KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Today's Chiefs' presser included&nbsp;Andy Reid, Frank Clark, Travis Kelce, Dan Sorensen, and Patrick Mahomes. From The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook page:&nbsp;

You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Today's Chiefs' presser included&nbsp;Andy Reid, Frank Clark, Travis Kelce, Dan Sorensen, and Patrick Mahomes. From The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook page:&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F2771090419822118%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs's Reid, Clark, Kelce, Sorensen, Mahomes talk football

I was talking to a friend the other day, and I couldn’t remember what you said about the three good uses for money and why each is important. Would you go over them again?

I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and after all that time studying finance and teaching people about money, I can still find only three good uses for money—spending, saving, and giving. You should be doing all three while you’re working your way&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-debt-reduction" target="_blank">out of debt</a>&nbsp;and towards wealth,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after you become wealthy.&nbsp;

The kid in us likes the spending part of this equation, because it’s so much fun. The problem with most people is they can’t really afford the fun they have. You should have some fun no matter where you are on the financial scale, but it should be inexpensive fun in the beginning. Then, the fun can get bigger, better, and more frequent once you’re out of debt and building wealth.

The grown-up part of us likes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/smartvestor/investment-calculator?snid=tools.investingcalc" target="_blank">investing</a>&nbsp;and saving, because that’s what can prepare you for retirement and make you wealthy. After a while, though, investing can feel a little bit like Monopoly. You can be up, or you can be down. Sometimes the market fluctuates, but a mature investor will ride out the waves and stay in for the long-term. If you have quality investments with long track records of success, they will come back up. Start investing 15% of your income for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chrishogan360.com/riq/" target="_blank">retirement</a>&nbsp;once you’ve paid off all debt except for your home&nbsp;and&nbsp;you have three to six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund.

The most mature part of you will meet the kid inside when you give. Giving is the most fun you’ll ever have with money. Every financially, mentally, and spiritually healthy person I’ve ever met has been turned on by giving. I’ve met and talked with thousands of millionaires in my career, and one thing all the healthy ones have in common is a love of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/importance-of-giving-back" target="_blank">giving</a>.

Someone who never has fun with money misses the point. Someone who never saves or invests money will never have any. And someone who never gives is holding on too tight. Do some of each, and enjoy the ride!

<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 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,I was talking to a friend the other day, and I couldn’t remember what you said about the three good uses for money and why each is important. Would you go over them again?AlbertDear Albert,I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and after all that time studying finance and teaching people about money, I can still find only three good uses for money—spending, saving, and giving. You should be doing all three while you’re working your way&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-debt-reduction" target="_blank">out of debt</a>&nbsp;and towards wealth,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after you become wealthy.&nbsp;The kid in us likes the spending part of this equation, because it’s so much fun. The problem with most people is they can’t really afford the fun they have. You should have some fun no matter where you are on the financial scale, but it should be inexpensive fun in the beginning. Then, the fun can get bigger, better, and more frequent once you’re out of debt and building wealth.The grown-up part of us likes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/smartvestor/investment-calculator?snid=tools.investingcalc" target="_blank">investing</a>&nbsp;and saving, because that’s what can prepare you for retirement and make you wealthy. After a while, though, investing can feel a little bit like Monopoly. You can be up, or you can be down. Sometimes the market fluctuates, but a mature investor will ride out the waves and stay in for the long-term. If you have quality investments with long track records of success, they will come back up. Start investing 15% of your income for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chrishogan360.com/riq/" target="_blank">retirement</a>&nbsp;once you’ve paid off all debt except for your home&nbsp;and&nbsp;you have three to six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund.The most mature part of you will meet the kid inside when you give. Giving is the most fun you’ll ever have with money. Every financially, mentally, and spiritually healthy person I’ve ever met has been turned on by giving. I’ve met and talked with thousands of millionaires in my career, and one thing all the healthy ones have in common is a love of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/importance-of-giving-back" target="_blank">giving</a>.Someone who never has fun with money misses the point. Someone who never saves or invests money will never have any. And someone who never gives is holding on too tight. Do some of each, and enjoy the ride!Dave<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 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: Do some of all three, and enjoy the ride

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs'&nbsp;Andy Reid, Anthony Hitchens, Harrison Butker, Darrel Williams, Steve Spagnuolo, Eric Bieniemy, and Dave Toub talk football during a Thursday presser.&nbsp;

Reid said that QB1 Patrick Mahomes took the majority of the starter snaps during practice today, but still remains in the concussion protocol.

From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs'&nbsp;Andy Reid, Anthony Hitchens, Harrison Butker, Darrel Williams, Steve Spagnuolo, Eric Bieniemy, and Dave Toub talk football during a Thursday presser.&nbsp;Reid said that QB1 Patrick Mahomes took the majority of the starter snaps during practice today, but still remains in the concussion protocol.From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F406872617265309%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs Reid: Mahomes still in protocol, takes most of snaps

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, summoning American resilience to confront a historic confluence of crises and urging people to come together to end an “uncivil war” in a nation deeply divided after four tumultuous years

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507998-1/presidential-inauguration&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the inauguration.

Declaring that “democracy has prevailed,” Biden took the oath at a U.S. Capitol that had been battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks earlier.

On a chilly Washington morning dotted with snow flurries, the quadrennial ceremony unfolded within a circle of security forces evocative of a war zone and devoid of crowds because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Biden gazed out over 200,000 American flags planted on the National Mall to symbolize those who could not attend in person.

“The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” Biden said. “This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day in history and hope, of renewal and resolve.”

Biden never mentioned his predecessor, who defied tradition and left town ahead of the ceremony, but his speech was an implicit rebuke of Donald Trump. The new president denounced “lies told for power and for profit” and was blunt about the challenges ahead.

Central among them: the surging virus that has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">claimed more than 400,000 lives</a>&nbsp;in the United States, as well as economic strains and a national reckoning over race.

“We have much to do in this winter of peril, and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain,” Biden said. “Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged, or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.”

Biden was eager to go big early, with an ambitious first 100 days that includes a push to speed up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to anxious Americans and pass a $1.9 trillion virus relief package. On Day One, he planned a series of executive actions to roll back Trump administration initiatives and also planned to send an immigration proposal to Capitol Hill that would create an eight-year path to citizenship for immigrants living in the country illegally.

The absence of Biden’s predecessor from the inaugural ceremony, a break from tradition, underscored the rift to be healed.

But a bipartisan trio of three former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama — were there to witness the ceremonial transfer of power. Trump, awaiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">his second impeachment trial</a>, was at his Florida resort by the time the swearing-in took place.

Biden, in his third run for the presidency, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanizing a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy. Biden did not mention Trump by name but alluded to the rifts his predecessor had helped create.

“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we all are created equal and the harsh, ugly reality of racism, nativism, fear, demonization that have long torn us apart,” Biden said. “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward and we must meet this moment as the United States of America.”

Biden came to office with a well of empathy and resolve born by personal tragedy as well as a depth of experience forged from more than four decades in Washington. At age 78, he was the oldest president inaugurated.

More history was made at his side, as Kamala Harris became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/urn:publicid:ap.org:5ac8fff8bbe1c70479604e3ff62ecb10">the first woman to be vice president</a>. The former U.S. senator from California is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/46ef207f32a089b2b54ed35d57c9413f">the first Black person</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0dc9ab1834475308435b7175bf0288d1">the first person of South Asian descent</a>&nbsp;elected to the vice presidency and the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government.

The two were sworn in during an inauguration ceremony with few parallels. Tens of thousands of troops were on the streets to provide security precisely two weeks after a violent mob of Trump supporters, incited by the Republican president, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent the certification of Biden’s victory.

“Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people,” Biden said. “To stop the work of our democracy. To drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow. Not ever. Not ever.”

The tense atmosphere evoked the 1861 inauguration of Lincoln, who was secretly transported to Washington to avoid assassins on the eve of the Civil War, or Roosevelt’s inaugural in 1945, when he opted for a small, secure ceremony at the White House in the waning months of World War II.

But Washington, all but deserted downtown and in its federal areas, was quiet. And calm also prevailed outside heavily fortified state Capitol buildings across nation after the FBI had warned of the possibility for armed demonstrations leading up to the inauguration.

The day began with a reach across the political aisle after four years of bitter partisan battles under Trump. At Biden’s invitation, congressional leaders from both parties bowed their heads in prayer in the socially distanced service just a few blocks from the White House.

Biden was sworn in by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-inauguration-joe-biden-donald-trump-barack-obama-health-3e80a8e8224e973fd71295939c9e67d9">Chief Justice John Roberts</a>; Harris by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court. Vice President Mike Pence, standing in for Trump, sat nearby as Lady Gaga, holding a golden microphone, sang the National Anthem accompanied by the U.S. Marine Corps band.

When Pence, in a last act of the outgoing administration, left the Capitol, he walked through a door with badly cracked glass from the riot two weeks ago. Later, Biden, Harris and their spouses were joined by the former presidents to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Ceremony.

Biden was also to join the end of a slimmed-down inaugural parade as he moves into the White House. Because of the pandemic, much of this year’s parade was to be a virtual affair featuring performances from around the nation.

In the evening, in lieu of the traditional glitzy balls that welcome a new president to Washington, Biden will take part in a televised concert that also marks the return of A-list celebrities to the White House orbit after they largely eschewed Trump. Among those in the lineup: Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

This was not an inauguration for the crowds. But Americans in the capital city nonetheless brought their hopes to the moment.

“I feel so hopeful, so thankful,” said Karen Jennings Crooms, a D.C. resident who hoped to catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade on Pennsylvania Avenue with her husband. “It makes us sad that this is where we are but hopeful that democracy will win out in the end. That’s what I’m focusing on.”

Trump was the first president in more than a century to skip the inauguration of his successor. After a brief farewell celebration at nearby Joint Base Andrews, he boarded Air Force One for the final time as president.

“I will always fight for you. I will be watching. I will be listening and I will tell you that the future of this country has never been better,” said Trump. He wished the incoming administration well but never mentioned Biden’s name.

The symbolism was striking: The very moment Trump disappeared into the doorway of Air Force One, Biden emerged from Blair House, the traditional guest lodging for presidents-in-waiting, and into his motorcade for the short ride to church.

Trump did adhere to one tradition and left a personal note for Biden in the Oval Office, according to the White House, which did not release its contents. And Trump, in his farewell remarks, hinted at a political return, saying “we will be back in some form.”

Without question, he will shadow Biden’s first days in office.

Trump’s second impeachment trial could start as early as this week. That could test the ability of the Senate, poised to come under Democratic control, to balance impeachment proceedings with confirmation hearings and votes on Biden’s Cabinet choices.

Biden planned a 10-day blitz of executive orders on matters that don’t require congressional approval — a mix of substantive and symbolic steps to unwind the Trump years. Among the planned steps: rescinding travel restrictions on people from several predominantly Muslim countries; rejoining the Paris climate accord; issuing a mask mandate for those on federal property; and ordering agencies to figure out how to reunite children separated from their families after crossing the border.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, swearing the oath of office just before noon to take the helm of a deeply divided nation while inheriting a confluence of crises arguably greater than any faced by his predecessors.

Biden’s inauguration came at a time of national tumult and uncertainty, a ceremony of resilience as the hallowed American democratic rite unfurled at a U.S. Capitol battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks ago. On a chilly Washington day dotted with snow flurries, a bipartisan trio of ex-presidents along with the elite of nation’s government gathered, ensuring the quadrennial ceremony persevered, even though it was encircled by security forces evocative of a war zone and devoid of crowds because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stay home, Americans were exhorted, to prevent further spread of a surging virus that has claimed more than 400,000 lives in the United States. Biden looked out over a capital city dotted with empty storefronts that attest to the pandemic’s deep economic toll and where summer protests laid bare the nation’s renewed reckoning on racial injustice.

And he was not applauded by his predecessor.

Flouting tradition, Donald Trump departed Washington on Wednesday morning ahead of the inauguration rather than accompany his successor to the Capitol. Though three other former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama — gathered to watch the ceremonial transfer of power, Trump, awaiting his second impeachment trial, instead flew to Florida after stoking grievance among his supporters with the lie that Biden’s win was illegitimate.

Biden, in his third run for the presidency, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanizing a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy. On his first day, Biden will take a series of executive actions — on the pandemic, climate, immigration and more — to undo the heart of Trump’s agenda at a moment with the bonds of the republic strained.

“Biden will face a series of urgent, burning crises like we have not seen before, and they all have to be solved at once. It is very hard to find a parallel in history,” said presidential historian Michael Beschloss. “I think we have been through a near-death experience as a democracy. Americans who will watch the new president be sworn in are now acutely aware of how fragile our democracy is and how much it needs to be protected.”

Biden will come to office with a well of empathy and resolve born by personal tragedy as well as a depth of experience forged from more than four decades in Washington. At age 78, he was the oldest president inaugurated.

More history was made at his side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president. The former U.S. senator from California is also the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency and will become the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government.

The two were sworn in during an inauguration ceremony with few parallels in history.

Tens of thousands of troops are on the streets to provide security precisely two weeks after a violent mob of Trump supporters, incited by the Republican president, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent the certification of Biden’s victory.

The day began with a reach across the aisle after four years of bitter partisan battles under Trump. At Biden’s invitation, congressional leaders from both parties bowed their heads in prayer in the socially distanced service just a few blocks from the White House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden swears the oath of office at noon (EDT) Wednesday to become the 46th president of the United States, taking the helm of a deeply divided nation and inheriting a confluence of crises arguably greater than any faced by his predecessors.

<a href="https://bideninaugural.org/watch/">Click here to watch</a> beginning 8a.m. CDT

The very ceremony in which presidential power is transferred, a hallowed American democratic tradition, will serve as a jarring reminder of the challenges Biden faces: The inauguration unfolds at a U.S. Capitol battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks ago, encircled by security forces evocative of those in a war zone, and devoid of crowds because of the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stay home, Americans were exhorted, to prevent further spread of a surging virus that has claimed 400,000 American lives. Biden will look out over a capital city dotted with empty storefronts that attest to the pandemic’s deep economic toll and where summer protests laid bare the nation’s renewed reckoning on racial justice.

He will not be applauded — or likely even acknowledged — by his predecessor.

Flouting tradition, Donald Trump planned to depart Washington on Wednesday morning ahead of the inauguration rather than accompany his successor to the Capitol. Trump, awaiting his second impeachment trial, stoked grievance among his supporters with the lie that Biden’s win was illegitimate.

Biden, in his third run for the presidency, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanizing a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy. On his first day, Biden will take a series of executive actions — on the pandemic, climate, immigration and more — to undo the heart of Trump’s agenda. He takes office with the bonds of the republic strained and the nation reeling from challenges that rival those faced by Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Biden will come to office with a well of empathy and resolve born by personal tragedy as well as a depth of experience forged from more than four decades in Washington. At age 78, he will be the oldest president inaugurated.

More history will be made at his side, as Kamala Harris becomes the first woman to become vice president. The former U.S. senator from California is also the first Black person and first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency and will become the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government.

The two will be sworn in during an inauguration ceremony with few parallels in history.

Tens of thousands of troops are on the streets to provide security precisely two weeks after a violent mob of Trump supporters, incited by the president, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent the certification of Biden’s victory.

Despite security warnings, Biden declined to move the ceremony indoors and instead will address a small, socially distant crowd on the West Front of the Capitol. Some of the traditional trappings of the quadrennial ceremony will remain.

The day will begin with a reach across the aisle after four years of bitter partisan battles under Trump. Biden invited Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leaders of the Senate and House, to join him at a morning Mass, along with Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leaders.

Once at the Capitol, Biden will be administered the oath by Chief Justice John Roberts; Harris will be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The theme of Biden’s approximately 30-minute speech will be “America United,” and aides said it would be a call to set aside differences during a moment of national trial.

Biden will then oversee a “Pass in Review,” a military tradition that honors the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander in chief. Then, Biden, Harris and their spouses will be joined by a bipartisan trio of former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama — to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Ceremony.

Later, Biden will join the end of a slimmed-down inaugural parade as he moves into the White House. Because of the pandemic, much of this year’s parade will be a virtual affair featuring performances from around the nation.

In the evening, in lieu of the traditional glitzy balls that welcome a new president to Washington, Biden will take part in a televised concert that also marks the return of A-list celebrities to the White House orbit after they largely eschewed Trump. Among those in the lineup: Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem at the Capitol earlier in the day.

Trump will be the first president in more than a century to skip the inauguration of his successor. He planned his own farewell celebration at nearby Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force One for the final time as president for the flight to his Florida estate.

Trump will nonetheless shadow Biden’s first days in office.

Biden was eager to go big early, with an ambitious first 100 days that includes a push to speed up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to anxious Americans and pass a $1.9 trillion virus relief package. On Day One, he’ll also send an immigration proposal to Capitol Hill that would create an eight-year path to citizenship for immigrants living in the country illegally.

He also planned a 10-day blitz of executive orders on matters that don’t require congressional approval — a mix of substantive and symbolic steps to unwind the Trump years. Among the planned steps: rescinding travel restrictions on people from several predominantly Muslim countries; rejoining the Paris climate accord; issuing a mask mandate for those on federal property; and ordering agencies to figure out how to reunite children separated from their families after crossing the border.

The difficulties he faces are immense, to be mentioned in the same breath as Roosevelt taking office during the Great Depression or Obama, under whom Biden served eight years as vice president, during the economic collapse. And the solution may be similar.

“There is now, as there was in 1933, a vital need for leadership,” said presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, “for every national resource to be brought to bear to get the virus under control, to help produce and distribute the vaccines, to get vaccines into the arms of the people, to spur the economy to recover and get people back to work and to school.”

🎥  The Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

TOPEKA --&nbsp;The Kansas State High School Activities Association has announced that Gary Harmon, longtime debate and speech coach has been selected for the 2020-21 NFHS “Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award” and Susan Laushman, Pittsburg High School Choir Director for the past 16 years,&nbsp;has been selected as the 2020-21 NFHS “Outstanding Music Educator Award” recipient.

NFHS Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award - Gary Harmon

Nominations for the NFHS Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS’s state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for State, Sectional or Citation awards.&nbsp; When reviewing the nominations, the NFHS Speech Committee looks at a number of criteria: 1) overall contributions, 2) years of service both curricular and co-curricular, 3) organization and continuance of an activity program, 4) significant and on-going contribution to the field, and 5) contributions to the profession both in and out of the state.

The award represents NFHS Section 5 (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.) Section winners are eligible for the National Citation award, which is the highest award given by the NFHS.

Harmon has been teaching and coaching since 1965 and will be retiring from Kansas Wesleyan University at the conclusion of this school year. His career in education has exceeded five decades beginning in the Spring of 1965 at Hutchinson Central Junior High School where he taught English, was the pep club sponsor and directed the all school play. His profession led him to several schools teaching, coaching and mentoring thousands of students along his educational path. He had a major impact at Wellington High School, Manhattan High School, Chaparral High School, Salina Central High School, Kansas State University and has spent the past 16 years at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Harmon has received numerous awards and honors. From 1982 to 1993, he coached five State Champions in 4-Speaker, 2-Speaker and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. In 1988, he coached the NFL Student Congress Senator National Champion. He is a Salina Teacher of the Year, two time Kansas Speech Communications Teacher of the Year, and is a member of the National NFL Coaches Hall of Fame (National Speech and Debate Association) and the Kansas Speech Hall of Fame (Kansas Speech Communications Association).

Harmon started a high school Debate camp in 1986 that still operates today. He created the Kansas State Fair Debates in 1992, which has grown immensely over the years. Harmon has also hosted numerous speech, debate, basketball, and volleyball clinics as well as numerous KSHSAA rules meetings from the late 1960’s to the present year. Harmon co-authored a high school Debate textbook titled, “Argumentation &amp; Debate: A Strategic Perspective,” published through Linus Publications.

Harmon recently wrote the following essay, “I have found that every student whom I have come in contact during my teaching career could learn, although sometimes it did not seem like what they could learn was what I was teaching them. I finally figured out that the learning belonged to them and not me. My job was to figure out how they learned. A counselor told me once while we were discussing a student with whom I was having difficulties, that he had more hell given to him before breakfast than I could deal out to him all day. That was in my first semester of teaching. I asked for details and was told to listen; he would tell me. I did and in a couple of months he began to show me what he needed to learn. I discovered a unique and fine young man instead of a frustrated angry teen that the world was failing. The first tenant of my educational philosophy is to listen, not necessarily to the words, but listen.

"My second tenant is to care.&nbsp; I had a professor that told us a good teacher physically touched each student every day. I know that in today’s environment that sounds dangerous, but if you take the physical part out and replace it with the act of showing you really care; it makes perfect sense. I will bet that everyone had a favorite teacher in elementary school. One that made a difference, one that really cared. I do not mean the one that over did it and called you sweetheart. The one I remember hit my leg with a ruler when I stuck my foot in the aisle to trip Roseann Clutter. She would also stay after school until you understood those fractions. You knew she cared. School was not about her; it was about me.

"Finally, I have always called teaching a profession. I figured this out by the time my first freshmen class became seniors. I had taught them most everything I learned in college about the subject being taught. I needed to know more 'stuff.'&nbsp; Our world is forever revolving so fast that when it comes to knowledge, it is very difficult to keep pace. I went back to school in the summer and sometimes in the winter for night classes.&nbsp; I was not very smart. I did not go after degrees. I sought out classes that advanced my knowledge of the subject matter I was paid to teach. I have lots of hours, but not a lot of diplomas. I did; however, learn and as I discovered knowledge, I became excited to pass it on to my students. The courses I teach continually change in substance and still do today.&nbsp;

Another factor towards being a qualified teacher is that you need to know other colleagues in your area. Join your professional organization and attend their conferences. My personal educational philosophy is to listen, care, and be an ultimate professional."

The NFHS Speech, Debate and Theatre Association (NFHS SDTA) Outstanding Speech/Theatre/Debate Educator Award was first given in 1988 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 230 sectional and 372 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2020-2021 are seven sectional awards and thirteen state awards. An annual selection of a NFHS National Citation recipient began in 1989. Nominations for the NFHS SDTA Outstanding Speech/ Theatre/Debate Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS’s state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for state, sectional or Citation awards.

NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award Recipient - Susan Laushman

The National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) Outstanding Music Educator Award recognizes high school or college band, choral or orchestral directors, supervisors, and adjudicators.&nbsp; It is awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted high school activities programs.&nbsp; Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and carry the endorsement of their respective state high school association. Significant and/or long-term contributions to interscholastic high school music activities are important criterion in evaluating candidates.

The award represents NFHS Section 5 (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.)&nbsp;

In the fall of 1985, she began her teaching career in Pittsburg High School as the vocal music teacher. From 1997-2004, Susan taught vocal music at Carl Junction, MO Junior/Senior High School. She then moved her career back to Pittsburg High School where she currently teaches Vocal Music, Piano Lab and Music Theatre.

In the May 2003, Laushman prepared an ensemble of 40 Carl Junction High School vocal music students and traveled to New York City to perform with Dr. John Leavitt at Carnegie Hall through Mid-America Productions. The choir was comprised of 250 high school students from across the country. Leavitt made special arrangements for her to serve as rehearsal accompanist, assist throughout the process, sing with the mass choir for the performance, and was featured pianist with the orchestra during the finale. Once again in Nov 2005 and May 2008, she rehearsed and prepared ensembles of Pittsburg High School vocal music students who traveled to New York City to perform with Leavitt at Carnegie Hall.

Laushman’s choral ensembles consistently receive 1 ratings at KSHSAA State Music Festivals. These groups include: Encore (Mixed); Pittsburg Women’s Chorus and the Pittsburg Men’s Chorus. Pittsburg High School annually has 35-40 choir students selected to the KMEA District Honor Choir and 8-14 vocal students selected each year to the KMEA All-State Honor Choir.

In 2009, Laushman created and developed the Pittsburg Multigenerational Choir program to represent the District’s Mission Statement of partnership with home, school and community that work collaboratively to empower all students to learn while promoting respect for self and others. She also designed the fall curriculum to invite community members into her vocal music classroom three times a week for nine weeks to sing along side her high school students in preparation for a public concert. Laushman arranged all the choral music for the group over the summer and the season runs from the beginning of school through October. The choir has exceeded 175 members in recent years, incorporating over 75 high school faculty, parents and community members.

The NFHS Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award was first given in 1989 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 190 sectional and 349 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2020-2021 are seven sectional awards and fifteen state awards. Also, 1989 marked the beginning of an annual selection of a NFHS Citation recipient. The Citation is one of the highest awards presented by the NFHS in the fine arts.

Nominations for the NFHS Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for state, sectional or Citation awards. Once selected by the NFHS Music Committee, nominators are notified of the status of their nominee and are afforded the opportunity to make the award presentation at a suitable event.

TOPEKA --&nbsp;The Kansas State High School Activities Association has announced that Gary Harmon, longtime debate and speech coach has been selected for the 2020-21 NFHS “Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award” and Susan Laushman, Pittsburg High School Choir Director for the past 16 years,&nbsp;has been selected as the 2020-21 NFHS “Outstanding Music Educator Award” recipient.NFHS Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award - Gary HarmonNominations for the NFHS Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS’s state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for State, Sectional or Citation awards.&nbsp; When reviewing the nominations, the NFHS Speech Committee looks at a number of criteria: 1) overall contributions, 2) years of service both curricular and co-curricular, 3) organization and continuance of an activity program, 4) significant and on-going contribution to the field, and 5) contributions to the profession both in and out of the state.The award represents NFHS Section 5 (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.) Section winners are eligible for the National Citation award, which is the highest award given by the NFHS.Harmon has been teaching and coaching since 1965 and will be retiring from Kansas Wesleyan University at the conclusion of this school year. His career in education has exceeded five decades beginning in the Spring of 1965 at Hutchinson Central Junior High School where he taught English, was the pep club sponsor and directed the all school play. His profession led him to several schools teaching, coaching and mentoring thousands of students along his educational path. He had a major impact at Wellington High School, Manhattan High School, Chaparral High School, Salina Central High School, Kansas State University and has spent the past 16 years at Kansas Wesleyan University.Harmon has received numerous awards and honors. From 1982 to 1993, he coached five State Champions in 4-Speaker, 2-Speaker and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. In 1988, he coached the NFL Student Congress Senator National Champion. He is a Salina Teacher of the Year, two time Kansas Speech Communications Teacher of the Year, and is a member of the National NFL Coaches Hall of Fame (National Speech and Debate Association) and the Kansas Speech Hall of Fame (Kansas Speech Communications Association).Harmon started a high school Debate camp in 1986 that still operates today. He created the Kansas State Fair Debates in 1992, which has grown immensely over the years. Harmon has also hosted numerous speech, debate, basketball, and volleyball clinics as well as numerous KSHSAA rules meetings from the late 1960’s to the present year. Harmon co-authored a high school Debate textbook titled, “Argumentation &amp; Debate: A Strategic Perspective,” published through Linus Publications.Harmon recently wrote the following essay, “I have found that every student whom I have come in contact during my teaching career could learn, although sometimes it did not seem like what they could learn was what I was teaching them. I finally figured out that the learning belonged to them and not me. My job was to figure out how they learned. A counselor told me once while we were discussing a student with whom I was having difficulties, that he had more hell given to him before breakfast than I could deal out to him all day. That was in my first semester of teaching. I asked for details and was told to listen; he would tell me. I did and in a couple of months he began to show me what he needed to learn. I discovered a unique and fine young man instead of a frustrated angry teen that the world was failing. The first tenant of my educational philosophy is to listen, not necessarily to the words, but listen."My second tenant is to care.&nbsp; I had a professor that told us a good teacher physically touched each student every day. I know that in today’s environment that sounds dangerous, but if you take the physical part out and replace it with the act of showing you really care; it makes perfect sense. I will bet that everyone had a favorite teacher in elementary school. One that made a difference, one that really cared. I do not mean the one that over did it and called you sweetheart. The one I remember hit my leg with a ruler when I stuck my foot in the aisle to trip Roseann Clutter. She would also stay after school until you understood those fractions. You knew she cared. School was not about her; it was about me."Finally, I have always called teaching a profession. I figured this out by the time my first freshmen class became seniors. I had taught them most everything I learned in college about the subject being taught. I needed to know more 'stuff.'&nbsp; Our world is forever revolving so fast that when it comes to knowledge, it is very difficult to keep pace. I went back to school in the summer and sometimes in the winter for night classes.&nbsp; I was not very smart. I did not go after degrees. I sought out classes that advanced my knowledge of the subject matter I was paid to teach. I have lots of hours, but not a lot of diplomas. I did; however, learn and as I discovered knowledge, I became excited to pass it on to my students. The courses I teach continually change in substance and still do today.&nbsp;Another factor towards being a qualified teacher is that you need to know other colleagues in your area. Join your professional organization and attend their conferences. My personal educational philosophy is to listen, care, and be an ultimate professional."The NFHS Speech, Debate and Theatre Association (NFHS SDTA) Outstanding Speech/Theatre/Debate Educator Award was first given in 1988 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 230 sectional and 372 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2020-2021 are seven sectional awards and thirteen state awards. An annual selection of a NFHS National Citation recipient began in 1989. Nominations for the NFHS SDTA Outstanding Speech/ Theatre/Debate Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS’s state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for state, sectional or Citation awards.NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award Recipient - Susan LaushmanThe National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) Outstanding Music Educator Award recognizes high school or college band, choral or orchestral directors, supervisors, and adjudicators.&nbsp; It is awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted high school activities programs.&nbsp; Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and carry the endorsement of their respective state high school association. Significant and/or long-term contributions to interscholastic high school music activities are important criterion in evaluating candidates.The award represents NFHS Section 5 (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.)&nbsp;In the fall of 1985, she began her teaching career in Pittsburg High School as the vocal music teacher. From 1997-2004, Susan taught vocal music at Carl Junction, MO Junior/Senior High School. She then moved her career back to Pittsburg High School where she currently teaches Vocal Music, Piano Lab and Music Theatre.In the May 2003, Laushman prepared an ensemble of 40 Carl Junction High School vocal music students and traveled to New York City to perform with Dr. John Leavitt at Carnegie Hall through Mid-America Productions. The choir was comprised of 250 high school students from across the country. Leavitt made special arrangements for her to serve as rehearsal accompanist, assist throughout the process, sing with the mass choir for the performance, and was featured pianist with the orchestra during the finale. Once again in Nov 2005 and May 2008, she rehearsed and prepared ensembles of Pittsburg High School vocal music students who traveled to New York City to perform with Leavitt at Carnegie Hall.Laushman’s choral ensembles consistently receive 1 ratings at KSHSAA State Music Festivals. These groups include: Encore (Mixed); Pittsburg Women’s Chorus and the Pittsburg Men’s Chorus. Pittsburg High School annually has 35-40 choir students selected to the KMEA District Honor Choir and 8-14 vocal students selected each year to the KMEA All-State Honor Choir.In 2009, Laushman created and developed the Pittsburg Multigenerational Choir program to represent the District’s Mission Statement of partnership with home, school and community that work collaboratively to empower all students to learn while promoting respect for self and others. She also designed the fall curriculum to invite community members into her vocal music classroom three times a week for nine weeks to sing along side her high school students in preparation for a public concert. Laushman arranged all the choral music for the group over the summer and the season runs from the beginning of school through October. The choir has exceeded 175 members in recent years, incorporating over 75 high school faculty, parents and community members.The NFHS Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award was first given in 1989 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 190 sectional and 349 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2020-2021 are seven sectional awards and fifteen state awards. Also, 1989 marked the beginning of an annual selection of a NFHS Citation recipient. The Citation is one of the highest awards presented by the NFHS in the fine arts.Nominations for the NFHS Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award are solicited from the NFHS state contacts. All new nominations, plus selected past recipients, are considered for state, sectional or Citation awards. Once selected by the NFHS Music Committee, nominators are notified of the status of their nominee and are afforded the opportunity to make the award presentation at a suitable event.--KSHSAA--

KWU's Harmon receives Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A variety of Kansas City Chiefs, including Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman, Chad Henne, Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Jones, Tyreek Hill, and Eric Fisher, talked with the media during a Wednesday afternoon presser. 

Reid told reporters that QB1 Patrick Mahomes feels good. He said that Mahomes took some snaps and did some limited work, but for now remains in the concussion protocol. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A variety of Kansas City Chiefs, including Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman, Chad Henne, Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Jones, Tyreek Hill, and Eric Fisher, talked with the media during a Wednesday afternoon presser. Reid told reporters that QB1 Patrick Mahomes feels good. He said that Mahomes took some snaps and did some limited work, but for now remains in the concussion protocol. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F1112599969201949%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs' Reid: Mahomes takes snaps but still in concussion protocol 

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

We just completed the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 102nd&nbsp;Convention, virtually. It went as well as it could have, there were a few things that were a little wonky. By the way, wonky is my new favorite pandemic word and really is a good descriptor of most of what has happened because of the pandemic. But I digress, the annual meeting and convention was different, but it did bring a certain amount of normalcy in a time that is anything but normal. It was good to hear debate on issues surfaced by our members from across the United States. I find these debates fascinating. I know, I am weird that way but often I learn about issues facing different regions I did not know about before. I also find out different regions can view the same issue very differently, and they may even be on opposite sides of the same issue. It can lead to a lot of debate and discussion, but that is what makes Farm Bureau so great. I have heard Farm Bureau described as a “big tent” organization, and I think that is a great way to describe our organization. It would be my wish that all of you could attend an AFBF convention so you could get a taste of all the types of ag, viewpoints and opinions we represent. Every commodity and method of production have a place at the table. &nbsp;All the policy in our book comes from grassroots members in counties in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Every piece of policy we have at the state or national level started in a county board meeting somewhere, and that is something to be proud of. That is why I say listening to the debate and discussion from the business meeting made things seem just a little more normal. I must say my seat was more comfortable, the coffee was much better and cheaper but watching it all, by myself was not right and is something I hope we never do again. However, I could imagine myself back in that crowded convention room listening to the meeting, and that’s a good thing. We are an organization that thrives on relationships, and I miss the conversations we did not have at our usual meetings. We have a lot of catching up to do when this is all over and we return to normal. Virtually is not how we like or prefer to get our work done, but as all of us in agriculture know, the work must be done. I am proud of the way that we adapted and overcame the challenges this pandemic threw our way; I think we made the best out of a bad situation, and I applaud all who made it happen. It was not easy or natural, but we pulled it off.&nbsp; Until we beat this virus, and I know we will, we will have to embrace the new virtual normal even if it is a bit wonky.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWe just completed the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 102nd&nbsp;Convention, virtually. It went as well as it could have, there were a few things that were a little wonky. By the way, wonky is my new favorite pandemic word and really is a good descriptor of most of what has happened because of the pandemic. But I digress, the annual meeting and convention was different, but it did bring a certain amount of normalcy in a time that is anything but normal. It was good to hear debate on issues surfaced by our members from across the United States. I find these debates fascinating. I know, I am weird that way but often I learn about issues facing different regions I did not know about before. I also find out different regions can view the same issue very differently, and they may even be on opposite sides of the same issue. It can lead to a lot of debate and discussion, but that is what makes Farm Bureau so great. I have heard Farm Bureau described as a “big tent” organization, and I think that is a great way to describe our organization. It would be my wish that all of you could attend an AFBF convention so you could get a taste of all the types of ag, viewpoints and opinions we represent. Every commodity and method of production have a place at the table. &nbsp;All the policy in our book comes from grassroots members in counties in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Every piece of policy we have at the state or national level started in a county board meeting somewhere, and that is something to be proud of. That is why I say listening to the debate and discussion from the business meeting made things seem just a little more normal. I must say my seat was more comfortable, the coffee was much better and cheaper but watching it all, by myself was not right and is something I hope we never do again. However, I could imagine myself back in that crowded convention room listening to the meeting, and that’s a good thing. We are an organization that thrives on relationships, and I miss the conversations we did not have at our usual meetings. We have a lot of catching up to do when this is all over and we return to normal. Virtually is not how we like or prefer to get our work done, but as all of us in agriculture know, the work must be done. I am proud of the way that we adapted and overcame the challenges this pandemic threw our way; I think we made the best out of a bad situation, and I applaud all who made it happen. It was not easy or natural, but we pulled it off.&nbsp; Until we beat this virus, and I know we will, we will have to embrace the new virtual normal even if it is a bit wonky."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Inside the big tent

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid reviewed the game with the Browns and looked ahead to the AFC Championship game in Arrowhead on Sunday during a presser Monday. Reid also told the media that QB1 Patrick Mahomes is in the NFL's concussion protocol. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid reviewed the game with the Browns and looked ahead to the AFC Championship game in Arrowhead on Sunday during a presser Monday. Reid also told the media that QB1 Patrick Mahomes is in the NFL's concussion protocol. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F1034934280336827%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs' Reid reviews Browns game, talks of Mahomes' injury

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and players&nbsp;Anthony Hitchens and Chris Jones chat with the media Friday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and players&nbsp;Anthony Hitchens and Chris Jones chat with the media Friday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F448319622854364%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs' Reid, Hitchens, Jones talk football during Friday presser

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs' coordinators and safety Tyrann Mathieu fielded media questions today. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs' coordinators and safety Tyrann Mathieu fielded media questions today. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F809799649569739%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Kansas City Chiefs' coordinators, Mathieu talk football Thursday

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Southeast of Saline girls basketball team (3-4) will travel to Beloit (0-2) for part one of the annual Trojan War.

The Lady Trojans are coming off a hard fought battle against fourth ranked Clay Center on Tuesday.

“We did a really good job of attacking them and controlling the game for the first three quarters,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “But we had five straight unforced turnovers which really let them rip the game open late.”

A big win over a rival like Beloit would go a long way towards establishing momentum as the team heads to the Sterling Invitational next week.

“I think for the girls Beloit has always been a big rivalry game and they’re ready to play,” Smith said. “We also understand that after a loss like the one we just had we really want to go into our tournament with a win.”

Beloit has played in just two games this season, falling to 1-6 Ellsworth and 3-4 Hoisington. But the lack of Beloit’s 2020 experience creates its own unique challenges for SES.

“This is probably the most unprepared that we’ve been going into a game since the first game of the year since Beloit only has two games worth of film,” she said.

The Trojans of Beloit are led by Porsche Cooper, a six-foot senior who will challenge Southeast under the rim.&nbsp;

Cooper is averaging a double-double on the year with 14 points and 13 rebounds per game.

“This won’t be an easy game by any means,” Smith said. “Beloit lost a lot of pieces from last season and is probably still trying to find their identity but they’ve always been a good program and they’re very well coached.”

Tip off between SES and Beloit is scheduled for 6:00 from Beloit High School. You can listen live on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or watch the stream on Salina Post courtesy of Salina Ortho.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This game preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This game preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline girls basketball team (3-4) will travel to Beloit (0-2) for part one of the annual Trojan War.The Lady Trojans are coming off a hard fought battle against fourth ranked Clay Center on Tuesday.“We did a really good job of attacking them and controlling the game for the first three quarters,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “But we had five straight unforced turnovers which really let them rip the game open late.”A big win over a rival like Beloit would go a long way towards establishing momentum as the team heads to the Sterling Invitational next week.“I think for the girls Beloit has always been a big rivalry game and they’re ready to play,” Smith said. “We also understand that after a loss like the one we just had we really want to go into our tournament with a win.”Beloit has played in just two games this season, falling to 1-6 Ellsworth and 3-4 Hoisington. But the lack of Beloit’s 2020 experience creates its own unique challenges for SES.“This is probably the most unprepared that we’ve been going into a game since the first game of the year since Beloit only has two games worth of film,” she said.The Trojans of Beloit are led by Porsche Cooper, a six-foot senior who will challenge Southeast under the rim.&nbsp;Cooper is averaging a double-double on the year with 14 points and 13 rebounds per game.“This won’t be an easy game by any means,” Smith said. “Beloit lost a lot of pieces from last season and is probably still trying to find their identity but they’ve always been a good program and they’re very well coached.”Tip off between SES and Beloit is scheduled for 6:00 from Beloit High School. You can listen live on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or watch the stream on Salina Post courtesy of Salina Ortho.

Lady Trojans travel to Beloit for game one of Trojan War

One time, Mama Hogan looked at me and said, “Christopher”—she had my attention when she said my full name— “I don’t ever want you to be a ‘been’ brother.” I said, “Huh?” She explained: “A coulda been, shoulda been, woulda been kind of person. You have an opportunity to change some things and make progress.”

Listen up, people. We’ve all been “been brothers” from time to time—wishing we’d done things differently or beating ourselves up for past mistakes. And there’s one area we carry a lot of regret: money. Maybe you’re looking at your financial situation and starting to get upset. You might be thinking,&nbsp;There’s got to be a better way than this.

Here’s the good news. The new year is like turning a blank page. If you wake up with breath in your lungs, you’ve got an opportunity to do a little bit better than the day before. All you’ve got to do is decide to change. To help you with a fresh start, here are five ways you can reset your money goals in 2021.

What do you want to accomplish by changing your money habits? Is this the year you finally become debt-free? Are you saving up for college for your kids? Are you getting serious about funding your dream retirement? Take some time to dream in high definition about your goals so you can have something concrete to work toward.

Get your bank statements out (even if it hurts to look at them), and take a long, hard look at where you’re spending money. When I finally got serious about controlling my money and making a budget, I went through all my bank statements and I asked myself:&nbsp;Where is my money actually going?&nbsp;Guess what? It was going to the grocery store—those places were getting rich off me. I was spending $1,2000 every single month on groceries! I wouldn’t have realized that if I’d just kept cruising along on autopilot, not paying attention to where I was spending my hard-earned income.

A zero-based budget is, hands down, the best way to budget. It’s a method of planning your spending at the beginning of every month so that your total income minus your total expenses equals zero. It means you give every dollar a job to do in the budget. And once you’ve made your budget, I want you to really pay attention and track your spending by keeping a record of your transactions throughout the month.

If you’ve got consumer debt, build up an emergency fund of $1,000 to act as a buffer between you and life. Once you’re out of debt, though, build that emergency fund up to have enough money in savings to cover a 3 to 6 months of expenses. That way, you can pay cash for life’s emergencies instead of turning to debt.

I like to tell people that building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. Since it’s a long-term game, it’s important to track your progress along the way. I want you to visualize and celebrate the small wins so you stay fired up for the long haul. We have a great tool called Ramsey+ that will help you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/ramsey-plus" target="_blank">track your progress</a>—whether it’s getting out of debt, saving an emergency fund, or investing.

I believe in you. And I know you can make 2021 your best year yet!

Chris Hogan&nbsp;is a two-time No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Chris Hogan Show. He is a frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, and the&nbsp;Rachael Ray Show.&nbsp;Since 2005, Hogan has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he gives practical money advice on retirement, investing and building wealth. Follow Chris on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/chrishogan360" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrishogan360/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/chrishogan360" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisHogan360" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chrishogan360.com/" target="_blank">chrishogan360.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598993777573.jpeg" alt="Chris Hogan" />
 <figcaption>Chris Hogan</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHRIS HOGANOne time, Mama Hogan looked at me and said, “Christopher”—she had my attention when she said my full name— “I don’t ever want you to be a ‘been’ brother.” I said, “Huh?” She explained: “A coulda been, shoulda been, woulda been kind of person. You have an opportunity to change some things and make progress.”Listen up, people. We’ve all been “been brothers” from time to time—wishing we’d done things differently or beating ourselves up for past mistakes. And there’s one area we carry a lot of regret: money. Maybe you’re looking at your financial situation and starting to get upset. You might be thinking,&nbsp;There’s got to be a better way than this.Here’s the good news. The new year is like turning a blank page. If you wake up with breath in your lungs, you’ve got an opportunity to do a little bit better than the day before. All you’ve got to do is decide to change. To help you with a fresh start, here are five ways you can reset your money goals in 2021.1. Start with the end in mindWhat do you want to accomplish by changing your money habits? Is this the year you finally become debt-free? Are you saving up for college for your kids? Are you getting serious about funding your dream retirement? Take some time to dream in high definition about your goals so you can have something concrete to work toward.2. Evaluate your spending habitsGet your bank statements out (even if it hurts to look at them), and take a long, hard look at where you’re spending money. When I finally got serious about controlling my money and making a budget, I went through all my bank statements and I asked myself:&nbsp;Where is my money actually going?&nbsp;Guess what? It was going to the grocery store—those places were getting rich off me. I was spending $1,2000 every single month on groceries! I wouldn’t have realized that if I’d just kept cruising along on autopilot, not paying attention to where I was spending my hard-earned income.3. Make a zero-based budgetA zero-based budget is, hands down, the best way to budget. It’s a method of planning your spending at the beginning of every month so that your total income minus your total expenses equals zero. It means you give every dollar a job to do in the budget. And once you’ve made your budget, I want you to really pay attention and track your spending by keeping a record of your transactions throughout the month.4. Beef up your emergency fundIf you’ve got consumer debt, build up an emergency fund of $1,000 to act as a buffer between you and life. Once you’re out of debt, though, build that emergency fund up to have enough money in savings to cover a 3 to 6 months of expenses. That way, you can pay cash for life’s emergencies instead of turning to debt.5. Track your progressI like to tell people that building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. Since it’s a long-term game, it’s important to track your progress along the way. I want you to visualize and celebrate the small wins so you stay fired up for the long haul. We have a great tool called Ramsey+ that will help you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/ramsey-plus" target="_blank">track your progress</a>—whether it’s getting out of debt, saving an emergency fund, or investing.I believe in you. And I know you can make 2021 your best year yet!Chris Hogan&nbsp;is a two-time No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Chris Hogan Show. He is a frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, and the&nbsp;Rachael Ray Show.&nbsp;Since 2005, Hogan has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he gives practical money advice on retirement, investing and building wealth. Follow Chris on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/chrishogan360" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrishogan360/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/chrishogan360" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisHogan360" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chrishogan360.com/" target="_blank">chrishogan360.com</a>.

HOGAN: Starting over; 5 ways to reset your money goals in 2021

A Missouri Farm Bureau spokesman says agricultural interests hope former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will have quite a bit of influence when he resumes his old job under President-elect Joe Biden.

Eric Bohl says it has been interesting to see Biden call on members of the former Obama Administration to join his team, saying Vilsack is a key appointment for agriculture.

“Secretary Vilsack had a little better understanding of rural America than I think a lot of the other people in that (Obama) administration did,” Bohl tells KFEQ Agriculture Director Dione Bertling.

 “He is the former governor of Iowa. He has worked in the ag industry for many years and seems to have a little bit better understanding about what is important for us, especially on the trade front.”

Bohl says trade is vital to agriculture and he hopes the Biden Administration will seek expanded trade opportunities.

Vilsack, the former Iowa governor, served all eight years under President Obama. Biden persuaded Vilsack, who is 70 years old, to leave a lucrative job in the private sector to return as the head of the USDA.

Bohl says it eases the concerns agriculture has about the incoming administration that Biden spent years as a senator before becoming Vice President and then winning the presidency.

“He will have a different approach than someone who is fresh out of governorship or someone who was like President Trump who had never served in government before,” according to Bohl. “Of course, his past experience is going to influence him. Now, exactly what that means, I don’t know if we can predict that. I think we’ll have to wait and see.”

Biden says he hopes the reports are true that Vilsack has a close relationship with Biden.

“He’s someone President-elect Biden really respects and listens to as a voice of rural states and rural reason,” Bohl says. “Unfortunately, there doesn’t look like there’s going to be a lot of other voices, rural state voices, that are in the cabinet.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Missouri Farm Bureau spokesman says agricultural interests hope former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will have quite a bit of influence when he resumes his old job under President-elect Joe Biden.Eric Bohl says it has been interesting to see Biden call on members of the former Obama Administration to join his team, saying Vilsack is a key appointment for agriculture.“Secretary Vilsack had a little better understanding of rural America than I think a lot of the other people in that (Obama) administration did,” Bohl tells KFEQ Agriculture Director Dione Bertling. “He is the former governor of Iowa. He has worked in the ag industry for many years and seems to have a little bit better understanding about what is important for us, especially on the trade front.”Bohl says trade is vital to agriculture and he hopes the Biden Administration will seek expanded trade opportunities.Vilsack, the former Iowa governor, served all eight years under President Obama. Biden persuaded Vilsack, who is 70 years old, to leave a lucrative job in the private sector to return as the head of the USDA.Bohl says it eases the concerns agriculture has about the incoming administration that Biden spent years as a senator before becoming Vice President and then winning the presidency.“He will have a different approach than someone who is fresh out of governorship or someone who was like President Trump who had never served in government before,” according to Bohl. “Of course, his past experience is going to influence him. Now, exactly what that means, I don’t know if we can predict that. I think we’ll have to wait and see.”Biden says he hopes the reports are true that Vilsack has a close relationship with Biden.“He’s someone President-elect Biden really respects and listens to as a voice of rural states and rural reason,” Bohl says. “Unfortunately, there doesn’t look like there’s going to be a lot of other voices, rural state voices, that are in the cabinet.”

Choice of Vilsack eases concerns some farmers have about Biden administration

&nbsp; Tina Louise Rivera, 62, of Mcpherson, Kansas, passed away at 6:28 p.m., Monday, January 11th, 2021 suddenly, at McPherson Hospital . Tina was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 27, 1958, a daughter of Otis Norman and Muriel Louise (Jackson) Hubbard. Tina attended PS 55 grade school, Andrew Middle School, Bronx, New York Through the years Tina worked as a secretary for a law firm in New York, Disability Support as a direct staff care person, was a para at Washington Grade School and then retired from MCDS as a Job Coach Supervisor, all in McPherson, Kansas. Tina enjoyed cooking, loved her clients, was a good listener, a head strong individual, loved to talk and loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughter. Tina Louise Hubbard was in a bliss union with Horace Rodger Kirkland in Bronx, New York. This union was blessed with the birth of a son, D'sean Kirkland. Then Tina was united in marriage to Manuel E. Rivera on May 6, 2008 in McPherson, Kansas. The couple established their first home together in McPherson. She is survived by her husband Manny E. Rivera, of Mcpherson; her son, D'Sean and his wife Aisha Kirkland, of McPherson, Kansas; his siblings, Charlene Williams, of Bronx, New York, Norman Hubbard, of Bronx, New York, Karen Anderson, of Bronx, New York, Emanuel Roman and his wife Jessica, of San Diego, California, Carl Anderson and his wife Ebony, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Cory Anderson, of Bronx, New York, Crystal Smith, of Bronx, New York, Greg Anderson, of Upstate, New York, Sherise Anderson, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tasha Smith, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gene Anderson and his wife Krystal, of Connecticut, New York and her mother-in-law, Anna Rivera Gomez and her husband Pedro, of McPherson, Kansas. She is also survived by granddaughter, Tianne Kirkland Tina was preceded in death by parents A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Glidden-Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas with Pastor Jon Black officiating. Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas with Pastor James Hollis officiating. Memorials are to the Tina Rivera Memorial Fund and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Tina Louise Rivera, 62, of Mcpherson, Kansas, passed away at 6:28 p.m., Monday, January 11th, 2021 suddenly, at McPherson Hospital . Tina was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 27, 1958, a daughter of Otis Norman and Muriel Louise (Jackson) Hubbard. Tina attended PS 55 grade school, Andrew Middle School, Bronx, New York Through the years Tina worked as a secretary for a law firm in New York, Disability Support as a direct staff care person, was a para at Washington Grade School and then retired from MCDS as a Job Coach Supervisor, all in McPherson, Kansas. Tina enjoyed cooking, loved her clients, was a good listener, a head strong individual, loved to talk and loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughter. Tina Louise Hubbard was in a bliss union with Horace Rodger Kirkland in Bronx, New York. This union was blessed with the birth of a son, D'sean Kirkland. Then Tina was united in marriage to Manuel E. Rivera on May 6, 2008 in McPherson, Kansas. The couple established their first home together in McPherson. She is survived by her husband Manny E. Rivera, of Mcpherson; her son, D'Sean and his wife Aisha Kirkland, of McPherson, Kansas; his siblings, Charlene Williams, of Bronx, New York, Norman Hubbard, of Bronx, New York, Karen Anderson, of Bronx, New York, Emanuel Roman and his wife Jessica, of San Diego, California, Carl Anderson and his wife Ebony, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Cory Anderson, of Bronx, New York, Crystal Smith, of Bronx, New York, Greg Anderson, of Upstate, New York, Sherise Anderson, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tasha Smith, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gene Anderson and his wife Krystal, of Connecticut, New York and her mother-in-law, Anna Rivera Gomez and her husband Pedro, of McPherson, Kansas. She is also survived by granddaughter, Tianne Kirkland Tina was preceded in death by parents A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Glidden-Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas with Pastor Jon Black officiating. Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas with Pastor James Hollis officiating. Memorials are to the Tina Rivera Memorial Fund and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tina Louise Rivera

LAWRENCE – Kansas women’s basketball (5-2, 1-1 Big 12) is slated to play its third Big 12 game of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. (CT) against the No. 21/20 Texas Longhorns (8-2, 2-1 Big 12) in the Frank Erwin Center. 

The game will be broadcast on the Longhorn Network and can also be heard on the Jayhawks Radio Network with Jimmy Chavez on the call.

The Jayhawks return to the court for the first time since their victory over New Mexico State last month in Allen Fieldhouse. KU earned the 78-59 win over the Aggies behind 14 points by Holly Kersgieter, while four other Jayhawks scored in double figures to end the non-conference slate for KU.

Kansas enters the contest ranked sixth in the NCAA in defensive rebounds per game (33.0) and is second in the Big 12 behind No. 6/6 Baylor (34.1). The Jayhawks also rank in the top-25 (21st) in rebound margin, recording a 10.9 rebound per game advantage through seven games this season.

Kansas continues its Texas road trip at TCU Sunday at 1 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Schollmaier Arena. The game will be broadcast on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and also available to listen live on the Jayhawk Radio Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610587508247.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy kuathletics.com" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy kuathletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE – Kansas women’s basketball (5-2, 1-1 Big 12) is slated to play its third Big 12 game of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. (CT) against the No. 21/20 Texas Longhorns (8-2, 2-1 Big 12) in the Frank Erwin Center. The game will be broadcast on the Longhorn Network and can also be heard on the Jayhawks Radio Network with Jimmy Chavez on the call.The Jayhawks return to the court for the first time since their victory over New Mexico State last month in Allen Fieldhouse. KU earned the 78-59 win over the Aggies behind 14 points by Holly Kersgieter, while four other Jayhawks scored in double figures to end the non-conference slate for KU.Kansas enters the contest ranked sixth in the NCAA in defensive rebounds per game (33.0) and is second in the Big 12 behind No. 6/6 Baylor (34.1). The Jayhawks also rank in the top-25 (21st) in rebound margin, recording a 10.9 rebound per game advantage through seven games this season.UP NEXTKansas continues its Texas road trip at TCU Sunday at 1 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Schollmaier Arena. The game will be broadcast on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and also available to listen live on the Jayhawk Radio Network.

KU women slated to play No. 21/20 Texas in Austin Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs' Andy Reid,&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill field media questions Wednesday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs' Andy Reid,&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill field media questions Wednesday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F324387308992028%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

🎥Chiefs' Reid, Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill talk football Wednesday

By RICH FELTS President of Kansas Farm Bureau The events that unfolded last week in Washington, D.C., will stain the fabric of our democracy for the rest of our days. The images of insurrection in the Capitol are as much our legacy now as putting a man on the moon. It’s a stark contrast of what happens when we choose to embrace what divides us rather than what unites us. There’s no doubt we all want the same things. We want the satisfaction from a good day’s work. We want a warm bed to sleep in. We all want safety and security for our friends and families. We all want our children to enjoy success greater than our own. While our opinions differ on the best way to achieve these goals, time and time again reaching consensus and moving forward together has proven to be the most effective option. In times of tragedy, like a death or natural disaster, we come together to mourn, recover and rebuild. In this moment, our national tragedy is manmade, but the solution is still unity and together we can mourn, recover and rebuild. I’m proud of the pragmatism Kansas Farm Bureau employs to advocate for the interest of farmers and ranchers. We have and will continue to work with leaders of all stripes to advance our grassroots policy and organizational goals. I must admit, I’d much rather work with leaders willing to tell hard, uncomfortable truths than ones who would placate me with promises that will never be realized. One of the best things we can do right now is demand truth from our elected representatives, no matter how unsavory it may be. We can overcome a difference of opinions, but we will be sunk by differing versions of reality. When our forefathers declared their independence at the birth of our nation, it’s said Benjamin Franklin said, “we must all hang together, or ... we shall all hang separately.” For nearly 250 years we’ve been strengthened by our unity and built one of the greatest societies of the world. For it to continue, we must choose to see the best in others. We must strive for consensus in areas where it’s obtainable, and we must continue debating in good faith in those were we can’t. Last week provided a compelling example. A few politicians entertained the idea the election results could be challenged. A mob stormed the Capitol in hopes of changing those results. In the end, the mob lost, and reality was certified. That result isn’t guaranteed in the future, and we now must choose if we want to continue on a path that will fray the fabric that holds us together or if we will rise to the occasion and let the stain fade as we have with other dark days in our history. As individuals, it’s our duty to listen to each other if we want to mend and heal our nation. If we do this together today, I can promise you tomorrow will be brighter in our United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610508042420.jpeg" alt="Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICH FELTS President of Kansas Farm Bureau The events that unfolded last week in Washington, D.C., will stain the fabric of our democracy for the rest of our days. The images of insurrection in the Capitol are as much our legacy now as putting a man on the moon. It’s a stark contrast of what happens when we choose to embrace what divides us rather than what unites us. There’s no doubt we all want the same things. We want the satisfaction from a good day’s work. We want a warm bed to sleep in. We all want safety and security for our friends and families. We all want our children to enjoy success greater than our own. While our opinions differ on the best way to achieve these goals, time and time again reaching consensus and moving forward together has proven to be the most effective option. In times of tragedy, like a death or natural disaster, we come together to mourn, recover and rebuild. In this moment, our national tragedy is manmade, but the solution is still unity and together we can mourn, recover and rebuild. I’m proud of the pragmatism Kansas Farm Bureau employs to advocate for the interest of farmers and ranchers. We have and will continue to work with leaders of all stripes to advance our grassroots policy and organizational goals. I must admit, I’d much rather work with leaders willing to tell hard, uncomfortable truths than ones who would placate me with promises that will never be realized. One of the best things we can do right now is demand truth from our elected representatives, no matter how unsavory it may be. We can overcome a difference of opinions, but we will be sunk by differing versions of reality. When our forefathers declared their independence at the birth of our nation, it’s said Benjamin Franklin said, “we must all hang together, or ... we shall all hang separately.” For nearly 250 years we’ve been strengthened by our unity and built one of the greatest societies of the world. For it to continue, we must choose to see the best in others. We must strive for consensus in areas where it’s obtainable, and we must continue debating in good faith in those were we can’t. Last week provided a compelling example. A few politicians entertained the idea the election results could be challenged. A mob stormed the Capitol in hopes of changing those results. In the end, the mob lost, and reality was certified. That result isn’t guaranteed in the future, and we now must choose if we want to continue on a path that will fray the fabric that holds us together or if we will rise to the occasion and let the stain fade as we have with other dark days in our history. As individuals, it’s our duty to listen to each other if we want to mend and heal our nation. If we do this together today, I can promise you tomorrow will be brighter in our United States."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Strength of unity

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — A Kansas woman was executed Wednesday for strangling an expectant mother in Missouri and cutting the baby from her womb, the first time in nearly seven decades that the U.S. government has put to death a female inmate.

Lisa Montgomery, 52, was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m. after receiving a lethal injection at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was the 11th prisoner to receive a lethal injection there since July when President Donald Trump, an ardent supporter of capital punishment, resumed federal executions following 17 years without one.

As a curtain was raised in the execution chamber, Montgomery looked momentarily bewildered as she glanced at journalists peering at her from behind thick glass. As the execution process began, a woman standing over Montgomery’s shoulder leaned over, gently removed Montgomery’s face mask and asked her if she had any last words. “No,” Montgomery responded in a quiet, muffled voice. She said nothing else.

She tapped her fingers nervously for several seconds, a heart-shaped tattoo on her thumb, showed no signs of distress, and quickly closed her eyes. As the lethal injection began, Montgomery kept licking her lips and gasped briefly as pentobarbital, a lethal drug, entered her body through IVs on both arms. A few minutes later, her midsection throbbed for a moment, but quickly stopped.

Montgomery lay on a gurney in the pale-green execution chamber, her glasses on and her grayish brown hair spilling over a green medical pillow. At 1:30 a.m., an official in black gloves with a stethoscope walked into the room, listened to her heart and chest, then walked out. She was pronounced dead a minute later.

“The craven bloodlust of a failed administration was on full display tonight,” Montgomery’s attorney, Kelley Henry said in a statement. “Everyone who participated in the execution of Lisa Montgomery should feel shame.”

“The government stopped at nothing in its zeal to kill this damaged and delusional woman,” Henry said. “Lisa Montgomery’s execution was far from justice.”

It came after hours of legal wrangling before the Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution to move forward. Montgomery was the first of the final three federal inmates scheduled to die before next week’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is expected to discontinue federal executions.

But a federal judge for the District of Columbia halted the scheduled executions later this week of Corey Johnson and Dustin Higgs in a ruling Tuesday. Johnson, convicted of killing seven people related to his drug trafficking in Virginia, and Higgs, convicted of ordering the murders of three women in Maryland, both tested positive for COVID-19 last month.

Montgomery killed 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore in 2004. She used a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, and then cut the baby girl from the womb with a kitchen knife. Montgomery took the child with her and attempted to pass the girl off as her own.

An appeals court granted Montgomery a stay of execution Tuesday, shortly after another appeals court lifted an Indiana judge’s ruling that found she was likely mentally ill and couldn’t comprehend she would be put to death. But both appeals were lifted, allowing the execution of the only female on federal death row to go forward.

As the only woman on federal death row, Montgomery had been held in a federal prison in Texas and was brought to Terre Haute on Monday night.

Montgomery’s legal team says she suffered “sexual torture,” including gang rapes, as a child, permanently scarring her emotionally and exacerbating mental-health issues that ran in her family.

At trial, prosecutors accused Montgomery of faking mental illness, noting that her killing of Stinnett was premeditated and included meticulous planning, including online research on how to perform a C-section.

Henry balked at that idea, citing extensive testing and brain scans that supported the diagnosis of mental illness. She said the issue at the core of the legal arguments are not whether she knew the killing was wrong in 2004 but whether she fully grasps why she is slated to be executed now.

U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, who had halted Montgomery’s execution before the stay was overturned on appeal, cited defense experts who alleged Montgomery suffered from depression, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Montgomery, the judge wrote, also suffered around the time of the killing from an extremely rare condition called pseudocyesis in which a woman’s false belief she is pregnant triggers hormonal and physical changes as if she were actually pregnant.

Montgomery also experiences delusions and hallucinations, believing God spoke with her through connect-the-dot puzzles, the judge said, citing defense experts. The government has acknowledged Montgomery’s mental issues but disputes that she can’t comprehend that she is scheduled for execution for killing another person because of them.

Details of the crime at times left jurors in tears during her trial.

Prosecutors told the jury Montgomery drove about 170 miles (274 kilometers) from her Melvern, Kansas, farmhouse to the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore under the guise of adopting a rat terrier puppy from Stinnett. She strangled Stinnett performing a crude cesarean and fleeing with the baby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602895377835.png" alt="Lisa Montgomery, 52, was the 11th prisoner to receive a lethal injection at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana since July." />
 <figcaption>Lisa Montgomery, 52, was the 11th prisoner to receive a lethal injection at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana since July.</figcaption>
 </figure>TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — A Kansas woman was executed Wednesday for strangling an expectant mother in Missouri and cutting the baby from her womb, the first time in nearly seven decades that the U.S. government has put to death a female inmate.Lisa Montgomery, 52, was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m. after receiving a lethal injection at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was the 11th prisoner to receive a lethal injection there since July when President Donald Trump, an ardent supporter of capital punishment, resumed federal executions following 17 years without one.As a curtain was raised in the execution chamber, Montgomery looked momentarily bewildered as she glanced at journalists peering at her from behind thick glass. As the execution process began, a woman standing over Montgomery’s shoulder leaned over, gently removed Montgomery’s face mask and asked her if she had any last words. “No,” Montgomery responded in a quiet, muffled voice. She said nothing else.She tapped her fingers nervously for several seconds, a heart-shaped tattoo on her thumb, showed no signs of distress, and quickly closed her eyes. As the lethal injection began, Montgomery kept licking her lips and gasped briefly as pentobarbital, a lethal drug, entered her body through IVs on both arms. A few minutes later, her midsection throbbed for a moment, but quickly stopped.Montgomery lay on a gurney in the pale-green execution chamber, her glasses on and her grayish brown hair spilling over a green medical pillow. At 1:30 a.m., an official in black gloves with a stethoscope walked into the room, listened to her heart and chest, then walked out. She was pronounced dead a minute later.“The craven bloodlust of a failed administration was on full display tonight,” Montgomery’s attorney, Kelley Henry said in a statement. “Everyone who participated in the execution of Lisa Montgomery should feel shame.”“The government stopped at nothing in its zeal to kill this damaged and delusional woman,” Henry said. “Lisa Montgomery’s execution was far from justice.”It came after hours of legal wrangling before the Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution to move forward. Montgomery was the first of the final three federal inmates scheduled to die before next week’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is expected to discontinue federal executions.But a federal judge for the District of Columbia halted the scheduled executions later this week of Corey Johnson and Dustin Higgs in a ruling Tuesday. Johnson, convicted of killing seven people related to his drug trafficking in Virginia, and Higgs, convicted of ordering the murders of three women in Maryland, both tested positive for COVID-19 last month.Montgomery killed 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore in 2004. She used a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, and then cut the baby girl from the womb with a kitchen knife. Montgomery took the child with her and attempted to pass the girl off as her own.An appeals court granted Montgomery a stay of execution Tuesday, shortly after another appeals court lifted an Indiana judge’s ruling that found she was likely mentally ill and couldn’t comprehend she would be put to death. But both appeals were lifted, allowing the execution of the only female on federal death row to go forward.As the only woman on federal death row, Montgomery had been held in a federal prison in Texas and was brought to Terre Haute on Monday night.Montgomery’s legal team says she suffered “sexual torture,” including gang rapes, as a child, permanently scarring her emotionally and exacerbating mental-health issues that ran in her family.At trial, prosecutors accused Montgomery of faking mental illness, noting that her killing of Stinnett was premeditated and included meticulous planning, including online research on how to perform a C-section.Henry balked at that idea, citing extensive testing and brain scans that supported the diagnosis of mental illness. She said the issue at the core of the legal arguments are not whether she knew the killing was wrong in 2004 but whether she fully grasps why she is slated to be executed now.U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, who had halted Montgomery’s execution before the stay was overturned on appeal, cited defense experts who alleged Montgomery suffered from depression, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Montgomery, the judge wrote, also suffered around the time of the killing from an extremely rare condition called pseudocyesis in which a woman’s false belief she is pregnant triggers hormonal and physical changes as if she were actually pregnant.Montgomery also experiences delusions and hallucinations, believing God spoke with her through connect-the-dot puzzles, the judge said, citing defense experts. The government has acknowledged Montgomery’s mental issues but disputes that she can’t comprehend that she is scheduled for execution for killing another person because of them.Details of the crime at times left jurors in tears during her trial.Prosecutors told the jury Montgomery drove about 170 miles (274 kilometers) from her Melvern, Kansas, farmhouse to the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore under the guise of adopting a rat terrier puppy from Stinnett. She strangled Stinnett performing a crude cesarean and fleeing with the baby.Prosecutors said Stinnett regained consciousness and tried to defend herself as Montgomery cut the baby girl from her womb. Later that day, Montgomery called her husband to pick her up in the parking lot of a Long John Silver’s in Topeka, Kansas, telling him she had delivered the baby earlier in the day at a nearby birthing center.Montgomery was arrested the next day after showing off the premature infant, Victoria Jo, who is now 16 years old and hasn’t spoken publicly about the tragedy.Prosecutors said the motive was that Montgomery’s ex-husband knew she had undergone a tubal ligation that made her sterile and planned to reveal she was lying about being pregnant in an effort to get custody of two of their four children. Needing a baby before a fast-approaching court date, Montgomery turned her focus on Stinnett, whom she had met at dog shows.Anti-death penalty groups said Trump was pushing for executions prior to the November election in a cynical bid to burnish a reputation as a law-and-order leader.The last woman executed by the federal government was Bonnie Brown Heady on Dec. 18, 1953, for the kidnapping and murder of a 6-year-old boy in Missouri.The last woman executed by a state was Kelly Gissendaner, 47, on Sept. 30, 2015, in Georgia. She was convicted of murder in the 1997 slaying of her husband after she conspired with her lover, who stabbed Douglas Gissendaner to death.___