The only thing for certain is that we are all glad it’s over. This election cycle has been brutal for the American people and moving on is essential. It’s also necessary that we honestly assess what we’ve done.

What is certain is this: voters demanded change. Our political process has become so polarized and specifically, so dishonorable, that we selected the candidate who would guarantee radical change, regardless of the cost.

In the Primary, the Democratic base knew this and tried desperately to advance Senator Sanders but the Democratic leadership openly denied this mandate and selected a candidate so deeply entrenched, so obviously a symbol of a tragically flawed system that of course she would lose. Republican leadership offered no better. They openly defied the will of the base and tried desperately to advance another reliable Bush because they mistakenly believed we live in a political dynasty. But the people spoke and regardless of how incredibly flawed he was, they selected Mr. Trump. And the ‘why’ is so simple: he promised drastic political change, he promised to drain the swamp.

Now, we move forward. But the hallmark of a healthy Democracy is a well-informed citizenry. We must understand what we’ve done. The thing about power is that those who seek power, never give it up willingly. This is why our government fails us. To serve in government, one must sincerely want it and be willing to do whatever it takes to win it. This is not like service in the military where if you want to serve, you can and your service is based on ability. This is not like service to a community where you see a problem and you address it collaboratively. What we have now is a system where a candidate must first promise total loyalty to major donors and once nominated, promise strict adherence to a rigid party. (Trump won, in part, because voters believed he did neither). But that is the system we have and this is the result. Now, we have a President-elect unlike any other. But is he?

What voters fail to realize is that we have just created the most powerful government our nation has ever known. Not only have we elected a president who openly brags about how he will use this power (restrict freedom of the press, deny due-process, legislate from the executive, create a religious test, and expand military occupations), but we have also given him a complicit Congress and immediate influence over the Judiciary. Our government has always worked best when it was divided. This does not mean, hyper-partisan divided, it means both parties have representation and some control over at least one branch. Checks and balances are vital to the political process. Economically, our country has always been strongest when both of the major parties were able to represent their bases and collaborate for the good of our one nation.

Socially, it goes the same. Look at any successful period in our history and you will find divided government working together. As of January, we will not have that. What we’ve done is effectively to make the Speaker of the House the most powerful man in the world. Anyone who believes that President-elect Trump isn’t in over his head has not been paying attention. The task ahead of him is so tremendous that even the greatest of self-sacrificing leaders would cower. Mr. Trump is not that leader. All real power is quickly going to Paul Ryan and that is precisely what he wants. What this means is Ryan will have a rubber stamp on all his polices. And what are they? Repeal Obamacare. Fine, but honestly, he has no solution to our massively profitable but crumbling healthcare crisis. Tax Reform. Of course, but Ryan’s plan is 100% of Sam Brownback’s plan for slashing upper income taxes, reducing or totally removing corporate taxes, and marching to a full consumption-based tax model. Brilliant. It has worked so well for Kansas; imagine the effect it will have on a nation. Privatize Medicare and reduce Medicaid. This too is a Brownback play that has had glorious results.

It is no wonder that both Brownback and Secretary of State Kobach have key positions in a Trump administration despite their unraveling of our state. Deregulate Wall Street and ‘unleash’ its potential. Yes, of course, because Wall Street has always sought to fight for the common American worker and share economic gains. More military abroad. Again, this has been a glorious success thus far. When will voters realize that a government at war is inherently a larger, more powerful government? (Being critical of both parties is a healthy endeavor, especially since both parties have clearly indicated that they will always place party concerns above American concerns and the result is our current political dysfunction.)

Voters want desperately to believe that their team is fighting for them, that their party politicians mean what they say and will get results, if just given the mandate. Well, the mandate has been given and the curse of winning is being required to lead. Conservative voters should be aware though of this: if they thought they were voting to limit the size and scope of the federal government, they will be extremely disappointed with what is in store. As I write this, Paul Ryan, who yesterday was unanimously confirmed as Speaker, is considering restoring earmarks, commonly known as pork. Pork spending has traditionally been favored by leadership because it is a reliable way to keep rank-in-file members loyal. Voters who believe that Paul Ryan is capital C – Conservative are in for quite a shock. Those who believed Mr. Trump is also Conservative clearly don’t understand the meaning of Conservative.

The thing to remember here is this: if you voted to change Washington last Tuesday, know that you may just get your wish, change is on the way. But understand, no person who seeks power has ever self-regulated or given it up willingly. Power corrupts and absolute power, you know the rest. Power is not returned willingly, it must be taken. I had hoped that voters might break from party loyalty and choose someone willing to truly restore power to the people, someone not seeking power, but seeking to return it to its rightful owners. Unfortunately, neither party wanted this and both parties effectively blocked it. By definition, Democracy means that people have the power. I truly hope that we still have a Democracy, or a Constitutional Republic, or whatever you want to call it. But last Tuesday, if you believed you were voting for that traditional limited but effective government which returns power to its people, you may be in store for a surprise.

Alan LaPolice is a former Independent Congressional candidate and a Clyde resident.

BY RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“The power of together.” That’s a powerful phrase. It was a powerful theme for a conference in Kansas which attracted people from across the nation. This annual conference is helping build capacity of community foundations which assist Kansans and others to leave a legacy to make their communities better.

Svetlana Hutfles is executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations. She explained that community foundations are community-based non-profit philanthropic institutions which receive funds from various donors for charitable investments in their communities.

There are currently 87 community foundation members of KACF: The Kansas Association of Community Foundations. They’re found in the state’s largest cities, communities like Manhattan, and even rural places such as Kensington, population 518, and Sylvan Grove, population 319 people. Now, that’s rural.

In 2015, KACF members held $3.1 billion in assets and invested $393 million in their local communities – in just one year! 

Such foundations are especially important due to the pending intergenerational transfer of wealth in Kansas.

“An estimated $79 billion of estates and legacies will transfer from one generation to the next by the year 2020, according to Wichita State University research commissioned by KACF and the Kansas Health Foundation,” Svetlana said.

In response, KACF adopted an initiative called Keep 5 in Kansas. The concept is that five percent of the value of these estates could be preserved in community foundations for the benefit of those communities and their citizens. That would generate $4 billion in community endowments to benefit Kansans in perpetuity.

“This could be a gift of grain, land, stock, life insurance, or other non-cash assets,” Svetlana said. “We encourage Kansans to think of their community as their child, as well as their family’s legacy, while working with professional advisers and estate attorneys on their legacy planning. Planned giving is important for economic and community development in Kansas.”

The annual conference of Kansas community foundations is one of KACF’s initiatives designed to bolster the efforts of local community foundations in strengthening Kansas communities.

“We are grateful to the Kansas Health Foundation for the key support they provided,” Svetlana said.

As the Kansas conference grew through the years, people from other states wanted to attend. The Kansas Association of Community Foundations Board decided to make it a truly national conference while continuing to host it in Kansas so as to enrich the learning experience of Kansas community foundations.

“We focused on community foundations in rural, small urban, and suburban settings and offered technical, practical, down-to-earth sessions to address challenges faced by community foundations,” Svetlana said.

One track of conference sessions is for new board members and foundation staff, while an advanced track is offered for more experienced participants. There is also a focus on emerging opportunities for community foundations.

In 2016, the well-established Kansas conference was held for the first time as a national conference for growing community foundations. Hosted in Wichita, the theme was “The Power of Together.” The conference was a resounding success, attracting 280 participants from 29 states.

“This conference has been a true testament to the Power of Together,” Svetlana said.  “KACF Board, conference supporters, experts and volunteers, as well as the national advisory group, all worked together to make it a success.”

Participant comments included: “I learned about a cutting-edge idea and didn’t even have to drive out of state.” “I have been to many conferences…and the conference in Wichita was by far the most useful.”

“KACF’s work is all about people who care about the future of their communities,” Svetlana said. “We celebrate this during National Community Foundation Week on November 12-18, and National Philanthropy Day on November 15. I invite everyone to contact their local community foundation. You have the power to leave a legacy in your community!”

For more information, go to www.kansascfs.org.

“The power of together.” Just as community foundations are making a difference by helping Kansans leave a legacy, they are working together to be even more effective.  We commend the leadership of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations and the other community foundation representatives who were part of this conference. I’m glad they came together in Kansas.

This is a new column and let me explain what the title means.

About three years ago, a group of attorneys and I from across the nation, decided to write a book about the unique legal, health, and financial issues facing older adults — those 50 years old and above. Each of us picked a topic dear to us. Mine was something called life care planning, a type of practice that focuses on assisting families who are dealing with chronic care or aging issues. We submitted chapters to each other for review and editing.

It was a bruising process, some chapters were rejected, but we finished. Then, we were faced with the challenge of a good descriptive title for the book. Numerous ideas were suggested and finally the title “What You need to Know for the Second Half of Life” won the day.

So, this new column is based in part on the idea and title of that book. It will focus on issues that may be of importance to you in the second half of your life.

I am there. I am in the second half of life. I know more than ever that my decisions for planning must take into account not only legal questions, but must also coordinate and temper those decisions with a balance of my financial and health goals and conditions.

This column is intended to discuss that balance. Many times, this column may sound like a diary, or a blog. It will certainly contain stories of actual experiences along the way. Other times, it may address technical changes that I feel you should know about.

Regardless, I hope you will find it informative and sometimes fun.

Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

With Trump winning the election some say it was a miracle, others say a nightmare.

The good news as of Wednesday, Nov. 9, far and away outweighs the bad. I will get to the bad later, but first, let’s celebrate the good. The bad is not about the election itself, but what follows.

November 9 went something like this – most incredible upset of our time, a dream come true, biggest political upset ever, stunning victory, etc.

Just before the final count early Wednesday morning declaring Trump the winner, I saw two different Americas flashing before my eyes. It was a surreal moment for me. I asked myself which America is it going to be? Is it going to be an America in further decline or an America that has the potential of being great again? It’s difficult to put into words what I was feeling living in that moment.

I will remember Tuesday, November 8 and 9, 2016, as two of the greatest days in modern American history. My grandchildren and great grandchildren may have a chance for the good life I have been blessed with.

The outcome of the election should not have been shock and awe as was the case. If mainstream media had done their job about the real issues Americans care about instead of tabloid sexual groping, Trump’s victory would have been a foregone conclusion, not a surprise.

Hillary was her own worst enemy with scandals, lies, criminal activity, etc. She wasn’t likeable, trustworthy, nor even competent, nor any major accomplishments.

Besides Hillary being her own worst enemy, Barack Obama didn’t help one bit. How does eight years of one failure after another help any presidential candidate and his non-presidential tirades just before D-Day didn’t help either.

All the negatives of Hillary and Obama and their political party became positives for Trump that put him over the top. Rural America and all the adorable deplorables like you and me had a whole lot to say about the outcome.

One of the most amazing things to me leading up to the election weeks before, was how everybody in Hays and Victoria (mostly Victoria where I live) knew the score on how to vote. Most were more informed than me. A prominent Victoria businessman and farmer said “people around here have a lot of common sense.” I say, amen, amen.

Three out of four voters in Ellis County voted Trump. Rooks County voted nine to one and the other surrounding counties also overwhelmingly voted for the Donald. 103 out of 105 counties voted the right way.

Trump’s fight to get this country back on track is just beginning. The election is over but the condemnation of our president elect by media will be worse than before November 8. Media is sharpening its knives to take him out regardless what he does for this country.

Hillary supporters will be right there with media to destroy a Trump presidency, after all the two collaborated to get her in the White House. The news I see coming from mainstream media since the election is so outrageous at times it is laughable, mostly deplorable, pun intended. Who believes that little children since the election can’t sleep at night?

I am blown away by the fact that the losers in this election are willing to shoot themselves in the foot to destroy Trump. For example, some people out of work, but wanting work, will be against Trump creating jobs. Pro lifers who voted for Hillary will be against Trump even if he reduces the number of unborn babies that are killed. Millions were completely out of touch before the election and will continue being out of touch.

Do not believe most of what you read, hear, or see coming from our not-so-free press.

Recent columns by the likes of racist Leonard Pitts and liberal Charles Haynes are prime examples. Another prime example was CBS Lesley Stahl hosting Trump on “60 Minutes” Sunday night as she came up with one negative and gotcha question after another – for 60 minutes. Thankfully, Trump stumped her time and again as he appeared to be very presidential.

There’s a whole lot of fixing that needs to take place in our government. Look at it this way. Our country has declined in the past eight years dramatically. If Trump runs this country as he campaigned on issues he could have a legacy of being a great president. Time will tell, but the potential of making America great again is there for his taking. There’s only one way to go and that is up!

The election was shock and awe and the months to come will be as well.

Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

Years ago, almost every town had one. They served as a meeting place among friends and neighbors. You could catch up on local news and wet your whistle at the same time.

This long-gone establishment was the general store. It carried candy, soda, cigarettes, gas, hardware and a few clothing items like gloves and hats. Some were even run by a “registered” pharmacist and carried medicine for what ailed you.

In the small northwestern Kansas community where I grew up, Albert Dreese owned and operated the general store. Instead of shopping for yourself, Mr. Dreese would take your shopping list, grab a brown paper bag and grope through dimly lighted aisles and the maze of store items carefully selecting and filling your order.

When Mr. Dreese returned, he’d hand my mom the bag and me a sucker or balloon before bidding us good-bye and returning to his cronies and the pitch game at the small table in the center of the store.

Mr. Dreese never rang up your bill on a cash register either. He figured everything in his head, wrote it down on a small note pad and made change out of the front pockets of his trousers.

While a card game was in progress, it was up to individual players to serve themselves a soda or beer and deposit the correct change on the counter top. No interruptions please – the game was all-important. Peanuts to munch on while playing cards were weighed out on a scale and poured into a small brown bag.

During the winter, no one stoked the pot-bellied stove except Mr. Dreese because a cherry red stove would melt all his chocolate bars, or that’s what he told all the youngsters and me who visited his store. Why, he even ran old Mr. Reinhart out of the store one day for tampering with his stove.

Another source of entertainment in the general store was a one-armed bandit – yep, right in the little community of Seguin. Farmers around home didn’t need to travel to Las Vegas – they farmed for a living and dropped by the back room of Mr. Dreese’s store. The sheriff never knew about this one-armed bandit, or so I thought.

When my dad was a young man, Mr. Dreese owned the only generator in our little town and supplied the church with electricity for evening services.

But for me as a youngster, the little general store offered up a smorgasbord of fun especially when I had a few coins burning a hole in my pockets. Davey Thummel and I would walk down to the store and plunk down a dime for a Coke and fill it with a nickel bag of peanuts.

Albert Dreese isn’t around anymore. Neither is the store. His business and others like it couldn’t compete with the giant supermarkets offering lower prices and modern conveniences all under one roof.

His store didn’t have air conditioning for those hot, northwestern Kansas summer days. It didn’t have easy listening music, coupons or anything you could want, or didn’t need.

All Mr. Dreese had to offer was himself, a smile and dedicated service to his customers who dropped by his little general store. Yes, his memory lives on in my mind and others who knew and loved him. His personal touch and sincere interest in his neighbors and friends is an attribute we can all strive for in our own lives.

John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.

“…except for all of those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Speaking to the British Parliament many generations ago, Prime Minister Winston Churchill actually was paraphrasing an earlier writer, Robert Briffault, who was seriously proposing that we question if democracy is indeed the only system consistent with justice.

This election cycle has caused some Americans to question if our system is really the best political system? Or at least, is there some way for us to improve our electoral process?

• Many voters felt stuck with inferior candidates, given a choice of the lesser of two evils.
• Many voters wanted a centrist candidate, not polar opposites.
• Again the electoral college system selects one candidate while the popular vote goes to the loser.
• Many voters in the primary were surprised to find they also voted for delegates, not candidates.
• And the year-and-a-half of campaign divisiveness produced a public anger that lasts into the next term, harming chances at public harmony and political compromise.

These problems were already anticipated by Mickey Edwards in his book “The Parties versus The People: How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans” published in 2012. Edwards was an Oklahoma Congressman for sixteen years and used his firsthand experience in Washington to provide a inside look at how the Party system has come to distort our form of democracy.

This may be a good time to consider what might be changed with our current political system. Many voters wanted to send someone to Washington who would exercise independent political judgement, perhaps in the model of Jimmy Stewart’s character in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Unfortunately, independent-thinking centrist candidates were not on our ballots.

Edwards points to our current two-Party system as limiting ballot choices, causing polarization, and preventing candidates from truly representing their local constituencies. He points out how the majority Party has the sole power to control which bills will be considered and who will be allowed to testify in hearings. And with voting levels in primaries low, a relatively small number of voters determined who the candidates were in the fall elections. He describes how “lose to a small band of committed party loyalists and your candidacy is over, no matter how skilled, qualified, smart, or honest you might be, or how popular you are with the majority of your state’s voters.”

Edwards goes beyond listing the deficiencies of our current system to proposing solutions. One proposal is to move to non-party-based primary elections. Every candidate who can secure the required number of petition signatures gets to run on a single primary ballot. Then the top two run against each other, even if from the same party. This system is already in place in Louisiana, Washington State and California. This would allow a “Mr. Smith” to go to Washington who is not held to the rigid Party system that he describes as “power-seeking private clubs” that choke off centrists and political options.

His second proposal is to take away Parties’ control over redistricting, a procedure that locks in place the numbers of representatives the controlling Party can hold at the state level.

A third revision is to reduce spending and increase competition. He notes it is difficult to limit contributions under our campaign finance laws. But if candidates are to represent their constituents, then the contributions should only come from their constituencies. Instead, huge amounts of money from outside entities pour into a local district to promote a candidate making the winning candidate indebted to an agent outside his or her district. That may remain unsolvable in an age of super-PACs and widespread corporations, but this money stream poisons the democratic system.

Edwards also recommends that states modify their laws for “equal time” for all candidates, a strategy that has now become even more critical after our successful Presidential candidate was able to garner tremendous press attention by being sensational and outrageous.

Edwards also proposes that we establish a nonpartisan Congressional leadership, and other changes.
Many Americans ask why we did not have a better selection of candidates at the local, state and national level. Edwards suggest continuing to work in a polarizing two-Party system will not solve the problems of a majority-centrist country.

Democracy is not the worst form of government. But Mickey Edwards suggests how our particular form of democracy could be improved.

November 14, 2016

Hello from Agra!

Last Tuesday, the people spoke loud and clear, we want change.

While most of us remained focused on the Presidential election, there were many changes happening in Kansas. When it was all said and done, Donald J. Trump became President-Elect and in the Kansas House, Republicans lost a net 12 seats. This goes back to what former Speaker of the U.S. House, Tip O’Neill said “All politics is local.” It means we as elected officials need to continue to talk with our constituents and do our best to meet their needs.

January will be here before we know it and the challenges ahead are big, and with many new faces and ideas it might be one where idealism wins out over practicality. In the end, I believe we will come together as one Kansas and pass bills that our constituents told us they want.

Legislators will gather in Topeka on Monday, December 5th for leadership elections. Once we know who the leaders will be, it will give a better direction on how fast or slow we will work on the list ahead of us.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your vote on election day. I look forward to seeing you out and about in the district before the legislature convenes in January. If you have questions, or if I can be of service, please contact me: Ken Rahjes, 1798 E. 900 Rd. Agra, KS 67621 or call (785) 302-8416.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your representative!

Ken Rahjes, (R-Agra) is the 110th Dist. State Representative.

Kansans will soon take to the Internet for a variety of cheerful holiday reasons. The increase in cyber traffic means, however, that home computer networks and smart devices will be more vulnerable to malicious scamming and hacking by persons intent on dampening your holiday spirit.

Cybersecurity is something everyone needs to practice.

We need to be vigilant in making sure our personal information is kept secure, especially during the holidays. Kansas consumers should always be aware of activity on their financial accounts and insurance transactions and let their institutions know if something appears suspicious.

Cybersecurity experts suggest the following guidelines for computer and smart device consumers to consider as they ring in the holiday season.

• Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Set them with at least eight characters, including letters, numbers and symbols.
• When using unfamiliar websites, be sure the URL begins with “https.” The “s” at the end indicates it is a secure site.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates, including antivirus and anti-spyware updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online, and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if a message sounds out of character for the sender, or includes nothing but a link in the body of the email, it may be suspicious. Check with the person who purportedly sent you the message to make sure it is legitimate.
• Limit the type of business you conduct on public Wi-Fi networks. Don’t do your online shopping from an Internet café.
• Password-protect your smart phone.
• Turn off your Bluetooth option on your smart phone when you are not using it.
• Finally, and maybe most importantly, check your homeowners or identity theft insurance policies for the level of coverage you have in case of a cyberattack on your devices.

It is important that cyber vigilance begins at home especially during the holiday season when your focus could be elsewhere. Knowing some common-sense precautions can keep your holidays merrier.

Ken Selzer, CPA, is the Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.

Even though I clerked, waitressed, mowed and lifeguarded to earn my way through college, I had only one career– an English teacher. My husband’s path was similar. He worked first as a fish culturist for Wildlife and Parks, but when a game warden position opened, he applied and served in that field until he retired. Imagine learning during the last few years I taught that students currently graduating can expect to have 25 different occupations throughout their professional lives. How do you prepare youngsters for that?

My colleagues and I offered students a foundation in basics along with practicing the ability to adapt. A task that seemed daunting until I discovered something important during genealogical research. Heavens, most of our ancestors’ jobs haven’t existed for generations or aren’t in demand today. Those dead relatives often recalibrated in mid-life when lost markets or industrial revolutions collapsed livelihoods.

Through family stories, I knew my genepool often worked as teachers, preachers, and storekeepers. Their other occupations surprised me. One fellow was a wool comber. I had to think about this until I realized he lived in rural England before factories existed, during a time when wool or flax was raw materials for clothing. Apparently, his task involved combing freshly sheared and washed sheep hair so that spinners could perform their magic. A weaver friend works with this fiber from the time it’s harvested until it’s turned into yarn and understands what this job entails. However, it’s her hobby, not her livelihood.

Another relative listed his occupation as tanner. This made sense since I know a professional who prepares elk and deer hides for those who make either furnishings or rendezvous apparel from scratch. However, he’s the only one I know specializing in this lost art on a grand scale. Besides, it’s a sideline to his western décor business.

A distant great-grandpa designated cooper as his profession. I looked that one up because I wasn’t sure what it involved. Before cellophane, plastic, and paper packaging were common, coopers either constructed or repaired barrels that families used for storage and shipping. While modern ones are molded from plastic of some kind, wood deteriorates. Finding functional containers at antique sales isn’t at all common while locating a cooper to repair one is nearly impossible.

One ancestor was a glover during Massachusetts’ early years. I wondered how he earned enough to support his large family before realizing colonial Americans wore gloves far more often than present day ones do. He’d have maintained a supply of sturdy hand gear sewn from hide as well as finer dress wear created from supple nubuck or suede. In addition, women bought cotton and wool gloves for fashion and warmth. Since he paid taxes and left a will, he must’ve had ample business.

A common factor in my predecessors’ jobs was that few required college degrees and most demanded specific skills a person could apprentice to learn. According to Mike Rowe’s Foundation at mikeroweworks.org, many youngsters sitting in desks today could fill thousands of available jobs if they trained for a semester or two at a vocational school rather than spending four years in college. Seems like old ideas still have merit.

Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.

Ellis County citizens:

I thank you. I write today, feeling honored and humbled, as well as a deep sense of of responsibility and respect for the duties I will perform for the citizens, and for the Office of Treasurer. It is a great honor to be selected to serve Ellis County, and I look forward to the various challenges I will encounter such as accounting for and investing our precious and hard-earned tax dollars when I begin my term in October 2017.

During my time campaigning, I met many gracious citizens and have had unforgettable encounters in places as various as grocery stores and garage sales. One citizen said my goal of working in the spirit of togetherness to make the county strong was the reason she supported me. And over the months meeting citizens to whom I introduced myself it was always a pleasant surprise to hear many had already read my editorials and shared their enthusiasm for what they had learned about me. Meeting citizens has been energizing, and my encounters with all of you have been what have driven me onward and motivated me during the past 5 months.

Faith, openness, trust, and directed action led me here, but it was the people’s vote that rewarded my efforts. And it is the people’s vote that motivates me to do my best for the citizens of Ellis County. Whatever I do, I do it with excellence, and I hope that makes those who chose the other candidate comfortable in supporting me as their new Treasurer, trusting that same motivation for excellence will lead me on my new duties. I am grateful and energized to learn more and play my part to strengthen the county. I am excited to unify us all in one goal: to innovate a brighter future for Ellis County. Once again, thank you.

Lisa Schlegel

Sometimes as I conjure up “OK Google” or check Fox News or the 7 day weather forecast on my smart phone, all while sitting in the Walmart parking lot, I wonder how we ever survived with phones that were only made to talk on. Then it hits me; we survived quite well, thank you very much.

The other day I went to fill the deer feeder in the draw below our high-rise deer blind which we constructed three years ago. As I rounded the corner on the gravel road and the blind came into view, so did several hundred thousand dollars of excavating equipment rebuilding the terraces and forming new waterways in the fields that surround our blind.

Just in case it looks as though our deer hunting could be permanently interrupted there this year, I scouted out another property on which we have deer hunting permission. In front of that property is a wheat field that’s traveled frequently by deer heading for the pond and trees on the property. I found a spot in a sharp corner of the field where it appears deer are jumping the fence and entering the small woodlot. There is no blind built there and no good spot to set up a temporary blind to overlook that corner. The best option appears to be the overhanging limbs of a cedar tree seventy yards away.

As I broke into a cold sweat, wondering aloud how I would ever survive not having a blind to hunt from, it suddenly hit me; I have harvested more deer from a folding camp chair tucked beneath a cedar tree than from any other way, and again, I have survived quite well, thank you very much.

For those of you new to deer hunting that don’t have a blind from which to hunt, or for those of you wanting to try hunting deer for the first time but are not sure how to proceed without a blind, let me give you some tips from my experience.

Mr. Webster defines the word camouflage as “a disguise or deception; to disguise in order to conceal.” Camouflage does not have to make something or someone entirely disappear, it just has to make them blend in, and it does that by breaking up their outline. Examples of that would be sitting against a tree or sitting behind or under some broken overhanging limbs. Both choices camouflage you by breaking up the outline of your body. Joyce harvested her first deer ever as she sat on a camp chair behind a log in a big thick tree row. My point is that in the absence of a blind of some description, nature will provide you everything you need if you just learn to see it.

The most important element of hunting is to position yourself where there is game. So when deciding upon a deer hunting location, choose a spot near a well used deer trail, where deer enter and exit a woodlot etc. If you’re bow hunting, you want to be as close to the trail as possible, but if rifle hunting choose a spot away from the trail seventy-five to a hundred yards or so. Then pay attention to where the sun will be in relation to you. You do not want the sun shining directly on you or in your eyes when it rises or sets, making it hard to see ahead of you as it shines into your eyes or lighting you up like a Christmas tree as it shines on you.

Next, look around you for anything that will conceal your form, like a broken-over or uprooted tree, a tree with large broken limbs that hang to the ground or a big cedar tree with long outstretched branches. Once you have found a natural blind, figure out how best to use it. Prune and remove limbs and branches until you can tuck yourself into whatever concealment you’ve chosen. Prune away only enough to allow you entrance and to give yourself an open shooting lane. Use your imagination and move limbs and branches around if necessary to accomplish what you need. If you are firearm hunting, find a way to support your firearm.

If none exists naturally in your new natural blind, a couple 1×2’s bolted together near one end opens up into an “x” to make a cheap and dandy shooting stick to cradle your gun. Your seat can be whatever you want. If you’re young you can probably get away with sitting on a log, but my choice is a cheap folding camp chair that gives me a back to lean against. It’s not always possible, but choosing to tuck yourself in amongst the branches of a big cedar tree will often help protect you from the north and west wind also.

There are still plenty of ways to conceal yourself to harvest a Kansas deer without a hunting blind or tree stand. Be creative; tree limbs stacked against a fence, a piece of camouflage fabric stretched around some fence posts, even digging yourself down into an old round hay bale at the edge of a field will all fill the bill. The end result might even be more fulfilling knowing you used what God provided to fill your freezer.

Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].