By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Changes in income, increased expenses, and other financial stresses can be overwhelming.

We have several publications available through K-State Extension that can help identify opportunities and provide insight into coping with and handling tough financial times.

One of these is “When Your Income Drops: Coping With Stress,” which was updated in 2025 and includes some ways to understand and help in addressing financial situations. 

None of us handle finances or financial stress in the exact same way. This can create additional stress within a household when all are not on the same page. This publication is part of a series which include additional topics such as “Making Ends Meet,” “Don’t Panic; Take Control,” and “Sharpening Survival Skills.”

Another publication that can be useful for any household is “How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup.”

 It notes that a financial checkup is just as important as a physical checkup and can help identify problems, chart progress, and outline action steps to achieve goals. It is a great tool for helping with a household discussion about priorities and financial management. It covers great information highlighting a tax checkup, credit checkup, insurance checkup, a retirement checkup, and an investment checkup.

“Healthy Connections: Family Meals in a Snap” provides information about the numerous benefits of cooking at home, including better nutrition, saving money, and strengthening family bonds.

Let us know if we can provide a resource or guide to help your family in navigating financial stresses.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness 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/2025/12/1764608476480.jpg" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictChanges in income, increased expenses, and other financial stresses can be overwhelming.We have several publications available through K-State Extension that can help identify opportunities and provide insight into coping with and handling tough financial times.One of these is “When Your Income Drops: Coping With Stress,” which was updated in 2025 and includes some ways to understand and help in addressing financial situations. None of us handle finances or financial stress in the exact same way. This can create additional stress within a household when all are not on the same page. This publication is part of a series which include additional topics such as “Making Ends Meet,” “Don’t Panic; Take Control,” and “Sharpening Survival Skills.”Another publication that can be useful for any household is “How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup.” It notes that a financial checkup is just as important as a physical checkup and can help identify problems, chart progress, and outline action steps to achieve goals. It is a great tool for helping with a household discussion about priorities and financial management. It covers great information highlighting a tax checkup, credit checkup, insurance checkup, a retirement checkup, and an investment checkup.“Healthy Connections: Family Meals in a Snap” provides information about the numerous benefits of cooking at home, including better nutrition, saving money, and strengthening family bonds.Let us know if we can provide a resource or guide to help your family in navigating financial stresses.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness 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: Financial checkup

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Suicide is a preventable mental health crisis.

 As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our state. 

Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.

Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. 

On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators. 

Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. 

These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.

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

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

You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. 

You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. 

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

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788279418909.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictSuicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our state. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators. Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotline&nbsp;at 988. You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here are additional resources:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788278567405.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788278637998.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Suicide preventable mental health crisis

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. 

Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. 

Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. 

Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. 

Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. 

When children help prepare meals, they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation, they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

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

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please pre-register and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street before the event. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link: <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmU9VzVxZrtzZrg">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmU9VzVxZrtzZrg</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/56eef0c7-a626-418f-877a-657de64dd42f">SEE RELATED POST PODCAST</a>

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788281622582.png" alt="Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals, they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation, they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please pre-register and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street before the event. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link: <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmU9VzVxZrtzZrg">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmU9VzVxZrtzZrg</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/56eef0c7-a626-418f-877a-657de64dd42f">SEE RELATED POST PODCAST</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating or staying active, for any age group please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day honors National Family Day

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension

A while back someone came into the Cottonwood Extension office with a tiny insect, asking what it is.

 Fortunately, it had a distinctive long snout. So that meant it was a weevil and I was able to narrow it down considerably and identify it as a rice weevil.

Now, as I was trying to think of my next news article, bingo! Why not write about pantry or stored product pests. 

Some of the more common pantry or kitchen insect pests are probably the Indian meal moth, sawtoothed grain beetles and flour beetles.

Several insects, commonly referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, infest dry or stored food products in the home. Most are either beetles or moths. 

In the case of beetles, both the adult and larval stages may be damaging while only the larvae of moths are destructive. Infestations may be noted when these insects are found in some products, but more commonly when the adults are seen crawling or flying about the kitchen or pantry.

Since most of these insects are of tropical or semi-tropical origin, they live and breed best under warm, humid conditions – conditions often found in kitchen cupboards. Since most do not hibernate, reproduction is continuous throughout the year and populations can build up rapidly if they are left undisturbed.

Always keep in mind that many pantry pests are strong fliers and that their larvae can crawl some distance from a source of infestation. The source of infestation is usually limited to a small area such as the kitchen, or a single cabinet, or a single susceptible product. Before you attempt control, find out this source and eliminate it.

This is not always an easy job. Check all the materials mentioned as susceptible products. Do not overlook the fact that a sealed container may be infested because the lid may be loose enough to allow pantry pests.

Sterilization It is possible to kill pantry pests by putting lightly infested packages in the refrigerator freezer compartment for a least two or three days.

Sanitation Periodically, clean all shelves in storage areas. Many pantry pests can breed in food particles that spill or sift from packages and accumulate in cracks and corners. The insects can then infest food packages on the shelves later.

Buy only small quantities of foods susceptible to infestation, especially in the summer. Carefully examine these foods when you get them to be sure they are free of pests.

Whenever possible, dry foods can be stored in clean glass or metal containers with tight fitting lids. (Empty coffee cans with plastic lids make excellent storage containers.) Clean containers thoroughly before placing fresh food in them. Never leave them undisturbed for long periods of time. Storing these food products in the refrigerator or freezer will prevent infestation.

Insecticides are not recommended for use against pantry pests.

This article is not intended to provoke panic, but just an FYI for folks to be aware of and keep in mind. If you have any questions, give us a call at the Cottonwood Extension Office.

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 can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788272835333.jpeg" alt="Indian Meal Moth. Photo by University of Maryland Extension" />
 <figcaption>Indian Meal Moth. Photo by University of Maryland Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood ExtensionA while back someone came into the Cottonwood Extension office with a tiny insect, asking what it is. Fortunately, it had a distinctive long snout. So that meant it was a weevil and I was able to narrow it down considerably and identify it as a rice weevil.Now, as I was trying to think of my next news article, bingo! Why not write about pantry or stored product pests. Some of the more common pantry or kitchen insect pests are probably the Indian meal moth, sawtoothed grain beetles and flour beetles.Several insects, commonly referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, infest dry or stored food products in the home. Most are either beetles or moths. In the case of beetles, both the adult and larval stages may be damaging while only the larvae of moths are destructive. Infestations may be noted when these insects are found in some products, but more commonly when the adults are seen crawling or flying about the kitchen or pantry.Since most of these insects are of tropical or semi-tropical origin, they live and breed best under warm, humid conditions – conditions often found in kitchen cupboards. Since most do not hibernate, reproduction is continuous throughout the year and populations can build up rapidly if they are left undisturbed.InspectionAlways keep in mind that many pantry pests are strong fliers and that their larvae can crawl some distance from a source of infestation. The source of infestation is usually limited to a small area such as the kitchen, or a single cabinet, or a single susceptible product. Before you attempt control, find out this source and eliminate it.This is not always an easy job. Check all the materials mentioned as susceptible products. Do not overlook the fact that a sealed container may be infested because the lid may be loose enough to allow pantry pests.Sterilization It is possible to kill pantry pests by putting lightly infested packages in the refrigerator freezer compartment for a least two or three days.Sanitation Periodically, clean all shelves in storage areas. Many pantry pests can breed in food particles that spill or sift from packages and accumulate in cracks and corners. The insects can then infest food packages on the shelves later.Buy only small quantities of foods susceptible to infestation, especially in the summer. Carefully examine these foods when you get them to be sure they are free of pests.Whenever possible, dry foods can be stored in clean glass or metal containers with tight fitting lids. (Empty coffee cans with plastic lids make excellent storage containers.) Clean containers thoroughly before placing fresh food in them. Never leave them undisturbed for long periods of time. Storing these food products in the refrigerator or freezer will prevent infestation.Insecticides are not recommended for use against pantry pests.This article is not intended to provoke panic, but just an FYI for folks to be aware of and keep in mind. If you have any questions, give us a call at the Cottonwood Extension Office.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 can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430

CAMPBELL: Pantry pests: Control measures

By ALIN HETT Hays Post

Ellis County Fairgrounds will soon have a new look after county officials moved forward Tuesday with new metal signage for the facility, replacing signs that have been in place for decades.

Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator, told commissioners that the three signs will cost a total of $2,031 and will identify areas of the fairgrounds, including the newly renamed Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room.

The room was renamed by Ellis County commissioners in July, prompting commissioners to request updated signage for the fairgrounds. The Ellis County Fair Board reviewed several designs before selecting the version presented to commissioners Tuesday.

Myers said county officials also considered adding programmable LED signs that could be updated remotely to show what events were taking place in different areas of the fairgrounds.

Those signs, however, came with a significantly higher price tag.

“Those quotes were about $10,000 a sign,” Myers said. “Once we saw that price, we're like, well, let's see if we can look at an alternate price.”

County staff and the Ellis County Fair Board looked at less expensive LED signs costing around $1,000 each, but those would have required someone to be at the fairgrounds and connected to the local Wi-Fi to change the displays.

Allowing people renting the buildings to access the signs was also considered, but Myers said that raised concerns about the displays being used improperly.

After considering the options, the Fair Board recommended the county skip the LED signs and move forward with the traditional metal signs.

“With the price tag, it's just too much,” Myers said. “The price that was in there also doesn't include having to have an electrician go out there because there's no electricity up there for them to be able to plug the signs in as well.”

Nathan Leiker, Ellis County commissioner asked whether the new metal signs would be illuminated at night.

Myers said two of the three locations already have exterior lights above the signs. The area around the Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room does not currently have the same lighting, but Myers said the county could explore installing a light there if needed.

The signs are expected to be ordered and installed within the next few months.

During commissioner reports, Leiker provided an update on ongoing discussions surrounding ACCESS Transportation and reminded residents that ACCESS is available to the general public, not exclusively to people with disabilities.

Leiker said about 200 people use the transportation service each month and encouraged commissioners and others involved in discussions about its future to schedule a ride themselves before making decisions about the service.

“It's general public transportation,” Leiker said. “Anybody can ride. Just call them and schedule a ride.”

Issues with grain storage outside Ellis

Michael Burgess, Ellis County commissioner, raised concerns he has heard from residents near a grain elevator south of Ellis.

Burgess said the grain is being dumped just outside Ellis city limits in county territory and residents have contacted him about grain and mold dust, as well as birds reportedly dying after eating old grain.

“I've been contacted multiple times now,” Burgess said.

Burgess said it remains unclear whether the issue falls under county authority or another agency, such as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the county may need to look into the situation and determine whether its zoning regulations address certain issues.

Eugene Rupp, Ellis County appraiser, presented commissioners with the results of the county's latest property appraisal ratio study.

Residential property in Ellis County had an appraisal ratio of 97.33%, while commercial and industrial property came in lower at 89.62%.

Rupp used a $100,000 home as an example of what the residential figure means.

“If we had a house valued at $100,000, we would appraise the house at $97,000,” Rupp said.

The figures were presented as part of the county's 2025 final ratio study and its 2026 procedural and substantial compliance review through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Property Valuation Division.

Members of the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition also appeared before commissioners Tuesday to discuss the coalition's progress since its formation in 2015 and a new designation it received in August.

Monique Koerner with the Cottonwood Extension District said Hays was a pilot community for the original Communities Supporting Breastfeeding certification when the local coalition formed.

Since then, the organization has expanded its efforts throughout Ellis County, working with health care providers, businesses, childcare providers and mothers.

Koerner said one of the coalition's largest recent efforts involved increasing the number of businesses designated as breastfeeding welcome locations.

“One of the leaders and I went up and down Main Street into a couple of shopping complexes, and we were really pleased with the reception that we got,” Koerner said. “Everybody was on board with it and just thinks that it's a really good initiative to support families in our community.”

Businesses participating in the program display stickers indicating they welcome breastfeeding mothers.&nbsp;

The coalition ultimately reached 45 businesses.

The designation primarily requires businesses to educate employees that Kansas law allows mothers to breastfeed anywhere they otherwise have the right to be.

As part of another coalition-supported project, HaysMed serves as a collection location where mothers can donate excess breast milk. The milk is stored before being shipped to a milk bank in Denver for pasteurization.

HaysMed has since begun keeping pasteurized donor human milk available for patients at the hospital.

More than 10 new Ellis County employees were introduced to commissioners Tuesday across several county departments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1780430382535.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Commission " />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Commission </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALIN HETT Hays PostEllis County Fairgrounds will soon have a new look after county officials moved forward Tuesday with new metal signage for the facility, replacing signs that have been in place for decades.Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator, told commissioners that the three signs will cost a total of $2,031 and will identify areas of the fairgrounds, including the newly renamed Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room.The room was renamed by Ellis County commissioners in July, prompting commissioners to request updated signage for the fairgrounds. The Ellis County Fair Board reviewed several designs before selecting the version presented to commissioners Tuesday.Myers said county officials also considered adding programmable LED signs that could be updated remotely to show what events were taking place in different areas of the fairgrounds.Those signs, however, came with a significantly higher price tag.“Those quotes were about $10,000 a sign,” Myers said. “Once we saw that price, we're like, well, let's see if we can look at an alternate price.”County staff and the Ellis County Fair Board looked at less expensive LED signs costing around $1,000 each, but those would have required someone to be at the fairgrounds and connected to the local Wi-Fi to change the displays.Allowing people renting the buildings to access the signs was also considered, but Myers said that raised concerns about the displays being used improperly.After considering the options, the Fair Board recommended the county skip the LED signs and move forward with the traditional metal signs.“With the price tag, it's just too much,” Myers said. “The price that was in there also doesn't include having to have an electrician go out there because there's no electricity up there for them to be able to plug the signs in as well.”Nathan Leiker, Ellis County commissioner asked whether the new metal signs would be illuminated at night.Myers said two of the three locations already have exterior lights above the signs. The area around the Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room does not currently have the same lighting, but Myers said the county could explore installing a light there if needed.The signs are expected to be ordered and installed within the next few months.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788282956612.png" alt="The three signs that will be put up at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The three signs that will be put up at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ACCESS TransportationDuring commissioner reports, Leiker provided an update on ongoing discussions surrounding ACCESS Transportation and reminded residents that ACCESS is available to the general public, not exclusively to people with disabilities.Leiker said about 200 people use the transportation service each month and encouraged commissioners and others involved in discussions about its future to schedule a ride themselves before making decisions about the service.“It's general public transportation,” Leiker said. “Anybody can ride. Just call them and schedule a ride.”Issues with grain storage outside EllisMichael Burgess, Ellis County commissioner, raised concerns he has heard from residents near a grain elevator south of Ellis.Burgess said the grain is being dumped just outside Ellis city limits in county territory and residents have contacted him about grain and mold dust, as well as birds reportedly dying after eating old grain.“I've been contacted multiple times now,” Burgess said.Burgess said it remains unclear whether the issue falls under county authority or another agency, such as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the county may need to look into the situation and determine whether its zoning regulations address certain issues.County appraisal ratio studyEugene Rupp, Ellis County appraiser, presented commissioners with the results of the county's latest property appraisal ratio study.Residential property in Ellis County had an appraisal ratio of 97.33%, while commercial and industrial property came in lower at 89.62%.Rupp used a $100,000 home as an example of what the residential figure means.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788283049938.png" alt="A data chart showing the exact appraisal ratios for Ellis County for 2025. Courtesy photo.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A data chart showing the exact appraisal ratios for Ellis County for 2025. Courtesy photo.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“If we had a house valued at $100,000, we would appraise the house at $97,000,” Rupp said.The figures were presented as part of the county's 2025 final ratio study and its 2026 procedural and substantial compliance review through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Property Valuation Division.Breastfeeding Coalition&nbsp;Members of the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition also appeared before commissioners Tuesday to discuss the coalition's progress since its formation in 2015 and a new designation it received in August.Monique Koerner with the Cottonwood Extension District said Hays was a pilot community for the original Communities Supporting Breastfeeding certification when the local coalition formed.Since then, the organization has expanded its efforts throughout Ellis County, working with health care providers, businesses, childcare providers and mothers.Koerner said one of the coalition's largest recent efforts involved increasing the number of businesses designated as breastfeeding welcome locations.“One of the leaders and I went up and down Main Street into a couple of shopping complexes, and we were really pleased with the reception that we got,” Koerner said. “Everybody was on board with it and just thinks that it's a really good initiative to support families in our community.”Businesses participating in the program display stickers indicating they welcome breastfeeding mothers.&nbsp;The coalition ultimately reached 45 businesses.The designation primarily requires businesses to educate employees that Kansas law allows mothers to breastfeed anywhere they otherwise have the right to be.As part of another coalition-supported project, HaysMed serves as a collection location where mothers can donate excess breast milk. The milk is stored before being shipped to a milk bank in Denver for pasteurization.HaysMed has since begun keeping pasteurized donor human milk available for patients at the hospital.In other businessMore than 10 new Ellis County employees were introduced to commissioners Tuesday across several county departments.

Fairground signs set for replacement; concerns raised over Ellis grain storage

Ellis County commissioners will consider new signage for the Ellis County Fairgrounds during their meeting Tuesday, following the renaming of a room at the fairgrounds earlier this summer.

Commissioners voted July 7 to rename the Deutsch Hall room as the Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room. Following the change, commissioners requested a sign design be developed and reviewed by the Ellis County Fair Board.&nbsp;

The Fair Board has selected a design, with the proposed signs estimated to cost $2,031. Volunteers would install the signs, eliminating additional installation costs.

County staff also explored adding digital LED signs to the fairgrounds buildings that could display information about events taking place inside.

An estimate for three remotely programmable LED signs came in at $34,383, although only two signs would be needed. After reviewing the cost, county staff and the fair board are recommending against moving forward with the digital signs.

Staff also researched a lower-cost digital sign estimated at $788 for one sign. However, that option would require additional electrical work and would not offer remote programming, requiring someone to be at the fairgrounds to update it before events.

The fair board has indicated it supports moving forward without digital signs.

The room renaming has also prompted commissioners to consider developing a formal process for naming Ellis County buildings. Commissioners are expected to discuss that process during a work session tentatively planned for October.

Eugene Rupp, Ellis County appraiser, will present the results of the county's 2025 final ratio study and discuss Ellis County's 2026 procedural and substantial compliance reports received from the Kansas Department of Revenue's Property Valuation Division.

Monique Koerner with the Cottonwood Extension District and Jennifer Taylor, Ellis County human resources manager, will discuss the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition and its recent efforts. Koerner will also introduce Ellis County's new 4-H Extension agent.

The Ellis County Commission meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALIN HETT Hays PostEllis County commissioners will consider new signage for the Ellis County Fairgrounds during their meeting Tuesday, following the renaming of a room at the fairgrounds earlier this summer.Commissioners voted July 7 to rename the Deutsch Hall room as the Loran Zimmerman Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room. Following the change, commissioners requested a sign design be developed and reviewed by the Ellis County Fair Board.&nbsp;The Fair Board has selected a design, with the proposed signs estimated to cost $2,031. Volunteers would install the signs, eliminating additional installation costs.County staff also explored adding digital LED signs to the fairgrounds buildings that could display information about events taking place inside.An estimate for three remotely programmable LED signs came in at $34,383, although only two signs would be needed. After reviewing the cost, county staff and the fair board are recommending against moving forward with the digital signs.Staff also researched a lower-cost digital sign estimated at $788 for one sign. However, that option would require additional electrical work and would not offer remote programming, requiring someone to be at the fairgrounds to update it before events.The fair board has indicated it supports moving forward without digital signs.The room renaming has also prompted commissioners to consider developing a formal process for naming Ellis County buildings. Commissioners are expected to discuss that process during a work session tentatively planned for October.In other businessEugene Rupp, Ellis County appraiser, will present the results of the county's 2025 final ratio study and discuss Ellis County's 2026 procedural and substantial compliance reports received from the Kansas Department of Revenue's Property Valuation Division.Monique Koerner with the Cottonwood Extension District and Jennifer Taylor, Ellis County human resources manager, will discuss the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition and its recent efforts. Koerner will also introduce Ellis County's new 4-H Extension agent.The Ellis County Commission meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.

Ellis County Commissioners to consider new signage for Ellis County Fairgrounds 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, Hays

For many years, taking 24-inch soil profile-N samples in the fall has been a recommended practice for making an N recommendation for winter wheat.&nbsp;

However, due to the mobility of nitrate-N in the soil, soil test values observed in the fall may differ from those observed in the spring, particularly on soils prone to leaching. Because many producers wait until spring green-up to make their N application, does soil sampling in the fall for nitrate really provide useful information for N management in wheat? That is a legitimate question. &nbsp;

What Research Shows - in K-State trials where no N fertilizer was applied, there was a strong positive relationship between fall nitrate-N levels and final wheat yield (Figure 1).&nbsp;

When fall nitrate-N levels were low, wheat yields responded well to fertilizer. When nitrate-N levels exceeded 80–100 lb/acre, additional spring-applied N rarely increased yield. In short, fall nitrate-N levels are a reliable predictor of whether or not a crop will benefit from additional N fertilizer.

 This makes fall soil sampling an important tool for maximizing yield and efficiency.&nbsp;

When soil sampling for N is not done, the K-State fertilizer recommendation formula defaults to a standard value of 30 lb/acre available N. In this particular dataset, the average profile N level was 39 lb N/acre. However, the N level at individual sites ranged from 11 to 197 lbs N/acre. 

Most recommendation systems default to a standardized set of N recommendations based on the yield goal and/or the cost of N.&nbsp;

Take Home Message - without soil sampling or some other method of estimating available N, such as crop sensing, N recommendations will be inaccurate. Failure to account for the N present in the soil wastes a valuable resource. It can result in excess foliage, increased plant disease, inefficient use of soil water, and reduced yield.&nbsp;

Fall soil profile testing for nitrate-N continues to play a valuable role in efficient N management for winter wheat in Kansas. It’s a cost-effective way to fine-tune your fertilizer program, avoid unnecessary inputs, and protect both yield and the environment.&nbsp;

Information provided by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension Nutrient Management Specialist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266615291.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, Hays For many years, taking 24-inch soil profile-N samples in the fall has been a recommended practice for making an N recommendation for winter wheat.&nbsp;However, due to the mobility of nitrate-N in the soil, soil test values observed in the fall may differ from those observed in the spring, particularly on soils prone to leaching. Because many producers wait until spring green-up to make their N application, does soil sampling in the fall for nitrate really provide useful information for N management in wheat? That is a legitimate question. &nbsp;What Research Shows - in K-State trials where no N fertilizer was applied, there was a strong positive relationship between fall nitrate-N levels and final wheat yield (Figure 1).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/8/1787672165688.png" alt="Relationship between fall soil profile nitrate-N level and wheat yield with no N fertilizer applied. Graph by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension. Photo courtesy by Stacy Campbell.&nbsp; " />
 <figcaption>Relationship between fall soil profile nitrate-N level and wheat yield with no N fertilizer applied. Graph by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension. Photo courtesy by Stacy Campbell.&nbsp; </figcaption>
 </figure>When fall nitrate-N levels were low, wheat yields responded well to fertilizer. When nitrate-N levels exceeded 80–100 lb/acre, additional spring-applied N rarely increased yield. In short, fall nitrate-N levels are a reliable predictor of whether or not a crop will benefit from additional N fertilizer. This makes fall soil sampling an important tool for maximizing yield and efficiency.&nbsp;When soil sampling for N is not done, the K-State fertilizer recommendation formula defaults to a standard value of 30 lb/acre available N. In this particular dataset, the average profile N level was 39 lb N/acre. However, the N level at individual sites ranged from 11 to 197 lbs N/acre. Most recommendation systems default to a standardized set of N recommendations based on the yield goal and/or the cost of N.&nbsp;Take Home Message - without soil sampling or some other method of estimating available N, such as crop sensing, N recommendations will be inaccurate. Failure to account for the N present in the soil wastes a valuable resource. It can result in excess foliage, increased plant disease, inefficient use of soil water, and reduced yield.&nbsp;Fall soil profile testing for nitrate-N continues to play a valuable role in efficient N management for winter wheat in Kansas. It’s a cost-effective way to fine-tune your fertilizer program, avoid unnecessary inputs, and protect both yield and the environment.&nbsp;Information provided by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension Nutrient Management Specialist.

CAMPBELL: Soil fertility, wheat production: Profile nitrate levels, wheat yield 

By STACY CAMBPELL Cottonwood Extension District

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. 

Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.

The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026 from K-State Extension, will soon be released. 

Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas. Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat breeders and researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.

A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas Wheat Variety Performance Tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. 

These variety performance tests are replicated; each variety is randomly planted three or four times in different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/test_plot_results.html">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>, click onto the “Crops and Livestock” button, then click onto “Test Plot Results” tab for local variety test plot information. To reference the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">Kansas Wheat Variety Guide and Wheat Trials Database</a>, click back to the Crops and Livestock page and scroll down to “Hot Topics”.

The Wheat Trials Database under Hot Topics is a decision tool that provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). 

The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. For example, you can do a multiple location trail summary over multiple years and click the regions of Kansas you want, and then with a click of a button you have that information summary before you. It is a powerful and easy tool to use!

Fall Field Day Announced for Hays Agricultural Research Center - August 26

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with field tours starting at 9 a.m. Presentations will address nitrogen management, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers and biostimulants in grain sorghum; sorghum weed and disease management, crop productivity/systems, profitability and soil health in integrated crop-livestock systems; pearl millet forage value; finishing beef cattle research; and residual herbicide programs. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. 

Registration is appreciated at <a href="https://wkrec.org/events/">https://wkrec.org/events/</a>

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 can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMBPELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictVariety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026 from K-State Extension, will soon be released. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas. Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat breeders and researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas Wheat Variety Performance Tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated; each variety is randomly planted three or four times in different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/test_plot_results.html">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>, click onto the “Crops and Livestock” button, then click onto “Test Plot Results” tab for local variety test plot information. To reference the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">Kansas Wheat Variety Guide and Wheat Trials Database</a>, click back to the Crops and Livestock page and scroll down to “Hot Topics”.The Wheat Trials Database under Hot Topics is a decision tool that provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. For example, you can do a multiple location trail summary over multiple years and click the regions of Kansas you want, and then with a click of a button you have that information summary before you. It is a powerful and easy tool to use!Fall Field Day Announced for Hays Agricultural Research Center - August 26Registration begins at 8 a.m., with field tours starting at 9 a.m. Presentations will address nitrogen management, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers and biostimulants in grain sorghum; sorghum weed and disease management, crop productivity/systems, profitability and soil health in integrated crop-livestock systems; pearl millet forage value; finishing beef cattle research; and residual herbicide programs. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Registration is appreciated at <a href="https://wkrec.org/events/">https://wkrec.org/events/</a>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 can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, selection

One of my favorite parts of 4-H Project Records is the financial section. That might seem a bit odd but it helps 4-H members begin to understand that there are real costs associated with most activities.

For a beef project, those costs include the cost of the animal, the cost of feed and veterinary visits, as well as equipment and tack needed to show. Even if the animal or feed is a gift, there is a cost associated with it!

For a photography project, costs can include a camera, printing costs, and attending a photography class or workshop.

For other activities, do you help your child understand the cost of participation? This could be dance, summer rec sports, traveling teams, or theatre productions. Add in potential costs of travel, hotel rooms, livestock show entry fees, and equipment, and it can add up fast.

I know of several 4-H youth who are responsible for farm chores or have other jobs to help earn an animal or feed for their project or to help fund other camps and activities that are important to them.

Like it or not, we all have to make family budget decisions on activities to see what works and it is hard to say no or to limit to one or two activities each year.

Yes, there are immeasurable benefits such as learning skills, taking on challenges, growing in confidence and leadership, and that can help lead to scholarships and networking. However, there is a balance needed that can be hard to navigate.

Do we want to protect our kids from the hard discussions? Sure, but having smaller discussions now can help when it comes to discussing bigger issues such as purchasing a car or paying for an education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictOne of my favorite parts of 4-H Project Records is the financial section. That might seem a bit odd but it helps 4-H members begin to understand that there are real costs associated with most activities.For a beef project, those costs include the cost of the animal, the cost of feed and veterinary visits, as well as equipment and tack needed to show. Even if the animal or feed is a gift, there is a cost associated with it!For a photography project, costs can include a camera, printing costs, and attending a photography class or workshop.For other activities, do you help your child understand the cost of participation? This could be dance, summer rec sports, traveling teams, or theatre productions. Add in potential costs of travel, hotel rooms, livestock show entry fees, and equipment, and it can add up fast.I know of several 4-H youth who are responsible for farm chores or have other jobs to help earn an animal or feed for their project or to help fund other camps and activities that are important to them.Like it or not, we all have to make family budget decisions on activities to see what works and it is hard to say no or to limit to one or two activities each year.Yes, there are immeasurable benefits such as learning skills, taking on challenges, growing in confidence and leadership, and that can help lead to scholarships and networking. However, there is a balance needed that can be hard to navigate.Do we want to protect our kids from the hard discussions? Sure, but having smaller discussions now can help when it comes to discussing bigger issues such as purchasing a car or paying for an education.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness 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: Financial recordkeeping for kids

This article is the fourth and final one in a multi-week series on wheat streak mosaic complex management. This week, we discuss variety selection as part of an integrated management program for wheat streak mosaic.

Wheat streak mosaic complex devastated many wheat fields across central and western Kansas in 2025 and problematic again in 2026. As a reminder, wheat streak mosaic is a complex of three viruses: wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, and High Plains wheat mosaic virus. 

The wheat streak mosaic complex of viruses is vectored by the tiny wheat curl mite. The highest risk place for curl mites to survive the summer is volunteer wheat. Conditions that favor grain shattering, such as preharvest hail or harvest delays due to windy storms (as in much of the 2026 Kansas wheat harvest), can increase the presence of pre-harvest volunteer wheat. If mites are allowed to survive on this volunteer wheat or alternative hosts until the fall established wheat crop is planted, there is a high likelihood of another outbreak in 2027.

Management with Genetic Resistance: Another Tool in the Toolbox

 In addition to controlling volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is an important component of a good integrated pest management strategy for controlling the wheat streak mosaic complex. 

It’s important to note that while some varieties provide partial protection against the wheat streak complex, there is no silver bullet variety that will work in all scenarios. All commercial varieties will be symptomatic under some conditions, but the degree of yield loss to the virus complex will vary between varieties.

As a reminder, yield loss to wheat streak complex is highly influenced by timing of infection, composition of viruses, and variety choice.

We know that fall infections and infections that occur in earlier stages of wheat development (prior to jointing) can result in the highest levels of yield loss. Infections that occur after the flag leaf and booting growth stages generally result in lower levels of yield loss. It should be noted that infections can occur in the fall and remain “dormant” in the plants until the weather warms in the spring. This is why we can sometimes see symptoms come on suddenly when the weather warms in the spring.

In addition to the timing of infection, the composition of viruses in a given field can impact final yield losses. Infections with more than one virus (e.g., WSMV + TriMV) can result in synergistic yield losses. It was common to see infections with two or more viruses in Kansas in 2025.

When we think about variety resistance in the context of wheat streak mosaic complex, there are two main types: resistance to the virus and resistance to the mite.

Regarding resistance to the virus, several genes have been described —&nbsp; wsm1, wsm2, and wsm3. 

The gene wsm2 is most widely available in Kansas varieties, including KS Territory (red), KS Mako (red), KS Bill Snyder (red), KS Dallas (red), KS Hamilton (red), Guardian (red), Oakley CL (red), Joe (white), and KS Big Bow (white). This resistance gene can help with severe wheat streak mosaic virus infections, but has key limitations. For example:

In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite (cmc4), including Guardian, Canvas, TAM 112, Byrd, Avery, Langin, Kivari AX, KS Western Star, Whistler, Crescent AX, Incline AX, Fortify SF, TAM 115, TAM 204, and T158. 

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.

Central vs. Western Kansas: Location Matters

Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to Western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. Some central Kansas-adapted varieties, including Rockstar, AP Prolific, SY Wolverine, LCS Photon AX, LCS Helix AX, and LCS Julep, tolerate WSMV infection better than others. 

It should be noted that, for all the reasons mentioned above, these varieties will still appear symptomatic under high disease pressure. KS Mako is a new release from the K-State Manhattan breeding program, adapted for the central corridor of the state and carrying the wsm2 gene. 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 here: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2025_MF991">MF991 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf. </a>A newer version of this publication will be released in the coming weeks.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753886398730.png" alt="Wheat streak mosaic in Russell in 2025.&nbsp; Photo by Kelsey Andersen Onofre/KState Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Wheat streak mosaic in Russell in 2025.&nbsp; Photo by Kelsey Andersen Onofre/KState Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood ExtensionThis article is the fourth and final one in a multi-week series on wheat streak mosaic complex management. This week, we discuss variety selection as part of an integrated management program for wheat streak mosaic.OverviewWheat streak mosaic complex devastated many wheat fields across central and western Kansas in 2025 and problematic again in 2026. As a reminder, wheat streak mosaic is a complex of three viruses: wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, and High Plains wheat mosaic virus. The wheat streak mosaic complex of viruses is vectored by the tiny wheat curl mite. The highest risk place for curl mites to survive the summer is volunteer wheat. Conditions that favor grain shattering, such as preharvest hail or harvest delays due to windy storms (as in much of the 2026 Kansas wheat harvest), can increase the presence of pre-harvest volunteer wheat. If mites are allowed to survive on this volunteer wheat or alternative hosts until the fall established wheat crop is planted, there is a high likelihood of another outbreak in 2027.Management with Genetic Resistance: Another Tool in the Toolbox In addition to controlling volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is an important component of a good integrated pest management strategy for controlling the wheat streak mosaic complex. It’s important to note that while some varieties provide partial protection against the wheat streak complex, there is no silver bullet variety that will work in all scenarios. All commercial varieties will be symptomatic under some conditions, but the degree of yield loss to the virus complex will vary between varieties.As a reminder, yield loss to wheat streak complex is highly influenced by timing of infection, composition of viruses, and variety choice.We know that fall infections and infections that occur in earlier stages of wheat development (prior to jointing) can result in the highest levels of yield loss. Infections that occur after the flag leaf and booting growth stages generally result in lower levels of yield loss. It should be noted that infections can occur in the fall and remain “dormant” in the plants until the weather warms in the spring. This is why we can sometimes see symptoms come on suddenly when the weather warms in the spring.In addition to the timing of infection, the composition of viruses in a given field can impact final yield losses. Infections with more than one virus (e.g., WSMV + TriMV) can result in synergistic yield losses. It was common to see infections with two or more viruses in Kansas in 2025.When we think about variety resistance in the context of wheat streak mosaic complex, there are two main types: resistance to the virus and resistance to the mite.Regarding resistance to the virus, several genes have been described —&nbsp; wsm1, wsm2, and wsm3. The gene wsm2 is most widely available in Kansas varieties, including KS Territory (red), KS Mako (red), KS Bill Snyder (red), KS Dallas (red), KS Hamilton (red), Guardian (red), Oakley CL (red), Joe (white), and KS Big Bow (white). This resistance gene can help with severe wheat streak mosaic virus infections, but has key limitations. For example:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/8/1786463386667.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite (cmc4), including Guardian, Canvas, TAM 112, Byrd, Avery, Langin, Kivari AX, KS Western Star, Whistler, Crescent AX, Incline AX, Fortify SF, TAM 115, TAM 204, and T158. 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.Central vs. Western Kansas: Location MattersUnfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to Western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. Some central Kansas-adapted varieties, including Rockstar, AP Prolific, SY Wolverine, LCS Photon AX, LCS Helix AX, and LCS Julep, tolerate WSMV infection better than others. It should be noted that, for all the reasons mentioned above, these varieties will still appear symptomatic under high disease pressure. KS Mako is a new release from the K-State Manhattan breeding program, adapted for the central corridor of the state and carrying the wsm2 gene. 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 here: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2025_MF991">MF991 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf. </a>A newer version of this publication will be released in the coming weeks.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat Streak Mosaic Complex: Role of variety resistance

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent about celebrating national Family Day with Pizza Make &amp; Take on Sept. 28.

They'll discuss how gathering together for family meals make families stronger and why family dynamics improve with the frequency of family meals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Celebrate Family Day with Pizza Make & Take on Sept. 28; register now" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=pmn3f-1b33f27-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent about celebrating national Family Day with Pizza Make &amp; Take on Sept. 28.They'll discuss how gathering together for family meals make families stronger and why family dynamics improve with the frequency of family meals.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Celebrate Family Day with Pizza Make & Take; register now 

Backpacks for Kids 2026 is officially over! A big thank you to EVERYONE that helped make this event a huge success. Whether you donated supplies, money, or volunteered your time… you helped to make a big difference!

As of Tuesday, we have given out 580 backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies and hygiene items to students in Ellis County! 

We will be delivering another 58 bags to schools within Ellis County for them to store for any late enrollments. If you are still in need of a backpack or supplies for your student, stop by our office this week and we can get you taken care of.

*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=UnlHhkW8nbuj1OTiL2DGmHeES5lB83GoFJTeqMNRks0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0pvZS1Cb2ItT3V0Zml0dGVycy01MjkyMTUzMDA1NTk1NzMvP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189a0stUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Joe Bob Outfitters</a>&nbsp;for allowing us to store all our bags and supplies in your warehouse all year.

*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=lMd92OwvON-wFLySLY1PjinbH-EEJNMrsFjmRewykQs.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2hheXNyZWM_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Hays Recreation Commission</a>&nbsp;for hosting us at their location.

*Thank you to the&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=2AcKasv8BvvWhPI1y4GBieXvNdP9HJ95TUfMem-Wqq8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3VzZDQ4OT9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Hays High School</a>&nbsp;football team for helping us unload and set up for the event.

*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=zepqmUCaIJ5yb-wHajKLBf4LJCuEGbFqSOaBBfDjyRw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0RvbWlub3M_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Domino's</a>&nbsp;for donating lunch to all of our volunteers.

*Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=K-4OgHgFyvtxGowNV4tePpkD7OdYwzxg8eKLjbN1dPU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3BlcHNpP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Pepsi</a>&nbsp;for donating drinks for our volunteers to enjoy while they were working.

*In addition to all our grantors and donors, we’d like to give a special shout out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=adX90XyWOLZxdkSaoZNBNMFjXwJ1PSFhRZ-Q9DY8_9M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3VuaXRlZHdheW9mZWxsaXNjb3VudHk_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">United Way of Ellis County</a>&nbsp;for helping to fund the program each year and helping to spread the word.

*Thank you to ALL Ellis County churches that hosted collection sites and gathered supplies and backpacks for us.

&nbsp;*Some pretty cool people helped to get supplies ready for Backpacks for Kids! Nex-Tech/Nex-Tech Wireless and the Hays CYO held supply drives for us! We also had some great volunteers come in to help pack bags with supplies!

*Thank you to the following organizations that hosted a table at the event to share with students about what they offer:&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=2zdHGt3XgIIyfhZMCkRtqGLRsTykrj_D02YHyOnyEAQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0VsbGlzQ29CaWdzP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=sg93kDgegI16B3P2h9dCcpxf27fGN14Ra6x6BUBkoE4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3Njb3V0aW5nLmFtZXJpY2E_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Scouting America</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=gctc3xQzNS4qjKxx6bvIcNMZeUORnKA8RuawhyYxFwQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2tzZ2lybHNjb3V0cz9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=JOX2e6jvw-8339JR-8Ol0CpEqdh_Op--HHZrdAps0BE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2tzcmVjb3R0b253b29kP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">K-State Extension - Cottonwood Extension District</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=xBrTekiwaZb_rsVCfOr1oOZL43LQU4ixk0dbwkofjoI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2hheXNwdWJsaWNsaWJyYXJ5P19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;Bookmobile, and&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=wA1uuVoSmdezghPomPt2itr2N2I6OjHG7Z3Pzm0un-s.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3Byb2ZpbGUucGhwP2lkPTEwMDA2NDU5MDM3Mzk5MSZfX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Early Childhood Connections</a>.

*Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=saNfv063s5fGn4CpJL1Xraf0IrfMH6x9ttugNVCiYJI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0RlbHRhRGVudGFsb2ZLUz9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Delta Dental of Kansas</a>&nbsp;for donating ALL of the smile kits that were included in everyone's hygiene kits and&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=0YzsNWs30MKJwqzTXRUrE76Bu1ATzHjqNZpiO1Gkp-8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0hlYXJ0bGFuZENGP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a>&nbsp;for granting us money to purchase all of our new hygiene tubs!

*Thank you to all of the businesses that allowed their employees to come and volunteer on company time!

*Thank you to EVERYONE! Without community support, this event would not be as great as it is! We are so blessed!

Thank you to the <a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=X5MJwQbBwCaY7Br0hVbBYfFLfVXoQGmrbKYfGiRqbUw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0hlYXJ0bGFuZENGP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYVUzelNYc184Sk5LMXQyVGxxR28zRkhYM0UyMzRIQ1dwMGdBc1FOVVNqSWNRb0E2dnRiNXFpZmNwdkJqak90TDI0aVppLW1IbDFrZkFiTU01djdsdWlDUkttQ3ZjT2lzQUtCZVNyWGRrSHFUdE1HUWRCbHlScFluNWZ6Z0VLdW5wRm1ldzA0U0ttRjFlRG9kWTM5NVg1SkVmSUM0MWNubVQ4WXM3X0pncEtnZUVDZFJoMjU4ckRGWnZrRjM0R2k2NCZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> &amp; the Ellis County Legacy Fund for the grant to support our Backpacks for Kids program! With this grant funding, we purchased 43 reusable, sealable totes to store our hygiene kits. These durable totes reduce our reliance on cardboard boxes, provide stronger long-term storage, improve organization, and make transporting supplies easier and more efficient. This investment supports the sustainability and effectiveness of our program. Thank you so much for supporting us and our mission!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/8/1786554565840.jpeg" alt="Backpacks for Kids 2026. Photo courtesy First Call for Help" />
 <figcaption>Backpacks for Kids 2026. Photo courtesy First Call for Help</figcaption>
 </figure>First Call for HelpBackpacks for Kids 2026 is officially over! A big thank you to EVERYONE that helped make this event a huge success. Whether you donated supplies, money, or volunteered your time… you helped to make a big difference!As of Tuesday, we have given out 580 backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies and hygiene items to students in Ellis County! We will be delivering another 58 bags to schools within Ellis County for them to store for any late enrollments. If you are still in need of a backpack or supplies for your student, stop by our office this week and we can get you taken care of.*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=UnlHhkW8nbuj1OTiL2DGmHeES5lB83GoFJTeqMNRks0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0pvZS1Cb2ItT3V0Zml0dGVycy01MjkyMTUzMDA1NTk1NzMvP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189a0stUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Joe Bob Outfitters</a>&nbsp;for allowing us to store all our bags and supplies in your warehouse all year.*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=lMd92OwvON-wFLySLY1PjinbH-EEJNMrsFjmRewykQs.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2hheXNyZWM_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Hays Recreation Commission</a>&nbsp;for hosting us at their location.*Thank you to the&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=2AcKasv8BvvWhPI1y4GBieXvNdP9HJ95TUfMem-Wqq8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3VzZDQ4OT9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Hays High School</a>&nbsp;football team for helping us unload and set up for the event.*Thank you to&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=zepqmUCaIJ5yb-wHajKLBf4LJCuEGbFqSOaBBfDjyRw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0RvbWlub3M_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Domino's</a>&nbsp;for donating lunch to all of our volunteers.*Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=K-4OgHgFyvtxGowNV4tePpkD7OdYwzxg8eKLjbN1dPU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3BlcHNpP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Pepsi</a>&nbsp;for donating drinks for our volunteers to enjoy while they were working.*In addition to all our grantors and donors, we’d like to give a special shout out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=adX90XyWOLZxdkSaoZNBNMFjXwJ1PSFhRZ-Q9DY8_9M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3VuaXRlZHdheW9mZWxsaXNjb3VudHk_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">United Way of Ellis County</a>&nbsp;for helping to fund the program each year and helping to spread the word.*Thank you to ALL Ellis County churches that hosted collection sites and gathered supplies and backpacks for us.&nbsp;*Some pretty cool people helped to get supplies ready for Backpacks for Kids! Nex-Tech/Nex-Tech Wireless and the Hays CYO held supply drives for us! We also had some great volunteers come in to help pack bags with supplies!*Thank you to the following organizations that hosted a table at the event to share with students about what they offer:&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=2zdHGt3XgIIyfhZMCkRtqGLRsTykrj_D02YHyOnyEAQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0VsbGlzQ29CaWdzP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=sg93kDgegI16B3P2h9dCcpxf27fGN14Ra6x6BUBkoE4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3Njb3V0aW5nLmFtZXJpY2E_X19jZnRfXyU1QjAlNUQ9QVpiNlBlbGM5LUpPaWp6QzBmYjMxZkZaSHdndU5mSUhFRG5mUk5VYkt0Z1pvNWFhNmJhN1E0WHNEeWk1N1ZHOXdNWktSUFBqODRMRmdUTnYtRmMxRFRsUGtoNWJ4MUY4MUFROGFMSHNYUjV0cmpySm1ISUR0RE9tRFUzTlhfRE5UekRVWXJmdWhjQ2M4d0ZPOF9rYjY4WHZ0ekpKTHA0V2t6aDlFeU9GR2E2R21CelRSRTdsNFJTdlZQV1pwVWRiY293Jl9fdG5fXz0tJTVESy1SIiwiciI6IiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6Ijk5Y2MwMmY3LTUyMTYtNDRmNS1iY2VmLWVlNTE2MzI4OTJhYiJ9" target="_blank">Scouting America</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=gctc3xQzNS4qjKxx6bvIcNMZeUORnKA8RuawhyYxFwQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2tzZ2lybHNjb3V0cz9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=JOX2e6jvw-8339JR-8Ol0CpEqdh_Op--HHZrdAps0BE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2tzcmVjb3R0b253b29kP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">K-State Extension - Cottonwood Extension District</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=xBrTekiwaZb_rsVCfOr1oOZL43LQU4ixk0dbwkofjoI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2hheXNwdWJsaWNsaWJyYXJ5P19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;Bookmobile, and&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=wA1uuVoSmdezghPomPt2itr2N2I6OjHG7Z3Pzm0un-s.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3Byb2ZpbGUucGhwP2lkPTEwMDA2NDU5MDM3Mzk5MSZfX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Early Childhood Connections</a>.*Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=saNfv063s5fGn4CpJL1Xraf0IrfMH6x9ttugNVCiYJI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0RlbHRhRGVudGFsb2ZLUz9fX2NmdF9fJTVCMCU1RD1BWmI2UGVsYzktSk9panpDMGZiMzFmRlpId2d1TmZJSEVEbmZSTlViS3RnWm81YWE2YmE3UTRYc0R5aTU3Vkc5d01aS1JQUGo4NExGZ1ROdi1GYzFEVGxQa2g1YngxRjgxQVE4YUxIc1hSNXRyanJKbUhJRHRET21EVTNOWF9ETlR6RFVZcmZ1aGNDYzh3Rk84X2tiNjhYdnR6SkpMcDRXa3poOUV5T0ZHYTZHbUJ6VFJFN2w0UlN2VlBXWnBVZGJjb3cmX190bl9fPS0lNURLLVIiLCJyIjoiIiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOTljYzAyZjctNTIxNi00NGY1LWJjZWYtZWU1MTYzMjg5MmFiIn0" target="_blank">Delta Dental of Kansas</a>&nbsp;for donating ALL of the smile kits that were included in everyone's hygiene kits and&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=0YzsNWs30MKJwqzTXRUrE76Bu1ATzHjqNZpiO1Gkp-8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0hlYXJ0bGFuZENGP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYjZQZWxjOS1KT2lqekMwZmIzMWZGWkh3Z3VOZklIRURuZlJOVWJLdGdabzVhYTZiYTdRNFhzRHlpNTdWRzl3TVpLUlBQajg0TEZnVE52LUZjMURUbFBraDVieDFGODFBUThhTEhzWFI1dHJqckptSElEdERPbURVM05YX0ROVHpEVVlyZnVoY0NjOHdGTzhfa2I2OFh2dHpKSkxwNFdremg5RXlPRkdhNkdtQnpUUkU3bDRSU3ZWUFdacFVkYmNvdyZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a>&nbsp;for granting us money to purchase all of our new hygiene tubs!*Thank you to all of the businesses that allowed their employees to come and volunteer on company time!*Thank you to EVERYONE! Without community support, this event would not be as great as it is! We are so blessed!Thank you to the <a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.com/so/43P-sDpdX/c?w=X5MJwQbBwCaY7Br0hVbBYfFLfVXoQGmrbKYfGiRqbUw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL0hlYXJ0bGFuZENGP19fY2Z0X18lNUIwJTVEPUFaYVUzelNYc184Sk5LMXQyVGxxR28zRkhYM0UyMzRIQ1dwMGdBc1FOVVNqSWNRb0E2dnRiNXFpZmNwdkJqak90TDI0aVppLW1IbDFrZkFiTU01djdsdWlDUkttQ3ZjT2lzQUtCZVNyWGRrSHFUdE1HUWRCbHlScFluNWZ6Z0VLdW5wRm1ldzA0U0ttRjFlRG9kWTM5NVg1SkVmSUM0MWNubVQ4WXM3X0pncEtnZUVDZFJoMjU4ckRGWnZrRjM0R2k2NCZfX3RuX189LSU1REstUiIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5OWNjMDJmNy01MjE2LTQ0ZjUtYmNlZi1lZTUxNjMyODkyYWIifQ" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> &amp; the Ellis County Legacy Fund for the grant to support our Backpacks for Kids program! With this grant funding, we purchased 43 reusable, sealable totes to store our hygiene kits. These durable totes reduce our reliance on cardboard boxes, provide stronger long-term storage, improve organization, and make transporting supplies easier and more efficient. This investment supports the sustainability and effectiveness of our program. Thank you so much for supporting us and our mission!

Backpacks for Kids distributes more than 600 backpacks to Ellis County students

By BEN SIMS Cottonwood Extension

It’s time for the start of the new 4-H year which officially began on October 1 and will run&nbsp;through September 30 of next year. The 4-H program provides Kansas youth with a chance to&nbsp;learn, lead and grow by helping them to develop soft and life skills.

Opportunities range from&nbsp;science and leadership, to gardening and public speaking through project work and relationships&nbsp;with caring adults and volunteers. Youth will gain a sense of community and find their place&nbsp;within it.

The 4-H program has played a pivotal role in both urban and rural youth development for over&nbsp;100 years. At the conclusion of next year’s Kansas State Fair, we will wrap up our 120th year of&nbsp;Kansas 4-H. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/5/1779988051620.jpeg" alt="Ben Sims, Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Ben Sims, Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By BEN SIMS Cottonwood ExtensionIt’s time for the start of the new 4-H year which officially began on October 1 and will run&nbsp;through September 30 of next year. The 4-H program provides Kansas youth with a chance to&nbsp;learn, lead and grow by helping them to develop soft and life skills.Opportunities range from&nbsp;science and leadership, to gardening and public speaking through project work and relationships&nbsp;with caring adults and volunteers. Youth will gain a sense of community and find their place&nbsp;within it.The 4-H program has played a pivotal role in both urban and rural youth development for over&nbsp;100 years. At the conclusion of next year’s Kansas State Fair, we will wrap up our 120th year of&nbsp;Kansas 4-H. A young child can begin their 4-H journey as young as 5 or 6 by joining as a&nbsp;Cloverbud member. This non-competitive membership serves as way to introduce them and their&nbsp;family to the 4-H program.&nbsp;Youth become full 4-H members that can participate through high&nbsp;school, at the age of 7.4-H provides opportunities to learn and grow for youth of all interests and backgrounds with&nbsp;over 50 project area offerings.Leadership and communication skill development is a cornerstone&nbsp;of 4-H, starting with simple club demonstrations and talks. From there, youth may participate at&nbsp;their local club days to display their knowledge obtained through project work, and compete for&nbsp;the chance to compete at a Regional Club Day event.4-H strives to provide a safe place for collaboration, exploration, learning, and even failure. Withcaring adult guidance and peer support, 4-H provides a space for youth to celebrate their&nbsp;victories and learn from their failures.Volunteers are crucial to creating this environment. The&nbsp;work we do in 4-H could not be done without their support. If anyone has a passion they would&nbsp;like to share with youth or has interest in learning more about what it’s like to be a 4-H&nbsp;volunteer, I invite you to reach out to our office.National 4-H has launched a new initiative called “4-H Beyond Ready” that is all about&nbsp;preparing our youth to be ready for work in life. We look forward to the opportunity of helping&nbsp;the youth of our communities become “Beyond Ready” and strive “To Make the Best Better.”Feel free to reach out for more information on how to join.For more information on 4-H Youth Development or K-State Extension call the office at 620-793-1910, email me, Ben Sims at benjam63@ksu.edu, or stop by the office which is located in&nbsp;Great Bend at 3007 10th Street.&nbsp;Be sure to follow K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District Facebook page and check our website <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">cottonwood.k-state.edu</a> for the most up-to-date information about Extension programming.Ben Sims is the 4-H Youth and Development Agent with the K-State Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;which serves both Ellis and Barton counties in Kansas.