
are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

Dueling opinions on COVID-19 vaccine in Reno County

I love making chicken salad, and I have about 27 different ways I do it. Some with pecans and some with almonds, some with green onions and some with red. But regardless of which combination I choose, there are a few staple ingredients that I add to every batch. After all, if you don’t have chicken, nuts, sauce, fruit and onion, it’s not going to be chicken salad!

Life balance works the same way. As a business coach, speaker and author, I’ve been studying and writing about life balance for over a decade. And I’ve found that these five things are nonnegotiable if you want to feel balanced.

Feeling balanced starts with getting enough sleep. The average American gets far less than the necessary seven to nine hours every night, and the consequences of “being tired all the time” are devastating to our mental and physical health.

Being rested, on the other hand, allows you to be present, energetic and alert. You’ll be able to get more done, have space for relationships, and enjoy your life. Do whatever it takes to make sleep a priority—starting&nbsp;tonight.

We were created to be in deep, life-giving relationships. Social connections improve the quality of your life, and they also have a direct correlation with reduced health issues, less depression and a longer life-span.

But you don’t need research to tell you something you already know: People matter! If you want to have balance, you have to be intentional about connecting with others.

Whether it’s family helping with childcare or team members helping with work projects, we all need help if we want to feel balanced. No one can do it all on their own.&nbsp;

If you don’t have family nearby or room in the budget for childcare, there are still creative ways to get help. For example, two of my friends swap babysitting nights so the other couple can have a date night. Look to your community for resources, and don’t be too proud to ask for help.

According to a poll done by Gallup, 85% of employees worldwide aren’t engaged in their jobs. That’s crazy! If you dread your job, I want you to hear me: You will never feel balanced if you’re spending your one life doing something you hate.

What is one step you can take today to get closer to doing work you love? Take it&nbsp;today. If you’re wondering where to start, I recommend listening to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows/the-ken-coleman-show" target="_blank">The Ken Coleman Show</a>&nbsp;on podcast or YouTube. It’s hosted by my good friend and career coach Ken Coleman.&nbsp;

Alone time is critical to our overall health and well-being. If you’re around people all day every day, whether at work or home or both, you need to create time to be alone. Maybe that means waking up before everyone in the house to have 15 minutes to yourself. Maybe it means going for a short walk by yourself each day. If you want to maintain your balance—and your sanity—you’ve got to have some time alone.

Friend, you don’t have to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/why-do-i-feel-so-busy-quiz" target="_blank">feel busy and burned out</a>&nbsp;all the time. When you’re intentional about creating life balance, you’ll start to enjoy your life. I hope you take the time to try this recipe for balance this week. You’re worth it!

Christy Wright&nbsp;is a No. 1 national best-selling author,&nbsp;personal development expert, and host of The Christy Wright Show.&nbsp;She’s been featured on Today Show and Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman’s Day Magazines.&nbsp;Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches on&nbsp;personal development, business, and faith. Follow Christy&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ChristyBWright" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/christybwright/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialChristyWright/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/christywright" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.christywright.com/" target="_blank">christywright.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602376792935.jpeg" alt="Christy Wright" />
 <figcaption>Christy Wright</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHRISTY WRIGHTI love making chicken salad, and I have about 27 different ways I do it. Some with pecans and some with almonds, some with green onions and some with red. But regardless of which combination I choose, there are a few staple ingredients that I add to every batch. After all, if you don’t have chicken, nuts, sauce, fruit and onion, it’s not going to be chicken salad!Life balance works the same way. As a business coach, speaker and author, I’ve been studying and writing about life balance for over a decade. And I’ve found that these five things are nonnegotiable if you want to feel balanced.RestFeeling balanced starts with getting enough sleep. The average American gets far less than the necessary seven to nine hours every night, and the consequences of “being tired all the time” are devastating to our mental and physical health.Being rested, on the other hand, allows you to be present, energetic and alert. You’ll be able to get more done, have space for relationships, and enjoy your life. Do whatever it takes to make sleep a priority—starting&nbsp;tonight.RelationshipsWe were created to be in deep, life-giving relationships. Social connections improve the quality of your life, and they also have a direct correlation with reduced health issues, less depression and a longer life-span.But you don’t need research to tell you something you already know: People matter! If you want to have balance, you have to be intentional about connecting with others.HelpWhether it’s family helping with childcare or team members helping with work projects, we all need help if we want to feel balanced. No one can do it all on their own.&nbsp;If you don’t have family nearby or room in the budget for childcare, there are still creative ways to get help. For example, two of my friends swap babysitting nights so the other couple can have a date night. Look to your community for resources, and don’t be too proud to ask for help.Work you enjoyAccording to a poll done by Gallup, 85% of employees worldwide aren’t engaged in their jobs. That’s crazy! If you dread your job, I want you to hear me: You will never feel balanced if you’re spending your one life doing something you hate.What is one step you can take today to get closer to doing work you love? Take it&nbsp;today. If you’re wondering where to start, I recommend listening to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows/the-ken-coleman-show" target="_blank">The Ken Coleman Show</a>&nbsp;on podcast or YouTube. It’s hosted by my good friend and career coach Ken Coleman.&nbsp;Time aloneAlone time is critical to our overall health and well-being. If you’re around people all day every day, whether at work or home or both, you need to create time to be alone. Maybe that means waking up before everyone in the house to have 15 minutes to yourself. Maybe it means going for a short walk by yourself each day. If you want to maintain your balance—and your sanity—you’ve got to have some time alone.Friend, you don’t have to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/why-do-i-feel-so-busy-quiz" target="_blank">feel busy and burned out</a>&nbsp;all the time. When you’re intentional about creating life balance, you’ll start to enjoy your life. I hope you take the time to try this recipe for balance this week. You’re worth it!Christy Wright&nbsp;is a No. 1 national best-selling author,&nbsp;personal development expert, and host of The Christy Wright Show.&nbsp;She’s been featured on Today Show and Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman’s Day Magazines.&nbsp;Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches on&nbsp;personal development, business, and faith. Follow Christy&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ChristyBWright" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/christybwright/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialChristyWright/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/christywright" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.christywright.com/" target="_blank">christywright.com</a>.

WRIGHT: A recipe for life balance

<a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/david-wessling">Obituary | David Wessling of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>

David was born September 25, 1952 to Paul and Ruth (Davis) Wessling.&nbsp; He had four siblings, Roger, Rosemary, Daniel and Joan. He attended school at St. John's Elementary and St. John's High School until transferring to Beloit High School.&nbsp; 

He married Cindy Gawith to whom two daughters were born, Nichole Marie and Jill Lee.&nbsp; After the dissolution of this marriage, he met and married Pam Porter on May 15, 1983.&nbsp; To this marriage were born Heather Lee Nicole and Morgan Rae.&nbsp; He loved his daughters and supported their sports and musical talents as much as possible.&nbsp; He loved listening to his daughters practice piano, violin, cello and vocals.&nbsp; He was an active father and loving husband.

He was a farmer, born and raised, beginning at an early age working the family farms with his father and brothers.&nbsp; He went to work in the 70s at Scoggan Farms until his retirement in 2014 when he was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's/dementia.&nbsp; He loved his time there and worked long hours to make sure everything was done correctly and thoroughly.&nbsp; He was part of the Scoggan family, a hard worker and a loyal employee.&nbsp;

He was not an adventurer but loved the outdoors.&nbsp; He loved spending time fly-fishing with his friends at the lakes/ponds and rivers in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Colorado.&nbsp; He loved pheasant and quail hunting with his friends, even trapping and coon hunting.&nbsp;

David was talented in so many areas, woodworking, carpentry, electrical, automotive, repairing almost everything in the home.&nbsp; David learned so many skills from his father and uncles working beside them as they built homes throughout Beloit.&nbsp; He would help his brothers on projects whenever he could on whatever they needed.&nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his parents and his very special sister Joan, brother Roger and father-in-law Donald Porter.

He is survived by his wife Pam (Porter) Wessling, sister Rose Matous (Harry), brother Daniel Wessling, sister-in law, Ardella Wessling, daughters Nichole Stephens (Roger), Jill Hirsh, Heather (Jameson) Hooton and Morgan Wessling, grandchildren&nbsp; Billy, Cody, Dillon Burnett, and Dax Seibert, Breckin Wessling and Brooklynn Godfrey, nephew Patrick Gray (Lindsay), nieces Tara (Chris) Pruitt, Natalie (Jason) Lucas and Sandra (Jake) Nielson, great-nieces and nephews Hudson, Dakota and Gunner Gray, Bentley, Steele and Kash Pruitt, Liam and Mila Lucas, mother-in-law Carol Porter, and brother-in-law David Porter.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held at Porter House Apartments lobby from 2-5 p.m. on August 21..&nbsp; Please join us and share your stories and memories of David to celebrate his life.&nbsp; As there will be no service, we encourage attendees to write down their memories or stories of David on notecards or the backs of photos and bring them to add to the memorial display for others to read and enjoy.&nbsp;

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Solomon Valley Hospice, Porter House, or Nicol Home in Glasco.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;David Wessling, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/david-wessling/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>David Wessling, Beloit</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628092210183.jpeg" alt="David Wessling" />
 <figcaption>David Wessling</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/david-wessling">Obituary | David Wessling of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>September 25, 1952 - July 13, 2021David was born September 25, 1952 to Paul and Ruth (Davis) Wessling.&nbsp; He had four siblings, Roger, Rosemary, Daniel and Joan. He attended school at St. John's Elementary and St. John's High School until transferring to Beloit High School.&nbsp; He married Cindy Gawith to whom two daughters were born, Nichole Marie and Jill Lee.&nbsp; After the dissolution of this marriage, he met and married Pam Porter on May 15, 1983.&nbsp; To this marriage were born Heather Lee Nicole and Morgan Rae.&nbsp; He loved his daughters and supported their sports and musical talents as much as possible.&nbsp; He loved listening to his daughters practice piano, violin, cello and vocals.&nbsp; He was an active father and loving husband.He was a farmer, born and raised, beginning at an early age working the family farms with his father and brothers.&nbsp; He went to work in the 70s at Scoggan Farms until his retirement in 2014 when he was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's/dementia.&nbsp; He loved his time there and worked long hours to make sure everything was done correctly and thoroughly.&nbsp; He was part of the Scoggan family, a hard worker and a loyal employee.&nbsp;He was not an adventurer but loved the outdoors.&nbsp; He loved spending time fly-fishing with his friends at the lakes/ponds and rivers in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Colorado.&nbsp; He loved pheasant and quail hunting with his friends, even trapping and coon hunting.&nbsp;David was talented in so many areas, woodworking, carpentry, electrical, automotive, repairing almost everything in the home.&nbsp; David learned so many skills from his father and uncles working beside them as they built homes throughout Beloit.&nbsp; He would help his brothers on projects whenever he could on whatever they needed.&nbsp;He is preceded in death by his parents and his very special sister Joan, brother Roger and father-in-law Donald Porter.He is survived by his wife Pam (Porter) Wessling, sister Rose Matous (Harry), brother Daniel Wessling, sister-in law, Ardella Wessling, daughters Nichole Stephens (Roger), Jill Hirsh, Heather (Jameson) Hooton and Morgan Wessling, grandchildren&nbsp; Billy, Cody, Dillon Burnett, and Dax Seibert, Breckin Wessling and Brooklynn Godfrey, nephew Patrick Gray (Lindsay), nieces Tara (Chris) Pruitt, Natalie (Jason) Lucas and Sandra (Jake) Nielson, great-nieces and nephews Hudson, Dakota and Gunner Gray, Bentley, Steele and Kash Pruitt, Liam and Mila Lucas, mother-in-law Carol Porter, and brother-in-law David Porter.A Celebration of Life open house will be held at Porter House Apartments lobby from 2-5 p.m. on August 21..&nbsp; Please join us and share your stories and memories of David to celebrate his life.&nbsp; As there will be no service, we encourage attendees to write down their memories or stories of David on notecards or the backs of photos and bring them to add to the memorial display for others to read and enjoy.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Solomon Valley Hospice, Porter House, or Nicol Home in Glasco.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;David Wessling, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/david-wessling/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

David Wessling

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new eviction moratorium that would last until Oct. 3, as the Biden administration sought to quell intensifying criticism from progressives that it was allowing vulnerable renters to lose their homes during a pandemic.

The ban announced Tuesday could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid. It would temporarily halt evictions in counties with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmissions and would cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives.

The announcement was a reversal for the Biden administration, which allowed an earlier moratorium to lapse over the weekend after saying a Supreme Court ruling prevented an extension. That ripped open a dramatic split between the White House and progressive Democrats who insisted the administration do more to prevent some 3.6 million Americans from losing their homes during the COVID-19 crisis.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Biden said he pushed the CDC to again consider its options. But he still seemed hesitant as to whether the new moratorium could withstand lawsuits about its constitutionality, saying he has sought the opinions of experts as to whether the Supreme Court would approve the measure.

“The bulk of the constitutional scholarship says that it’s not likely to pass constitutional muster,” Biden said. “But there are several key scholars who think that it may and it’s worth the effort.”

The president added that the moratorium — even if it gets challenged in court — “will probably give some additional time” for states and city to release billions of dollars in federal relief to renters.

Politically, the extension could help heal a rift with liberal Democratic lawmakers who were calling on the president to take executive action to keep renters in their homes. The administration had spent the past several days scrambling to reassure Democrats and the country that it could find a way to limit the damage from potential evictions through the use of federal aid.

But pressure mounted as key lawmakers said it was not enough.

Top Democratic leaders joined Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who has been camped outside the U.S. Capitol for several days. Overnight Monday Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., and others gave her a brief reprieve so she could rest indoors. The freshman congresswoman once lived in her car as a young mother and pointed to that experience to urge the White House to prevent widespread evictions.

As she wiped her eyes before a crowd at the Capitol after the CDC’s announcement, Bush said she was shedding “joyful tears.”

“My God, I don’t believe we did this,” she said. “We just did the work, just by loving folks to keep millions in their homes.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was a day of “extraordinary relief.”

“The imminent fear of eviction and being put out on the street has been lifted for countless families across America. Help is Here!” Pelosi said in a statement.

Administration officials had previously said a Supreme Court ruling stopped them from setting up a new moratorium without congressional backing. When the court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further.

But on Tuesday, the CDC cited the slow pace of state and local governments disbursing housing aid as justification for the new moratorium.

Aside from the moratorium, Biden has insisted that federal money is available — some $47 billion previously approved during the pandemic — that needs to get out the door to help renters and landlords.

The White House has said state and local governments have been slow to push out that federal money and is pressing them to do so swiftly.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen briefed House Democrats Tuesday about the work underway to ensure the federal housing aid makes it to renters and landlords. She provided data so that lawmakers could see how their districts and states are performing with distributing the relief, according to a person on the call.

The treasury secretary tried to encourage Democrats to work together, even as lawmakers said Biden should act on his own to extend the eviction moratorium, according to someone on the private call who insisted on anonymity to discuss its contents.

Yellen said on the call, according to this person, that she agrees “we need to bring every resource to bear” and that she appreciated the Democrats’ efforts and wants “to leave no stone unturned.”

The CDC put the initial eviction ban in place as part of the COVID-19 response when jobs shifted and many workers lost income. The ban was intended to hold back the spread of the virus among people put out on the streets and into shelters, but it also penalized landlords who lost income as a result.

National Apartment Association president and CEO Bob Pinnegar said the organization “has always held the same position -- the eviction moratorium is an unfunded government mandate that forces housing providers to deliver a costly service without compensation and saddles renters with insurmountable debt.”

Democratic lawmakers said they were caught by surprise by Biden’s initial decision to end the moratorium even though the CDC indicated in late June that it probably wouldn’t extend the eviction ban beyond the end of July.

Rep. Maxine Waters, the powerful chair of the Financial Services Committee, has been talking privately for days with Yellen and urged the treasury secretary to use her influence to prod states to push the money out the door. But Waters also called on the CDC to act on its own.

After the CDC’s announcement Tuesday, Waters released a statement thanking Biden “for listening and for encouraging the CDC to act! This extension of the moratorium is the lifeline that millions of families have been waiting for.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628034052731.png" alt="Protesters at the U.S. Capitol as the eviction moratorium expired over the weekend. The new moratorium could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid.-photo courtesy Sen. Cori Bush" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the U.S. Capitol as the eviction moratorium expired over the weekend. The new moratorium could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid.-photo courtesy Sen. Cori Bush</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new eviction moratorium that would last until Oct. 3, as the Biden administration sought to quell intensifying criticism from progressives that it was allowing vulnerable renters to lose their homes during a pandemic.The ban announced Tuesday could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid. It would temporarily halt evictions in counties with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmissions and would cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives.The announcement was a reversal for the Biden administration, which allowed an earlier moratorium to lapse over the weekend after saying a Supreme Court ruling prevented an extension. That ripped open a dramatic split between the White House and progressive Democrats who insisted the administration do more to prevent some 3.6 million Americans from losing their homes during the COVID-19 crisis.Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Biden said he pushed the CDC to again consider its options. But he still seemed hesitant as to whether the new moratorium could withstand lawsuits about its constitutionality, saying he has sought the opinions of experts as to whether the Supreme Court would approve the measure.“The bulk of the constitutional scholarship says that it’s not likely to pass constitutional muster,” Biden said. “But there are several key scholars who think that it may and it’s worth the effort.”The president added that the moratorium — even if it gets challenged in court — “will probably give some additional time” for states and city to release billions of dollars in federal relief to renters.Politically, the extension could help heal a rift with liberal Democratic lawmakers who were calling on the president to take executive action to keep renters in their homes. The administration had spent the past several days scrambling to reassure Democrats and the country that it could find a way to limit the damage from potential evictions through the use of federal aid.But pressure mounted as key lawmakers said it was not enough.Top Democratic leaders joined Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who has been camped outside the U.S. Capitol for several days. Overnight Monday Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., and others gave her a brief reprieve so she could rest indoors. The freshman congresswoman once lived in her car as a young mother and pointed to that experience to urge the White House to prevent widespread evictions.As she wiped her eyes before a crowd at the Capitol after the CDC’s announcement, Bush said she was shedding “joyful tears.”“My God, I don’t believe we did this,” she said. “We just did the work, just by loving folks to keep millions in their homes.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was a day of “extraordinary relief.”“The imminent fear of eviction and being put out on the street has been lifted for countless families across America. Help is Here!” Pelosi said in a statement.Administration officials had previously said a Supreme Court ruling stopped them from setting up a new moratorium without congressional backing. When the court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further.But on Tuesday, the CDC cited the slow pace of state and local governments disbursing housing aid as justification for the new moratorium.Aside from the moratorium, Biden has insisted that federal money is available — some $47 billion previously approved during the pandemic — that needs to get out the door to help renters and landlords.“The money is there,” Biden said.The White House has said state and local governments have been slow to push out that federal money and is pressing them to do so swiftly.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen briefed House Democrats Tuesday about the work underway to ensure the federal housing aid makes it to renters and landlords. She provided data so that lawmakers could see how their districts and states are performing with distributing the relief, according to a person on the call.The treasury secretary tried to encourage Democrats to work together, even as lawmakers said Biden should act on his own to extend the eviction moratorium, according to someone on the private call who insisted on anonymity to discuss its contents.Yellen said on the call, according to this person, that she agrees “we need to bring every resource to bear” and that she appreciated the Democrats’ efforts and wants “to leave no stone unturned.”The CDC put the initial eviction ban in place as part of the COVID-19 response when jobs shifted and many workers lost income. The ban was intended to hold back the spread of the virus among people put out on the streets and into shelters, but it also penalized landlords who lost income as a result.National Apartment Association president and CEO Bob Pinnegar said the organization “has always held the same position -- the eviction moratorium is an unfunded government mandate that forces housing providers to deliver a costly service without compensation and saddles renters with insurmountable debt.”Democratic lawmakers said they were caught by surprise by Biden’s initial decision to end the moratorium even though the CDC indicated in late June that it probably wouldn’t extend the eviction ban beyond the end of July.Rep. Maxine Waters, the powerful chair of the Financial Services Committee, has been talking privately for days with Yellen and urged the treasury secretary to use her influence to prod states to push the money out the door. But Waters also called on the CDC to act on its own.After the CDC’s announcement Tuesday, Waters released a statement thanking Biden “for listening and for encouraging the CDC to act! This extension of the moratorium is the lifeline that millions of families have been waiting for.”___

Eviction ban: CDC issues new moratorium 

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent attack.

Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Crestway Drive for a disturbance involving a man reportedly breaking windows and chasing people with a baseball bat, according to a media release.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located 36-year-old Deacon Johann of Garden City holding a wooden bat. 

Johann refused to listen to instructions to drop the bat, allegedly walked closer to the officers, and attempted to swing the bat. Police took him into custody.

The investigation revealed Johann was outside hitting a tree with the bat and then began striking an unlocked door to the residence. Johann then used the bat to break a large window and climbed into the residence through the window. After entering the residence, Johann allegedly chased two individuals known to him and threatened them. 

The victims ran outside, and Johann followed them and began striking two vehicles in the area with the bat, causing extensive damage. Johann chased one of the victims a second time with the bat as the victim attempted to calm Johann down before officers arrived.

Johann is being held on requested charges ofAggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer , Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627924126529.png" alt="Johann-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Johann-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent attack.Just after 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Crestway Drive for a disturbance involving a man reportedly breaking windows and chasing people with a baseball bat, according to a media release.When officers arrived at the scene, they located 36-year-old Deacon Johann of Garden City holding a wooden bat. Johann refused to listen to instructions to drop the bat, allegedly walked closer to the officers, and attempted to swing the bat. Police took him into custody.The investigation revealed Johann was outside hitting a tree with the bat and then began striking an unlocked door to the residence. Johann then used the bat to break a large window and climbed into the residence through the window. After entering the residence, Johann allegedly chased two individuals known to him and threatened them. The victims ran outside, and Johann followed them and began striking two vehicles in the area with the bat, causing extensive damage. Johann chased one of the victims a second time with the bat as the victim attempted to calm Johann down before officers arrived.Johann is being held on requested charges ofAggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer , Criminal Threat and Criminal Damage.

Police: Kansas man jailed after baseball bat attack

Survey of 21-39 age group emphasizes need for ‘open minds’

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/02/future-of-kansas-rural-communities-hinges-on-advancing-child-care-housing-jobs/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A statewide survey of 
ideas for making rural Kansas a more compelling place for young adults 
to put down roots revealed the need for government investment in 
expansion of child care options and strengthening of entrepreneurial business pipelines.

The state’s Office of Rural 
Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation to examine what 
Kansans aged 21 to 39 thought about recruiting and retaining them in 
small towns and remote counties suffering depopulation. The foundation 
drew upon 460 survey responses from all 105 counties and 175 follow-up 
interviews to identify why people chose to live in rural areas and why 
it might have been difficult to make that choice.

The report acknowledged significant lack of affordable housing and 
access to broadband as determinants of the future in rural regions of 
Kansas. The document recommended local government leaders accept the 
necessity of forming a “culture of open minds and positivity.” That 
includes valuing diversity of culture, age, gender and thought, the 
report said.

In addition, the state ought to craft a program reaching students in K-12 classes that speaks to the idea of harnessing skills, interests and passions of young rural Kansans useful in building
 sustainable rural communities. The objective is to convince the 
youngest Kansans they have a bright future no matter the size of their 
city or town.

“This report will help us address young Kansans’ needs to prevent 
outmigration and strengthen our growing economy,” said Gov. Laura Kelly.
 “My administration will continue prioritizing the key issues identified
 — such as childcare, broadband expansion and affordable housing — along
 with keeping our state welcoming and inclusive for all to support our 
rural and young Kansans.”

Authors of the report emphasized not 
one action, business startup or government policy would bring about real
 change, because Kansans participating in the survey pointed to the need
 for a culture or ecosystem capable of supporting and building the 
capacity of rural communities.

“It was exhilarating to hear the thoughts, dreams and hopes of young 
rural Kansans and to compile them in this report, but the test will be 
what we do with the information,” said Inman resident Marci Penner, 
director of the Kansas Sample Foundation. “The enthusiasm for living 
rural with all of its warts and opportunities was evident in these 175 
interviews. Young people can see a path forward so the question is 
whether we can open our minds to take meaningful steps forward as whole 
communities. The work isn’t for a few of us, but every citizen.”

She said change had to go beyond high-speed internet, housing and 
child care to include a new philosophy of examining challenges.

“Does your town like itself? Does it welcome people to town? Are 
there ways for anybody to get involved? Are new ideas considered?” 
Penner said. “I believe that true transformation of our communities will
 begin when we start listening to and believing in our young people. 
When the listening becomes balanced, we’re well on our way to moving 
forward.”

In terms of child care, the foundation’s report for the rural 
prosperity division of the Kansas Department of Commerce concluded the 
insufficient supply of help for working adults kept rural Kansans from 
having children. That reality essentially pushes people away from rural 
areas of the state, the report said.

“This is not just an&nbsp; issue for 
parents, but for an entire community,” the report said. “It undermines 
economic development efforts that focus on job growth and when combined 
with housing shortages, it compromises the viability and appeal of rural
 life.”

The report recommended Kansas improve coordination of state programs,
 regulations, advocacy efforts and providers to close gaps in service. 
Financial and technical assistance may be required to build a reservoir 
of child care options in the state’s smaller communities, the report 
said.

The survey of Kansans affirmed the notion that small businesses were 
the engine that propelled rural towns and counties. Creating new 
businesses operated by young entrepreneurs is “critical to keeping the 
community thriving,” the report said.

Rural towns and counties were urged to redirect tax dollars from 
larger established businesses to support youthful entrepreneurs in 
addition to tax incentives and capital investment in new businesses. 
Local communities might establish local revolving loan funds, 
professional consulting services and help with accessing state, regional
 and federal funding, the report said.

A point of emphasis was development of one-stop shops within state 
agencies to help business owners deal with stumbling blocks, the report 
said.

“Be good to employees,” the report said. “Consider unique rural 
opportunities for work-life balance. Build on our agricultural heritage 
and economic base. Promote the idea that one can live rural and change 
the world from here.”

The assessment initiated in 2020 and concluded in 2021 indicated 
grassroots organizations worked diligently with few resources and could 
benefit from monetary reinforcement by the Kansas Legislature. State 
lawmakers could create a clearinghouse of information on constructive 
ideas, local success stories and training or funding to overcome child 
care, food access and other rural community needs of concern to young 
families.

“Respondents overwhelmingly identified that, while rural needs may be
 specifically local, the issues are systemic across the state,” said 
David Toland, the state’s lieutenant governor and commerce secretary. 
“By focusing on the recurring challenges, like broadband and housing, we
 can see where our state needs to emphasize funding and additional 
resources for everyone.”

The report indicated the state could help by providing grant-writing 
services to communities, broaden flexibility of state funding for local 
projects and collaborate with Lead for America, a nonprofit that brings 
people together to work on a community’s toughest challenges.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627936649772.png" alt="The state’s Office of Rural Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation on a statewide survey thta showed young adults in rural Kansas need better job opportunities, housing and child care to keep them from moving to urban areas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The state’s Office of Rural Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation on a statewide survey thta showed young adults in rural Kansas need better job opportunities, housing and child care to keep them from moving to urban areas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Survey of 21-39 age group emphasizes need for ‘open minds’</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/02/future-of-kansas-rural-communities-hinges-on-advancing-child-care-housing-jobs/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A statewide survey of 
ideas for making rural Kansas a more compelling place for young adults 
to put down roots revealed the need for government investment in 
expansion of child care options and strengthening of entrepreneurial business pipelines.The state’s Office of Rural 
Prosperity worked with the Kansas Sampler Foundation to examine what 
Kansans aged 21 to 39 thought about recruiting and retaining them in 
small towns and remote counties suffering depopulation. The foundation 
drew upon 460 survey responses from all 105 counties and 175 follow-up 
interviews to identify why people chose to live in rural areas and why 
it might have been difficult to make that choice.The report acknowledged significant lack of affordable housing and 
access to broadband as determinants of the future in rural regions of 
Kansas. The document recommended local government leaders accept the 
necessity of forming a “culture of open minds and positivity.” That 
includes valuing diversity of culture, age, gender and thought, the 
report said.In addition, the state ought to craft a program reaching students in K-12 classes that speaks to the idea of harnessing skills, interests and passions of young rural Kansans useful in building
 sustainable rural communities. The objective is to convince the 
youngest Kansans they have a bright future no matter the size of their 
city or town.“This report will help us address young Kansans’ needs to prevent 
outmigration and strengthen our growing economy,” said Gov. Laura Kelly.
 “My administration will continue prioritizing the key issues identified
 — such as childcare, broadband expansion and affordable housing — along
 with keeping our state welcoming and inclusive for all to support our 
rural and young Kansans.”Authors of the report emphasized not 
one action, business startup or government policy would bring about real
 change, because Kansans participating in the survey pointed to the need
 for a culture or ecosystem capable of supporting and building the 
capacity of rural communities.“It was exhilarating to hear the thoughts, dreams and hopes of young 
rural Kansans and to compile them in this report, but the test will be 
what we do with the information,” said Inman resident Marci Penner, 
director of the Kansas Sample Foundation. “The enthusiasm for living 
rural with all of its warts and opportunities was evident in these 175 
interviews. Young people can see a path forward so the question is 
whether we can open our minds to take meaningful steps forward as whole 
communities. The work isn’t for a few of us, but every citizen.”She said change had to go beyond high-speed internet, housing and 
child care to include a new philosophy of examining challenges.“Does your town like itself? Does it welcome people to town? Are 
there ways for anybody to get involved? Are new ideas considered?” 
Penner said. “I believe that true transformation of our communities will
 begin when we start listening to and believing in our young people. 
When the listening becomes balanced, we’re well on our way to moving 
forward.”In terms of child care, the foundation’s report for the rural 
prosperity division of the Kansas Department of Commerce concluded the 
insufficient supply of help for working adults kept rural Kansans from 
having children. That reality essentially pushes people away from rural 
areas of the state, the report said.“This is not just an&nbsp; issue for 
parents, but for an entire community,” the report said. “It undermines 
economic development efforts that focus on job growth and when combined 
with housing shortages, it compromises the viability and appeal of rural
 life.”The report recommended Kansas improve coordination of state programs,
 regulations, advocacy efforts and providers to close gaps in service. 
Financial and technical assistance may be required to build a reservoir 
of child care options in the state’s smaller communities, the report 
said.The survey of Kansans affirmed the notion that small businesses were 
the engine that propelled rural towns and counties. Creating new 
businesses operated by young entrepreneurs is “critical to keeping the 
community thriving,” the report said.Rural towns and counties were urged to redirect tax dollars from 
larger established businesses to support youthful entrepreneurs in 
addition to tax incentives and capital investment in new businesses. 
Local communities might establish local revolving loan funds, 
professional consulting services and help with accessing state, regional
 and federal funding, the report said.A point of emphasis was development of one-stop shops within state 
agencies to help business owners deal with stumbling blocks, the report 
said.“Be good to employees,” the report said. “Consider unique rural 
opportunities for work-life balance. Build on our agricultural heritage 
and economic base. Promote the idea that one can live rural and change 
the world from here.”The assessment initiated in 2020 and concluded in 2021 indicated 
grassroots organizations worked diligently with few resources and could 
benefit from monetary reinforcement by the Kansas Legislature. State 
lawmakers could create a clearinghouse of information on constructive 
ideas, local success stories and training or funding to overcome child 
care, food access and other rural community needs of concern to young 
families.“Respondents overwhelmingly identified that, while rural needs may be
 specifically local, the issues are systemic across the state,” said 
David Toland, the state’s lieutenant governor and commerce secretary. 
“By focusing on the recurring challenges, like broadband and housing, we
 can see where our state needs to emphasize funding and additional 
resources for everyone.”The report indicated the state could help by providing grant-writing 
services to communities, broaden flexibility of state funding for local 
projects and collaborate with Lead for America, a nonprofit that brings 
people together to work on a community’s toughest challenges.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Future of rural Kansas hinges on child care, housing, jobs

My fiancée and I want to make an offer on a house. She has a lot of late payments and a bad credit record, though, but she is working hard to manage her money better and get out of debt. I don’t make enough money to get a home loan by myself, and I have some debt to pay off, too. In order to help us out, my aunt and uncle said they are willing to co-sign a mortgage loan for us. What do you think of that idea?

Here’s a simple, solid piece of advice for anyone looking to make a purchase of any kind. If you need a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-secret-alliance-colleges-and-credit-cards" target="_blank">co-signer</a>, you’re not ready to make that purchase—period. I’m not trying to beat you up or anything, but it’s way too soon for you two to be thinking about buying a home. I mean, for starters you’re just engaged right now.

When a lender requires a co-signer, it basically means they don’t believe you’ll pay back the money. And besides, you two don’t need a house now&nbsp;or&nbsp;right after you get married. The two of you should get married, and live in a decent, inexpensive apartment for a while. During that time, you both need to work hard on paying off all your debt. After that, save up an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/quick-guide-to-your-emergency-fund" target="_blank">emergency fund</a>&nbsp;of three to six months of expenses. Then, start setting aside cash for a down payment on a modest home.

When it comes time to buy a home, I recommend a 15-year, fixed rate loan with a down payment of at least 10%. Twenty percent is better, because it will help you avoid having to pay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/what-is-pmi-private-mortgage-insurance" target="_blank">PMI</a>&nbsp;(private mortgage insurance). Make sure the monthly payments on the loan are no more than 25% of your combined take home pay. Keeping the payments at 25% or below will make it easier to address other important financial issues, like saving and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">investing</a>.

Your aunt and uncle are obviously generous people, Evan, but they’re a little misguided in their offer. At this point, helping you two buy a house—something you obviously can’t afford—would be a huge burden instead of a blessing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My fiancée and I want to make an offer on a house. She has a lot of late payments and a bad credit record, though, but she is working hard to manage her money better and get out of debt. I don’t make enough money to get a home loan by myself, and I have some debt to pay off, too. In order to help us out, my aunt and uncle said they are willing to co-sign a mortgage loan for us. What do you think of that idea?EvanDear Evan,Here’s a simple, solid piece of advice for anyone looking to make a purchase of any kind. If you need a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-secret-alliance-colleges-and-credit-cards" target="_blank">co-signer</a>, you’re not ready to make that purchase—period. I’m not trying to beat you up or anything, but it’s way too soon for you two to be thinking about buying a home. I mean, for starters you’re just engaged right now.When a lender requires a co-signer, it basically means they don’t believe you’ll pay back the money. And besides, you two don’t need a house now&nbsp;or&nbsp;right after you get married. The two of you should get married, and live in a decent, inexpensive apartment for a while. During that time, you both need to work hard on paying off all your debt. After that, save up an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/quick-guide-to-your-emergency-fund" target="_blank">emergency fund</a>&nbsp;of three to six months of expenses. Then, start setting aside cash for a down payment on a modest home.When it comes time to buy a home, I recommend a 15-year, fixed rate loan with a down payment of at least 10%. Twenty percent is better, because it will help you avoid having to pay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/what-is-pmi-private-mortgage-insurance" target="_blank">PMI</a>&nbsp;(private mortgage insurance). Make sure the monthly payments on the loan are no more than 25% of your combined take home pay. Keeping the payments at 25% or below will make it easier to address other important financial issues, like saving and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">investing</a>.Your aunt and uncle are obviously generous people, Evan, but they’re a little misguided in their offer. At this point, helping you two buy a house—something you obviously can’t afford—would be a huge burden instead of a blessing.&nbsp;Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: If you need a co-signer, you’re not ready

A friend recently mentioned something called impact investing to me. What exactly is this? How do impact investment funds perform, and what do you think about them?

Impact investing generally aims to benefit society, while providing&nbsp;a profit for the investor, by investing in companies, funds and organizations that are aligned with causes, certain values or issues. Think of it as a middle ground between traditional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/daves-investing-philosophy" target="_blank">investing</a>&nbsp;and charitable giving, where you can match your investing with your own particular beliefs. It really isn’t all that different from investing in traditional mutual funds, except for the goal of the funds.

Since their inception, impact investments have averaged returns of a little less than 6%. That’s well below the average return of the S&amp;P 500. Impact investing&nbsp;can&nbsp;do some good, but the truth is it’s hard to measure exactly how&nbsp;much&nbsp;good it’s doing. If you’re going to invest in impact investing funds, you need to make sure you understand exactly how your money is going to help the businesses you invest in, if they’re actually doing what they say they’re doing, and whether or not they’re really making a difference for the better.

As with all investments, it pays to do a lot of research and find an advisor with the heart of a teacher. And&nbsp;never&nbsp;invest in anything if you don’t completely understand how it works. Remember, it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">your&nbsp;money</a>&nbsp;that’s in the mix. Don’t feel like the odd man out if you’re the only one not joining in on an investment craze your friends are diving into.

Personally,&nbsp;I recommend investing in good, growth stock mutual funds and real estate paid for with cash. And hey, if you want to make a difference in the world and still invest the old fashioned way, create room in your budget for charitable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/importance-of-giving-back" target="_blank">giving</a>&nbsp;or saving with the goal of making donations to organizations and causes you care about.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,A friend recently mentioned something called impact investing to me. What exactly is this? How do impact investment funds perform, and what do you think about them?CarsonDear Carson,Impact investing generally aims to benefit society, while providing&nbsp;a profit for the investor, by investing in companies, funds and organizations that are aligned with causes, certain values or issues. Think of it as a middle ground between traditional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/daves-investing-philosophy" target="_blank">investing</a>&nbsp;and charitable giving, where you can match your investing with your own particular beliefs. It really isn’t all that different from investing in traditional mutual funds, except for the goal of the funds.Since their inception, impact investments have averaged returns of a little less than 6%. That’s well below the average return of the S&amp;P 500. Impact investing&nbsp;can&nbsp;do some good, but the truth is it’s hard to measure exactly how&nbsp;much&nbsp;good it’s doing. If you’re going to invest in impact investing funds, you need to make sure you understand exactly how your money is going to help the businesses you invest in, if they’re actually doing what they say they’re doing, and whether or not they’re really making a difference for the better.As with all investments, it pays to do a lot of research and find an advisor with the heart of a teacher. And&nbsp;never&nbsp;invest in anything if you don’t completely understand how it works. Remember, it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/investment-calculator" target="_blank">your&nbsp;money</a>&nbsp;that’s in the mix. Don’t feel like the odd man out if you’re the only one not joining in on an investment craze your friends are diving into.Personally,&nbsp;I recommend investing in good, growth stock mutual funds and real estate paid for with cash. And hey, if you want to make a difference in the world and still invest the old fashioned way, create room in your budget for charitable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/importance-of-giving-back" target="_blank">giving</a>&nbsp;or saving with the goal of making donations to organizations and causes you care about.I hope this helps, Carson!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.