Category Archives: K-State Extension

K-State Extension

Fall Landscape Work Pays Off Next Spring by Krista Harding

Leave a comment

Krista Harding

Fall and spring are my favorite seasons, and after a long, hot summer, the arrival of cooler temperatures makes it much easier to enjoy spending time outdoors. While you’re taking in the beauty of the season, consider tackling a few landscape projects now that will reward you with a healthier, more colorful landscape next spring.

Tackle Lawn Weeds This Fall

As the mowing season winds down, lawn weeds are probably the last thing on your mind. However, fall is actually the best time to control many common broadleaf weeds.

Cool-season weeds such as henbit, dandelions, and chickweed germinate during the cool, moist conditions of September and October. These weeds spend the winter as small, often unnoticed plants before growing rapidly and flowering in spring.

Fall herbicide applications are particularly effective because weeds are actively storing nutrients in their roots for winter. When a leaf-applied herbicide is absorbed during this period, it moves into the root system, providing more complete control. Since the weeds are also small and actively growing, they are easier to eliminate now than in the spring.

Several herbicides are effective for fall weed control. Products containing 2,4-D alone or in combination with MCPP and dicamba are commonly sold under trade names such as Trimec®, Weed-B-Gon®, and Weed-Out®. Weed Free Zone® is another option, containing those same active ingredients plus carfentrazone for enhanced control.

If you recently seeded a lawn, wait until the new grass has been mowed 2 or 3 times before applying herbicides, as directed by the product label. As always, carefully read and follow all label directions.

Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs Now

Fall is also the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Bulbs add vibrant color, varied bloom times, and interesting textures to the landscape, making them a valuable addition to almost any garden.

Bulbs can be planted in many locations, including around house foundations, beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, along borders, in perennial beds, rock gardens, containers, and even on slopes. When planted in groups of twelve or more, bulbs create a much greater visual impact than individual plants scattered throughout the landscape.

Foundation plantings are especially attractive. Evergreen shrubs provide an excellent backdrop, allowing the bright colors of tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs to stand out in early spring. Borders along lawns and flower beds can also benefit from the color and interest that bulbs provide.

Bulbs fit particularly well into perennial gardens because they bloom in March, April, and May before most perennials begin active growth. Just be sure to position them so their fading foliage can mature without becoming too noticeable.

Containers offer another versatile option. Spring-flowering bulbs can be moved out of sight after blooming while their foliage matures, while summer-flowering bulbs can provide color all season long on patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces.

For the greatest visual impact, plant bulbs in masses of a single variety or color. Tulips and daffodils generally look best when planted in groups of at least twelve bulbs, while smaller bulbs may require groups of fifty or more to create a noticeable display.

A little effort this fall can make a big difference next spring. By controlling weeds now and planting bulbs before winter arrives, you can enjoy a healthier, weed-free lawn and a landscape bursting with color when warmer weather returns.

Krista Harding is a K-State Extension Horticulture Agent with the Southwind Extension District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Extension

Rooted & Ready Homestead Series Returns This Fall in Chanute

Leave a comment
Lonnie Mengarelli. Submitted photo.

By Lonnie Mengarelli – Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Southwind District

Following the success of last year’s homesteading education series in Fort Scott, Southwind Extension District is bringing the program back this fall with a new location. The response to last year’s program demonstrated a strong interest in practical homesteading and small-scale farming education, and participants encouraged Extension to offer the series again in a location closer to the center of the district. This year, the “Rooted & Ready: Practical Skills for Home, Land & Homestead” series will be held in Chanute, making the program more accessible to residents throughout the Southwind District.

Rooted & Ready is designed for both new homesteaders and those with experience who want to expand their skills. The series will focus on practical information that participants can take home and put to work.

The six-part series will cover a variety of topics related to growing food, raising livestock, managing natural resources, and turning products into potential income.

The series will begin Tuesday, October 6, at 6 p.m. with “Pests, Predators, and Protection.” This program will look at common pests and predators that can create challenges around the homestead and discuss practical management and protection options.

The remaining programs include:

October 13 – “Grow Your Grid: Homestead Garden Planning” – Participants will learn strategies for planning and managing a productive garden.

October 27 – “Livestock School: From Start to Stock with Sheep, Goats, and Pigs” – This session will provide information for those interested in raising small livestock, including considerations for getting started and managing these species.

November 3 – “Recipes to Revenue: Turning Homemade Foods into Market-Ready Products” – Participants will learn food safety requirements to meet KDA compliance for farm to table sales.

November 10 – “The Laying Line: Poultry for Reliable Food Supply” – This session will focus on poultry production and ways to establish a dependable source of eggs and food for the homestead.

Thursday, November 19 – “Deep Roots: Soil & Forage Strategies for Resilient Farms” – The final program will focus on soil health and forage management strategies that can help build productive and resilient small farms.

All programs will begin at 6 p.m. with a meal sponsored by Cleaver Farm and Home. Programs will be held at the Central Park Pavilion, 2nd Street and Forest Avenue in Chanute.

The Rooted & Ready series is being presented by Southwind Extension District agents who bring together expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and rural living.

Participants do not have to attend the entire series. Those interested can attend individual sessions based on their interests, or participate in all six programs for a broader look at the skills involved in homesteading and small-scale farming.

Whether someone is starting with a backyard garden, adding livestock to their property, managing a small farm or simply looking for ways to become more self-reliant, the goal of Rooted & Ready is to provide practical knowledge that can be put to use at home.

Reservations are requested for meal counts. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact the Southwind Extension District office at 620-223-3720.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at mengo57@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720.

K-State Extension

4-H Youth Are Beyond Ready, by Jennifer Terrell

Leave a comment

By Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent, K-State Extension | Southwind District

From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in K-State Extension | Southwind District (covering Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties) are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, 2026, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In K-State Extension | Southwind District, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, learn to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, raise livestock, and compete in STEM challenges.

K-State Extension | Southwind District and its team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair to organizing food drives to support local families, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

During National 4-H Week, over 500 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Jennifer Terrell at jkterrell@ksu.edu or call 620-223-3720 or visit southwind.ksu.edu.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.

Learn more about 4-H at 4-H.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

K-State Extension

SHICK Counselors To Help With Medicare Drug Plan Review Oct. 27

Leave a comment

K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District

Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?

Did you know that you can review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan annually? The Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15 to December 7, is the time to do just that.

On Tuesday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Scott View Apartments, 315 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, area Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) will be available. Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.

Even if you have been happy with your plan in the past, plans and medications do change. It is a good idea to compare options to see what meets your current needs. Last year, counselors helped beneficiaries save an average of $1,719 per person by changing plans.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District, at tsolomon@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

K-State Extension

Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver? by Tara Solomon-Smith

1 Comment
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

It’s a fact: caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers. If you are serving as a caregiver to a loved one, know you are fulfilling a valuable role — and that it’s okay to take care of yourself. K-State Extension can help with that.

In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, K-State Extension is providing an Empowered Caregivers two-part series. This program is designed to help reduce stress, build a caregiver foundation, support independence, communicate effectively, balance life, improve decision-making, and locate helpful resources.

Free meal and classes will be held on Tuesdays, October 6 and 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in Fort Scott. Register by calling 620-244-3826. Until then, here are some tips.

While we can’t prevent stress, we can help manage it. Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health. You may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet, which increases your risk of medical problems.

The following are some ideas to help you manage your caregiver stress:

  • Take a break from caregiving. Take a walk or meet up with a friend. Do something not related to caregiving.
  • Get support. Attend a support group, have a friend you can call just to let off steam, or look for community resources.
  • Relax. Read a book, meditate, pray, garden, knit, take a long bath.
  • Take care of your health. Go to the doctor, get routine exams and flu shots, get enough sleep, and eat your fruits and vegetables.
  • Change “guilt” to “regret.” Guilt means you did something wrong; regret means that you are in a difficult situation, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions, but they are not wrong.
  • Forgive yourself — often. You cannot be a perfect caregiver all day, every day.
  • Ask for and accept help when offered. No one can do this alone. We often don’t know what to say when someone offers help. Prepare for this and create a task list to have ready. When someone asks you if they can help, refer to your list and say “YES.” Let them choose which task on the list they would like to do.
  • And finally … laugh. Find ways to keep your sense of humor on a daily basis.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District, at tsolomon@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Extension

What Makes a Community Feel Like Home? by Amanda Clasen

Leave a comment

Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District

There’s something about fall that makes us want to get out and about. The leaves begin to change, the temperatures finally start to cool down, and after a long, hot summer, it feels good to spend a little more time outside. Friday night football games, fall festivals, community events, school activities, and local gatherings begin filling our calendars again. As we get out and about, we often run into the people who make our communities feel like home.

When we think about what makes a community a great place to live, we often think about the things we can see: good schools, parks, businesses, community events, beautiful buildings, and well-maintained streets. Those things certainly matter, but when people talk about what makes a place feel like home, the answer often has more to do with people than places. Places don’t create community, People do. A community becomes special when people know one another, look out for one another, and feel like they belong.

Fall gives us plenty of opportunities to build those connections. It might happen while you’re sitting in the bleachers at a football game and strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. Maybe it’s visiting a local business during a community event, volunteering at a fall festival, helping with a school activity, or simply stopping to talk with a neighbor while you’re both enjoying the cooler weather. These moments may seem small, but they add up. Community development isn’t always about launching the next big project or finding the perfect solution to a community challenge. Sometimes, it’s about strengthening the connections that already exist and creating opportunities for new ones.

Think about your own community. Who are the people who make it feel like home? Maybe it’s the teacher who knows every child’s name. The coach who gives up their evenings. The person who organizes the town festival every year. The neighbor who always has an extra plate of cookies. The volunteer who is the first to arrive and the last to leave, or maybe it’s simply the person who waves. We don’t always recognize the impact these people have because what they are doing doesn’t necessarily make the news. But they are creating something important: a sense of belonging, and belonging matters. When people feel connected to where they live, they are more likely to get involved, support local businesses and organizations, volunteer, participate in community activities and invest their time and energy into making their community better. The best part is that we don’t have to wait for someone else to create that feeling.

So this fall, get out, go to the game, attend the festival, visit the local business, volunteer, sit beside someone new, or wave when you drive by. You might just be helping create the feeling that makes someone else call your community home. After all, home isn’t just a place on a map; it’s a feeling, and we all have a role in creating it.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

K-State Extension

Black Vultures: Know the Risk, Know the Rules

Leave a comment

Hunter Nickell

Black Vultures: Know the Risk, Know the Rules

If you have livestock, especially cattle, you’ve likely seen black vultures around your operation. They may be perched on fence posts, circling overhead, gathered around a carcass, or hanging around a calving pasture. For many livestock producers, black vultures are simply another bird that comes with raising cattle. However, in some situations, they can become more than just a nuisance.

Black vultures are scavengers by nature, and they play an important role in cleaning up carrion. The problem for livestock producers is that black vultures do not always limit themselves to animals that have already died. They can sometimes prey on vulnerable newborn livestock, particularly calves, and may cause injuries or losses around calving areas. That makes understanding these birds important for livestock producers and landowners.

One of the first steps is identifying a black vulture. Black vultures are relatively compact compared to some other vultures and have short, broad wings. Their heads are dark gray to black and, when flying, their wings show lighter patches near the tips. They are also known for their strong, somewhat aggressive behavior around food.

Understanding their biology and behavior can help explain why they may be showing up around your farm or ranch. Availability of food, livestock activity, carcasses, and other attractants can all influence where vultures spend their time.

The bigger question for producers is: What can you legally do about them?

Black vultures are protected under federal law with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning producers cannot simply shoot or otherwise remove them whenever they become a problem. Management options are available, but it is important to understand what is legal before taking action.

This is where education can make a difference.

On Wednesday, September 30, at 6 p.m., K-State Extension will host “Black Vultures: Know the Risk, Know the Rules” at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood, Erie, Kansas.

Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Wildlife Management & Control Extension Specialist, will lead the program. Dr. Ricketts will cover how to identify black vultures, their biology and behavior, what attracts them to an area, and the potential impacts they can have on livestock, agricultural operations, and wildlife.

Perhaps most importantly for producers, the program will also cover management options. The goal is to provide practical information to help landowners reduce conflicts and understand the rules and regulations governing black vulture management.

The evening will begin with a complimentary meal, followed by the educational program. The event is being hosted by K-State Extension Southwind District and co-hosted by Cherokee County and the Wildcat District.

Whether you have experienced problems with black vultures already or simply want to better understand what you can and cannot do when they become a concern, this program should provide useful information for livestock producers and landowners.

Please RSVP by September 28 by calling 620-244-3826.

Black vultures are a part of the Kansas landscape, and completely eliminating them isn’t the goal. The goal is to understand the bird, recognize when it becomes a problem, and know what options are available to manage that problem responsibly. Join us in Erie on September 30th by RSVPing to 620-365-2242. If you have any questions, contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent.

K-State Extension

Drought and Heat Stress Continue to Affect Trees and Shrubs

Leave a comment

Krista Harding

Rainfall across the Southwind Extension District has been scarce for several weeks. The U.S. Drought Monitor update released on September 3 now places much of our area in a D1 Moderate Drought classification. Unfortunately, long-range forecasts indicate that drought conditions may persist for the foreseeable future. The combination of prolonged heat and limited rainfall is creating challenging conditions for both people and plants.

One group feeling the effects most acutely is newly planted trees and shrubs. When a tree is transplanted, it typically experiences a period known as transplant shock. During this time, the plant is adjusting to its new environment and establishing roots. It is not uncommon for newly planted trees to lose a significant portion of their leaves during the first growing season. This year, however, the combination of drought and extreme heat has intensified that stress, resulting in more severe leaf drop and decline than usual.

While this can be alarming for homeowners, the good news is that many trees experiencing transplant shock will recover and produce new growth the following spring. Even so, newly planted trees and shrubs will require close attention as drought conditions continue.

Watering Recommendations for Newly Planted Trees

To help young trees survive periods of drought:

  • Create a low berm around the planting area to help retain water over the root zone.
  • Water deeply once each week, applying approximately 10 gallons of water per tree.
  • For trees with a trunk diameter greater than 2 inches, apply an additional 10 gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter.
  • Continue monitoring trees into the fall and winter months. Supplemental watering may still be necessary if dry conditions persist.

Watering Recommendations for Shrubs

Shrubs generally require less water than trees due to their smaller size. Apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the entire root ball to a depth of about 8 inches. Under drought conditions, a deep watering once per week is usually sufficient.

Caring for Established Trees

Mature trees are more drought-tolerant than newly planted trees, but they can still suffer from extended dry periods. Focus on providing deep, thorough watering rather than frequent light applications. Water should penetrate at least 10 inches into the soil.

Be sure to water beyond the drip line of the tree, where most of the absorbing roots are located. Avoid concentrating water directly at the base of the trunk, as this area contains relatively few roots that take up moisture.

A simple way to check watering depth is by inserting a screwdriver or metal rod into the soil. The tool will move easily through moist soil and stop when it reaches dry ground, allowing you to determine whether enough water has been applied.

If you have concerns about the health of a tree or shrub on your property, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am happy to answer questions and can schedule a home visit if needed.

Krista Harding is a K-State Extension Horticulture agent assigned to the Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

K-State Extension

Empowered Caregiver Program Comes to Fort Scott

Leave a comment

Empowered Caregiver Series Offered in Fort Scott

Do you want to show up as the strongest version of yourself—for you and the people you love? Build the skills that help you thrive in a caregiving role and feel confident doing it. Join The Empowered Caregiver, an Alzheimer’s Association program, for a free, two-part educational series.

The sessions are on Tuesday, October 6 and 13, from 6–8 p.m., at Fort Scott Community College’s Burris Ag Hall, 2108 S. Horton Street. Participants will learn caregiving strategies, communication techniques, ways to support independence, and resources available for caregivers. A light meal will be provided.

Topics in the program include:

  • Building foundations of caregiving.
  • Supporting independence.
  • Communicating effectively.
  • Responding to dementia-related behaviors.
  • Exploring care and support services.

Please RSVP at 620-244-3826 or tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Visit alz.org/CRF to explore additional education programs in your area.

For more information contact: Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District — tsolomon@ksu.edu, 620-244-3826.

Documents:

K-State Extension

Southwind 4-H Wins State Livestock Sweepstakes Championship

Leave a comment

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District in Allen and Bourbon Counties had the opportunity to participate in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Klara Stock, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Hunter Hurt, Kendyl Bloesser, Jewel Endicott, Alexa Ellis, Cash Pitts, Korbyn Allison, Makinlee Bloesser and Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach).

The Southwind Extension District 4-H members studied throughout the summer to participate at the 2026 Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, held August 22-23 at K-State’s new Bilbrey Family Event Center in Manhattan, KS. Demonstrating consistent excellence, Southwind teams placed in the top ten of every contest, with a dominating win in the State 4-H Meats Judging Contest, and a Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team to ultimately claim the title of 2026 State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes Champions.

The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were Hailey Shadden, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Klara Stock, Korbyn Allison, Cash Pitts and Hunter Hurt.

The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests: Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon, with scores combined and averaged to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners.

Top Individual Sweepstakes Results:

Hailey Shadden, Reserve Individual Overall (for the second consecutive year); Jewel Endicott, 5th (for the second consecutive year); Marley Sutton, 10th; Klara Stock, 11th; and Kendyl Bloesser 12th.

The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl qualifying exam, which began with 21 teams. Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, K. Bloesser, M. Bloesser) was the high-scoring team in the exam, but lost in the first round. Because of their bye and a high test score, they were 5th Team Overall. Southwind #2 (Endicott, Stock, Pitts, Hurt) was the second-highest-testing team and earned a bye in the first round. However, they stepped up to the challenge, and won 2 matches before a tough loss in the finals, and were named Reserve Champion Livestock Quiz Bowl Team.

In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #1 (Shadden, K. Bloesser, Ellis, Stock) had an outstanding day, earning 4th in Cattle, 13th in Sheep, Champion Team in Hogs, Champion Team in Reasons, and being named 5th High Team Overall. There were 42 teams from across the state and 220 individuals in the contest. Individual highlights include: Hailey Shadden – 5th High Individual Overall, High Individual Cattle; 6th Reasons, and 9th Hogs; Alexa Ellis was 8th in Cattle. Both Hailey and Alexa qualified to try out for the Kansas 4-H Livestock Judging All-Star Team later this fall.

The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #1 (Endicott, Sutton, Shadden, Stock) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance by winning Retail Identification, and also earning 2nd in both Placings and Reasons. 75 Senior Individuals and 13 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #2 (K. Bloesser, M. Bloesser, Ellis, Pitts) was 8th in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 7th in Retail ID, and 7th Team Overall. Those in the Top 10 were offered the opportunity to try out for the All-Star team later this year. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:

  • Jewel Endicott – High Individual Overall, High Individual Placings, 4th Reasons, 3rd Retail ID
  • Hailey Shadden – 3rd Individual Overall, 8th Placings, 8th Reasons, 8th Retail ID
  • Kendyl Bloesser – 4th Individual Overall, 7th Placings, 5th Retail ID
  • Klara Stock – 7th Individual Overall, 6th Retail ID
  • Marley Sutton – 9th Individual Overall, 7th Retail ID
  • Makinlee Bloesser – 10th Placings

In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and determining proper cattle breeding decisions. Out of 33 teams and 180 individuals, Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, Endicott, M. Bloesser) worked together to be named the 7th Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results include: Jewel Endicott – 4th Individual Overall, 5th Exam, 4th Practicum; Hailey Shadden – 5th Individual Overall, 8th Exam, 5th Practicum.

This particular Sweepstakes championship is proof that Southwind 4-H members push through tough contests with grit, talent, and a team spirit. True to their motto of “Making the Best Better,” these members pushed each other to new heights. The District credits its success to the support of parents, dedicated coaches, loyal alumni, Extension Agents, and the entire Southwind 4-H community.

Documents:

K-State Extension

Back-to-School Safety by Amanda Clasen

Leave a comment

Amanda Clasen

Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
August 2026

 

Back-to-School Safety: Start the Year on the Right Foot or Pedal

Back-to-school season is happening in the Southwind District. The backpacks are coming out, school supplies are being purchased, and families are getting back into their school-year routines. The weather is nice, and for some students, that back-to-school routine includes walking or riding a bicycle to and from school. As another school year begins, it is a great time for families to talk about and practice safe habits for getting to school.

If your child will be walking or biking to school, make the trip together before the first day. Identify safe places to cross, stop signs, traffic signals and areas where extra caution may be needed. Younger children should have adult supervision as they learn their route. Older children should still have a planned route and know where they should cross. Whenever possible, encourage children to walk or bike with a sibling, friend or group.

A properly fitted helmet should be part of every bike ride. Remind young riders to:

  • Ride on the right side of the road, traveling with traffic.
  • Stop at intersections and obey stop signs and traffic signals.
  • Look both ways and make sure it is safe before entering a street or turning.
  • Use bike lanes and appropriate hand signals when available.

Before school starts, check the bicycle to make sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes work and the bike is in good condition.

Since not all children ride their bikes to school, students that are walking have some important safety skills to learn as well. Teach children to cross at designated intersections rather than in the middle of a block. Before crossing, look in all directions and continue watching for vehicles. Even when a pedestrian has the right-of-way, drivers may not always see them.

Children should follow traffic signals and listen to crossing guards. Older students should also put away their phones and avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while walking. During early morning or evening hours, brightly colored clothing and reflective materials can help children be more visible to drivers.

Back-to-school safety does not have to be a lecture. Take a practice walk or bike ride and ask your child to point out where they would stop, where they would cross and what they should watch for. Whether your child walks, bikes, takes the bus or travels by car, a few minutes of preparation can help start the school year safely and on the right foot!

For additional information, visit HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics or explore Bike Easy’s Bike & Walk Education Resources.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

K-State Extension

Dividing Perennials in Late Summer: Irises, Daylilies & Peonies

Leave a comment

Irises, Daylilies, and Peonies – Now Is the Time to Divide

With many area students heading back to school this week, it feels like summer is beginning to wind down. As we move into mid-August, it’s the perfect time to divide many perennial plants and prepare them for the seasons ahead. Irises, daylilies, and peonies are among the most popular garden perennials, and late summer is an ideal time to divide them.

Irises are typically divided in July and August. When selecting divisions, look for a healthy “double fan”—a large rhizome with two fans of leaves. Plants with double fans establish more quickly and may even bloom the year after planting.

Begin by digging up the entire iris clump. Place the plants in a bucket of water to wash soil from the roots and rhizomes. Rhizomes are the thick, horizontal stems from which roots and new shoots develop. Healthy rhizomes should be firm, free of blemishes, and at least one inch in diameter. Discard any sections showing signs of rot or disease.

Using a sharp knife, remove sections of rhizome that have no leaves or visible buds. Ideally, each division should be 5 to 7 inches long, with at least one healthy fan of leaves and 2 or more buds. To help prevent the spread of disease, disinfect the knife in a bleach solution between cuts.

Replant iris divisions on small soil ridges spaced about 12 inches apart. Spread the roots evenly on each side of the ridge and firm the soil around them. The rhizome itself should remain exposed on top, with soil snug against the sides but not covering it. Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering until the plants are well established.

Daylilies benefit from division every three to four years to maintain vigor and flowering. Although they can be divided in early spring before growth begins, late summer is the most common time. Many gardeners trim the foliage to about half its height before digging, making the plants easier to handle.

A spading fork can often be used to separate fans from an existing clump. If the planting is older and densely rooted, it may be easier to dig up the entire clump before dividing it. Each division should be about the size of a head of cauliflower. Replant divisions 24 to 30 inches apart at the same depth they were originally growing.

Peonies are a little different. They may never need to be divided and can thrive for 50 years or more without being disturbed. Unlike many perennials, regular division is not necessary for continued blooming. However, division is a good option if you want to expand your planting or if an older plant is declining.

Peonies should be divided after September 1, while allowing enough time for roots to establish before the ground freezes. Cutting the foliage back to ground level before digging makes the job much easier. Each root division should have three to five “eyes,” which are the pink buds that produce next year’s shoots.

When replanting, dig a hole about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Refill the hole halfway with a mixture of one part organic matter and two parts soil. Position the eyes just one to two inches below the soil surface. Planting peonies too deeply often results in healthy foliage but few, if any, blooms. Keep in mind, however, that peonies often take about three years to return to full bloom and size after division.

Taking the time to divide these perennials now will help keep the plants healthy, vigorous, and productive for years to come.

Krista Harding is the K-State Extension horticulture agent for the Southwind District. She can be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.