Beginning Tuesday, Main Street will be closed between Fifth and Sixth Street for sanitary sewer repairs. Through traffic should use Fort Street or Oak Street as alternate routes. Construction is expected to be complete by Friday.
Signs will be in place to advise the traveling public of utility work in the area. Motorists should use caution in these areas.
The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public.
If there are any questions, call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or the contractor, M&D of Hays, at 785-628-3169.
Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:
Pizza Hut 1308 Vine, Hays – July 24
A routine inspection found three violations.
In the walk-in cooler, there were four containers of fully cooked chicken that had a date of 7/23/19 and disposal date of 7/30/19. This product could be held for eight days.
Two of three rubber spatulas that were being stored in a wire basket as clean had dried food residue present along the rubber heads.
In the side storage area, there was a container of liquid dish soap and spray bottle of wood polish that was being stored on a wire rack directly above a tea dispenser. No evidence of leaking was observed.
Soda Shoppe 800 Main, Hays – July 24
A routine inspection found five violations.
In the Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of raw shelled eggs that were being stored directly above a covered container of ready to eat cut lettuce. No evidence of leaking was observed.
In the make table, there was cut turkey, cut ham, cut roast beef, cut tomatoes with temperatures of 47 F to 49 F. Ambient Temperature of the unit at the time was 47 F.
In the mini refrigerator in the server station, there was an opened container of milk with no date of when it was opened.
In the Frigidaire refrigerator, there were containers of made in house potato salad and baked beans with dates of 7/17/19. Products were held for 8 days. In the Frigidaire refrigerator, there was an opened container of heavy whipping cream with no date of when it was opened.
In the lazy susan container of the food prep table, there were two of five rubber spatulas that had imperfections present along the rubber head.
Southside Convenience 703 Vine, Hays – July 24
A routine inspection found four violations.
In the make table in the pizza prep area, there was a food-grade container of fully cooked chicken that did not have a date of when they were opened. In the make table of the pizza prep area, there was a container of fully cooked egg rolls that were removed from the freezer with no date of when they were opened and removed.
In the pizza prep area, there was a vegetable cutter that has dried food residue present along the blades and guide.
In the kitchen area, hand washing sink water tested at 68 F. Inspector ran the water for seven continuous minutes.
In the back storage area, there was a spray bottle that held a clear liquid with no label present. When shook, the liquid foamed up.
Daylight Donuts of Hays 113 East Eighth St., Hays – July 23
A routine inspection found four violations.
In the single door Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of cut lettuce and cut tomatoes with no date of when they were cut.
In the single door Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of cut ham and cut turkey with a date of 7/8/19.
On the storage shelf above the oven, there was a plastic food grade strainer that had deep cracks along the base of the container.
On a solid wooden shelf above the three-compartment sink, there was a container of bleach that was being stored directly above the sanitizing solution sink. No evidence of leaking was observed. On a solid wooden shelf directly above four 50 pound bags of flour, there was a spray bottle of WD-40. No evidence of leaking was observed.
Ol’ 40 Express 2020 East Eighth St., Hays – July 23
A licensing inspection found no violations.
Sonic Drive-In 1708 Vine, Hays – July 22
An inspection following a modified complaint found no violations.
Taco Grande 412 East 23rd St., Hays – July 22
A routine inspection found three violations.
In the outside walk-in cooler, there was raw ground beef at the temperature of 60 F. Ambient Temperature of the unit was 59 F. Establishment is not keeping a daily log and could not show when the unit was last in compliance.
In the back storage area, there was a spray bottle that was sitting on top of a wire rack directly next to full pans. No evidence of leaking was observed.
In the front pick up area, there was a spray bottle of window cleaner that was being stored on a solid metal shelf directly above to-go orders. No evidence of leaking was observed.
CORRECTION: An additional property located at 201 E. 12th St., Hays was not mentioned in the podcast, but will be available for purchase at the sheriff’s sale.
Hays Post and the Post Podcast apologize for the omission.
A wonderful variety of musicals, plays, dance and instrumental music make up the 2019-2020 season of the Encore Performing Arts Series at Fort Hays State University.
“For 39 years, the Encore Series has been a cultural gem of Western Kansas,” said Jacob Ternes, chair of the university’s Special Events Committee. “This season will continue to bring national and international performances right here to the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center stage. I hope our patrons consider purchasing season tickets, because we expect several individual shows to sell out!”
Ternes this year’s series has a show for all audiences. The season will open with “Reza: The Edge of Illusion.” More than a magic show, Reza infuses state-of-the-art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and interactive and inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand.
Additional shows include “Cirque Mechanics,” “Finding Neverland,” “Bandstand,” “Fiesta Folclorico,” “Anne of Green Gables.” This season will also include a holiday event: “M-PACT: White Christmas,” an evening of holiday favorites.
Season tickets for the 2019-2020 Encore Performing Arts Series are available beginning Monday, Aug. 5. Fort Hays State University students, faculty and staff, as well as senior citizens (65 and over) and youths (ages 5 to 17) receive discounts.
For more information call the Memorial Union Student Service Center at 785-628-5306 or visit www.fhsu.edu/encore. Previous season ticket holders will receive the series booklet in the mail within the next few weeks.
All performances for the 2019-2020 season start at 7:30 p.m. and are held in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.
Performances:
Reza: The Edge of Illusion Thursday, Oct. 3
Reza began making his presence felt in the world of illusion at age 7 after being inspired by a magic show in his hometown. By 14, he was performing for resorts and large corporations across the Midwest. Reza is one of the fastest rising stars in the industry, with his mind set on changing the world’s perception of magic.
Cirque Mechanics: 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels Wednesday, Nov. 6
At the center of every circus rests a 42-foot ring full of thrills, laughs and excitement. The company dares us to leap into the circus ring and experience the timelessness of this evolving art form. The action is full of theatricality and a modern sensibility, showcasing a galloping mechanical metal horse and a rotating tent frame for strongmen, acrobats and aerialists.
M-PACT: White Christmas Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019
Hailed as “one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world,” M-PACT is recognized worldwide as a trailblazer in vocal music. Emerging from an age of auto-tune and overproduction, this Los Angeles-based sextet has cultivated a new generation of ears hungry for the fresh, raw power of nature’s “first instrument” – the human voice. As seen in the PBS “Christmas from LA” special, the warmth and elegance of M-PACT pairs perfectly with an evening of holiday favorites.
Finding Neverland Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020
Based on the Academy Award winning film, this breathtaking show follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he summons the courage to become the writer, and the man, he yearns to be. Barrie finds the inspiration he’s been missing when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia and her four young sons: Jack, George, Michael and Peter. Delighted by the boys’ hilarious escapades, Barrie conjures the magical world of Neverland and writes a play unlike any the high-society London theatergoers had ever seen.
Fiesta Folclórico! Featuring: Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de SILVIA LOZANO Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020
This troupe brings the essence, tradition and color of strength and feeling from Mexico. Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de SILVIA LOZANO is an institution tasked with the dissemination, preservation and promotion of the culture of Mexico, both at home and abroad. With an artistic career spanning over 56 years, the BFNM reflects the work of Mexico’s leading researchers and practitioners of folklore, dance, music, and costumes.
The Huntertones Friday, March 13, 2020
Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative, and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound fuses inspired improvisation and adventurous composition melding jazz, funk, rock, and soul. Huntertones shift from a dynamic six-piece ensemble to a trio featuring saxophone, sousaphone, and beat-boxing.
Bandstand: The Musical Wednesday, April 15, 2020
In 1945, as America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, PFC Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, returns to rebuild his life with only the shirt on his back and a dream in his heart. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, inspiration strikes and Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, each an astonishing musician. They form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen and discover the power of music.
Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Over the last 28 years, Canada’s Ballet Jӧrgen has produced a total of 216 original creations by 80 choreographers, including eight full-length ballets. The company gives over 120 performances a year, bringing ballet performances to more than 50,000 people across Canada. One-third of Ballet Jörgen Canadian audiences are under the age of 18, and a third of those are attending a dance performance for the first time. The Company has exclusive rights to create “Anne of Green Gables: The Ballet,” with a score based on the original compositions from “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical.” It will be the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet.
RUSSELL – Vacation Bible School at St. John Lutheran Church is scheduled for Monday through Friday, August 5-9. This year’s theme, “Who Is My Neighbor: Learning to Love Like Jesus,” will be utilized while teaching kids (from pre-K through 5th grade) through music, crafts, activities and fellowship.
Vacation Bible School will start each evening at 5:30 p.m. and wrap up by 8:30 p.m. A light supper will be provided each evening. The VBS program will be presented in the St. John Lutheran Sanctuary on Saturday, August 10.
There is no registration fee to attend Vacation Bible School at St. John Lutheran, but a donation of $3 per child is requested to help defray meal costs. Donations of supper and craft supplies are also being accepted at this time. A current donation list is available in the church office.
Registration forms for Vacation Bible School are available in the St. John Lutheran office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you have any questions, or for more information, call 785-483-5358.
BUNKER HILL – The Seele Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills Public Television with a grant for $3,000.
The Seele Foundation’s grant provides continued support for Smoky Hills Public Television’s operations, programming and educational outreach projects.
“With the continued generosity of the Seele Foundation, we are able to again provide quality programming and educational resources to the Colby area,” said Larry Calvery, Smoky Hills Public Television General Manager. “We want to thank the Seele Foundation for their support of Smoky Hills Public Television.”
The Seele Foundation, established in 2007, is based in Colby.
Smoky Hills Public Television serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.
Cindy Lightle, right, references something in a cookbook as Judy Zerr-Schalberger serves herself a plate during the July meeting of the Hays Public Library Cookbook Club.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
If you happen into the Hays Public Library during a meeting of one of their new clubs, you will not be greeted by the hush that is typical of a library.
Instead you will hear ooh’s and ahh’s, mmm’s and happy munching sounds — and a group of ladies exploring new culinary creations through a Cookbook Club.
The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. The group is in its first year at HPL.
From far left to right, pull apart buttermilk biscuits, dump and done ramen salad, Thai noodles and scalloped potatoes with ham and bacon made from recipes in “Cravings: Recipes for All the Foods You Want to Eat” by Chrissy Teigen and Adeena Sussman.
There is no cost to attend, but you need to bring a dish made from a recipe from the cookbook selection of the month.
The morning I visited, the group was enjoying dishes from the “Cravings: Recipes for All the Foods You Want to Eat” by Chrissy Teigen and Adeena Sussman.
“I just pick and choose whatever I see coming through the shelves,” said Abby Artz, adult services program coordinator and sponsor for the group.
She said she looked for cookbooks with simple recipes with familiar ingredients.
“Most of the ones I have chosen are not easy to make, they still kind of challenge us a little bit, but it is genuinely something we would enjoy eating, not something outlandish and crazy.”
Cindy Lightle, Cookbook Club member, says she likes to follow the recipes exactly. She says it helps her learn new cooking techniques.
Some of the other cookbooks the group has tried include “Genius Kitchen;” “Heartlandia” by Adam Sappington, Ashley Gartland, and Jackie Sappington; “Sweet and Simple: Desserts for Two” by Christina Lane; “Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables” by Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmberg; and “Smitten Kitchen” by Deb Perelman.
Cindy Lightle, club member, said the ways the members choose the recipes differ. Some choose recipes they think will be easy. Others said they looked for recipes with ingredients they thought they could find in Hays.
Lightle started with desserts and now she has moved on to biscuit variations. Yet others have literally opened the cookbooks to a random page, pointed to a recipe and said,”I am going to make that.”
“I like following the recipe,” Lightle said. “We said from the start, ‘Follow the recipe.’ Even though there are a lot of good cooks in this group, even though you know you would make it a different way, follow the recipe and maybe you learn a different way to make it. Then we will talk about why we shouldn’t do it that way again or why we should.”
Judy Zerr-Schalberger, who once worked in a school kitchen, said she is a little more free-wheeling with her recipes. For her Dump and Done Ramen Salad from the latest cookbook selection, she used her entire bag of broccoli slaw.
“What was I going to do with 4 ounces of broccoli slaw?” she said.
Zerr-Schalberger said she has had to adjust to cooking for just herself. She said she has learned to cut down recipes and freeze.
Although the ladies try to make different dishes, Lightle happened to make the same salad, so they compared how the two recipes tasted with the two cook’s slight variations.
The women use the club as an opportunity to share their tips and tricks.
Fellow club member Linda Beech suggested Lightle use a food processor to cut in her butter for her biscuits, and Lightle said it worked.
One recipe for devil eggs suggested boiling the eggs and then letting the egg whites soak in lemon water for two to 24 hours in the refrigerator before preparing. Zerr-Schalberger brings her water to a boil, adds the eggs, shuts off the heat, lets the eggs sit in the hot water for 15 minutes and then takes the eggs off the heat and runs cold water over them until they are cool to the touch. She said said the eggs shells crack cleanly in half almost every time.
Ruth Deines said she joined the group because, “I love to cook, and I like to eat too.”
She said she is picking up on recipes she can’t eat anywhere else in Hays, like the Thai noodle dish that she made for July’s club meeting.
Ruth Deines, Cookbook Club member, said she has discovered recipes through the club that she and her husband are now enjoying regularly.
Deines said she has continued to make the smashed chickpea salad with turkey meatballs she learned from a cookbook the group tried. She said her husband loves it.
Artz said, “It helps you learn what not to make and broadens your range when you are cooking for yourself.”
The group is trying to grow its membership and is open to meeting at a different time, including an evening. If you are interested in the group or would like to see the group meet on an alternative day or time, contact the library’s adult department at 785-625-9014.
The group’s next cookbook will be “Delish, Eat Like Everyday’s the Weekend” by Joanna Saltz and the editors of Delish. You can checkout a copy at HPL. Ask the front desk. The Cookbook Club’s next meeting is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Schmidt Gallery.
Former Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tammy Wellbrock is striking out on her own after leading that award-winning organization for eight years.
Wellbrock has founded a consulting business, Girl Twin Solutions, that will offer training for chambers of commerce, businesses, nonprofits and government entities as well as coaching for individuals.
“I had experience in doing a lot of this,” Wellbrock said. “I really felt like the chamber industry is something that is very near and dear to my heart, but I am ready for something new. I am ready for my next challenge.”
Under Wellbrock’s direction, the Hays chamber was a 2013 finalist for Chamber of the Year, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She just returned from the ACCE National Convention where she was a presenter.
Prior to her taking the helm, Wellbrock was heavily involved with the local chamber serving on the board of directors as well as various committees. She also served on the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas board and was president in 2016.
Wellbrock will offer herself as a trainer to chambers as business units and as a presenter hired by chambers to train their members.
She said she plans to focus initially on chambers of commerce, but intends to broaden her scope as she builds her business. She described herself as a generalist.
“I do know eventually I will start narrowing down my focus, figuring out what is really sticking with members or the businesses and what they are wanting, and I will start narrowing down and getting deeper,” she said. “Right now, I am more horizontal in nature, and I am offering a variety of things as well as customizing to what a business may need.”
Some of her initial curriculums will include networking, facilitator training, board strategic planning and women’s leadership.
Wellbrock further explained the need for networking training.
“I am amazed through my professional career as well as through the chamber industry, specifically, how few people feel comfortable networking and being able to do it well,” she said. “Most people are geared toward trying to collect as many business cards as they can, and they don’t know what to do with that or they don’t know how to provide value to the relationships that are being built. Instead, they are just trying to get a transaction.”
She just returned from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives National Convention where she presented on that topic. She will be presenting soon at the Wyoming chamber’s state convention on the same issue. She also has been a trainer for the U.S. Chamber for its Institute of Organization Management.
Wellbrock said she is also passionate about women’s leadership.
“I have been amazed and fascinated on my own personal journey,” she said. “There have been some amazing women that have broken down barriers. There have been barriers that have been built back up. Certainly, though, more often than not, I have observed women not take advantage or see themselves as capable, professional leaders. I would like to help other women to see themselves in that light.”
She said this is not about the #MeToo movement.
Body language, tone of voice and actions can hinder women’s success in striving for leadership positions, Wellbrock said.
“This isn’t about trying to get women in roles of authority,” she said. “It is more so they can possess that personal poise so they can have success in any interaction they wish to achieve.”
This is an area Wellbrock said she would be willing to offer one-on-one coaching.
Wellbrock said she also hopes to offer a “newbie” course for chamber executives.
“I want to help others in the chamber industry not have to go through some of the pitfalls that I did — learn through my own journey and help them,” she said.
She said if she had one piece of advice she could given herself as a new chamber director, it would have been to work at being a marathoner instead of working in sprint mode. Burnout is a real issue in the chamber industry, as it is in many industries. Although she sees herself as a chamber director who worked in sprint mode, she acknowledged that it is a pace that is hard to maintain.
Wellbrock is also developing curriculum on customer service and facilitation.
Wellbrock’s last day at the Hays chamber was Friday. She said she has committed her full attention to her job at the Hays chamber, which has left her little free time to work on developing programs for Girl Twin Solutions. Now she will be able to devote her full effort to her new business.
She said she was ready to be her own boss and she wanted to have more flexibility to spend time with her son, who will be a sophomore at Hays High School in the fall.
“Above all, I think for the first time in my professional career, I am actually making a decision I think will help me be a better mom, a better wife, a better person. I want to put forward that effort, and that is why I created this business,” she said. “So being at home and being able to be flexible with my schedule is a huge part of the motivation of why I am doing what I am doing.”
Wellbrock will continue to facilitate Leadership Hays, a community leadership program affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication in 1994, followed with a master’s degree in communication in 2002, both from Fort Hays State University.
In 2014, she completed her Institute of Organization Management designation, and earned her Certified Association Executive in 2016. She has also taught at the West (2017) and Midwest (2018) IOM.
She will not have a brick-and-mortar location initially. She will be working out of her home and anticipates she will be traveling quite a bit. You can read Wellbrock’s blog on her website at tammywellbrock.com, email her at [email protected] or call her at 785-639-2743.
“[I find it hard] to leave a place I enjoyed, and I believe that I found my true calling here in the chamber industry. This has been such a blessing to me to be able to be here,” she said. “I am one of those weird people who likes change and likes new experiences, and so after eight and a half years, this feels right.”
Disclosure: Tammy Wellbrock is the wife of Gerard Wellbrock, who works for Eagle Communications, the parent company of Hays Post.
The Kansas State Department of Education announces the participation of all Kansas school districts and many private schools in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program. Local school officials have adopted the following household income guidelines for determining eligibility for Child Nutrition Program benefits:
Application forms and an informational letter to households are available from the school district or private school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s business office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. An application for reduced-price meals or free Child Nutrition Program benefits can’t be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.
Households receiving food assistance or Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) will be notified that their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving assistance under these programs should submit an application only if they aren’t notified of their eligibility by a specified date determined by the schools. If a household receiving food assistance, TAF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) completes an application, the children’s names, the food assistance, TAF or FDPIR case number, as well as the signature of an adult household member, must be provided.
Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for reduced-price meals or free benefits. Households with WIC participants should complete an application as described above.
Households with children who are enrolled in the Head Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.
Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a state child welfare agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of income. The state must retain legal custody of a child. Households will be notified that the foster child(ren) will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Free eligibility is NOT extended to other students in households with foster children, but households with a foster child(ren) can submit an application and list all household members including the foster child(ren). A foster family application could result in different eligibility for family members, such as the foster child(ren) free and the other students could be reduced, free or not eligible for benefits.
Households not receiving Food Assistance, TAF or FDPIR apply for benefits by completing one application for all children in the household. The application must list names of everyone in the household; the amount of income each household member now receives; source of income; the last four digits of the Social Security number of the household member who signs the application or a statement that the household member doesn’t possess one; and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. The information is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. The eligibility status may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.
Under provisions of the reduced price and free benefit policy, the determining official will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians who are dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing on the decision. Contact the school district or private school for the name, address and phone number of the hearing official and information about the hearing procedures.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the child(ren) in the household eligible for reduced-price or free benefits if the household income falls at or below the levels shown above.
The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a mill and overlay project along portions of Kansas 18 in Graham and Rooks counties starting Aug. 1.
The project will cover a 27-mile stretch starting at the U.S. 24 junction in Graham County and extending east to the U.S. 183 junction in Plainville. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the construction zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated. Work is expected to be complete by the beginning of October, weather permitting.
Venture Corporation is the primary contractor for the project with a combined contract cost of approximately $2.6 million.
Steve GillilandA new critter is fast becoming a common sight in central Kansas. It has a tiny head with a long pointy little snout and perky little ears, much like an anteater. It’s armor-plated from head to toe, sort of like a mini rhinoceros. It has claws so long they seem out of proportion to the rest of its body. Its tail is as long as its body, and is jointed and armor plated clear to the tip.
Yup, you guessed it, it’s an armadillo.
Although very common throughout Texas and much of Oklahoma, it was once thought they could never survive our central and northern Kansas winters due to their intolerance to cold. Biologists are now rethinking that since they are obviously surviving well here in central Kansas and are not uncommon even into parts of Nebraska. A few years ago I spent a day with a trapper west of here in Stafford Co. checking bobcat traps in the middle of January.
At one stop, we walked up an old farm lane lined with big cedar trees and he showed me where armadillos had been scratching and foraging in the thick mat of needles and cedar debris under the trees; their distinctive three-toed scratch marks gave them away. It is now believed that soft and sandy soil allowing them to easily forage for grubs and worms and to dig burrows is more important to their survival than temperature.
The Nine Banded Armadillo is the state mammal of TX, and originally came from South America. They are covered, front and rear, with hard, immoveable shell-like material. This armor is connected around the middle of their body with nine bands of moveable boney plate, much like an accordion, which allows them to move around and to roll into a ball when threatened. They have very poor eyesight but extremely sensitive hearing. It’s believed they can hear grubs several inches under the ground. An instinctive reaction to jump straight into the air when startled is probably why they seem to be frequent road kill victims.
Because their metabolism requires a constant intake of food, they cannot tolerate long periods of severe weather, and are extremely sensitive to cold. They are classified as omnivorous, meaning they will eat practically anything; however, earthworms, grubs, insects and insect larvae make up the vast majority of their diet. The long claws and narrow pointed snout equip them perfectly for digging out this food. These dining habits are both a blessing and a curse. Armadillos rid lawns of destructive grubs, but they also relish beneficial earthworms, and the whole process wreaks havoc with the yards and gets them into hot water with landowners and golf course superintendents.
As if the outward appearance of Nine Banded Armadillos does not make them unique enough, their reproductive process makes them even more amazing. They typically breed in July, but the fertilized embryo lies in a sort of dormant state in the female until November, when it begins to grow. She gives birth to four young in March. These four young are always the same sex, and are identical quadruplets, because they form from the same egg! Armadillos are the only known mammals that give birth to multiple young from the same egg with any regularity.
I believe Nine Banded Armadillos continue moving northward into Kansas for a couple reasons. While we have cold snaps every winter, as a whole our winters are not that bad anymore and obviously the armadillo has found a way to adapt to them. Now visualize the “zillions” of acres of sand hills and otherwise sandy soil in central KS, all of which make for easy digging and burrowing. Add to that all the golf courses with their lovely greens and fairways and the innumerable acres of lawns into which we Kansans pour millions of dollars and hours each year to keep pristine. Viola! Armadillo Heaven!
I predict we should “bone up” on our Armadillo removal techniques, as I don’t foresee them leaving this “armadillo heaven” anytime soon. In fact, since we see so many dead along the road, Joyce suggests we name the armadillo as our “Kansas state road kill.”
Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.
Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Compared to recent years, Kansas’ weather has been mostly nice to the state’s cattle producers this summer. As temperatures rise, it is a good idea for livestock producers to keep in mind how their livestock react to the summer heat.
Kansas State University beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff is sounding the bells for livestock producers to take some extra measures to protect their herds during days in when temperatures are forecast to top 100 degrees.
“Water, water and lots of water,” said Tarpoff, who noted that the beef industry loses an estimated $369 million each year due to the effects of heat stress. “Whenever we have a heat stress event, that is the most essential nutrient for animals, times five.
“I say, ‘times five’ because the question always comes up about how much water do cattle need, and the answer is that they need five times the amount of water that they are taking up in dry matter.”
For a cow that is consuming 30 pounds of dry matter, that comes out to about 20 gallons per day. Multiply that by the number of cattle in an operation, and the need for water grows exponentially.
Tarpoff said cows try to cool themselves by panting heavily (evaporative cooling), and somewhat by sweating – though they are inefficient sweaters compared to humans. Cows accumulate a heat load during the day and rely on cooler, nighttime temperatures for relief.
Producers can aid in cooling not only by providing more water, but also by changing some of their management strategies during the hottest days.
For example, Tarpoff notes, producers should consider providing most of the cattle’s feed later in the day, as much as 70 percent. Doing so will help to reduce digestive heat, or the heat that accumulates when cattle eat.
“This time of year, we may be providing that ration at 6 or 6:30 in the evening so we can push back that digestive heat load into the cooler hours of the night,” Tarpoff said. “That can make a big impact on how much these animals deal with during the heat of the day.”
Producers should also try to avoid lower quality straw hay or other foods that are fibrous, which create more heat in the animal’s rumen. Feedlot rations and lush green grass are better options for helping animals control digestive heat, Tarpoff said.
In feedlots or other confined settings, producers should provide plenty of water and shade (if available), and use sprinklers to cool pen floors. Tarpoff said they also should minimize handling of animals because the more they have to move, the more heat they produce.
The Kansas Mesonet Network at Kansas State University maintains a Cattle Comfort Index that combines the effect of temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation. Tarpoff said it’s an excellent online source for producers to monitor when making plans for heat and potential nighttime cooling.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910
