John Richard Schrock is a professor at Emporia State University.
“Labs are not important” was the conclusion of a recent article in a physics education journal. The basis for this conclusion was a college experiment. Students in a large physics lecture class were divided into two groups, half who also took the physics lab and half who did not. Analysis of their lecture class tests showed absolutely no difference in performance.
Of course! It was not a lab test.
But the authors and the journal reviewers saw no difference.
For over 20 years, with the ascendancy of computer simulations, I have seen the same cluelessness in the journal Advances in Physiology Education. Again and again, a lab-versus-no-lab or lab-versus-computer-simulation would be “tested” and show no differences in student performance. Sometimes the article provided sample questions. Other times I had to contact the author. When I saw the questions, they were—you guessed it!—lecture questions.
I would ask the experimenter why he did not set up lab questions, such as the dissected critter with labeled pins stuck in various organs, and ask the student to identity the organ?
“Oh, that would be unfair!” was always the reply. Absolutely clueless!
Any veteran science teacher has given tests or quizzes where the student gets the question correct when identifying a structure on a diagram in a written lecture test, but then got the question wrong when asked to actually identity the exact same structure in a real specimen.
Seeing a structure on a computer screen is no improvement because much anatomy is identified by actually detecting where the structure came from or is going to. It is “hands on.”
And do any of us want a doctor, nurse or veterinarian whose only experience with anatomy was on a video screen?
One of the most important aspects of real labs is seeing that not all specimens are picture-perfect or identical with the perfect illustration selected for the textbook or computer-screen. Indeed, a lab cat with four kidneys instead of two is not uncommon. When these variations are discovered, the lab instructor will call everyone over to see the anomaly. That variation-from-the-norm is a lesson that you want your doctor, nurse and all other health care workers to understand.
To really understand how to conduct physics experiments or discern anatomy is a hands-on experience. That requires hands-on tests to evaluate that new understanding. Textbook tests don’t cut it.
I had an alternate route student teacher who understood this well. Her major was biology. When I visited her biology class in a rural Kansas school a few years back, she did fairly well. I also stayed for her next period class which was in earth sciences. She did not have any advanced college courses in earth sciences. So her teaching was straight-from-the-book. It was obvious—not only to me but to every high school student in her classroom—that she was only one day ahead of them in class.
I returned to my university and asked earth science professors to donate their extra textbooks. Textbook companies send professors potential textbooks and only one gets adopted; my colleagues usually have a supply of alternate texts laying around. The next time I visited my alt-route teacher, I gave her this stack of earth science books so she could self-study and have some examples to use in class that were different from the high school textbook.
She said “Thank you, but I really need to take these courses and their labs.”
That was a brilliant answer, but I asked her why she thought that.
“I need the labs so I know what I am talking about. Otherwise its just words in the book. To me. And to the students. And I need to learn to use the lab equipment, so I can show my kids how to do the science. And I need to know more so I can help the bright student who wants to learn more.”
Wow! What a reply.
I told her that I wished I could drive her up to the State Board and have her repeat what she had just told me, because the Board had just voted to let teachers add another teaching field by just taking a test—a lecture test. The Board was clueless about the importance of laboratory experiences. And so were those authors and reviewers of the physics and anatomy journals.
John Richard Schrock is a professor at Emporia State University.
The incredibly complicated task of adequately and equitably financing public schools in Kansas will heat up this week and next. Probably a couple weeks after that, we’ll find out whether the Legislature has met the Kansas Supreme Court order to provide adequate and equitable financing of schools.
Last week, remember, it was the 50-page assertions by the state and by the four school districts suing the state for more funding for schools. Long read, and only the school districts had charts in their filing with the high court.
This week, we get the real red meat of the case. It is both the state and the plaintiffs swinging specifically at just what the other side believes make them a winner and why.
Is $525 million in new money over the next five years enough? That’s what the state has appropriated, and somewhat embarrassingly, it’s less than a $200,000-plus consultant hired by lawmakers proposed, which might lead to the closure of pubic K-12 schools next fall.
The state says that it is increasing funding and that it is doing it at a measured pace so that it is used to make kids smarter. Dump that money into schools all at once, and districts won’t have planned how to use it best, so that its results show up on test scores and increases in learning skills, not just fancy football fields and new cheerleader uniforms.
The plaintiffs? Well, they’re basically saying that school districts know what they need to do for students, that they can use a flood of money that they want productively. Schoolteachers need raises and new programs that will make sure all students learn to their maximum abilities. School districts know how to use new money, they just don’t have it.
But the next two weeks are going to be the keys for all the legislative scraps over school funding vs. tax cuts vs. everything else that the state does in keeping Kansas cared for.
This week, each side of the case says why the other side’s defense is flawed. Each is limited to 25 pages of arguments, and those will be the close-up statements that will likely define the scrap that will be presented to the court on May 22.
Those oral arguments—which usually bring some legislators to the Supreme Court chambers to watch—are where the justices get their first chance to question the lawyers for both sides. It’s also the first chance that the public gets to weigh the questions, the issues that the justices have with the new school finance law.
It’s where most of the observers will get an idea of whether the Legislature has fixed school finance to the court’s satisfaction, or whether lawmakers have missed the key elements that the court is looking for in a constitutional K-12 finance law.
We might learn at those oral argument just which way the court eventually will go with its decision. It’ll be watching for smiles, grimaces, the phrasing of questions for the lawyers and the occasional nods that justices try to suppress but which now and again may give an indication of which way they tilt.
The decision, probably in early June? It’s going to determine whether the Legislature needs a special session to fix the formula and make sure schools open this fall or whether the court continues to monitor the case into the future, making lawmakers work toward that constitutionality test every year.
And, there are steps short of “complicity” that the court can take to boost school finance. Those are probably what lawmakers are most interested in. Just what, short of closing schools, might the court order…
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com
Seems Kansas farmers and ranchers are always doing something in their fields, grassland and on our public roads. No matter where you travel in our state you’ll probably wind up approaching farm tractors, trucks and other large ag equipment on the roads.
Tractors, combines and other equipment traveling on our public roadways are required to display slow-moving vehicle (SMV) reflective triangles, and most must also display hazard lights. The SMV markers signify the equipment is moving at less than 25 miles per hour.
Farmers should check to make sure their SMV markers are clean, bright and still reflective. Always check to make sure reflectors and hazard lights are not blocked by equipment that is being towed. After dark, motorized equipment must have properly working headlights.
Motorists must also ensure our highways and country roads are safe. The road runs both ways.
The National Safety Council reports that even if you’re following a tractor from a distance, you’re closing the safety gap between the two of you at an average rate of about 59 feet per second. That’s the length of a football field in just five seconds.
Remember these two words while traveling on rural roads and highways – slow down. Plenty of people travel these roads today – bikers, joggers horseback riders – you name it, they’re out there.
With more and more people from urban areas moving to rural areas, there’s more traffic on our roads and many of them don’t have shoulders to pull over on. That’s one more reason to slow down and proceed with caution.
Motorists remember, relax while driving no matter which roads you travel – busy Interstate highways or a nearly deserted country road. Enjoy the beautiful countryside – but be alert. Impatience is often partly responsible for accidents involving farm vehicles.
While it is understandable motorists become annoyed when caught behind slow-moving equipment, they need to understand such delays are unavoidable, particularly during busy farm seasons like planting and harvest.
Today’s farmers continue to farm more acres. Often their fields are scattered throughout the county. There is no way most farmers can do their job without driving public roads. Just like so many motorists, farmers/ranchers must travel to their place of business.
Practice courtesy. Give them a break. Give yourself a break. And in doing so, they’ll give you a break as well.
John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
The Kansas Geological Survey reported statewide oil production in January topped 3.4 million barrels statewide, about half a million barrels more than last January. Barton County produced over 165,000 barrels, Ellis County 249,000-plus. Russell County operators produced more than 145,000 barrels, and Stafford County checks in with January production of 103,000 barrels.
The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named eight new oil fields in Kansas during its meeting April 25. That’s 19 new oil and gas fields so far this year, five more than the same period last year.
Supernova Energy announced it has more than doubled its stake in the Anderson Lease in Barton County. Through 2015, the 160-acre lease has produced more than 363-thousand barrels since it was drilled in 1956.
Baker Hughes reported 1,045 total active drilling rigs nationwide, up ten oil rigs and three gas rigs from last week. The number went up eight rigs in Texas and three each in Oklahoma and Colorado. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported a weekly count of 16 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one, and 26 west of Wichita, down two. Drilling is coming soon to one lease in Russell County and is underway at two sites in Ellis County. Operators are moving in completion tools at two sites in Barton County and five in Ellis County.
Independent Oil and Gas Service reported 39 new well completions across the state last week. For the year, operators have completed 569 wells. There was one completion in Barton County, and two in Stafford County. Operators completed 91 wells across the state last month. Fifty-one of those were in Western Kansas, and nearly half of those, 24, were dry holes.
There were 17 permits filed last week for drilling at new locations statewide, five east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. So far this year we’ve seen 552 new drilling permits: 15 in Barton County, 16 in Ellis County, one in Russell County and 11 in Stafford County. Kansas operators filed 128 permits to drill at new locations last month, 70 in the eastern half of the state, 58 west of Wichita, including five new permits in Barton County and three in Ellis County.
An investigation of Kansas saltwater disposal wells has found more than 2,000 that weren’t properly permitted. The Kansas Corporation Commission says the wells were approved, even though the public notices did not include the new, longer public-comment period. The inaccurate notices were give to commission staff, but the errors were not detected.
More earthquake activity last week leads to another regulatory directive to oil operators in Oklahoma. There were more than half a dozen temblors, including one near Anthony, Kansas. Quake activity in the Covington/Douglas area of Garfield County, Oklahoma prompted the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to order additional reductions in wastewater disposal volumes there. The commission also ordered integrity tests of bottom hole plugs in some wells to make sure the wastewater isn’t going into the basement rock. The commission says 23 active disposal wells fall under the new directive issued last week.
A partnership in Oklahoma headed by Alta Mesa Resources announced a venture to build a new pipeline from Central Oklahoma’s STACK play to the oil terminal at Cushing. The 65-mile, 16 inch Cimmaron Express will move 90,000 to 175,000 barrels per day beginning next year.
Discounts for West Texas crude have refiners on the East Coast hoping to buy more of it, but Reuters reports supply bottlenecks are making that difficult. Pipelines are at capacity, and rail service is largely unavailable. According to the government, just 46,000 barrels of crude have been shipped from the Gulf region to the East Coast in the last seven years, all during June of last year. Oil from the Permian Basin is selling at its steepest discount to WTI in three and a half years, $58 a barrel compared to $71 for the US benchmark.
The government offered some optimistic projections last week, suggesting once again that the US could be the world’s number-one oil producer by next year. The Energy Information Administration projects average production this year of 10.7 million barrels per day. Next year, they’ve raised expectations to 11.9 million barrels per day, and the agency projects we will end 2019 at more than 12 million. That’s a gain of nearly three million barrels per day over 2017. Russia, currently the world’s leading producer, managed output of 10.98 million barrels per day last year.
Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to sell its interest in oil sands producer Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Oil and Gas Journal pegs the sale proceeds at $3.3 billion. The sale is expected to be completed on May 9, and is part of the company’s 3-year divestment program that included an earlier sale of Canadian oil sands interests for $7.5 billion.
China bought record volumes of crude last month, a four percent increase to 9.64 million barrels per day. Bloomberg reports some some refiners made purchases in advance of an international summit next month that could disrupt oil transport.
Renewed sanctions against Iran could spell the end of the current output agreement between OPEC and its allies. The Iraqi Oil Minister says OPEC will discuss the problem at its meeting later this month. Reuters notes that the possible removal of several hundred thousand barrels per day of Iran’s crude oil from the international marketplace will send prices sharply higher unless other producers step up to fill the gap. There are only a few big players that could do that, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Russia and the United States.
The 2018 Kansas Legislative Session is now over and all us are back home either getting ready for the upcoming election or getting ready for the next chapter of our life. Congratulations to the high school and college graduates. I wish you well in your future activities.
Today, I wanted to share some of the numbers of this biennium (at the time this is written): 799 House bills introduced; 243 House bills passed and sent to the Senate ; 131 House bills passed by the Senate; 105 House bills signed by the Governor; 3 House bills vetoed by the Governor; 1 House bill became law without the Governor’s signature; 462 Senate bills introduced; 157 Senate bills passed and sent to the House; 103 Senate bills passed by the House; 86 Senate bills signed by the Governor; 1 Senate bill vetoed by the Governor; No Senate bills became law without the Governor’s signature.
All of these bills started out as an idea, either to improve something or limit something. Some were introduced by individuals, some by groups, some by committees. Of those that did not make it through the process to the Governor’s desk, how many will be re-introduced in January?
In Kansas we do a biennium (2-year) budget in the first year of a new session then come back the next year and make adjustments according to priorities and available funds.
The Department of Revenue continues to report sales tax receipts are being coming in larger than projected, so that has led to funding some much needed priorities that have not been funded as proposed in the past.
Some of the highlights include:
Adding $3.25 million to the State Water Fund, including dollars to go for sorghum research at Kansas State University, which will be leveraged with private dollars to make a greater impact. $15 million for partial restoration of the 4 percent cut to the Board of Regents/institutions.
Fully funded the $194 million KPERS payment that had been deferred, ensuring that the full payment is made during FY 19 and FY 20.
Completely funded Human Services Caseloads, ensuring funding is provided for the needs of some of the most vulnerable Kansans.
A total of $18.2 million SGF was added for FY 18 and $28.3 million for FY 19 to address foster care needs. $15 million of the FY 18 total was for foster care caseloads and $20.3 million was the FY 19 total. A total of 20 FTE was added as Child Welfare Staff. Additional funding was provided for emergency beds, increasing kinship payments, and a protection investigator position. $2 million from TANF funding is budgeted for Family Preservation.
Reduced State Highway Fund transfers to the Department of Education by $57 million, leaving more state funding in KDOT.
Provided salary adjustments to state employees who did not receive a salary adjustment in 2017. Additionally, uniformed corrections officers received a 5.0 percent pay raise, along with non-judicial employees in the Judicial Branch. Judges received a 2.0 percent pay increase.
There are other highlights of the session, which will be discussed in the coming weeks. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me: you can email: [email protected], my personal cell number is (785) 302-8416. You can also follow along with what is going on through social media: kenforkansas on Facebook, @kenrahjes on twitter or my website: kenforkansas.com.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your representative.
Steve Gilliland
This year’s annual church men’s group fishing trip is now in the books, and as far as fishing goes, it was not our best outing. The fishing was fantastic, but the catching was poor.
The weather was hot all 3 days, and the fish seemed to be in limbo land, not yet knowing exactly what they should be doing right now because of the screwy cold weather we had earlier. It was also a trip that was hard on trolling motors. The boat I was in Friday afternoon had one of those high-dollar trolling motors that syncs with GPS and can guide you around the lake blindfolded, and can also hold you over a particular spot in rough water like an anchor.
As the boat’s owner sped us across the lake at full throttle, the motor came unlatched from its folded-up position, suddenly dipping the motor part into the lake as we skimmed over the water at 35 MPH. The motor itself survived with only a broken propeller blade, and the top control portion was fine, but needless-to-say the center shaft between the motor and controls was instantly history. Another boats trolling motor got crunched against the dock, making it unusable also.
If you’ve read Exploring Kansas Outdoors for any length of time you know my reputation as a disgruntled fisherman. Joyce and I can fish side-by-side someone using bait and lures they themselves give us and still catch only a fish or two to their dozen. My style of fishing is to put bait into the water, set the rod against the boat or on a forked stick on the bank and wait for a bite. I want to offer some tried-and-true strategies for when the fish won’t bite, so I say all this so you will “do as I say and not as I do.”
First of all, when the fish won’t bite you can just go home and fertilize the tomatoes, mow the lawn or take a nap. There is after all a point at which you throw in the towel and concede to the fish. But until then, try a few of these suggestions. Do some reading or find an experienced Kansas fisherman to take you under their wing to learn about the fish you pursue. This will help you to understand the life cycles of each species and predict where they will be and what they will be doing when you are fishing. Frequently updated fishing reports on the Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com are also very useful.
So if they’re not biting, try different spots on the lake or even a different lake. Different spots on a lake have different water temperatures, different depths and different bottom structures. Also maybe try fishing at different times of the day, or for a different species of fish for that matter. Our men’s group trip is always the first weekend of May, and we usually fish for walleye then. But this year, because of the screwy spring, the walleye were not yet easily found, so we concentrated on catching crappie.
Try different baits and ways of using those baits. Figuring out how to entice fish to bite is a science in itself, as there are limitless numbers of baits, sizes, colors and ways of presenting each to the fish. For walleyes we tried different colors of jigs, some with night crawlers and some with minnows fished at different depths on different parts of the lake, sometimes anchored and sometimes allowing the boat to drift.
For crappies, we tried different colors and sizes of jigs, some with night crawlers, some with minnows and some with rubber bodies on them. We tried casting and retrieving them, fishing them on the bottom and fishing them under a small bobber. Also tried was the old-school method of using just a worm on a hook. Each day, the crappies seemed to bite at different times and at different locations, so to be successful, you have to be persistent
Just like successful hunting or trapping, successful fishing can be easy at times, but can also be frustrating and hard work.
The two keys to being successful in any sport are knowledge of your quarry and persistence. Luckily we have enough good fishermen in our men’s group that are very knowledgeable about our local lakes that no matter how tough the fishing, someone, somehow always catches enough fish for us all to take home a meal. I just finished a cold fried crappie and Swiss cheese sandwich that was as tasty a lunch as I’ve ever eaten. So arm yourself with some knowledge of Kansas fishing and Kansas lakes, grab a neighbor or a friend and go fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!
Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
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.
Frequently, I see ornate box turtles crossing country roads or highways. Because I like this pack-its-own-home reptile, I dodge these speed bumps. While seeing them slowly lumber across the road triggers a smile, I hadn’t thought much about these Kansas state reptiles until recently.
This summer, I’ve been waking up early to enjoy the cool morning air as I water, weed, and pick veggies. A bonus of rising with the sun is meeting some of my yard neighbors that hide during the heat of the day.
One such friend is a good-sized box turtle that hangs out under my rose bushes in the mornings. I’ve seen it a couple of times, and today we met officially. This particular terrapene ornata, according to scientists, is at the larger end of expected sizes for its species. I’d guess its shell is three to four inches across and five or six inches long. I didn’t have a measuring tape on hand at 6:30 a.m. for an official accounting, but she’s bigger than most turtles navigating Kansas roadways.
This particular reptile’s shell is dark with distinct yellow markings on the scutes or plates. Before she tucked her head inside her shell, I noted yellowish rather than reddish-orange eyes, which verifies she meets “she” criteria.
Like all box turtles, she has a hinged plastron that lets her tuck her head and limbs safely inside her shell. This ability frustrates hungry coyotes and other predators, but it won’t stop a vehicle cruising down the highway, one of this creature’s worst enemies. The minute she sensed me heading her way, she tucked everything tuckable until she resembled nothing more than a pet rock.
Ignoring her desperate, introvert-like attempt to achieve solitude, I placed my hands carefully along each lower side of her shell and examined her beauty close-up. Like any unhappy female, she promptly got even. Without sticking out head or legs, she peed, which made me jump backward to avoid a splattering.
Once I finished my inspection of her masterpiece of black and yellow shell, I rewarded this pretty girl. I set a couple of pieces of melon in front of her so there would be a little something to make her day when she finally stuck her head out. Apparently, she can smell and likes cantaloupe because it was gone by the time I got upstairs to spy on her out the kitchen window.
After researching box turtle factoids, I see why she likes her flowerbed home. It’s damp, there are lots of sow bugs or roly-polies and other insects to meet her carnivorous dietary needs, and the temperature is more agreeable in that dark corner than most places in the yard. Containing the softest soil on the hilltop, it’s a great place to dig in for winter hibernation, which might explain my new friend’s greater than average size.
Now that we’ve met, she’s earned a daily serving of melon or fruit to enhance her diet. With room service like that, this lady should be glad to call this corner of Trego County home. I wonder how big my walking work of art will be next summer.
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.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Dear Friend,
Last week we celebrated our nation’s educators for the profound role they play in our lives and our children’s success for Teacher Appreciation week. Our teachers do such an outstanding job of working with, guiding, and challenging our young people to achieve their goals and dreams. I remember my teachers from kindergarten to medical school – all of them touched my life and directed me, pushing me to give my best efforts to achieve success. Mr. Tyner, in particular, stands out. He taught chemistry and physics, he held us accountable and made some of the most complex issues seem simple. I hope you were able to #thankateacher during Teacher Appreciation Week.
This week will be a busy week on the Hill, and rumor has it that the 2018 Farm Bill will be voted on by the House of Representatives. This is great news! The House is working to pass the 2018 Farm Bill on time, and I am confident we will have the votes to send it over to the Senate for their approval.
Iran Nuclear Deal
Last Tuesday the President made a promise to the world, “The United States no longer makes empty threats.” With that in mind, President Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Iran Nuclear agreement.
“The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” The President said. I couldn’t agree more and applaud him for this decision.
The U.S. cannot continue to waive sanctions against the Iranian regime while they develop their ballistic missile program and continue the spread of state-sponsored terrorism across the Middle East. Sanctions relief has allowed the regime to recover economically but their intention to buy time and continue to develop nuclear weapons has remained the same. We must stay committed to ensuring that Iran has no path to possess nuclear weapons.
Kansas Selected for Drone Program U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced May 9 that Kansas has been selected as one of 10 states that will participate in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program.
This program will pair the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), KDOT and private sector participants to collect invaluable data on how to safely integrate drones in the national airspace. Kansas has a rich history in the aviation industry and will be a strong asset to this pilot program.
K-State Polytechnic is one of the first universities in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in unmanned aircraft systems. This exclusive, cutting-edge education shows Kansas is leading in this industry, and with the DOT’s selection I am proud that we will continue to champion this technology
Kansas was the first state to have an operational Unmanned Traffic Management system in place for state agencies, all 138 airports and 37 institutions of higher education. Kansas has been leading the charge for UAS development and has been a proven leader in this sector. In January, the Kansas delegation led a letter to the DOT advocating for the state to be selected for this pilot program.
“Data gathered from these pilot projects will form the basis of a new regulatory framework to safely integrate drones into our national airspace,” said Secretary Chao.
In the first three years of drone integration, it is predicted that more than 70,000 jobs will be created in the US with an economic impact of more than $13.6 billion. This benefit will grow through 2025 when they foresee more than 100,000 jobs created and economic impact of $82 billion.
Other states chosen to participate include Oklahoma, California, Nevada, North Dakota, North Carolina, Alaska, Virginia, Tennessee and Florida.
Hearing on empowering people with developmental disabilities
Last Wednesday the House Small Business Committee examined ways small businesses are empowering people with developmental disabilities, such as Autism or Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, far too often Americans with differing abilities are overlooked in our job sectors.
John Cronin testified before our committee to tell us that his developmental disabilities do not restrict his career and ambitions.
“I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back. I am 22-years old and work hard every day to show the world that individuals with Down syndrome are ready, willing and able to work. Give us a chance, and we can be successful,” Cronin said in the hearing.
In 2016, John and his father, Mark, launched John’s Crazy Socks and in the almost two years that they have been in business, they have shipped over 98,000 sock orders, earned $3.6 million in revenue, and employ 33 people – 15 of whom have differing abilities.
Another great story came from Dave, who founded AutonomyWorks to provide opportunities for individuals with Autism. It was encouraging to hear about their successes, but today’s panelists also highlighted that there are still many challenges facing individuals with developmental disabilities when joining the workforce. This hearing was a great reminder that there is still so much that Congress can do to empower all Americans, including those with differing abilities, and shows what can be done when you simply give people the opportunity to try.
Expedition 52/53
Last week I had the honor of having NASA Astronaut Randy Bresnik and Europe Space Agency Astronaut Paolo Nespoli stop by my office to discuss their time at the International Space Station as part of Expedition 52/53.
Astronaut Bresnik served as a pilot in the Marine Corps logging more than 6,000 hours on board 83 different types of aircraft, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was selected by NASA in May 2004 and has since logged 139 days in space on two different missions. Astronaut Nespoli from Milan, Italy has spent 313 days in space.
During their visit to our office, they shared pictures and stories from their journey. Expedition 52/53 researched the use of microgravity to better understand how stem cells work. They also studied the use of micro-satellites in low-Earth orbit to support critical operations, such as providing lower-cost Earth imagery in time-sensitive situations such as tracking severe weather and detecting natural disasters.
Just a few weeks ago I witnessed a spacecraft launch carrying supplies to the ISS. It was interesting to discuss what the ISS is like for those who have lived there and spent time in space. As a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee these interactions and hearing about all of the great work and research being done is extremely humbling and gratifying.
Sec. of Energy Rick Perry Testimony to SST Committee
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry came to testify before the House Science Space and Technology committee on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) fiscal year 2019 budget request and priorities.
The House SST Committee has jurisdiction over $10 billion in spending at DOEapproximately one-third of its overall budget. These funds include all civilian research, development, demonstration and commercial application programs and 17 of the department’s National Laboratories.
During my time for questioning, I cautioned the department to not add any new barriers on energy sectors, including natural gas – so that we can have affordable and clean electricity.
On May 4th, the Senate wrapped up the end of Veto Session on the 90thday and adjourned the 2018 Legislative Session. The last 90-days session was in 2011. The House has sent 66 bills to the Governor and the Senate has sent 52 bills for a total of 118 bills for the 2018 Legislature. At present, 40 Senate bills have been approved by the Governor, two are on his desk, and 10 await his signature. In the House, 56 bills have been approved by the Governor and 10 await his signature. There were a total of 208 Senate bills introduced in 2018, with an additional 199 Senate bills carried over from the 2017 Session. The 2019 Legislative will convene January 14, 2019 at 2:00PM.
Revenue Update – Department of Revenue
Total FY 2018 revenue receipts are 20 percent, or more than $1 billion higher than last year
Tax receipts for April are $293.1 million above April 2017, with individual income tax accounting for $239.2 million of that total. Sales tax receipts for the month are $202.9 million, or $10.7 million above last April
April tax receipts came in 7.6 percent or $66.1 million above newly revised consensus revenue estimates, for a total of $932.2 million in tax collections during the month
Session End – Floor activity
The last two weeks of session were spent working conference committee reports and concur and non-concur votes in the Senate chambers. Nearly 50 reports were heard and reported out.
Tax Bill –
S Sub HB 2228– Senate Substitute for House Bill 2228 was the mega tax bill put together by the Senate and House Tax conference committee and would’ve made changes to income, sales, and motor fuel tax provisions. The bill passed in the Senate and failed in the House. The bill would’ve removed a restriction under current law preventing Kansas taxpayers from itemizing deductions for state income tax purposes unless they also itemize deductions for federal income tax purposes (de-coupling) and accelerate the restoration of certain federal itemized deductions for state income tax purposes provided by income tax reform enacted in 2017. It would’ve also allowed for itemized deductions for medical expenses, mortgage interest, and property taxes paid equivalent to 75 percent of the federal allowable amount in tax year 2018 and 100 percent in tax year 2019. It included nonrefundable income tax credits contributed to the Eisenhower Foundation.
Final Budget
H Sub SB 109– House Substitute for Senate Bill 109, was approved and will appropriate $380 million more in the current fiscal year, $700 million more than was expended in the previous fiscal year. The legislation includes a 5 percent raise for employees who were not included in the 2017 pay adjustment law and a 2.5 percent raise for employees who received a pay increase last year. The budget also includes a 5 percent adjustment for correctional staff and a 2 percent raise for judges. The bill excludes state university staff, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Kansas Legislature. House Sub. for SB 109 also includes $15 million to replace funds cut from state universities, and other priorities that have been neglected such as water projects and state hospitals.
FY 2018– The Conference Committee recommends expenditures of $16.3 billion, including $6.7 billion from the State General Fund. It will add $31.1 million, including $40.5 million from the State General Fund, to fund the spring human services consensus caseload estimate. There will be an additional $3 million for the Medicaid regular medical program for the teaching hospitals associated with the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education program. It will add $1 million for the tiny-k program, $1.4 million for information technology modernization and $1 million from the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund for additional substance abuse treatment services.
FY 2019- The Conference Committee Recommends expenditures of $16.8 billion, including $7 billion from the State General Fund. It will add $68.6 million, including $76.9 million from the State General Fund to fund human services consensus caseload estimate. It will restore approximately 64 percent of the 4 percent remaining FY 2017 allotment at $15 million, add $7 million, including $8.4 million from the State General Fund to adopt the spring 2018 education consensus estimate for the Department of Education. It will also add $5.2 million from the Children’s Initiatives Fund for early childhood programs. This includes Pre-K Pilot ($4.2 million) and Parents as Teachers ($1 million). H Sub for SB109 will add $1.4 million for disaster relief, $2.7 million for information technology modernization, $22.1 million for an increase in nursing facility reimbursement rates, $1 million from the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund for additional substance abuse treatment services, $5.5 million, including $3.3 million from the State General Fund to increase payments for foster care kinship placements from an average of $3 per day to an average of $10 per day. It will also add $27.7 million to provide salary adjustments equivalent to two steps on the Statewide Pay Matrix for employees who did not receive a salary adjustment as part of the 2017 Salary Initiatives, one step for employees who did receive a salary adjustment, two steps for uniformed corrections officers, two steps for non-judge employees with the Kansas Judicial Branch, and a 2 percent salary adjustment for judges and justices. The Department of Administration budget includes $300,000 for the demolition of the grain mill elevator in Clyde in the 2018 budget and the Department of Education budget includes funding for a juvenile transitional crisis center pilot program at the Beloit Special Education Cooperative for 2019. H Sub for SB 109 will now go to Governor Colyer’s desk.
S Sub HB 2028– Senate Substitute for House Bill 2028 would establish the Kansas Telemedicine Act. The bill also provides for coverage of speech-language pathologist and audiologist services via telehealth under the Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP), if such services would be covered under KMAP when delivered via in-person contact. This is an important bill for Kansas especially rural Kansas for both providers, hospitals and patients.
HB 2642-House Bill 2642 would maintain an exemption for attributions on certain social media providers (Twitter characters), remove the requirement to include the name of the chairperson or treasurer of a political or other organization in an attribution, establish new penalties for late-filed candidates’ campaign finance report, address lobbyists’ reporting format and penalties, and require the Office of the Secretary of State to publish precinct level primary and general election results for certain races.
H Sub SB 336– House Substitute for Senate Bill 336 amends statute in the revised Kansas Code for Care of Children governing access to information concerning a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care and child fatalities. It requires the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) to release within seven days information about abuse or neglect of a child who has died. The information released would include a summary of previous reports of abuse or neglect of the child, as well as DCF recommendations. Under H Sub SB 336, law enforcement agencies would be required to release video after a shooting death within 20 days of a request being made by an heir of the person who died.
HB 2539 – House Bill 2539 would require every candidate for the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, or State Commissioner of Insurance to be a qualified elector of Kansas by the deadline for filing. The bill would also require the candidate to be at least 25 years or older. It would also require a candidate for Attorney General to be licensed to practice law in Kansas. It also allows State verification of the voter’s signature by the county election official on an application for an advance ballot not be required if the voter has a disability preventing the voter from signing.
HB 2579– House Bill 2579 creates and amends law regarding compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment. A claimant entitled to damages would receive $65,000 for each year of imprisonment, as well as no less than $25,000 for each additional year served on parole or post-release supervision.
H Sub for SB391– House Substitute for Senate Bill 391 would establish the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force. It will consist of forty-four members including members of the legislature and private industry. The committee will report back to the legislature in 2019 with evaluations on the 2010 Transportation Works Program, current conditions of roads and bridges, funding and future projects.
SB 217– Senate Bill 217 would update several statutory references in accordance with enacted 2016 SB 449 and Executive Reorganization Order No. 41. The bill would replace the term “mentally retarded and other handicapped persons” in statutes with “individuals with intellectual or other disabilities” in accordance with current law.
SB 307– Senate Bill 307 would make amendments to the Kansas Amusement Ride Act. It defines Limited-use amusement ride as an amusement ride that is owned and operated by a nonprofit, community-based organization and is operated for less than 20 days a year, at only one location each year. An “Amusement ride” would specifically exclude: antique amusement rides, limited-use amusement rides, registered agri-tourism activities, any ride commonly known as a hayrack ride, or a ride commonly known as a barrel train and Amusement rides owned by an individual and operated solely within a single county for strictly private use. It also defines water slide as a slide that is at least 30 feet in height and uses water to propel the patron through the ride. The bill would require an attendant to be stationed at each water slide 15 or more feet in height – water slides under 30 feet in height would not be subject to the requirements of the Amusement Ride Act. However, all slides 15 feet or more in height would still be required to have an attendant stationed at the slide while in operation.
SB 331– Senate Bill 331 would add to the list of designated state parks the Flint Hills Trail State Park located in Miami, Franklin, Osage, Lyon, Morris, and Dickinson counties, and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park located in Logan County. SB 331 would also establish the Flint Hills Advisory Council, which would study and assess the development, staffing, maintenance, and promotion of the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
Law Enforcement Memorial and Valor Awards
The Annual Law Enforcement Memorial was held at the Statehouse on May 4th on the Capitol grounds. No Kansas law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, but four officers from previous years were inducted into the memorial. National Law Enforcement Memorial Week is May 13-19.
The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police held their Annual Valor Awards ceremony in Wichita on May 9th. Fifty-six men and women serving with sheriff departments, city police departments and the Kansas Highway Patrol across Kansas were recognized for their actions of bravery and heroic efforts in 2017. Kade Odell from the Republic County Sheriff’s office, William Schwindamann, Leslie Jeter, Roberta Price with the Marshall County Emergency Management office, Police Chief Todd R. Ackerman, Todd D.R. Packett, James M. Leis and Timothy N. Anderson of the Marysville Police Department were all recognized with the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards from Senate District #36.
Norton County Honor Hunt – Disabled Veterans
The Norton County Honor Hunt organization is accepting applications for the December 7th-10th, 2018 event. The three-day event held every December is in conjunction with the start of deer season in Kansas. The organization selects veterans who are at least 30% disabled and reside in the state of Kansas.The trip is an all-expense paid rifle or muzzleloader deer hunt throughout Norton County. There is no requirement on previous hunting experience and this isn’t a “trophy hunt” but a way to show respect and hospitality to our men and women who protect our country.The hunt includes all meals from Wednesday evening to Friday evening, hotel, deer processing and packaging, hunting license and deer permit and gun and ammunition (if needed). For additional information, contact Tara Vance, Executive Director of the Norton County Community Foundation at 785-874-5106 or 785-874-8115. Their website is: www.nortoncountyhonorhunt.com
Governor’s Office of Appointments
The Office of Appointments assists the Governor with the appointment of over 1,000 individuals to serve on Kansas’ boards and commissions. All qualified and service-minded Kansans are encouraged to participate in our state’s government by offering to serve on a board or commission or by recommending qualified candidates. Additional information can be found at https://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments. If you are interested in the opportunity to serve or would like to nominate someone, please call the office at 785 368-7097 or email to [email protected].
From the State Library
Summer Reading – Libraries Rock!
Traditionally, summer reading programs in libraries are designed to encourage elementary-aged children to keep reading during summer vacation. Increasingly, teens and adults are included in these programs as well. This year’s theme, Build a Better World encourages children and families to read for pleasure through activities and programs centered around building, construction, and community. Starting June 2, the State Library of Kansas will post a new kids’ digital book of the week every Friday morning on our Summer Reading page https://kslib.info/srp. Each book stays linked on that page for easy access throughout the summer. Teens and adults can find downloadable audio and ebooks by visiting https://kslib.info/digitalbooks. No login is needed as long as you access the books from the SRP (Summer Reading Program) page. All of the books promoted are used in the internet browser. There is no need to set up apps or download files to enjoy these books.
NFWL/NRA Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest
The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are co-sponsoring the 21st Annual NFWL/NRA Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors. The contest’s six winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to NFWL’s Annual Conference November 13-17, 2018 in Washington, DC where they will network with, be mentored by, and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States. For more information and to apply online go to www.womenlegislators.org or call my office for additional information.
Off Session Contact Information
The 2019 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 14, 2019, when we will be back in our offices in Topeka. Over the summer and fall, I can be reached at my legislative email at [email protected], my work email [email protected]. My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th St., Concordia, KS 66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by. My daytime work number is 785 243-3325 x2 or email me questions, concerns or ideas for legislative bills for the next session. It is an honor to serve you in the 36th Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.
Donna KrugWhen the temperature warms up outside our meal planning may include dishes that are lighter and don’t heat up the kitchen. Often that means I “think salad.”
Salads are great ways to incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables. That, in turn, contributes to a healthier plate. Many whole grains can make the salad become more of a main dish that is both filling and nutritious.
As I was preparing for the Walk KS celebration lunch recently I decided to show some of the healthier choices related to salads and also mention some of the unhealthy options on a salad bar. It’s easy to get complacent and think that everything on a salad bar is healthy but that’s just not the case. Adding nuts and seeds, especially if they are candied or roasted, can add extra fat and sodium while sprinkling a handful of dried cranberries onto a salad adds sugar. And then there is the dressing which contains extra fat, sodium and sugar.
I found a neat website from Iowa State University titled, “Spend Smart, Eat Smart.” I have prepared a handout with 6 recipes, including four salads, a black bean dip and the following Orange dressing recipe:
Orange Dressing with Fruit and Greens
Ingredients: ¼ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons oil
8 cups greens (romaine, lettuce, or spinach)
2 cups vegetables, chopped (Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, peppers, onions, or tomato)
2 cups fruit, chopped (apples, berries, grapes, or oranges)
Instructions:
1. Combine dressing ingredients in a container with a screw top. Close tightly and shake until combined. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use (up to 1 week.)
2. For each salad, top 2 cups of greens with ½ cup vegetables and ½ cup fruit.
3. Take dressing from the refrigerator and shake to combine ingredients again. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of dressing onto each salad.
Additional tips: You may substitute any fruit juice you want for the orange juice. Leave out the sugar if you use a sweeter juice such as pomegranate or grape. This salad dressing will be thinner than store bought salad dressing.
If you would like a copy of the salad recipes from the Spend Smart Eat Smart Web site, give me a call or come by the Great Bend office. Enjoy!
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Happy Mother’s Day
From the day we are born, our family gives us our identity, values, and confidence that carry us through life. Today is a special day for families to remember to thank their mother for enriching their life. My mother and mother-in-law are both in their heavenly home but not a day goes by without my remembering their love and nurturing ways. Take time to tell your mom how much they mean to you today and every day!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected]
The Kansas Legislature just loves children. They make such cute political pawns.
Why else would the rush through a last-minute adoption bill that does nothing to fix a broken system? Opinions differ on whether the new law will make the system even worse, but that is scant comfort. Adoption and foster care in Kansas are a mess, and all that many Kansas legislators seek to do about it, is score political points with their base.
Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.
Kansas’ foster care and adoption systems are so bad that some homeless children sleep in state offices. Others disappear for weeks. Reports of abuse and neglect are themselves neglected. Sometimes, children die while waiting for someone to notice. Columnist and adoption advocate Chapman Rackaway wrote, “Excessive paperwork, extreme costs, delays and the opportunities for the unscrupulous to take advantage of potential adoptees prevent many from even considering the process seriously, or force the committed to shift to international adoptions.”
That was in 2013. None of it has improved.
It is past time for a major overhaul, so what did the Legislature decide to do? Lawmakers’ last-minute rush job of a bill ignores the problems. Instead, it allows adoption contractors to deny adoptions to prospective parents who are not heterosexual. In so doing, it opens a Pandora’s box of new problems.
The lead advocate for the bill, Catholic Charities, says no worries. They argue that the new law protects their religious beliefs. They add there are plenty other of adoption contractors in Kansas with whom potential adopting families can work, if rejected by Catholic Charities. Some adoption statistics are hard to find, but there are data available for Illinois. There, Catholic Charities places about 11% of adoptions statewide.
In their argument, Catholic Charities neglected to point out how badly underfunded these adoption contractors are. Can they really pick up someone else’s slack when they are already stretched to the breaking point? Then comes another problem. Longstanding policy holds that while churches are exempt from certain state laws, government contractors are not. Organizations like Catholic Charities are not churches, they are separate, nonprofit entities founded for the purpose of soliciting government contracts. The Episcopal, Lutheran, and other churches and religious organizations do the same. The church/nonprofit separation makes the process fair and policies consistent, without touching the core functions of the church itself. This was not good enough for Catholic Charities or the Legislature. Those voicing objections lacked the political clout to be heard.
The truth is, we do not yet know if Catholic Charities is correct in stating that potential adopting families they reject need only go to other adoption-placement nonprofits instead. I hope that is true. The real problems with this bill are two.
First, the Legislature decided to use the state’s adoption system to score political points with a certain voting bloc instead of passing anything that will lead to real reform.
Second, we may be headed down a rabbit hole by disrupting the settled policy separating religiously-affiliated nonprofits bidding for government contracts, on the one hand, from churches on the other. Some other states have done it, too—but that hardly makes it a good idea.
Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
“We can’t always control what happens in our lives – things will go well, things will go poorly – but what we can control is our response to those events.” – Ken Blanchard.
Last week we learned about a rural Kansas community that was devastated by tornado strikes which, amazingly, came on the same day, three years in a row. Now we’ll learn how the community is seeking to recognize this disaster today, in a way that honors its ancestors and the spirit of the community.
Last week we learned the story of Codell, Kansas which was hit by a tornado on May 20 in 1916, 1917, and 1918. Joel Russell shared the story of this incredible fluke of weather.
Joel grew up at Codell. After college at Wichita State, he became a supervisor with Union Pacific Railroad. His job allowed him to move back to Codell, while his work took him around the western U.S. He met and married Amanda who is from Hays. Amanda works at Plainville High School. She and Joel have four children.
Joel grew up hearing the stories of the three tornado strikes. He and other local residents recognized that 2018 would be the 100th anniversary of the third and final tornado that hit in 1918. Roger Hrabe, the Rooks County economic development director, called with an idea. “He wondered if we could make a sculpture or memorial to recognize this event,” Joel said.
At the time, Rooks and other northwest Kansas counties were going through a strategic doing process with support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan. As county residents thought about projects to benefit their communities, the memorial in Codell caught on.
Joel Russell and other citizens came together to work on the project. They contracted with two Fort Hays State faculty artists to design and build the memorial. Danielle Robinson and Tobias Flores are the contemporary sculptors who have designed and built the metal sculpture. To raise funds, donor names are being stamped onto the steel strips which are used to construct it.
The sculpture itself is a striking, 12-foot-tall representation of a funnel cloud. On May 20, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the final tornado, the Codell Cyclone Day Memorial will be dedicated.
“We have two local people who actually lived through the tornado,” Joel said. “Ellen Hockett is 105 and her brother Lee Smith is 103, and we think they’ll attend.” Many families are lending artifacts which will be displayed at the dedication.
The story of this incredible weather event has attracted national attention. Sculptor Tobias Flores has even been contacted by Good Morning America.
“A meteorologist from Seattle told me that every meteorologist in the country knows Codell, Kansas,” Joel said. “It’s in the books they have to study.”
“I’ve had articles (about Codell) sent to me from all over the country,” Joel said. “One guy was at a bar in Boston and saw the story about Codell posted on the wall.” That’s impressive because Codell today is a rural community of about 50 people. Now, that’s rural.
“We’re the keepers of this history,” Joel said. “We feel a responsibility to honor the history of these events. That’s our heritage too.”
Not only did Joel Russell’s ancestors survive the tornadoes, his and Amanda’s residence has a direct connection to that time. “The main portion of our house was built from lumber that was strewn around from the lumberyard when it was hit,” Joel said.
After this natural disaster took place, families, friends, and neighboring communities rallied around to help the people of Codell. Now all of that history will be honored, 100 years later.
“We can’t always control what happens in our lives – things will go well, things will go poorly – but what we can control is our response to those events,” said author Ken Blanchard. We commend Joel and Amanda Russell and all the people of Codell who are making a difference by commemorating this history. I think it is an excellent response.
Lisa SchlegelBy LISA SCHLEGEL Ellis County Treasurer
Spring is already here and with the renewal of the trees and plants, and in keeping up with the rhythm of the seasons, I found it the perfect time to update citizens on fresh news in the Treasury.
On April 9 I did a presentation to the County Commissioners at their regular Monday meeting to provide an update on Ellis County’s finances. Since taking office in October, one of the new practices I have implemented is consistent investment of “idle funds,” (money not currently being tapped for county expenses). My goal was to increase interest income on those funds.
In the 1st quarter of 2018, which includes Dec, Jan, and Feb, the Treasury earned over $78,000.00 in Interest Income. Meaning, the income earned this year has already exceeded the annual totals for each year of the prior seven years. Based on the 1st quarter’s earnings and my purposeful investment strategy, I estimate Ellis County will earn over a quarter of a million dollars in “Interest Income” alone in 2018.
It is important to note interest rates on our accounts. For the past five years, they have been stagnant, ranging from .02-.05 percent. That is not 5% or 2%, but .02 and .05%. I have secured interest income for the county because, and only because, I have taken the initiative to make investments at every possible moment, not leaving any funds “un-invested.” The competition generated by soliciting bids from local banking institutions since I took office got them competing to the tune of 1-1.4%, versus if I would have simply accepted the standard .02-.05%. First quarter interest earnings for Ellis County illustrate the value of proactive account management, and I look forward to producing even greater return on our investments in the future.
In other news, in January 2018 I solicited proposals and gathered information from banks upon examining Ellis County’s investment potential. Due to comparing the County’s banking fees with other Treasuries across Kansas, I made this a top priority. Two objectives I set forth with the new banking proposal were to increase interest income and decrease monthly banking fees; the process was successful on both fronts. I sent out banking requests for proposals (RFPs) this winter, and have since been grateful to have met and worked with the banking executives in Ellis County. On May 1, I awarded Astra Bank the opportunity to be the banking institution that handles the County’s main operating accounts. (These are the active accounts, and different from idle fund investment accounts). I was drawn to the adaptability of Astra’s qualified staff and various services to meet the county’s required banking needs at the best cost-value to the county.
I am happy and grateful to work for Ellis County citizens, and I enjoy the challenges that come with the responsibilities of being your Treasurer. Make it a good spring, and be glad you are part of such a great County and Country as ours.
