Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
July 2026

As summer winds down and the first day of school quickly approaches, many families are checking off supply lists, scheduling appointments, and preparing for a new routine. Back-to-school season is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, making it the perfect opportunity to support the businesses and people who help our communities thrive.

Every backpack, haircut, meal, or school shirt purchased from a locally owned business does more than cross an item off your list; it helps strengthen the local economy. When dollars are spent locally, they often stay in the community, supporting jobs, sponsoring youth activities, funding local services through sales tax, and helping small businesses continue serving our towns year-round.

This year, I invite you to take the Back-to-School Local Challenge. Before the first school bell rings, see how many of these you can check off your list:

✔ Purchase at least one school supply from a locally owned business.

✔ Enjoy a meal or sweet treat at a local restaurant.

✔ Grab your morning coffee or afternoon drink from a neighborhood coffee shop.

✔ Schedule your student’s haircut with a local barber or salon.

✔ Purchase school spirit wear or a teacher gift from a local business.

✔ Write a thank-you note or words of encouragement to a teacher or school staff member.

✔ Donate school supplies to a classroom or local organization helping students in need.

✔ Share your favorite local business on social media and encourage others to shop there.

While these actions may seem small on their own, together they create a ripple effect throughout the community. Local businesses are often the ones sponsoring youth sports teams, donating to school fundraisers, supporting community events, and creating jobs for our friends and neighbors. Choosing to support them during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year is an investment in the future of our hometown.

Back-to-school isn’t just about preparing students for a successful year; it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the community they’ll grow up in. Every local purchase, every act of kindness, and every show of support helps build a vibrant community where families and businesses can succeed together.

So, how many items can you check off before the first day of school? Challenge your family, challenge your friends, and let’s make this school year one that starts with community.

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

Extension Master Gardener Training Offered This Fall

Area plant lovers have an excellent opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program. Extension Master Gardener training will be held September 3 through December 3 using a hybrid format that combines in-person classes with Zoom instruction.

The Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer service. Participants receive 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture and, upon completion of the training, donate an equivalent number of volunteer service hours to Extension horticulture programs.

Training is taught by Kansas State University specialists, local Extension agents, and area horticulture experts. Topics include:

• Plant Growth and Development
• Soils, Water, and Fertilizer
• Vegetable Gardening
• Insect Diagnosis and Management
• Growing Fruit
• Annuals and Perennials
• Woody Ornamentals
• Turfgrass
• Landscape Maintenance
• Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management
• Pesticide Use and Safety
• Wildlife Management

Although the Master Gardener program is volunteer-based, applicants must meet the following requirements before being accepted into the program:

• Be available to complete approximately 40 hours of community horticulture volunteer service during the first year. Volunteer hours are equal to the number of training hours received.
• Have access to the internet, a computer or other device with a microphone and camera, an actively monitored email account, and reliable transportation to the in-person training location in Iola.
• Enjoy sharing a love of gardening with others through a variety of Extension Master Gardener projects.

The Southwind Extension District has an active Master Gardener program whose volunteers have completed projects including demonstration flower beds, vegetable research trials, educational programs, and many other community horticulture initiatives.

Applications are now available and must be submitted to the Southwind Extension District by August 15. The registration fee is $95.

Applications are available on the Southwind Extension District website: www.southwind.k-state.edu or can be mailed upon request. For more information about the Master Gardener training program, please contact the Extension office.

Krista Harding is the K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind Extension 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.

Colored Ribbons at the County Fair

It’s county fair time and this means that 4-H’ers have the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work learned on projects throughout the 4-H year. For many, this time of year is a highlight of the 4-H program.

Have you ever wondered what the different colored ribbons attached to exhibits mean? Well, I would like to tell you how 4-H exhibits are evaluated at the local county fair.

At the local county fair, most exhibits are judged on a conference or interview basis. This is where the judge interviews the participant as he or she evaluates the product against a set of standards rather than against other exhibits. The purpose of this judging is to determine what the 4-H’er learned while completing the project. Judges may consider skill level based on age and circumstance, and expect a higher performance from older 4-H’ers, so there is some variance within the standard. Comments are generally provided verbally and sometimes written. After the exhibit is evaluated, the judge then awards a ribbon placing to the exhibit.

In 4-H, we use the Danish Ribbon System where exhibits are placed into four different ribbon groups. A purple ribbon means outstanding on all standards, a blue ribbon exceeds the minimum standards but may have some minor flaws where improvements can be made, a red ribbon meets all minimum standards and may have some visible signs of needed improvement and finally a white ribbon fails to meet the minimum standard for the project. Of the purple ribbons, the judge can select a Champion and Reserve Champion.

In 4-H, we believe that using the Danish Ribbon System gives every 4-H member the recognition deserved for the work that was done and encourage them to follow the motto “to make the best better.” While no evaluation system is perfect, this system helps 4-H develop top quality youth instead of focusing on purple ribbon projects.

I encourage you to visit your local county fair and see all of the amazing work 4-H’ers have on display. And as you walk around, pay close attention to the different ribbon placings attached to projects. You will notice there will be any number of purples, blues, reds, or whites in each of the departments. This is the Danish Ribbon System, where 4-H’ers are encouraged to challenge themselves, set goals, and receive constructive criticism. All things to help young people build essential life skills to thrive.

For more information about 4-H Youth Development, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, District Extension Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at jkterrell@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Starts August 5th

Starting August 5th, enhance your health and independence through strength-building exercises at the Fort Scott fairgrounds, Yeager Building, located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.

The “Stay Strong Stay Healthy” class will meet twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required; call 620-244-3826 to register and learn more. Thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, this class is offered at a $10.00 donation fee.

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health, and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to improve your health and join others in this fun program!

Class Details

• Dates: August 5th – September 23rd
• Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Fort Scott Fair Grounds, Yeager Building, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd, Fort Scott
• Cost: $10.00 donation (thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging)
• Register by: July 31st

Call 620-244-3826 to register!

Benefits include:

• Increase your overall fitness, flexibility, and balance
• Build muscle and increase bone density to reduce frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls
• Meet new people
• Take home a handy exercise guide to continue the program
• Exercise equipment is provided in class

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

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Documents:

• SSSH_Marketing_Flyer_2026_FORT_SCOTT.pdf

County Fair Adventures Await

As July arrives, the county fair season is just around the corner! Across the Southwind Extension District, our communities are preparing for weeks filled with tradition, friendly competition, family fun, and the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our local 4-H members and agricultural community.

The fair season begins with the Bourbon County Fair, themed “Take a Dive into the Bourbon County Fair,” from July 11-18. Be sure to stop by the Vendor Marts in the Merchants Building, open July 14-16 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., where you’ll find local businesses, organizations, and unique products to explore while enjoying all the excitement the fair has to offer.

Next up is the Woodson County Fair, “There’s No Time Like Fair Time,” taking place July 17-20. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy livestock shows, exhibits, entertainment, and community activities. Before the fair concludes on Monda[WH1.1]y, July 20, stop by on Sunday, July 19th, for a free community breakfast from 7:00 to 8:00 am right before the sheep and goat show starts at 9:00 am, providing the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, neighbors, and fair supporters before another successful fair.

The fun continues at the Neosho County Fair, “Surf in the USA,” from July 23-27. Be sure to attend the always-popular Celebrity Showmanship on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. or test your skills during the Horseshoe Tournament on Sunday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a canned food item each time they attend the fair to support the community food drive led by the Neosho County 4-H Clubs in partnership with Neosho County Farm Bureau.[WH2.1][WH2.2][KH2.3][WH2.4][KH2.5]

Also taking place, the week of July 21-26 is the Allen County Fair, “Take a Walk on the Wild Side.” Families won’t want to miss the Baby Barnyard, open Thursday through Saturday, where children and adults alike can get an up-close look at a variety of farm animals. While you’re there, be sure to visit the exhibit buildings and observe the 4-H members proudly showcasing the projects they worked on throughout the year.

County fairs are much more than summer entertainment—they celebrate agriculture, youth leadership, volunteerism, and community pride. For many 4-H members, the fair represents the culmination of months of learning, hard work, and dedication. Their exhibits highlight skills developed throughout the year in areas such as livestock, photography, foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, woodworking, horticulture, visual arts, robotics, and many other project areas.

Whether you’re cheering on exhibitors in the show ring, browsing handmade exhibits, visiting local vendors, or simply enjoying an evening with family and friends, county fairs create lasting memories while bringing communities together. They remind us of the importance of supporting our local youth, celebrating agriculture, and preserving traditions passed down for generations.
This July, make plans to visit one (or all four) county fairs across the Southwind Extension District. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate another memorable fair season together!

Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at klhenson@ksu.edu or 620-625-8620. Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Friends and community members are invited to celebrate the retirement of Pat Simpson, who is concluding 26 years of dedicated service.

A retirement reception honoring Simpson will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bourbon County Courthouse – Southwind Extension District Office, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott.

The event will be a come-and-go reception, providing an opportunity for friends, coworkers, and community members to congratulate Simpson and thank her for her years of commitment and service. Refreshments will be served.

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

We live in a world where you can click a button and have something at your door tomorrow, and honestly, it is hard not to get used to that. The downside is that long-term planning starts to feel like something we will deal with later. But here is the good news: young people have something you cannot rush or replace — time.

Many young adults are focused on student loans, rent, or the newest phone upgrade, and investing does not always make the priority list. The ones who do start early, though, are setting themselves up for something much bigger: long-term financial freedom. At the heart of investing early is a simple yet powerful idea — compound interest. In short, your money earns money, and then that money earns money too. Given enough time, even small, consistent contributions can grow into something significant.

For example, think about setting aside $50 a week instead of spending it here and there. If a young adult starts doing that in their early 20s and invests it, it can grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. But if they wait 10 years to start, they miss out on a huge portion of that growth. That is the power of getting started early.

So why encourage young people to start investing early? Here are a few key reasons:

#1) It creates more freedom down the road: Whether it is retiring early, traveling, or starting a business, having a strong financial foundation gives people options and reduces the need to rely on credit when life happens.

#2) It builds smart money habits early: Learning how to budget, save, and plan ahead at a young age helps reduce financial stress later on. Just like compound interest, these habits build on themselves over time.

#3) It is easier than ever to get started: With today’s technology, investing is accessible to just about anyone. Many apps allow you to begin with just a few dollars and provide tools and education along the way.

Summer also creates a great opportunity to start building these skills through youth entrepreneurship. With fewer school commitments and more flexible schedules, young people can try out small business ideas like lawn care, pet sitting, selling handmade goods, or even starting an online venture. While earning money is exciting, the real value comes from what they learn — responsibility, problem-solving, customer service, and how to manage their money.

Encouraging youth to take on these kinds of projects helps connect the dots between earning, saving, and investing. When a young person earns their own money, they are much more likely to think about where it goes and how to make it grow. Over time, those early experiences can build confidence, independence, and a mindset that sets them up for long-term success.

At the end of the day, investing early is not about having a lot of money — it is about starting where you are and giving your money time to grow. No matter your age, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

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

Newly Hatched Bagworms Are Set to Cause Damage

If you haven’t scouted for bagworms yet, trust me – they are out and about! They are a recurring pest in our area and can cause significant damage to landscape plants. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not become concerned about bagworms until they notice the large bags hanging from trees and shrubs. By that point, the damage has often already been done. Fortunately, the ideal window for control is approaching.

Bagworms overwinter as eggs inside the protective bags left by female moths. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch and emerge through the bottom opening of the old bag. They immediately begin constructing their own miniature silk-lined bags, incorporating bits of foliage into the structure for camouflage. Once the bags are completed, the young larvae begin feeding. As the larvae grow, their bags expand.

By mid- to late August, feeding is complete. The mature larvae firmly attach their bags to twigs and branches, where they remain protected as they complete their life cycle.

Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern redcedar and juniper, but they also attack arborvitae, spruce, and pine. In addition, many broadleaf trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants can serve as hosts. After defoliating a plant, bagworms may migrate in search of additional food sources, attacking either the same species or entirely different plants.

The extent of damage can range from minor to severe. As larvae grow larger, their appetite increases dramatically. In some cases, what appears to be a healthy tree can become heavily defoliated in a very short period of time. Several consecutive years of severe feeding can weaken and eventually kill trees, especially conifers.

There are two primary methods of bagworm control: cultural and chemical.

For those who prefer not to use insecticides, handpicking bags from infested plants can be an effective management strategy. This is often easiest during the winter months when the bags are more visible against dormant foliage and branches. However, it is important to remember that a single overlooked bag may contain hundreds to more than a thousand eggs. Handpicking also becomes impractical when plants are heavily infested or too large to reach safely.

Chemical control is most effective when larvae are young and actively feeding. In most years, bagworm larvae begin emerging from overwintering bags in mid- to late May. Because egg hatch occurs over 4 to 5 weeks, treatment timing is important. Insecticide applications made in late summer are often ineffective because the larvae are larger, more resistant, and may have already stopped feeding.

The third week of June is generally the ideal time to apply insecticides for bagworm control. Products containing spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin are commonly used and are available under a variety of trade names. Always read and follow label directions, and check the active ingredients to ensure the product is labeled for bagworm control.

For more information on managing bagworms, please get in touch with me at your local K-State Extension, Southwind District office in Iola, Erie, Fort Scott, and Yates Center.

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

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

Cost-Share Dollars Available for Forage Testing

To help producers make informed feeding decisions, K-State Extension – Southwind District has been awarded funding through the Bill House Ag Grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Through this grant, we are offering a $20 cost-share on full nutrient forage analysis tests to producers of the Southwind District. A typical total nutrient analysis test costs $22 plus shipping, while a full nutrient analysis plus nitrate test costs $35 plus shipping. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 100 total samples. Producers may receive cost-share assistance on up to two forage samples.

Though the feeding season is a few months away, we are beginning to start the summer haying season. As producers bale hay, many of them are beginning to evaluate hay inventories and maybe even plan winter supplementation. One of the most overlooked management tools is also among the most economical: forage testing.

A common assumption is that all hay is relatively similar, especially when it looks good from the outside. Unfortunately, appearances can be deceiving. Two hay bales harvested from neighboring fields can vary significantly in protein, energy, digestibility, and even nitrate content. Without knowing the nutritional value of your forage, developing an effective feeding program becomes little more than an educated guess.

This year, forage testing may be more important than ever. Across southeast Kansas, weather conditions and harvest timing have created significant differences in forage quality. Hay baling has been significantly delayed due to rain or other environmental factors, such as flooding. As a result, nutrient values ARE going to vary widely this year, especially on cool-season forages still not harvested in June.

Knowing the quality of your forage can provide several benefits:

• Stretch feed dollars by matching supplements to actual forage needs.
• Avoid overfeeding expensive protein and energy supplements.
• Identify lower-quality hay that should be fed to cows with lower nutrient requirements.
• Reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies that can affect reproduction, body condition, and calf performance.
• Detect potential issues such as nitrate accumulation or other feed quality concerns.

For many operations, the cost of a forage test can be recovered quickly through more precise supplementation decisions. Feeding even one pound of unnecessary supplement per cow per day can add up to substantial costs over the course of a winter-feeding season.

A full nutrient analysis provides valuable information, including crude protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN), fiber levels, energy, and other important nutritional measurements that can be used to balance rations more effectively.

Collecting a representative sample is critical. Producers are encouraged to use a hay probe and sample multiple bales from each lot of hay. Samples can then be submitted through the Extension office for laboratory analysis.

The information gained from a forage test allows producers to make data-driven feeding decisions rather than relying on visual estimates or assumptions. In a time when feed costs remain one of the largest expenses in an operation, understanding the quality of your forage can be one of the best investments you make.

For more information about the forage testing cost-share program or assistance with collecting samples, contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any K-State Extension – Southwind District office or by email nickell99@ksu.edu.