Opinion

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

For several weeks, we’ve looked at the teachings of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Last week’s article focused on parables and metaphors. Today, as we consider some of His other methods of teaching, I want to acknowledge Everett F Harrison for his writings on the subject. Most of the scriptures here will come from the Book of Matthew, and I encourage you to look up references for verses that are not printed.

• Proverbs: As in the Old Testament book of the same name, they express a simple truth based on common experience or observation. Examples include, “‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’” (Matthew 6:21); also Matthew 12:33 or Matthew 15:14 or Matthew 7:1.

GUEST COLUMN, Jackie Mundt, Kansas Farm Bureau

Recently Farm Bureau members from across the country traveled to Denver for the Fusion Conference, which brings together members from three committees: Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women’s Leadership and Program & Engagement.

Fusion is aptly named because it is an event with a diverse mix of speakers and topics blended together for different ages and participant interests. It is the place where new ideas, perspectives and motivation are formed. These perspectives serve to elevate all of our communities and shared info.

RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

Even though most of the focus on the Senate side during Week 8 of the Legislature was on putting together a budget, the biggest news actually came out of the House’s action on tax cuts. That’s because they’ve been sitting on the constitutional amendment limiting valuation increases passed by the Senate a month ago while working on what they consider more viable alternatives. Two options were approved, one a different constitutional change that would limit appraisals to Fair Market Value (HCR 5011) and the other (HB 2396) a protest petition on local increases if signed by 10 percent of voters, so we’ll see what happens when everything gets put together in a conference committee.

GUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative

Our state capitol is a beautiful building outside and in. If you are ever in the Topeka area I recommend you stop by and visit it. It’s your building and we can all be proud of it. This week I had a lot of visitors from District 125 advocating their positions on bills important to members of our community. They included requests for the restoration of funding for tourism, maintaining in-state tuition for residents without lawful immigration status, and opposition for sales tax exemptions for the construction and equipping of data centers. Please, let me know of your positions on bills in the legislature. It’s important I know your thoughts. The best way to share your opinion is an email to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..