U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
Happy Kansas Day!
On January 29, 1861, the great state of Kansas was founded. Each year, Kansans everywhere celebrate the history, ideals, people and natural beauty that make our state unique. Our history is marked by the events and people that have shaped us into the state we are now, and I am encouraged by the many Kansans who paved the way before us over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of our state in the U.S. Senate and mindful of the many farmers, ranchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and countless other unsung heroes who came before us.
Ad Astra Per Aspera. Happy birthday, Kansas!
Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Communities in Schools at Middle School
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2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Results, 2023 Contest
PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!
Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.
Participation Guidelines
- Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/
Wildlife-Diversity/2023- Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest. - Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
- Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
- Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.
The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.
The top winners from 2022 in each category are listed below.
Adult, Advanced
- Malcolm Gold – 315*
- Mark Nolen – 304*
- Jeff Calhoun – 250*
- Dan Broers – 246
- Chad Gardner – 228
Adult, Intermediate
- Seth Miller – 290*
- Juan Avena – 275*
- Corey Entriken – 267*
- Melissa Bruce – 265*
- Kelli Egbert – 219
Adult, Novice
- Ann Tanner – 183
- Krystal Sarcone – 83
- Timothy Tarkelly – 79
Youth
- Franklin Miller – 322*
- Hezekiah Swihart – 192
- Michaela Gold – 166
- Danielle Gold – 143
Senior
- Henry Armknecht – 289*
- Sue Newland – 270*
- Dan Larson – 215
- Marie Plinsky – 206
- William Simon – 140
An asterisk (*) denotes a Top 10 Overall score.
Sponsors of the 2022 Kansas Big Birding Year contest include: City of Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Acorn Naturalists, The Kansas Ornithological Society, Dr. Robert Penner, and KDWP.
For more on the Kansas Birding Big Year, visit ksoutdoors.com/services/
Common Ground Offering A Valentine Concert on Feb. 10
Nevada MO musician Stephan Moses will be playing at Common Ground Coffee shop,12 East Wall Street on Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m.
This is a Valentines Day Concert, so bring a special someone.
“He will be playing Jazz music and performing love songs by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra,” said Common Ground’s Event Coordinator Stacy Racy. “All age groups are welcome to come out and spend their Friday evening with us.”
Racy’s goal is to utilize the beautiful facility while giving the community something to do on Friday Night, Racy said.
“So often we hear people say they have never been in the building and we would like to change that by offering good coffee, pastries, food, concerts, catering, and by renting out the dock area and conference room,” Racy said.
About Stephan Moses
Stephan Moses was born in rural Northwest Iowa and came from a non-musical family. Since the age of ten, he’s been playing guitar and has a diverse musical background with influences from Crooner’s to Blues greats, according to Racy. As a singer, songwriter, musician, Moses has a love for Gospel music and Delta Blues. Mostly, he just loves to play. Moses currently resides in Nevada, MO.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
f Someone Won’t Get a Pap Test for Themselves, They Should Get One for their Family
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly proclaims January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Through a partnership with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansans are urged to get pap tests for cervical cancer to reduce long-term cancer risks. Free or low-cost screening test through the KDHE Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is available for eligible women at average risk who also do not have health insurance and meet income guidelines.
There are many things a person can do for the ones they love; and they should make screening and preventing cervical cancer one of them. On average, 100 women in Kansas are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and half of those are diagnosed as late stage. If caught early, cervical cancers are treatable.
Anne Zajic is a mother of three active little girls and a loving wife. “I remember feeling as though the room was spinning when I learned I had cervical cancer,” says Zajic. “I have been cancer free for more than five years and encourage others to get the HPV vaccine and tests regularly because cervical cancer is a very preventable illness and one that I hope my daughters won’t have to experience.”
Newly released data shows that 83.9% of women are up to date in cervical cancer screening. But screening must begin at 21 and follow the schedule recommended by a health care provider. The goal in Kansas is that 90% of women will be up to date in cervical cancer screening by 2027.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer:
- Every 3 years with cervical cytology for women aged 21 to 65, or
- Every 5 years with primary HPV testing (an HPV test that is done by itself for screening) or HPV-Pap co-testing for women aged 30 to 65.
Recommended screening beginning at age 21 is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. For more information about cervical cancer, visit kdhe.ks.gov/816.
Homeowners In Need of Assistance: Help Is Available
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Early Childhood Grant Awarded to Kansas
Governor Kelly Announces $4 Million Planning Grant to Advance Statewide
Early Childhood System
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has been awarded a $4 million 2023 Preschool Development Birth through Five Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant will support the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster the early childhood workforce, support the physical and emotional well-being of our children, and ensure we design an early childhood system that meets the needs of all Kansas families.
“We know that a child’s development from birth to five years of age is vital to their trajectory in education and in life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will allow us to plan and build upon initiatives that strengthen our integrated early childhood system, with a special focus on ensuring our most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten.”
The grant will support:
- A study on how to better coordinate the state’s delivery of early childhood services to create a more streamlined system that is easy for all families to navigate, especially low-income and vulnerable populations.
- Exploration of a service delivery model that empowers families to be part of designing a responsive early childhood care and education system and holding the system accountable.
- Strengthening the early childhood sector’s workforce recruitment and growth.
- Exploration of a compensation reform plan based on the true cost of care, market conditions, and the economic growth Kansas is experiencing.
“As a recipient of federal funding in 2018 and a three-year renewal grant in 2020, Kansas has amplified and expanded a continuum of services and supports to better meet the needs of Kansas children and their families,” Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, said. “We are excited to receive this new award which will allow us to take stock of our progress and design a future that ensures all Kansas children can thrive,”
To learn more about the progress of Kansas initiatives supported by this grant, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 27, 2023
Committee Work continues in the third week of session. It appears that session is off to a slow start, however, there are reports and hearings being conducted in committees. Bills, schedules, and recordings of the meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org/li/.
Government Picking Winners and Losers Last week I talked about a Legislative Post Audit report on tax incentive programs being used to promote business in Kansas. The report pointed out 37% of businesses questioned would have expanded or completed the project without the tax incentives. The report also pointed out the programs do not generate enough tax dollars to pay for the ‘giveaways’.
This week another presentation on government picking winners was presented in the Commerce Committee. Universities are allowing companies who “pay to play” to have access to students and research. Not all businesses have access to these students or research. It used to be that students would intern for companies, but now, some companies have locations on campus.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Ground (Hog) Feed on Feb. 4 at First Southern Baptist Church
JOIN US FOR OUR 4TH ANNUAL
ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES
WITH A SERVING OF GROUND(HOG)
DINE IN OR CARRY OUT
ALSO SILENT AUCTION,
VALENTINE GIFTS & BAKE SALE
February 4, 2023, 8 A.M.- 2 P.M.
at First Southern Baptist Church
1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS
Children 7 and under FREE
8 to Adult $5.00 in advance
or
$6.00 at the door
for advanced tickets Contact
Ida Ford 417-262-3948,
Terri Williams 620-215-3202, or
Fort Scott Chamber
**All proceeds go to the building fund
Ft Scott First Southern Baptist Church
TAKING ORDERS – Pick up 02/04/23
Individually wrapped
homemade sausage rolls
(jalapeno/cheddar
and cheddar)
$2.00 each
Great from Freezer to Microwave,
Ready in minutes
To Order contact
Terri Williams 620-223-3202
Ida Ford 417-262-3948
** All proceeds to Church Building Fund
Love is an Uphill Climb by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
In 1992, I became close friends with Shardel and Misty through a mothers’ group when all three of our little boys were two years old. Later in the mid-90s, both families moved away from Fort Scott. Last summer I had the joy of hosting a weekend reunion at my home with these dear and treasured girlfriends. Even though we had lived apart many years, our souls were still knit together. As we visited, laughed, cried, ate scratch brownie batter, and simply picked up where we left off, I said something like, ”I’m not who I used to be; I’ve changed. My heart is softer and I’m not so judgmental and opinionated.” During those 27 years of separation, I learned (am still learning) what it means to love others like Jesus does. What a difference choosing a mindset of love has made in my life!
Practicing love is not based on a feeling, but rather a decision to humbly obey God’s Word. When Jesus’ crucifixion was near, He shared many directives to His disciples. “Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for Me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:33-35 NLT). Jesus’ command requires believers to take the necessary steps to love others. We simply put one foot in front of the other and begin hoofing the uphill climb.
To walk in love requires effort on our part — we have to work at it. Being a doer of love costs something, whether it’s our time, money, pride, or opinions. A good question to ask ourselves is: “Are my wounded feelings and stubborn opinions more important than the person and my relationship with him/her?” Speaking from emotions in the heat of the moment can undo a lifetime of closeness. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT). Being right is highly overrated, and having peaceful relationships is highly underrated. Peace is like a soothing essential oil for the soul.
Loving others is a daily decision that’s practiced on purpose — and it’s not always easy. Sometimes the stepping stones to love are a little too far apart and it’s a stretch for us. But let’s think past the upsetting circumstance and ask ourselves: “Am I loving others in a way that I‘ll have no regrets later on?” We must live in the light of Jesus as we climb every mountain in love. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT).
Because Christ lives in believers, we are more than able to do what is required of us. “…Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other“ (Colossians 3:12-15 MSG).
The Key: Love is an uphill climb one step at a time.
Alternative Forage Options for Spring 2023
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]
Much of Southeast Kansas experienced drought through the late summer and fall months of 2022. This has affected pasture health, forage yields, and hay prices, causing some producers to worry if they will have enough forage to maintain their herd numbers. In this article we will lay out a few forage options that producers may not be utilizing.
Many tall fescue pastures in SEK went into dormancy early last summer, and never seemed to come out, leaving producers to worry if the fescue is dead. While it is difficult to tell how much will recover, we know that stand health will be poor this spring. In some cases, spring oats can be drilled into fescue stands to provide additional forage. Using low seeding rates and a no-till drill, oats make a great companion crop allowing the fescue to rest.
Winter wheat can be used as a dual-purpose crop, where producers graze the stand early in the spring, and then pull cattle off to have a harvestable wheat crop. Winter wheat can be grazed until the first hallow stem stage without impacting yield potential. Research has shown a 0% yield impact from grazing prior to the first hallow stem stage, and then a 2% yield loss each day the wheat is grazed after the first hallow stem stage. The first hallow stem stage can be identified by splitting the main tiller on the wheat plant and finding the developing wheat head. The first hallow stem stage begins when the developing wheat head is approximately 1.5 centimeters above ground, roughly the diameter of a dime.
Winter wheat can also be used solely as a forage crop with the ability to rotate to a summer crop. In this system, wheat can be grazed until planting time. Wheat can be terminated via tillage or herbicides.
For producers who did not plant winter wheat in the fall there are a number of spring- planted cereal crops that make excellent grazing options.
Cereal rye is a cold-hardy, fast growing cereal crop that will produce a large amount of forage quickly. Cereal rye is most often planted in the fall, but in SEK, late winter plantings can also achieve adequate stands. Rye is best served as a silage crop because it matures quickly, but it will also give producers the earliest grazing option.
Spring oats is the next earliest forage option. Spring oats can be planted as early as February 15 in a warm and dry winter, or as late as March 10 in a cold and wet winter. Oats will freeze kill, so plan to plant after the last threat of a freeze.
Spring oats will not produce tillers, so yield potential will not be as high as other cereal crops. Grazing should begin when plants reach 6-8 inches tall and then grazing should end when plants reach 2-3 inches tall to maintain regrowth.
For producers looking to get more forage from their spring crop, spring triticale can be a great option. Spring triticale will mature later in the season than cereal rye and spring oats, so it is not recommended if producers want to rotate to corn in that field. Double-cropped soybeans would be an option in SEK.
Spring triticale has many hybrids that are designed for different forage types, meaning it can have good grazing potential, but triticale is best served as a hay/silage crop.
With a glim outlook on spring pasture health, producers may need to look beyond their typical spring grazing options. Cereal crops can be an inexpensive and high-quality forage to fill a need while tall fescue pastures recover from last year’s drought. For more information on using alternative forages, contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind Extension District office.