Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
What’s the right plan for your child? How do you get one? What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Cherri Walrod, K-State Extension Community Health Worker.
Growing with 4–H: September as a Season of Reflection and Renewal
September is a month of transition. The long, warm days of summer give way to crisp mornings and evenings, school buses resume their routes, and the first hints of autumn colors begin toappear in the trees. For many, September feels like both an ending and a beginning. In 4–H, this sense of change is particularly significant—it is a time to reflect on past accomplishments with pride and to look forward with excitement to what is yet to come.
Celebrating Summer Successes
For 4–H members, summer is typically the busiest season of the year. They spend countless hours caring for livestock, tending to gardens, practicing demonstrations, working on sewing projects, and preparing entries for the fair. County and state fairs serve not only as showcases of hard work but also as celebrations of dedication, perseverance, and growth.
As September arrives, many members take time to reflect on their summer experiences. They remember the early mornings in the barn, the nerves they felt before stepping into the show ring, the satisfaction of completing a project, and the joy of hearing their names called during the awards ceremony. These experiences teach valuable lessons that go beyond what ribbons can represent. They instill a sense of responsibility, time management skills, resilience, and pride in a job well done.
A Fresh Start for a New 4–H Year
September is not just a time for reflection; it’s also a season of renewal. For many clubs, the start of September marks the approach of a new 4–H year. New members are welcomed, officers are elected, and goals are set for the upcoming months. This season represents fresh starts, allowing young people to choose new projects, explore different areas of interest, and challenge themselves to grow in exciting ways.
Just like the harvest season that September brings, 4–H teaches us that growth occurs when seeds are planted with care and nurtured with time and effort. The lessons learned in barns, gardens, kitchens, and meeting rooms extend well beyond 4–H. They help shape members into leaders, problem solvers, and responsible citizens in their schools and communities.
Looking Ahead: National 4–H Week
September brings excitement forNational 4–H Week, which occurs in early October. Clubs start brainstorming ideas to showcase their projects, promote 4–H to new audiences, and highlight the positive impact 4–H has on their communities. This is a time for members to share their pride, invite friends to join, and tell their personal stories about how 4–H has made a difference in their lives.
This preparation goes beyond mere publicity; it serves as a reminder of the vital importance of outreach and service. 4–H is not just about the individual benefits members receive, but also about the contributions they make to their communities. By gettingready for National 4–H Week, clubs reinforce the connections they share with their schools, neighborhoods, and counties.
September’s Message: Making the Best Better
Ultimately, September reminds us of the pledge every 4–H member knows well:“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
As we transition from one season to the next, our pledge takes on a deeper significance. It encourages us to use our talents and energy not only to improve ourselves but also to strengthen the world around us. September marks the start of fall and signifies the beginning of another year of growth, leadership, friendship, and service in 4–H.
As the leaves begin to change, let’s welcome the opportunities that lie ahead. We should take the lessons we’ve learned from the summer fairgrounds and apply them in our classrooms, communities, and homes. Let’s continue to embody the mission of 4–H: to make the best even better.
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4–H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at[email protected]or 620–625–8620.
Did you know that you can review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan annually? Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th to December 7th, is the time to do just that!
On Tuesday, October 28th, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm, at 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott; area Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) will be available for you! Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.
Even if you have been happy with your plan in the past, plans and your medications do change! It is a good idea to compare options to see what meets your current needs. Last year, counselors helped beneficiaries save on average $909.00 per person by changing plans.
Back to the Land: Plot Perfect — Garden Planning for an Abundant Harvest
Whether you’re a first-time or a seasoned gardener, the homesteading series from K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District is designed to help you grow smarter — not harder.
Join us for the first session of Back to the Land with Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for an Abundant Harvest on Wednesday, October 1st, at 6 p.m. in the Agriculture Building at Fort Scott Community College.
This free, interactive workshop is designed to help gardeners plan and grow a more productive food garden from the ground up. Topics will include:
Starting strong with healthy transplants
Do-It-Yourself indoor grow light system
Choosing the best soil amendments
Selecting crop varieties that support your homesteading goals
Designing efficient garden layouts to reduce waste and boost yields
Whether you’re building a backyard homestead or want to put more fresh food on your family’s table, this session will provide practical, hands-on skills to help you make the most of the growing season.
Homestead: A Buzzword with Roots—and a Future
By Lonnie Mengarelli- Extension Agent
I have been the Crops and Natural Resources agent now for going on 16 months, and I have been to 15 plus farms where families are leaving the “city life” behind to try to live the self-sustainable farm life. As most of you have probably heard the term “homestead” or “homesteading” in American vocabulary—not as a dusty relic of pioneer days, but as a modern buzzword symbolizing a movement toward self-sufficiency, sustainability, and reconnection with the land.
What was once a necessity for survival on the frontier is now a lifestyle choice for many who crave something simpler, something real. From urban backyard chicken coops to rural mini-farms, people are planting, preserving, and planning in ways that echo their ancestors—albeit with a little more Wi-Fi.
The idea of homesteading is no longer just about acreage and off-grid living. It’s about intentional living, understanding where your food comes from, and having the skills to provide for yourself, even in small ways. And that’s where programs like Back to the Land: Traditions & Innovations in Small-Scale Farming step in to help.
Offered by the Southwind Extension District in partnership with Kansas State University, this free educational series is more than a class—it’s a call to cultivate resilience, knowledge, and community. Starting October 1st through December 10th at the Fort Scott Community College Ag Building, the 7 stand-alone programs all about farming basics covers a wide range of hands-on, practical topics designed to help anyone—regardless of experience—get back to the basics.
Want to plan a more productive garden? There’s a session for that. Thinking about raising chickens or goats? We’ve got you covered. Curious about preserving your harvest, or even processing your own deer? They’re diving into it all—with experienced agents and specialists leading the way.
What makes this series special is its accessibility. It’s not just for the already-committed homesteader with a five-acre spread and a root cellar, the 1,000-acre farmer, or the backyard garden enthusiast. It’s for the curious, the cautious, the DIY dreamers who want to dip their toe into self-reliant living. It’s for the family who wants to teach their kids where eggs come from, the retiree eyeing a new backyard project, or the young couple trying to stretch their grocery budget with a fall garden.
There’s a reason homesteading has made its way back into the headlines and hashtags. In uncertain times, people are rediscovering the value of real skills, real food, and real community. The Back to the Land series embraces both the tradition and the innovation that make modern homesteading possible—and rewarding.
October 1 – Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for Abundant Harvests
October 8 – Pest, Predators, and Protection
October 15- Backyard to Barnyard: Small Farm Poultry Essentials
October 29 – Deep Roots: Soil and Forage Strategies for Resilient Farms
November 5 – Homestead Herds: Practical Livestock for Everyday Farmers
November 12 – Pantry Power: Food Preservation for Self-Reliant Living
December 10 – Harvest and Butcher: A Whitetail Processing Program
Sessions start at 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday, and the final program on December 10th will be held at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. You can attend one or all—no cost, just a willingness to learn.
To register (or RSVP for the meal count), call 620-223-3720.
The modern homestead may look different than it did a hundred years ago—but the heart of it hasn’t changed. It’s still about making something meaningful from the land, however big or small your patch may be.
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
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare and enjoy home-cooked meals can be challenging. Hectic schedules and after-school activities can lead to families scrambling to find something to eat. However, having some meals prepared ahead of time or cooking at home offers numerous benefits. It promotes better nutrition, saves money, reduces stress, and strengthens family bonds. With a little planning, practice, and strategy, preparing healthy meals at home can become a manageable and enjoyable experience.
Research shows that eating at home results in increased intake of fruits and vegetables and a decreased rate of depression and violence in adolescents. Overall, there is an increase in well-
being for adolescents.
Planning healthy meals doesn’t have to be overwhelming; taking small steps can lead to manageable changes that improve the health and well-being of family members. Creating a meal plan for the week can assist in this process. Slow cooker meals, healthy grab-and-go options (such as homemade freezer burritos), or planning a night for leftovers can significantly reduce cooking time each night.
Keeping a well-stocked pantry increases the likelihood of cooking as the items will already be on hand. Consider keeping these foods stocked: fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), protein like canned salmon, chicken, fresh or frozen meat, and grains such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.
Grocery shopping with a plan can save time and money. Creating a meal plan based on the store sales that week and writing a shopping list in order of the store layout can prove helpful.
Meal prepping: Consider cooking a large batch of protein such as chicken, beef or fish or other staples like rice or beans. Preparing the main meal ingredients ahead of time to utilize throughout the week will save time each night. Also, chopping vegetables and fruit ahead of time to store in the refrigerator and freezer to utilize throughout the week can reduce time prepping evening meals.
One pot and sheet pan meals are an excellent way to reduce time and the number of dishes to wash. Many families use slow cookers, rice cookers or electric pressure cookers to save time in the kitchen.
Being able to share a warm, healthy meal with family members and sit down at the table together can help strengthen relationships. Parents might want to ask open-ended questions such as “What
made you happy at school today?” or “Did you notice anyone helping someone today?” instead of “How was school”?
For those interested in more tips, K-State Extension has a new program entitled “Healthy Connections: Family Meals in a Snap” that can be presented to groups in the Southwind Extension District (Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, Woodson Counties) by Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent. Contact her at [email protected] or 620.365.2242.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver?
It’s a fact, caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers. If you are serving as a caregiver to a loved one, I want you to know you are fulfilling a valuable role! I also want you to know that it is ok to take care of yourself, too. We 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, increase the ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.
Free meal and classes will be held on Tuesdays, October 7th and 14th, from 6:00-8:00 pm Register by calling 620-244-3826.
While we can’t stop stress from occurring, 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, please contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the Club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Seven members and one guest were in attendance. The members reported that they had volunteered 118 hours and had recycled 955 lbs.
Joyce announced that Glenda Miller’s birthday is this month.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Deb Lust presented the Treasurer’s report. She announced that the Club had received first place at the Fair on their scarecrow and second place on their hay bale. Terri Williams moved the treasurers’ report be approved, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried. Karen Peery gave the Council report. She announced that Angela Carpenter had agree to be on the Bourbon County Council. Karen also reported that the Fall Follies will be held October 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church. Lori Nelson will be presenting the program on Christmas Traditions. Our club will be responsible for soups and cheese and crackers. Claudia Wheeler and Terri Williams volunteered to bring soup and Angela Carpenter, Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Karen Peery will be bringing cheese and crackers. Karen also announced that the fall workshop will be held in Parsons on November 6th and that we are responsible to bring breakfast items. Next years membership forms were passed out and need to be brought back to the September meeting.
Old business consisted of having a Bake less bake sale. It was decided to do that in September.
Under new business it was announced that Karen Peery was willing to take over as treasurer and Angela Carpenter volunteered to be in charge of the Best Choice receipts for the club. Joyce asked for volunteers to bring cookies to the first responders September 11. Deb lust will be taking cookies to the Dispatchers. Claudia Wheeler the Fire Department, Joyce Allen the Sherriff Department, Karen Peery the EMT’s and Terri Williams the Police Department.
Karen Peery presented the lesson on Trustworthiness. Refreshment of Chocolate Delight, fruit and water was provided by Angela Carpenter and Karen Peery and enjoyed by all.
When life’s challenges hit, whether it’s a sudden storm, an economic downturn, or a personal crisis, it is often our neighbors who step in first. Communities that thrive are not the ones without challenges, but the ones where people know how to come together, share resources, and lean on one another.
One of my favorite resources in the community vitality field is 13 Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths. The book ties in perfectly here, as many of the “don’ts” he outlines demonstrate how quickly resilience can erode when people stop investing in one another. Griffiths reminds us that communities often weaken not because of external pressures, but because of internal choices: apathy, disconnection, or a lack of support. The opposite is also true: communities thrive when people choose to engage, invest, and care. True resilience is built when neighbors prioritize connection over isolation and cooperation over competition.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back after hard times; it’s about bouncing forward. Each challenge provides an opportunity for communities to adapt, learn, and grow stronger.
We’ve seen examples of this in action right here at home. When severe weather leaves families without power, neighbors check in on one another, offering meals, generators, or even a warm place to stay. During tough economic times, communities rally behind local businesses, hosting shop-local campaigns and finding creative ways to keep doors open. And when personal hardships strike, it’s often the casserole delivered to the doorstep, the shared ride to work, or the donation jar at the local café that makes all the difference.
Building resilient communities doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with simple, everyday actions:
Know your neighbors. A quick introduction today can become a lifeline tomorrow. Make sure to take time to introduce yourself and get to know the people who live around you!
Share skills and resources. From tools to talents, what we lend each other builds a safety net. This might just be as simple as organizing a “Skill-Swap Night” to learn who is best at gardening, cooking, or fixing that broken backdoor!
Support local organizations and businesses. This is as simple as it sounds! Make sure to shop at local neighborhood stores or farmers’ Markets! Schools, churches, nonprofits, and civic groups are often the backbone of coordinated response.
Plan ahead together. Community preparedness events or neighborhood emergency plans ensure everyone is ready when the unexpected happens. Create a neighborhood contact list or emergency plan!
Resilience grows when individuals shift from “me” to “we.” Each act of kindness and cooperation creates stronger ties, making it easier to withstand whatever challenges come our way. In the end, resilient communities remind us that while we may not be able to control the storms of life, we can control how we weather them together. A strong community is not built in a day; they are built every day!
For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].
Photo caption: 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson 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, Kendyl Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Jewel Endicott, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Alexa Ellis, Kyser Nemecek, Emery Yoho, Reegan McDaniel, Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach)
Southwind Extension District 4-H Members Excel in State 4-H Contests at Kansas Livestock Sweepstakes
The Southwind Extension District 4-H members showcased their talent and determination at the 2025 Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, held August 23-24 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Demonstrating consistent excellence, Southwind teams placed in the top five of every contest, winning two of the four events and ultimately claiming the title of 2025 State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes Champions.
The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were Hailey Shadden, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Kyser Nemecek, Reegan McDaniel, and Klara Stock. These 4-H members, hailing from Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and livestock skills throughout the competition.
The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests, with scores blended to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners. The Southwind team emerged victorious in 2 contests, Meats Judging and Livestock Quiz Bowl. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the Southwind 4-H members.
The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, which began with 17 teams taking the qualifying exam. Southwind #1 (Nemecek, McDaniel, Yoho, Shadden) won three matches ‘one last time’, to claim the title of Champion Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Sutton, M. Bloesser, Ellis, K. Bloesser) also performed admirably, finishing as the 6th best team.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #1 (Shadden, K. Bloesser, Ellis, Stock) had an outstanding day, earning 5th in Cattle, 6th in Sheep, 5th in Hogs, 5th in Reasons, and being named 4th High Team Overall. There were 38 teams from across the state and 193 individuals in the contest. Individual highlights include: Hailey Shadden – 6th Cattle
The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #1 (Sutton, Shadden, K. Bloesser, Stock) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance by winning Retail Identification, and also earning 5th in Placings and 3rd in Reasons. 69 Senior Individuals and 15 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #2 (M. Bloesser, Ellis, Endicott) was 8th in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 7th in Retail ID, and 7th Team Overall. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:
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 demonstrating proper cattle breeding techniques. Out of 27 teams and 149 individuals, Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, Endicott, K. Bloesser) worked together to be named the 3rd Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results include: Jewel Endicott, 2nd Exam, 6th Practicum, 4th Overall Individual; Hailey Shadden, 7th Exam, 9th Practicum, 8th Overall Individual.
This particular Sweepstakes championship is proof that Southwind 4-H knows how to win—with grit, talent, and an unstoppable 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 unwavering support of parents, dedicated coaches, loyal alumni, and the entire Southwind 4-H community.
K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Fort Scott, KS – The Southwind Extension District invites the public to attend Back to the Land: Traditions & Innovations in Small-Scale Farming, a free educational series designed for anyone interested in homesteading or small-scale agriculture. The program begins Wednesday, October 1st, and continues weekly through December 10th at the Fort Scott Community College Ag Building, with one special session at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on December 10th.
This hands-on series, led by Southwind Extension District agents and Kansas State University specialists, will explore practical topics to help participants build knowledge and confidence in self-reliant living, farming, and food production.
Session topics include:
October 1 – Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for Abundant Harvests
October 8 – Pests, Predators, and Protection
October 15 – Backyard to Barnyard: Small Farm Poultry Essentials
October 29 – Deep Roots: Soil and Forage Strategies for Resilient Farms
November 5 – Homestead Herds: Practical Livestock for Everyday Farmers
November 12 – Pantry Power: Food Preservation for Self-Reliant Living
December 10 – Harvest and Butcher: A Whitetail Processing Program (Bourbon County Fairgrounds)
All sessions begin at 6:00 p.m. and are free to attend.
“This series is designed for anyone from beginners to those needing a refresher on certain topics,” said Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent. “Whether you want to grow more food, care for livestock, or preserve your harvest, you’ll walk away with practical skills you can put to use right away.”
To register or RSVP for meal count, call 620-223-3720.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer, dedicated to serving Kansans through research-based education, resources, and support for agriculture, families, and communities.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
October 7th & 14th
Join us for The Empowered Caregiver series, an education program by the Alzheimer’s Association that teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. This program features five topics, including building foundations of caregiving, supporting independence, communicating effectively, responding to dementia-related behaviors, and exploring care and support services. As part of the program, you will receive activities to apply person-centered care approaches to your own caregiving journey.
Join us Tuesdays, October 7th & 14th, at 6:00 pm, at the K-State Extension meeting room, 1006 N. State Street, Iola. A meal will be provided. Please call 620-244-3826 to RSVP.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
What’s the right plan for your child?
Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
