TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that it will be responsible for administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) across Kansas. The YRBS is a vital tool that gathers data on the health behaviors of high school students in Kansas. It provides essential insights into the challenges facing today’s youth and paves the way for programs and policies that promote their well-being.
First completed in 1990, the YRBS is a nationwide survey conducted every two years. Its purpose is to monitor specific behaviors that can significantly impact the health and safety of adolescents in Kansas.
“By understanding these behaviors, KDHE can work with school and community leaders to develop targeted interventions and programs to address the unique needs of Kansas youth,” said Grace Harvey, YRBS School Survey Coordinator, “Taking on the administration of the YRBS reflects our commitment to supporting Kansas youth and addressing the factors that impact their health and safety.”
For years, the YRBS in Kansas was overseen by the Kansas State Department of Education. Now, KDHE is honored to continue this critical work. This transition will enable KDHE to directly integrate survey findings into the state’s public health initiatives, ensuring a seamless connection between data and action.
The YRBS captures data on a variety of topics, including:
Nutrition, physical activity and weight status
Bullying
Mental health and suicide
Tobacco, alcohol and drug use
Sexual behaviors that could lead to STDs, HIV, or unintended pregnancy
Behaviors contributing to unintentional injuries or violence
The YRBS is currently conducted in 50 randomly selected high schools across the state, with students in grades 9-12 anonymously participating. To protect privacy, no personal identifiers are collected, and participation is voluntary. KDHE will work directly with the participating schools to get active parental consent from each participating student. Schools will work closely with a designated YRBS coordinator to ensure the process is smooth and minimally disruptive. Each survey takes just one class period to complete.
KDHE is looking forward to leading this important initiative and is committed to using the YRBS insights to improve the lives of Kansas youth. By working collaboratively with schools, parents and community partners, we can turn data into meaningful action, fostering a healthier and brighter future for the next generation.
Jean Russell, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home. Leota Jean Russell was born September 9, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Charles Gruver and Doris Hillman Gruver. Jean’s father passed away when she was very young and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Floyd Camp.
Jean graduated from the Shawnee Mission West High School with the Class of 1968. She married Wayne Russell on August 17, 1968, in Lenexa, Kansas. Jean and Wayne lived most of their married life in Easton, Kansas. Jean was employed as a management analyst for the United States Government based out of Ft. Leavenworth. Following retirement, Jean and Wayne returned to Ft. Scott.
In her spare time, Jean enjoyed reading and coloring. She also loved to crochet. The many blankets she made for her children and grandchildren are cherished heirlooms.
Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Wayne Russell of the home; four children, Angela Mishler of Ft. Scott, Wayne “Tony” Russell (Dawn) of Easton, Kansas, Cindy Russell of Ft. Scott and Jesse Russell (Angie) of Liberty, Missouri; eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Also surviving is a brother, Charles Gruver.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Cheryl and Beth.
Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Presentation Explores the History of Baseball in Kansas
Rescheduled Due to Forecasted Weather
Fort Scott, Kan. With the potential winter storm that is forecasted for this Wednesday, Feb 12, the Gordon Parks Museum hosted event “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime,” a presentation and discussion by Phil Dixon is rescheduled to Friday, February 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with desserts provided by Great West Dining. Drinks and chips will also be provided. Fort Scott T-Mobile will also have a table set up for free raffle drawing for a chance for the attendees to win T-Mobile prizes.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation event to learn more about the Kansas City Monarchs” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.
2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro Leagues celebrated their 100th anniversary and Major League Baseball merged statistics of these African American players with those of the major league. The history of Negro League baseball in America mirrors the racial strife experienced by African Americans in society. It was plagued by discrimination, racism, and inequity, while its athletes were celebrated for their resiliency, professionalism, and athleticism. The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games between 1920 and 1957 against local towns. This talk sheds new light on this sports history and the history of baseball in Kansas.
Phil S. Dixon a co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. He is the author of nine books about baseball, including biographies about Wilber “Bullet” Rogan and John “Buck” O’Neil. In the course of his research, he has interviewed over 500 former Negro League players and family members.
“The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
PRATT – Seven lucky conservation organizations are set to receive Commission Big Game Hunting Permits after their applications were drawn by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners during the January 30th public meeting. The Commission Big Game Hunting Permit program allows Kansas-based non-profit organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage to apply for one of seven permits. The permits can then be sold by the winning group to raise funds for conservation projects in Kansas. The winning organizations typically raffle or auction the permit to the highest bidder and keep 15 percent of the sale price to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved.
“Last year, proceeds from Commission permits supported the Habitat Specialist program which is one of our key conservation partnerships with Pheasants Forever,” said Wes Sowards, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP. “Habitat specialists work across the state to manage wildlife habitat on both private and public land with a special emphasis on conservation objectives in the State Wildlife Action Plan.”
“These habitat specialists are the true heroes in our eyes,” said Bob Hix, a regional representative from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The Kansas Pheasants Forever habitat team and the local chapters are committed to doing even more habitat work for all wildlife in Kansas.”
Other projects supported by the Commissioner permit proceeds have included wetland improvement at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and special youth hunt programs.
“Ducks Unlimited is honored to receive these Commission permits which have been part of an ongoing and hugely successful partnership between DU and KDWP,” said Matt Hough, Kansas conservation programs manager for Ducks Unlimited. “Proceeds from these permits will be put to great use for priority projects of both organizations for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat that also provide public benefits to the people of Kansas.”
Based on applicant preference, seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups for 2025:
Ducks Unlimited Wyandotte Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280 [email protected]
Ducks Unlimited Kansas University Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280 [email protected]
Pheasants Forever Stanton County Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542 [email protected]
Pheasants Forever Osborne Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542 [email protected]
National Wild Turkey Foundation Salty Spurs Chapter
Nate Watson
505-401-6474 [email protected]
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the representatives listed to learn when and where each of these permits will be auctioned or raffled in the future.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers, Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.com.
The seven-member, non-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations. The Commission Big Game Permits are authorized by K.S.A. 32-970.
My brother, Randy, was the best. He was ten years older than me and we got along wonderfully. We shared the same sense of humor and he made my life a delight. He was engaging, fun, entertaining, ingenuitive, patient, thoughtful, and kind.
One snowy winter day, when I was six to eight years old, Randy found an old refrigerator door by the barn and brought it to the house. He tied a rope to it, told me to get on, and then he pulled me around the yard on the snow as I sat on the fridge door. Like the witch of Narnia, I had my very own reindeer and sleigh! Back in the 1960s, we made use of what we had and simply created our own fun. My brother made my day and that’s why I still have this delightful memory tucked away in my heart.
Randy has been gone since June 2022, and I miss him. He did his best to stick around for his family, but one summer day he drew his last breath and slipped away to Heaven. My sweet brother reminds me of this scripture, “…There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV). This verse is often applied to the intimate walk we have with Christ Jesus, and I agree with that theology. Like a good brother, Jesus is there. Like a bridge over troubled waters, Jesus is there.
Being a friend and having a friend go hand in hand. There are friends and then there are special friends, such as a dear friend, best friend, close friend, bosom friend, etc. A genuine friend is someone in whom you have a strong bond, dependable, keeps your secrets, and is honest and trustworthy. Jesus is a friend like no other. No matter how many fantastic friends you have, Jesus outshines them all.
Notice that Jesus called Judas Iscariot “friend” when he betrayed Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. “So Judas came straight to Jesus. ’Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave Him the kiss. Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for’” (Matthew 26:50 NLT). This was an atrocious act because the kiss was a symbol of friendship and honor. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke with gentle compassion even though Judas’ heart was as hard as stone. Jesus is a true friend that will not betray you. He’ll stick with you like Gorilla glue.
Jesus was known to be a friend of sinners and He would often join them for supper. Saving sinners was the purpose of His coming, so He spent time with them in order to introduce the gospel and welcome them into the kingdom of God (see Matthew 9:9-13).
In the 1800s, Joseph Scriven wrote a poem and sent it to his mother to encourage her because she was ill. He wanted to remind her that she had a never-failing Friend in Jesus. The poem later became a much-loved song in our hymnals: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
The Key: Believers have a special Friend in Jesus and He will stick even closer than a big brother.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though it is largely preventable.
Keeping your heart healthy starts with living a heart-healthy lifestyle. But first, you need to get smart about your heart. Knowing what causes heart disease, what puts you at risk for it, and how you can reduce those risks can help you make informed decisions to protect your heart and keep it strong.
Want to test your knowledge? Take this short Heart Smart Quiz:
True or False? High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and occurs when your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
True or False? Cholesterol helps make hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest foods. Your body needs it for good health, but in the right amounts.
True or False? Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, using fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and limiting foods high in saturated fat or sugar-sweetened beverages are all part of a heart-healthy diet.
True or False? Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
True or False? To strengthen their heart, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking each week.
How did you do? The answer to all questions is true. Knowing your own risk factors for heart disease can help guide your lifestyle choices, so talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re clear. Just as important: know your numbers. Your weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels all affect your heart. If they aren’t where they should be, make a pledge to begin improving them.
Adding more physical activity to your day, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, and not smoking can put you on the path to better heart health.
Learn more about heart disease prevention at www.hearttruth.gov or for more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Understanding concepts like time, talent, and money can be challenging for young children. Bradford Wiles, a child development specialist with K-State Research and Extension, explains, “Early childhood is filled with symbols. Money is one of those symbols—it represents time, talent, effort, and investment.”
Wiles notes that the idea of earning money—trading time and skills for a reward—begins to form at a very young age. “As children grow and gain independence, money becomes more meaningful to them,” he says. However, young children often do not fully understand its value. For instance, they may choose a nickel over a dime simply because it appears larger. Understanding what money represents is a developmental milestone that children must achieve before they can grasp the concept of saving.
Moreover, money is frequently a source of conflict within families, and children pay close attention to how adults manage it. “Kids learn what it means to be a person by observing the adults around them,” Wiles states. “This includes learning about money and resources. Parents can set a strong example by modeling positive behaviors, such as balancing spending, saving, and giving.”
Wiles provides an example of a child asking for a toy in a store. A typical response might be, “We can’t afford that,” which could lead the child to think the family has no money. Instead, he recommends saying something like, “That’s not in the budget right now,” or explaining that the family has other spending priorities. “It’s not about avoiding spontaneous purchases,” he emphasizes. “It’s about teaching children that managing money involves considering long-term goals and making choices that align with those priorities.”
Children can also learn the value of money by earning it through their efforts. “In many households, this starts early,” Wiles explains. “Giving kids responsibilities around the house and rewarding them, whether with money, extra playtime, or other privileges, introduces the concept of earning.” He adds, “Kids understand the idea of receiving something in exchange for their contributions long before they fully comprehend money itself.”
By helping children connect their efforts with rewards and modeling thoughtful financial habits, parents can establish a foundation for lifelong financial literacy.
For more information on money management for youth, please contact Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.
I have had several questions about planting farm ground back to native grass. The area used to be all native and many have been plowed up for row crop and then put back to cool season grasses such as fescue and smooth brome. The reason for this is first of all native seed was hard to come by and second fescue and brome are much easier to establish. For those who are wanting to go back to native grass here is what KSRE recommends.
Establishment is the most important phase to ensure system longevity when planning the long-term use of a seeded native grass stand. Native species are slow to establish and do not compete well with other plants, such as undesired weeds and forage mixes. For this reason, native grass pastures can take up to four years to become fully established. Use known cultivars because they have been selected for better establishment and forage production characteristics. Species and cultivar selection, site preparation, seed quality, seed source, and seeding date must be considered to ensure the successful establishment of a native grass pasture. Planning is the key to achieving a successful stand. Before seeding, it is important to assess resources, including soil type, fertility, current and past cropping uses, and how these resources affect the establishment of new native pastures. Producers must understand the potential challenges (existing weed problems, seed bank, and potential cropland herbicide carry-over), necessary changes in the farming operation, available equipment, seed sources, the intended use of the seeded area, costs and returns anticipated, and suitability for wildlife habitat. This information contributes to the preparation for seeding.
The first step in knowing the potential yield for haying or grazing is understanding more about the soil. Soil texture can be identified by a lab test or by searching NRCS soil survey maps available through the NRCS Web Soil Survey (websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov). Additionally, soil chemical properties need to be determined. Previous cropping history, particularly herbicide use, is necessary to prevent seedling damage from herbicide carryover. Seedling damage can result from long-residual herbicides, particularly those used for grass control. Short-residual herbicides are less likely to injure seedlings. Herbicides with rotation restrictions for corn or grain sorghum are an indication of potential seedling damage. Check labels for plant-back intervals and expected suppression. The species and cultivar selected should be adapted to the field’s soil. If several different soils occur in a field, splitting the field should be considered, and changes in seedbed preparation may be required.
A firm, weed-free seedbed is recommended. Seedbed preparation depends on climate, soils, and intended use. In most cases, clean-tilled seedbeds are preferred to establish pastures, especially where precipitation is greater than 32 inches on average annually. The seedbed is tilled as needed to destroy all weeds and leave a firm, friable seedbed. Weed control is a significant requirement for a successful stand. Using a cultipacker or similar equipment before and/or after seeding can greatly improve the stand of grass, especially during seasons of low rainfall. This approach stores soil moisture but requires precipitation after seeding to ensure a successful stand. As with all seeds, proper seeding depth is important to obtain adequate establishment of native grasses. Most seeds cannot emerge from deeper than 1/2 to 1 inch. Grass drills will handle the fluffy seed of most native grass species and ensure accurate placement, delivering the seed at a uniform rate.
Companies selling certified seed are required by law to inform buyers of seed quality. This allows buyers to determine the amount of seed to plant. Native grass seed quality is measured on a pure-live-seed (PLS) basis, which is calculated based on germination and purity. Seeding rates vary by soil, precipitation, and intended use of the seeding. For help selecting seeding rates and mixtures, consult the county Natural Resource Conservation Service Office, local K-State Research and Extension office, wildlife agencies, or seed dealers.
Recommended planting dates are based on research, but they may be adjusted for your region based on local knowledge. The optimum seeding date for warm-season grasses is about 2 weeks before the average last frost date and at least 6 weeks before hot, dry summer weather. If that is not possible, 1 month before to 3 weeks after the average last frost date may be an acceptable period for seeding. This allows the seedling 6 to 8 weeks to establish the permanent root system before hot, dry summer weather. We are in Zone 1 which translates to February 15th through May 1st time frame with the optimal dates of March 25th to April 10th in “typical” year.
Fertilizer maybe required when establishing a new stand of native grasses due to our higher precipitation in our area. Lime is suggested if the pH is below 6.0. Taking soil samples contributes to successful seeding. Consult NRCS or local K-State Research and Extension personnel for local needs. If soil test recommend fertilizer and it is applied it may stimulate weed competition during the establishment phase.
Although native grass is more difficult to establish, in the long run its valve outweighs the input cost. The area used to be all native grasses and that is the standard in which soil health is based on, and we as stewards of the land should consider looking at reestablishing natives grass when possible.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
