By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
The changing pesticide landscape - today
Dr. Victor Martin
Updated: Feb 5, 2022, 9:00 PM
Published: Feb 5, 2022, 9:01 PM

As of February 1st our area is still in moderate drought and basically unchanged since last Tuesday. The latest snow doesn’t factor into these ratings and the amount we received isn’t going to ease drought conditions. Things aren’t looking good for improving soil moisture over the week or so. The six to ten-day outlook (Feb. 8 to 12) indicates we are predicted to have a 50 to 70% likelihood of above normal temperatures and a leaning towards a 40 to 50% below normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Feb. 10 to 16) indicates normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of below normal precipitation. We are in definite need of precipitation without a great deal likely.

Last week we briefly discussed the history of pesticide development and use from WWII through the early 1970s and the mistakes that were made in overuse, developing resistant pests, and the environmental health issues that arouse. Today, a synopsis of what changed, were we are, and hopefully where we are headed.

• Perhaps the biggest change was the recognition that we couldn’t solve pest problems simply with pesticides and apply them at will. Pests developing resistance to pesticides was one factor as was the deleterious effects on the environment, off-target effects such as birds, especially bald eagles, and on human health. Over the last 50 years an approach recognizing all factors important in pest control was developed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is defined as: “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” Pesticides are certainly part of IPM but are one of many “tools” in pest management. Sanitation, breeding (both conventional and through genetic engineering) for resistance and tolerance, crop rotations, etc. are all a part of this. Pesticides are used but in a manner to protect the environment, only when needed, and with a thorough understanding of the pest. The key is to use the ecology to aid in pest control, not fight it.

• Along with IPM is a shift in emphasis out in the field from eradication of the pest to suppression to an economically acceptable level. And where possible prevention.  

• Today as there are many options in weed control, and to a lesser extent insect control, to vary modes of action (the way the pesticide kills the pest) to prevent resistance. This is still a challenge and takes a great deal of education.

• The process for approving pesticides has changed dramatically since the early 1960s and there is a stringent, rigorous approval process for new chemistries and GMO crops that involves extensive testing and documentation prior to EPA approval. Along with this is research into whole new classes of pesticides, especially insecticides, much safer in the environment.

• Licensing requirements for commercial and private application of restricted use pesticides. This includes regular continuing education and special education for certain pesticides. 

Is the system perfect? No. Are we still learning? Yes. But things are significantly better than they were.


Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.