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Power and class

By
John Marshall
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john marshal

Kansas Republicans have been a divided party for more than a century. The populist uprising of the 1920s, the Fred Hall insanities of the 1950s and the sharp elbows of so-called social conservatives in the ’80s and ’90s were among highlights.

What divided Republicans then as now, was far more than social issues or religious differences. Here lay a class war. It was not about abortion or school funding, books in the library or gun control. It was about privilege and denial, autocracy and confinement.

By the mid-1990s, the party’s conservative populists had begun to gather energy in the Kansas House of Representatives and state Senate. They saw themselves as ranks of the long-suppressed or ignored. The Capitol establishment ― chiefly Gov. Bill Graves and his Senate Republican leadership ― were viewed as a privileged, cold-blooded hierarchy. Put another way at that time, it was Republican minions vs. the party’s upper class.

*

A decade earlier, a new Republican order ― at first called “rebels” ― had germinated as a vigorous minority in the legislature. As a group they were seen as the oddballs, a small crowd of anti-abortionists, home-schoolers, gun nuts, libertarians and religious freaks. Even the plainest conservatives among them were labeled crackpots.

But in the rush to judge this new crowd, fundamental connections were ignored. Common threads ran through their diverse ranks ― the shared belief, for example, that government had become too big, too expensive, too entrenched; that there might be better ways to run things. But only their most controversial ideas were given headlines (or snickers). Even the idea of term limits was hooted down.

All the while, from one election to the next, the new Republicans began to acquire seats and power in the House and Senate. They would gain control at party headquarters and a majority of the Republican state committee. (By 2000, they had begun to hold separate meetings during the party’s annual Kansas Day celebration in Topeka.) They came one election at a time from the wards and precincts; they did not spring from the closed circles of political action committees or the board rooms of private clubs.

As the new Republican ranks grew, diversity set in. Their members were from shops, factories, farms, law offices, banks, the teaching and service professions. And yet they were considered antagonists. Beyond their individual conservative passions ― from abortion to zero-base budgeting ― emerged some classic liberal beliefs: open records, open voting, defiance of the old ways, challenging the established comforts.

By 1996, the Senate of the old Republican order, clinging fitfully to its power, was seen as a faded aristocracy that sought more to command the legislature than to lead it.

Today, same dynamics but a switch in character. The rebellious have become the rulers, an establishment fueled not by Kansas partisans, but by distant cause lobbies, their power base outsourced to Washington. House and Senate leaders rule with force, or with fond and proprietary gestures that spell power and entitlement. Their position secure and solvent, they reign as before, at a level above the rest, as the all-seeing appropriators of citizens’ fleeting lives.

Horticulture 2024 Newsletter  No. 40

By
Guest Columnist
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KSU horticulture
1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton Plant Science Center
Manhattan, KS 66506     (785) 532-6173
Download and Print the Hort Newsletter
(Downloadable version)
 
 
                                                                               
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Kansas Forest Service’s Conservation Tree Planting Program offers tree and shrub seedlings, as well as other items for use in conservation plantings. Plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations, or educational and riparian (streambank) plantings. Find out more and order trees by visiting: https://www.kansasforests.org/conservation_trees/
The 74th Annual Kansas Turf & Landscape Conference will be held on December 4 & 5 (Wednesday & Thursday) at the Hilton Garden Inn,
Manhattan.  The conference is an excellent way to learn about turf and
landscape management, visit with old friends, network with new ones, and see all the latest products and supplies from local and national vendors.
The conference has been approved for commercial pesticide recertification hours:
1 Core hour
3A – 7 hours
3B – 7hours
GCSAA education points and International Society of Arboriculture CEUS will also be available by attending the conference. For more information, visit:
 
VIDEO OF THE WEEK:
Fall is a great time to test your soil nutrients. Learn how to sample the soil correctly to get the most accurate results.
GARDEN TO-DO
Remove plant debris from garden, compost healthy material
Prepare houseplants to bring indoors
Dig sweet potatoes before first frost
  • VEGETABLES
Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Woody plants are actively building up their storage of sugars as they approach leaf drop. Pruning in the fall limits this process and reduces the amount of energy the plants have available through dormancy. Also, pruning now may encourage woody stems to send out new growth that will be more susceptible to freeze damage during winter.
With the exception of removing dead or diseased branches, it is best to save pruning until after winter. For shrubs that bloom in spring, pruning in the fall can reduce flowering. Spring-flowering shrubs, such as forsythia, lilac, flowering quince, almond, beautybush, deutzia, pyracantha, mock orange, cotoneaster, weigela, viburnum and witch hazel should be pruned after they bloom.
Summer-blooming shrubs, such as hydrangea, rose of Sharon, butterfly bush and crepe myrtle, can be pruned in early spring because the blooms establish on new growth. With a few exceptions, most deciduous trees respond best to late winter/early spring pruning. Proper timing of pruning allows trees to go into dormancy healthy, without increased stress from pruning.
FLOWERS
Clean up Iris Beds this Fall
Removing debris from iris plantings is important to help minimize problems. Iris borer eggs and iris leaf spot survive in plant debris through the winter. By removing debris from the garden, you are reducing the spread of these problems the following growing season.
Healthy iris leaves can be left intact; they do not need to be cut back.
MISCELLANEOUS
Getting Answers to your Garden-Related Questions
When you need help identifying a plant or problem in your garden or landscape, your local Extension agency is a great resource. Whether submitting a live plant sample or a photo, providing as much information as possible will help your agent give more timely and accurate responses. Here are some recommendations to consider as you prepare your horticulture questions.
Live Plant Samples:
  • For small plants, include as much as possible: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits.
  • Gently shake away loose soil but do not wash roots.
  • Prevent wilting by placing roots in a plastic bag and keep them moist.
  • Stems, leaves and other above-ground growth can be covered in newspaper, not plastic.
  • Harvest the sample as close to the day you will deliver it as possible.
  • For trees, shrubs and vines include a branch, approximately one- to two-feet in length, with several buds/leaves.
  • Store plant sample(s) in a box in a cool, dark location until it is delivered to prevent wilt.
 Photo Submissions:
  • Include a photo of the entire plant and growing site.
  • Include a photo of the leaves, stems, buds, fruit and flowers up close.
  • Show how large the plant parts are by including a scaling item, such as a ruler, next to the plant part(s).
  • Ensure photos are in focus.
  • If plant has symptoms of disease or pest damage, include images of healthy and unhealthy plant material.
  • Include a photo of the plant against a solid background so the plant stands out. Examples of background could be a piece of paper or your hand.
Sending in photos to accompany a live sample is a great way to show the surroundings where the specimen is growing and can aide in identification. In general, include enough information in your plant sample, whether live or digital, to tell a complete story.
  
Fall is a Good Time for Soil Testing
Soil tests are useful tools to evaluate the pH and nutrients in the soil. A separate soil test is needed for each area of the landscape that will be planted. For example, soil from the lawn should be tested separately from soil in the garden.
Steps for Taking a Soil Sample:
  • Identify six to ten spots within the area to be tested.
  • Use a soil probe or shovel to collect soil 8-12 inches deep in each spot.
  • Remove debris and combine all of the samples collected from this area in a bucket to create a representative sample.
  • Remove one pint of soil and place it in a container. A clean milk carton, resealable bag or similar container will work.
  • Label the container with your name, address and information about what you plan to grow in this area.
Your local agriculture or horticulture agent will either test the sample in the county soil lab or send it to the K-State soil testing lab. Your agent will make recommendations based on the results provided by the lab.
We recommend soil testing in the fall/winter before spring planting. This gives you time to make plans for soil improvement and avoid delays from the soil test labs which tend to be busier in spring.
Need help finding your Extension agent? Check out this map: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/
MENTAL HEALTH MONDAY
Season Extension for Prolonged Health Benefits
The seasons are changing but your mood doesn’t have to decline with the temperature. Keep your garden growing by using season extenders and reap the rewards of physical and mental well-being.
Learn more about gardening with season extenders:
  
QUESTION of the WEEK
Landscaping on a Slope
We have a sloped landscape (40% grade) and are considering establishing a lawn. Will this work?
 
Maintenance is a primary concern with establishing a lawn at this percent grade because mowing becomes difficult at this angle. Additionally, water is going to drain away rapidly rather than being absorbed into the soil. This will make establishing a thick, healthy lawn challenging and may give weeds the opportunity to take over. Many of the problems in the lawn/landscape are prevented by maintaining healthy plants. If you’re unable to establish a dense lawn you are setting yourself up for a battle with other issues that may take advantage of the stressed turfgrass.
Some options to consider instead of a traditional lawn is growing native grasses or groundcover. These plants will not require mowing and once established will need minimal water. If turfgrass is still desired, Buffalograss could be considered since it requires minimal mowing. Fine fescues look nice when the tops lay down so mowing would not be necessary. Regardless of which plants are selected, extra attention will be required during establishment to ensure they are receiving enough water.
 
 
 
 
Contributors:
Cynthia Domenghini, Instructor and Horticulture Extension Specialist
K-State Turfgrass Extension
Kansas Garden Guide
Division of Horticulture
1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton
Manhattan, KS 66506
(785) 532-6173
For questions or further information, contact your local extension agency.
This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:
The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.
Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.
Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.
Instructor; Horticulture Extension Specialist
Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources
Kansas State University
1712 Claflin Rd.
Manhattan, KS 66503
785-340-3013

Think about the health of your tall fescue lawn before you water.

By
Guest Columnist
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Think about the health of your tall fescue lawn before you water. Watering habits go a long way toward the growth and condition of your lawn.

 

Fescue is relatively drought-tolerant, but it should be watered during the summer to keep it green. Unless the lawn begins to wilt, avoid watering in the spring. Spring watering reduces summer drought resistance and contributes to excessive growth, disease, and weeds. During dry summer weather water once or twice a week, applying a total of 1 to 11 ⁄2 inches. Morning is best. In the fall, water every other week if the weather is dry. A good soaking before winter is also helpful. Apply water at a rate that can be absorbed by the soil. Sprinklers vary in how fast they apply water. To check the application rate place several flat-bottomed, straight-sided containers on the lawn and turn the water for an hour. The average height, in inches, of water collected in the containers is the application rate in inches per hour. It tells how long to run the sprinkler to apply a given amount of water. Avoid watering every day or even every other day, except for a newly seeded lawn. Besides wasting water, frequent watering leads to shallow roots, disease, and weeds.

Kid-Friendly Stew

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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Last week I got up early and penned my column, tonight, it’s the exact opposite! It’s around 1am in the morning, and I’m still doing ‘things’ I should have gotten done much earlier today. Seems like you take a little ‘chill’ time and the next thing you know, you’re way…. behind. I know all of you are aware of what I’m groaning about, just a part of life, right?

The first time I shared this simplistic version of kid-friendly stew I was on a campout with my family. We were also doing a photo-shoot for my article in a local magazine. It was a fun-filled evening, until bedtime. The blow-up mattresses deflated, Ervin slept in his jeep, and we forgot to unplug the portable refrigerator, thus; my car battery was dead. Thank goodness for ‘Jerry the Jeep’ and a good set of jumper cables.

I don’t think our son, Phillip, has any memories of his first camping trip to Weston Bend State Park. My days of tent camping are probably behind me unless I have a tried and true ‘tall’, quality air mattress. Currently I’m ready for a nice travel trailer with a proper mattress. Let’s get back to the stew….

Sometimes the version of stew adults enjoy is definitely not what the younger set is attracted to. That’s why this quick Hamburger stew has frozen vegies instead of big chunks of carrots and potatoes. It will travel well, and you can certainly make it the night before you go camping. OR, at least get the meat and ingredients all prepped. Once you are at the camping site it’s a quick mix and thorough heating and you can present a hearty meal. If you are a bit turned off by the use of canned soup, make your own in advance. Make sure when it cools it’s about the same consistency of canned soup. The mushrooms could also be present for flavor, just remember to use the submersible blender, so the kids don’t see any ‘shroons’.

If you are at a campsite a simple boy-scout cobbler would complete this meal. Sliced cheese with biscuits or a cracker are also appealing. You may want to wrap things up with smores, that’s a definite camping finale’.

If you have little ones at home, they need to experience a night sleeping under the stars. Sniggling in a sleeping bag and listening to the hoot owls. I remember a particular time in my life when I went camping every fall (in a tent). I would go once or twice while the weather allowed. Sometimes it was within 25 miles of home. Other times it was all the way across the state of Missouri. It was economical compared to the cost of a motel room, even more so today. I got married in May of 98’, we had 2 parts to our honeymoon. Four nights at Big Cedar Lodge, and then 2 months later we camped at Steamboat Lake, in Colorado for 3-4 nights. Guess what, our blow-up bed went down that night too!

It’s not too late to grab the grandkids and plan a simple outing. They will never forget the experience.

Even if you’re not a young person, you will enjoy the simplicity of this easy stew. If you were a girl scout, it may remind you of ‘Girl Scout Stew’. We had the adult version of ‘stew’ this weekend, but now I think I’m ready for this easy take on the dish. Simply Yours, The Covered Dish.

Campfire Stew*

1 1/2 pounds hamburger, fried, crumbled, & drained, if necessary

1 (16 oz.) bag of frozen peas and carrots

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen green beans

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen corn

4 large potatoes, peeled if desired, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

1 quart of tomatoes, blended or pulverized

2 cans Beefy mushroom Soup, by Campbells

Salt and Pepper to taste

Garlic Powder

Mix everything together and place in a large crockpot for about 3 hours. Or, you can prepare the dish on top of the stove. Add or take away anything you don’t enjoy. I would be adding onions. Phillip, didn’t like mushrooms, so I blended them before putting the soup into the dish. The kids will like the stew and may request seconds. If this is to gentle on your palate stick in a bottle of hot sauce! Have a blast at your campsite. I told some students once I’d come over to their campsite one weekend and have smores, boy were they shocked when Ervin and I showed up! I also did the same thing to some clients who were camping at Table Rock Lake. However; I was also delivering sour dough starter! Enjoy, Debbie

*When I’m in a rush or it’s a work night, I have found the Bear Creek Vegetable soup to be a lifesaver. Again; I add more vegies and potatoes when I prepare the dish.

A Bridal Shower for Daughter Lovina

By
tammiehoeme
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Lovina’s Amish Kitchen
Lovina Eitcher,
Old Order Amish
Cook, Wife &
Mother of Eight

Last week, daughter Verena hosted a Tupperware bridal shower here for daughter Lovina. We had a great turnout with well over 20 ladies. It was quite interesting, and we served everyone lunch after the party. Verena and I made the casseroles, but the rest was brought in by my sisters, nieces, and daughters. That really helped, and I appreciated it very much. 

Lovina was able to pick out quite a bit of free Tupperware to put in her kitchen. 

It is always fun to get together and to visit afterward. Sisters Verena and Emma, nieces Elizabeth and Emma, nephew Benjamin’s wife Crystal, and my daughters stayed for the rest of the day. Emma’s grandchildren got off the bus here with ours. It’s always exciting for the children when they can all get off at the same place. 

We don’t see Emma and her family as often since our church was divided, and they are in the other district, so a day like that is precious. 

Wesley Benjamin came here for the first time with his mother Crystal. He is six weeks old today, and he sure has won a lot of hearts already. He’s so sweet and has a head full of black hair. His deceased Grandpa Jacob would be so excited if he were still here to have a grandson living across the driveway from them. God had other plans, which we will understand someday. In August, it was three years since Sister Emma was widowed. She does very good, but I know she hides a lot of her sorrow. 

I also had a voicemail last week from my sister-in-law Sarah Irene. She was having a lonely day without her husband (dear brother Albert). Let us pray for the lonely widows and widowers out there. It can’t be easy to go on alone. Daughter Susan has a special feeling for all that have lost a partner. She knows the hurt and pain they feel. I remember the hurt she went through, and all I could do was pray and be there for her. Life does go on, and Susan is remarried to Ervin (who also knows the feeling of loss from losing his first wife Sarah); they are a blended family with six sweet children. They will celebrate two years of marriage on December 30. Ervin Jay Jr. will be a year old on November 14. He sure is a lot of fun to have around. He has the sweetest smile. 

On Sunday, we had a surprise visit from Uncle Joe, Aunt Betty, cousin Brian, and his daughter Eva. They were here visiting for several hours. 

Daughter Elizabeth, Tim, and children came here after church services. Daughter Loretta, Dustin, and sons were here for brunch. Son Joseph and Grace came later in the afternoon. 

Tim and Elizabeth’s family, Dustin and Loretta’s family, and Joseph and Grace were our supper guests. On the menu was barbequed meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and cheese. For dessert, we had cookies and ice cream. 

Daughter Verena had a bad weekend when her eyes suffered from cornea erosion. She gets this problem every once in awhile from a scratch she got in her eyes years ago. Usually only one will hurt, but this time they both gave her a problem. It is so hard when there aren’t any emergency eye doctors, and she has to wait it out until Monday. 

Yesterday, she was able to go see an eye doctor and finally get relief for her eyes. 

I will share a recipe for Biscuit Casserole that was in my family cookbook. Daughter Verena and Loretta tried it one night for our supper. They used crescent rolls instead of biscuits. We doubled the recipe and used a 9 x 13-inch pan to bake it in. It was very good! Enjoy!

God bless! 

Biscuit Casserole

1 1/2 pounds hamburger

1 small onion, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tube ready made biscuits or homemade biscuits

seasoning of your choice

Brown hamburger and onion in a skillet. Mix in mushroom soup, cream cheese, ketchup, and seasoning (to your taste). Pour in a baking dish and top with biscuits. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes or until biscuits are thoroughly baked. 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her three cookbooks, The Cherished Table, The Essential Amish Cookbook, and Amish Family Recipes, are available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email [email protected] and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.

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