The Wetland Explore

Has Cheyenne Bottoms dried up before? How much rain will it take to fill Cheyenne Bottoms again? Did the two inch rain we received last weekend fill up Cheyenne Bottoms? Why can't we drill water wells and fill Cheyenne Bottoms?

4-Hers celebrate achievements

Barton County 4-H members were honored for their accomplishments at the 78th-annual 4-H Achievement Celebration. The theme was "Rock and Roll with 4-H". Sarah Niederee, 4-H Council President and Bonny Boultinghouse, 4-H Council Vice-President served as the emcees. Morgan Kaiser, 4-H Council Secretary led the members in the Flag Salute and 4-H Pledge.

A Keenan/Griswold moment in time for the holidays

Things always seem to happen to me. Bad things. Like what happened a week ago Sunday while I was doing something very important in the garage of our rental house. A rental that has a few mechanical issues, like a door to the garage that doesn't shut properly. A solution squarely within the wheelhouse of some husband's. "Door latch problem! Let me get my door jam tools!" That dad has things I don't have, like, ...

Moving time: Anyone got any Tylenol?

Last month we joined many other parents in our demographic by moving to a smaller home. This was our fourth move in 25 years. It was different from the others, however. You see, there are moves in the early years, when your kids are toddlers and all your possessions can fit in a pickup. Where the furniture is particle board and weighs 30 pounds. It's not really moving; it's a fun adventure when people pitch ...

Beware of the Skunk

If you are out walking near Vets Lake at dusk or beyond, you may want to be wary of a skunk in the neighborhood. Last week my husband, John, and I were on our bike running errands and noticed something dark moving down the street ahead of us. At first John thought it was a raccoon, but when it turned around, we noticed a definite white stripe down its' back. It was a skunk and it was too close for comfort!

RSVP Column

It is not too late to make an appointment to have RSVP volunteers assist you with Medicare Part D during the open enrollment period that lasts to Dec. 7th. So far we have been able to identify plans that were less expensive for most of the Medicare beneficiaries that we have helped. The savings have varied from $200 to $2,100 annually depending on individual circumstances. Even if you have been satisfied with your current plan, ...

Blake Family Four Generations

Long-distance family ties subject of programs

The holidays are just around the corner which means it is the perfect time to tell you about the Extension educational program titled, "Loving Long-Distance: Families Separated by Distance." Our world has certainly changed since I was a youngster. Growing up on a farm in Washington County, all of my grandparents were within 10 miles of our home so we spent lots of time together on weekends and holidays. Nowadays, families may be separated because ...

Extension Elections

Each fall, the Barton County Extension Council holds an election to fill positions on our various program development committees. Mark Monday, Oct. 29th on your calendar and stop by the Barton County Extension Office at 1800 12th Street to cast your ballot. Election time is 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Any Barton County resident who is at least 18 years of age may vote in this election.

Trip provided great learning and scenery

Narrowing down a highlight or two from our (my husband John, and me) recent trip east is difficult. The first leg of the trip was to participate in my national association meeting in Columbus, Ohio. I would say the highlight of those four days was the opportunity to share my educational fact sheet and leaders guide with forty-four agents from sixteen different states. The response was positive; they were especially glad to receive the entire ...

The Wetland Explorer

One of the best parts about working at Cheyenne Bottoms is talking with visitors that stop here. One thing staff at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center have noticed is that almost everyone has a story about Cheyenne Bottoms. If you follow the news items posted in the Great Bend Tribune, you know that most stories about Cheyenne Bottoms logically include information about birds, bird-watching, hunting, and wildlife; that is what Cheyenne Bottoms is famous for. ...

Celebrate Family and Community Education Week October 14 - 20

Happy 76th birthday FCE! A visit to the web site of National Association for Family and Community Education shows such a positive organization; one that cares about families and communities. The organization has gone through several name changes in its long history; some of you remember the Home Demonstration Units and Extension Homemaker Units of the past. Through all of this the mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities through continuing education, developing leadership and ...

A college partnership for the ages

In the universe of partnerships, you find outliers in all fields. Bill Gates and Paul Allen changed the world of technology, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis entertainment, and Harry and Marv reminded us of the brilliance of stupidity. But none could rival the collaborative genius of what began two years ago in Lawrence with Big Red and Tommy Keenan.

Reflections on the 35th class reunion, GB 1977

Last weekend I attended my thirty-fifth high school reunion. Joining me was my high school classmate and one of my friends, John Holt. Just as we did for our 30th, the itinerary included a visit with a mentor who remains a spiritual influence in our lives – Sister Mary Rose Engle, our Principal at St. Patrick's in 1965 and a Dominican sister for 75 years. Her residence at the Dominican Convent is across the street from the home where I grew up.

Local 4-Hers do well at Kansas State Fair

Today is the last day of the Kansas State Fair! If you haven't had a chance to travel to this showcase of Kansas talent, put it on your bucket list for next year. If you are heading that direction, your first stop should be 4-H Centennial Hall located in the northwest corner of the state fairgrounds.

Hekele graduates from basic training

Army Reserve Spec. Tiffany J. Hekele has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

4-H shooters place 2nd at state

The Barton County team of Ryan Kohman, Parker Smith, Katelyn Reh and Lake Lyman placed 2nd in the state at the recent State 4-H Air Rifle Competition. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders to attain knowledge and develop essential life skills.

Timothy and Amy Frieb give back to local community through Fontanelle Hybrids FOCUS Grant

Timothy and Amy Frieb recently presented the Hoisington Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troop 7130 with a $2,500 FOCUS grant through Fontanelle Hybrids.

Lots to Celebrate in May

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! The month of May has arrived and that means a frenzy of activity for families who are celebrating Mother's day today and graduations now or in the weeks ahead. I am truly blessed to have my mother-in-law, daughter, and granddaughters close by. It is a joy to spend time together at a moment's notice. Hopefully your weekend plans include some good family time with plenty of hugs.

“Celebrate Wheat” Quilt Block Challenge announced

The theme for the 2013 Barton County Fair quilt block challenge is "Celebrate Wheat." Coordinated by members of the Central Kansas Thread Benders quilt guild, the contest is open to anyone who sews. Kits are available for pick up for $3 at the Barton County Extension Office, 1800 12th Street in Great Bend. Each kit contains two fat eighths of fabric. Each of these fabrics must be used in the final block as well as ...

Volunteers in Action News

The "Check Out Hunger" food drive for the Community Food Bank of Barton County was a huge success. RSVP volunteers partnered with 6th grade students from Holy Family School, a local Brownie troop, and Barton County Youth Care manned tables at Dillon's on 10th Street and Walmart on Saturday, April 6th. Persons entering the stores received a handout about the Community Food Bank with a grocery list of needed items. The volunteers collected 1,749 lbs ...

Wisconsin cheese in another form ... where have you been?

When our son Connor moved to Madison two years ago I was prepared for an introduction to all things Wisconsin. This was not entirely a blank slate - I was schooled on Fez and Red Forman from "That '70s Show," heard a little bit about their governor and some yelling that went on up there. But I didn't appreciate a food delicacy that has awakened taste buds left for dead long ago.

Is Planting a Garden in Your Future?

With temperatures dipping down into the 20's and snow and sleet falling from the sky less than two weeks ago, it is hard to believe the date on the calendar. For those who like to play in the dirt and plant a garden, you know that it is time to be planting certain vegetables or the heat of the summer will create another problem. Many peoples' past includes spending time working in the family garden. ...