Kansas views

Plant closing —For months we've been hearing rumors that Salina would lose its Hawker Beechcraft airplane manufacturing plant. Those rumors took on credibility with the report that Hawker Beechcraft was looking to consolidate its operations, and that it was "very likely" it would close its Salina plant. The plant employs 241, down from 500 a year ago. The decision isn't final. Salina Airport Authority executive director Tim Rogers said the possibility of the plant closing is one of the highest priorities for local civic and government leaders — as it should be. Those aren't just any jobs Hawker Beechcraft provides. Those are great-paying manufacturing jobs, the kind that almost any community would covet and would find nearly impossible to replace. To lose them would be a blow worth millions of dollars a year to Salina and the area in salaries alone. Still, if it does close, Salina will be hurt but not devastated. And that's a direct result of the community leaders and hardworking employees who helped rebuild Salina after the closing of Schilling Air Force Base in 1965. Their fortitude and vision are the same qualities that will get us through the next painful challenge.— Salina Journal

Prison review — Illegal sex taking place between male guards and female inmates at the state women's prison is a serious issue, and one that deserves review. The question is: How many reviews? Gov. Mark Parkinson recently ordered an outside review when news came out that inmates and staff at the Topeka Correctional Facility reported that as many as one-third of its 250 employees have been involved with an illegal black market that includes trading drugs for sex. Since the governor's announcement, legislators have initiated their own audit of Kansas' corrections system, as well. Before we pour money or resources or both into a plethora of reviews that might complicate the issue, we should bear in mind that it's a straightforward matter. Trafficking contraband and having sex with female inmates is illegal, and it should not be tolerated.— Hutchinson News

Otto video — Racism was proffered by some as the reason behind the "RedNeck Rap" YouTube video by state Rep. Bill Otto, R-LeRoy. Otto's video spends a good deal of time skewering President Obama before he turns to talking of possum, "the other dark meat." He says he was making fun of his own redneck heritage. Otto's intentions may have been innocent enough, but wouldn't it make sense for him to think a little harder before he leaps into such endeavors? Not only does he look like a goof, it reflects on other Kansans and Franklin County residents, too.— Ottawa Herald

Autumn in Kansas — Keats wanted to be in England when April came; what a pity he never relished Kansas in the golden days of fall. A caressing sun, and the soft, luminescent skies of October. Morning frosts turn the grass silver for an hour or two, then let go. Leaves fall and gather into windrows against any handy wall, rustling in a crisp monotone that invites a stroll. October days allow a wool plaid shirt and flannel pants, but only to walkers. Those who jog or run, if younger, must dress for the end of summer instead. Our fall is a catholic season: something for everyone. What a blessing it is to be in this wonderful part of the world now that autumn's here. —Iola Register