Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building
practical, from-scratch baking skills. This Southwind
Extension Food Volunteers class explores ingredient function,
simple techniques, and the benefits and tradeoffs of
homemade versus mix-based options.
Saturday, March 7, Noon – 2pm
First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S. Main in Fort Scott
$10 supplies fee
Contact Sandy Haggard to register:
620-365-2242 or [email protected]
K-State Extension Launches “Passport to Fun: Spring Break Edition” for Local Youth
As spring break approaches, families across the Southwind District have a new reason to get excited. K-State Extension is rolling out Passport to Fun: Spring Break Edition, an immersive, hands‑on learning adventure designed especially for youth ages 7 to 12.
This four‑day program invites young explorers to “travel the world” without ever leaving their community. Each session highlights four different countries and blends movement, creativity, science, and cuisine to give participants a rich, memorable cultural experience.
From crafting and cooking to interactive activities and global discovery, the camp aims to spark curiosity and broaden horizons.
A Four‑City Tour Across the District
To make the program accessible to families throughout the region, the K-State Extension team is hosting sessions in four different communities:
• March 16 – Fort Scott @ Buck Run, 1010 Park Avenue
• March 17 – Chanute @ City Park Pavilion, 101 S. Forest Avenue
• March 18 – Yates Center @ Community Building, 711 S. Fry Street
• March 19 – Moran @ Moran Senior Community Center, 407 Cedar Street
Each session runs from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., offering an afternoon packed with global exploration and hands‑on fun.
Encouraging Curiosity Through Experience
The program’s design reflects K-State Extension’s commitment to experiential learning. By blending physical activity, creative expression, scientific inquiry, and culinary exploration,
Passport to Fun gives kids a chance to learn in ways that feel like play. It’s an opportunity for youth to build confidence, try new things, and develop a broader understanding of the world.
Wake Up Your Fruit Trees – Time for Dormant Oil Sprays
I’ve heard the frogs singing on several days, which is always a welcome sound to my ears because I know spring is near! When the beautiful, warm days grace us in March, make time to apply a dormant oil on your fruit trees.
There are several dormant sprays used on fruit trees and other plants to control various diseases and insects. However, a dormant oil spray is designed to control scale insects, aphids, and mites. Just like the name implies, dormant oils are applied before the tree begins to bud. Dormant oil sprays are essential because some pests attack before visible growth even begins. If you have a problem with scale, now is the time to start watching the weather and look for an opportunity to spray.
Scale insects are easy to see this time of year because there are no leaves. Scale insects are easily overlooked because they are small and immobile most of their lives, and they do not resemble most other insects. Many of them resemble small oval or circular shells. Coloring varies but can include white, tan, and brown. Plants that should be inspected for scales include apple, pear, other fruit trees, lilac, crabapple, oak, ash, elm, maple, arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, euonymus, and yew.
Plants are not harmed if only a few scales are present, but scale population can increase dramatically during the growing season. Heavy infestations of scale insects can damage fruit crops, destroy branches, and kill entire plants.
Normally, sprays should be applied around March 1, especially with peaches and nectarines. Apples are tougher, and the application may be delayed up to the green tip stage. Temperatures need to be at least 40 degrees so the spray has a chance to dry before freezing. If the spray does freeze before it dries, plant injury can occur. Applying the spray in the morning will help ensure it dries properly. It is much easier to achieve good spray coverage if the tree is pruned before spraying.
The Extension office has several publications outlining the fruit spray schedule for the entire growing season.
Now is an excellent time to prune. Pruning can be done in March. Prune on days when the temperature is above 20 degrees to prevent injury. Prune older trees first because older, larger wood tolerates lower temperatures than young trees with small-diameter wood.
If your trees are overgrown and out of control, and you don’t know where to begin, stop by the Extension office and pick up a pruning publication. This publication offers step-by-step instructions for pruning overgrown trees and includes nice diagrams.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to the Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Prescribed Burning Season Begins in Kansas: Planning Is Key for Success
By Lonnie Mengarelli- Southwind Ag and Natural Resources Agent
Prescribed burning season is approaching across Kansas, and as ranchers and land managers prepare to use fire as a management tool, careful planning and attention to safety are essential. When conducted under the right conditions, prescribed burning provides long-term benefits to rangeland, livestock performance, wildlife habitat, and overall landscape health.
Brush control and improved stocker cattle gains are often the primary reasons producers use prescribed fire. Research conducted over several decades consistently shows that mid- to late-spring burning can increase stocker gains by an average of 32 pounds per animal on burned pastures. These gains have been observed even during dry years.
Prescribed fire is also an effective tool for managing woody vegetation, particularly once plants have leafed out. Eastern red cedar is an exception, as it can be controlled by fire at nearly any time of year. Additional benefits of burning include conserving native plant communities, improving grazing distribution, enhancing wildlife habitat, and reducing fuel loads that can contribute to severe wildfires. Fire is commonly used to maintain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres as well. In Kansas, CRP burning is generally allowed from Feb. 1 to April 15 in the eastern counties. Summer burns after July 16 are also permitted. Producers should always check with their local Farm Service Agency office for county-specific requirements.
Weather conditions play a critical role in conducting a safe and effective prescribed burn. Recommended conditions typically include: Wind speeds between 5 and 15 miles per hour, Relative humidity from 40 to 70 percent, and air temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to wind speed and direction, cloud cover and mixing height influence smoke dispersion. Hourly forecasts can help identify potential wind shifts that may occur during the burn period.
Several online tools are available to assist with burn planning. The Kansas Fire and Smoke Model (ksfire.org) predicts smoke movement based on weather conditions, fuel load, and burn size for Flint Hills counties, as well as Johnson, Wyandotte, and Sedgwick counties. The Kansas Mesonet (mesonet.ksu.edu) provides real-time data on humidity, wind direction, and current and forecasted fire danger from more than 70 locations across the state. Forecasts are available through National Weather Service offices. The NWS offices that serve southeast Kansas are Springfield, MO, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, and Topeka, KS. Visit weather.gov and search for the appropriate office for your area.
Burn conditions can change quickly, and recent moisture does not always reduce fire behavior. This year, land managers should be mindful that fires may burn more aggressively and unpredictably, particularly during light-wind conditions. Cutting wider fuel breaks, planning for less effective timber control lines, and having additional personnel and equipment available can help reduce the risk of fire escape. Monitoring the forecast two to three days in advance, ensuring fires are fully extinguished, and considering delays until green-up is more established are additional steps that can improve safety and outcomes.
Kansas regulations require individuals conducting a prescribed burn to notify local fire authorities, avoid creating traffic or airport hazards, and supervise the fire until it is completely extinguished. Some counties also require burn permits. Always confirm local requirements before conducting a prescribed burn.
Prescribed burning remains one of the most effective land management tools available in Kansas. Safety, as always, is the top priority for a successful prescribed burn. Creating a burn plan in advance can be the difference between success and disaster. With proper planning, use of available resources, and adherence to safety guidelines, producers can successfully use fire to improve rangeland productivity while protecting people, property, and natural resources. If you have any questions about prescribed burning, please feel free to call your local extension office and ask for me! I am more than happy to help.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry diseases and,
in some cases, trigger long-term, life-altering health conditions
such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Join Southwind Extension to learn
how to protect your family and navigate life after an Alpha-Gal
diagnosis.
The program will feature two K-State experts:
Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D. will talk on how Alpha-Gal affects the body and nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS.
Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D. will talk on tick species, life cycles, and behavior, diseases associated with ticks, and prevention and personal protection tips
Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday
life, this program offers practical, research-based information to
help reduce risk and increase awareness.
Monday, March 23
Fort Scott Community College
Ellis Meeting Rooms
6:00 p.m.
Call 620-244-3826 by March 20 to register.
Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building
practical, from-scratch baking skills. This Southwind
Extension Food Volunteers class explores ingredient function,
simple techniques, and the benefits and tradeoffs of
homemade versus mix-based options.
Saturday, March 7, Noon – 2pm
First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S. Main in Fort Scott
$10 supplies fee
Contact Sandy Haggard to register:
620-365-2242 or [email protected]
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Why Checking Your Blood Pressure Matters More Than You Think
Most of us don’t think about our blood pressure until a doctor mentions it—but waiting can be risky. High blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition for a reason—you can have it without feeling any symptoms. Yet it remains one of the top risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
In Kansas, 34.3% of adults—about 750,000 people—have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, enough to fill Arrowhead Stadium nearly ten times. It’s a reminder of just how common this condition is and why keeping an eye on your numbers is so important.
The first step in understanding your blood pressure is simple: check it regularly. Accurate, consistent readings help you notice patterns and spot changes early. This information also helps you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and take action before small issues grow into serious health problems.
Recognizing the need for easier access to blood pressure monitoring, five local libraries have joined together to launch the Libraries with Heart initiative. This program aims to make blood pressure checks and related education more accessible to everyone in the community.
Program Highlights
Blood Pressure Monitors for Checkout: Patrons can borrow validated monitors through each library’s Library of Things catalog.
Easy-to-Understand Educational Materials: Resources help users learn how to take readings, understand their results, and take steps toward better heart health.
Connections to Local Healthcare Providers: Additional support and follow-up care are available through local partners.
The Libraries with Heart initiative is supported by a Basic Human Needs grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, in partnership with K‑State Extension, the American Heart Association, and participating libraries.
Heart‑Healthy Habits to Start Today
Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Eat Smart: Choose herbs and spices instead of salt.
Move More: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity daily.
Sleep Well: Get 7–9 hours each night to support heart recovery.
Manage Stress: Try deep breathing, stretching, or a short walk.
Avoid Tobacco: Your heart begins to heal within weeks of quitting.
For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620‑244‑3826.
Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but the holiday’s favorite flower often declines shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert Matthew McKernan offers guidelines to extend the life of floral
arrangements and cut flowers.
“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water,” McKernan said. “Add fresh water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”
McKernan suggests recutting flower stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, scissors or garden pruner to allow the stem to continue drawing water.
“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” McKernan said.
When arranging cut flowers, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.
“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth, which will dirty water and shorten flower life,” McKernan said. “Stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle immediately before putting them in water to further extend the
life of the bouquet.”
If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, he added. McKernan and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home
landscapes and gardens. https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State University Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620. Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Educational Program to Address Theileria in Cattle
FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Area cattle producers are invited to attend an educational program focused on Theileria in cattle: understanding risk, spread, and management on Wednesday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m. The program will be held at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., Fort Scott.
Theileria is an emerging concern for cattle producers in Kansas, and the meeting will provide practical, research-based information to help producers understand the disease and reduce risk in their operations.
Presenters include Dr. Cassandra Olds, K-State veterinary entomologist, and Hunter Nickell, Southwind Extension agent. Topics will include an overview of Theileria in cattle, transmission pathways, entomology considerations, arthropod control strategies, and management decisions that reduce disease risk while minimizing insecticide resistance. There will also be a short discussion on reporting losses to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and some programs they offer for assistance.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are encouraged. For questions or to reserve a spot, call 620-365-2242 or email [email protected].
Kansas State University is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
A new year often feels like a fresh notebook, clean pages, new possibilities, and plenty of motivation to make positive changes. January is when many people sit down to set personal goals, and while health-related resolutions are often top of mind, your financial health deserves the same level of attention. Just like an annual physical helps you stay on track with your well-being, a financial checkup can give you clarity, direction, and renewed confidence in your money management.
K‑State Extension offers a practical and easy-to-use resource titled How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup, which walks individuals and families step-by-step through evaluating their current financial situation. The publication is available online through the K‑State Extension bookstore, or printed copies can also be picked up at your local Extension office.
A financial checkup is simply a structured way to take stock of where you are and where you want to go. There’s no universal formula for financial success; every household faces different needs, priorities, and challenges. But having a clear picture of your finances can help you identify what’s working, what needs attention, and what steps will move you closer to your goals.
One of the first tools in the publication is the Financial Fitness Quiz, a short but meaningful self-assessment designed to help you reflect on important parts of your financial life, scoring your responses to give you a better understanding of strengths and areas where habit improvements could happen, such as:
Financial Management: Do you keep accurate records, use a checking account to pay bills, or follow a budget or spending plan?
Saving and Investing: Are you building an emergency fund, saving regularly for long-term goals, or investing for retirement?
Insurance & Estate Planning: Do you have the insurance coverage you need? Is your will or estate plan up to date?
The publication goes a step further by guiding you through practical tasks such as creating a net worth statement, a simple calculation of what you own (assets) minus what you owe (debts). Many people find this eye-opening, and it often serves as a motivational starting point for reducing debt or increasing savings. You’ll also find tips for setting clear, realistic financial goals and building a spending plan that reflects your priorities rather than simply tracking where money went in the past.
As part of a complete financial review, the checkup encourages you to look over your taxes, obtain and examine your credit reports, review insurance policies, and evaluate retirement accounts and other investments. These periodic reviews help ensure your financial decisions remain aligned with the changes in your family, job, income, or long-term plans.
Start the year with clarity and confidence. Your future self will be grateful for the steps you take today.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].
