Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Glenn Brunkow, Kansas Farm Bureau

We are in the middle of what I call meeting season for Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB). The legislative process for both the state and federal governments are started. We have already had KFB Annual Meeting, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference, and by the time most of you read this, the County President’s Conference and Day at the Statehouse will also be in the books.

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

Last week in reviewing the childhood of Jesus, we looked at two themes: the freedom of simplicity revealed by the birth in Bethlehem and seemingly unremarkable boyhood; also, the challenge His parents faced in raising up such a child - human, but with divine implications.

We shared earlier how conditions were just right for the coming of the Messiah, with Hellenistic influences, Roman infrastructure and organization, and Jewish monotheistic heritage. God also chose faithful parents, Mary and Joseph, who would be responsible for nurturing Jesus, and a small town, Nazareth, where he would grow up. Let’s turn back to those simpler times and see other lessons learned.

GUEST COLUMN, Eric Ruark, Director of Research Numbers USA

Donald Trump won a convincing victory over Kamala Harris largely due to record support from Black and Latino men. Trump won these votes because of, not in spite of, his immigration policies.

These predominantly working-class men intuitively understand that mass migration depresses their wages, increases competition for jobs and housing, and overburdens their local communities.

GUEST COLUMN, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

Welcome to the 2025 Session of our Kansas Legislature – and thank you for the honor and privilege of representing you in Topeka. As I start my 11th year in state office and 5th as your 38th District Senator, I will be helping lead the Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics as its Vice-Chairman, along with membership on three other committees —  Agriculture and Natural Resources, Commerce, and Judiciary. I am here to help you interact with your state government on any issue, however, so please stop by my Capitol Office in Room 236-E —  right off the Rotunda; send me an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); or give me a call at 785-296-7359 if I can be of assistance in any way. I will look forward to hearing from you, especially if you’re a member of our amazing 1A State Champion Girls Cross Country team from Montezuma South Gray High.