September is National Food Safety Education month. Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food. Getting sick is never fun and is usually quite an inconvenience. 

What can you do at home to help prevent getting sick? The Partnership for Food Safety Education breaks it down into four easy steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

The first step is clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. We have heard it so many times but washing hands really does cut down on all types of illnesses including foodborne illnesses. Keep counter tops and other kitchen surfaces clean. How often do you clean out your refrigerator? Yep, that needs to be cleaned regularly also! After wiping the dirt off countertops, surfaces should be sanitized with a solution of one tablespoon bleach and one gallon of water. Cutting boards should also be washed in between preparing each food. Also remember to wash your produce under running water before eating or peeling them to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Step two is to separate. Be careful not to cross-contaminate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods in your grocery cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator. Use different cutting boards and utensils for each type of food and never place cooked food on a plate that had raw meat on it. If you marinate foods be sure and boil the marinade before using it on cooked foods.

Step three is to cook meats to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees and 160 degrees for ground meat where contamination is more likely. Poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator. Use a food thermometer that has been properly calibrated. Check the thickest part of the meat. Raw eggs can be a source of contamination. When using a microwave to heat up foods again use your food thermometer to check the temperature.

Finally, step four is to chill leftovers as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria. Keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees or less. Do not let foods set at room temperature for more than two hours. Do not thaw food at room temperature. To thaw foods, use one of three methods: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Cook food immediately when defrosting in water or the microwave.

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/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension , Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>September is National Food Safety Education month. Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food. Getting sick is never fun and is usually quite an inconvenience. What can you do at home to help prevent getting sick? The Partnership for Food Safety Education breaks it down into four easy steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.The first step is clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. We have heard it so many times but washing hands really does cut down on all types of illnesses including foodborne illnesses. Keep counter tops and other kitchen surfaces clean. How often do you clean out your refrigerator? Yep, that needs to be cleaned regularly also! After wiping the dirt off countertops, surfaces should be sanitized with a solution of one tablespoon bleach and one gallon of water. Cutting boards should also be washed in between preparing each food. Also remember to wash your produce under running water before eating or peeling them to prevent the spread of bacteria.Step two is to separate. Be careful not to cross-contaminate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods in your grocery cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator. Use different cutting boards and utensils for each type of food and never place cooked food on a plate that had raw meat on it. If you marinate foods be sure and boil the marinade before using it on cooked foods.Step three is to cook meats to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees and 160 degrees for ground meat where contamination is more likely. Poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator. Use a food thermometer that has been properly calibrated. Check the thickest part of the meat. Raw eggs can be a source of contamination. When using a microwave to heat up foods again use your food thermometer to check the temperature.Finally, step four is to chill leftovers as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria. Keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees or less. Do not let foods set at room temperature for more than two hours. Do not thaw food at room temperature. To thaw foods, use one of three methods: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Cook food immediately when defrosting in water or the microwave.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: September is National Food Safety Education Month

Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. 

One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!

Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.

You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.

Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.

4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.

The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.

Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.

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.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>Every year, more than 25% of Americans age 65+ fall down. One fall can drastically alter quality of life and reduce independence. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors each year. The good news is that falls are not a natural part of aging and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of falling!1. Stay active.Look for an exercise program in your community that focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension to find a class.2. Assess your home.You spend most of your time at home, so make sure it’s a safe space. Increase lighting, remove floor clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the flow of traffic, and install grab bars.3. Talk to your doctor.Consult your healthcare provider to assess your fall risk, discuss recent falls, and review medications that may affect balance and coordination.4. Go for regular vision and hearing checkups.The eyes and ears provide us with vital senses that affect balance, so it’s important to strive for good vision and hearing health.5. Find support.Fall prevention is a group effort, and family members can help you spot fall risks, and be a team to call on for help. To check your risk of falling, visit <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup">https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup</a> to take a short quiz.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.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Fall prevention: Reduce your risk

Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.

When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.

A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. 

I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. 

I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!

The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. 

I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. 

Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. 

Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the rear windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. I wandered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends….once I got&nbsp;a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back, figuring to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to losing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Firewood follies

A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.

There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.

Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.

Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.

 These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.

As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.

She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.

This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.

These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.

New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.

Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She had no problem with the plantings, but the city codes are giving her fits.There are numerous advantages to cultivating pollinator gardens instead of non-native grass and other decorative plantings. Plants like Black-Eyed Susans, Western Yarrow, Wild Bergamot (beebalm), Milkweed, and Kansas’ state flower–the sunflower– have deeper root networks, which help prevent soil erosion and reduce water runoff. They do not need to be mowed, saving energy and pollution. They are natural parts of Kansas’ ecosystem and do not spread invasively. Natives grow well without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Many grow beautiful flowers. They also adapt better to our climate, requiring less watering.Pollinator gardens supply food to native birds and insects including hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and native bees. In recent years, the population of monarchs has declined alarmingly, which many experts attribute to agricultural pesticides and herbicides. All told, one third of our food requires pollination by insects.Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. Such scourges include the Bradford Pear, the Eastern Red Cedar, the Tree of Heaven, and wintercreeper. I join legions of other homeowners spending countless weekends trying to remove these noxious pests. Farmers and ranchers do not like them, either.As for my friend, she won her dispute with the city, but only after cutting part of her beloved pocket prairie and compiling a thick packet of information for her hearing.She is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Metro Area Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.Our sensibilities need to change, too. This past April, a Kansas family got caught between the city of Overland Park–which discourages such plantings, Johnson County–which encourages them, and their own neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Overland Park feature neatly-manicured lawns in tidy housing subdivisions along cul-de-sac streets. Neighbors must adjust their expectations of what looks beautiful. Lawns should be property maintained, but they need not resemble golf courses.These codes also reflect the needs of agriculture. For example, milkweed is a beneficial, beautiful, easy to grow native plant that pollinators love, but it is poisonous to cattle and horses. This is fine for farmers and ranchers, but the average suburban homeowner is not going to have cattle and horses in their yard! Some local codes still classify milkweed as a “noxious weed” even when planted in town. Fortunately, some Kansas local governments have started targeting actual noxious weeds such as Bradford Pears, which are highly invasive. Wichita is one of many communities expanding native plantings on public land including parks.New codes will allow beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly yards while still requiring that yards and lots be properly maintained. MARC’s model legislation is just what you need to start working on this in your own community– and your yard.Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Zoning codes should allow native plants and pollinator gardens 

Meteorological fall began on September 1. It was warm early in the month, with highs over 100 degrees in many locations during Labor Day weekend. It has since turned more seasonable, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool mornings, and, so far, no threat of cold air. 

Nowhere in Kansas has there been any frost yet, but it was 39°F in Tribune and 40°F in Colby on the morning of the 12th, a harbinger of colder weather yet to come. The autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall, was on Saturday, September 23, at 1:50 a.m. central time. 

We will eventually experience a first frost and, in time, a first freeze, which can end the growing season, depending on how far below freezing the temperature gets and how many hours sub-freezing conditions persist. 

Exactly when do the first frost and freeze typically occur in Kansas? In this report, we look at the average dates for those two significant cold weather events.

Data for 20 sites in Kansas were examined using the full period of record at each location. For this study, the first frost date is defined as the first occurrence of a temperature at or below 36°, and the first freeze is defined as the first occurrence of 32°F or colder. The dates that the first frost occurred each year were sorted from earliest to latest, and then the dates on which 10%, 20%, 30%, etc., of the first frost occurred on or before were identified (Table 1). This methodology was repeated for the first freeze data (Table 2). To see the data tables, go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu.</a>

Looking at the first frost date, the median date is in October, except for the far west and northwest areas of Kansas, where it occurs in late September. The median date is when there is a 50% chance of the first frost having already occurred. The earliest median date is in Oberlin (September 26), and the latest is in Wichita (October 18). Except for Wichita, there is a 10% probability of the first frost occurring before the first of October at all locations and a 90% probability that the first frost has occurred by the end of October.

There is a 60% or greater chance that the first freeze will occur by the end of October at all locations (Table 2), but the probabilities are higher for earlier dates in the west and north. As with the first frost date, Oberlin has the earliest median date (October 3), and Wichita has the latest date (October 28). September freezes happen occasionally, and occasionally, it’s November before the first freeze, but October is typically the month when the growing season ends. October is also when the normal lows each day decrease the fastest (Table 3); the daily normals drop by 11 to 14 degrees. By month’s end, Goodland, Oberlin, and Tribune all have&nbsp;normal lows below freezing. Only eastern and southern locations have normal lows in the 40s by October 31; all other locations have normal lows in the 30s.

Last year, the first freeze was in mid-October across the entire state, thanks to a cold air mass that invaded the state and brought widespread lows in the 20s, with a few upper teens. The first freeze in 2022 was on the 16th in Goodland, the 17th in Garden City and Hutchinson, and the 18th in Wichita and Parsons. For the northwest, this freeze was later than normal, but in the southeast, it was earlier than normal. 

What about this year? It’s too soon to know, but the outlooks for the next two weeks favor above-normal temperatures, so it doesn’t appear that an early freeze will occur in September. As for October, we’ll have to wait and see. Until then, enjoy the pleasant fall weather!

Information and article provided by Matthew Sittel, Assistant State Climatologist, msittel@ksu.edu.

Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Meteorological fall began on September 1. It was warm early in the month, with highs over 100 degrees in many locations during Labor Day weekend. It has since turned more seasonable, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool mornings, and, so far, no threat of cold air. Nowhere in Kansas has there been any frost yet, but it was 39°F in Tribune and 40°F in Colby on the morning of the 12th, a harbinger of colder weather yet to come. The autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall, was on Saturday, September 23, at 1:50 a.m. central time. We will eventually experience a first frost and, in time, a first freeze, which can end the growing season, depending on how far below freezing the temperature gets and how many hours sub-freezing conditions persist. Exactly when do the first frost and freeze typically occur in Kansas? In this report, we look at the average dates for those two significant cold weather events.Data for 20 sites in Kansas were examined using the full period of record at each location. For this study, the first frost date is defined as the first occurrence of a temperature at or below 36°, and the first freeze is defined as the first occurrence of 32°F or colder. The dates that the first frost occurred each year were sorted from earliest to latest, and then the dates on which 10%, 20%, 30%, etc., of the first frost occurred on or before were identified (Table 1). This methodology was repeated for the first freeze data (Table 2). To see the data tables, go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu.</a>Looking at the first frost date, the median date is in October, except for the far west and northwest areas of Kansas, where it occurs in late September. The median date is when there is a 50% chance of the first frost having already occurred. The earliest median date is in Oberlin (September 26), and the latest is in Wichita (October 18). Except for Wichita, there is a 10% probability of the first frost occurring before the first of October at all locations and a 90% probability that the first frost has occurred by the end of October.There is a 60% or greater chance that the first freeze will occur by the end of October at all locations (Table 2), but the probabilities are higher for earlier dates in the west and north. As with the first frost date, Oberlin has the earliest median date (October 3), and Wichita has the latest date (October 28). September freezes happen occasionally, and occasionally, it’s November before the first freeze, but October is typically the month when the growing season ends. October is also when the normal lows each day decrease the fastest (Table 3); the daily normals drop by 11 to 14 degrees. By month’s end, Goodland, Oberlin, and Tribune all have&nbsp;normal lows below freezing. Only eastern and southern locations have normal lows in the 40s by October 31; all other locations have normal lows in the 30s.Last year, the first freeze was in mid-October across the entire state, thanks to a cold air mass that invaded the state and brought widespread lows in the 20s, with a few upper teens. The first freeze in 2022 was on the 16th in Goodland, the 17th in Garden City and Hutchinson, and the 18th in Wichita and Parsons. For the northwest, this freeze was later than normal, but in the southeast, it was earlier than normal. What about this year? It’s too soon to know, but the outlooks for the next two weeks favor above-normal temperatures, so it doesn’t appear that an early freeze will occur in September. As for October, we’ll have to wait and see. Until then, enjoy the pleasant fall weather!Information and article provided by Matthew Sittel, Assistant State Climatologist, msittel@ksu.edu.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Looking ahead to the first frost, freeze dates for Kansas

At Fort Hays State University, our resolve to outlast and achieve is as firm and steady as our century-old limestone buildings. A great example of this resolve is our history department. Our history program is innovative, student-centered, and growing.

History students delve into the depths of time, grappling with the complexities of the human experience while surrounded by faculty who are always willing to go the extra mile to see students learn, grow, and succeed. With an unwavering dedication to research, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches, our history faculty cultivate a vibrant academic experience.

I know this because I am a collector of student stories. I am often amazed at how frequently I hear from students about how their history classes have positively impacted their lives. At the center of all of these stories are the faculty – their support, encouragement, innovation, and especially how faculty challenge students to work hard and dig deeper.

One of those professors is Hollie Marquess. Hollie, a first-generation college student, grew up in Plainville, Kansas. As a kid, she loved to talk about history with her dad. He taught her to question everything, which turned out to be a very beneficial skill for a future historian.

After high school, she enrolled at FHSU, but not initially as a history major. She was hooked by a lecture on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in her “U.S. History Since 1877” class. Hollie changed her major to history and completed both a bachelor's and master’s degree. After she completed her master’s degree, she started teaching online and returned to teach on campus in 2016.

“Rarick and the history program feel like home to me. In one capacity or another, I have been in Rarick for over 20 years,” Hollie shared.

Hollie is also the host of the Victor E. History podcast. The podcast series features about eight episodes per semester. On the podcast, she talks with students about their original research. Students need to have written an excellent research paper to be considered for the podcast, and this experience helps them to think about research in a way that is publicly accessible outside of academia. This is an essential skill for them to learn.

The topics are all fascinating, and the students do a great job. There are also episodes featuring notable alums. For example, this season, season four, Chris Dinkel, the 2023 recipient of the Young Alumni Award, is featured. Chris discusses his experience in our history program, studying for the LSAT, Columbia law, and his case that recently went to the Supreme Court. Season four will also include episodes on women in aviation, childless women in the 19th century, famine and disease in Ireland, and more!

Anyone can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music or go to <a href="https://victorehistory.com/">https://victorehistory.com/</a> to subscribe and to get notifications when new episodes are available. Season four features attacks planned on women in aviation, childless women in the 19th century, famine and disease in Ireland, and more!

The Victor E. History podcast began as a conversation between Professor Marquess and FHSU students in the History Club/Phi Alpha Theta. They talked about how she uses podcasts in the classroom, and this sparked her idea to create her own. After some searching, Hollie learned that history departments don’t tend to host podcasts; if they do, the content typically focuses on&nbsp;professors talking about their historical interests. The student-centered Hollie had a different vision.

“I wanted Victor E. History to highlight student research and our alumni doing incredible work,” Hollie said. “One of the things that my department does best is that we are very involved with our students both online and on-campus. The popular perception of historians is that we are dusty curmudgeons who are only interested in our research. That couldn’t be further from the truth in our department.”

Hollie shared that she and her faculty colleagues love getting to know the students and helping them reach their goals. She is proud of the fact that everyone in the department mentors the students throughout their time at FHSU and that mentorship doesn’t stop at graduation. They stay in contact with recent alumni and continue to mentor them as they begin new careers.

FHSU history faculty are also engaged in the larger community. They believe it is essential to expand public knowledge about historical topics.

“One of my proudest moments at FHSU, aside from pride in my students’ work, was bringing Holocaust survivor Gene Klein to campus in 2017. Now, we have Holocaust Remembrance and Education programming every April on campus and in the Hays community,” Hollie said.

Last spring, Hollie joined her colleague Dr. Amber Nickell on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Poland. While in Poland, the students learned about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Hollie believes that it was an incredible experience for all of them.

“Watching our students explore places they’ve only ever read about and sharing profound learning experiences with them is worth all the work that goes into a study abroad class,” Hollie said.

This dynamic duo is making plans now to lead study-abroad classes in France, Germany, and Denmark over the next few years.

Hollie and Amber are currently working with senior history major Sarah Keiss on an exciting project.

“Sarah is someone whom I met when she came to do a college visit, and I have seen so much growth in her confidence since she’s been in our program,” Hollie said. “Last year, during our Holocaust Remembrance and Education Events, Stephen Naron of Yale University’s Fortunoff Archives visited Forsyth and was blown away by the exhibit that Sarah had created at her student job. That night, she and Stephen were chatting with Dr. Amber Nickell about how amazing Sarah is and how our trip to Poland with students, including Sarah, helped shape their future careers.”

The three colleagues decided to embark on a project that utilizes the Fortunoff Archives since Forsyth is an access site for them. They decided to focus on using 46 oral history testimonies of Holocaust survivors who settled in the Kansas City area. They are now mapping the movements of these survivors from birth to death and exploring geographic questions that they hope will reveal new knowledge on the Midwest as a place Holocaust survivors settled post-war. They plan to present this work in the spring and will publish the project and a co-written article. They hope the project will be helpful for area teachers in their classrooms.

Professor Hollie Marquess has so many beautiful stories to share about her students. And as I can attest, her students have many stories about Hollie's impact on them. She is an exceptional educator who authentically embraces our culture of care, cultivates intentional relationships, encourages student empowerment, builds self-confidence, fosters critical thinking, creates a nurturing learning environment, and provides an abundance of opportunities to maximize student growth and learning, and by&nbsp;doing so, develops generations primed for success.

Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason (Photo courtesy of&nbsp; FHSU)" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason (Photo courtesy of&nbsp; FHSU)</figcaption>
 </figure>At Fort Hays State University, our resolve to outlast and achieve is as firm and steady as our century-old limestone buildings. A great example of this resolve is our history department. Our history program is innovative, student-centered, and growing.History students delve into the depths of time, grappling with the complexities of the human experience while surrounded by faculty who are always willing to go the extra mile to see students learn, grow, and succeed. With an unwavering dedication to research, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches, our history faculty cultivate a vibrant academic experience.I know this because I am a collector of student stories. I am often amazed at how frequently I hear from students about how their history classes have positively impacted their lives. At the center of all of these stories are the faculty – their support, encouragement, innovation, and especially how faculty challenge students to work hard and dig deeper.One of those professors is Hollie Marquess. Hollie, a first-generation college student, grew up in Plainville, Kansas. As a kid, she loved to talk about history with her dad. He taught her to question everything, which turned out to be a very beneficial skill for a future historian.After high school, she enrolled at FHSU, but not initially as a history major. She was hooked by a lecture on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in her “U.S. History Since 1877” class. Hollie changed her major to history and completed both a bachelor's and master’s degree. After she completed her master’s degree, she started teaching online and returned to teach on campus in 2016.“Rarick and the history program feel like home to me. In one capacity or another, I have been in Rarick for over 20 years,” Hollie shared.Hollie is also the host of the Victor E. History podcast. The podcast series features about eight episodes per semester. On the podcast, she talks with students about their original research. Students need to have written an excellent research paper to be considered for the podcast, and this experience helps them to think about research in a way that is publicly accessible outside of academia. This is an essential skill for them to learn.The topics are all fascinating, and the students do a great job. There are also episodes featuring notable alums. For example, this season, season four, Chris Dinkel, the 2023 recipient of the Young Alumni Award, is featured. Chris discusses his experience in our history program, studying for the LSAT, Columbia law, and his case that recently went to the Supreme Court. Season four will also include episodes on women in aviation, childless women in the 19th century, famine and disease in Ireland, and more!Anyone can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music or go to <a href="https://victorehistory.com/">https://victorehistory.com/</a> to subscribe and to get notifications when new episodes are available. Season four features attacks planned on women in aviation, childless women in the 19th century, famine and disease in Ireland, and more!The Victor E. History podcast began as a conversation between Professor Marquess and FHSU students in the History Club/Phi Alpha Theta. They talked about how she uses podcasts in the classroom, and this sparked her idea to create her own. After some searching, Hollie learned that history departments don’t tend to host podcasts; if they do, the content typically focuses on&nbsp;professors talking about their historical interests. The student-centered Hollie had a different vision.“I wanted Victor E. History to highlight student research and our alumni doing incredible work,” Hollie said. “One of the things that my department does best is that we are very involved with our students both online and on-campus. The popular perception of historians is that we are dusty curmudgeons who are only interested in our research. That couldn’t be further from the truth in our department.”Hollie shared that she and her faculty colleagues love getting to know the students and helping them reach their goals. She is proud of the fact that everyone in the department mentors the students throughout their time at FHSU and that mentorship doesn’t stop at graduation. They stay in contact with recent alumni and continue to mentor them as they begin new careers.FHSU history faculty are also engaged in the larger community. They believe it is essential to expand public knowledge about historical topics.“One of my proudest moments at FHSU, aside from pride in my students’ work, was bringing Holocaust survivor Gene Klein to campus in 2017. Now, we have Holocaust Remembrance and Education programming every April on campus and in the Hays community,” Hollie said.Last spring, Hollie joined her colleague Dr. Amber Nickell on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Poland. While in Poland, the students learned about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Hollie believes that it was an incredible experience for all of them.“Watching our students explore places they’ve only ever read about and sharing profound learning experiences with them is worth all the work that goes into a study abroad class,” Hollie said.This dynamic duo is making plans now to lead study-abroad classes in France, Germany, and Denmark over the next few years.Hollie and Amber are currently working with senior history major Sarah Keiss on an exciting project.“Sarah is someone whom I met when she came to do a college visit, and I have seen so much growth in her confidence since she’s been in our program,” Hollie said. “Last year, during our Holocaust Remembrance and Education Events, Stephen Naron of Yale University’s Fortunoff Archives visited Forsyth and was blown away by the exhibit that Sarah had created at her student job. That night, she and Stephen were chatting with Dr. Amber Nickell about how amazing Sarah is and how our trip to Poland with students, including Sarah, helped shape their future careers.”The three colleagues decided to embark on a project that utilizes the Fortunoff Archives since Forsyth is an access site for them. They decided to focus on using 46 oral history testimonies of Holocaust survivors who settled in the Kansas City area. They are now mapping the movements of these survivors from birth to death and exploring geographic questions that they hope will reveal new knowledge on the Midwest as a place Holocaust survivors settled post-war. They plan to present this work in the spring and will publish the project and a co-written article. They hope the project will be helpful for area teachers in their classrooms.Professor Hollie Marquess has so many beautiful stories to share about her students. And as I can attest, her students have many stories about Hollie's impact on them. She is an exceptional educator who authentically embraces our culture of care, cultivates intentional relationships, encourages student empowerment, builds self-confidence, fosters critical thinking, creates a nurturing learning environment, and provides an abundance of opportunities to maximize student growth and learning, and by&nbsp;doing so, develops generations primed for success.Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.

Heart of a Tiger: Bringing history to life

Besides checking for ripeness, how much time do you spend thinking about garden tomatoes or those for sale at the market? If you’re like me, not much.

Years back, I learned colonial Americans considered tomatoes poisonous so though gardeners grew them ornamentally, they didn’t eat them. Recently, this factoid drove me down a tomato rabbit hole after my daughter and I disagreed on when Americans first welcomed tomatoes as food rather than décor.

Once I started reading, I couldn’t quit, and here you’ll find some of my discoveries.

Tomatoes are a New World plant in the nightshade family that scientists think first started in the Andes about 80,000 years ago. Since no one now alive actually saw those vines and fruits, they can only speculate. 

Researchers suggest those ancient orbs grew to about cherry tomato size and may have been yellow or orange in color. Somehow (it’s disputed), some seeds found their way to Meso America somewhere between northern Costa Rica and Mexico. Ancient gardeners then cultivated what they called tomatl in their Nahuatl language. 

Additionally, they grew peppers, also in the nightshade family. Apparently, eating either one didn’t harm the population, which I’m guessing contributed to the development of salsa.

When conquistador Cortes returned to the Old World following his foray into Aztec-controlled Mexico, he introduced tomato seeds to a climate where they thrived. Southern Europeans enjoyed this new flavor sensation. 

Unfortunately, once tomatoes made their way to England, they gained a bad rap as a poison.

While some blamed the plant’s nightshade connection, modern scientists attribute resulting illness to the use of pewter plates, once popular in Great Britain. Acidic tomatoes leached lead from them, triggering toxic levels in those who ate from them regularly. As a result, southern Europeans developed plenty of tomato dishes while, in general, the English didn’t.

Brits transferred their food prejudice across the Atlantic via adventuresome settlers.

 Ironically or maybe expectedly, folks who settled the South happily consumed tomato-based recipes. 

New Englanders continued to reject what they called poison apples til the mid-1800s when savvy seed and food salesmen publicly demonstrated they could devour quantities of this questionable ingredient without ill effect.

The Civil War accelerated acceptance. Canneries boomed during those difficult years, and tomatoes canned well. Interestingly, that led to a tomato-generated Supreme Court decision two decades later.

The 1883 Tariff Act imposed duties on imported veggies but not on fruits. Clever entrepreneurs responsible for canning those plump orbs focused on the fact they were botanically fruits, not veggies, depriving the government of taxable income.

In response, tax collectors argued they functioned as vegetables and thus should be taxed. 

In 1893, the Supreme Court settled the argument. In a 9-0 decision, the Bench determined that though they classified botanically as fruits, people ate them with meals and not as dessert. As a result, local economies taxed them as vegetables based on the Nix vs. Hedden decision.

No wonder people still fuss over the fruit vs. veggie classification.

Next time you water your tomatoes or pick them for salad or salsa, keep in mind this popular produce’s complicated history. 

It started in the New World, established itself in the Old World, returned to the New World with a wonky reputation, and then forced a Supreme Court Decision in 1893 that still stands. Oh, and savvy entrepreneur Joseph Campbell popularized canned condensed tomato soup in 1897. 

How many cans do you have in your pantry?

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692979189231.jpeg" alt="Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINBesides checking for ripeness, how much time do you spend thinking about garden tomatoes or those for sale at the market? If you’re like me, not much.Years back, I learned colonial Americans considered tomatoes poisonous so though gardeners grew them ornamentally, they didn’t eat them. Recently, this factoid drove me down a tomato rabbit hole after my daughter and I disagreed on when Americans first welcomed tomatoes as food rather than décor.Once I started reading, I couldn’t quit, and here you’ll find some of my discoveries.Tomatoes are a New World plant in the nightshade family that scientists think first started in the Andes about 80,000 years ago. Since no one now alive actually saw those vines and fruits, they can only speculate. Researchers suggest those ancient orbs grew to about cherry tomato size and may have been yellow or orange in color. Somehow (it’s disputed), some seeds found their way to Meso America somewhere between northern Costa Rica and Mexico. Ancient gardeners then cultivated what they called tomatl in their Nahuatl language. Additionally, they grew peppers, also in the nightshade family. Apparently, eating either one didn’t harm the population, which I’m guessing contributed to the development of salsa.When conquistador Cortes returned to the Old World following his foray into Aztec-controlled Mexico, he introduced tomato seeds to a climate where they thrived. Southern Europeans enjoyed this new flavor sensation. Unfortunately, once tomatoes made their way to England, they gained a bad rap as a poison.While some blamed the plant’s nightshade connection, modern scientists attribute resulting illness to the use of pewter plates, once popular in Great Britain. Acidic tomatoes leached lead from them, triggering toxic levels in those who ate from them regularly. As a result, southern Europeans developed plenty of tomato dishes while, in general, the English didn’t.Brits transferred their food prejudice across the Atlantic via adventuresome settlers. Ironically or maybe expectedly, folks who settled the South happily consumed tomato-based recipes. New Englanders continued to reject what they called poison apples til the mid-1800s when savvy seed and food salesmen publicly demonstrated they could devour quantities of this questionable ingredient without ill effect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>The Civil War accelerated acceptance. Canneries boomed during those difficult years, and tomatoes canned well. Interestingly, that led to a tomato-generated Supreme Court decision two decades later.The 1883 Tariff Act imposed duties on imported veggies but not on fruits. Clever entrepreneurs responsible for canning those plump orbs focused on the fact they were botanically fruits, not veggies, depriving the government of taxable income.In response, tax collectors argued they functioned as vegetables and thus should be taxed. In 1893, the Supreme Court settled the argument. In a 9-0 decision, the Bench determined that though they classified botanically as fruits, people ate them with meals and not as dessert. As a result, local economies taxed them as vegetables based on the Nix vs. Hedden decision. No wonder people still fuss over the fruit vs. veggie classification. Next time you water your tomatoes or pick them for salad or salsa, keep in mind this popular produce’s complicated history. It started in the New World, established itself in the Old World, returned to the New World with a wonky reputation, and then forced a Supreme Court Decision in 1893 that still stands. Oh, and savvy entrepreneur Joseph Campbell popularized canned condensed tomato soup in 1897. How many cans do you have in your pantry?Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: The complicated history of tomatoes

By John P. Tretbar Eagle Communications

U.S. crude prices hovered near $90 per barrel on Monday, after settling above that mark on Friday. By midday Monday, WTI for November delivery was fetching $89.94 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $93 by lunchtime. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $80.25 per barrel after gaining 25 cents on Friday.

Baker Hughes reported a big drop in drilling activity. The Rotary Rig Count dropped by eleven rigs last week, eight oil rigs and three gas. Texas was down five; New Mexico and Oklahoma were each down two.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service was unchanged from a week ago, down five percent from a month ago, and down 39% from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Ellis counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Russell County. State regulators okayed ten new drilling permits last week, all of them in western Kansas including one in Ellis County.&nbsp; Operators completed 34 wells last week according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service. There was one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.

The government said U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by more than two million barrels from the ten-month low reported last week. The current tally from the Energy Information Administration is 418.5 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about three percent below the five-year average for stockpiles at this time of year. U.S. production dropped slightly last week but remains in record territory, over 12.9 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.

Energy Information Administration said U.S. refiners imported an average of 6.5 million barrels per day last week. That's down 1.1 million barrels per day from the week before. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly eight percent more than in the same four-week period last year. 

California officials are touting their new gasoline-marketplace oversight with the discovery of a questionable transaction in the gasoline-futures market two weeks ago. Officials say one transaction spiked gasoline prices by half a dollar, at a time when they were already rising. The state's Division of Petroleum Market Oversight also places some of the blame on refiners' planning failures during maintenance, as well as rising crude prices.

The United States is setting export records for propane. The government reported record U.S. exports of petroleum products during the first half of this year. The Energy Information Administration said propane and other hydro-carbon gas liquids set the pace, driving a two-percent increase in total product exports. Exports of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel were all down compared to a year ago.

The government said U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by more than two million barrels from the ten-month low reported last week. The current tally from the Energy Information Administration is 418.5 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about three percent below the five year average for stockpiles at this time of year. U.S. production dropped slightly last week but remains in record territory, over 12.9 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By John P. Tretbar Eagle Communications U.S. crude prices hovered near $90 per barrel on Monday, after settling above that mark on Friday. By midday Monday, WTI for November delivery was fetching $89.94 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $93 by lunchtime. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $80.25 per barrel after gaining 25 cents on Friday.Baker Hughes reported a big drop in drilling activity. The Rotary Rig Count dropped by eleven rigs last week, eight oil rigs and three gas. Texas was down five; New Mexico and Oklahoma were each down two.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service was unchanged from a week ago, down five percent from a month ago, and down 39% from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Ellis counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Russell County. State regulators okayed ten new drilling permits last week, all of them in western Kansas including one in Ellis County.&nbsp; Operators completed 34 wells last week according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service. There was one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.The government said U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by more than two million barrels from the ten-month low reported last week. The current tally from the Energy Information Administration is 418.5 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about three percent below the five-year average for stockpiles at this time of year. U.S. production dropped slightly last week but remains in record territory, over 12.9 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.Energy Information Administration said U.S. refiners imported an average of 6.5 million barrels per day last week. That's down 1.1 million barrels per day from the week before. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly eight percent more than in the same four-week period last year. California officials are touting their new gasoline-marketplace oversight with the discovery of a questionable transaction in the gasoline-futures market two weeks ago. Officials say one transaction spiked gasoline prices by half a dollar, at a time when they were already rising. The state's Division of Petroleum Market Oversight also places some of the blame on refiners' planning failures during maintenance, as well as rising crude prices.The United States is setting export records for propane. The government reported record U.S. exports of petroleum products during the first half of this year. The Energy Information Administration said propane and other hydro-carbon gas liquids set the pace, driving a two-percent increase in total product exports. Exports of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel were all down compared to a year ago.The government said U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by more than two million barrels from the ten-month low reported last week. The current tally from the Energy Information Administration is 418.5 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about three percent below the five year average for stockpiles at this time of year. U.S. production dropped slightly last week but remains in record territory, over 12.9 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: U.S. setting propane export records

Seed treatments are an important part of wheat production in Kansas. An updated version of the K-State publication MF2955, Seed Treatment Fungicides for Wheat Disease Management 2023 is now available at: <a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf">http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf</a>

This updated publication features updated product efficacy information, recommendations for setting seed treatment priorities, considerations for seed treatment success, a key to common seed treatment active ingredients, and a list of some of the more common seed treatments labeled for use in Kansas.

It is important to make sure the seed treatment chosen matches the diseases and pests you are looking to control. 

Most seed treatments available for wheat in Kansas include one or more fungicide active ingredients (FRAC CODES 3 or 11) that provide protection against a suite of seedborne fungal diseases (common bunt, loose smut, flag smut) as well as soilborne seedling diseases which may result in poor emergence or damping off. 

These products may also provide early-season suppression of foliar diseases like powdery mildew and rusts. These products may provide suppression of root and foot rots but will not provide full season control against spring infections. 

Some seed treatments include metalaxyl or mefenoxam (FRAC CODE 4) which control soilborne oomycete diseases like Pythium root rot. Some products also contain insecticides like imidacloprid or thiamethoxam for early-season control of aphids, wireworms, and other insect pests. 

It is important to note that seed treatments will only provide protection from diseases and pests for approximately 30-45 days after planting and do not provide disease or insect control through the spring months. It is important to take note of grazing restrictions if the seed treatment contains an insecticide.

Adequate seed coverage is critical to ensure the maximum efficacy of any seed treatment products. Seed that is heavily contaminated with chaff or dust may limit the adherence of seed treatments. In addition, if too much clumping of the product occurs, the seed may not be uniformly covered and may not flow well through planting equipment.

Fusarium head blight (scab) in northwest Kansas: Fusarium head blight is a serious disease that can result in direct yield loss, discounts, and rejections due to mycotoxin (DON) accumulation, and loss of seed viability. Seed saved from fields with Fusarium head blight may face emergence issues in the fall. Luckily, seed treatments and proper seed cleaning can greatly reduce stand loss in these seed lots.

In 2023, there were higher-than-normal levels of Fusarium head blight in northwest Kansas due to untimely rainfall while wheat was flowering. Affected seed lots should be tested for germination (recent eUpdate article on seed tests and considered as&nbsp;candidates for a seed treatment containing a FRAC 3 or FRAC 11 fungicide, such as difenoconazole, prothioconazole, or tebuconazole).

Loose smut control and common bunt, sometimes called, “stinking smut,” can be controlled very effectively with most commercial treatments. Some regions of the state have struggled with these diseases in recent years. If you are planning to keep seed that is known to have or has been exposed to common bunt, it is critical to use a fungicide seed treatment or to purchase certified seed to avoid problems in the future.

Seed treatments can aid stand establishment when planting wheat after soybean harvest, even on seed that has high test weight and good germination. Planting wheat late into cool, wet soils often delays emergence and reduces the tillering capacity of wheat seedlings. This reduced tillering capacity diminishes the plant's ability to compensate for stand loss and maintain yield potential.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Seed treatments are an important part of wheat production in Kansas. An updated version of the K-State publication MF2955, Seed Treatment Fungicides for Wheat Disease Management 2023 is now available at: <a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf">http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf</a>This updated publication features updated product efficacy information, recommendations for setting seed treatment priorities, considerations for seed treatment success, a key to common seed treatment active ingredients, and a list of some of the more common seed treatments labeled for use in Kansas.It is important to make sure the seed treatment chosen matches the diseases and pests you are looking to control. Most seed treatments available for wheat in Kansas include one or more fungicide active ingredients (FRAC CODES 3 or 11) that provide protection against a suite of seedborne fungal diseases (common bunt, loose smut, flag smut) as well as soilborne seedling diseases which may result in poor emergence or damping off. These products may also provide early-season suppression of foliar diseases like powdery mildew and rusts. These products may provide suppression of root and foot rots but will not provide full season control against spring infections. Some seed treatments include metalaxyl or mefenoxam (FRAC CODE 4) which control soilborne oomycete diseases like Pythium root rot. Some products also contain insecticides like imidacloprid or thiamethoxam for early-season control of aphids, wireworms, and other insect pests. It is important to note that seed treatments will only provide protection from diseases and pests for approximately 30-45 days after planting and do not provide disease or insect control through the spring months. It is important to take note of grazing restrictions if the seed treatment contains an insecticide.Adequate seed coverage is critical to ensure the maximum efficacy of any seed treatment products. Seed that is heavily contaminated with chaff or dust may limit the adherence of seed treatments. In addition, if too much clumping of the product occurs, the seed may not be uniformly covered and may not flow well through planting equipment.Seed treatment priorities in 2023Fusarium head blight (scab) in northwest Kansas: Fusarium head blight is a serious disease that can result in direct yield loss, discounts, and rejections due to mycotoxin (DON) accumulation, and loss of seed viability. Seed saved from fields with Fusarium head blight may face emergence issues in the fall. Luckily, seed treatments and proper seed cleaning can greatly reduce stand loss in these seed lots. In 2023, there were higher-than-normal levels of Fusarium head blight in northwest Kansas due to untimely rainfall while wheat was flowering. Affected seed lots should be tested for germination (recent eUpdate article on seed tests and considered as&nbsp;candidates for a seed treatment containing a FRAC 3 or FRAC 11 fungicide, such as difenoconazole, prothioconazole, or tebuconazole).Loose smut control and common bunt, sometimes called, “stinking smut,” can be controlled very effectively with most commercial treatments. Some regions of the state have struggled with these diseases in recent years. If you are planning to keep seed that is known to have or has been exposed to common bunt, it is critical to use a fungicide seed treatment or to purchase certified seed to avoid problems in the future.Seed treatments can aid stand establishment when planting wheat after soybean harvest, even on seed that has high test weight and good germination. Planting wheat late into cool, wet soils often delays emergence and reduces the tillering capacity of wheat seedlings. This reduced tillering capacity diminishes the plant's ability to compensate for stand loss and maintain yield potential.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMBELL: Seed treatments important part of Kansas wheat production 

There are great life lessons to be learned at the Kansas State Fair. 

For example, knee-high socks of any color, but especially black, DO NOT go with shorts. If you’re not ready to purchase the last mop, set of cookware or garden-hose nozzle you’ll ever need, DO NOT go through the vendors’ buildings, and if your hair doesn’t need fixing or your tennis shoes or glasses need cleaning, avoid the afore mentioned buildings also. 

And where else but the state fair can you find racing pigs, campers costing more than my house, a guy selling Ecuadorian pan flutes, a chain saw sculpture, hot tubs, mattresses and water softeners all within a stone’s throw of each other. 

Beneath the grandstand, you’ll find sewing machines sold next to a Chinese massager parlor, and more yard art than you can imagine, including metal sunflowers, tornados fashioned from barbed-wire, dogs made from railroad spikes, frogs made from rebar and bugs built from assorted nuts and bolts with toilet tank floats for abdomens. 

Then on to the dark and forbidden midway, aptly named because it's “midway” between you and your wallet, where shadowy hucksters await behind every tent flap. 

Here you could throw balls or bat balls, throw darts or throw rings, shoot rifles or shoot baskets, to win anything from framed pictures of Dale Earnhardt and Sponge Bob, to a three-foot stuffed Garfield or a huge inflatable dolphin. 

And of course, there is the absolute plethora of fair food, where you can find anything imaginable deep fried and/or put on a stick.

A great piece of advice from Jeff Foxworthy is “If you’re going somewhere alone, don’t wear a T shirt that says “I’m Here with Stupid.” I love reading T-shirts people are wearing and boy-howdy, there’s no better place to do that than at a state fair. 

Here, in no particular order are my favorite T-shirt captions seen at this year’s state fair:

"The Only Thing that Should Come Between a Hunter and His Meat is Bread" "9 out of 10 Bears Surveyed Prefer Campers over S’mores" "I Believe Every Form of Wildlife has its Place; Right next to the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy" "You’ve Read My T Shirt, that’s Enough Social Interaction for Today" "I Love My Country, it’s My Government that Scares Me" "Your Political Correctness Offends Me" "Sons of Arthritis, Ibuprofen Chapter"&nbsp;(This appeared with a picture of a Harley Chopper motorcycle ridden by a skeleton and is possibly my favorite.)

Worn by adults who probably always say what the rest of us are thinking:&nbsp;

"Your IQ test came back negative" "I have multiple personalities and none of them like you"

“I don’t suffer from stress, I’m a carrier” “My take home pay doesn’t take me home” “I have the right to remain silent; I just don’t have the ability” “I’m not a complete idiot; some parts are missing” “Proud member of the Fillet-and-Release club”&nbsp;(Written below the picture of a fish skeleton) “Eat more fast food”&nbsp;(Written below a picture of a running whitetail buck)&nbsp;

As you’re reading this another Kansas State fair has come and gone, and along with it the smells, both good and bad, the horrendous traffic and the sea of humanity that floods Hutchinson this time each year. 

Yup, there’s no better entertainment for this country boy than the state fair; fond memories, life lessons learned, fine dining and new fashion statements. 

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>There are great life lessons to be learned at the Kansas State Fair. For example, knee-high socks of any color, but especially black, DO NOT go with shorts. If you’re not ready to purchase the last mop, set of cookware or garden-hose nozzle you’ll ever need, DO NOT go through the vendors’ buildings, and if your hair doesn’t need fixing or your tennis shoes or glasses need cleaning, avoid the afore mentioned buildings also. And where else but the state fair can you find racing pigs, campers costing more than my house, a guy selling Ecuadorian pan flutes, a chain saw sculpture, hot tubs, mattresses and water softeners all within a stone’s throw of each other. Beneath the grandstand, you’ll find sewing machines sold next to a Chinese massager parlor, and more yard art than you can imagine, including metal sunflowers, tornados fashioned from barbed-wire, dogs made from railroad spikes, frogs made from rebar and bugs built from assorted nuts and bolts with toilet tank floats for abdomens. Then on to the dark and forbidden midway, aptly named because it's “midway” between you and your wallet, where shadowy hucksters await behind every tent flap. Here you could throw balls or bat balls, throw darts or throw rings, shoot rifles or shoot baskets, to win anything from framed pictures of Dale Earnhardt and Sponge Bob, to a three-foot stuffed Garfield or a huge inflatable dolphin. And of course, there is the absolute plethora of fair food, where you can find anything imaginable deep fried and/or put on a stick.A great piece of advice from Jeff Foxworthy is “If you’re going somewhere alone, don’t wear a T shirt that says “I’m Here with Stupid.” I love reading T-shirts people are wearing and boy-howdy, there’s no better place to do that than at a state fair. Here, in no particular order are my favorite T-shirt captions seen at this year’s state fair:"The Only Thing that Should Come Between a Hunter and His Meat is Bread" "9 out of 10 Bears Surveyed Prefer Campers over S’mores" "I Believe Every Form of Wildlife has its Place; Right next to the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy" "You’ve Read My T Shirt, that’s Enough Social Interaction for Today" "I Love My Country, it’s My Government that Scares Me" "Your Political Correctness Offends Me" "Sons of Arthritis, Ibuprofen Chapter"&nbsp;(This appeared with a picture of a Harley Chopper motorcycle ridden by a skeleton and is possibly my favorite.)Worn by adults who probably always say what the rest of us are thinking:&nbsp;"Your IQ test came back negative" "I have multiple personalities and none of them like you" Just flat-out funny ones:“I don’t suffer from stress, I’m a carrier” “My take home pay doesn’t take me home” “I have the right to remain silent; I just don’t have the ability” “I’m not a complete idiot; some parts are missing” “Proud member of the Fillet-and-Release club”&nbsp;(Written below the picture of a fish skeleton) “Eat more fast food”&nbsp;(Written below a picture of a running whitetail buck)&nbsp;As you’re reading this another Kansas State fair has come and gone, and along with it the smells, both good and bad, the horrendous traffic and the sea of humanity that floods Hutchinson this time each year. Yup, there’s no better entertainment for this country boy than the state fair; fond memories, life lessons learned, fine dining and new fashion statements. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: A fair assumption

Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.

Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77. At 80, Biden became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign. His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump, is 77 years old. Congress is older than it’s ever been. The median Senator is 65, and the median House member is 58.

Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages 64 and 69 respectively. Three Kansas House members are notably younger. Representatives Mann and Davis are in their 40s and Jake LaTurner a mere 35. State politicians are aging too. The average age of statehouse members is 56. Some states, like New Hampshire, the average age is much higher at 66. In Kansas it’s 58.

For sitting governors, the average age is 58. Eleven governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, are at least 70. Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is the oldest at 77. No other occupation skews this old nor produces so many senior leaders. We seem to have a gerontocracy. Millennials are the largest generation by population but one of the smallest groups in Congress.

None of this may bother you. People are living and working longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.

Yet age impacts representation. Aging politicians are more focused on issues important to older Americans such as social security and Medicare. And this comes at the expense of issues younger Americans care about. Very few young people even run for office. In 2018, several Kansas teenagers campaigned for governor. The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office.

More typically, young people grow frustrated by our graying institutions and disengage politically, which starts a self-perpetuating cycle. If older legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues important to young people. Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. Kansas for example requires judges to retire at age 75. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected offices. A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldest cohorts.

Americans do appreciate older, seasoned lawmakers. And they know age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. But they also know older politicians stay too long sacrificing younger generations that bring fresh ideas and energy. Senator Mitt Romney’s recent retirement shows aging politicians will pass the torch. Senior senators Cardin, Carper, and Stabenow decided to retire as well.

Dr. Mark Joslyn, is a professor of political science at the&nbsp;University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77. At 80, Biden became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign. His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump, is 77 years old. Congress is older than it’s ever been. The median Senator is 65, and the median House member is 58.Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages 64 and 69 respectively. Three Kansas House members are notably younger. Representatives Mann and Davis are in their 40s and Jake LaTurner a mere 35. State politicians are aging too. The average age of statehouse members is 56. Some states, like New Hampshire, the average age is much higher at 66. In Kansas it’s 58.For sitting governors, the average age is 58. Eleven governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, are at least 70. Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is the oldest at 77. No other occupation skews this old nor produces so many senior leaders. We seem to have a gerontocracy. Millennials are the largest generation by population but one of the smallest groups in Congress.None of this may bother you. People are living and working longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Yet age impacts representation. Aging politicians are more focused on issues important to older Americans such as social security and Medicare. And this comes at the expense of issues younger Americans care about. Very few young people even run for office. In 2018, several Kansas teenagers campaigned for governor. The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office.More typically, young people grow frustrated by our graying institutions and disengage politically, which starts a self-perpetuating cycle. If older legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues important to young people. Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. Kansas for example requires judges to retire at age 75. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected offices. A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldest cohorts.Americans do appreciate older, seasoned lawmakers. And they know age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. But they also know older politicians stay too long sacrificing younger generations that bring fresh ideas and energy. Senator Mitt Romney’s recent retirement shows aging politicians will pass the torch. Senior senators Cardin, Carper, and Stabenow decided to retire as well.It’s a start.Dr. Mark Joslyn, is a professor of political science at the&nbsp;University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Politics is for old people  

Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. 

Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:

October 4: It's not so Kool to JUUL

Vaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.

Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant Coordinator

November 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?

This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.

Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County

December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it Matters

Offered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.

This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.

Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County

We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>

Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.

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/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:October 4: It's not so Kool to JUULVaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant CoordinatorNovember 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it MattersOffered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.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: Living Well Wednesday virtual learning series starts in Oct.

The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach 

Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.

While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season.

 In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. 

The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. 

Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.

In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date.

 Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. 

To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.

In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. 

Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season. In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date. Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Be cautious of planting wheat too early   

Primary source research adds dimension to history. Hard copy sources limit researchers’ hypotheses and speculations. Sometimes, however, sources create more questions than they answer.

While working on this project in 1992, time restraints (I had approximately seven weeks to complete the project, including research, writing, and editing). Access to documents limited what I could include in my paper. 

Among favorite finds was Ellis Public Schools Second Annual Catalogue for 1913 – 1914. It offers insights into the community’s expectations for graduates and a couple of photos. Frankly, Ellis students who completed the work required for graduation left school prepared to enter the workforce. I’ve copied passages from the document to share with readers.

September 1-Enrollment and Classification September 2-Entrance Examination September 3-Regular Coursework Begins October 23 and 24-Half term Examination November 27 and 28-Thanksgiving Vacation December 18 and 19-First Term Examination December 19 to January 25-Christmas Vacation January 5-Second Term begins March 12 and 13-Half term examinations May 11-Baccalaureate Sermon May 18, 19, and 20-Final Examinations May 20-Commencement May 21-Alumni Day May 22-Last Day Programs

“The essential business of the school is not so much to teach and communicate a variety and multiplicity of things as it is to give prominence to the ever-living unity that is in all things.” Froebel

Fifteen Units are Required for Graduation&nbsp;(shared as written in the manual):

• Students who are preparing for admission to college should choose their elective studies so as to include at least two units in some foreign language and three units in one subject besides English to be taken from the following: Foreign language, mathematics, history, natural science.

• In branches which do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double, or eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.

• The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education.

• If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects.

• If two units in a foreign language are included in the electives, the course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINPrimary source research adds dimension to history. Hard copy sources limit researchers’ hypotheses and speculations. Sometimes, however, sources create more questions than they answer. While working on this project in 1992, time restraints (I had approximately seven weeks to complete the project, including research, writing, and editing). Access to documents limited what I could include in my paper. Among favorite finds was Ellis Public Schools Second Annual Catalogue for 1913 – 1914. It offers insights into the community’s expectations for graduates and a couple of photos. Frankly, Ellis students who completed the work required for graduation left school prepared to enter the workforce. I’ve copied passages from the document to share with readers.Calendar, 1913 – 1914September 1-Enrollment and Classification September 2-Entrance Examination September 3-Regular Coursework Begins October 23 and 24-Half term Examination November 27 and 28-Thanksgiving Vacation December 18 and 19-First Term Examination December 19 to January 25-Christmas Vacation January 5-Second Term begins March 12 and 13-Half term examinations May 11-Baccalaureate Sermon May 18, 19, and 20-Final Examinations May 20-Commencement May 21-Alumni Day May 22-Last Day Programs Quote in program:“The essential business of the school is not so much to teach and communicate a variety and multiplicity of things as it is to give prominence to the ever-living unity that is in all things.” Froebel<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695225334822.jpeg" alt="1913-1914 Ellis High School staff&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>1913-1914 Ellis High School staff&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fifteen Units are Required for Graduation&nbsp;(shared as written in the manual):• Students who are preparing for admission to college should choose their elective studies so as to include at least two units in some foreign language and three units in one subject besides English to be taken from the following: Foreign language, mathematics, history, natural science. • In branches which do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double, or eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.• The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education.• If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects.• If two units in a foreign language are included in the electives, the course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”• Satisfactory rhetoricals are required of all students.” (Students were required to demonstrate mastery over a variety of writing skills and styles.)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695225394463.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School senior class of 1913. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School senior class of 1913. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Mahree Hamilton, Marie Chamberlain, Grace Houston, and Anna Shields fulfilled graduation goals as the senior class of 1913.Later, in part 10 of this history, I’ll share high school course work schedules for college bound and non-college bound seniors. Students who satisfactorily completed that course work had skills to achieve any number of goals. Combining the district’s expected rigor with family expectations that sub-adult children contribute to family economies helps present day readers understand why graduating classes were small. Not every young person could devote the necessary time to meeting course requirements.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

Opinion