By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A group aiming to have a polling location placed on the Fort
Hay State University campus presented the Ellis County Clerk and Election
Officer with a list of more than 450 names in support of the initiative this
week.

Fort Hays State University student Madison Albers, from
Goodland, presented the list of 480 people who signed the petition to County
Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling Tuesday afternoon.

Albers was joined
by Hays residents and Fort Hays State graduates Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, as
well as two representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;

In a letter to the editor in March, Albers argued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel</a>, she said.

Albers and McCord said in a June 2023 letter to the editor they had approached Dreiling about two locations for polling locations at FHSU. Dreiling expressed issues with accessibility at the Memorial Union and availability at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>

A Hays Post reporter was in the meeting when the petition was presented Tuesday. The two parties had little discussion on Tuesday. Dreiling declined to comment to the group and chose to look
over the petition before commenting to Hays Post later in the day on Tuesday.&nbsp;

She said she has seriously considered the group’s prior proposals
and has had several conversations with them, but as the Ellis County Election Officer, it is her job to represent all of the county's voters.

“I want to make it equally accessible for everybody that's
going to be voting, whether it be students or actual residents of Ellis County,”
Dreiling said. 

She added that the numbers do not show a need for an
additional polling location on campus.

According to Chief FHSU Communications Officer Scott Cason,
about 1,500 of the 3,600 students who attend classes on campus live on
the FHSU campus in Hays.

Dreiling said voter registration data shows fewer than 30
college students live in the dorms and are registered in Ellis County. Fewer
than 250 total registered voters live on campus and the surrounding area,
according to Dreiling.

A common misconception is that all students and staff
members would be able to cast their ballot at an on-campus location.

Voters have to vote in their precinct, which is determined by their address.

Only voters who live near the FHSU campus could cast a ballot at that location.

Dreiling said she has reached out to fellow county clerks
around that state for advice, and no other similar size college town offers on-campus
polling locations. That includes Washburn University in Topeka, Pittsburg State
University in Pittsburg and Emporia State University in Emporia.

Dreiling said the group that is pushing for the on-campus polling location has several times compared
voter turnout for Hays to Lawrence and the University of Kansas campus, but it
is not a fair comparison. 

If the on-campus population at FHSU was the size of the University
of Kansas, Dreiling said she would absolutely place a polling location on
campus.

The recent effort by students to have a polling location placed on campus is not new at FHSU. Dreiling said the attempts go back
the better part of three decades, and she has relied on the advice of the three
prior Ellis County clerks and other county clerks throughout the state when
making her decision.

“They're (the students) not seeing the big picture of the
feasibility and the economics of it,” Dreiling said. “I'm not doing it to spite
them. I'm doing it because not only myself but three prior clerks have all
turned them down, for good reason, and the feasibility of it, it's not there.”

Dreiling said if she chooses to make any changes, she may
consider re-opening the polling location at 601 Main St. 

That polling location, home to the Cottonwood Extension
District, was closed along with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal
Blvd., in Hays last May.

The 601 Main St. location was closed due to voter turnout of
less than 10 percent over the last eight elections.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was closed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000
Main St., was chosen as its replacement.

Dreiling said re-opening a polling location at 601
Main St. would be consistent with the centrally located polling locations, allowing all voters to easily access the polls.

Dreiling said she would look over the petition but
was disappointed that it did not contain actual signatures or contact
information for those whose names were on it.

She said she hopes to be able to talk with those individuals,
like she has done throughout the process, who may have not heard both sides. That
includes conversations Dreiling has had with influential leaders
within the Fort Hays State and Hays communities.

While the majority of the people who signed the
petition said they are from Ellis County and are FHSU students, Dreiling said she has not heard from any other FHSU students outside of Albers and Grace McCord.

“I haven't had one student contact me, other than Madison
and Grace, that said we need a polling location on campus” Dreiling said. 

She added, other than Towns and Weber, “Not one resident of Ellis County, that's a
taxpayer, has contacted me to relocate their polling location to the college.” 

McCord and Albers served as co-coordinators of the American
Democracy Project at FHSU. 

Dreiling also took issue with a report from the ACLU that
presents incorrect voter turnout numbers.

The ACLU reported that the voter turnout rate in Ellis
County between 2022 and 2018 dropped by almost 8%, which
was among the highest in the state.

Those figures are inaccurate, according to the official post-canvas
voting report.

In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 54.3% in Ellis County, with 10,612 of the 19,526 registered voters casting ballots. In
2018, 58.8% of the 17,800 registered voters in Ellis County voted.

That is a difference of 4.5% from 2022 to 2018, not
the previously reported 8%.

Leslie Butsch is a field director with the ACLU and was one
of the two representatives the group had at the meeting with Dreiling this week.
She said they are working on election reforms across the state of Kansas.

She said the nonprofit got involved in the Ellis County
issue after being contacted by residents who were in favor of the on-campus polling
location.

The ACLU has been actively running an advertising campaign
on several media outlets, including radio, social media, mailers and text blasts
urging residents to support the initiative.

Dreiling said she will continue to work with the FHSU
students. She already contacts them before advanced voting starts so they can
send out a campus alert. She has also offered to help with a voter registration
drive on campus but said the students have not yet responded to her offers. 

She also opened Saturday voting for the Presidential&nbsp; Preference Primary,
which resulted in an extremely low turnout. But she said that was expected.

Dreiling also said she encourages students and all other Ellis
County residents to participate in early voting at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718
Main St., starting two weeks before any election.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSY polling site</a>

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA group aiming to have a polling location placed on the Fort
Hay State University campus presented the Ellis County Clerk and Election
Officer with a list of more than 450 names in support of the initiative this
week.Fort Hays State University student Madison Albers, from
Goodland, presented the list of 480 people who signed the petition to County
Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling Tuesday afternoon.Albers was joined
by Hays residents and Fort Hays State graduates Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, as
well as two representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;In a letter to the editor in March, Albers argued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel</a>, she said.Albers and McCord said in a June 2023 letter to the editor they had approached Dreiling about two locations for polling locations at FHSU. Dreiling expressed issues with accessibility at the Memorial Union and availability at Gross Memorial Coliseum.RELATED STORIES<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>A Hays Post reporter was in the meeting when the petition was presented Tuesday. The two parties had little discussion on Tuesday. Dreiling declined to comment to the group and chose to look
over the petition before commenting to Hays Post later in the day on Tuesday.&nbsp;She said she has seriously considered the group’s prior proposals
and has had several conversations with them, but as the Ellis County Election Officer, it is her job to represent all of the county's voters.“I want to make it equally accessible for everybody that's
going to be voting, whether it be students or actual residents of Ellis County,”
Dreiling said. She added that the numbers do not show a need for an
additional polling location on campus.According to Chief FHSU Communications Officer Scott Cason,
about 1,500 of the 3,600 students who attend classes on campus live on
the FHSU campus in Hays.Dreiling said voter registration data shows fewer than 30
college students live in the dorms and are registered in Ellis County. Fewer
than 250 total registered voters live on campus and the surrounding area,
according to Dreiling.A common misconception is that all students and staff
members would be able to cast their ballot at an on-campus location.Voters have to vote in their precinct, which is determined by their address.Only voters who live near the FHSU campus could cast a ballot at that location.Dreiling said she has reached out to fellow county clerks
around that state for advice, and no other similar size college town offers on-campus
polling locations. That includes Washburn University in Topeka, Pittsburg State
University in Pittsburg and Emporia State University in Emporia.Dreiling said the group that is pushing for the on-campus polling location has several times compared
voter turnout for Hays to Lawrence and the University of Kansas campus, but it
is not a fair comparison. If the on-campus population at FHSU was the size of the University
of Kansas, Dreiling said she would absolutely place a polling location on
campus.The recent effort by students to have a polling location placed on campus is not new at FHSU. Dreiling said the attempts go back
the better part of three decades, and she has relied on the advice of the three
prior Ellis County clerks and other county clerks throughout the state when
making her decision.“They're (the students) not seeing the big picture of the
feasibility and the economics of it,” Dreiling said. “I'm not doing it to spite
them. I'm doing it because not only myself but three prior clerks have all
turned them down, for good reason, and the feasibility of it, it's not there.”Dreiling said if she chooses to make any changes, she may
consider re-opening the polling location at 601 Main St. That polling location, home to the Cottonwood Extension
District, was closed along with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal
Blvd., in Hays last May.The 601 Main St. location was closed due to voter turnout of
less than 10 percent over the last eight elections.St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was closed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000
Main St., was chosen as its replacement.Dreiling said re-opening a polling location at 601
Main St. would be consistent with the centrally located polling locations, allowing all voters to easily access the polls.Dreiling said she would look over the petition but
was disappointed that it did not contain actual signatures or contact
information for those whose names were on it.She said she hopes to be able to talk with those individuals,
like she has done throughout the process, who may have not heard both sides. That
includes conversations Dreiling has had with influential leaders
within the Fort Hays State and Hays communities.While the majority of the people who signed the
petition said they are from Ellis County and are FHSU students, Dreiling said she has not heard from any other FHSU students outside of Albers and Grace McCord.“I haven't had one student contact me, other than Madison
and Grace, that said we need a polling location on campus” Dreiling said. She added, other than Towns and Weber, “Not one resident of Ellis County, that's a
taxpayer, has contacted me to relocate their polling location to the college.” McCord and Albers served as co-coordinators of the American
Democracy Project at FHSU. Dreiling also took issue with a report from the ACLU that
presents incorrect voter turnout numbers.The ACLU reported that the voter turnout rate in Ellis
County between 2022 and 2018 dropped by almost 8%, which
was among the highest in the state.Those figures are inaccurate, according to the official post-canvas
voting report.In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 54.3% in Ellis County, with 10,612 of the 19,526 registered voters casting ballots. In
2018, 58.8% of the 17,800 registered voters in Ellis County voted.That is a difference of 4.5% from 2022 to 2018, not
the previously reported 8%.Leslie Butsch is a field director with the ACLU and was one
of the two representatives the group had at the meeting with Dreiling this week.
She said they are working on election reforms across the state of Kansas.She said the nonprofit got involved in the Ellis County
issue after being contacted by residents who were in favor of the on-campus polling
location.The ACLU has been actively running an advertising campaign
on several media outlets, including radio, social media, mailers and text blasts
urging residents to support the initiative.Dreiling said she will continue to work with the FHSU
students. She already contacts them before advanced voting starts so they can
send out a campus alert. She has also offered to help with a voter registration
drive on campus but said the students have not yet responded to her offers. She also opened Saturday voting for the Presidential&nbsp; Preference Primary,
which resulted in an extremely low turnout. But she said that was expected.Dreiling also said she encourages students and all other Ellis
County residents to participate in early voting at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718
Main St., starting two weeks before any election.RELATED STORIES<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ee55548-9bdd-4bc1-b153-779b4ead3926">LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">LETTER: Ellis County Clerk answers questions on polling locations</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">LETTER: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSY polling site</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Changes announced to two Hays voting sites</a>

ACLU presents Ellis Co. Clerk petition; she says numbers don't show need for FHSU polling location

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Falling is a serious concern for many older adults. With age, bones become fragile, and the risk of injury increases. Fall-related injuries can also result in decreased mobility and reduced independence. As the leading cause of death from injury, there is good reason why many people fear falling with age.

The risk of falling increases when we get older due to several factors such as the decline in senses and loss of muscle mass. Both of these can contribute to a lack of balance which many older adults struggle with. In fact, balance starts to decline as early as age 50 and reduced vision, strength, and flexibility can all play a part.

The good news is that there are proven ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Increasing strength, focusing on unilateral movements, improving flexibility, and concentrating on vestibular health can all help.

Strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase the control of movement.

Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.

Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.

Other factors that affect balance may not be as obvious. A prime example of this is a compromised vestibular system. This is an intricate structure that is located within the ears, and it relays information to the brain regarding orientation and motion. As a person ages, the vestibular system tends to decline and make balance more difficult. However, exercises that

stimulate the vestibular system produce information for the brain to interpret. With repetition, the brain can learn to process this information more accurately. These exercises can include slow movements of bending, turning the head, and stabilizing the eyes. A professional, such as a physical therapist or doctor can provide specific vestibular therapy.

As you can see, balance is complex. The brain interprets information from several senses through the eyes, muscles, and vestibular system to produce stability. When any of these systems are not functioning properly, balance can be compromised. So, it is crucial to focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and repairing vestibular health which can be extremely beneficial for improving balance and reducing the risk of falling.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictFalling is a serious concern for many older adults. With age, bones become fragile, and the risk of injury increases. Fall-related injuries can also result in decreased mobility and reduced independence. As the leading cause of death from injury, there is good reason why many people fear falling with age.The risk of falling increases when we get older due to several factors such as the decline in senses and loss of muscle mass. Both of these can contribute to a lack of balance which many older adults struggle with. In fact, balance starts to decline as early as age 50 and reduced vision, strength, and flexibility can all play a part.The good news is that there are proven ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Increasing strength, focusing on unilateral movements, improving flexibility, and concentrating on vestibular health can all help.Strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase the control of movement.Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.Other factors that affect balance may not be as obvious. A prime example of this is a compromised vestibular system. This is an intricate structure that is located within the ears, and it relays information to the brain regarding orientation and motion. As a person ages, the vestibular system tends to decline and make balance more difficult. However, exercises thatstimulate the vestibular system produce information for the brain to interpret. With repetition, the brain can learn to process this information more accurately. These exercises can include slow movements of bending, turning the head, and stabilizing the eyes. A professional, such as a physical therapist or doctor can provide specific vestibular therapy.As you can see, balance is complex. The brain interprets information from several senses through the eyes, muscles, and vestibular system to produce stability. When any of these systems are not functioning properly, balance can be compromised. So, it is crucial to focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and repairing vestibular health which can be extremely beneficial for improving balance and reducing the risk of falling.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Reduce the risk of falling with better balance

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

I work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.

Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.

Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.

Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!

A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.

I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictI work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Teamwork

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Did you know that approximately 666,500 youth up to 20 years old annually work on farms operated by persons other than their guardians? That 22,600 farm injuries occur to these youth each year, more than in any profession employing youth? And that 100 youth die each year in farming-related incidents.

In an effort to mitigate agricultural injuries and fatalities to young workers in agriculture. Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture (HOSTA) or Tractor and Farm Safety Course for youth on Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be held at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave. Hoxie, Kansas. Many thanks to Outdoor Bank for providing the lunch and refreshments and to Thunder Linner Memorial Fund for helping sponsor the training manuals.

In a collaboration with businesses, state and county agencies. K-State Research &amp; Extension Agents will teach this course covering farm and machinery safety, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety and more. The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents, and in some instances even when working on the family farm.

Participants must complete some assignments before attending the training on the 27th. To obtain this information and to pay the $10 registration fee by Friday, April 19th. You will need to visit one of the following K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices – Twin Creeks 785-421-3411, Golden Prairie 785-673-4805, Phillips-Rooks 785-425-6851 and Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.

Some Extension Offices may provide transportation to the training, don’t delay and register by Friday, April 19th for the Tractor &amp; Farm Machinery Safety Course for youth 14 - 15 years of age to be held in Hoxie on Saturday, April 27th.

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/2022/9/1664468918962.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDid you know that approximately 666,500 youth up to 20 years old annually work on farms operated by persons other than their guardians? That 22,600 farm injuries occur to these youth each year, more than in any profession employing youth? And that 100 youth die each year in farming-related incidents.In an effort to mitigate agricultural injuries and fatalities to young workers in agriculture. Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture (HOSTA) or Tractor and Farm Safety Course for youth on Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be held at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave. Hoxie, Kansas. Many thanks to Outdoor Bank for providing the lunch and refreshments and to Thunder Linner Memorial Fund for helping sponsor the training manuals.In a collaboration with businesses, state and county agencies. K-State Research &amp; Extension Agents will teach this course covering farm and machinery safety, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety and more. The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents, and in some instances even when working on the family farm.Participants must complete some assignments before attending the training on the 27th. To obtain this information and to pay the $10 registration fee by Friday, April 19th. You will need to visit one of the following K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices – Twin Creeks 785-421-3411, Golden Prairie 785-673-4805, Phillips-Rooks 785-425-6851 and Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.Some Extension Offices may provide transportation to the training, don’t delay and register by Friday, April 19th for the Tractor &amp; Farm Machinery Safety Course for youth 14 - 15 years of age to be held in Hoxie on Saturday, April 27th.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.

Agriculture safety training schedule for April 27 in Hoxie

Did you know that optimistic people tend to live longer? In fact,
positivity adds up to 7.5 years to life! Higher levels of optimism are
associated with reduced risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer,
and stroke. This research suggests that embracing positivity may be a way to
increase longevity and improve overall well-being.

Dr. Erin Martinez, Kansas State University Aging Specialist, tells
us to “SMILE BIG.” The acronym can help us remember to be an optimist and reap
the good of life:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Successful aging requires practicing positivity.&nbsp;“If we
have a positive attitude, we are more likely to make changes and implement
healthy behaviors into our lives that are going to help us be successful as we
age.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Manage our expectations. “We are not
always going to be at the pinnacle of healthy aging, and that’s okay. We need
to make our expectations something attainable.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Interact with positivity.&nbsp;“Research
shows that when you interact with positive people and places, you’re more
likely to embrace positivity as well.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Looking for positives.&nbsp;“We know that bad things
happen sometimes, but when you take the time to truly reflect, I bet you’ll
find something positive that came from the situation.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Escaping ageism.&nbsp;“Make it a priority to escape
stereotypes associated with aging. Your age does not define who you are.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Being healthy.&nbsp;“We know that there are a lot
of healthy behaviors that we should be doing, but we don’t always do them.
Eating healthfully, exercising regularly, taking care of our brain…all of those
things lead to successful aging.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
‘I Can’ approach.&nbsp;“Instead of saying, ‘I can’t
do this or that anymore,’ take the ‘I Can’ approach. For example, ‘I can
utilize a cane that will help me move around more safely…’”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Give yourself grace.&nbsp;“Sometimes we’re going to
mess up or have a bad day. We need to give ourselves grace so we’re not beating
ourselves down when we don’t always embrace positivity. It is okay to not be
okay.”

The “SMILE BIG” approach can be
encouraging because it is a choice. Some factors in life are uncontrollable,
but choosing optimism is something each of us has the power to do no matter our
age. However, seasons of life may present circumstances that make optimism the
difficult choice. So, I challenge you to smile big and spread positivity to all
who cross your path.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDid you know that optimistic people tend to live longer? In fact,
positivity adds up to 7.5 years to life! Higher levels of optimism are
associated with reduced risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer,
and stroke. This research suggests that embracing positivity may be a way to
increase longevity and improve overall well-being.Dr. Erin Martinez, Kansas State University Aging Specialist, tells
us to “SMILE BIG.” The acronym can help us remember to be an optimist and reap
the good of life:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Successful aging requires practicing positivity.&nbsp;“If we
have a positive attitude, we are more likely to make changes and implement
healthy behaviors into our lives that are going to help us be successful as we
age.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Manage our expectations. “We are not
always going to be at the pinnacle of healthy aging, and that’s okay. We need
to make our expectations something attainable.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Interact with positivity.&nbsp;“Research
shows that when you interact with positive people and places, you’re more
likely to embrace positivity as well.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Looking for positives.&nbsp;“We know that bad things
happen sometimes, but when you take the time to truly reflect, I bet you’ll
find something positive that came from the situation.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Escaping ageism.&nbsp;“Make it a priority to escape
stereotypes associated with aging. Your age does not define who you are.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Being healthy.&nbsp;“We know that there are a lot
of healthy behaviors that we should be doing, but we don’t always do them.
Eating healthfully, exercising regularly, taking care of our brain…all of those
things lead to successful aging.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
‘I Can’ approach.&nbsp;“Instead of saying, ‘I can’t
do this or that anymore,’ take the ‘I Can’ approach. For example, ‘I can
utilize a cane that will help me move around more safely…’”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Give yourself grace.&nbsp;“Sometimes we’re going to
mess up or have a bad day. We need to give ourselves grace so we’re not beating
ourselves down when we don’t always embrace positivity. It is okay to not be
okay.”The “SMILE BIG” approach can be
encouraging because it is a choice. Some factors in life are uncontrollable,
but choosing optimism is something each of us has the power to do no matter our
age. However, seasons of life may present circumstances that make optimism the
difficult choice. So, I challenge you to smile big and spread positivity to all
who cross your path.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community
Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You
may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Smile big, live longer

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. No one is too inactive to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.

You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.

If you would like more information before signing up, I will hold a gathering to answer questions and fill out paperwork at the Hays Senior Center on April 11, 2004 at 1 p.m. The classes will begin on May 14 and will continue until July 5. We will meet each Tuesday and Thursday at the Senior Center at 1 p.m. If you can’t make it on April 11th, please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu .There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. All equipment will be provided.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictOne of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. No one is too inactive to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.If you would like more information before signing up, I will hold a gathering to answer questions and fill out paperwork at the Hays Senior Center on April 11, 2004 at 1 p.m. The classes will begin on May 14 and will continue until July 5. We will meet each Tuesday and Thursday at the Senior Center at 1 p.m. If you can’t make it on April 11th, please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu .There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. All equipment will be provided.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy offered at Hays Senior Center

Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture or Tractor and Farm Safety Course for youth on Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be held at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave. Hoxie, Kansas.

K-State Research &amp; Extension Agents will teach this course covering farm and machinery safety, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety and more. The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents, and in some instances even when working on the family farm.

Participants must complete some assignments before attending the training on the 27th. To obtain this information and to pay the $10 registration fee by Friday, April 19th. You will need to visit one of the following K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices – Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie, Phillips-Rooks and Cottonwood District.

Some Extension Offices may provide transportation to the training, don’t delay and register by Friday, April 19th for the Tractor &amp; Farm Safety Course in Hoxie.

Cottonwood Extension DistrictSeveral K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture or Tractor and Farm Safety Course for youth on Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be held at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave. Hoxie, Kansas.K-State Research &amp; Extension Agents will teach this course covering farm and machinery safety, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety and more. The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents, and in some instances even when working on the family farm.Participants must complete some assignments before attending the training on the 27th. To obtain this information and to pay the $10 registration fee by Friday, April 19th. You will need to visit one of the following K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices – Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie, Phillips-Rooks and Cottonwood District.Some Extension Offices may provide transportation to the training, don’t delay and register by Friday, April 19th for the Tractor &amp; Farm Safety Course in Hoxie.

Hazardous Occupations Safety Training in Agriculture planned

Our current winter wheat crop condition for Ellis and Barton County has been pretty favorable due to the precipitation events last fall and this winter. There are always exceptions to this, where the crop did not emerge until later, due to when the crop was planted, when and how much moisture was received.

No surprise to anyone, that our winter has been warmer than average, my wife would argue that fact with me, but the weather data does not lie. Growing degree days (GDD) is a measure used to estimate the growth and development of a certain crop during the growing season. According to Kansas Mesonet weather data the GDD are well ahead of the normal averages for our Kansas wheat crop.

Last week Kansas experienced a cold front that sent temperatures well below freezing. What kind of impact can that have on our wheat crop in this area. Well like so many things, it depends. Factors that influence the potential for freeze injury to wheat include primarily:

Other factors, such as position in the landscape and the presence of residue covering the soil surface, might also impact the extent of freeze damage within a field. “The challenge is integrating all these factors into a reasonable estimate of freeze injury”, according to Romulo Lollato, K-State Wheat Specialist.

Soil temperatures can help buffer freezing air temperatures if the growing point is below ground or near the soil surface. However, its buffering capacity decreases as the crop develops and the growing point moves above the soil surface. Thus, we can expect a positive effect from soil temperatures in the majority of the state since soil temperatures did not reach levels below 35 degrees F, with exception of southeast where the crop is further along and the growing point is well into the canopy.

For fields that have not jointed yet, the crop can generally withstand temperatures of 15-20°F fairly well, especially if the growing point is still below ground. Kansas Mesonet data indicates that temperatures fell below this threshold, reaching as low as about 10°F in parts of northwest Kansas.

If the growing point is already above ground (first joint visible), wheat can sustain temperatures down to about 24 degrees F for a few hours. Minimum temperatures below 24°F for extended periods of time increase the risk of crop injury. Information from the K-State Mesonet indicates that air temperatures were around this 24°F threshold in most of central and north-central Kansas; however, they dipped below the threshold for as many as 17-21 hours in southwest Kansas, which can cause damage to fields at the first node of development or more advanced stages.

Based on the wheat growth stage, temperature and duration of temperature. Romulo Lollato says “we estimate that parts of southwest Kansas would be more exposed to the potential freeze damage”, given that the crop is relatively advanced (at or past jointing) and was met with many hours of air temperatures below 24°F, with lowest temperatures reaching 13°F.

In the remainder of the state, temperatures needed to cause damage at the observed crop stages were borderline, and therefore, we expect that only more advanced fields could sustain freeze damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictOur current winter wheat crop condition for Ellis and Barton County has been pretty favorable due to the precipitation events last fall and this winter. There are always exceptions to this, where the crop did not emerge until later, due to when the crop was planted, when and how much moisture was received.No surprise to anyone, that our winter has been warmer than average, my wife would argue that fact with me, but the weather data does not lie. Growing degree days (GDD) is a measure used to estimate the growth and development of a certain crop during the growing season. According to Kansas Mesonet weather data the GDD are well ahead of the normal averages for our Kansas wheat crop.Last week Kansas experienced a cold front that sent temperatures well below freezing. What kind of impact can that have on our wheat crop in this area. Well like so many things, it depends. Factors that influence the potential for freeze injury to wheat include primarily:· Growth stage of the crop· Air temperatures· Duration of cold temperatures· Soil temperatures· Snow coverOther factors, such as position in the landscape and the presence of residue covering the soil surface, might also impact the extent of freeze damage within a field. “The challenge is integrating all these factors into a reasonable estimate of freeze injury”, according to Romulo Lollato, K-State Wheat Specialist.Soil temperatures can help buffer freezing air temperatures if the growing point is below ground or near the soil surface. However, its buffering capacity decreases as the crop develops and the growing point moves above the soil surface. Thus, we can expect a positive effect from soil temperatures in the majority of the state since soil temperatures did not reach levels below 35 degrees F, with exception of southeast where the crop is further along and the growing point is well into the canopy.For fields that have not jointed yet, the crop can generally withstand temperatures of 15-20°F fairly well, especially if the growing point is still below ground. Kansas Mesonet data indicates that temperatures fell below this threshold, reaching as low as about 10°F in parts of northwest Kansas.If the growing point is already above ground (first joint visible), wheat can sustain temperatures down to about 24 degrees F for a few hours. Minimum temperatures below 24°F for extended periods of time increase the risk of crop injury. Information from the K-State Mesonet indicates that air temperatures were around this 24°F threshold in most of central and north-central Kansas; however, they dipped below the threshold for as many as 17-21 hours in southwest Kansas, which can cause damage to fields at the first node of development or more advanced stages.Based on the wheat growth stage, temperature and duration of temperature. Romulo Lollato says “we estimate that parts of southwest Kansas would be more exposed to the potential freeze damage”, given that the crop is relatively advanced (at or past jointing) and was met with many hours of air temperatures below 24°F, with lowest temperatures reaching 13°F.In the remainder of the state, temperatures needed to cause damage at the observed crop stages were borderline, and therefore, we expect that only more advanced fields could sustain freeze damage.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: 2024 Kansas wheat crop and the weather

Please join the Cottonwood Extension District, Clinkscales Elder Law and A Different Mindset Association for two nights of education about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. If you are wanting more information about Alzheimer’s or dementia or you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, you won’t want to miss the information and support in the two presentations coming up on April 10 and 11. 

The first night Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent for K-State Research and Extension will present K-State’s Fact Sheet on Alzheimer’s 101 that will cover topics such as early signs, benefits of early detection, and better brain health. The second night Jill Wechsler-Care Coordinator for Clinkscales Elder Law and A Different Mindset Association will present on best approaches for behaviors related to dementia. You can join live or via zoom. 

If you would like a zoom link please call the office at 785-628-9430. You can attend one or both sessions, whatever fits your needs. Hope to see you there!

Cottonwood Extension DistrictPlease join the Cottonwood Extension District, Clinkscales Elder Law and A Different Mindset Association for two nights of education about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. If you are wanting more information about Alzheimer’s or dementia or you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, you won’t want to miss the information and support in the two presentations coming up on April 10 and 11. The first night Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent for K-State Research and Extension will present K-State’s Fact Sheet on Alzheimer’s 101 that will cover topics such as early signs, benefits of early detection, and better brain health. The second night Jill Wechsler-Care Coordinator for Clinkscales Elder Law and A Different Mindset Association will present on best approaches for behaviors related to dementia. You can join live or via zoom. If you would like a zoom link please call the office at 785-628-9430. You can attend one or both sessions, whatever fits your needs. Hope to see you there!

Alzheimer's, Dementia education event planned

TOPEKA — Four ceremonies will take place April 6-7, 2024, to&nbsp;recognize teachers nominated for the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The announcement of semifinalists and finalists will be made at the ceremonies. &nbsp;

The mission of the KTOY program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. &nbsp;

This year, 120 educators from across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of the state’s four congressional districts. &nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the KTOY program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region. &nbsp;

Each panel selects six semifinalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.  &nbsp;

The 2025 KTOY regional award banquets will take place at the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 4&nbsp; Wichita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 E. Corporate Hills Dr., Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 1&nbsp; Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. at the Tony’s Event Center, 800 The Midway,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;

Region 2&nbsp; Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 p.m. at the Hotel Topeka at City Center, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka. &nbsp;

Region 3&nbsp; Overland Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Sheraton, 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park.&nbsp;

The 2025 KTOY regional finalists will gather in Wichita on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, for the announcement of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. The announcement will be made during the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet. &nbsp;

Nominees for the 2025 KTOY program are the following: &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637537733050.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA — Four ceremonies will take place April 6-7, 2024, to&nbsp;recognize teachers nominated for the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The announcement of semifinalists and finalists will be made at the ceremonies. &nbsp;The mission of the KTOY program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. &nbsp;This year, 120 educators from across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. Nominations are made in each of the state’s four congressional districts. &nbsp;The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), sponsor of the KTOY program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region. &nbsp;Each panel selects six semifinalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.  &nbsp;The 2025 KTOY regional award banquets will take place at the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, April 6, 2024 &nbsp;Region 4&nbsp; Wichita&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. at the Wichita Marriott Hotel, 9100 E. Corporate Hills Dr., Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Region 1&nbsp; Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. at the Tony’s Event Center, 800 The Midway,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, April 7, 2024 &nbsp;Region 2&nbsp; Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 p.m. at the Hotel Topeka at City Center, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka. &nbsp;Region 3&nbsp; Overland Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Sheraton, 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park.&nbsp;The 2025 KTOY regional finalists will gather in Wichita on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, for the announcement of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. The announcement will be made during the Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet. &nbsp;Nominees for the 2025 KTOY program are the following: &nbsp;REGION 1 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Chelsee Boe, Sullivan Elementary School, Ulysses USD 214 &nbsp;</li><li>Kaylee Brooks, Lyons Central Elementary School, Lyons USD 405 </li><li>Angela Brumbaugh, North Elementary School, Goodland USD 352 &nbsp;</li><li>Shannon Cooper, Marion Elementary School, Marion-Florence USD 408 &nbsp;</li><li>Shannon Downs, Roosevelt Elementary School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Greene, West Elementary School, Wamego USD 320 &nbsp;</li><li>Jessica Groff, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Hays USD 489 &nbsp;</li><li>Cassendra Hatzenbuehler, Riley Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428 &nbsp;</li><li>Mary Larkin, Syracuse Elementary School, Syracuse USD 494 &nbsp;</li><li>Catherine Leake, Nickerson Elementary School, Nickerson USD 309 &nbsp;</li><li>Jana Miller, Deerfield Elementary School, Deerfield USD 216 &nbsp;</li><li>Rochelle Napier, Plum Creek Elementary School, Buhler USD 313 &nbsp;</li><li>Kristin Peltier, Concordia Elementary School, Concordia USD 333 &nbsp;</li><li>Cari Pfizenmaier, Lincoln Elementary School, Clay County USD 379 &nbsp;</li><li>Brenda Rogers, Stanton County Elementary School, Stanton County USD 452 &nbsp;</li><li>Leslie Specht, McCandless Elementary School, Hutchinson USD 308 &nbsp;</li><li>Maegen Stucky, Roosevelt Elementary School, McPherson USD 418 &nbsp;</li><li>Megan Todd, Rock Creek Middle School, Rock Creek USD 323 &nbsp;</li><li>Sylvia Villa, Cottonwood Elementary School, Liberal USD 480 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsey Wood, Cottonwood Elementary School, Salina USD 305 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Elizabeth Aldridge, Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320 &nbsp;</li><li>Whitney Aves, Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson USD 308 &nbsp;</li><li>Lindsey Baribeau, Rock Creek Middle School, Rock Creek USD 323 &nbsp;</li><li>John Clark, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313 &nbsp;</li><li>Charles Dirks, Ulysses High School, Ulysses USD 214 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Ernst, Nickerson High School, Nickerson USD 309 &nbsp;</li><li>Andrea Flegler, Clay Center Community High School, Clay County USD 379</li><li>Sarah Gerwitz, Comanche Middle School, Dodge City USD 443 &nbsp;</li><li>Michael Hall, Salina Central High School, Salina USD 305 &nbsp;</li><li>Jamie Meyer, Concordia Jr/Sr High School, Concordia USD 333 &nbsp;</li><li>Brian Nelson, Garden City High School, Garden City USD 457 &nbsp;</li><li>Marisol Pena, Seymour Rogers Middle School, Liberal USD 480 &nbsp;</li><li>Mackenzie Phrommany, Manhattan High School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 &nbsp;</li><li>Sergio Ramirez, Great Bend High School, Great Bend USD 428 &nbsp;</li><li>Christopher Rome, Marion High School, Marion-Florence USD 408 &nbsp;</li><li>Annette Sosa, Hugoton High School, Hugoton USD 210 &nbsp;</li><li>Jay Stout II, Goodland Jr/Sr High School, Goodland USD 352 &nbsp;</li><li>Christopher Strathman, McPherson High School, McPherson USD 418 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Towery, Stockton High School, Stockton USD 271 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 2 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Mary Beck, West Indianola Elementary School, Seaman USD 345 &nbsp;</li><li>Laura Cluke, Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School, Topeka USD 501 &nbsp;</li><li>Connie Coleman, Timmerman Elementary School, Emporia USD 253 &nbsp;</li><li>Tricia Dwyre, Piper Prairie Elementary School, Piper USD 203 &nbsp;</li><li>Benjamin Eckelberry, Tecumseh North Elementary School, Shawnee Heights USD 450 &nbsp;</li><li>Tiffany Goracke, Linwood Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458 &nbsp;</li><li>Jennifer Gustafson, Humboldt Elementary School, Humboldt USD 258 &nbsp;</li><li>Mallory Koger, Overbrook Attendance Center, Santa Fe Trail USD 434 &nbsp;</li><li>Judy Lacey, Marais Des Cygnes Valley Elementary School, Marais Des Cygnes Valley USD 456 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsey Mann, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475 &nbsp;</li><li>Kristin Oswald, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence USD 497 &nbsp;</li><li>Erin Scott, Baldwin Elementary Center, Baldwin USD 348 &nbsp;</li><li>Anna Stryker, Pauline Central Primary School, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 &nbsp;</li><li>Denise Thorpe, Horton Elementary School, South Brown County USD 430 &nbsp;</li><li>Dawn Torrain, Richard Warren Intermediate School, Leavenworth USD 453 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Elizabeth Anstine, Leavenworth Sr. High School, Leavenworth USD 453 &nbsp;</li><li>Erik Bailey, Baldwin Jr. High School, Baldwin USD 348 &nbsp;</li><li>Lori Byers, Billy Mills Middle School, Lawrence USD 497 &nbsp;</li><li>Stephanie Cannady, Central Heights High School, Central Heights USD 288 &nbsp;</li><li>Cassie Cowan, Seaman High School, Seaman USD 345 &nbsp;</li><li>Katie Deneault, Piper High School, Piper USD 203 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Elliott, Fort Riley Middle School, Geary County USD 475 &nbsp;</li><li>Jeff Folger, Jackson Heights High School, North Jackson USD 335</li><li>Michael Gossett, Basehor-Linwood Middle School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458 &nbsp;</li><li>Sara Jackman, Fort Scott Sr. High School, Fort Scott USD 234 &nbsp;</li><li>Diane Kimsey, Topeka High School, Topeka USD 501 &nbsp;</li><li>Susan Livingston, Emporia High School, Emporia USD 253 &nbsp;</li><li>Kathryn Louderback, Washburn Rural Middle School, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 &nbsp;</li><li>Sarah Tschauder, Atchison High School, Atchison USD 409 &nbsp;</li><li>Karen Withers, Shawnee Heights Middle School, Shawnee Heights USD 450 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 3 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Dandra Arter, Clear Creek Elementary School, De Soto USD 232 &nbsp;</li><li>Malinda Chappell, Sunflower Elementary School, Paola USD 368&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Cambria Fleming, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416 &nbsp;</li><li>Melanie Golubski, Dayton Creek Elementary School, Spring Hill USD 230 &nbsp;</li><li>Susan Hartley, Edwardsville Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204 &nbsp;</li><li>Sharon Kenny, Cottonwood Point Elementary School, Blue Valley USD 229 &nbsp;</li><li>Mackayla Martin, Garnett Elementary School, Garnett USD 365 &nbsp;</li><li>Hannah Mastorakos, Welborn Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500 &nbsp;</li><li>Cara Mills, Sunflower Elementary School, Ottawa USD 290 &nbsp;</li><li>Amber Pagan, Nieman Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512 &nbsp;</li><li>Laura Scoma, Wellsville Elementary School, Wellsville USD 289 &nbsp;</li><li>Nancy Smith, Heatherstone Elementary School, Olathe USD 233 &nbsp;</li><li>Mandy Soetaert, Nike Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 &nbsp;</li><li>Jason Werner, Midland Trail Elementary School, Turner USD 202 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Aaron Batterbee, Gardner Edgerton High School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 &nbsp;</li><li>Brianna Derley, Ottawa Sr. High School, Ottawa USD 290 &nbsp;</li><li>Daniel Freeman, Blue Valley North High School, Blue Valley USD 229 &nbsp;</li><li>Annam (Annie) Hasan, Shawnee Mission South High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512 &nbsp;</li><li>Ryan Mellick, Bonner Springs High School, Bonner Springs USD 204 &nbsp;</li><li>Andrew Proctor, De Soto High School, De Soto USD 232 &nbsp;</li><li>Jamie Roecker, Wellsville Middle School, Wellsville USD 289 &nbsp;</li><li>Kathryn Siefken, Louisburg High School, Louisburg USD 416 &nbsp;</li><li>Heather Simons, Paola Middle School, Paola USD 368 &nbsp;</li><li>Tyler Sisco, Washington High School, Kansas City USD 500 &nbsp;</li><li>Cecilia Stump, Turner High School, Turner USD 202 &nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Weltz, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>REGION 4 &nbsp;Elementary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Robyn Darbyshire, Rex Elementary School, Haysville USD 261 &nbsp;</li><li>Jessica Denner, Blackmore Elementary School, El Dorado USD 490 &nbsp;</li><li>Misty Faudel, Bentley Primary School, Halstead USD 440 &nbsp;</li><li>Mario Flores, Gammon Elementary School, Wichita USD 259 &nbsp;</li><li>Kelsi Gallardo, Garfield Elementary School, Augusta USD 402 &nbsp;</li><li>Katie Hartley, Lowell Elementary School, Winfield USD 465 &nbsp;</li><li>Julie Hines, Kinsley-Offerle Elementary School, Kinsley-Offerle USD 347 &nbsp;</li><li>Kimberly Lies, Andale Elem-Middle School, Renwick USD 267 &nbsp;</li><li>Lynsi Martinez, Circle Greenwich Elementary School, Circle USD 375 &nbsp;</li><li>Leslie McEntire, Maize South Intermediate School, Maize USD 266 &nbsp;</li><li>Margaret Meyer, Wheatland Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262 &nbsp;</li><li>Melissa Short, Discovery Intermediate School, Goddard USD 265 &nbsp;</li><li>Olivia Winegeart, Paul B. Cooper Elementary School, Derby USD 260 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Secondary: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Stanley Bergkamp, Maize Sr. High School, Maize USD 266 &nbsp;</li><li>Lacie Fair, Newton Sr. High School, Newton USD 373 &nbsp;</li><li>Shelia Fulton, Campus High School, Haysville USD 261 &nbsp;</li><li>Todd Hollis, Augusta Sr. High School, Augusta USD 402 &nbsp;</li><li>Kirsten Meireis, Andale High School, Renwick USD 267 &nbsp;</li><li>Mary Roseberry, Sedgwick High School, Sedgwick USD 439 &nbsp;</li><li>Sharon Rott, Kinsley Jr/Sr High School, Kinsley-Offerle USD 347 &nbsp;</li><li>Dawn Rush, El Dorado Middle School, El Dorado USD 490 &nbsp;</li><li>Jodi Schendel, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265 &nbsp;</li><li>Erik Stone, Gordon Parks Academy, Wichita USD 259 &nbsp;</li><li>Ethan Wagoner, Derby Middle School, Derby USD 260 &nbsp;</li><li>Dixon Woodburn, Winfield Middle School, Winfield USD 465 &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Hays, area educators to be recognized during  Kansas Teacher of the Year ceremonies  

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Do you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.

There will be a program on small space and container gardening at the Ellinwood District Hospital in the Education room on April 12 at noon. &nbsp;I will be talking about several different ways to garden in a smaller space, and be able to answer questions to help you get started. 

Space is limited, so an RSVP to Tonya Pike at 620-564-2548 is requested.

Whether you want a couple tomato plants, a bin of potatoes, or just a small herb garden, there is a garden for everyone. We hope to see you on the 12th!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictDo you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.There will be a program on small space and container gardening at the Ellinwood District Hospital in the Education room on April 12 at noon. &nbsp;I will be talking about several different ways to garden in a smaller space, and be able to answer questions to help you get started. Space is limited, so an RSVP to Tonya Pike at 620-564-2548 is requested.Whether you want a couple tomato plants, a bin of potatoes, or just a small herb garden, there is a garden for everyone. We hope to see you on the 12th!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Backyard gardens

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and this is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.

We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County and eight in Ellis County and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.

Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.

Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.

Two other important groups of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!

If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me for Barton County and Tamara Robertson in Ellis County! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging, enlightening, and FUN!

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179500533.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictApril 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and this is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County and eight in Ellis County and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.Two other important groups of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me for Barton County and Tamara Robertson in Ellis County! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging, enlightening, and FUN!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Thank you, volunteers!

Bacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.

You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. 

Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.

The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.

In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. 

Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.

Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.

Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables also

supports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.

Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.

Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.

Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictBacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables alsosupports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Building a healthy microbiome

Dementia/Alzheimer's workshops to address early detection, caregivers 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Research at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.

Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).

Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.

Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.

The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust or

stripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.

Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.

The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:

· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.

· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.

· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictResearch at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust orstripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

Campbell: Considerations for early fungicide applications on wheat

Sometimes cooking is a hassle. This is especially true if you are only feeding one or two people. Dining out or preparing a frozen meal can seem to be an easier option, but regularly eating convenience foods can take a toll on your physical health and waistline.

Fast food and TV dinners tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and calories. On the other hand, homemade meals are usually more nutritious and more affordable. When you cook, you are free to be creative! You can substitute ingredients to tailor your meal to your budget and taste. You can also take charge of your diet to improve your self-esteem and overall health.

Here are a few tips for cooking for one or two:

First, make a plan. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to create a menu and grocery list each week. When you menu plan, you take the guesswork out and you will be prepared with ingredients on hand for each meal you make.

Learn how to halve recipes. This may be a rather obvious tip, but most recipes are designed to feed a group of 4-6. Instead of eating leftovers all week long, divide the ingredient portions in half to cut down on food waste.

Cook your main protein once a week. For example, by roasting chicken on the weekend, you can use the leftover meat to quickly create different meals throughout the week. Add the meat to a soup or salad, slice it in sandwiches, use it in tacos, or create a stir-fry or pasta dish.

Use non-traditional protein sources. Think outside of the box by substituting for alternative protein sources. For example, black bean quesadillas or tofu stir-fry are nutritious options that don’t require preparing raw meat. Another option is to get creative with canned meats. Use a pouch of tuna to make tuna salad or a can of chicken to create buffalo chicken dip.

Utilize the freezer. It may be tough to get through an entire meal without it going bad. Dividing leftovers into single-serving portions can help you create healthy frozen meals for days you

don’t have time to cook. You can also freeze perishable foods like bread. Simply, slice, freeze, and take out one or two pieces as needed. Other convenient freezer foods are steamable vegetables and frozen fruits.

Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it doesn’t have to involve “cooking” at all! Be prepared with items on hand to create a variety of meals, and be open to trying new foods and recipes. You may realize that preparing simple meals can be nutritious, affordable, and quick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSometimes cooking is a hassle. This is especially true if you are only feeding one or two people. Dining out or preparing a frozen meal can seem to be an easier option, but regularly eating convenience foods can take a toll on your physical health and waistline.Fast food and TV dinners tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and calories. On the other hand, homemade meals are usually more nutritious and more affordable. When you cook, you are free to be creative! You can substitute ingredients to tailor your meal to your budget and taste. You can also take charge of your diet to improve your self-esteem and overall health.Here are a few tips for cooking for one or two:First, make a plan. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to create a menu and grocery list each week. When you menu plan, you take the guesswork out and you will be prepared with ingredients on hand for each meal you make.Learn how to halve recipes. This may be a rather obvious tip, but most recipes are designed to feed a group of 4-6. Instead of eating leftovers all week long, divide the ingredient portions in half to cut down on food waste.Cook your main protein once a week. For example, by roasting chicken on the weekend, you can use the leftover meat to quickly create different meals throughout the week. Add the meat to a soup or salad, slice it in sandwiches, use it in tacos, or create a stir-fry or pasta dish.Use non-traditional protein sources. Think outside of the box by substituting for alternative protein sources. For example, black bean quesadillas or tofu stir-fry are nutritious options that don’t require preparing raw meat. Another option is to get creative with canned meats. Use a pouch of tuna to make tuna salad or a can of chicken to create buffalo chicken dip.Utilize the freezer. It may be tough to get through an entire meal without it going bad. Dividing leftovers into single-serving portions can help you create healthy frozen meals for days youdon’t have time to cook. You can also freeze perishable foods like bread. Simply, slice, freeze, and take out one or two pieces as needed. Other convenient freezer foods are steamable vegetables and frozen fruits.Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it doesn’t have to involve “cooking” at all! Be prepared with items on hand to create a variety of meals, and be open to trying new foods and recipes. You may realize that preparing simple meals can be nutritious, affordable, and quick.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.