Florida and Texas are among states who elect governors with an avowed contempt for the federal government. In late August Hurricane Idalia laid waste to a chunk of Florida’s western shore and inland. President Biden went there to survey the destruction, order federal disaster assistance through FEMA, and to comfort storm victims.
It’s not clear yet how much federal money will flow into Florida. Last year, after Hurricane Ian, FEMA sent more than $1 billion in survivor assistance and another $4.5 billion for Florida families and communities to rebuild.
Two years ago in Texas, after a massive winter freeze crippled that state’s infrastructure, Biden ordered billions in disaster funding for dozens of counties. Six months later, Hurricane Ida hit southeast Texas. Biden sent more hundreds of millions in disaster aid.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida recently declined to meet Biden in Florida and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been reluctant to talk about all that help from a place he despises. Their gratitude may be deadened by the shock of repeated seasonal wreckage, or the flow of those persistent and annoying federal dollars. Or both.
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Disaster aid is one measure of government assistance. Public improvements are another.
Closer to home in Kansas, the state Department of Transportation recently announced a two-year, $49 million program to replace or rehabilitate more than 30 city and county bridges that are not part of the state highway system. Most of the money ‒ $42.3 million ‒ will come from Washington.
The Kansas projects cover a range of rural and urban territory. A new bridge in Dodge City ($9 million) and county bridge work in rural Decatur ($544,000), Crawford ($990,000) and Doniphan ($836,000) Counties are examples. Depending on the paperwork, 70 to 90 percent of the money comes from Washington.
State transportation officials had refigured two local bridge programs to take advantage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $108 billion notched for American public transportation. In Kansas there were 176 applications for $162 million in bridge repairs. Of the state’s 19,000 bridges, a fourth of them are outmoded or unsafe, according to state studies..
Most of the Kansas congressional delegation opposed the spending bill. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat, voted for the bill. The five Republican members of the Kansas delegation, including senators, voted against it.
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Government unbelievers often dash for the FEMA lines after the flood, the tornado, the prairie fire. States-rights advocates who warn about federal intrusion are first to complain when the highway money or farm subsidies are late to their district.
During the Brownback years in Topeka, Republicans denounced Washington’s spending habits, then raided state highway funds, agency budgets and employee pensions to cover budget deficits that followed tax cuts for business and the wealthy.
Today many citizens, rural and urban, claim a fierce, independent and up-by-the-bootstraps headway, lamenting the intrusions of a federal government. And yet they are up in arms at the mildest threat to a federal farm bill or corporate tax loopholes and write-offs.
Kansas, like many other states, is a primary client, beneficiary and recipient of federal support. The state would wither without it. It’s a mystery why our politicians are so eager to bite the hand that helps us.
Biting the hand
Salina Cowgirl Busy Serving As Miss Rodeo Junction City Kaitlyn Watkins is the 2023-24 Miss Rodeo Junction City.
She was crowned at the Junction City Rodeo by 2022-23 Miss Rodeo Junction City Shelby Christmann.
“I’ve wanted this title ever since I got introduced to rodeo queens,” Watkins said. “I really cherish this title because of the DJ Prochaska Memorial. I grew up with the family and they are very good friends. I want to keep her memorial alive and make DJ proud.”
Daughter of Jennifer Godfrey, Queen Watkins is from Salina and attends Smoky Valley Virtual Charter School.
Active in 4-H horse activities, Watkins also competes in Eastern Kansas Horseman’s Association (EKHA) and National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) shows.
“I ride in every class at the horse shows from English riding to hunter hack to Western pleasure, and all running events,” Watkins said.
She has claimed a room filled with yearend awards in both organizations. “Fortunately, I’m blessed with outstanding horses to be an all-round contestant,” Watkins credited.
While the EKHA state show has just been competed, Watkins is directing attention to showing at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. “I’ll be riding in nearly every division including English, Western rail classes, and the speed competitions,” Watkins said.
In addition to her equestrian skills, Watkins is also a musician, especially when playing the flute in band.
As if she isn’t busy enough, Queen Watkins is also employed at a diesel mechanics shop. “I don’t mind getting my hands dirty in order to get a job done,” she said.
Since coronation, Watkins has represented the Junction City Rodeo Association at a number of rodeos throughout the Midwest.
“My schedule is nearly overflowing with commitments representing the sport of rodeo,” she admitted. “I ride in most area fair and rodeo parades and carry the American flag at rodeo grand entries. I addition, I help move cattle during the rodeo performances and assist in every area where there is a need.
“Thank goodness Holly my horse puts up with everything I ask her to do,” the queen added.
Her royalty duties even go well beyond the rodeo arena as Watkins helped with the kid’s tractor pull during the Tri Rivers Fair at Salina. “That was an interesting and most enjoyable experience,” she admitted.
“After I pass this queen title down to the lucky girl next year. I plan on being more involved in 4-H,” Watkins said.
“A couple goals I have for the coming year is to get grand champion in the grand drive with show goats,” she stated. “I want to get a grand championship in every horse class at the state fair.”
According to Watkins, “A rodeo queen should be outgoing, compassionate, dependable, and I am doing my very best to fulfill those expectations.”
Optimistic for the sport of rodeo today and in the future, Watkins works to portray the Western way of life in every activity.
“Many people today really don’t’ understand the vast heritage which rodeo has, and I am proud to relate that information to them,” she said. “Despite my tight schedule, I welcome invitations to participate in community programs to represent and talk about the sport of rodeo.
While her current queen reign will run for one year, Watkins has no intention of slowing down her involvement with horses.
“I will be campaigning for the Miss Rodeo Kansas title and maybe even go on from there to national queen pageantry,” she said.
Horses will be in her future for a lifetime, Queen Watkins verified. “I enjoy working with all activities related to horses. I plan to continue competing in horse shows and rodeos throughout my adult life,” she exclaimed. “I also want to help the younger generation learn about horses through horsemanship lessons and training.
“I especially want to express the sincerest appreciation to my mother, all of my family, and many friends and acquaintances who have been my strongest supporters in my horse endeavors,” Queen Watkins appreciated.
CUTLINES
Kaitlyn Watkins serves as the 2023-24 Miss Rodeo Junction City.
The American flag is carried by Junction City Rodeo Queen Kaitlyn Watkins at rodeos throughout the Midwest.
Junction City Rodeo chairman Darryl Blocker is with 2022-23 Miss Rodeo Junction City Shelby Christmann, 2023-24 Miss Rodeo Junction City Kaitlyn Watkins, and Sarah Prochaska representing the DJ Prochaska Memorial.
No Place Like Home
“The ranch home is a cowboy’s castle.”
While there are various sayings about homes being castles, nothing is more important than a good, safe, secure home.
The home is even referred to as a mansion, but it’s not of size and elaborateness to fit such definition. Even when a home isn’t that fancy, it still feels like a mansion because everything of personal importance is there.
People enjoy being rulers in their own homes, and others have no right to enter without the householder’s permission.
“A man’s home is his castle” was referenced in a 1500s’ proverb as well as the Bill of Rights. “The right of the people to be secure in their houses against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.”
Disagreement over the extent of personal privacy and over interpretation of unreasonable has brought many cases before the Supreme Court.
Some people live in one home their entire lives, where they were born and where they die. They have no desire to live anyplace else.
Contrastingly, other people have lived in dozens of different homes as their professions call them to various locales forcing relocation.
Changes in life and philosophy also find people having home diversity whether location or structure quality. Even a tent or a pickup camper can become home.
From a personal viewpoint, there is fortunate feeling for only having had a few different homes in a lifetime. A brick house was first, until parents built a new home just a few feet away. Within several years, they decided to construct another one just across the street.
College life brought living in three different dormitories in a two-year period. Upon marriage, an old farmhouse became home until the present ranch home was constructed becoming a personal mansion. Eight different residences have been home in seven plus decades.
“Home is a shelter from all sorts of storms.” “No matter who you are or where you are, instinct tells you to go home.” “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.”
“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to.” “There’s no place like home.”
Reminded of Proverbs 24:3-4: “By wisdom, a home is built and by understanding it is established; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with precious and pleasant riches.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XVII–38–9-17-2023
Lettuce Eat Local: We had a fair time
“I love you when you go to the fair, Mommy.”
Fortunately I know Benson loves me all the time, but I’m glad he clearly enjoyed our experiences at the Kansas State Fair last week. We went for a couple hours on two different days, and I was afraid it would end up just being a lot of noise, walking, and waiting for a two-year-old. To be fair, it was all those things…but apparently the animal encounters made it all worth it.
We have cows literally 200 feet out our front door, yet Benson is still quick to mention how he saw cows at the fair. We even visited a couple of our expectant mama Holsteins in the birthing center, trying to heed the “do not pet the animals” sign. I enjoyed seeing the two sets of tiny (for now) pink piglets, although my explanation to my son that this is a fence only served to make him think he was supposed to carefully duck under it instead of stay on this side of it.
The place where you are supposed to pet the animals went much better — we spent a good portion of time in the petting zoo getting up close to the llamas, zebra, and potbelly pigs. The feisty wallabies and prickly porcupine got plenty of personal space, but Benson walked right up to the two pygmy goat kids sticking their heads through the fence and gave them a double hug. (Unfortunately even that sweetness hasn’t convinced Brian we need some of our own…yet.)
The poultry barn would have been a big draw, except he’s had a lot of noise sensitivity since his concussion, and chickens, ducks, and geese make not only loud sounds but sometimes oddly disconcerting ones. Rabbits, however, tend to be delightfully nonverbal, so we inspected approximately every single one in their building.
But in between animal adventures, Mommy made him come along with her to the Domestic Arts Building for a couple food special contests. Every year I tell myself I’m not investing the time, effort, expense, and disappointment to enter any more of the fair competitions…and every year I win just enough to keep me coming back. For real though, this was my last year for a while; it’ll be too hard to drag a baby plus a three-year-old around for all of that. Right?
I actually don’t know the results of my last contest, but right now I placed on three out of five entries. Which, like I said, is just enough blue-ribbon and cash-prize appeal to keep me feeling like it was worthwhile.
By the time judging was complete on the first da, both my son and the leftover first-place popsicles were done. (I was too, but I’m hoping it wasn’t quite as visibly obvious.) When I first started entering the three categories of the soy foods special contest a few years ago, Brian was fairly offended. We’re dairy farmers, after all! While he still doesn’t eat my soy-full experiments, as a matter of principle of course, he’s at least given in to the fact that I’m going to try some things. I enjoy finding my creative space within some different parameters than usual, and honestly I really like tofu, soymilk, miso, and other soy-based products.
These popsicles — or rather, pop-soy-cles — actually include all three of my favorite soy elements. I missed the judges’ actual comments due to the doneness of the aforementioned two-year-old, but I was delighted to hear they found the flavor and texture all very appealing. I mean, I thought they were delicious, but we know that’s not always a good criterion.
So here’s the recipe for you to make your own judgments. I’d say you should at least try and give them a fair chance.
PBB Pop-soy-cles
My poor (or lucky?) child thinks popsicles are fruit and yogurt, and I love that I can give him such healthy, refreshing treats. These are definitely richer than our norm, but also chock full of protein and plant fats, so still a win — and so tasty and easy. If you don’t have a popsicle mold, you can try freezing these in dixie cups with a wooden craft stick down the center.
Prep tips: Clearly I won’t be mad if you use cow milk and regular granola, but the tofu really belongs here. If you have leftovers after filling your popsicle molds, just refrigerate the extra and enjoy a rich, nutty pudding!
1 [16 oz] package of firm tofu
2 ripe bananas
¼ – ½ cup unsweetened soymilk, as needed
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ teaspoon white miso
¼-½ cup brown sugar, to taste
½ cup soy-based granola
In a high-powered blender, blend tofu, 1 banana, soymilk, peanut butter, salt, and sweetener to taste, until completely smooth. Pulse in remaining 1 banana so that it’s incorporated but still chunky. Spoon into popsicle molds, layering in granola. Freeze until firm, at least a couple hours. Remove from molds whenever you want, and store popsicles in freezer.
When ready to serve, let popsicles sit at room temp for a few minutes, or microwave for a few seconds, to soften.
