I seem to hit the fraud and scams topic fairly frequently. However, the landscape scammers work within is constantly changing, and scammers are crafty in learning new ways of reaching their targets. With the current climate created with COVID-19, more doors are cracking open for scammers to wiggle in and take advantage of unsuspecting victims. While we all need to be on guard, our older adults in our communities are still prime targets for scams.

Now that we are all spending more time in our home setting, the phones may be ringing more frequently. Along with the extra calls, we may be seeing more solicitations through email. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of these potential scams:

Undelivered products – Online sellers claim to have much needed products, such as cleaning, health, and medical supplies. These could include offers for vaccinations and home test kits. You can place an order, but then it is never delivered.

Most anyone can set up an online shop. Be sure to research the company name online before ordering with words such as “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” If things check out, pay with a credit card and keep a copy of your transaction.

There currently are no vaccines or products to treat COVID-19. Neither are there any Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.

Fake charities – If you are looking for ways to help during this major health event, know that scammers use these same events to find ways to take advantage of good people’s generosity. Scammers will often set up charities that have similar names to those used by real charities. Do your homework and research before you donate. Again, if the proposed charity checks out, pay with a credit card. Never use a gift card or use a wire transfer.

Fake emails, texts and phishing – Scammers are very clever in getting their targets to share personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers or passwords. Once they get a piece or two of personal information, they can steal your money or your identity.

Phishing emails lure targets to click on links within an email that can allow scammers to gain access to your computer. To make these phishing emails more realistic, they often use familiar company names and official logos from existing companies. Protect your computer by keeping your software up-to-date. This should include allowing automatic updates to your cell phone.

We have heard that as a part of the stimulus package being considered, that individual households may be receiving some future money direct from the government. While our pocketbooks could use an influx of cash right now, don’t respond to calls, texts, or emails relating to checks from the government.

Know that the government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money if it truly comes about. The government will not ask for your Social Security number, bank accounts or other personal information. Anyone who does ask for this kind of information or tells you they can get the money to you now is a scammer.

Robocalls – Scammers are using illegal robocalls to promote scams on various Coronavirus treatments and work-at-home schemes. Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Pressing a number will likely lead to more robocalls.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions relating to the Coronavirus. As we move forward into this uncharted territory, stay on your toes and question anything that may sound a little shady – especially those unsolicited requests involving money. Your money is yours, and you should be the one that decides how it is spent.

The FTC asks that if you come across any scams or suspicious claims, report them to the FTC by going to ftc.gov/complaint. The FTC wants to stop scammers as much as we as individuals would like to see scammer activity cease.

Kansas officials to provide information to small businesses via First Friday online session April 3

Heads of agencies will take part in K-State monthly program in light of COVID-19

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Officials of two lead Kansas agencies responding to the COVID-19 outbreak will provide information for small businesses online Friday, April 3 at 9:30 am, as part of K-State Research and Extension’s First Friday monthly webinar series. The call will be recorded and archived.

The session, to be conducted via Zoom, is free and open to anyone interested in resources available to the public, particularly small businesses and employees in Kansas affected by the global pandemic.

Speakers include:

• David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce
• Delia Garcia, Kansas Secretary of Labor
• Laurel Klein Searles, Kansas Director of Unemployment Services

“Kansas has responded quickly to the concerns of small businesses and employees who have lost their livelihoods because of COVID-19,” said Nancy Knopp Daniels, community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “This call occurs every month in support of small business, but this month we have a special edition to highlight these response programs.”

She noted that a record 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims in the past week, which eclipsed the old record of 695,000 new claims in 1982.

To participate, go to https://ksu.zoom.us/j/2636377104; or One-Tap Mobile, + 13462487799,,2636377104#.

More information about First Friday e-Calls is available online or by contacting Daniels at 785-410-6352 or [email protected].

In this time of pandemic, many families are trying to find something to do as a family or specifically for their children. I would like to encourage your family to consider being a part of Southwind and Kansas 4-H.

4-H is a great organization to pair with homeschooling and the social distancing we are being asked to do. There are so many great things you may do as a family in 4-H and over 35 projects the family can learn more about together. One of those projects is Environmental Sciences.

This project provides opportunities for youth to engage in learning about environmental science through hands-on, experiential learning experiences in the natural sciences and technology. There’s No New Water! is a water conservation and water quality curriculum grounded in the concept that water is a finite natural resource whose quantity and quality must be responsibly preserved, protected, used and reused.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the Environmental Sciences project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Earth’s Capacity (Ages 11-13)

• Analyze your environment for abundance and scarcity
• Determine carrying capacity for a specific area
• Study global climate change
• Figure your ecological footprint

Ecosystem Services (ages 11-13)

• Study where your water comes from
• Learn how soil is formed
• Study the energy required to produce food
• Evaluate recreation and ecotourism

There’s No New Water (ages 14-18)

• Explore natural water cycle
• Study human interventions that affect water quality and quantity
• Analyze rural to urban interventions in water cycle
• Identify and implement service – learning projects that address local water issues

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also encouraged to utilize the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States website at epa.gov/students to find materials for all ages. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair in the Miscellaneous Division.

The Environmental Sciences project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Just like many of you, I’m having difficulty wrapping my mind around how quickly our lives have changed in a very short period of time. Seeing the panic and chaos that’s happening around us can be concerning. Now more than ever, it might be the time for folks to think about becoming more self-sufficient and grow some of their own food.

I have been in contact with a couple of our local suppliers and have seen social media posts that they are stocked with garden seed and supplies. Like many other local retailers, I know they are willing to work with you if you do not feel comfortable going inside the business. Just give them a call and arrange for outside pick-up.

If you are reading this and thinking to yourself that you have never grown anything in your life and just don’t think it’s possible, let me assure you that it is possible. Even for the most novice! You might be thinking that you don’t have space for a garden, or maybe you don’t have a tiller or other equipment. Don’t let that stop you because almost all vegetables can be grown in containers.

The containers don’t have to be anything fancy. Literally, anything that can hold soil and have drain holes drilled in the bottom can be used. Containers that are 16 to 24 inches in diameter work well. Containers less that 12 inches are probably too small – except for lettuces. The most important component of growing vegetables in a container is getting the right potting media. Potting mixes are ideal (instead of soil from your yard). The components are lightweight and hold water and oxygen much better. Make certain that you don’t forget to drill some drainage holes into the bottom of the container.

Fertilizer should be added at planting time and mixed into the soil. If you want to go the organic route, mix blood meal or bone meal into the soil before planting. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, add a slow-release type when preparing the container.

Another benefit to growing vegetables in containers – you don’t have to fight the weather quite as much. Right now, traditional garden soils are way too wet to even think about planting. But with the container system, you can keep them dry inside a garage until you are ready to plant.

Early spring is the ideal time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, radish, onions, carrots and potatoes. All can be easily grown in containers, even potatoes!

Gardening is a great stress reliever. It also allows for good social distancing. If you have kids at home, gardening is the perfect activity to get them outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, all while learning at the same time!

Here’s where I come in. I have lots of resource material to help you. In addition, I’m always available by phone, e-mail or social media to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! In Extension, we say there are no “dumb” questions! I am here to help you in any way that I can. The Extension mission continues. We are committed to being innovative to connect you with research-based resources and education. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate the challenges associated with this time. 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 

Family Consumer Science News Column 

Joy Miller 

620-223-3720 or [email protected] 

Census Day is April 1, 2020, the formal beginning of the 2020 U.S. Census.  All Kansas households will receive an invitation with instructions by mail between March 12th-20th. Data collection continues through July 2020. 

The U.S. government uses the population data to help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states, counties, and communities for ten years.  Participation in the 2020 Census ensures your community is represented fairly and receives their share annually.  This could mean more funding for your schools, roads and highways, public health, affordable housing programs, and so much more. 

Who Should Respond to the Census? EVERYONE! Your participation is important, essential, major, meaningful.  How do I respond to the census? The Census Bureau will offer the census form in four ways: 

1. Online: 2020 marks the first year you will have the opportunity to respond to the census online using a computer or smartphone. Online census responses are secure and cost-effective. Not only that, but a user-friendly interface offers help screens and the chance to review your responses before submitting. 

1. Over the telephone: All invitations will provide a toll-free phone number so you may choose to respond to the census from the convenience of your phone. 

1. Using a paper form: You may also wait (until mid-April) to receive a hard copy of your 2020 Census questionnaire. If you choose to respond using the paper form, fill out your questionnaire and drop it off at your mailbox or post office. 

1. By responding to a census enumerator: Census enumerators, also referred to as census takers, conduct non-response follow-ups in an effort to ensure an accurate count. Households that do not respond via online, phone, or mail will be contacted at their residential door by census enumerators for in-person interviews.  

The Census Bureau will NOT call or email you. 

What questions will be asked on the 2020 Census? The survey is ten questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. 

• Name 
• Relationship to householder 
• Phone number 
• Household tenure (own/rent) 
• Age 

• Number of people in household 
• Sex 
• Usual place of residence 
• Race 
• Hispanic origin 

For more information and insights into the 2020 Census, visit census.gov. Follow us on Facebook (Southwind Extension) and join us Tuesday, March 31st for Facebook Live to learn more about the Census, how it is used, and the potential impact on your community.  

Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails and other beautiful butterflies call southeast Kansas home.

If you are interested in attracting these to your yard and incorporating a more naturalistic approach in your landscape, plan to attend the “Protecting the Pollinators” program on March 30^th at 6:30 pm in the Round Room at the Fort Scott Community College.

June Stipp, Extension Master Gardener, will provide information on planting butterfly nectar and host plants, as well as how to incorporate a water source and warming area into the landscape.

Krista Harding, District Extension Agent, will discuss the proper use of insecticides.

This program is co-sponsored by the Bourbon County Garden Club and the Southwind Extension District.

It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to the Southwind Extension District – Fort Scott office by calling 620-223-3720.

Submitted by Kathy S. McEwan

Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

Foods & Nutrition, SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Southwind Extension District – Iola Office

P.O. Box 845, Iola KS 66749

620-365-2242

[email protected]

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent

K-State Research & Extension in the Southwind District is proud to present our 2020 Speakers Bureau as a service to the community. We offer presentations on a wide variety to topics and hope there is at least one that may suit your needs. Our speakers are District Extension Agents who have agreed to give presentations to elementary and secondary schools; civic and professional organizations; and community groups. We are confident that you will find the presentations insightful and entertaining.

The topics that are offered for 2020 are:

Check Your Credit will ask the question “When was the last time you checked your credit?” We ask the question because one in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission. Learn more about this new program to establish yourself as financially capable.

Everything But the Moo will virtually illustrate many of the non-food items made from cattle. The program is based on the idea that Native American used every part of the buffalo and wasted nothing. Today, we still use nearly every part of the food animal. Examples of these products include leather, gelatin, china, cosmetics and fertilizers.

Herb Growing addresses the versatility of herbs for culinary or medicinal purposes. Are you interested in learning how to grown your own herbs? This presentation will cover herb care and maintenance, and how to incorporate herbs into the landscape, as well as tips for growing herbs in your kitchen.

Let’s Play Leadership in the Classroom offers various team building games encourages adults and students to work together and gain all important leadership skills. After all, what better way to learn about leadership than through play! This program can be adjusted for a specific leadership request as a program on demand.

Have you thought about the medical care you would receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself? Would you want to be put on life support? Who would you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf?

Maybe there has been a health emergency in your family or neighborhood that if there had been a plan in place, some difficult decision-making could have been avoided. Most of us would agree that advance health care planning is necessary and is something we shouldn’t put off.

You can ensure that you will receive the type of care that you want by stating your health care wishes in writing before a health crisis occurs. Kansas State Research and Extension offers free advance health care planning documents that can help you plan for your medical future.

Barbara Stockebrand, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the Southwind Extension District will be offering a program on Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas on March 10^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Bronson Public Library, located at 509 Clay Street, in Bronson.

Plan to attend this informational meeting to learn more about these documents, why you should plan ahead, and how to properly store your documents. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620.

Life brings with it many stages. There are the formative years of growing and education, the middle years of working and maybe raising a family – and the later years, which can be even more challenging and more fulfilling than the earlier stages.

K-State Research and Extension has joined with community partners in bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the Fort Scott community for a second year. The event will be held at the Community Christian Church, on 1919 Horton Street, on April 24, 2020. It is a one-day educational event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The expo promotes positive attitudes about aging and provides inspiration, answers questions and delivers information to seniors, their families and caregivers about making the most of life. The event has rotated between five locations in the southeast Kansas area over the years to stay true to its ‘regional’ approach. It will be the 10^th anniversary for this annual event.

Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will present an upbeat keynote address on some of the lesser known attractions in southeast Kansas.

Breakout sessions are offered on various topics relating to aging issues. Morning session topics will include disaster preparedness, downsizing, fraud awareness, the hemp culture, new healthcare options through telemedicine, and tips for making homes safer and more efficient through advanced technology.

Afternoon sessions include brain boosters – the fads and facts, the ideal environment of aging in place, a review of Medicare cost savings programs, telling your family story, and conversations on valuable records. There will be a fun exercise activity during both the morning and afternoon.

Other community partners engaged with the expo planning include Angels Care Home Health, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Integrity Home Care + Hospice, Medicalodges – Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Southeast Kansas Library System, and interested community individuals.

A goal of the expo is to empower older adults–with information and education that is shared throughout the day–to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age.

A grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is providing partial funding to support the 2020 Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.

Registration is $15 per person and covers snacks, lunch, speaker fees and program materials. The pre-registration deadline is April 15. After the deadline, registration is $25 per person, and lunch is not guaranteed. Check out the expo website for registration and program information at www.agingexpo.k-state.edu or contact the Southwind Extension District Office by calling 620-625-8620.