Hedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.

Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.

My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.

I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.

That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.

Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.

Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.

That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.

Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?

Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”

Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.

Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.

Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.

In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726072785752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINHedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

MADORIN:  Hedge Apples – Part One

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Suicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.

Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.

Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988.

You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.

Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a>

<a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictSuicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988. You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are additional resources:National Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/">https://www.sprc.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention">https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;State Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas">https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">https://www.ksphq.org/</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a><ul>
 <li>The Center for Counseling and Consultation. 24/7 Crisis line –620-792-2544 or 800-875-8544&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://thecentergb.org/">https://thecentergb.org/</a> </li>
 </ul><a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Suicide prevention

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>

I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Whether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.

Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.

In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.

Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.

In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”

The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditches

and pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsWhether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditchesand pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Sunflower state of mind

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

While the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.

For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.

Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.

Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.

Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.

Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.

Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.

Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.

Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.

In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.

You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasWhile the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for same-day voter registration

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

Our strategic plan for 2019-2024, "Unlocking Untapped Potential," is the cornerstone for a versatile and evolving approach to strategic planning and execution. Goal four of our plan emphasizes the significance of our resources and infrastructure. This goal underscores our dedication to maintaining and enhancing our facilities to align with our University community's growth and dynamic needs. By utilizing a well-defined strategy and fostering strong stakeholder engagement, we cultivate an efficient and competitive environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

When we established this goal, we had achieved a remarkable two decades of continuous enrollment growth. However, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic thrust our strategic planning into an unpredictable landscape. While we set ambitious strategic plan benchmarks, our growth mindset instilled in us a resilience and innovative spirit that allowed us to pivot and progress, even amid adversity.

Wesley Wintch, our Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dana Cunningham, Director of Facilities Planning, led this work. They reflected on our journey, acknowledging that it has been fraught with challenges, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on enrollment and ongoing projects. Despite these obstacles, our team quickly adapted, implementing effective contingency plans that enabled us to maintain progress toward our strategic objectives.

Our most ambitious goal was to achieve an annual overall revenue growth of 5 percent from all sources over the next five fiscal years, allocating 30 percent of this growth to bolster our facilities and infrastructure. Although we only met our revenue growth target once during the five years, we did achieve three years of revenue growth during the five years, symbolizing our adaptability and perseverance.

Updating our master plan was another pivotal strategy. We not only completed this essential task but also pioneered the implementation of a digital master plan. In our discussions about enhancing teaching and learning across our campuses, we recognized the critical need to prioritize improvements in our online educational environment. Today, we proudly stand among the first institutions to adopt a comprehensive digital master plan, leading efforts to enrich online student learning through standardized course designs and fostering meaningful interactions among students and faculty.

Throughout the strategic planning period from 2019 to 2024, we engaged in approximately 220 projects to enhance our facilities, demonstrating our resolute commitment to addressing deferred maintenance and improving campus infrastructure. One notable initiative was the refurbishment of Cunningham/Gross Hall, which benefited from 24 improvement projects.

"Even amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic, we discovered unexpected opportunities," Wesley noted. "We successfully secured more than $5 million in grants for critical upgrades to the HVAC system in Gross Coliseum, and as always, the generosity of philanthropists has fueled our success. These achievements exemplify our capability to transform obstacles into tangible successes, enabling us to advance projects that might otherwise have been stalled."

Dana emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and construction phases. Regular consultations with department heads ensured that new spaces met their unique needs. At the same time, ongoing updates from the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team fostered responsiveness and adaptability in our planning efforts.

Our strategic improvements to infrastructure have significantly shaped campus culture. Renovations in high-traffic areas, such as Rarick Hall, have created inviting and functional spaces, enhancing the overall experience for students and faculty alike. While we recognize that further work in this area is necessary, the resources allocated for innovative projects have made a marked difference within our campus community.

Looking ahead, we are eager to build upon the successes of the past five years. Upcoming initiatives include completing the renovation of Forsyth Library, constructing a new athletic training complex, upgrading the grounds, expanding Stroup Hall, and so much more.

These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to improving facilities and enriching the experience for our students and staff.

Over the past five years, we projected an expenditure of approximately $6.88 million for infrastructure enhancements; however, we exceeded expectations, with actual spending surpassing $12.2 million. This achievement highlights our commitment to developing our infrastructure. It reinforces the significance we place on investing in our campus environments.

Among our major expenditures were significant projects such as the completion of the Art and Design Building and renovations in Rarick Hall, both of which have greatly improved our University's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Wesley and Dana acknowledged that while we have made substantial progress, challenges persist—especially concerning enrollment trends and inflation, which have driven up repair and renovation costs. "Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and equipped to navigate these challenges. The additional funding for addressing deferred maintenance opens up new opportunities for modernizing our facilities to better meet today's students' needs."

Our strategic plan also kept us focused and dedicated to the task of strengthening our business continuity and contingency plans. This proactive approach has proven invaluable, equipping us with the operational resilience necessary to weather unexpected challenges.

"Collaboration across departments has been integral to our success," Wesley remarked. "Our experiences have reinforced the importance of teamwork and a unified strategic direction."

As we reflect on our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we take immense pride in our collective achievements in enhancing the condition of our campus facilities. Despite our ongoing challenges, our steadfast commitment to investing in our infrastructure enhances our competitive edge among peer institutions throughout Kansas.

Our facilities strongly reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming and productive learning environment. Visitors often express admiration and surprise at the vibrant opportunities in the western plains. This sentiment, combined with the hard work of our faculty and staff, fosters an inviting atmosphere that enriches the educational journey for all our students.

"As we review our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in our collective efforts to maintain and enhance our campus facilities. Although challenges remain, our commitment to investing in our infrastructure fortifies our competitive edge among peer institutions across Kansas," shared Wesley and Dana.

Goal 4 encapsulates our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence as a leading educational institution. Through strategic foresight and collaborative teamwork, we are poised to enhance our infrastructure and resources further, effectively meeting the evolving needs of our university community. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future brimming with opportunities for growth and excellence.

We are confident in our success because we view challenges as opportunities. The talented, innovative, and dedicated professionals who drive our University forward are the true architects of this strategic plan. Reflecting on our grit, it is why we continue to persist and excel through tough times and why I am so inspired as we build upon the success of our five-year plan and lead forward into a new horizon with our 2024-2027 strategic plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentOur strategic plan for 2019-2024, "Unlocking Untapped Potential," is the cornerstone for a versatile and evolving approach to strategic planning and execution. Goal four of our plan emphasizes the significance of our resources and infrastructure. This goal underscores our dedication to maintaining and enhancing our facilities to align with our University community's growth and dynamic needs. By utilizing a well-defined strategy and fostering strong stakeholder engagement, we cultivate an efficient and competitive environment for our students, faculty, and staff.When we established this goal, we had achieved a remarkable two decades of continuous enrollment growth. However, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic thrust our strategic planning into an unpredictable landscape. While we set ambitious strategic plan benchmarks, our growth mindset instilled in us a resilience and innovative spirit that allowed us to pivot and progress, even amid adversity.Wesley Wintch, our Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dana Cunningham, Director of Facilities Planning, led this work. They reflected on our journey, acknowledging that it has been fraught with challenges, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on enrollment and ongoing projects. Despite these obstacles, our team quickly adapted, implementing effective contingency plans that enabled us to maintain progress toward our strategic objectives.Our most ambitious goal was to achieve an annual overall revenue growth of 5 percent from all sources over the next five fiscal years, allocating 30 percent of this growth to bolster our facilities and infrastructure. Although we only met our revenue growth target once during the five years, we did achieve three years of revenue growth during the five years, symbolizing our adaptability and perseverance.Updating our master plan was another pivotal strategy. We not only completed this essential task but also pioneered the implementation of a digital master plan. In our discussions about enhancing teaching and learning across our campuses, we recognized the critical need to prioritize improvements in our online educational environment. Today, we proudly stand among the first institutions to adopt a comprehensive digital master plan, leading efforts to enrich online student learning through standardized course designs and fostering meaningful interactions among students and faculty.Throughout the strategic planning period from 2019 to 2024, we engaged in approximately 220 projects to enhance our facilities, demonstrating our resolute commitment to addressing deferred maintenance and improving campus infrastructure. One notable initiative was the refurbishment of Cunningham/Gross Hall, which benefited from 24 improvement projects."Even amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic, we discovered unexpected opportunities," Wesley noted. "We successfully secured more than $5 million in grants for critical upgrades to the HVAC system in Gross Coliseum, and as always, the generosity of philanthropists has fueled our success. These achievements exemplify our capability to transform obstacles into tangible successes, enabling us to advance projects that might otherwise have been stalled."Dana emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and construction phases. Regular consultations with department heads ensured that new spaces met their unique needs. At the same time, ongoing updates from the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team fostered responsiveness and adaptability in our planning efforts.Our strategic improvements to infrastructure have significantly shaped campus culture. Renovations in high-traffic areas, such as Rarick Hall, have created inviting and functional spaces, enhancing the overall experience for students and faculty alike. While we recognize that further work in this area is necessary, the resources allocated for innovative projects have made a marked difference within our campus community.Looking ahead, we are eager to build upon the successes of the past five years. Upcoming initiatives include completing the renovation of Forsyth Library, constructing a new athletic training complex, upgrading the grounds, expanding Stroup Hall, and so much more.These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to improving facilities and enriching the experience for our students and staff.Over the past five years, we projected an expenditure of approximately $6.88 million for infrastructure enhancements; however, we exceeded expectations, with actual spending surpassing $12.2 million. This achievement highlights our commitment to developing our infrastructure. It reinforces the significance we place on investing in our campus environments.Among our major expenditures were significant projects such as the completion of the Art and Design Building and renovations in Rarick Hall, both of which have greatly improved our University's functionality and aesthetic appeal.Wesley and Dana acknowledged that while we have made substantial progress, challenges persist—especially concerning enrollment trends and inflation, which have driven up repair and renovation costs. "Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and equipped to navigate these challenges. The additional funding for addressing deferred maintenance opens up new opportunities for modernizing our facilities to better meet today's students' needs."Our strategic plan also kept us focused and dedicated to the task of strengthening our business continuity and contingency plans. This proactive approach has proven invaluable, equipping us with the operational resilience necessary to weather unexpected challenges."Collaboration across departments has been integral to our success," Wesley remarked. "Our experiences have reinforced the importance of teamwork and a unified strategic direction."As we reflect on our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we take immense pride in our collective achievements in enhancing the condition of our campus facilities. Despite our ongoing challenges, our steadfast commitment to investing in our infrastructure enhances our competitive edge among peer institutions throughout Kansas.Our facilities strongly reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming and productive learning environment. Visitors often express admiration and surprise at the vibrant opportunities in the western plains. This sentiment, combined with the hard work of our faculty and staff, fosters an inviting atmosphere that enriches the educational journey for all our students."As we review our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in our collective efforts to maintain and enhance our campus facilities. Although challenges remain, our commitment to investing in our infrastructure fortifies our competitive edge among peer institutions across Kansas," shared Wesley and Dana.Goal 4 encapsulates our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence as a leading educational institution. Through strategic foresight and collaborative teamwork, we are poised to enhance our infrastructure and resources further, effectively meeting the evolving needs of our university community. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future brimming with opportunities for growth and excellence.We are confident in our success because we view challenges as opportunities. The talented, innovative, and dedicated professionals who drive our University forward are the true architects of this strategic plan. Reflecting on our grit, it is why we continue to persist and excel through tough times and why I am so inspired as we build upon the success of our five-year plan and lead forward into a new horizon with our 2024-2027 strategic plan.

Heart of a Tiger: Celebrating success, part 4

My hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.

You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.

She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.

This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.

My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?

Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.

While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.

Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725481033221.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINMy hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

MADORIN: Murder on the deck – playing Columbo in my backyard

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Early last spring, I was giddy to plant the garden. We picked out a variety of crops from watermelon, okra, and yellow squash, to tomatoes, and cauliflower. However, the ever-changing Kansas weather seemed to get the best of it. From the start, high winds, hail, and heat made it difficult for the garden to get established. By June, the only plant producing was the hearty yellow squash. And when I say hearty, I mean it. The squash didn’t seem to mind the harsh weather. In fact, it overtook half of the garden and we are still pawning off dozens of the bright yellow vegetables weekly.

So, if you’re anything like me, maybe you haven’t had the best garden this year, but you’re grateful to harvest a few crops so far. Perhaps you’ve had an abundance of summer squash or zucchini and you’re looking for new ways to prevent it from going to waste. After all, squash is great for you! It’s full of vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and fiber.

To preserve squash, one option is to freeze it. In fact, freezing it can preserve it for 10 months. This way, you can reap the benefits of it later this year. To freeze squash, first choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.

· Grated zucchini (for baking): Choose young tender zucchini. Wash and grate. Steam blanch in small quantities 1 to 2 minutes until translucent. Pack in measured amounts into containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cool by placing the containers in ice water. Seal and freeze. If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.

Another way to save zucchini or summer squash is to pickle it, but always make sure to follow a tested recipe. For example, the National Center for Home Preservation website provides safe recipes for pickling squash, and note that it is not recommended to can squash.

· To pickle squash, it may be diced or shredded by hand instead of a food processor. In any recipe, a variety of onion is acceptable, and celery salt may be substituted for celery seed for a taste preference. Also, fresh relish can be enjoyed without processing, but fresh or opened jars should be refrigerated. For best quality and safety, consume refrigerated pickled squash within 7 days.

For immediate use, there are hundreds of ways to prepare the versatile vegetable. Sautee or grill it for a side dish, make zucchini boats, throw it in a stir fry, or breakfast scramble. Try it in a casserole or vegetable lasagna. Hide it in a pasta dish by blending it into the sauce or cook it into a soup. Dice it finely and mix it into a salad. Alternatively, create a treat by baking it in a quick bread!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a shortage of squash. Luckily, there isn’t a shortage of ways to prepare it! So, be creative this season. You might find your new favorite way to soak up the nutrients of squash and prevent your hard work in the garden from going to waste.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictEarly last spring, I was giddy to plant the garden. We picked out a variety of crops from watermelon, okra, and yellow squash, to tomatoes, and cauliflower. However, the ever-changing Kansas weather seemed to get the best of it. From the start, high winds, hail, and heat made it difficult for the garden to get established. By June, the only plant producing was the hearty yellow squash. And when I say hearty, I mean it. The squash didn’t seem to mind the harsh weather. In fact, it overtook half of the garden and we are still pawning off dozens of the bright yellow vegetables weekly.So, if you’re anything like me, maybe you haven’t had the best garden this year, but you’re grateful to harvest a few crops so far. Perhaps you’ve had an abundance of summer squash or zucchini and you’re looking for new ways to prevent it from going to waste. After all, squash is great for you! It’s full of vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and fiber.To preserve squash, one option is to freeze it. In fact, freezing it can preserve it for 10 months. This way, you can reap the benefits of it later this year. To freeze squash, first choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.· Grated zucchini (for baking): Choose young tender zucchini. Wash and grate. Steam blanch in small quantities 1 to 2 minutes until translucent. Pack in measured amounts into containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cool by placing the containers in ice water. Seal and freeze. If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.Another way to save zucchini or summer squash is to pickle it, but always make sure to follow a tested recipe. For example, the National Center for Home Preservation website provides safe recipes for pickling squash, and note that it is not recommended to can squash.· To pickle squash, it may be diced or shredded by hand instead of a food processor. In any recipe, a variety of onion is acceptable, and celery salt may be substituted for celery seed for a taste preference. Also, fresh relish can be enjoyed without processing, but fresh or opened jars should be refrigerated. For best quality and safety, consume refrigerated pickled squash within 7 days.For immediate use, there are hundreds of ways to prepare the versatile vegetable. Sautee or grill it for a side dish, make zucchini boats, throw it in a stir fry, or breakfast scramble. Try it in a casserole or vegetable lasagna. Hide it in a pasta dish by blending it into the sauce or cook it into a soup. Dice it finely and mix it into a salad. Alternatively, create a treat by baking it in a quick bread!If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a shortage of squash. Luckily, there isn’t a shortage of ways to prepare it! So, be creative this season. You might find your new favorite way to soak up the nutrients of squash and prevent your hard work in the garden from going to waste.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: A surplus of squash, get creative in the kitchen

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislative Budget Committee conducted its first meeting of the interim on Wednesday.&nbsp; 

Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, serves as vice-chairman of the committee and requested the Kansas Corporation Commission present on the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

Waymaster questioned the United State Department of Energy’s authority of the language they are using to produce this proposed corridor in counties within the 109th Kansas House District, represented by Waymaster.&nbsp;

“It appears to me that the language added to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a clear violation of states' rights, that this is a violation of the 10th Amendment,” Waymaster challenged.&nbsp; He continued, “it is also apparent by this clause that they are also circumventing the [Kansas Corporation Commission]’s authority, as well.”&nbsp;

Waymaster expressed to Paul Owings,&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission deputy chief engineer, “We have citizens in our state, constituents in my district, that are concerned, and I’m concerned.&nbsp; They could lose their agricultural land, oil production, homes and way of life.”&nbsp;

Owings did share with the&nbsp;Legislative Budget Committee that the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f10501d0-213e-46c5-9eb0-55f8cacc9e0b">Grain Belt Express</a>, which was approved by the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission on Dec. 7, 2011, follows the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line.&nbsp;

He also advised the committee that Grain Belt Express plans to formally request to the United States Department of Energy to narrow the corridor from the proposed five-mile preliminary corridor to just half-mile wide.&nbsp;

Waymaster expressed concern to the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission about the five-mile corridor with the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line and said, “this is what prompted me to meet with the Legislative Revisors Office in August to have a bill drafted to protect our citizens, the state of Kansas, and our rights under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution.”&nbsp; Waymaster continued, “we are also formalizing a meeting in Russell County, and I am personally inviting the [Kansas Corporation Commission] to attend.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 109th Kansas House District consists of the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith.&nbsp;Waymaster has served the 109th District in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2013.

Please contact Rep.Waymaster regarding the transmission line at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislative Budget Committee conducted its first meeting of the interim on Wednesday.&nbsp; Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, serves as vice-chairman of the committee and requested the Kansas Corporation Commission present on the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor</a>.&nbsp; Waymaster questioned the United State Department of Energy’s authority of the language they are using to produce this proposed corridor in counties within the 109th Kansas House District, represented by Waymaster.&nbsp;“It appears to me that the language added to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a clear violation of states' rights, that this is a violation of the 10th Amendment,” Waymaster challenged.&nbsp; He continued, “it is also apparent by this clause that they are also circumventing the [Kansas Corporation Commission]’s authority, as well.”&nbsp;Waymaster expressed to Paul Owings,&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission deputy chief engineer, “We have citizens in our state, constituents in my district, that are concerned, and I’m concerned.&nbsp; They could lose their agricultural land, oil production, homes and way of life.”&nbsp;Owings did share with the&nbsp;Legislative Budget Committee that the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f10501d0-213e-46c5-9eb0-55f8cacc9e0b">Grain Belt Express</a>, which was approved by the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission on Dec. 7, 2011, follows the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line.&nbsp; He also advised the committee that Grain Belt Express plans to formally request to the United States Department of Energy to narrow the corridor from the proposed five-mile preliminary corridor to just half-mile wide.&nbsp;Waymaster expressed concern to the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission about the five-mile corridor with the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line and said, “this is what prompted me to meet with the Legislative Revisors Office in August to have a bill drafted to protect our citizens, the state of Kansas, and our rights under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution.”&nbsp; Waymaster continued, “we are also formalizing a meeting in Russell County, and I am personally inviting the [Kansas Corporation Commission] to attend.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The 109th Kansas House District consists of the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith.&nbsp;Waymaster has served the 109th District in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2013.Please contact Rep.Waymaster regarding the transmission line at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.&nbsp;

'Clear violation of states' rights': Rep. Waymaster fights transmission line

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Did you know that 48 million cases of foodborne diseases cause Americans to become ill every year?

On the bright side, the U.S. is among the safest food supply systems in the world, and to keep food safe, we recognize September as Food Safety Education Month. So, let's take a few minutes to review food handling techniques to keep you safe and decrease the number of foodborne illnesses each year.

There are four easy steps to remember when preparing food: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.

1. Clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food or changing tasks. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and, countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each item.

2. Separate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods. Items that require the highest cooking temperature should be put on the bottom of the fridge. Use color-coded cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.

3. Cook. Color and texture don’t tell the whole story regarding safety. A thermometer is the only way to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.

4. Chill. Refrigerate foods within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing, and divide large amounts of leftovers into shallow containers to cool quickly. Never thaw food at room temperature; only defrost food in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache. These symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 days of eating contaminated food.

Most healthy people will recover from foodborne illness quickly while others can develop chronic, life-threatening health conditions. People at great risk include those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, and older adults. To keep you and your loved ones safe, remember to practice safe food handling this September and all year long.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDid you know that 48 million cases of foodborne diseases cause Americans to become ill every year?On the bright side, the U.S. is among the safest food supply systems in the world, and to keep food safe, we recognize September as Food Safety Education Month. So, let's take a few minutes to review food handling techniques to keep you safe and decrease the number of foodborne illnesses each year.There are four easy steps to remember when preparing food: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.1. Clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food or changing tasks. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and, countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each item.2. Separate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods. Items that require the highest cooking temperature should be put on the bottom of the fridge. Use color-coded cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.3. Cook. Color and texture don’t tell the whole story regarding safety. A thermometer is the only way to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.4. Chill. Refrigerate foods within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing, and divide large amounts of leftovers into shallow containers to cool quickly. Never thaw food at room temperature; only defrost food in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache. These symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 days of eating contaminated food.Most healthy people will recover from foodborne illness quickly while others can develop chronic, life-threatening health conditions. People at great risk include those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, and older adults. To keep you and your loved ones safe, remember to practice safe food handling this September and all year long.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: National Food Safety month

I assume all you readers are familiar with the mythical and legendary Jackalope, a jackrabbit with horns like an antelope. While jackelopes have not made their way to Kansas yet, everything else seems to have. That fact, along with things I’ve seen in the last three-and-one-half years that I thought I would never see in my lifetime, make me believe its only a matter of time before jackalopes also call Kansas home. I found a copy of Wyoming regulations for hunting jackalopes, so, using that as a template, here will be the Kansas regulations for harvesting a jackelope in the state of Kansas; after all, we might as well prepare ourselves for the coming jackalope onslaught. (I’ve made a few revisions to make it applicable to our state.)

A certification of sanity (or a willingness to surrender it)

- A bottle of hot sauce and maybe a flask or two of Grandma Waltons recipe (for courage)

- September 1st to November 30th, or until all hunters have fled in terror (the season can be lengthened if the jackalope population explodes.)

- One Jackalope per hunter, or as many as you can outrun (this will also increase with time.)

- Dawn to dusk, or whenever you get the chance to shoot one (this rule is obviously pretty flexible.)

- Rifles, shotguns, or a really strong pair of running shoes

- No using glitter bombs or rainbow-colored lassos (they just make the Jackalope more elusive)

- If it has antlers, whiskers, and a mischievous grin, it's a Jackalope!

- If it's just a rabbit in a onesie with a pair of horns tied to its head, and ridden by a leprechaun, you're the victim of a prank

- Once you've caught your Jackalope, perform the traditional "Jackalope Dance" to honor your prey

- Then, and only then, can you claim your prize (a pat on the back and a great story) Plus, I hear fried jackalope tastes just like chicken.

- Failure to comply with regulations will result in a mandatory viewing of "The Jackalope Whisperer" documentary

- Repeated offenses will require a hunter to wear a "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt on their next hunt

Remember, hunting Jackalope is a Wyoming tradition and may soon become popular here in Kansas too! Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsI assume all you readers are familiar with the mythical and legendary Jackalope, a jackrabbit with horns like an antelope. While jackelopes have not made their way to Kansas yet, everything else seems to have. That fact, along with things I’ve seen in the last three-and-one-half years that I thought I would never see in my lifetime, make me believe its only a matter of time before jackalopes also call Kansas home. I found a copy of Wyoming regulations for hunting jackalopes, so, using that as a template, here will be the Kansas regulations for harvesting a jackelope in the state of Kansas; after all, we might as well prepare ourselves for the coming jackalope onslaught. (I’ve made a few revisions to make it applicable to our state.)*License Requirements:- A valid Kansas hunting licenseA certification of sanity (or a willingness to surrender it)- A bottle of hot sauce and maybe a flask or two of Grandma Waltons recipe (for courage)*Season Dates:- September 1st to November 30th, or until all hunters have fled in terror (the season can be lengthened if the jackalope population explodes.)*Bag Limit:- One Jackalope per hunter, or as many as you can outrun (this will also increase with time.)*Hunting Hours:- Dawn to dusk, or whenever you get the chance to shoot one (this rule is obviously pretty flexible.)*Permitted Weapons:- Rifles, shotguns, or a really strong pair of running shoes- No using glitter bombs or rainbow-colored lassos (they just make the Jackalope more elusive)*Jackalope Identification:- If it has antlers, whiskers, and a mischievous grin, it's a Jackalope!- If it's just a rabbit in a onesie with a pair of horns tied to its head, and ridden by a leprechaun, you're the victim of a prank*Harvesting:- Once you've caught your Jackalope, perform the traditional "Jackalope Dance" to honor your prey- Then, and only then, can you claim your prize (a pat on the back and a great story) Plus, I hear fried jackalope tastes just like chicken.*Penalties:- Failure to comply with regulations will result in a mandatory viewing of "The Jackalope Whisperer" documentary- Repeated offenses will require a hunter to wear a "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt on their next huntRemember, hunting Jackalope is a Wyoming tradition and may soon become popular here in Kansas too! Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Lets be prepared

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Last week, Kansas politics was rocked by scandal. Policymakers must respond with carefully-crafted policy change, not knee-jerk reactions that could derail the efforts of Kansans working to rebuild their lives.

The late Jonathan Clayton’s truck and body were found on Sunday, August 25, apparently having left the road and hit a tree several days earlier.&nbsp; Clayton had worked as the Director of Economic Recovery in the Kansas Department of Commerce until 2023, where he oversaw millions of dollars in grants from a program called Building a Stronger Economy (BASE). On August 8, Clayton apparently sent an email to journalists predicting his own death and suggesting that the Department of Commerce used a “scheme” to choose grant finalists, favoring the projects in the districts of certain elected officials. Curious readers can read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article291613255.html">this unfolding story</a>&nbsp;in this newspaper and other Kansas sources.

Reporters next discovered that Clayton had been convicted of mishandling millions of public dollars while working in Pennsylvania. A statement by Governor Laura Kelly’s Office stated that Kansas Law prohibited a federal background check before hiring Clayton.&nbsp; Kelly is calling for changes to the law, and she has begun an investigation.

Of course, it is scandalous for the state to hire someone overseeing millions of taxpayer dollars, without knowing that he had a criminal conviction for mishandling finances in another state.&nbsp; However, the Governor and Legislature must respond wisely.

A foolhardy response by policymakers would mean havoc for hundreds of thousands of Kansans seeking to rebuild their lives after criminal convictions.&nbsp; In 2018, Kansas joined many other states in backing “<a href="https://www.nelp.org/insights-research/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/">ban the box</a>,” a nationwide campaign to remove the “have you ever been convicted of a felony” question from state job applications.&nbsp; Currently, 37 states join 150 cities and counties in banning the box for state job applicants.&nbsp; The federal government has done so as well, and they also ban the box for employees of government contractors.&nbsp; Fifteen states and several cities have also banned the box for private employers.&nbsp; These include nearby Kansas City, MO and Columbia, MO, but none in Kansas.&nbsp; “Ban the box” laws are important and should be expanded, not repealed.

Millions of Americans have felony convictions.&nbsp; These are mostly for nonviolent offenses, often when the person was much younger.&nbsp; Most are drug related.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelp.org/app/uploads/2024/04/Research-Supports-Fair-Chance-Policies-Apr.2024.pdf">Research shows</a>&nbsp;that felony convictions make it far harder for those who have served their sentences to find work, even if the offense was decades ago and had nothing to do with the work they seek. Additional research shows that finding steady work is the single most important thing that a person can do to avoid re-offending. Many have families that they will be unable to support if they cannot work, or if they return to prison.&nbsp; Often, this forces those families to rely on public assistance.&nbsp; Some become homeless.

Banning the box does not have to stop an employer from inquiring into a job applicant’s criminal history.&nbsp; It only prevents the employer from pre-emptively screening and ruling out applicants.&nbsp; Laws can still allow a complete background check on applicants such as Mr. Clayton, once the employer has tentatively decided to offer them a job. The job offer can be revoked if the inquiry reveals disqualifying convictions directly related to the job being filled.&nbsp; This is exactly how the Kansas law needs to be changed.&nbsp; Smart policies can protect the public from fraud, but policymakers should not react to this scandal by ruining the futures of hundreds of thousands of Kansans seeking a second chance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasLast week, Kansas politics was rocked by scandal. Policymakers must respond with carefully-crafted policy change, not knee-jerk reactions that could derail the efforts of Kansans working to rebuild their lives.The late Jonathan Clayton’s truck and body were found on Sunday, August 25, apparently having left the road and hit a tree several days earlier.&nbsp; Clayton had worked as the Director of Economic Recovery in the Kansas Department of Commerce until 2023, where he oversaw millions of dollars in grants from a program called Building a Stronger Economy (BASE). On August 8, Clayton apparently sent an email to journalists predicting his own death and suggesting that the Department of Commerce used a “scheme” to choose grant finalists, favoring the projects in the districts of certain elected officials. Curious readers can read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article291613255.html">this unfolding story</a>&nbsp;in this newspaper and other Kansas sources.Reporters next discovered that Clayton had been convicted of mishandling millions of public dollars while working in Pennsylvania. A statement by Governor Laura Kelly’s Office stated that Kansas Law prohibited a federal background check before hiring Clayton.&nbsp; Kelly is calling for changes to the law, and she has begun an investigation.Of course, it is scandalous for the state to hire someone overseeing millions of taxpayer dollars, without knowing that he had a criminal conviction for mishandling finances in another state.&nbsp; However, the Governor and Legislature must respond wisely.A foolhardy response by policymakers would mean havoc for hundreds of thousands of Kansans seeking to rebuild their lives after criminal convictions.&nbsp; In 2018, Kansas joined many other states in backing “<a href="https://www.nelp.org/insights-research/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/">ban the box</a>,” a nationwide campaign to remove the “have you ever been convicted of a felony” question from state job applications.&nbsp; Currently, 37 states join 150 cities and counties in banning the box for state job applicants.&nbsp; The federal government has done so as well, and they also ban the box for employees of government contractors.&nbsp; Fifteen states and several cities have also banned the box for private employers.&nbsp; These include nearby Kansas City, MO and Columbia, MO, but none in Kansas.&nbsp; “Ban the box” laws are important and should be expanded, not repealed.Millions of Americans have felony convictions.&nbsp; These are mostly for nonviolent offenses, often when the person was much younger.&nbsp; Most are drug related.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelp.org/app/uploads/2024/04/Research-Supports-Fair-Chance-Policies-Apr.2024.pdf">Research shows</a>&nbsp;that felony convictions make it far harder for those who have served their sentences to find work, even if the offense was decades ago and had nothing to do with the work they seek. Additional research shows that finding steady work is the single most important thing that a person can do to avoid re-offending. Many have families that they will be unable to support if they cannot work, or if they return to prison.&nbsp; Often, this forces those families to rely on public assistance.&nbsp; Some become homeless.Banning the box does not have to stop an employer from inquiring into a job applicant’s criminal history.&nbsp; It only prevents the employer from pre-emptively screening and ruling out applicants.&nbsp; Laws can still allow a complete background check on applicants such as Mr. Clayton, once the employer has tentatively decided to offer them a job. The job offer can be revoked if the inquiry reveals disqualifying convictions directly related to the job being filled.&nbsp; This is exactly how the Kansas law needs to be changed.&nbsp; Smart policies can protect the public from fraud, but policymakers should not react to this scandal by ruining the futures of hundreds of thousands of Kansans seeking a second chance.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for ban the box

Speaking, singing, and making other sounds require many parts of your body to work together. Your brain thinks of ideas. Your lungs move air in and out. Your vocal cords vibrate. Your mouth and nose help shape sound.

“Our whole body participates in the production of voice, speech, and breathing. So we can get a lot of information about our health from them,” says Dr. Yael Bensoussan, a voice researcher at the University of South Florida.

Many conditions can impact the various body parts involved in sound production. These include depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, lung problems, and even cancer. Measuring voice, speech, and breathing patterns could help diagnose health problems.

Researchers are testing ways to use apps and other tools to let people measure such information at home. For example, a recent study showed that a computer program could identify patients with Parkinson’s disease by their breathing patterns during sleep.

“Voice, speech, and breathing are easy to access, inexpensive, and non-invasive to measure,” Bensoussan says. “For example, for a test for lung function, you currently have to go to a hospital and blow into a machine. Then you need someone to analyze that test. Just recording your voice or breathing sounds on your phone would be a lot cheaper and easier.”

Speech pattern analysis has shown promise for diagnosing impairments in memory or thinking abilities, and mental health conditions like depression. The way people speak, the tone of voice, and even the words used can all change when someone develops depression, explains Dr. Gari Clifford, a biomedical engineer at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Clifford’s team is trying to use speech patterns and facial expression changes to catch depression early in people with dementia. They are now testing their technology in certain tablet and smartphone apps to track changes in people’s daily health. This could help doctors see the effects of depression treatments in real time and change them quickly if needed. It could also provide early warning that someone’s health is declining.

Other research teams are testing speech analysis to screen for additional mental health problems, like anxiety. They’re also looking at speech patterns to help diagnose diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) early.

Bensoussan’s team is building the world’s largest collection of voice and speech samples related to health information. They’re including people from a wide range of backgrounds and health conditions. They hope this will aid researchers in building new tools for diagnosis.

Voice and speech analysis tools will eventually have to take people’s whole health into account, just like a doctor would, Bensoussan says. “Multiple different diseases can cause the same voice changes. For example, for a hoarse voice, someone with cancer of the throat and someone with laryngitis can sound exactly the same,” she explains.

You can’t yet talk into your phone and get a full health report. But Bensoussan encourages people to pay attention to changes in their voice and speech. “If you have a voice change for more than two to three weeks, it may indicate an issue with your health,” she says.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictSpeaking, singing, and making other sounds require many parts of your body to work together. Your brain thinks of ideas. Your lungs move air in and out. Your vocal cords vibrate. Your mouth and nose help shape sound.“Our whole body participates in the production of voice, speech, and breathing. So we can get a lot of information about our health from them,” says Dr. Yael Bensoussan, a voice researcher at the University of South Florida.Many conditions can impact the various body parts involved in sound production. These include depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, lung problems, and even cancer. Measuring voice, speech, and breathing patterns could help diagnose health problems.Researchers are testing ways to use apps and other tools to let people measure such information at home. For example, a recent study showed that a computer program could identify patients with Parkinson’s disease by their breathing patterns during sleep.“Voice, speech, and breathing are easy to access, inexpensive, and non-invasive to measure,” Bensoussan says. “For example, for a test for lung function, you currently have to go to a hospital and blow into a machine. Then you need someone to analyze that test. Just recording your voice or breathing sounds on your phone would be a lot cheaper and easier.”Speech pattern analysis has shown promise for diagnosing impairments in memory or thinking abilities, and mental health conditions like depression. The way people speak, the tone of voice, and even the words used can all change when someone develops depression, explains Dr. Gari Clifford, a biomedical engineer at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.Clifford’s team is trying to use speech patterns and facial expression changes to catch depression early in people with dementia. They are now testing their technology in certain tablet and smartphone apps to track changes in people’s daily health. This could help doctors see the effects of depression treatments in real time and change them quickly if needed. It could also provide early warning that someone’s health is declining.Other research teams are testing speech analysis to screen for additional mental health problems, like anxiety. They’re also looking at speech patterns to help diagnose diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) early.Bensoussan’s team is building the world’s largest collection of voice and speech samples related to health information. They’re including people from a wide range of backgrounds and health conditions. They hope this will aid researchers in building new tools for diagnosis.Voice and speech analysis tools will eventually have to take people’s whole health into account, just like a doctor would, Bensoussan says. “Multiple different diseases can cause the same voice changes. For example, for a hoarse voice, someone with cancer of the throat and someone with laryngitis can sound exactly the same,” she explains.You can’t yet talk into your phone and get a full health report. But Bensoussan encourages people to pay attention to changes in their voice and speech. “If you have a voice change for more than two to three weeks, it may indicate an issue with your health,” she says.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: Tracking voice, speech, breathing for health

Late summer has arrived, depositing ripe tomatoes on my window ledge. Just as I rely on moon cycles and flipping calendar pages, I expect a moment during the last days of August and beginning of September when I wake up every morning to see red-orange fruits standing sentinel-like above our kitchen sink.

I’ve already canned or frozen the first heavy tomato harvest, adding onions, peppers, garlic, and seasonings to turn them into salsa that dresses potato and corn chips and well as salads and casseroles throughout the upcoming months. Once that initial picking and canning ends, our vines take a breather every summer, due, perhaps, to scorching heat that prevents them from pollinating.

No matter how diligently I water or mulch, triple digit temps force those vines to kick back and rest. I get it. I want to do the same when just walking out the door produces drenching sweat. Once evenings and early mornings turn cooler, little yellow blossoms once again morph into ballooning green fruits. However, it takes a while for the plants to catch up to earlier production mode. Once fruits start turning orange, I pick em and put em on the window sill to prevent birds and grasshoppers from nibbling them. This strategy results in a couple of tomatoes every day or two for a couple of weeks--not enough to freeze or can.

Who knows how, but I learned not to keep whole tomatoes in the fridge. As a result, these loners sunbathe in the window as they ripen and end up chopped into salads or sliced with bacon or ham on sandwiches. Eventually, more collect than we eat in a day, but not enough to freeze or can so there they sit, looking forlorn. Left to their own devices, they invite fruit flies to get to know one another so well that we soon have a swarm of progeny acting like our kitchen is Dulles Airport. Yikes.

That event requires either eating the tomatoes faster or constructing traps to control those miniscule flies high school biology classes study. It also begs the question. Are fresh tomatoes worth inviting fruit flies into the kitchen? Absolutely!

Once you conquer the fruit fly invasion, summer’s great pleasure involves fresh from the vine tomatoes. Devour the first standing in the garden with juices dribbling down your chin. After that, satisfaction requires a straight week of BLT sandwiches once, twice, or thrice a day. Once those sammies get boring, it’s time to slice those orbs thick to make tomato/mayo sandwiches for another feast or three. Follow that with a week-long barrage of thick tomato slices topped with fresh mozzarella and broiled til golden cheese drizzles over the edges. As harvest escalates, add chopped tomatoes to creamy cottage cheese or stuff hollowed-out tomatoes with cottage cheese or tuna salad to add variety. The possibilities are limitless.

Enough time has passed that that line of tomatoes on the window sill will soon overflow the space. In short time, fruits ripening two at time will shift to harvest overload. Fire up the canner or make room in the freezer!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724969837127.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINLate summer has arrived, depositing ripe tomatoes on my window ledge. Just as I rely on moon cycles and flipping calendar pages, I expect a moment during the last days of August and beginning of September when I wake up every morning to see red-orange fruits standing sentinel-like above our kitchen sink.I’ve already canned or frozen the first heavy tomato harvest, adding onions, peppers, garlic, and seasonings to turn them into salsa that dresses potato and corn chips and well as salads and casseroles throughout the upcoming months. Once that initial picking and canning ends, our vines take a breather every summer, due, perhaps, to scorching heat that prevents them from pollinating.No matter how diligently I water or mulch, triple digit temps force those vines to kick back and rest. I get it. I want to do the same when just walking out the door produces drenching sweat. Once evenings and early mornings turn cooler, little yellow blossoms once again morph into ballooning green fruits. However, it takes a while for the plants to catch up to earlier production mode. Once fruits start turning orange, I pick em and put em on the window sill to prevent birds and grasshoppers from nibbling them. This strategy results in a couple of tomatoes every day or two for a couple of weeks--not enough to freeze or can.Who knows how, but I learned not to keep whole tomatoes in the fridge. As a result, these loners sunbathe in the window as they ripen and end up chopped into salads or sliced with bacon or ham on sandwiches. Eventually, more collect than we eat in a day, but not enough to freeze or can so there they sit, looking forlorn. Left to their own devices, they invite fruit flies to get to know one another so well that we soon have a swarm of progeny acting like our kitchen is Dulles Airport. Yikes.That event requires either eating the tomatoes faster or constructing traps to control those miniscule flies high school biology classes study. It also begs the question. Are fresh tomatoes worth inviting fruit flies into the kitchen? Absolutely!Once you conquer the fruit fly invasion, summer’s great pleasure involves fresh from the vine tomatoes. Devour the first standing in the garden with juices dribbling down your chin. After that, satisfaction requires a straight week of BLT sandwiches once, twice, or thrice a day. Once those sammies get boring, it’s time to slice those orbs thick to make tomato/mayo sandwiches for another feast or three. Follow that with a week-long barrage of thick tomato slices topped with fresh mozzarella and broiled til golden cheese drizzles over the edges. As harvest escalates, add chopped tomatoes to creamy cottage cheese or stuff hollowed-out tomatoes with cottage cheese or tuna salad to add variety. The possibilities are limitless.Enough time has passed that that line of tomatoes on the window sill will soon overflow the space. In short time, fruits ripening two at time will shift to harvest overload. Fire up the canner or make room in the freezer!

MADORIN: Maters in the window

Most folks generally accept that maintaining good health includes an annual visit to the doctor to check their heart, teeth, ears and more.

But there’s more to personal health than some may realize.

“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has done quite a bit of research over the years that affirms that a little over 50% of our overall health is related to the places that we live, learn, work, play and pray,” said Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University.

Research indicates that engaging in one’s community is connected to living longer and healthier.

“So,” she says, “we should look for opportunities to be civically engaged, and be aware of opportunities to volunteer, be involved in clubs and organizations, vote and contribute to local community improvement projects. That’s part of civic health.”

The National Conference on Citizenship, which has studied civic life for ten years, reports that communities with higher employment rates, stronger schools and more responsive governments have better health among its residents.

Civic health reflects the opportunities people have to participate in their communities, and can be summed up in three areas:

· Places – Healthy communities have places where people can get together formally or informally, such as festivals in a city park; or a library with extended hours.

· Processes – Healthy communities make it easier for residents to have their voices heard. Some examples: Are voting processes easily understood? Do people know how to voice their support for new projects or changes in

ordinances? Can people participate in local city or county meetings in-person and online?

· People – In healthy communities, people get involved as volunteers and in other roles. People are socially engaged and active.

“When social capital is in place – places, processes, and people – the community is stronger,” Johannes said. “Then, the overall health of the people in the community improves. And there’s research that shows that civic health matters to our physical and mental health.”

The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute annually publishes the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for every county in the United States. Johannes said the report provides data and evidence that reveals overall community health improvements due to community-led health equity and access efforts.

The yearly report includes links to information specific to Kansas counties, rating each according to such health outcomes as length of life and quality of life; and such health factors as adult smoking, obesity, physical activity and more.

Johannes said the recent report includes information about the civic health of states and counties. She said Kansas is among 16 states that have more structural barriers to civic health.

“Research shows that states with well-resourced civic infrastructure have more civic participation, which is tied to how well and how long we live,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictMost folks generally accept that maintaining good health includes an annual visit to the doctor to check their heart, teeth, ears and more.But there’s more to personal health than some may realize.“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has done quite a bit of research over the years that affirms that a little over 50% of our overall health is related to the places that we live, learn, work, play and pray,” said Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University.Research indicates that engaging in one’s community is connected to living longer and healthier.“So,” she says, “we should look for opportunities to be civically engaged, and be aware of opportunities to volunteer, be involved in clubs and organizations, vote and contribute to local community improvement projects. That’s part of civic health.”The National Conference on Citizenship, which has studied civic life for ten years, reports that communities with higher employment rates, stronger schools and more responsive governments have better health among its residents.Civic health reflects the opportunities people have to participate in their communities, and can be summed up in three areas:· Places – Healthy communities have places where people can get together formally or informally, such as festivals in a city park; or a library with extended hours.· Processes – Healthy communities make it easier for residents to have their voices heard. Some examples: Are voting processes easily understood? Do people know how to voice their support for new projects or changes inordinances? Can people participate in local city or county meetings in-person and online?· People – In healthy communities, people get involved as volunteers and in other roles. People are socially engaged and active.“When social capital is in place – places, processes, and people – the community is stronger,” Johannes said. “Then, the overall health of the people in the community improves. And there’s research that shows that civic health matters to our physical and mental health.”The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute annually publishes the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for every county in the United States. Johannes said the report provides data and evidence that reveals overall community health improvements due to community-led health equity and access efforts.The yearly report includes links to information specific to Kansas counties, rating each according to such health outcomes as length of life and quality of life; and such health factors as adult smoking, obesity, physical activity and more.Johannes said the recent report includes information about the civic health of states and counties. She said Kansas is among 16 states that have more structural barriers to civic health.“Research shows that states with well-resourced civic infrastructure have more civic participation, which is tied to how well and how long we live,” she said.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

Opinion