My column this week is from Maddy Rohr at K-State Research and Extension news service. I thought it important to get this information out about the pending farm bill.

MANHATTAN — Farm and food policy go hand in hand, so current discussions leading to the next U.S. Farm Bill is likely to affect the availability of food, said Kansas State University agricultural policy specialist Jenny Ifft.

“Food stamps began during the Great Depression based on shared policy objectives of increasing farm income and decreasing hunger in both rural and urban areas,” Ifft said. “Now that program is called SNAP.”

Ten percent of Kansas households experience food insecurity, K-State SNAP-Education coordinator Lisa Ross said.

“The effects of food insecurity can cause health complications, especially in growth and development of children,” Ross said. “SNAP-Ed works to give everyone nutrition education and make sure they get the most out of food assistance programs.”

Nutrition programs are predicted to make up 84% of farm bill spending because of the large role food assistance programs play in the broader social safety net, Ifft adds. SNAP-Ed works to help people eligible for assistance programs lead healthier lives within a limited budget.

“We also initiate and support policy system environmental work designed to promote healthy behavior and decisions in Kansas communities,” Ross said.

SNAP has more than 50 million participants nationwide, most of whom are children or elderly and disabled. Ifft explains that the majority of policy debates are about the 10% of SNAP participants in the “able-bodied without dependents” category.

“The budget for both food programs and farms increased in the last five years, but nutrition increased more,” Ifft said. “That is a topic of debate as well as increasing the budget for SNAP.”

According to Ifft, the SNAP budget was increased administratively by the USDA in the last five years, bringing to question who gets to make those changes -- and ultimately adding to the farm bill debate.

With more than 94,000 households receiving SNAP benefits, SNAP-Ed works to improve health outcomes in SNAP participants and communities.

“It is really important that we work together on this farm bill because without SNAP there is no SNAP-education,” Ross said.

For more resources, Ross recommends visiting <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/ks-snaped/">K-State SNAP-Ed</a> or reaching out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension agents</a>.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">www.ksre.ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" 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>My column this week is from Maddy Rohr at K-State Research and Extension news service. I thought it important to get this information out about the pending farm bill.MANHATTAN — Farm and food policy go hand in hand, so current discussions leading to the next U.S. Farm Bill is likely to affect the availability of food, said Kansas State University agricultural policy specialist Jenny Ifft.“Food stamps began during the Great Depression based on shared policy objectives of increasing farm income and decreasing hunger in both rural and urban areas,” Ifft said. “Now that program is called SNAP.”Ten percent of Kansas households experience food insecurity, K-State SNAP-Education coordinator Lisa Ross said.“The effects of food insecurity can cause health complications, especially in growth and development of children,” Ross said. “SNAP-Ed works to give everyone nutrition education and make sure they get the most out of food assistance programs.”Nutrition programs are predicted to make up 84% of farm bill spending because of the large role food assistance programs play in the broader social safety net, Ifft adds. SNAP-Ed works to help people eligible for assistance programs lead healthier lives within a limited budget.“We also initiate and support policy system environmental work designed to promote healthy behavior and decisions in Kansas communities,” Ross said.SNAP has more than 50 million participants nationwide, most of whom are children or elderly and disabled. Ifft explains that the majority of policy debates are about the 10% of SNAP participants in the “able-bodied without dependents” category.“The budget for both food programs and farms increased in the last five years, but nutrition increased more,” Ifft said. “That is a topic of debate as well as increasing the budget for SNAP.”According to Ifft, the SNAP budget was increased administratively by the USDA in the last five years, bringing to question who gets to make those changes -- and ultimately adding to the farm bill debate.With more than 94,000 households receiving SNAP benefits, SNAP-Ed works to improve health outcomes in SNAP participants and communities.“It is really important that we work together on this farm bill because without SNAP there is no SNAP-education,” Ross said.For more resources, Ross recommends visiting <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/ks-snaped/">K-State SNAP-Ed</a> or reaching out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension agents</a>.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">www.ksre.ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at&nbsp; 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Farm bill legislation also affects nutrition programs

Last month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.

Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.

Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.

The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.

For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.

Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.

Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state is home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.

But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.

Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.

Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.

Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.

Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.

Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.

Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.

The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.

The Energy Information Administration has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.

Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Last month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.What does this mean for Kansas?Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state is home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.The Energy Information Administration has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

Insight Kansas: Kansans concerned about climate change as a majority of wind energy potential remains untapped

Wheat streak mosaic virus could be problematic this coming season, with rainfall and hail events around the state. 

One of the best preventative measures for wheat streak is the control of volunteer wheat early and often after harvest. If volunteer wheat is allowed to stand, it creates a “green bridge”, allowing wheat streak mosaic and wheat curl mites to survive locally. Volunteer wheat should be terminated at least two weeks prior to planting to allow sufficient time for mites to die off. Growers should be mindful of volunteer wheat that may “hide” in double-cropped soybeans or cover crops.

Breaking the “green bridge” - wheat curl mites will move off growing wheat as the green tissue dries down and dies. After moving off the existing wheat at or near harvest time, the mites need to find green tissue of a suitable host soon or they will die (death of the whole population will take approximately two weeks).

Management with genetic resistance: One tool in the toolbox -other than timely control of volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important tool for WSMV control. Genetic resistance to wheat streak mosaic can also reduce the risk of severe disease problems. There are currently several that have wheat streak mosaic resistance.

Some of these varieties have a gene named WSM2. These resistance genes help but have some serious limitations. For example, they are effective against wheat streak mosaic virus, but not against triticum mosaic or wheat mosaic virus (high plains disease), two other viral diseases spread by wheat curl mites, sometimes simultaneously. The resistance conferred by WSM2 is also temperature sensitive and is much less effective at high temperatures

Although resistance in a few varieties seem to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). If wheat is planted early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October, the resistance is much less effective.

In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.

Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. There are some central Kansas-adapted&nbsp;varieties that tolerate WSMV infection better than others. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV, but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible. 

More information on variety selection can be found at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>. Click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics. Also the full version of this abbreviated article is listed there too.

Other hosts for the wheat curl mite -volunteer wheat is not the only host of the wheat curl mite. Over the years, multiple research studies have evaluated the suitability of wild grasses as hosts for both the curl mite and the wheat streak virus. 

The K-State Research and Extension publication, MF3383 - Wheat Streak Mosaic, includes information about grassy weed hosts of the mite and virus, and the contribution of these hosts to the risk of severe wheat streak mosaic infections. Take note of significant stands of these grasses in marginal areas and control them as you would volunteer wheat.

If volunteer wheat and other hosts are not controlled throughout the summer and become infested with wheat curl mites, the mites will survive until fall and could infest newly planted wheat. Wheat curl mite infestations of wheat often lead to wheat streak mosaic infections.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You may contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

<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>Wheat streak mosaic virus could be problematic this coming season, with rainfall and hail events around the state. One of the best preventative measures for wheat streak is the control of volunteer wheat early and often after harvest. If volunteer wheat is allowed to stand, it creates a “green bridge”, allowing wheat streak mosaic and wheat curl mites to survive locally. Volunteer wheat should be terminated at least two weeks prior to planting to allow sufficient time for mites to die off. Growers should be mindful of volunteer wheat that may “hide” in double-cropped soybeans or cover crops.Breaking the “green bridge” - wheat curl mites will move off growing wheat as the green tissue dries down and dies. After moving off the existing wheat at or near harvest time, the mites need to find green tissue of a suitable host soon or they will die (death of the whole population will take approximately two weeks).Management with genetic resistance: One tool in the toolbox -other than timely control of volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important tool for WSMV control. Genetic resistance to wheat streak mosaic can also reduce the risk of severe disease problems. There are currently several that have wheat streak mosaic resistance.Some of these varieties have a gene named WSM2. These resistance genes help but have some serious limitations. For example, they are effective against wheat streak mosaic virus, but not against triticum mosaic or wheat mosaic virus (high plains disease), two other viral diseases spread by wheat curl mites, sometimes simultaneously. The resistance conferred by WSM2 is also temperature sensitive and is much less effective at high temperaturesAlthough resistance in a few varieties seem to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). If wheat is planted early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October, the resistance is much less effective.In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. There are some central Kansas-adapted&nbsp;varieties that tolerate WSMV infection better than others. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV, but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible. More information on variety selection can be found at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>. Click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics. Also the full version of this abbreviated article is listed there too.Other hosts for the wheat curl mite -volunteer wheat is not the only host of the wheat curl mite. Over the years, multiple research studies have evaluated the suitability of wild grasses as hosts for both the curl mite and the wheat streak virus. The K-State Research and Extension publication, MF3383 - Wheat Streak Mosaic, includes information about grassy weed hosts of the mite and virus, and the contribution of these hosts to the risk of severe wheat streak mosaic infections. Take note of significant stands of these grasses in marginal areas and control them as you would volunteer wheat.If volunteer wheat and other hosts are not controlled throughout the summer and become infested with wheat curl mites, the mites will survive until fall and could infest newly planted wheat. Wheat curl mite infestations of wheat often lead to wheat streak mosaic infections.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You may contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat streak mosaic virus: control of volunteer is crucial

We welcomed 473 student-athletes, including 17 women wrestlers (our newest sport), to campus this year. These numbers are important for two reasons. First, student-athletes comprise roughly 12% of our total on-campus student population. The second is that college athletics are important drivers of student success and our mission to develop engaged global citizen leaders.

College and athletics are also excellent vehicles to promote generational wealth, critical to our vision to be accessible to those who seek higher education, unlocking potential aligned with the democratic, economic, and social needs of our communities, our region, and our world.

Many believe college athletics is a revenue stream. For most division two universities, it is not. It is an expense, or more accurately, an investment in our mission. It is an intentional strategy to drive student success and produce outstanding graduates who will become leaders in business and industry and engaged in community and professional associations.

Each year at our Athletic Hall of Fame celebration, I share my firm belief that our athletic program is core to who we are as an institution. We look to student-athletes to help us tell our story by how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom, the community, and the board room.

When you think about it, as a society, when we need inspiration, by and large, we turn to athletes because their stories depict grit and determination, perseverance, and triumph over adversity, qualities and characteristics also attributed to Fort Hays State University.

In a FutureU podcast (May 30, 2023), co-hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn discuss how athletes make great employees: known for their deep work ethic, executive function skills, desire to do well and win, and a sense of fairness and competition.

In a LinkedIn post, Chris Valletta cites a study published by Atlantic indicating that athletes earn 5% to 15% more than their non-athlete peers. He also quotes a Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies study that athletes are more self-confident and possess better leadership skills than students who opt for other extra-curricular activities.

Vallenta identifies reasons why one should hire an athlete. First, they are passionate about their work. Being an athlete is indicative of the drive for which employers are searching. He also specifies that for the same reason, employers also prefer musicians, writers, and anyone who spends a lot of time mastering a skill. Also on Chris’ list are characteristics such as being detail-oriented, goal-oriented, emotionally strong, developing exceptional time management skills, leadership skills, and being a good team player.

These are among the reasons Fort Hays State continues to make a continued investment in college athletics. I am grateful for our many philanthropic donors who also invest in our athletic programs, driving our mission while enhancing the athlete experience through scholarships, equipment, and facilities that make the athletes’ efforts worthwhile.

Our coaches and staff are critical to the athletic student success strategy and understand their central role in developing the character and skill set required to create engaged citizen leaders. I am grateful for the hearts and focus of our athletics staff.

Our emphasis on student success is part of our strategic plan and critical to our promise of driving access and affordability. We have many strategies to drive student success from scholarships, targeted first-generation college student programs, comprehensive student and academic support services, and several best practices, including care teams, an award-winning orientation program (40 Days at the Fort), learning communities, professional advising, and numerous student engagement practices in and out of the classroom.

Ultimately, how we measure our progress on student success is through measures of persistence (do students stay in college) and graduation rates. Similar to studies indicating that athletes often outperform non-athletes on the job, the success rates of our college athletes (remaining in college and graduating) are consistently higher than the overall college student population. In our most recent NCAA report, the graduation of our student-athletes was 7% higher than our overall student body.

This college athlete success reflects that this past academic year, ten Tiger athletes earned Academic All-American honors (Heart of a Tiger July 20, 2023 column). Ten Academic All-Americans was the most in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and by far the most in FHSU’s history. The Academic All-America program recognizes student-athletes who excel in the classroom and athletic competition. To qualify for consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Fort Hays State has produced 68 Academic All-America selections since our first selection in 1975.

Investing in college athletics has several benefits, including increased visibility and brand recognition that drive student enrollment and community and alumni engagement. Most importantly, our athletics program effectively increases student graduation rates, develops outstanding employees and entrepreneurs, enhances generational wealth, and is core to our mission to create engaged citizen leaders.

Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason, FHSU president. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, FHSU president. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>We welcomed 473 student-athletes, including 17 women wrestlers (our newest sport), to campus this year. These numbers are important for two reasons. First, student-athletes comprise roughly 12% of our total on-campus student population. The second is that college athletics are important drivers of student success and our mission to develop engaged global citizen leaders.College and athletics are also excellent vehicles to promote generational wealth, critical to our vision to be accessible to those who seek higher education, unlocking potential aligned with the democratic, economic, and social needs of our communities, our region, and our world.Many believe college athletics is a revenue stream. For most division two universities, it is not. It is an expense, or more accurately, an investment in our mission. It is an intentional strategy to drive student success and produce outstanding graduates who will become leaders in business and industry and engaged in community and professional associations.Each year at our Athletic Hall of Fame celebration, I share my firm belief that our athletic program is core to who we are as an institution. We look to student-athletes to help us tell our story by how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom, the community, and the board room.When you think about it, as a society, when we need inspiration, by and large, we turn to athletes because their stories depict grit and determination, perseverance, and triumph over adversity, qualities and characteristics also attributed to Fort Hays State University.In a FutureU podcast (May 30, 2023), co-hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn discuss how athletes make great employees: known for their deep work ethic, executive function skills, desire to do well and win, and a sense of fairness and competition.In a LinkedIn post, Chris Valletta cites a study published by Atlantic indicating that athletes earn 5% to 15% more than their non-athlete peers. He also quotes a Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies study that athletes are more self-confident and possess better leadership skills than students who opt for other extra-curricular activities.Vallenta identifies reasons why one should hire an athlete. First, they are passionate about their work. Being an athlete is indicative of the drive for which employers are searching. He also specifies that for the same reason, employers also prefer musicians, writers, and anyone who spends a lot of time mastering a skill. Also on Chris’ list are characteristics such as being detail-oriented, goal-oriented, emotionally strong, developing exceptional time management skills, leadership skills, and being a good team player.These are among the reasons Fort Hays State continues to make a continued investment in college athletics. I am grateful for our many philanthropic donors who also invest in our athletic programs, driving our mission while enhancing the athlete experience through scholarships, equipment, and facilities that make the athletes’ efforts worthwhile.Our coaches and staff are critical to the athletic student success strategy and understand their central role in developing the character and skill set required to create engaged citizen leaders. I am grateful for the hearts and focus of our athletics staff.Our emphasis on student success is part of our strategic plan and critical to our promise of driving access and affordability. We have many strategies to drive student success from scholarships, targeted first-generation college student programs, comprehensive student and academic support services, and several best practices, including care teams, an award-winning orientation program (40 Days at the Fort), learning communities, professional advising, and numerous student engagement practices in and out of the classroom.Ultimately, how we measure our progress on student success is through measures of persistence (do students stay in college) and graduation rates. Similar to studies indicating that athletes often outperform non-athletes on the job, the success rates of our college athletes (remaining in college and graduating) are consistently higher than the overall college student population. In our most recent NCAA report, the graduation of our student-athletes was 7% higher than our overall student body.This college athlete success reflects that this past academic year, ten Tiger athletes earned Academic All-American honors (Heart of a Tiger July 20, 2023 column). Ten Academic All-Americans was the most in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and by far the most in FHSU’s history. The Academic All-America program recognizes student-athletes who excel in the classroom and athletic competition. To qualify for consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Fort Hays State has produced 68 Academic All-America selections since our first selection in 1975.Investing in college athletics has several benefits, including increased visibility and brand recognition that drive student enrollment and community and alumni engagement. Most importantly, our athletics program effectively increases student graduation rates, develops outstanding employees and entrepreneurs, enhances generational wealth, and is core to our mission to create engaged citizen leaders.Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.

Heart of A Tiger: Student-athlete experience fuels success in college, life

All it takes to dampen a good mood is a look at any news site. To counter those dreary dumps on the day, I intentionally seek stories with happy endings. This week I didn’t have to look far.

A girlfriend in Sheridan County requested help on her FB page to save an abandoned kitten. Within minutes, offers to assist flooded her feed. Before the clock marked an hour, that hungry baby had a new momma to look after it.

Shirley, my friend, lives on a cattle ranch. In addition to raising beef cattle and hay for consumers, she gardens, raises chickens, and cares for the dogs and cats that call the property home. On a visit to the barn to do chores the other morning, she found a wobbling, still blind white kitten bobbing its little head and reaching with a front paw in search of its absent momma. Nothing causes a pet lover more distress than finding a truly abandoned infant unable to meet its most basic needs. My friend shifted gears.

She put her intended tasks on hold to look for that little guy’s missing parent. In short time, she realized his mom had gone AWOL. Apparently, Shirley’s seen similar situations before, so always prepared for the expected unexpected, she dug a little eye dropper of her emergency kit and filled it with milk for that hungry baby. 

What she used this to feed this teensy stray worked, but she knew a real momma cat would make all the difference in its chances for survival. None of her cats qualified to substitute at that moment so she made a little video on her phone and posted a call for help on her page.

In no time, friends offered three momma cats willing to accept a spare. Further postponing her chores, Shirley hurried this little fluffball into town to meet his new family. As soon as the kitten was in reach of the adoptive mom, she put her raspy tongue to work cleaning up her bonus offspring and covering his scent to make him her own. While she worked her magic, he latched onto a teat and suckled 'til his little belly rounded out.

Folks in agriculture solve problems day in and day out. My friend faced an old-fashioned, time-sensitive issue in a sparsely populated region. Like everyone who survives in this country, she evaluated her options and resources. To give this kitten its best chance for survival, she put technology to work.

While the technology Shirley utilized creates its share of troubles and interruptions in people’s lives, in this case, it made it possible to swiftly find a substitute mom for that orphan. He’ll remain with his bonus fam 'til he’s old enough to wean, and then he’ll return to Shirley. Once back at the ranch, he’ll join Shirley’s rodent reduction crew that also provides entertainment for her and her family. I love a happy&nbsp;ending.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINAll it takes to dampen a good mood is a look at any news site. To counter those dreary dumps on the day, I intentionally seek stories with happy endings. This week I didn’t have to look far. A girlfriend in Sheridan County requested help on her FB page to save an abandoned kitten. Within minutes, offers to assist flooded her feed. Before the clock marked an hour, that hungry baby had a new momma to look after it.Shirley, my friend, lives on a cattle ranch. In addition to raising beef cattle and hay for consumers, she gardens, raises chickens, and cares for the dogs and cats that call the property home. On a visit to the barn to do chores the other morning, she found a wobbling, still blind white kitten bobbing its little head and reaching with a front paw in search of its absent momma. Nothing causes a pet lover more distress than finding a truly abandoned infant unable to meet its most basic needs. My friend shifted gears.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694020336432.jpeg" alt="Shirley's kitten with its substitute mom. Photo courtesy Raeann Farber" />
 <figcaption>Shirley's kitten with its substitute mom. Photo courtesy Raeann Farber</figcaption>
 </figure>She put her intended tasks on hold to look for that little guy’s missing parent. In short time, she realized his mom had gone AWOL. Apparently, Shirley’s seen similar situations before, so always prepared for the expected unexpected, she dug a little eye dropper of her emergency kit and filled it with milk for that hungry baby. What she used this to feed this teensy stray worked, but she knew a real momma cat would make all the difference in its chances for survival. None of her cats qualified to substitute at that moment so she made a little video on her phone and posted a call for help on her page.In no time, friends offered three momma cats willing to accept a spare. Further postponing her chores, Shirley hurried this little fluffball into town to meet his new family. As soon as the kitten was in reach of the adoptive mom, she put her raspy tongue to work cleaning up her bonus offspring and covering his scent to make him her own. While she worked her magic, he latched onto a teat and suckled 'til his little belly rounded out.Folks in agriculture solve problems day in and day out. My friend faced an old-fashioned, time-sensitive issue in a sparsely populated region. Like everyone who survives in this country, she evaluated her options and resources. To give this kitten its best chance for survival, she put technology to work.While the technology Shirley utilized creates its share of troubles and interruptions in people’s lives, in this case, it made it possible to swiftly find a substitute mom for that orphan. He’ll remain with his bonus fam 'til he’s old enough to wean, and then he’ll return to Shirley. Once back at the ranch, he’ll join Shirley’s rodent reduction crew that also provides entertainment for her and her family. I love a happy&nbsp;ending.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: Technology solves a rural crisis, making a bad day good

Breakfast. Either you love it or you skip it. It’s a meal that not everyone makes a priority, and it is often easier to hit the snooze button than to cook first thing in the morning. Although there is strong evidence that breakfast eaters are more likely to have a lower BMI, have better cognitive performance, and are less likely to snack throughout the day. Fueling up at breakfast is similar to fueling up the car before a long road trip. You wouldn’t be able to drive very far on fumes, so why would you expect your body to function optimally on an empty stomach?

If you want to make breakfast a regular part of your day, here are a few strategies to simplify your routine:

1. Just Break the Fast. If the idea of breakfast turns your stomach, don’t fret. The term “breakfast” simply means to break the fast, and we all do it whether it is at 7 a.m. or noon. Ideally, consuming something within two hours of waking energizes the body and reduces brain fog, but listening to your body is key. Packing breakfast on the go may be a good option if you don’t feel hungry until mid-morning. Having a late breakfast is still better than becoming overly hungry which leads to overeating throughout the day.

2. Prep the Night Before. Making breakfast ahead of time will make your morning routine a breeze. Visualize MyPlate when creating your breakfast with fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Here are a few balanced options that can be made in advance:

· Greek yogurt parfaits with whole-grain granola, mixed nuts, and fruit · Hard-boiled egg with toast, avocado, and tomato · Overnight oats with milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit · Freezer breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, spinach, and a whole-grain tortilla

3. No Food Rules. In the US, we have definitions of what we consider “breakfast foods,” but it doesn’t necessarily matter what you choose to have first thing in the morning. Fueling up with a balanced meal is what is important. For example, if leftovers from supper sound good the next morning, this would make for a quick meal and help reduce food waste.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910.

<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. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Breakfast. Either you love it or you skip it. It’s a meal that not everyone makes a priority, and it is often easier to hit the snooze button than to cook first thing in the morning. Although there is strong evidence that breakfast eaters are more likely to have a lower BMI, have better cognitive performance, and are less likely to snack throughout the day. Fueling up at breakfast is similar to fueling up the car before a long road trip. You wouldn’t be able to drive very far on fumes, so why would you expect your body to function optimally on an empty stomach?If you want to make breakfast a regular part of your day, here are a few strategies to simplify your routine:1. Just Break the Fast. If the idea of breakfast turns your stomach, don’t fret. The term “breakfast” simply means to break the fast, and we all do it whether it is at 7 a.m. or noon. Ideally, consuming something within two hours of waking energizes the body and reduces brain fog, but listening to your body is key. Packing breakfast on the go may be a good option if you don’t feel hungry until mid-morning. Having a late breakfast is still better than becoming overly hungry which leads to overeating throughout the day.2. Prep the Night Before. Making breakfast ahead of time will make your morning routine a breeze. Visualize MyPlate when creating your breakfast with fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Here are a few balanced options that can be made in advance:· Greek yogurt parfaits with whole-grain granola, mixed nuts, and fruit · Hard-boiled egg with toast, avocado, and tomato · Overnight oats with milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit · Freezer breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, spinach, and a whole-grain tortilla 3. No Food Rules. In the US, we have definitions of what we consider “breakfast foods,” but it doesn’t necessarily matter what you choose to have first thing in the morning. Fueling up with a balanced meal is what is important. For example, if leftovers from supper sound good the next morning, this would make for a quick meal and help reduce food waste.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910.

WINKEL: Make breakfast a no-brainer

Summer is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, from watermelon to tomatoes to fresh corn on the cob. It’s the season to indulge in foods that are tasty and good for you, too!

We all know that it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in our diets. Here are a few key factors to encourage you to opt for produce. 

The fiber in fruits and veggies helps keep you full, helps improve digestion, and helps reduce the risks and effects of several diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Many fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies can't produce on their own. This is why experts recommend filling half of your plate during meals with fruits and vegetables.

By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you fill up faster on low-calorie foods. This can help reduce weight and reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods. This is because your body is likely getting the nutrients it needs and filling up on fiber. The good news is that whether produce is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruits and vegetables can be consumed year-round.

National Fruits and Veggies Month also comes with a reminder to cut food waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 40% of food waste occurs at home.

Before shopping at the store, shop your kitchen first. Plan meals and snacks based on what you have available, and make a meal schedule to help use up produce before it spoils. This will help cut your grocery bill and minimize food waste.

Other tips for reducing food waste include: • Add perishable foods to a casserole, salad or soup. •&nbsp;Freeze fresh produce to use later. • Don’t buy in bulk if it’s not an item you can use quickly. • Prepare fresh produce so that it’s easy to grab and go for easy snacks. • If food is spoiled, consider composting if you have space available.

More information on incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet plan – not just in September – is available from several sources, including:

• K-State Research and Extension food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/humannutrition/">ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition</a> • Produce for a Better Health Foundation: <a href="https://fruitsandveggies.org/">https://fruitsandveggies.org&nbsp;</a> • USDA MyPlate:<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate"> https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the family and community wellness agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the family and community wellness agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Summer is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, from watermelon to tomatoes to fresh corn on the cob. It’s the season to indulge in foods that are tasty and good for you, too!We all know that it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in our diets. Here are a few key factors to encourage you to opt for produce. The fiber in fruits and veggies helps keep you full, helps improve digestion, and helps reduce the risks and effects of several diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.Many fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies can't produce on their own. This is why experts recommend filling half of your plate during meals with fruits and vegetables.By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you fill up faster on low-calorie foods. This can help reduce weight and reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods. This is because your body is likely getting the nutrients it needs and filling up on fiber. The good news is that whether produce is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruits and vegetables can be consumed year-round.National Fruits and Veggies Month also comes with a reminder to cut food waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 40% of food waste occurs at home.Before shopping at the store, shop your kitchen first. Plan meals and snacks based on what you have available, and make a meal schedule to help use up produce before it spoils. This will help cut your grocery bill and minimize food waste.Other tips for reducing food waste include: • Add perishable foods to a casserole, salad or soup. •&nbsp;Freeze fresh produce to use later. • Don’t buy in bulk if it’s not an item you can use quickly. • Prepare fresh produce so that it’s easy to grab and go for easy snacks. • If food is spoiled, consider composting if you have space available. More information on incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet plan – not just in September – is available from several sources, including:• K-State Research and Extension food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/humannutrition/">ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition</a> • Produce for a Better Health Foundation: <a href="https://fruitsandveggies.org/">https://fruitsandveggies.org&nbsp;</a> • USDA MyPlate:<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate"> https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate</a> Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: September is National Fruits and Vegetables Month

Once upon a time near a sleepy little town called Inman, in a land far, far away known as Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that would bring this quiet town notoriety for a time those 100 years ago. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam.

Believe it or not, prior to the 1920s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. 

It is reported that people from around the state actually came here to fish in those lakes, and the duck hunting there was said to be so good that hunters would fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses north to the town of Conway where they would be sent by train to exclusive restaurants in Kansas City. 

Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman, and a few low pockets of water now known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state. The biggest of the sinkholes took the astonishing name, "The Big Sinkhole.” Here, a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam.

Alright, alright let’s get real here. I suppose that back in the day certain “liquid refreshments” were easily obtained in the back rooms of most hardware stores and from what I hear, tranquil little Inman, KS was an exception. But how many visits to the back room would it take to fabricate stories about freshwater lakes here where some years it's so dry that fire hydrants chase dogs up the street and kids are actually urged to pee in the pool?

Anyway, people speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. 

Evidently no one got close enough to see if the critter should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and use “Sam.” Two “unidentified” Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam. 

Soon after, Inmanites Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like critter, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.

Now, everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. 

Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.

In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a sharp southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. 

This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest and Dr. Q. maintained that no female&nbsp;“Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct.

Like I said, everyone likes a good legend. Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster. As far as I know, all such attempts have failed, so both creatures must still live, if only in myth. 

Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has ever disproven his existence to me. After all, this is America, and stranger things have happened! Like I said, everyone likes a good legend…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Once upon a time near a sleepy little town called Inman, in a land far, far away known as Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that would bring this quiet town notoriety for a time those 100 years ago. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam.Believe it or not, prior to the 1920s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It is reported that people from around the state actually came here to fish in those lakes, and the duck hunting there was said to be so good that hunters would fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses north to the town of Conway where they would be sent by train to exclusive restaurants in Kansas City. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman, and a few low pockets of water now known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state. The biggest of the sinkholes took the astonishing name, "The Big Sinkhole.” Here, a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam.Alright, alright let’s get real here. I suppose that back in the day certain “liquid refreshments” were easily obtained in the back rooms of most hardware stores and from what I hear, tranquil little Inman, KS was an exception. But how many visits to the back room would it take to fabricate stories about freshwater lakes here where some years it's so dry that fire hydrants chase dogs up the street and kids are actually urged to pee in the pool?Anyway, people speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the critter should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and use “Sam.” Two “unidentified” Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam. Soon after, Inmanites Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like critter, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.Now, everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a sharp southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest and Dr. Q. maintained that no female&nbsp;“Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct.Like I said, everyone likes a good legend. Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster. As far as I know, all such attempts have failed, so both creatures must still live, if only in myth. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has ever disproven his existence to me. After all, this is America, and stranger things have happened! Like I said, everyone likes a good legend…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: The Legend of Sink Hole Sam

What is polarization, and what can Kansans do about it? More than you might think.

“Polarization” is the tendency for people to identify strongly with their own ideological groups, rejecting anything they associate with their perceived enemies. This makes compromise (and thus governing) difficult, and contributes to paranoia, conspiracy theories, and fake news.

This isn’t “partisanship,” which is the (sometimes overlapping, but still distinct) practice of embracing a specific political party as a way of advancing your political views. Rather, the problem here is “affective polarization,” which is when people tightly associate their racial, religious, regional, gender, social , and other identities alongside their ideological beliefs.

Of course, human beings have always engaged in this kind of political sorting, mostly unintentionally. Everyone knows that Kansas is pretty conservative, but that Lawrence is less conservative than Salina, and so forth. This simply reflects the different people who live in particular places, the ways they express themselves, and how those expressions are absorbed, rejected, and/or passed along to others. It’s an inevitable, historical, almost natural process.

What is new is how, thanks to technological and corporate trends which globalize and centralize public discourse, people associate those organic groupings with very specific ideological packages. Everyone thus gets labeled in an ever-intensifying cultural war: if you’re White and live in Kansas, you must be a church-going Fox News watcher, and therefore believe this idea and oppose that group; but if you’re Black and live in New York City, therefore you’re a secular New York Times-reader and believe this other idea and oppose that other group; etc.

This doesn’t describe everyone, of course. Still, it has become common enough that almost everyone is noticing. Nearly a third of all Americans believe that affective polarization, and the sometimes hateful tribalism it creates, is a bigger problem than any other threat we face.

Most of the social research on polarization shows that the culprits usually blamed for this phenomenon—ideological extremism, increasing diversity, etc.—are actually secondary. The real problem is simply patterns of separation: that is, of working and playing and worshipping in ways where you do not interact with people you disagree with, or simply living in places where you’re not even aware of the variety and debate all around you. Which means the solution to affective polarization is to be found in the specific places we live, work, worship, and play.

Some scholars call this “micro-level pluralism.” We’re not talking about large-scale diversity or educational programs; we’re talking about local institutions which regularly perform ideological outreach (even if they don’t call it that), in a context of locally-earned civic trust.

It may surprise some readers who see Kansas as homogenous place, but actually we score well in this regard. One of the most valuable examples of micro-level pluralism is distinct educational institutions--public and private, religious and secular--woven into the fabric of distinct communities. 

Kansas has a larger number and a greater variety of such institutions per capita than almost any other state. Which means Kansas communities, however much vicious fights between different Republican and Democratic factions seem to dominate the environment, is actually filled with hundreds of small educational and religious groups, motivated by diverse causes, interacting with one another in unnoticed, polarization-reducing ways.

With the nation deeply divided, Kansas obviously can’t—and doesn’t—escape affective polarization entirely. But so long as Kansas recognizes the value of, and works to preserve, these and many other kinds of small and distinct local institutions, our civic divides will likely remain less deep, and more negotiable, than you might believe.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>What is polarization, and what can Kansans do about it? More than you might think.“Polarization” is the tendency for people to identify strongly with their own ideological groups, rejecting anything they associate with their perceived enemies. This makes compromise (and thus governing) difficult, and contributes to paranoia, conspiracy theories, and fake news.This isn’t “partisanship,” which is the (sometimes overlapping, but still distinct) practice of embracing a specific political party as a way of advancing your political views. Rather, the problem here is “affective polarization,” which is when people tightly associate their racial, religious, regional, gender, social , and other identities alongside their ideological beliefs.Of course, human beings have always engaged in this kind of political sorting, mostly unintentionally. Everyone knows that Kansas is pretty conservative, but that Lawrence is less conservative than Salina, and so forth. This simply reflects the different people who live in particular places, the ways they express themselves, and how those expressions are absorbed, rejected, and/or passed along to others. It’s an inevitable, historical, almost natural process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What is new is how, thanks to technological and corporate trends which globalize and centralize public discourse, people associate those organic groupings with very specific ideological packages. Everyone thus gets labeled in an ever-intensifying cultural war: if you’re White and live in Kansas, you must be a church-going Fox News watcher, and therefore believe this idea and oppose that group; but if you’re Black and live in New York City, therefore you’re a secular New York Times-reader and believe this other idea and oppose that other group; etc.This doesn’t describe everyone, of course. Still, it has become common enough that almost everyone is noticing. Nearly a third of all Americans believe that affective polarization, and the sometimes hateful tribalism it creates, is a bigger problem than any other threat we face.Most of the social research on polarization shows that the culprits usually blamed for this phenomenon—ideological extremism, increasing diversity, etc.—are actually secondary. The real problem is simply patterns of separation: that is, of working and playing and worshipping in ways where you do not interact with people you disagree with, or simply living in places where you’re not even aware of the variety and debate all around you. Which means the solution to affective polarization is to be found in the specific places we live, work, worship, and play.Some scholars call this “micro-level pluralism.” We’re not talking about large-scale diversity or educational programs; we’re talking about local institutions which regularly perform ideological outreach (even if they don’t call it that), in a context of locally-earned civic trust.It may surprise some readers who see Kansas as homogenous place, but actually we score well in this regard. One of the most valuable examples of micro-level pluralism is distinct educational institutions--public and private, religious and secular--woven into the fabric of distinct communities. Kansas has a larger number and a greater variety of such institutions per capita than almost any other state. Which means Kansas communities, however much vicious fights between different Republican and Democratic factions seem to dominate the environment, is actually filled with hundreds of small educational and religious groups, motivated by diverse causes, interacting with one another in unnoticed, polarization-reducing ways.With the nation deeply divided, Kansas obviously can’t—and doesn’t—escape affective polarization entirely. But so long as Kansas recognizes the value of, and works to preserve, these and many other kinds of small and distinct local institutions, our civic divides will likely remain less deep, and more negotiable, than you might believe.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Defining, defeating, polarization in Kansas

I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. 

Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.

Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. 

But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.

Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. 

If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.

Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. 

Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.

Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.

So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow.

 I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow. I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Increasing water infiltration rates on our soils

One of my favorite youth development authors is Dr. Tim Elmore. I have several of his Habitudes book series, follow him on social media, and regularly listen to his podcast titled “Leading the Next Generation.”

Earlier this week, he utilized a quote from Arianna Huffington that I really appreciate as a youth development professional. Huffington stated, “We need to accept that we don’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”

None of us like to fail and yet, it is a part of growth and development. 

Does an athlete succeed immediately? While they may have a great deal of natural talent and ability, they still need practice to hone their skills. Missing the mark is motivation to get closer and closer each time which is actually a small dose of failure.

Do great speakers capture everyone’s attention every time and from the first moment? Again, they may have a presence and sense of humor that cause others to stop and listen but if they can’t effectively get a point across, they will lose their audience. Good speakers practice and learn techniques to help them be better with each engagement and will evaluate the less than stellar moments which are small failures.

No human is going to cruise through life without some failures; some moments where – if they are self-aware – they would like to disappear. It happens to all of us! We say something in a moment of frustration or anger that we’d like to take back. We are just sure of a fact only to find out that we were mis-informed.

The learning takes place when we can evaluate a lesson, make amends, and move forward without dwelling on the error. 

One of my favorite things to ask 4-H youth about when I am judging their project is what was the hardest part of their exhibit or what did they struggle with the most. It is usually where the most learning happened!

So, while none of us want to experience failure for ourselves or our kids, if we can keep the perspective that it is a part of growth and a necessary part of success, we’ll be a little stronger for the experience.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.

For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177519229.png" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>One of my favorite youth development authors is Dr. Tim Elmore. I have several of his Habitudes book series, follow him on social media, and regularly listen to his podcast titled “Leading the Next Generation.”Earlier this week, he utilized a quote from Arianna Huffington that I really appreciate as a youth development professional. Huffington stated, “We need to accept that we don’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”None of us like to fail and yet, it is a part of growth and development. Does an athlete succeed immediately? While they may have a great deal of natural talent and ability, they still need practice to hone their skills. Missing the mark is motivation to get closer and closer each time which is actually a small dose of failure.Do great speakers capture everyone’s attention every time and from the first moment? Again, they may have a presence and sense of humor that cause others to stop and listen but if they can’t effectively get a point across, they will lose their audience. Good speakers practice and learn techniques to help them be better with each engagement and will evaluate the less than stellar moments which are small failures.No human is going to cruise through life without some failures; some moments where – if they are self-aware – they would like to disappear. It happens to all of us! We say something in a moment of frustration or anger that we’d like to take back. We are just sure of a fact only to find out that we were mis-informed.The learning takes place when we can evaluate a lesson, make amends, and move forward without dwelling on the error. One of my favorite things to ask 4-H youth about when I am judging their project is what was the hardest part of their exhibit or what did they struggle with the most. It is usually where the most learning happened!So, while none of us want to experience failure for ourselves or our kids, if we can keep the perspective that it is a part of growth and a necessary part of success, we’ll be a little stronger for the experience.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Failure 

In 1908, Theodore Roosevelt served as President of the United States, Oklahoma added the 46th star to the U.S. flag, William Durant founded what became General Motors Corporation, Henry Ford’s $850 Model-T rolled off the Detroit, Michigan assembly line on September 27, and Ellis, Kansas, residents celebrated seven graduating seniors.

Those creative seniors each assembled their own year book, gluing photos onto thick paper and writing a motto under each picture. An appreciative bunch, they thanked their high school faculty, Superintendent W.E Ford, Principal M. Ethel Hoar, and Assistant Principal Margaret H. Cave for their earnest endeavors to assist the students in every possible way in their high school courses. At the end of the eleven-page booklet, they included their class yell: “Oh, yes, sure as fate; Senior! Senior! 1908!”

Four years later in 1912, the district published The First Annual Catalogue of the Ellis Public Schools. It included an event calendar for the school year, a list and photos of staff and board members, mission statement, descriptions of the entertainment course and the courses of study, general information, and a roll of previous Ellis graduates.

Teachers in 1912–13 were Superintendent J.E. Chamberlain, High School Principal Emilie Wedell, Assistant Principal Dora Kohr, Grade School Principal D’Gracia J. Davis, Addie Frost, Kathryn Marts, Easter Woody, and E. Maude Harris. Board members were Thomas McMahon, E.C. Waldo, and H.K. McLeod. 

The high school’s mission statement follows:

"The mission of the high school is comprehensive. It champions the idea of universal education. It places higher education within the grasp of every boy or girl, even in the rural districts. The value of high school education, both as a necessary preparation for admission to college or university, and an effective practical training for the successful pursuits of the various vocations of life is almost universally recognized. The high school should not only prepare for the university; but it should supplement the work of the common school, and above all provide the practical training necessary for the great industrial school, the WORLD."

In order to meet its mission statement of preparing students for the world, the board added two additional courses: Normal Training and Domestic Science. They planned to add Manual Training at the earliest possible opportunity. 

In addition to core classes offered, Ellis Public School included an entertainment course in a lyceum format. The catalogue advertised that “Some of the best talent of the age will appear this winter on our Lecture and Entertainment Course.” Most of the programs were musical in nature with some dramatic entertainment as well.

Those seeking to enter high school took an entrance examination they had to pass with a 75% average and no score lower than 60%. Those possessing teacher’s certificates or common school diplomas were admitted without the exam.

The district charged non-resident high school students $9 tuition while non-resident grade school enrollees paid $6. Community members offered board and room to those who didn’t live in town. Local students did not pay tuition.

According to the catalogue, all students were to be treated kindly and considerately, and they were to “Make the work of school their first business.” It was stressed that every effort would be made to make them self-governing and self-directing men and women.

Clearly Ellis intended to develop productive citizens for a changing world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692797017875.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School limestone building (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School limestone building (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINIn 1908, Theodore Roosevelt served as President of the United States, Oklahoma added the 46th star to the U.S. flag, William Durant founded what became General Motors Corporation, Henry Ford’s $850 Model-T rolled off the Detroit, Michigan assembly line on September 27, and Ellis, Kansas, residents celebrated seven graduating seniors.Those creative seniors each assembled their own year book, gluing photos onto thick paper and writing a motto under each picture. An appreciative bunch, they thanked their high school faculty, Superintendent W.E Ford, Principal M. Ethel Hoar, and Assistant Principal Margaret H. Cave for their earnest endeavors to assist the students in every possible way in their high school courses. At the end of the eleven-page booklet, they included their class yell: “Oh, yes, sure as fate; Senior! Senior! 1908!”Four years later in 1912, the district published The First Annual Catalogue of the Ellis Public Schools. It included an event calendar for the school year, a list and photos of staff and board members, mission statement, descriptions of the entertainment course and the courses of study, general information, and a roll of previous Ellis graduates.Teachers in 1912–13 were Superintendent J.E. Chamberlain, High School Principal Emilie Wedell, Assistant Principal Dora Kohr, Grade School Principal D’Gracia J. Davis, Addie Frost, Kathryn Marts, Easter Woody, and E. Maude Harris. Board members were Thomas McMahon, E.C. Waldo, and H.K. McLeod. The high school’s mission statement follows:"The mission of the high school is comprehensive. It champions the idea of universal education. It places higher education within the grasp of every boy or girl, even in the rural districts. The value of high school education, both as a necessary preparation for admission to college or university, and an effective practical training for the successful pursuits of the various vocations of life is almost universally recognized. The high school should not only prepare for the university; but it should supplement the work of the common school, and above all provide the practical training necessary for the great industrial school, the WORLD."In order to meet its mission statement of preparing students for the world, the board added two additional courses: Normal Training and Domestic Science. They planned to add Manual Training at the earliest possible opportunity. In addition to core classes offered, Ellis Public School included an entertainment course in a lyceum format. The catalogue advertised that “Some of the best talent of the age will appear this winter on our Lecture and Entertainment Course.” Most of the programs were musical in nature with some dramatic entertainment as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Those seeking to enter high school took an entrance examination they had to pass with a 75% average and no score lower than 60%. Those possessing teacher’s certificates or common school diplomas were admitted without the exam.The district charged non-resident high school students $9 tuition while non-resident grade school enrollees paid $6. Community members offered board and room to those who didn’t live in town. Local students did not pay tuition.According to the catalogue, all students were to be treated kindly and considerately, and they were to “Make the work of school their first business.” It was stressed that every effort would be made to make them self-governing and self-directing men and women.Clearly Ellis intended to develop productive citizens for a changing world.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: History of Ellis schools, Part 8

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing every day activities.

 Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. 

Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. 

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.

 Eventually, the disease will prevent one from carrying out the simplest of daily tasks.

 While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, there are things you can do to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. 

Adopt these practices early and continue them throughout your life to help reduce your risk of cognitive decline as you age.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 ways to love your brain and reduce the risk of dementia:

1. Break a sweat. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.

2. Hit the books. Take a class online or in your community.

3. Butt out. Quit smoking now, as this increases your risk for many health conditions including cognitive decline.

4. Follow your heart. Risk factors for heart disease also increase your risk for cognitive decline. A heart-healthy lifestyle is also good for your brain.

5. Heads up! Wear a helmet, use your seatbelt, and prevent falls. Protecting your head can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

6. Fuel up right with a healthy and balanced diet.

7. Catch some Zzz’s. A lack of sleep contributes to memory loss and thinking ability. Try to get 9 hours per night.

8. Take care of your mental health. Depression could be linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

9. Buddy up. Strong social connections throughout life may support better brain health. Enjoy time with friends, volunteer, engage in hobbies, and be part of your community.

10. Stump yourself. Challenge your brain with card games, puzzles, learning a new skill — these have brain-boosting benefits.

Here is a bonus #11. Treat hearing loss early and wear your hearing aids! Research has found a correlation between the severity of someone's hearing loss and their risk of developing dementia. 

Among individuals with hearing loss that was rated as moderate to severe, the incidence of dementia was 61% higher than in those with good hearing. Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins conducted studies around hearing loss. 

“Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” Lin says. “Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.”

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/2022/7/1658934620122.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>According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing every day activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Eventually, the disease will prevent one from carrying out the simplest of daily tasks. While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, there are things you can do to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. Adopt these practices early and continue them throughout your life to help reduce your risk of cognitive decline as you age.<h2>The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 ways to love your brain and reduce the risk of dementia:</h2>1. Break a sweat. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.2. Hit the books. Take a class online or in your community.3. Butt out. Quit smoking now, as this increases your risk for many health conditions including cognitive decline.4. Follow your heart. Risk factors for heart disease also increase your risk for cognitive decline. A heart-healthy lifestyle is also good for your brain.5. Heads up! Wear a helmet, use your seatbelt, and prevent falls. Protecting your head can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.6. Fuel up right with a healthy and balanced diet.7. Catch some Zzz’s. A lack of sleep contributes to memory loss and thinking ability. Try to get 9 hours per night.8. Take care of your mental health. Depression could be linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.9. Buddy up. Strong social connections throughout life may support better brain health. Enjoy time with friends, volunteer, engage in hobbies, and be part of your community.10. Stump yourself. Challenge your brain with card games, puzzles, learning a new skill — these have brain-boosting benefits.Here is a bonus #11. Treat hearing loss early and wear your hearing aids! Research has found a correlation between the severity of someone's hearing loss and their risk of developing dementia. Among individuals with hearing loss that was rated as moderate to severe, the incidence of dementia was 61% higher than in those with good hearing. Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins conducted studies around hearing loss. “Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” Lin says. “Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.”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.

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