Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. announced today that its Sharing Success Fund, managed by the Scott Community Foundation, has awarded a $1,000 grant to the Cottonwood Extension District in Great Bend.

The Sharing Success grant funds will be used toward the purchase of appliances for a meeting room in the new Extension District office. The meeting room will be used to create an area where youth and adult groups alike can learn nutrition and food preparation, says Donna Krug, district director. As Krug explains, a variety of other classes taught at the Cottonwood Extension District require the use of a stove and refrigerator, such as Babysitting 101, that strive to improve the quality of life for low-income families in Barton County.

The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund from non-profit organizations on December 1, 2012. Wheatland Electric and CoBank have each contributed $10,000 this year to the fund. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted.

Non-profit groups interested in receiving funding from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund can apply online at https://www.weci.net/sharing-success-program. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, Manager of Member Services &amp; Corporate Communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.

About Us Our Mission: Delivering Energy for Life – Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., a member owned distribution cooperative headquartered in Scott City, KS, was established in 1948 as a distribution and power cooperative, in the state of Kansas. Today, Wheatland Electric serves more than 33,000 electric meters in 14 Kansas counties and 3 Colorado counties and maintains over 4,000 miles of distribution power lines across western, southcentral Kansas and eastern Colorado. Together, with the help of our members, we are committed to building a better and stronger rural America. Visit www.weci.net for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627390307174.jpeg" alt="Alli Conine (right), manager of member services &amp; corporate communications at Wheatland Electric, presents a $1,000 Sharing Success grant to staff of the Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Alli Conine (right), manager of member services &amp; corporate communications at Wheatland Electric, presents a $1,000 Sharing Success grant to staff of the Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSWheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. announced today that its Sharing Success Fund, managed by the Scott Community Foundation, has awarded a $1,000 grant to the Cottonwood Extension District in Great Bend.The Sharing Success grant funds will be used toward the purchase of appliances for a meeting room in the new Extension District office. The meeting room will be used to create an area where youth and adult groups alike can learn nutrition and food preparation, says Donna Krug, district director. As Krug explains, a variety of other classes taught at the Cottonwood Extension District require the use of a stove and refrigerator, such as Babysitting 101, that strive to improve the quality of life for low-income families in Barton County.The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund from non-profit organizations on December 1, 2012. Wheatland Electric and CoBank have each contributed $10,000 this year to the fund. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted.Non-profit groups interested in receiving funding from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund can apply online at https://www.weci.net/sharing-success-program. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, Manager of Member Services &amp; Corporate Communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.About Us Our Mission: Delivering Energy for Life – Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., a member owned distribution cooperative headquartered in Scott City, KS, was established in 1948 as a distribution and power cooperative, in the state of Kansas. Today, Wheatland Electric serves more than 33,000 electric meters in 14 Kansas counties and 3 Colorado counties and maintains over 4,000 miles of distribution power lines across western, southcentral Kansas and eastern Colorado. Together, with the help of our members, we are committed to building a better and stronger rural America. Visit www.weci.net for more information.

Cottonwood Extension receives $1K grant from Wheatland Electric

This past week our summer intern and a group of older 4-H members hosted a day camp which focused on the four seasons.

While a small group, the day campers learned to use a sun oven to make s’mores, made snowmen and melted snowmen, learned about wind and made weather vanes, learned about pollinators and beekeeping, and built paper boats!

From a youth development perspective, I thrive on watching the campers share and interact. However, some of the best learning happened with our older 4-H members! One of the group had translated the flyer about the camp so that it was available in English and Spanish; one was able to give a great lesson on the interaction of vinegar and baking soda as they made melting snowmen. Others honed skills on watching for a camper who was shy or didn’t understand the instructions and they were all quick to help campers stay engaged in the activities. They had to know and practice their material, and work together for smooth transitions between activities. That was some pretty exciting youth development science at work!

In addition, this was a great experience for our summer intern to plan, organize, and hold an event. There are many more moving parts and small details that must be handled for a smooth event as well as learning how to be flexible and adjust on the go.

Just like my favorite part of living in Kansas is experiencing the distinct seasons, I appreciate watching the different personalities and experience levels of our 4-H members as they work together to organize and present an event. It was definitely a Season of Learning for all of the participants!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>This past week our summer intern and a group of older 4-H members hosted a day camp which focused on the four seasons.While a small group, the day campers learned to use a sun oven to make s’mores, made snowmen and melted snowmen, learned about wind and made weather vanes, learned about pollinators and beekeeping, and built paper boats!From a youth development perspective, I thrive on watching the campers share and interact. However, some of the best learning happened with our older 4-H members! One of the group had translated the flyer about the camp so that it was available in English and Spanish; one was able to give a great lesson on the interaction of vinegar and baking soda as they made melting snowmen. Others honed skills on watching for a camper who was shy or didn’t understand the instructions and they were all quick to help campers stay engaged in the activities. They had to know and practice their material, and work together for smooth transitions between activities. That was some pretty exciting youth development science at work!In addition, this was a great experience for our summer intern to plan, organize, and hold an event. There are many more moving parts and small details that must be handled for a smooth event as well as learning how to be flexible and adjust on the go.Just like my favorite part of living in Kansas is experiencing the distinct seasons, I appreciate watching the different personalities and experience levels of our 4-H members as they work together to organize and present an event. It was definitely a Season of Learning for all of the participants!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Seasons of learning

Throughout my 32 plus years as an Extension Educator in Kansas, I have been on the receiving end of several grants to fund special projects. Eight years ago, I submitted a proposal to purchase six sewing machines plus fabric and supplies so that 4-H’ers and other youth, could help make one hundred pillow cases for the Life-Giving Center in Great Bend. We had been teaching sewing classes using a variety of sewing machines that were 30 to 40 years old and in need of repairs. A considerable amount of time at each class was spent adjusting machines to keep things moving along. By purchasing six machines that were identical we could focus our time on the sewing projects.

When filling out a grant proposal it is important to have a clear vision about the issue your project will address. In the case of the sewing machine proposal, our purpose was two-fold. Young people, ages 8-12 learned basic sewing skills and developed a sense of community service by completing charitable sewing projects. The residents of the Life-Giving Center who received the pillowcases experienced a boost to their self-esteem as they work to turn their lives around.

Our Be Well Barton County task force received a small grant to help with the development of a campground for cross country cyclists behind Central Baptist Church. The addition of an electrical charging station as well as refurbished picnic tables have been appreciated by many cyclists this summer. Another grant is funding a kiosk which will have information about our community to share with cyclists.

Fast forward to less than a month ago. I had the opportunity to apply for a Sharing Success grant through Wheatland electric. This time my request was for funds to help purchase a basic range and refrigerator for the office space we will be moving to in November. We received news early last week that we were awarded $1000 to help with this purchase. We’ll put the appliances to good use as we teach classes to youth and adults in our new space.

Grants are a vital piece in our communities’ success in funding special projects. Collaborating with community partners is definitely an important component when it comes to successful grant writing. I hope many of you reading this will take advantage of an online grant writing workshop our Cottonwood Extension District is hosting September 14th and 15th, 1-4 PM each day.

Participants in the grant writing workshop will learn:

· To conquer fears and start writing · Sources of data for community needs · Where to find grants · How to develop the grant elements; problem, outcomes, activities, evaluation, and budget.

The workshop is led by Nancy Daniels, a Community Vitality Specialist with K-State Research and Extension. I have had the pleasure of working with Nancy on other projects and she will do a great job. The cost to enroll is $60 and enrollment is limited to 30 individuals. You can find the enrollment link on our Cottonwood Extension District Web site. Feel free to reach out to either of our Cottonwood District offices if you have questions about the workshop!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout my 32 plus years as an Extension Educator in Kansas, I have been on the receiving end of several grants to fund special projects. Eight years ago, I submitted a proposal to purchase six sewing machines plus fabric and supplies so that 4-H’ers and other youth, could help make one hundred pillow cases for the Life-Giving Center in Great Bend. We had been teaching sewing classes using a variety of sewing machines that were 30 to 40 years old and in need of repairs. A considerable amount of time at each class was spent adjusting machines to keep things moving along. By purchasing six machines that were identical we could focus our time on the sewing projects.When filling out a grant proposal it is important to have a clear vision about the issue your project will address. In the case of the sewing machine proposal, our purpose was two-fold. Young people, ages 8-12 learned basic sewing skills and developed a sense of community service by completing charitable sewing projects. The residents of the Life-Giving Center who received the pillowcases experienced a boost to their self-esteem as they work to turn their lives around.Our Be Well Barton County task force received a small grant to help with the development of a campground for cross country cyclists behind Central Baptist Church. The addition of an electrical charging station as well as refurbished picnic tables have been appreciated by many cyclists this summer. Another grant is funding a kiosk which will have information about our community to share with cyclists.Fast forward to less than a month ago. I had the opportunity to apply for a Sharing Success grant through Wheatland electric. This time my request was for funds to help purchase a basic range and refrigerator for the office space we will be moving to in November. We received news early last week that we were awarded $1000 to help with this purchase. We’ll put the appliances to good use as we teach classes to youth and adults in our new space.Grants are a vital piece in our communities’ success in funding special projects. Collaborating with community partners is definitely an important component when it comes to successful grant writing. I hope many of you reading this will take advantage of an online grant writing workshop our Cottonwood Extension District is hosting September 14th and 15th, 1-4 PM each day.Participants in the grant writing workshop will learn:· To conquer fears and start writing · Sources of data for community needs · Where to find grants · How to develop the grant elements; problem, outcomes, activities, evaluation, and budget.The workshop is led by Nancy Daniels, a Community Vitality Specialist with K-State Research and Extension. I have had the pleasure of working with Nancy on other projects and she will do a great job. The cost to enroll is $60 and enrollment is limited to 30 individuals. You can find the enrollment link on our Cottonwood Extension District Web site. Feel free to reach out to either of our Cottonwood District offices if you have questions about the workshop!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

KRUG: Grant writing workshop offered online

The pinnacle of most athletes’ career is often a championship title, MVP award, or perhaps a gold medal. For more than 11,000 athletes, that moment will begin this week as the 2021 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremonies kick off on Friday, July 23. This Friday is the beginning of two-weeks filled with festivities and competition that will transpire in Tokyo, Japan.

Team USA will bring over 600 athletes to compete in a variety of events, some of the most popular being gymnastics, swimming, track &amp; field, and soccer. Many of these participants have patiently waited an additional year to compete for their home country. When the Games were postponed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, many competitors had to reevaluate their training and mindset to adapt to the change. In a year filled with postponements and cancellations, it is inspiring to see these athletes finally competing and displaying their long tribulations of commitment. I admire the perseverance these athletes had to prolong their training and wait another 365 days to participate on an Olympic team.

As an avid follower of sports and college &amp; professional athletics, I am an eager fan of the Olympic Games. It is always a joy to watch the best athletes complete on the world’s largest stage. There are probably several areas Olympians could educate the general public on, some of those including diet, exercise, strength training, and physical rehab. However, one aspect I think is most noteworthy of these top-tier competitors is the mindset and mental toughness they build and rehearse in order to compete and thrive at the highest level.

Olympians have event coaches to train for the specifics of their sport, physical therapists who assist with proper recovery, and dietitians who help athletes appropriately fuel their body. Yet there are areas athletes themselves must have total control over: their mindset.

The resilience, determination, and focus these individuals have is something we can all appreciate as they compete in front of the world. There are various avenues of mental health coaches, programs, and techniques these athletes utilize to assist with psychological preparation, but eventually it falls to the athlete to mentally prepare themselves.

Consistency seems to be a common factor in most success stories. Continually showing up to improve, learn, and work is what sets individuals apart from each other. The athletes who will compete over the next few weeks have crafted a mindset that caters to their personal needs and encourages them to succeed. Although most Americans, including myself, will never compete or acquire the talent and ability it requires to compete at the Olympic Games, we can practice the intangible aspects of motivation and perseverance these Olympians possess.

Mattie Rossi is the K-State Research &amp; Extension Cottonwood District - Summer Intern. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626961188260.png" alt="written by: Mattie Rossi - Cottonwood Extension District Intern" />
 <figcaption>written by: Mattie Rossi - Cottonwood Extension District Intern</figcaption>
 </figure>The pinnacle of most athletes’ career is often a championship title, MVP award, or perhaps a gold medal. For more than 11,000 athletes, that moment will begin this week as the 2021 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremonies kick off on Friday, July 23. This Friday is the beginning of two-weeks filled with festivities and competition that will transpire in Tokyo, Japan.Team USA will bring over 600 athletes to compete in a variety of events, some of the most popular being gymnastics, swimming, track &amp; field, and soccer. Many of these participants have patiently waited an additional year to compete for their home country. When the Games were postponed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, many competitors had to reevaluate their training and mindset to adapt to the change. In a year filled with postponements and cancellations, it is inspiring to see these athletes finally competing and displaying their long tribulations of commitment. I admire the perseverance these athletes had to prolong their training and wait another 365 days to participate on an Olympic team.As an avid follower of sports and college &amp; professional athletics, I am an eager fan of the Olympic Games. It is always a joy to watch the best athletes complete on the world’s largest stage. There are probably several areas Olympians could educate the general public on, some of those including diet, exercise, strength training, and physical rehab. However, one aspect I think is most noteworthy of these top-tier competitors is the mindset and mental toughness they build and rehearse in order to compete and thrive at the highest level.Olympians have event coaches to train for the specifics of their sport, physical therapists who assist with proper recovery, and dietitians who help athletes appropriately fuel their body. Yet there are areas athletes themselves must have total control over: their mindset.The resilience, determination, and focus these individuals have is something we can all appreciate as they compete in front of the world. There are various avenues of mental health coaches, programs, and techniques these athletes utilize to assist with psychological preparation, but eventually it falls to the athlete to mentally prepare themselves.Consistency seems to be a common factor in most success stories. Continually showing up to improve, learn, and work is what sets individuals apart from each other. The athletes who will compete over the next few weeks have crafted a mindset that caters to their personal needs and encourages them to succeed. Although most Americans, including myself, will never compete or acquire the talent and ability it requires to compete at the Olympic Games, we can practice the intangible aspects of motivation and perseverance these Olympians possess.Mattie Rossi is the K-State Research &amp; Extension Cottonwood District - Summer Intern. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

ROSSI: Learning from Olympic athletes

Usually I don’t spend a lot of time “googling” to find out what the rest of the world thinks, but I did want to find out what exactly what people think the County Fair really is. One of the definitions found was “a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy carnival or funfair entertainment”. The archaic spelling of “fair” was “fayre” used in the 15th to the 17th century. Even back then, the definition still included “a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment."

In my opinion, the county fair is the best place to see new things and maybe even try new things. If all community members participate and enter an item they have made or if they share a “vintage” item from the past, there will always be some fantastic displays at the fair.

I have tried to exhibit at least one item at the fair each year but I’m not as devoted as my mother. My mom is 85 years old and I know for at least the last 20 years she has not missed bringing items to the fair to show in open class. She knits, crochets, quilts, sews, paints and creates all year long. Since 2011 she has won an award for the most items exhibited at the fair in the Clothing, Textiles and Handiwork division at the North Central Kansas Free Fair. She really doesn’t care about the ribbons or the premium money, she seriously just wants to have things for people to look at when they come to the county fair.

One item that was not mentioned in the definition of the county fair is the volunteer force that is necessary to make such an event happen. In addition to parents getting their family members and all their exhibits to the fair, they are also asked to volunteer in one of the many divisions. The Superintendents volunteer their time to accept the entries during the entry time, then organize the exhibits and prepare them for the judging. After the judging is complete, they work to display all the exhibits for the public to see. In the livestock division, the list of responsibilities is even longer as superintendents and assistants are constantly checking the animals and visiting with the 4-H members so they will be ready for the show.

4-H families also volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand and help set up and clean up the buildings before and after the fair. 4-H teens are busy throughout the week teaching younger members, helping promote projects, creating videos or livestreaming shows and events, all while exhibiting their own projects. The leadership skills the junior leaders learn are invaluable to the community later in life.

The Fairboard works hard to plan evening events such as the Family carnival, the pedal tractor pull and the concerts. There are also commercial exhibits that round out the entire definition of the County Fair.

If you did not get a chance to visit the Barton County Fair this year, check out some events scheduled in a nearby county and find out what the county fair is all about.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Usually I don’t spend a lot of time “googling” to find out what the rest of the world thinks, but I did want to find out what exactly what people think the County Fair really is. One of the definitions found was “a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy carnival or funfair entertainment”. The archaic spelling of “fair” was “fayre” used in the 15th to the 17th century. Even back then, the definition still included “a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment."In my opinion, the county fair is the best place to see new things and maybe even try new things. If all community members participate and enter an item they have made or if they share a “vintage” item from the past, there will always be some fantastic displays at the fair.I have tried to exhibit at least one item at the fair each year but I’m not as devoted as my mother. My mom is 85 years old and I know for at least the last 20 years she has not missed bringing items to the fair to show in open class. She knits, crochets, quilts, sews, paints and creates all year long. Since 2011 she has won an award for the most items exhibited at the fair in the Clothing, Textiles and Handiwork division at the North Central Kansas Free Fair. She really doesn’t care about the ribbons or the premium money, she seriously just wants to have things for people to look at when they come to the county fair.One item that was not mentioned in the definition of the county fair is the volunteer force that is necessary to make such an event happen. In addition to parents getting their family members and all their exhibits to the fair, they are also asked to volunteer in one of the many divisions. The Superintendents volunteer their time to accept the entries during the entry time, then organize the exhibits and prepare them for the judging. After the judging is complete, they work to display all the exhibits for the public to see. In the livestock division, the list of responsibilities is even longer as superintendents and assistants are constantly checking the animals and visiting with the 4-H members so they will be ready for the show.4-H families also volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand and help set up and clean up the buildings before and after the fair. 4-H teens are busy throughout the week teaching younger members, helping promote projects, creating videos or livestreaming shows and events, all while exhibiting their own projects. The leadership skills the junior leaders learn are invaluable to the community later in life.The Fairboard works hard to plan evening events such as the Family carnival, the pedal tractor pull and the concerts. There are also commercial exhibits that round out the entire definition of the County Fair.If you did not get a chance to visit the Barton County Fair this year, check out some events scheduled in a nearby county and find out what the county fair is all about.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: The value of the county fair

Earlier this year I learned about a resource available to us Extension Educators in Kansas. The “Blender Bike” or “Smoothie Bicycle” is not your ordinary stationery bike. It’s a K-State purple bike with an apparatus above the wheel where we attach a blender container. Resistance against the tire when the bike is pedaled spins the blades of the blender. Each time I brought the blender bike out for a demonstration at our recent Barton County Fair it drew a crowd of curious folks.

Smoothie recipes are easy to create. You can choose from ingredients that you like or have on hand. For our smoothies at the Fair I started by chopping one banana and adding 1 cup of frozen fruit. Blueberry/mango or raspberry/mango were the hands down favorites. Then we added a cup of liquid, like any type of milk or 100% fruit juice. We put all of the ingredients in the blender container and fair goers took turns pedaling the bike in order to create the smoothie. I guess you could say I made them exercise for their snack!

Fruit smoothies are a healthy and refreshing snack during the summer. Depending on the ingredients you choose, a 1 cup serving has around 110 calories, 1.5 grams total fat, 8 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrate, 1-gram dietary fiber, and 115 mg sodium. Smoothies also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. And while the blender bike was a fun way to make our smoothies you can certainly use your home blender to create a healthy snack for your family.

I noticed some additional recipes that accompanied the blender bike were “Blender Salsa” and “Bicycle Hummus”. The blender bike is currently at a booth in the commercial building of the Ellis County Fair. It will also be shared at farmer’s markets in Hays and Great Bend later this month.

The blender bike activity is designed to support and encourage children and families to eat well and be active. It was fun to see the smiles on the faces of the participants who helped make this activity a success!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626212252423.jpeg" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this year I learned about a resource available to us Extension Educators in Kansas. The “Blender Bike” or “Smoothie Bicycle” is not your ordinary stationery bike. It’s a K-State purple bike with an apparatus above the wheel where we attach a blender container. Resistance against the tire when the bike is pedaled spins the blades of the blender. Each time I brought the blender bike out for a demonstration at our recent Barton County Fair it drew a crowd of curious folks.Smoothie recipes are easy to create. You can choose from ingredients that you like or have on hand. For our smoothies at the Fair I started by chopping one banana and adding 1 cup of frozen fruit. Blueberry/mango or raspberry/mango were the hands down favorites. Then we added a cup of liquid, like any type of milk or 100% fruit juice. We put all of the ingredients in the blender container and fair goers took turns pedaling the bike in order to create the smoothie. I guess you could say I made them exercise for their snack!Fruit smoothies are a healthy and refreshing snack during the summer. Depending on the ingredients you choose, a 1 cup serving has around 110 calories, 1.5 grams total fat, 8 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrate, 1-gram dietary fiber, and 115 mg sodium. Smoothies also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. And while the blender bike was a fun way to make our smoothies you can certainly use your home blender to create a healthy snack for your family.I noticed some additional recipes that accompanied the blender bike were “Blender Salsa” and “Bicycle Hummus”. The blender bike is currently at a booth in the commercial building of the Ellis County Fair. It will also be shared at farmer’s markets in Hays and Great Bend later this month.The blender bike activity is designed to support and encourage children and families to eat well and be active. It was fun to see the smiles on the faces of the participants who helped make this activity a success!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: 'Blender Bike' created fun learning

Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Previous research conducted at KSU suggests that large round bales composed of Wheat or Sudan hay can incur feed waste of up to 25% of a bale’s weight when unrolled. Much of this loss can be attributed to factors associated with delayed harvest and/or improper storage prior to feeding.&nbsp;

Management practices for large round bales&nbsp;

Forage production for future use as a consequence of dry weather conditions or winter feeding is an important element for all cattle producers who wish to insure the nutritional needs of their cowherd are being met. Proper attention throughout the entire hay harvesting process, including proper storage will pay future dividends towards this effort.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Previous research conducted at KSU suggests that large round bales composed of Wheat or Sudan hay can incur feed waste of up to 25% of a bale’s weight when unrolled. Much of this loss can be attributed to factors associated with delayed harvest and/or improper storage prior to feeding.&nbsp;Management practices for large round bales&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Make a dense bale.&nbsp;A dense bale will sag less, have less surface area in contact with the ground, shed more precipitation and protect the inner bale from weathering, and make more efficient use of the bale wrap deployed. Bale density is affected by the baler, the experience of the operator, and the type of hay.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Store bales end-to-end to reduce storage loss.&nbsp;Tightly stacking bales end to end better utilizes the storage area. If bales are not stacked tightly against each other, rain will penetrate the ends and increase damage. Position the hay bales on a well-drained site. A gently sloping site with a southern or southeastern exposure is ideal to maximize solar drying and encourage drainage. To further reduce wastage on the bottom of the bales, some producers have elevated their bales using old tires, shipping pallets or on a layer of 3 to 4 inches of crushed rock. When more than one row of bales is needed, be mindful to space adjacent rows at least 3 feet apart. This simple action will increase air flow and allow the sun to reach the back row.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Avoid stacking large round bales.&nbsp;Many producers will stack their large round bales in a pyramid formation with the thought of maximizing their utilization of space. However, this strategy will usually increase dry matter losses in the stack as a result of the trapped moisture and reduced air movement.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>DO NOT cover bales.&nbsp;Aside from adding cost, covering bales will potentially trap moisture the same as wrapping them in plastic. If high moisture hay (over 18 percent) is sealed under plastic, quality losses may result from excessive heating and mold development.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>DO NOT store bales under trees.&nbsp;During harvest, many producers will move the large round bales to the field perimeter with good intentions of moving bales to a central location when it is convenient. However, locating bales under trees will encourage degradation of their bales because of trapped moisture and the inability to dry from sunlight.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Forage production for future use as a consequence of dry weather conditions or winter feeding is an important element for all cattle producers who wish to insure the nutritional needs of their cowherd are being met. Proper attention throughout the entire hay harvesting process, including proper storage will pay future dividends towards this effort.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Harvesting forages for future use

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

You can get a free bicycle helmet and learn about bicycle safety at the Barton County Fair Saturday morning.&nbsp;The Family Fun Bike Ride is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Expo grounds west of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Participants will be divided into age groups and stations will be set up for&nbsp;age-appropriate&nbsp;activities. Everyone can participate in an obstacle course,&nbsp;learn about hand signals and how to decorate their bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Police Chief Steven Haulmark&nbsp;will&nbsp;help register up to 40 bicycles&nbsp;during the event.&nbsp;Having a bicycle registration&nbsp;helps&nbsp;you&nbsp;identify your bike if it is ever stolen.&nbsp;Todd Van Skike from Golden Belt Bicycle will help with minor adjustments including safety checks. He will also provide a few Strider bikes for small children to try out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Members of the Pilot Club will distribute&nbsp;the free&nbsp;helmets on a first-come, first-serve basis. They will&nbsp;also&nbsp;help&nbsp;properly fit the helmets on each&nbsp;participant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;event&nbsp;is jointly sponsored by the Cottonwood Extension District, the Barton County Fair&nbsp;Association,&nbsp;the Pilot Club and the Be Well Barton County Task Force.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617893335903.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostYou can get a free bicycle helmet and learn about bicycle safety at the Barton County Fair Saturday morning.&nbsp;The Family Fun Bike Ride is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Expo grounds west of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants will be divided into age groups and stations will be set up for&nbsp;age-appropriate&nbsp;activities. Everyone can participate in an obstacle course,&nbsp;learn about hand signals and how to decorate their bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend Police Chief Steven Haulmark&nbsp;will&nbsp;help register up to 40 bicycles&nbsp;during the event.&nbsp;Having a bicycle registration&nbsp;helps&nbsp;you&nbsp;identify your bike if it is ever stolen.&nbsp;Todd Van Skike from Golden Belt Bicycle will help with minor adjustments including safety checks. He will also provide a few Strider bikes for small children to try out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the Pilot Club will distribute&nbsp;the free&nbsp;helmets on a first-come, first-serve basis. They will&nbsp;also&nbsp;help&nbsp;properly fit the helmets on each&nbsp;participant.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;event&nbsp;is jointly sponsored by the Cottonwood Extension District, the Barton County Fair&nbsp;Association,&nbsp;the Pilot Club and the Be Well Barton County Task Force.&nbsp;

Enjoy the Family Fun Bike Ride at the Barton County Fair 

With multiple rain delays slowing the progress of wheat harvest, some areas of the state may experience sooty molds and possibly even grain with a discoloration known as black point. Black point can occur due to repeated rainfalls received during harvest season. Both of these problems are caused by molds that grow on the mature wheat.

These molds are normally not aggressive pathogens in wheat, but they can rapidly colonize mature plants. These diseases are most problematic when rain re-wets mature plants and causes harvest delays. The sooty molds are often a cosmetic problem because the mold growth is very superficial on the chaff and glumes. The sooty molds can make for a dusty harvest, however. If the timing of the rain coincides with the late stages of kernel development, the molds can begin to colonize the outer layers of the wheat kernel, resulting in a gray-black discoloration called black point. Commonly, the embryo end of the kernel is most discolored, but entire kernels can become gray or black as a result of the black point.

There is no management of these diseases at this time. The fungi that cause black point can cause problems with germination and reduce seedling vigor. Therefore, seed lots with symptoms of black point should be tested for germination. If black point is causing germination problems, fungicide seed treatments can often improve the germination and ensure good stand establishment.

Wheat kernels with symptoms of black point (top row of kernels are healthy). Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension.

Wheat kernels with symptoms of black point found in Thomas County. Photo by Jeanne Falk Jones, K-State Research and Extension.

Sooty head molds Sooty head molds are characterized by a dark green or black mold growth on the surface of mature wheat heads. These molds are part of a naturally occurring complex of organisms that help to decay dead plant debris. Sooty molds are most common when mature wheat is subjected to repeated rains and delayed harvest. This disease also may affect plants that have been damaged by root rot.

The sooty head mold growth is normally superficial. Its affect on grain is thought to be minor, but it can make for dusty harvest operations. Sooty molds can contribute to a discoloration of the grain called "black point."

Management - generally impractical or not needed.

Why this year? This disease has been showing up in wheat fields throughout the area due to frequent rainfall events and high humidity. It is also more likely to show up in fields with damaged tissue, such as hail damage or damage from cold temperatures. Many times the dust from the combine is a darker, blacker color when harvesting wheat with this disease on the head.

Save it for seed? Even though this disease is a secondary infection, I would look closely at this seed when deciding whether to save it for seed. There potentially could be other things going on earlier in the year that may have affected the seed quality, creating shriveled seed. Also, the frequent rainfall this harvest may have affected the test weight. These things would contribute to decreased emergence and seedling vigor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625580495792.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>With multiple rain delays slowing the progress of wheat harvest, some areas of the state may experience sooty molds and possibly even grain with a discoloration known as black point. Black point can occur due to repeated rainfalls received during harvest season. Both of these problems are caused by molds that grow on the mature wheat.These molds are normally not aggressive pathogens in wheat, but they can rapidly colonize mature plants. These diseases are most problematic when rain re-wets mature plants and causes harvest delays. The sooty molds are often a cosmetic problem because the mold growth is very superficial on the chaff and glumes. The sooty molds can make for a dusty harvest, however. If the timing of the rain coincides with the late stages of kernel development, the molds can begin to colonize the outer layers of the wheat kernel, resulting in a gray-black discoloration called black point. Commonly, the embryo end of the kernel is most discolored, but entire kernels can become gray or black as a result of the black point.There is no management of these diseases at this time. The fungi that cause black point can cause problems with germination and reduce seedling vigor. Therefore, seed lots with symptoms of black point should be tested for germination. If black point is causing germination problems, fungicide seed treatments can often improve the germination and ensure good stand establishment.Wheat kernels with symptoms of black point (top row of kernels are healthy). Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension.Wheat kernels with symptoms of black point found in Thomas County. Photo by Jeanne Falk Jones, K-State Research and Extension.Sooty head molds Sooty head molds are characterized by a dark green or black mold growth on the surface of mature wheat heads. These molds are part of a naturally occurring complex of organisms that help to decay dead plant debris. Sooty molds are most common when mature wheat is subjected to repeated rains and delayed harvest. This disease also may affect plants that have been damaged by root rot.The sooty head mold growth is normally superficial. Its affect on grain is thought to be minor, but it can make for dusty harvest operations. Sooty molds can contribute to a discoloration of the grain called "black point."Management - generally impractical or not needed.Why this year? This disease has been showing up in wheat fields throughout the area due to frequent rainfall events and high humidity. It is also more likely to show up in fields with damaged tissue, such as hail damage or damage from cold temperatures. Many times the dust from the combine is a darker, blacker color when harvesting wheat with this disease on the head.Save it for seed? Even though this disease is a secondary infection, I would look closely at this seed when deciding whether to save it for seed. There potentially could be other things going on earlier in the year that may have affected the seed quality, creating shriveled seed. Also, the frequent rainfall this harvest may have affected the test weight. These things would contribute to decreased emergence and seedling vigor.

CAMPBELL: Sooty molds and black point in wheat

By&nbsp;Donna Krug, District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent – Cottonwood Extension District

People young and old take to the streets on bicycles during the summer months. I get excited when I see families out for a bike ride together, exploring the parks in our communities. What excites me even more is when I see the entire family protecting their heads with bicycle helmets. Even minor accidents can result in a serious head injury if a helmet is not worn.

An event that I have been asked to help coordinate is just around the corner. A Family Fun Bike Ride is set for Saturday, July 10th, from 8 – 9 AM at the Expo grounds west of Great Bend. This event is jointly sponsored by our Cottonwood Extension District, the Barton County Fair Association, Pilot Club and the Be Well Barton County task force.

Our goal during the hour-long event will be to teach bicycle safety rules while participants are having fun. We will have free bike helmets in sizes from toddlers through adults. Pilot Club members will be on hand to help properly fit the helmets on participants. Helmets will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Besides the helmet giveaway, Pilot Club members will be offering a healthy snack.

We will divide the participants into age groups and have stations set up with age-appropriate activities. From riding through an obstacle course, practicing hand signals and decorating your bike there will be activities for everyone. Todd Van Skike, from Golden Belt Bicycle, will be on hand to do minor adjustments including safety checks on bicycles for the days’ ride. He will also bring a few Strider bikes for little ones to try out. Great Bend Police Chief, Steven Haulmark, has provided us with materials to register 40 bicycles at no charge during the event. Completing a bicycle registration helps to identify your bike if it is ever stolen.

As you can see, many community-minded people are working to make this Family Fun Bike Ride a success. Now all we need are families to join us on the runway just west of the Great Bend armory? There is no pre-registration for the event but feel free to give me a call at (620)793-1910 if you have any questions about this fun event.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617893335903.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bicycle Safety RevisitedBy&nbsp;Donna Krug, District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent – Cottonwood Extension DistrictPeople young and old take to the streets on bicycles during the summer months. I get excited when I see families out for a bike ride together, exploring the parks in our communities. What excites me even more is when I see the entire family protecting their heads with bicycle helmets. Even minor accidents can result in a serious head injury if a helmet is not worn.An event that I have been asked to help coordinate is just around the corner. A Family Fun Bike Ride is set for Saturday, July 10th, from 8 – 9 AM at the Expo grounds west of Great Bend. This event is jointly sponsored by our Cottonwood Extension District, the Barton County Fair Association, Pilot Club and the Be Well Barton County task force.Our goal during the hour-long event will be to teach bicycle safety rules while participants are having fun. We will have free bike helmets in sizes from toddlers through adults. Pilot Club members will be on hand to help properly fit the helmets on participants. Helmets will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Besides the helmet giveaway, Pilot Club members will be offering a healthy snack.We will divide the participants into age groups and have stations set up with age-appropriate activities. From riding through an obstacle course, practicing hand signals and decorating your bike there will be activities for everyone. Todd Van Skike, from Golden Belt Bicycle, will be on hand to do minor adjustments including safety checks on bicycles for the days’ ride. He will also bring a few Strider bikes for little ones to try out. Great Bend Police Chief, Steven Haulmark, has provided us with materials to register 40 bicycles at no charge during the event. Completing a bicycle registration helps to identify your bike if it is ever stolen.As you can see, many community-minded people are working to make this Family Fun Bike Ride a success. Now all we need are families to join us on the runway just west of the Great Bend armory? There is no pre-registration for the event but feel free to give me a call at (620)793-1910 if you have any questions about this fun event.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Bicycle Safety Revisited

“Be careful!” How often does a child hear those words on the July 4th holiday? No one wants the holiday weekend to end with an injury or an illness. While the concerns for fireworks and water safety are founded, the food safety concerns for the backyard barbeque are also very real.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 128,000 people will require hospitalization this year because of foodborne illnesses. With higher temperatures in the summer months, the number of food poisoning cases tend to increase.

· Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water.

· Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat. Also keep ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) separate and in a separate cooler to avoid cross-contamination.

· Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Just because the inside of the burger “looks” brown, it doesn’t mean that it has reached the proper safe temperature.

· Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consumed immediately after cooking. Do not leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers.

· Packing drinks in a separate cooler is strongly recommended, so the food cooler isn’t opened quite so often. Keep the cooler in the shade and cover it with a blanket to keep it cool.

Follow these recommended internal temperatures.

· Beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steaks and chops) should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a three minute “rest time” after removal from the heat source.

· For ground meats, like burgers or sausage, cook them to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Cook eggs and egg dishes to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Poultry, such as chicken wings, breast and thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

When in doubt, throw it out! Have a safe July 4th holiday.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu

“Be careful!” How often does a child hear those words on the July 4th holiday? No one wants the holiday weekend to end with an injury or an illness. While the concerns for fireworks and water safety are founded, the food safety concerns for the backyard barbeque are also very real.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 128,000 people will require hospitalization this year because of foodborne illnesses. With higher temperatures in the summer months, the number of food poisoning cases tend to increase.Follow these food safety guidelines:· Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water.· Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat. Also keep ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) separate and in a separate cooler to avoid cross-contamination.· Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Just because the inside of the burger “looks” brown, it doesn’t mean that it has reached the proper safe temperature.· Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consumed immediately after cooking. Do not leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers.· Packing drinks in a separate cooler is strongly recommended, so the food cooler isn’t opened quite so often. Keep the cooler in the shade and cover it with a blanket to keep it cool.Follow these recommended internal temperatures.· Beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steaks and chops) should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a three minute “rest time” after removal from the heat source.· For ground meats, like burgers or sausage, cook them to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.· Cook eggs and egg dishes to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.· Poultry, such as chicken wings, breast and thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.· Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.When in doubt, throw it out! Have a safe July 4th holiday.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu

Be Safe on July 4th - Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the ongoing wheat harvest and  Fusarium Head Blight.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Fusarium Head Blight affecting western Kansas crops" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sefkq-10791c2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the ongoing wheat harvest and Fusarium Head Blight.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Fusarium Head Blight affecting western Kansas crops

Some of the bicyclists you see pedaling through Great Bend&nbsp;this summer may be from Germany, Australia or anywhere in the world. That’s because Great Bend&nbsp;is now a stop on&nbsp;the Trans-America Bicycle Trail that stretches between&nbsp;Astoria,&nbsp;Oregon and&nbsp;Yorktown,&nbsp;Virginia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Adventure Cycling Association which developed the trail contacted&nbsp;Donna Krug, the&nbsp;District Director of the Cottonwood Extension District, about bringing the&nbsp;trail&nbsp;down K-96&nbsp;through Great Bend. The previous route had passed west and south of the city. Krug&nbsp;explains why they were interested in Great Bend.&nbsp;

“There aren’t a lot of services when you go west of Great Bend,” Krug noted. “They needed a bike shop, they needed food, they needed lodging, and so they considered rerouting. That&nbsp;just happened in 2019.”&nbsp;

Members of the Central Baptist Church&nbsp;and the Be Well Barton County Task Force&nbsp;have stepped in to help accommodate the&nbsp;cyclists.&nbsp;They are&nbsp;developing&nbsp;a&nbsp;campground in the parking lot and lawn behind the church at Lakin and Harrison streets.&nbsp;Central Baptist’s Interim Pastor Charlotte Maxwell describes some&nbsp;of the things her church members and the task force have done to make the cyclists&nbsp;feel&nbsp;welcome.&nbsp;

"They have set up a bicycle repair area, so they’ve got all of the tools that a bicyclist might need&nbsp;to repair their bicycles,” Maxwell said. “They also have a charging station to charge their cell phones&nbsp;and plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables to have pup tents,&nbsp;et cetera.”&nbsp;

Maxwell says she has been letting cyclists sleep in the church’s fellowship hall&nbsp;when the weather is exceptionally hot. Cyclists know they can come to the church because it has been placed on&nbsp;Adventure Cycling’s map. It will soon be highlighted on a Google map.&nbsp;

Plans are underway to add signage and a kiosk that will help the cyclists learn more about our community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624634218125.png" alt="Rest and camping area at Central Baptist Church for bicyclists passing through Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Rest and camping area at Central Baptist Church for bicyclists passing through Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostSome of the bicyclists you see pedaling through Great Bend&nbsp;this summer may be from Germany, Australia or anywhere in the world. That’s because Great Bend&nbsp;is now a stop on&nbsp;the Trans-America Bicycle Trail that stretches between&nbsp;Astoria,&nbsp;Oregon and&nbsp;Yorktown,&nbsp;Virginia.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Adventure Cycling Association which developed the trail contacted&nbsp;Donna Krug, the&nbsp;District Director of the Cottonwood Extension District, about bringing the&nbsp;trail&nbsp;down K-96&nbsp;through Great Bend. The previous route had passed west and south of the city. Krug&nbsp;explains why they were interested in Great Bend.&nbsp;“There aren’t a lot of services when you go west of Great Bend,” Krug noted. “They needed a bike shop, they needed food, they needed lodging, and so they considered rerouting. That&nbsp;just happened in 2019.”&nbsp;Members of the Central Baptist Church&nbsp;and the Be Well Barton County Task Force&nbsp;have stepped in to help accommodate the&nbsp;cyclists.&nbsp;They are&nbsp;developing&nbsp;a&nbsp;campground in the parking lot and lawn behind the church at Lakin and Harrison streets.&nbsp;Central Baptist’s Interim Pastor Charlotte Maxwell describes some&nbsp;of the things her church members and the task force have done to make the cyclists&nbsp;feel&nbsp;welcome.&nbsp;"They have set up a bicycle repair area, so they’ve got all of the tools that a bicyclist might need&nbsp;to repair their bicycles,” Maxwell said. “They also have a charging station to charge their cell phones&nbsp;and plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables to have pup tents,&nbsp;et cetera.”&nbsp;Maxwell says she has been letting cyclists sleep in the church’s fellowship hall&nbsp;when the weather is exceptionally hot. Cyclists know they can come to the church because it has been placed on&nbsp;Adventure Cycling’s map. It will soon be highlighted on a Google map.&nbsp;Plans are underway to add signage and a kiosk that will help the cyclists learn more about our community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend is now a part of the Trans-America Bike Trail 

The brain is a powerful organ and it would be great if it worked for us our entire life. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to go purple and use their brains to fight this devastating disease. Alzheimer's disease leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks, affecting nearly all its functions. The more people know about Alzheimer's, the more action we inspire. You can learn more at www.alz.org.

Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, there are steps you can take to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. Taking steps now to adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle will improve your overall health and well-being, but also help to reduce your risk for cognitive decline, heart disease, and other debilitating and chronic diseases.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides these 10 Ways to Love Your Brain!

•Break a Sweat -Engaging in regular exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.

•Hit the Books - Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, let’s learn something new!

•Butt Out -Quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

•Follow Your Heart - Control your blood pressure and strive to maintain a healthy weight. Take care of your heart and your brain might follow!

•Heads Up - Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

•Fuel Up Right - Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

•Catch Some Zzzz’s - Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

•Take Care of Your Mental Health - Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.

•Buddy Up -Stay social with friends, family, and in your community. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community.

•Stump Yourself - Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle.

Thank you to Tara Solomon, Wildcat Extension District, for sharing this valuable information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The brain is a powerful organ and it would be great if it worked for us our entire life. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age.June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to go purple and use their brains to fight this devastating disease. Alzheimer's disease leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks, affecting nearly all its functions. The more people know about Alzheimer's, the more action we inspire. You can learn more at www.alz.org.Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, there are steps you can take to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. Taking steps now to adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle will improve your overall health and well-being, but also help to reduce your risk for cognitive decline, heart disease, and other debilitating and chronic diseases.The Alzheimer’s Association provides these 10 Ways to Love Your Brain!•Break a Sweat -Engaging in regular exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.•Hit the Books - Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, let’s learn something new!•Butt Out -Quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.•Follow Your Heart - Control your blood pressure and strive to maintain a healthy weight. Take care of your heart and your brain might follow!•Heads Up - Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.•Fuel Up Right - Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.•Catch Some Zzzz’s - Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.•Take Care of Your Mental Health - Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.•Buddy Up -Stay social with friends, family, and in your community. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community.•Stump Yourself - Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle.Thank you to Tara Solomon, Wildcat Extension District, for sharing this valuable information.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

The weather is hot and harvest is in full swing. That can only mean one thing: Fair Time is here. Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying some of the activities scheduled during the next few weeks, at both the Barton and Ellis County Fairs. There are several things you can do to stay hydrated as the temperature climbs. Drinking at least eight cups of fluid a day is recommended under normal circumstances and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise. Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes waste; and regulates body temperature.

Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening. It is a good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect a heat stroke.

Cool water is recommended for the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods also have a high-water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting them with water in order to reduce sugar intake.

The bottom line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during and after play.

Let’s hope that the summer of 2021 does not show up in the record books!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The weather is hot and harvest is in full swing. That can only mean one thing: Fair Time is here. Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying some of the activities scheduled during the next few weeks, at both the Barton and Ellis County Fairs. There are several things you can do to stay hydrated as the temperature climbs. Drinking at least eight cups of fluid a day is recommended under normal circumstances and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise. Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes waste; and regulates body temperature.Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening. It is a good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect a heat stroke.Cool water is recommended for the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods also have a high-water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting them with water in order to reduce sugar intake.The bottom line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during and after play.Let’s hope that the summer of 2021 does not show up in the record books!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Fluids important to manage heat, humidity safely

In last week’s article I wrote about a late season wheat disease that we typically do not see in the western half of the state called Fusarium Head Blight or more commonly known as head scab. The disease is rare in western Kansas, where dry conditions generally suppress disease development. However, this year has been the exception due to all of the precipitation we have received this spring, and it appears that numerous wheat fields have a low level of head scab.

I don’t think it is anything to get to worked-up about but when harvesting, you may want to carefully watch your combines adjustment of air to try and remove or blow out more of the affected kernels that are typically shriveled and lighter. Another management tip is to harvest fields with the lowest disease levels first, which can prevent further degradation of grain quality. Where possible, avoid mixing healthy grain with loads of grain having higher disease levels.

The disease is easy to detect before the wheat turns in color, because head scab causes tan lesions that encompass portions of the wheat head. Infected spikelets are often brown at the base and can have orange fungal spores on the edges of the florets. Infections may damage the stem within the head, causing segments above the infection to die prematurely and turn white. The head symptoms are quickly masked by the maturation of the wheat crop; growers may not realize the full extent of the damage until harvest, when the Fusarium damaged kernels are visible in the grain. Diseased kernels are shriveled and have a white, chalky appearance. In some cases, the infected kernels may have a pink discoloration.

The next question on many farmer’s mind is – can I keep this wheat back for seed wheat to plant this coming fall? As I had previously mentioned from the fields I have seen the head scab infection appears to be at low levels. The disease Fusarium graminearum also can cause seedling blight and root rot. If you do decide to keep back some of the infected seed for planting. Clean the seed rigorously, treat it with a fungicide, check the germination rate before planting and adjust the plant population appropriately. Seed lots with very low germination after cleaning should not be planted.

Fusarium growth production stop when grain moisture levels fall below 22 percent. Avoid storing seed lots with scabby kernels at high moisture levels, even briefly. Grain infested with Fusarium that has been cleaned to remove the lighter, scabby kernels will store better than infected grain that has not been cleaned.

The Kansas Crop Improvement Association in Manhattan does seed germination tests for a nominal fee of around $18 per sample. This year with the head scab it may well be worth the money to send your potential seed wheat off first for a germination test, especially before going to the expense of seed cleaning and a seed treatment. You can contact our offices in Hays or Great Bend for the form for the germination test. We would also be glad to send the sample(s) in for you or provide you with the mailing address and form. If you wish to learn more about Fusarium Head Blight (head scab), go to www.cottonwood.ksu.edu click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for Head Scab.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624289482386.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>In last week’s article I wrote about a late season wheat disease that we typically do not see in the western half of the state called Fusarium Head Blight or more commonly known as head scab. The disease is rare in western Kansas, where dry conditions generally suppress disease development. However, this year has been the exception due to all of the precipitation we have received this spring, and it appears that numerous wheat fields have a low level of head scab.I don’t think it is anything to get to worked-up about but when harvesting, you may want to carefully watch your combines adjustment of air to try and remove or blow out more of the affected kernels that are typically shriveled and lighter. Another management tip is to harvest fields with the lowest disease levels first, which can prevent further degradation of grain quality. Where possible, avoid mixing healthy grain with loads of grain having higher disease levels.The disease is easy to detect before the wheat turns in color, because head scab causes tan lesions that encompass portions of the wheat head. Infected spikelets are often brown at the base and can have orange fungal spores on the edges of the florets. Infections may damage the stem within the head, causing segments above the infection to die prematurely and turn white. The head symptoms are quickly masked by the maturation of the wheat crop; growers may not realize the full extent of the damage until harvest, when the Fusarium damaged kernels are visible in the grain. Diseased kernels are shriveled and have a white, chalky appearance. In some cases, the infected kernels may have a pink discoloration.The next question on many farmer’s mind is – can I keep this wheat back for seed wheat to plant this coming fall? As I had previously mentioned from the fields I have seen the head scab infection appears to be at low levels. The disease Fusarium graminearum also can cause seedling blight and root rot. If you do decide to keep back some of the infected seed for planting. Clean the seed rigorously, treat it with a fungicide, check the germination rate before planting and adjust the plant population appropriately. Seed lots with very low germination after cleaning should not be planted.Fusarium growth production stop when grain moisture levels fall below 22 percent. Avoid storing seed lots with scabby kernels at high moisture levels, even briefly. Grain infested with Fusarium that has been cleaned to remove the lighter, scabby kernels will store better than infected grain that has not been cleaned.The Kansas Crop Improvement Association in Manhattan does seed germination tests for a nominal fee of around $18 per sample. This year with the head scab it may well be worth the money to send your potential seed wheat off first for a germination test, especially before going to the expense of seed cleaning and a seed treatment. You can contact our offices in Hays or Great Bend for the form for the germination test. We would also be glad to send the sample(s) in for you or provide you with the mailing address and form. If you wish to learn more about Fusarium Head Blight (head scab), go to www.cottonwood.ksu.edu click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for Head Scab.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578070283981.png" alt="Stacy Campbell 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 him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell 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 him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Head scab wheat – harvesting and seed lot management

Do you think Dads across Kansas got more neckties, shirts, or socks for Father’s Day? If we stood on the street corner and asked each Dad what they would most appreciate from their family, I believe that most would just love some time with their children.

There have been many studies over the years with mothers and their relationship with their children. Fewer studies have been completed with fathers. Let me share the findings from a study at the University of Georgia.

For this study, Geoffrey Brown, assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences and his colleagues worked with 80 father-child pairs when the children were about 3 years old. The team conducted interviews and observed father-child interaction in the home, shooting video that was evaluated off site and assigned a score indicating attachment security.

“Fathers who make the choice to devote their time on non-workdays to engaging with their children directly seem to be developing the best relationships,” said Brown. “And on those non-workdays, pursuing activities that are child centered, or fun for the child, seems to be the best predictor of a good father-child relationship.”

“However, fathers who spend lots of time helping out with child care-related tasks on workdays are developing the best relationships with their children. And men who engage in high levels of play with their children on workdays actually have a slightly less secure attachment relationship with them.”

“Relying too much on play during workdays, when your child/partner needs you to help out with caregiving, could be problematic. But play seems more important when there’s more time and less pressure. Ultimately, fathers who engage in a variety of parenting behaviors and adjust their parenting to suit the demands and circumstances of each individual day are probably most likely to develop secure relationships with their children,” said Brown.

All research studies aside, it makes sense that children will flourish if they have the opportunity to build a strong relationship with their father. Setting aside time to share child care responsibilities with a partner will also help build strong family relationships. Happy Father’s Day!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Do you think Dads across Kansas got more neckties, shirts, or socks for Father’s Day? If we stood on the street corner and asked each Dad what they would most appreciate from their family, I believe that most would just love some time with their children.There have been many studies over the years with mothers and their relationship with their children. Fewer studies have been completed with fathers. Let me share the findings from a study at the University of Georgia.For this study, Geoffrey Brown, assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences and his colleagues worked with 80 father-child pairs when the children were about 3 years old. The team conducted interviews and observed father-child interaction in the home, shooting video that was evaluated off site and assigned a score indicating attachment security.“Fathers who make the choice to devote their time on non-workdays to engaging with their children directly seem to be developing the best relationships,” said Brown. “And on those non-workdays, pursuing activities that are child centered, or fun for the child, seems to be the best predictor of a good father-child relationship.”“However, fathers who spend lots of time helping out with child care-related tasks on workdays are developing the best relationships with their children. And men who engage in high levels of play with their children on workdays actually have a slightly less secure attachment relationship with them.”“Relying too much on play during workdays, when your child/partner needs you to help out with caregiving, could be problematic. But play seems more important when there’s more time and less pressure. Ultimately, fathers who engage in a variety of parenting behaviors and adjust their parenting to suit the demands and circumstances of each individual day are probably most likely to develop secure relationships with their children,” said Brown.All research studies aside, it makes sense that children will flourish if they have the opportunity to build a strong relationship with their father. Setting aside time to share child care responsibilities with a partner will also help build strong family relationships. Happy Father’s Day!Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: Fathers and kids connecting

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Back by popular demand, the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the
Cottonwood Extension District are teaming up to educate anyone on the use of
Zoom video conferencing. 

Although Zoom launched in 2013, its popularity blew up
during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow people to connect via virtual classrooms.


A session was held in March and Megan&nbsp;
Hammeke with the Great Bend Rec says a request was made to hold another
learning session June 25. 
"We'll do it once in the morning and once in the afternoon," said Hammeke. "The morning class will deal with using Zoom on tablets and the afternoon class will deal with computers." 
The 10 a.m. session will focus on using Zoom on your phone or iPad and the 1
p.m. session will key on computer and laptop users. Each session will be
approximately one hour and will cover the basics of Zoom and the features it
offers. Donna Krug, Cottonwood Extension educator along with Hammeke, will lead
the sessions. 
There is no charge for the class but anyone interested should send an email
to Krug at <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> and ask for the
Zoom link prior to June 25. For more information, contact Krug at
620-793-1910.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588041065057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBack by popular demand, the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the
Cottonwood Extension District are teaming up to educate anyone on the use of
Zoom video conferencing. Although Zoom launched in 2013, its popularity blew up
during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow people to connect via virtual classrooms.
A session was held in March and Megan&nbsp;
Hammeke with the Great Bend Rec says a request was made to hold another
learning session June 25. 
"We'll do it once in the morning and once in the afternoon," said Hammeke. "The morning class will deal with using Zoom on tablets and the afternoon class will deal with computers." 
The 10 a.m. session will focus on using Zoom on your phone or iPad and the 1
p.m. session will key on computer and laptop users. Each session will be
approximately one hour and will cover the basics of Zoom and the features it
offers. Donna Krug, Cottonwood Extension educator along with Hammeke, will lead
the sessions. 
There is no charge for the class but anyone interested should send an email
to Krug at <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> and ask for the
Zoom link prior to June 25. For more information, contact Krug at
620-793-1910.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Rec & Extension District to host Zoom learning sessions

I hope that your family takes time to celebrate with dad on his special day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my own father. Even though he’s been gone 15 years, I appreciate the role model he was to our family. A hard working farmer, he was totally outnumbered with a wife and three daughters. He taught us a lot of things and provided the opportunity for us to attend college. He even took the time to be a 4-H community club leader for many years. He was a wonderful caregiver to my mother for the 30 years that she lived with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.

It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dads are an essential link to a child’s well-being.

As we celebrate Dads for all that they do or have done, it is important to be mindful of the influence they have on positive youth development. Summer often provides additional opportunities for families to spend time together. Family vacations and backyard barbeques are perfect events for family bonding and creating happy memories. However, Dads who do not live in the home do have to be more intentional about creating and taking advantage of opportunities to spend time together. With blended families, scheduling and personality conflicts between adults can create barriers.

A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give an impression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.

So take time to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I hope that your family takes time to celebrate with dad on his special day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my own father. Even though he’s been gone 15 years, I appreciate the role model he was to our family. A hard working farmer, he was totally outnumbered with a wife and three daughters. He taught us a lot of things and provided the opportunity for us to attend college. He even took the time to be a 4-H community club leader for many years. He was a wonderful caregiver to my mother for the 30 years that she lived with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dads are an essential link to a child’s well-being.As we celebrate Dads for all that they do or have done, it is important to be mindful of the influence they have on positive youth development. Summer often provides additional opportunities for families to spend time together. Family vacations and backyard barbeques are perfect events for family bonding and creating happy memories. However, Dads who do not live in the home do have to be more intentional about creating and taking advantage of opportunities to spend time together. With blended families, scheduling and personality conflicts between adults can create barriers.A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give an impression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.So take time to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Celebrating dads on Father’s Day

I heard a statement a few months ago that has really stuck with me and it describes my work in Extension, and especially 4-H, very well.

“It is important to balance the Jetsons and the Flintstones” – to me, this is about continuing to learn and provide up-to-date research-based information while being respectful of the foundations and history of 4-H. This can be complicated when I hear from community members or 4-H alumni who say “that isn’t the way we did 4-H when I was a kid”.

The fair is often an event that I hear “just isn’t the same” and that can come from many perspectives. I grew up with a small, county fair and I’ve worked with small, county fairs as well as larger fairs with many activities. Both have merit as community events but my focus will always be providing opportunities for 4-H members to share project learning with the community (that is really what a fair exhibit is!), receive feedback from a judge, and practice communication skills. These skills along with community service, leadership, and teamwork are truly the foundations of 4-H.

Yes – some of the projects and activities may look different as 4-H continues to look for avenues to provide youth with life skills as well career and job preparation and opportunities.

One of the neat opportunities that some 4-H Alumni have is to look at a career in Extension. We are fortunate to have a summer intern, Tamara Robertson, who grew up in 4-H in Ford County. She served as a camp counselor for several years, worked at Rock Springs Ranch for 4-H Camp a couple of years ago and will graduate from FHSU this year with aspirations of working in Extension. When you see Tamara at events and the fair, be sure to give her a warm Barton County welcome!

We invite the community to come out to the fair July 7-11 to check out 4-H members’ work and the other events and activities that the Barton County Fair Association have put together to celebrate our heritage in agriculture and our Barton County Communities!

The theme for the fair this year is “A New Beginning” which is a nod to the history of our area and celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail while looking forward as the fair adjusts and adds a fresh perspective to the events. Sounds like a balance of the Flintstones and Jetsons to me!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I heard a statement a few months ago that has really stuck with me and it describes my work in Extension, and especially 4-H, very well.“It is important to balance the Jetsons and the Flintstones” – to me, this is about continuing to learn and provide up-to-date research-based information while being respectful of the foundations and history of 4-H. This can be complicated when I hear from community members or 4-H alumni who say “that isn’t the way we did 4-H when I was a kid”.The fair is often an event that I hear “just isn’t the same” and that can come from many perspectives. I grew up with a small, county fair and I’ve worked with small, county fairs as well as larger fairs with many activities. Both have merit as community events but my focus will always be providing opportunities for 4-H members to share project learning with the community (that is really what a fair exhibit is!), receive feedback from a judge, and practice communication skills. These skills along with community service, leadership, and teamwork are truly the foundations of 4-H.Yes – some of the projects and activities may look different as 4-H continues to look for avenues to provide youth with life skills as well career and job preparation and opportunities.One of the neat opportunities that some 4-H Alumni have is to look at a career in Extension. We are fortunate to have a summer intern, Tamara Robertson, who grew up in 4-H in Ford County. She served as a camp counselor for several years, worked at Rock Springs Ranch for 4-H Camp a couple of years ago and will graduate from FHSU this year with aspirations of working in Extension. When you see Tamara at events and the fair, be sure to give her a warm Barton County welcome!We invite the community to come out to the fair July 7-11 to check out 4-H members’ work and the other events and activities that the Barton County Fair Association have put together to celebrate our heritage in agriculture and our Barton County Communities!The theme for the fair this year is “A New Beginning” which is a nod to the history of our area and celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail while looking forward as the fair adjusts and adds a fresh perspective to the events. Sounds like a balance of the Flintstones and Jetsons to me!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Balancing the Jetsons and the Flintstones

During the next few weeks our Cottonwood District team members are gearing up for the Barton and Ellis County Fairs. Our days are filled with scheduling consultation judging and making sure volunteers are recruited to help things run smoothly. Since last year’s virtual Fair didn’t provide as much interaction with the youngsters, I am really looking forward to our 2021 version. It is always rewarding to help a young 4-H’er who is preparing to visit with the judge about their exhibit.

June 15th is an important date for 4-H families in Barton County. Pre-entry forms are due in all project areas so that judging schedules and other details can be worked out.

The Barton County Fair dates are July 7th – 11th and the Ellis County Fair spans the week of July 10th – 17th. Several of our fair events overlap this year which is unfortunate, but unavoidable. I hope you are making plans to visit one or both of our Fairs this year. You will be impressed with the way volunteers transform the exhibit buildings into a fun place to showcase the work of 4-H’ers during the past year.

Along with our 4-H and Youth Agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlicting, we are enjoying energetic help from Tamara Robertson and Mattie Rossi, our summer interns. Of course you will see all agents and our office professionals working to help make each Fair a success. Both of our Extension Offices will have limited hours during Fair week but you can leave phone messages and we’ll get back with you.

One event I was asked to help coordinate for this year’s Barton County Fair, is a Family Fun Bicycle Ride that is set for Saturday, July 10th, from 8-9 AM at the Expo grounds. Several folks have volunteered to make this a fun event. We’ll have 25 bicycle helmets for kids to give out on a first come-first served basis. The helmets will be fitted by Pilot club members and are sponsored by the Barton County Fair Association and Cottonwood Extension District. We will also be providing the opportunity to register your families bicycles with the Great Bend Police Department. Todd VanSkike, from Golden Belt Bicycles, will have a repair station set up at our event to take care of simple adjustments and pump up tires.

I’ll be sharing more of the scheduled Fair activities in a couple of weeks. We will see you at the Fair!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623440730625.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>During the next few weeks our Cottonwood District team members are gearing up for the Barton and Ellis County Fairs. Our days are filled with scheduling consultation judging and making sure volunteers are recruited to help things run smoothly. Since last year’s virtual Fair didn’t provide as much interaction with the youngsters, I am really looking forward to our 2021 version. It is always rewarding to help a young 4-H’er who is preparing to visit with the judge about their exhibit.June 15th is an important date for 4-H families in Barton County. Pre-entry forms are due in all project areas so that judging schedules and other details can be worked out.The Barton County Fair dates are July 7th – 11th and the Ellis County Fair spans the week of July 10th – 17th. Several of our fair events overlap this year which is unfortunate, but unavoidable. I hope you are making plans to visit one or both of our Fairs this year. You will be impressed with the way volunteers transform the exhibit buildings into a fun place to showcase the work of 4-H’ers during the past year.Along with our 4-H and Youth Agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlicting, we are enjoying energetic help from Tamara Robertson and Mattie Rossi, our summer interns. Of course you will see all agents and our office professionals working to help make each Fair a success. Both of our Extension Offices will have limited hours during Fair week but you can leave phone messages and we’ll get back with you.One event I was asked to help coordinate for this year’s Barton County Fair, is a Family Fun Bicycle Ride that is set for Saturday, July 10th, from 8-9 AM at the Expo grounds. Several folks have volunteered to make this a fun event. We’ll have 25 bicycle helmets for kids to give out on a first come-first served basis. The helmets will be fitted by Pilot club members and are sponsored by the Barton County Fair Association and Cottonwood Extension District. We will also be providing the opportunity to register your families bicycles with the Great Bend Police Department. Todd VanSkike, from Golden Belt Bicycles, will have a repair station set up at our event to take care of simple adjustments and pump up tires.I’ll be sharing more of the scheduled Fair activities in a couple of weeks. We will see you at the Fair!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: County Fair activities are coming soon

On a hot summer day, people often dress in light clothing, drink more water than normal and seek shade to minimize the impacts on the body from heat and humidity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts said cattle need many of those same strategies for maximum performance over the summer. Talking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2021/05/28/feed-efficiency-feet-and-leg-scores-heat-stress/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, veterinarians Bob Larson, Brian Lubbers and Brad White; and nutritionist Phillip Lancaster agreed that providing plenty of water and shade are two keys to success in keeping cattle comfortable. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But first it is important to recognize the signs of stress, Lubbers said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Cattle that are experiencing heat stress will have decreased production, so it is important to know the signs, which often mimic respiratory disease,” he said. Cattle that are breathing rapidly might be experiencing heat stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

White said sometimes it is difficult to detect: “If you see one animal breathing hard in the heat often there is another set of calves that are also experiencing heat stress but not showing the signs to the same degree as the one you noticed.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Larson added that oftentimes it is the young calves that are most impacted by the heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Very young calves seem to be more sensitive to the heat when compared to their older herd mates,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with noting the daytime high temperatures, Lubbers said producers need to monitor the nighttime low temperatures as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>On a hot summer day, people often dress in light clothing, drink more water than normal and seek shade to minimize the impacts on the body from heat and humidity. &nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts said cattle need many of those same strategies for maximum performance over the summer. Talking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2021/05/28/feed-efficiency-feet-and-leg-scores-heat-stress/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, veterinarians Bob Larson, Brian Lubbers and Brad White; and nutritionist Phillip Lancaster agreed that providing plenty of water and shade are two keys to success in keeping cattle comfortable. &nbsp;&nbsp;But first it is important to recognize the signs of stress, Lubbers said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Cattle that are experiencing heat stress will have decreased production, so it is important to know the signs, which often mimic respiratory disease,” he said. Cattle that are breathing rapidly might be experiencing heat stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;White said sometimes it is difficult to detect: “If you see one animal breathing hard in the heat often there is another set of calves that are also experiencing heat stress but not showing the signs to the same degree as the one you noticed.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Larson added that oftentimes it is the young calves that are most impacted by the heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Very young calves seem to be more sensitive to the heat when compared to their older herd mates,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Along with noting the daytime high temperatures, Lubbers said producers need to monitor the nighttime low temperatures as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;“If it doesn’t cool down overnight, the cattle can’t dissipate the heat like they would otherwise, so those are the days that you need to be extra vigilant in watching for signs of heat stress,” Lubbers said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Relating to cattle performance, Jennifer Bormann, beef cattle geneticist with the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at K-State, said research has shown cattle that readily shed their haircoat in hot temperatures perform better. &nbsp;&nbsp;“One study scored the cattle at the same time each spring and then tracked their performance. Cattle that shed their haircoats early produced calves with higher weaning weights than the cows that took longer to shed their winter haircoats,” Bormann said. “The theory is that those early shedding cows suffered less heat stress and greater performance in the summer months than the others in the study.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with a slick haircoat, Lancaster said it is important to offer cattle extra water on the hot days.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Check the watering systems often because on the really hot days they may not be able to keep up with the demands for water that the cattle are placing on them,” Lancaster said. &nbsp;&nbsp;And regarding shade, Lancaster offered this advice: “Whether it is a tree in the pasture or an artificial shade, it is important to confirm it is big enough to allow good airflow moving underneath the shade.”&nbsp;&nbsp;White added: “If there are 30 cows all grouped in close sitting under the shade tree, they will not be that much cooler than if they were all sitting out in the sun because of the lack of air movement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;