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Month: September 2017

SW Kansas farmer grows pink pumpkins for high school FFA project

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Porcelain Doll Pink pumpkin (center)

KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Blue Valley FFA Chapter and Hy-Vee Manhattan to sell pink pumpkins in support of breast cancer research. The pink pumpkins will be for sale for $10 on October 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of Hy-Vee Manhattan at 601 N. 3rd Place. A pink pumpkin on your porch will show you stand with Blue Valley FFA and many others in the fight against breast cancer.

Blue Valley FFA partnered with Dwane Roth, a Kansas farmer from Finney County, to grow pink pumpkins. Roth planted the Porcelain Doll F1 pink pumpkin seeds this spring. Blue Valley FFA will be donating half of the proceeds to the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation and half to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University.

According to statistics from Centers of Disease Control, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. In 2014, more than 230,000 women and 2,000 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. The Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation’s purpose is to unite in the fight against breast cancer with a pink pumpkin on every porch. Help spread the word and place a pink pumpkin on your porch this fall. The Johnson Cancer Research Center’s goals are to improve cancer-related research and education and to educate the public about cancer and cancer research, while providing scholarships and fellowships to improve students’ experiences.

The National FFA Organization provides students with paths to achievement through premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The pink pumpkin event will allow students to demonstrate skills in customer relations, advertising, promotion, and merchandise displays through agricultural sales. FFA helps students to develop their unique talents and to explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways.

The Roth family has been growing the pink pumpkins for several years as part of their daughter Maggie’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program. Now that Maggie is attending K-State, the Roth family was pleased to find a new way to continue to support breast cancer research with FFA members.

For more information, visit pinkpumpkinpatch.org or cancer.k-state.edu. For questions, contact KDA’s From the Land of Kansas coordinator Lexi Wright at [email protected] or 785-564-6755.

Brownback has Senate confirmation hearing date for Trump post

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says a U.S. Senate committee hearing is set for next week on his nomination for ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

But Brownback told reporters Wednesday he’s not sure how quickly the Senate could vote on his nomination after the Oct. 4 hearing by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

President Donald Trump nominated the two-term Republican governor for the ambassadorship in late July. Brownback said he’ll step down as governor when the Senate confirms him.

Brownback’s departure will automatically elevate fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer to governor. Colyer said Wednesday that his administration will have a different tone, without elaborating.

Brownback already was term-limited. Colyer and seven other candidates have announced campaigns for the Republican nomination for governor in 2018. Five Democrats have said they’re running.

Hays, Russell men appointed to state boards

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OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee Tuesday approved Governor Sam Brownback’s most recent appointments. The committee’s action authorizes the appointees who serve on boards and commissions to be voting members. They must be approved by the full Senate when the legislature reconvenes in January.

“Grateful for the willingness of these appointees to lend their time and talents to the state of Kansas,” Governor Brownback said.

The Governor’s Office is always looking for qualified, interested Kansans to serve the state on commissions and boards in their areas of expertise. If you are interested in serving on a commission or board, please visit https://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments.

Board of Regents
The Board of Regents governs the six state universities, one municipal university, nineteen community colleges, and six technical colleges. The governor appoints all nine members to the board, with each congressional district being represented.

Shane Bangerter, Dodge City, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of science from Oral Roberts University and his juris doctor from University of Kansas School of Law. Bangerter owns Bangerter Law, P.A..

Ann Brandau-Murguia, Kansas City, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. She earned her bachelor of arts in human services from Ottawa University and her masters of business administration from Baker University. Brandau-Murguia is the Executive Director of the Argentine Neighborhood Development Association in Kansas City and is a 3rd District Commissioner on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners.

Helen Van Etten, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. She earned her bachelor of education in health education/special education from National Taiwan Normal University, her masters of audiology at Wayne State University, and her doctorate of audiology program from the University of Florida. Van Etten is currently a practicing audiologist.

State Banking Board
The State Banking Board acts in an advisory capacity in all matters pertaining to the administration of the banking laws of the state and approves rules and regulations proposed to be adopted by the State Bank Commissioner. The governor appoints nine members to the board, six of whom are bankers and three members who represent the general public. No more than five members of the board shall represent the same political party and each congressional district shall be represented.

Irvin Mitchell, Russell, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. He earned his bachelor of business administration from Fort Hays State University. Mitchell has been the Bank President/CEO of Wilson State Bank, since 2000.

Leonard Wolfe, Marysville, is being appointed to serve a three-year term. He earned his bachelor of science in business administration from Southwestern College. Wolfe has been the President/Chairman of the Board, United Bank & Trust, since 2004.

Kurt Knutson, Overland Park, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. He earned his bachelor of business administration in marketing from the University of Iowa. Knutson is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Freedom Bank.

Racing and Gaming Commission
The commission protects the integrity of the racing and gaming industry through enforcement of Kansas laws. The governor appoints all five members to the commission and each congressional district must be represented.

Brandon Jones, Ottawa, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Kansas and his juris doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. Jones is currently the county attorney for Osage & Anderson Counties.

Kansas Development Finance Authority
The Kansas Development Finance Authority promotes economic development and the general welfare of the state by improving the accessibility to long-term capital financing by state agencies, political subdivisions, public and private organizations, and businesses. The governor appoints all five members to the Board.

C. Scott Anderson, CPA, Topeka, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of science in accounting from Emporia State University. Anderson is the Chief Operation Officer as Hamm, Inc.

Chris Donnelly, Tonganoxie, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of science in business administration from Oklahoma State University. Donnelly is the President and CEO of Bank of the Prairie.

Suchitra Padmanabhan, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. She earned her bachelor of engineering and bachelor of arts from Dartmouth College and received her masters of business administration in analytic finance and economics concentrations from the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business. Padmanabhan is the President/Chairman of CB Bancshares and a general partner of BC Capital.

Kansas Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees
The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees oversees the investments of the retirement system funds. There are nine members on the board with the governor appointing four.

James Cusser, Mission Hills, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of arts and masters of arts in political science from American University. Cusser also received a master of education from Harvard University. He is an adjunct professor at Johnson County Community College.

Public Employee Relations Board
The board establishes procedures for the prevention of improper public employer and employee organization practices. The governor appoints all five members. Membership is made up of public employers, public employees, and public members.

David M. Billingsley, Topeka, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. He studied business and sociology at Drury College. Billingsley is the Chief of Staff at the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Board of Indigents Defense Services
The State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services provide, supervise, and coordinate, in the most efficient and economical manner possible, the constitutionally and statutorily required counsel and related services for each indigent person accused of a felony and for such other indigent persons as prescribed by law. The governor appoints all nine members. There shall be an attorney appointed from each county with a population in excess of 100,000 and the rest of the membership shall be members of the general public, ensuring that each congressional district is represented.

Ronald Wurtz, Topeka, is being reappointed to serve a three-year term. He earned his bachelor of arts in political science from Washburn University and his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law. Wurtz is an adjunct professor as Washburn University School of Law.

State Civil Service Board
The Civil Service Board hears appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas Civil Service Act, as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board. The governor appoints five members to the board. There shall be one member from each congressional district and the remainder from the state at large.

Allen Schmidt, Hays, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Kansas, his masters of science from Fort Hays State University, and also received a masters of science in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. Schmidt works for the Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc.

Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission eliminates and prevents discrimination and assures equal opportunities in the state in all employment regulations, all places of public accommodations, and in housing. The governor appoints all seven members. Members represent industry, labor, attorneys, realtors, and the general public.

Jonathon Westbrook, Kansas City, is being appointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelors in organizational leadership from Donnelly College and is currently attending the University of Kansas and working toward a masters degree in public administration. Westbrook is a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas police department.

David Brant, Wichita, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He earned his bachelor of science in aeronautical technology from Arizona State University and his master of science in management from Friends University.

Michael Kane, Kansas City, is being reappointed to serve a four-year term. He is the public affairs director for the Laborers Local Union 1290 and he is a 5th District Commissioner on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners.

Now That’s Rural: Al Harris, Fowl Territory

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Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s go into fowl territory. No, I’m not chasing a baseball out of bounds. Fowl Territory is the creative name for a store which sells duck decoys and other collectibles, including many other keepsakes relating to waterfowl and various wildlife. It all started with ducks. This store has so many ducks that it is definitely waterfowl territory. The store is connected to an antique store in a rural Kansas community which specializes in vintage collectibles.

Al Harris is the owner and founder of the shop named Fowl Territory. He is an outdoorsman. “I used to hunt a lot when I was younger,” Al said. “Now I’m just a big fan of nature.” As a young man, he started collecting deer antlers. Then someone gave him a duck decoy. He noticed each decoy was different, so he started collecting various wildlife keepsakes. Someone referred to them as “nature’s knick-knacks.”

Al went to the University of Kansas. He became a chef and worked in various locations in northeast Kansas. Al became a corporate chef for EVCO, the food distribution company. He even served as chef for Gov. John Carlin.

“I worked on the Meals on Wheels program while at Stormont Vail in Topeka,” Al said. “We took it from serving 50 people a day to serving 1,150 people per day.”

An old college roommate of Al’s owned a building in Paxico. Eventually he and Al became business partners and opened up a shop there in 2015.

For years, Al had been collecting wildlife collectibles on his travels around Kansas. “This meant I finally had a place other than my house to display my entire collection,” he said.

Because he had such a variety of ducks and other waterfowl, they called the store Fowl Territory. Today, the store displays and sells many types of duck decoys and other wildlife keepsakes. There are glass ducks, wood ducks, plastic ducks, taxidermy ducks, prints of ducks, paintings of ducks, and more. There are antlers, mounted deer heads, mounted elk antlers, and lots of related things plus non-wildlife items.

One of his favorites is a massive set of elk antlers. Another item consists of two deer heads with their antlers intertwined. Their heads were locked together. “The guy found them this way,” Al said. “They were dead when he found them.”

The shop is located in downtown Paxico which has long been a center for antique stores. Next door to Fowl Territory is Main Street Antiques, also owned by Al and his business partner. It includes other antique vendors who rent space for their displays. “We buy, sell, trade, and consign,” Al said. “Since we sell things on consignment, that can give people a good option.” The place has the look of a man-cave, but inside there is something for everyone.

“We focus on quality,” Al said. “I have very good vendors that have a great eye for quality products.” Several of those dealers help by taking turns working in the shop.

“You can see stuff here that you’ve never seen before,” Al said. These antique collectibles include such items as a stacking lawyers bookcase and other furniture, to one-of-a-kind sculptures, old farm equipment, and vintage treasures. “There’s an optometrist tool here that was used for checking peripheral vision in the 1900s.”

“We’re trying to build a clientele and attract travelers and collectors off I-70,” Al said. Paxico is well-situated, located just about a mile from the interstate.

The community holds a big blues festival each fall which attracts 3,000 to 5,000 people. During the rest of the year, it’s a quiet, rural community. Paxico has a population of 221 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information on the store, search for Fowl Territory on Facebook.

It’s time to leave fowl territory – not with a baseball, but with an appreciation for nature’s knick-knacks of waterfowl and other wildlife. We commend Al Harris for making a difference by sharing his appreciation of these keepsakes of the outdoors. So if you’re at a baseball game and a foul ball comes right at your head, what should you do? Duck.

🎥 Jay & Leslie make learning fun this week in Ellis County

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The entertainment duo of Jay Cady & Leslie Seifert-Cady will be performing in Ellis County elementary schools this week.

Their visit is sponsored by the Hays Arts Council along with assistance from a grant from the Kansas Creative Arts and Industries Commission.

Brenda Meder, director of the Hays Arts Council, said although the performers have been coming to Ellis County for many years, HAC tries to have a slightly different focus each year.

This year’s performance was titled “Juggling the Earth’s Resources.” The duo used juggling to demonstrate how atoms form molecules of water and carbon dioxide.

Students were enlisted to demonstrate the water cycle including, evaporation, condensation, precipitation and accumulation. Jay showed the children how pollution can be introduced into the water system.

The entertainers demonstrated how the build up of greenhouse gases can cause global warming.

Children also learned about the environment and recycling with emphasis on the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

“Our hope is to make science fun and interesting,” Leslie said. “We hope it is not what they are expecting.”

Although some concepts like atoms and molecules are for the older children, Leslie said she and her husband try to inject enough action and humor to keep the interest of the younger children. She said the younger children can relate more to the demonstration on the water cycle.

The recycling information may be new for some kids, but for others it is good reinforcement.

Jay and Leslie are from Kansas City and travel all over the country presenting at schools, libraries and community events.

They have been full-time, professional performers since 1980. They’ve performed over 6,000 times in 35 states and six countries. To learn more, visit their website leslieandjay.com.

Leslie considered becoming a teacher, but was drawn to the theater department at Emporia State University. Her work with Jay has allowed her to pursue a different type of teaching and still work with children.

They will perform “A Drop of A Hat,” at 6 p.,m. Thursday at the Hays Public Library. It will include juggling, mime, improvisation, magic and audience participation.

All ages are invited to enjoy this free show.

Sonic reports data breach; impacts your credit and debit cards

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OKLAHOMA CITY —Authorities with Sonic Drive-Ins are investigating a data breach on the store payment systems, according to a report from KrebsOnSecurity. The fast-food chain released a statement.

“Our credit card processor informed us last week of unusual activity regarding credit cards used at SONIC. The security of our guests’ information is very important to SONIC. We are working to understand the nature and scope of this issue, as we know how important this is to our guests. We immediately engaged third-party forensic experts and law enforcement when we heard from our processor. While law enforcement limits the information we can share, we will communicate additional information as we are able.​”

Social media reacts to death of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Playboy magazine founder and sexual revolution symbol Hugh Hefner has died. He was 91.

The magazine released a statement saying Hefner died at his home of natural causes Wednesday night surrounded by family.

Founding the magazine in 1953, Hefner built a brand that defined the sexual culture of the second half of the 20th century.

Playboy’s buxom models were the objects of millions of men’s fantasies as Hefner challenged what he derided as America’s “Puritanical” attitudes toward sex.

For decades, he was the pipe-smoking, silk-pajama-wearing center of a constant fantasy party at Playboy mansions in Chicago and then in Los Angeles.

Royals win, extend Tigers’ skid to 9 games

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Paulo Orlando hit a two-run homer, his first of the season, as the Kansas City Royals rallied from a three-run deficit to beat Detroit 7-4 on Wednesday night, the Tigers’ ninth straight loss.

The Tigers are 4-22 in September and have been outscored 68-30 in the skid. The last time Detroit lost nine in a row was Sept. 1-9, 2005.

Orlando’s home run was his first since Sept. 19, 2016, going 117 at-bats between long balls.

Scott Alexander (5-4), the third Kansas City pitcher, picked up the victory with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Drew VerHagen (0-3) gave up the home run to Orlando with Alcides Escobar, who had tripled, aboard.

The Royals padded their lead with a three-run eight, which was highlighted by a two-run double by Escobar. Whit Merrifield scored the first run of the inning on a wild pitch by Chad Bell.

Partly sunny, mild Thursday

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Today Partly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the morning.

Friday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Moran: Creating fairer, simpler tax code means more Kansas jobs; Read it here

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OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the Administration, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee released their tax reform framework Wednesday:

“It has been more than 30 years since President Reagan signed the 1986 Tax Reform Act – the economy was entirely different and the way we do business across the world has changed drastically. Americans can no longer afford the status quo of an outdated and complicated tax system. Today’s tax reform framework is a first step toward growing our economy, boosting small businesses, creating new jobs and keeping good jobs here at home. Creating a fairer and simpler tax code means better days for working families and higher paying jobs in Kansas and across the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration on this tax reform framework.”

The full framework can be found here. A one-pager description can be found here.

Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program accepting applications

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(Click to enlarge)

KDA

MANHATTAN — The 2017 Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program is currently accepting applications from high school seniors or college freshmen who are passionate about agriculture and are interested in representing Kansas in a week-long exchange program in late November 2017.

Each year the National Taichung Agricultural Senior High School in central Taiwan hosts students from the Midwest for this program. Selected students will tour agricultural facilities and businesses in Taiwan, and will learn about Taiwanese agriculture. This program will take place November 20-24, 2017.

“The Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program is a tremendous opportunity for students who are interested in agriculture,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, international trade director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “Students are able to return from Taiwan with a broader understanding of international agriculture and the role that exports play in their local communities.”

Exports play an important role in Kansas agriculture. According to Euromonitor, Kansas exported nearly $101 million in agricultural goods to Taiwan in 2016, including beef, oil seeds, cereal grains and wheat flour. Globally, exports of agricultural products contributed almost $3.5 billion to the Kansas economy in 2016.

Three students will be selected to represent Kansas. To be eligible to apply, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a high school senior or college freshman;
  • Be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the trip;
  • Have a strong Kansas agricultural background;
  • Have a valid U.S. passport by time of exchange program selection; and
  • Be able and willing to pay for airfare costs (approximately $1,400).

Applications must be submitted by October 17 for the student to be considered. Students interested in applying can find more information at agriculture.ks.gov/AgEd. The Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Kansas FFA Association and Kansas 4-H.

For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA education and events coordinator, at [email protected] or 785-564-6756.

 

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