Kansas Country Living March 2016 by American MainStreet Publications

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Reader shares creative container gardens The February issue included an article about creative plant containers and how to use everyday household items for perking up your outdoor and indoor spaces. Reader Betty Johnson, a member of Victory Electric Cooperative, shared photos of the unusual containers she has used for Above, hens and chicks thrive her rose moss and hens and chickens in the bed of this toy truck. (or hens and chicks, or Sempervivum Below, Betty Johnson cut if you prefer). At left, I've shared a few holes in a pair of cowboy of them along with her instructions. boots, placed rolled up chicken wire in top, added soil and Keep your letters, phone calls and placed a plant in each hole. emails coming. This is your magazine. We welcome—and encourage—your feedback. Farmers market vendors and other business owners also rely on customer feedback to improve their products and Above, Betty Johnson used 2x2s covered with a pair of thus their odds of business success. In jeans, a piece of wood nailed our farmers market feature on page atop and the front of an 18, vendors explain the importance of electric fan lined with screen to keep the soil in place. these face-to-face opportunities with customers, and on page 12, two homegrown Kansas businesses echo the importance of Regardless of whether March enters as a understanding the customer's needs. lamb or lion, it ushers in a second chance for If you plan to purchase flowers, trees and those of us lacking green thumbs. other plants at a farmers market this year, the article on page 14 lists and explains seven gardening blunders to avoid. Unfortunately, it's the one list I have managed to complete. VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

(ISSN 0091-9586) MARCH 2016 VOL. 66, NO. 3 © KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2016 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Doug Shepherd

Vice President, Management Consulting

Shana Read

Director of Communications

Vicki Estes Editor

MARCH

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Jackie Moore

Communications Specialist

Blake Miller Intern

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Kathleen O’Brien President

Keith McNickle

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook to view monthly extras and submit your story ideas.

Vice President

Patrick Riley Secretary

Terry Hobbs Treasurer

Cooperatives You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a communications service of these electric cooperatives: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove Kaw Valley, Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton LJEC, McLouth Lyon-Coffey, Burlington Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Mankato Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Kansas Country Living (ISSN 0091-9586) is published monthly for $10 per year (tax included) by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS and additional entry offices. For members of Kansas rural electric systems, subscription cost is $5.88 per year. This cost is part of your electric service billing. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Phone 785-478-4554. Fax 785-478-4852.

12| Homegrown

Businesses rooted in Kansas and flourishing

14| Garden Blunders

D E PA RT M E N T S

Avoid volcano mulching and other gardening gaffes

Kansas 4| Around March into spring events

18| Farmers Markets

6| Commentary Women in Co-ops

Consumers seek local products; vendors deliver

Talk 8| Guest Take care when burning

Your Utility Bills 10| Cut Landscape for comfort Briefs 22| News Supreme Court issues stay My Way Home 24| Cooking Celebrating a darling ON THE COVER John Mann of 21st Century Victory Gardens in Maize shows off his zucchini rampicante.

Address Changes Please report any change in address to your local electric cooperative. Postmaster Send address changes to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Advertisers Contact National Country Market: 512-441-5200, or see www. nationalcountrymarket.com. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives of the product or services advertised. Kansas Country Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Submissions must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes with sufficient postage to be returned. The publication does not guarantee publication of material received and reserves the right to edit any material published.

P H O T O BY J A M E S F. BADGETT

MARCH 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

T H I N G S TO D O

MARCH 1 A Welsh Tea, Emporia. Join the camaraderie at this informal gathering at Lebo United Methodist Church in a Welshflavored setting of daffodils and Welsh memorabilia. 201 W. 4th, 620-256-6687. MARCH 2 E dible Ecosystems, Emporia.

ow would you like a garden that takes care H of itself, the soil and wildlife? This course at Flint Hills Technical College-Main Campus focuses on both the home garden and small scale farm for maximizing food production with a minimum of inputs. Class meets March 2, 9 and 16. 3301 W. 18th Ave., 620-343-4600. MARCH 4 E mma Chase Friday Night Music, Cottonwood Falls. Jam session and open mic for local and visiting musicians. Public is welcome; family friendly. March 4, 11, 18, 25. 220 1/2 Broadway Cottonwood Falls, KS, 620-273-8301, www.facebook.com/ EmmaChaseMusic MARCH 5 C ity Market "Spring Fling," St. Marys. S hop a variety of vendors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the George J. Perry Memorial Armory. Interested vendors may join group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ stmaryscitymarket. 110 S. 5th St., 785-437-6835. MARCH 6 " Between Yes and I Do"

Bridal Fair, Downs. Visit specialty vendors and enjoy a runway show at Downs Memorial Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Giving away $500; brides must be preregistered to be eligible; door prizes. www.downschamber.com, 785-4546670. MARCH 6 S t. David's Day Concert,

Emporia. E mporia Presbyterian Church, West Campus, will host Eluned Jones, conductor and guest soloist; reception following. 1702 W. 15th Ave., 620-342-1908. MARCH 7 B ig Rural Brainstorm, Newton. Come to the best "un-conference" in the state to meet other great Kansans and talk about the things we can do to sustain and grow our communities. Conference runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Meridian Events Center. 216 N. Meridian Rd., register online

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

MARCH 19-20 T rain Show, Garden City.

T he Boot Hill Model Train Club sponsors this two-day event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Fair Building on the Fairgrounds. Enjoy all kinds of exhibits, working trains and layouts, plus vendors will be on hand. Call Claude at 620-253-3037 for more information.

www.kansassampler.org/specialevents.1.php, 620-585-2374. MARCH 7 B uilding Credit to Get the Things You Want, Emporia. Find out why a good credit score is important, how to build good credit, how to access your credit report, interpret your credit report, how to dispute errors and ways to establish your credit score. Emporia Public Library, 110 E. 6th Ave., 620-340-6462. MARCH 8 F ree Document Destruction, Emporia. A s part of National Consumer Protection Week the Kansas Attorney General's office is offering free document destruction services at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, Bowyer Community Building parking lot from 4 to 6 p.m. 2700 W. Highway 50 and Industrial Road. MARCH 8 F rolicsome Festival,

Emporia. E njoy the Emporia Symphony Orchestra; 7:30 p.m., Albert Taylor Hall, Emporia State University. MARCH 9 B arn Quilt Decoration,

Emporia. P articipants will create a 2'x2' barn quilt appropriate for outdoor display. Includes all supplies except those required for framing or hanging. Flint Hills Technical College-Main Campus, 6-9 p.m. 3301 W 18th, 620-341-1377, jcooper@fhtc.edu. MARCH 11-13 K ansas Singles in Agriculture, Phillipsburg. Tour Shepherd's Mill, Dane G. Hansen Memorial Museum, Bill Clark Train Museum, an historic

Logan home, and enjoy a live performance at Huck Boyd Community Center. For more information call Ed at 785-737-3059 or Emilie at 785-526-7298. MARCH 11 N CK Farm & Home Expo

and Health Fair, Belleville. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Commercial Building at the fairgrounds. 785-527-5524, www. belleville.org. MARCH 12-13 C owley County

Renaissance Festival, Arkansas City. Come see royalty, pirates, gypsies and knights. There will also be food and craft vendors. Knebler Pond, 71st and Highway 166, www. ccrenfest.com, 620-506-1040 or email fergusonfotr@gmail.com. MARCH 17 S haring Hats Through the Ages, Clay Center. This come-and-go event at the Clay County Magazine runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and will offer an opportunity to look at and try on hats; tea and treats will be served; a fundraiser for the museum. 2121 7th St., 785-632-3786, ccmuseum@twinvalley.net. MARCH 19 T he Western, The Greatest

Texas Cattle Trail 1874-1886, Junction City. The Geary County Historical Society hosts this 1:30 p.m. book presentation by authors Gary and Margaret Kraisinger. Learn about the conflicts between the drovers and homesteaders and the Indian encounters when the Indians were relocated to reservations. 530 N. Adams, 785-238-1666. Continued on page 28 

Not getting the sleep you need?

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Mike Lindell Inventor of MyPillow®

The Pillow Was the Problem I bought every pillow on the market that promised to give me a better night’s sleep. No matter how many pillows I used, I couldn’t find one that worked and finally I decided to invent one myself. I began asking everyone I knew what qualities they’d like to see in their “perfect pillow”, and got many responses: “I’d like a pillow that never goes flat”, “I’d like my pillow to stay cool” and “I’d like a pillow that adjusts to me regardless of my sleep position.” After hearing everyone had the same problems that I did, I spent the next two years of my life inventing MyPillow.

MyPillow® to the Rescue Flash forward ten years and MyPillow, Mike Lindell’s revolutionary pillow design, has helped 5 million people improve the quality of their sleep. MyPillow has received thousands of testimonials about the relief MyPillow has brought to people who suffered from migraines, snoring, fibromyalgia, neck pain and many other common issues. Lindell has been featured on numerous talk shows, including Fox Business News and Imus in the Morning. Lindell and MyPillow have also appeared in feature stories in The New York Times and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. MyPillow has received the coveted “Q Star Award” for Product Concept of the Year from QVC, and has been selected as the Official Pillow of the National Sleep Foundation. MyPillow’s patented technology can help with all of the most common causes of sleep loss and allows you to adjust it to any sleeping position. You can even wash and dry MyPillow as easily as your favorite pair of blue jeans!

“Until I was diagnosed with various sleep issues, I had no idea why my sleep was so interrupted throughout the night. I watch Imus each morning and heard endless testimonials about MyPillow. I took his advice and ordered a MyPillow. Now I wake up rested and ready to conquer the day ahead. Thank you for helping me remember what it’s like to sleep like a baby!” - Jacqueline H.

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C O M M E N TA RY

Women Essential to Electric Co-ops’ Success Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.,

Bruce Graham

... the big news is that 2016 celebrates our first woman President of the KEC Board of Trustees— Kathleen O'Brien.

BY B R U C E G R A H A M

(KEC) will mark its 75th Anniversary this year as the service association for electric cooperatives. KEC is a voluntary membership organization. Our 32 cooperatives make an annual investment to receive a variety of services that are more effectively and efficiently accomplished as a group. While the association has a full-time paid staff, it is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of member representatives that guide services and set strategic direction. Through our 75-year history, KEC has had 30 different Board Presidents. Those leaders have assured that the association meets its mission to promote, foster, develop and encourage the rural electrification program in Kansas. Each of those leaders shared a common trait to build KEC into a respected advocate that can solve problems and identify opportunities for our members. Until 2016, all those Presidents were also men. It isn’t that we don’t have strong female leaders in the cooperative program. Many of our cooperatives have women Board members, and four electric cooperative chief executives in Kansas are women. KEC has five women in its Board leadership ranks but the big news is that 2016 celebrates our first woman President of the KEC Board of Trustees—Kathleen O’Brien, General Manager at Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative headquartered in Axtell. Kathy joined the cooperative in 1990 as a Senior Billing Clerk, became Office Manager in 1994 and 10 years later was promoted to General Manager. She also volunteers time and service in a variety of roles, currently serving as President of the Kansas REC Managers Association, is a member of the NRECA Resolutions Committee, the local Hospital Board, her church Stewardship Committee and has served as Treasurer of the City of Seneca for more than 30 years. The electric cooperative movement has high regard for its women leaders. Before the muchheralded women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and ’70s, there was a women’s movement in

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

the 1930s and ’40s better known as rural electrification. A recent story by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association explained it this way. Men piked poles and strung wire, but women trooped to organizational meetings and raised their hands when seats on committees and boards of directors needed to be filled. They pushed reluctant husbands to pay the $5 membership fee to join an electric co-op and see it through to success. Women were motivated to get central station electricity in their homes because, according to rural anthropologist Debora Fink, women had the harder life. There was inequality in the work load of the family farm. Children were born and raised without lights or indoor plumbing. Women cooked meals over a woodstove on sweltering summer days, washed clothes by hand, and swept dusty wood floors with calloused hands so often, it seemed to their husbands and children they never put the broom down. Women worked all the time, while men’s work was often seasonal, giving them time to participate in other activities. Imagine how an electrically charged range, clothes washer, iron, and sewing machine would change things. Vacuum cleaners, water pumps and radios were liberating. The refrigerator was one of the first household appliances purchased by co-op families and there are many stories of tears being shed when electric current brought their Kelvinator to life. Men were equal beneficiaries of labor saving devices but it is easy to see why women were such enthusiastic leaders of the electric cooperative movement. Seventy-five years later, that same enthusiastic leadership is demonstrated by President O’Brien. “I am honored to serve and to be a part of a program that still strives to provide a better quality of life for all women and men in rural America,” President O’Brien concluded. KCL is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Topeka.

BRUCE GRAHAM

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Plan Controlled Burning to Help Mitigate Risks

BY J A S O N K L E N K L E N

Jason Klenklen

Precautions can be taken to minimize the risks related to burning near power lines.

My team and I work every day to enhance safety and improve reliability on more than 4,400 miles of transmission lines that traverse Kansas. These high-voltage power lines connect utilities and power generators on a national scale to efficiently provide electricity to the communities of Kansas. In recent years, investment in the Kansas transmission system has increased, driven by a need to update the infrastructure, support economic development and provide capacity for the state’s growing wind energy industry. Transmission lines are like the Interstate highways of the power grid. Like the Interstate, the transmission system has certain precautions that are important for safety. Activities utilities perform to keep lines safe and reliable include performing inspections and using specialized equipment to identify problems before they cause an outage. Transmission line safety, agriculture and controlled burning

My team and I can’t control everything that might impact a power line. For some things, we need the help of others. A dangerous situation can occur when burning takes place too close to a power line. Implementing a plan for controlled burns and mitigating potential risks from accidental blazes is critical to YOUR safety. When power lines traverse fields, or brush piles are too close to a power line, caution must be exercised. In addition to damaging poles, wires and other components; smoke, soot and by-products from fires can create major hazards when in proximity to overhead power lines. Here are some things to be aware of when working around overhead power lines: ffLook up! Be mindful of overhead power lines before performing any activities. ffWe recommend keeping personnel and equipment at least 100 feet away from overhead lines when burning. ffFire can severely damage wires, poles and other items, potentially causing equipment failures and service interruptions. ffDowned powerlines should always be treated

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

like they are energized and reported immediately by calling 9-1-1. ffDense smoke can cause electrical arcs, or flashovers by creating a conductive path for electricity. ffWater and other chemicals used to extinguish fires should never be directed toward wires or poles. Precautions can be taken to minimize the risks related to burning near power lines. First, develop and use a prescribed burn plan, noting line locations and adjusting for wind conditions. Additionally, an effective means to prevent any problems year round is to maintain a buffer zone of at least 10 feet around any pole or structure. A few ways to accomplish this include: ffMowing and removing dead vegetation, brush and other fuel sources from the area. ffWorking the ground (i.e. tilling), or using a fire resistant ground cover. ffUse backburn/backfire techniques to create a firebreak away from power lines, poles and other components. As the days grow longer and the burning season begins, please take time for these important safety precautions. Your health and safety are worth it. KCL is Supervisor, Transmission Maintenance for Westar Energy.

JASON KLENKLEN

Dense smoke can cause electrical arcs, or flashovers, by creating a conductive path for electricity.

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Proper Landscaping Can Lower Cooling Costs, Improve Comfort And save energy year-round

JAMES DULLEY

Dear Alan: Proper landscaping, particularly with trees, can have a great impact on your air-conditioning bills, your comfort and your winter heating bills. Shade from trees also improves comfort on an outdoor deck or patio and provides an attractive, safe environment for birds and other wildlife. It is important to shade not only your windows, but also your house walls, particularly if they are made of brick or other masonry materials. Masonry slowly absorbs the sun's heat during the day and reradiates it indoors all evening. Most insulation is not effective at blocking this radiant heat through walls. In addition to just providing shade, trees are natural air conditioners. Their leaves give off a huge amount of moisture, which evaporates into the surrounding air. This produces an evaporative cooling effect, called transpiration, similar to our perspiration. Its cooling effect can be equivalent to the output of running a large window air conditioner. In most temperate and colder climates, the

The deciduous trees on the south side of the home allow the sun's heat through during winter. Evergreens are located to the northeast.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

JAMES DULLEY

Dear Jim: My fairly new house needs landscaping. I think adding trees could shade the house and lower my airconditioning bills. How do I go about selecting and placing the trees around my yard? —Alan R.

A typical efficient tree landscaping plan for a temperate climate with concerns for summer cooling plus winter heating. Notice the evergreen windbreak to the north and northwest sides.

key to efficient landscaping with trees is to locate them to provide shade, yet allow the sun to shine through during the winter. Leaving an open area to the southwest is ideal. Planting deciduous trees in an arc can actually channel breezes to your house for more effective natural ventilation. In hot, humid climates, the same basic concept applies except that it is best to locate the trees further from your house. The moisture loss from the leaves can exacerbate already high humidity levels. Also, with high humidity levels, the cooling effect from the leaves is reduced. In hot, dry climates, it is wise to plant trees closer to the house and select ones that produce a high shading canopy. Trees such as high-crown palms and live oaks allow cooler airflow beneath the shade canopy. When selecting the particular specie of tree, Continued on page 20 

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Kansas homegrown

Business owners Johnnie Denton and Loren Kisby embody Kansans’ reputation for being humble and hardworking. They manage very different businesses— Denton’s Double T Industries builds oil field and fuel storage tanks while Kisby’s Prohoe Manufacturing LLC handcrafts tools—but their approach to running a small business is similar and relies on one important trait— adaptability. 12

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Johnnie Denton said his entry into business ownership wasn’t planned, it just happened. He grew up in Rolla where he now runs his business. It’s also where his parents ran the Denton Café in the 1950s and where he said he helped wash dishes, “and probably helped myself to the till a few times,” he recalled laughing. In 1972, Denton and his business partner at the time began fabricating horse trailers when they were offered an opportunity to build small storage tanks for a company selling fertilizer in Kansas and neighboring states. Denton said they didn’t think twice about accepting the offer even though it meant navigating unchartered waters. “Manufacturing trailers was nothing even close to the work required for the tanks,” Denton said. “We just kind of winged it. We saw an opportunity there, jumped in and learned by trial and error.” After five years of building small tanks, Denton said they were approached about building oil field storage tanks, which required them to find a new facility to accommodate larger-scale manufacturing. Once again Denton welcomed the opportunity, and in 1979 moved the business to a 15,000-square-foot facility, where the company remains today. The location includes nearly 70 acres of outside storage, which was critical to have when the oil and gas industry slowed in the early 80s and the business explored alternative services to remain competitive.

MARCH 2016

“We saw an opportunity to get into handling pipe, storing and hauling it for a company getting ready to drill a bunch of gas wells,” Denton said. “I think our pipe storage yard was at one time the largest in Kansas.” Denton has also added trucking services for hauling pipe, drilling rigs, and livestock. “When an opportunity arises, you need to do something to keep everybody busy and happy,” he said. Double T Industries continues to adapt when changes in the industry demand it. The business recently shifted its focus to building fuel tanks for agriculture businesses. “We’re still building oil field tanks but the drop in fuel prices opened another door of opportunity for us,”

A few of Double T Industries' 30 employees in front of a vertical tank the business manufactured. From left: Owner Johnnie Denton, Paula Cowser, Teresa Hull and Darlene Clinesmith.

DARLENE CLINESMITH

Double T Industries in Rolla

Rogue Tools Made by Prohoe Manufacturing LLC in Munden Loren Kisby farmed for 20 years making it through the 80s when other area farmers were forced to call it quits. The Kisby’s persevered until years of drought forced them to make a tough decision in the 90s. “When you take your kids and set them down and tell them you’re going to sell the farm, it’s a pretty difficult time,” Kisby shared. “But I felt that the Lord was going to take care of me and he’s done that.” The Kisby’s sold all but the roughest of 40 acres, and turned their focus to the future. Intent on being his own boss, Kisby focused on a tool he had previously made to help clear a trench. Fashioned from a recycled agriculture disc blade welded to a pipe handle, he used it one time and threw it into his junk pile. The makeshift tool came in handy again, so he grabbed it, used it, and returned it to the junk pile. Five years later, when reaching for the tool yet again, Kisby noticed the pipe handle on the tool was bent but the disc blade on the end looked the same as it did when he first made it. “We thought we might have

something,” he chuckled. Kisby revealed a prototype of the tool to his relatives the Christmas of 1990 and they made a few, sold a few, and gave away a few that following year. He then turned to the Small Business Development Center at K-State for assistance. His business became a class project and was assigned to three senior students whose goal was to evaluate and recommend strategies, an assignment Kisby said made Above, Kendall Walker performs the final sharpening of a all the difference for him. Rogue Tool. Below, Judy and Loren Kisby hold a few of their “Boy, they were really handcrafted—and sharp — Rogue Tools. sharp young men,” Kisby said. “They helped us make our first business contact and get the product in a store besides just selling it at flower, lawn and garden shows.” With nearly 60 types of tools and 15 employees, Kisby’s vision, that began with a makeshift garden hoe, has transformed into tools used by gardeners, farmers, firefighters, trail builders, and in the future tools for sign, and a new line of trail building concrete applications—and all still made using recycled disc blades from tools went to market. Rogue Tools continue to be agriculture equipment. made as Kisby initially intended: sold “We thought we were going to make garden tools. And that’s what we sharpened, ready to go to the field and handcrafted in a time when other did,” Kisby said. But one thing led to another. “They were built heavier than companies have switched to computers to increase production. a lot of garden tools so then we found “We use the same pattern but if out that farmers were using them to you put calipers on them no two of rogue the field.” our tools are exactly the same,” he Because the original tool wasn’t explained. “And, we get compliment designed to be swung, Kisby designed after compliment about how they tools specifically for farmers. “Then work in the soil, and a lot of that is people started contacting us and said because they are as sharp as they are.” they were using our larger tools in The Kisby’s never sold the “roughwildland firefighting.” Again, Kisby est, cheapest 40 acres” of their farm, and his staff adapted the design for where family now gathers to enjoy use in firefighting. outdoor activities. “I never imagined “We actually had a hotshot crew it would become a focal point for our in Oregon we used for research and family now,” Kisby said. “Our granddevelopment,” Kisby said. He then son believes it to be ‘right next door to learned that trail builders were using heaven.’” KCL the firefighting tools. Another redeMARCH 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

P RO H O E P H OTO S BY D E A N N A D E RO W I T S C H

Denton said. “The downturn in the oil and gas market has affected us like it has a lot of other people but we plan on being here. We’re not going anywhere.” It’s important to Denton that he keeps his employees busy because he credits them for Double T’s continued prosperity. “That’s why my business is successful—my employees. I’ve got a great bunch of people that work here, and it’s a joy to work with them.” Denton monitors industry trends and news but said he relies on the basics when making business decisions. “I think just a common sense approach to about anything works most of the time. Not all the time but most of the time.”

Worst Gardening

BLUNDERS BY G E O R G E W E I G E L

Everything I learned about gardening can be found in my compost pile.

leaves or similar organic matter into it. A second school of thought advises topping the landscape-bed-to-be with about 12 inches of wood chips and then waiting at least six weeks for decomposition to start. Then the chips can be pulled back to plant and move among the plants as mulch. You only need to do either of these once— before planting. From then on, just keep a two- to three-inch layer of organic matter over the surface and let the earthworms and microbes be your “soil improvers.” Planting too closely. This common blunder includes planting plants too closely to one another as well as too closely to the house. Crowding sets you up for a jungle look

thumbs” that give them mystical powers to make any plant thrive. Gardening is like any endeavor. The more you know, the more success you’re likely to have. Every setback can serve as a learning experience and evidence for the saying that “Everything I learned about gardening can be found in my compost pile.” One way to speed up the process is by taking advantage of the knowledge of those who have killed their petunias and dogwood trees before you. Here are seven of the most important woes that our “foregardeners” would warn you about: Not improving lousy soil. If you’re blessed with reasonably good soil, just loosen and plant. But if you’re startContinued on page 16 ing with “soil” that’s more of a sand pile, clay pit, quarry-in-waiting or compacted subsoil left behind by home construction, plan on some remediation. One school of thought advises rototilling or deeply digging the ground to at least 10 or 12 inches deep, then working about two inches of House? What house? These evergreens were planted too close to the front foundacompost, rotted tion of this house and are now dwarfing it.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

GEORGE WEIGEL

Good gardeners aren’t born with “green

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Worst Gardening

BLUNDERS Continued from page 14

GEORGE WEIGEL

A common mulching mistake is packing mulch high up against trunks, which can rot the bark. It’s a practice called “volcano mulching.”

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

GEORGE WEIGEL

within a few years, sets the stage for unnecessary pruning, and makes plants more prone to disease since crowded foliage doesn’t dry as well. Determine the mature width of your new plant and space according to that—not its current size. A good rule of thumb: Add mature widths together and divide by two, then plant no closer than that. (Example: 8-foot holly beside a 4-foot spirea. 8+4=12, divide by 2, equals 6-foot minimum spacing.) To space from houses, simply divide the mature width in half and plant no closer than that. (Example: An 8-foot holly should go no closer than 4 feet from the house.) Too-deep planting. This one’s a major killer of trees. Planting deeply doesn’t make a tree less likely to blow over. It’s likely to suffocate the roots and rot the buried bark. Before planting a new tree, identify its “root flare”— the area at the base of the trunk where it begins to slightly widen. Plant so that this flare is just above grade. Be aware that potted and balled-and-burlapped trees are often already planted too deeply in their pots and bags. You may need to excavate soil to expose the flare. Poor planting practices. Go wide but not overly deep with those holes when planting trees and shrubs. Most roots spread out within the top 1 to 2 feet of the surface as opposed to going straight down deeply.

The future owners of this new home may or may not realize that this compacted shale soil is lurking below.

Dig holes for your trees and shrubs three to five times as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball (so the soil doesn’t settle underneath and cause the root balls to sink). Fray out circling roots, and don’t plant too deeply. Tamp the soil and water well after planting. Mulching miscues. You can overdo it or underdo it with mulch, which is the coarse wood or organic matter used on soil surfaces to discourage weeds and retain soil moisture. Too much mulch can cause the same problems as planting too deeply. Too little won’t stop weeds or retain moisture very well. Especially be careful not to pack mulch up against the stems and trunks of plants. That can rot the stems and bark and possibly kill the plants. Two to three inches of organic mulch (i.e. bark mulch, chopped leaves, pine straw, shredded hardwood) is ideal around trees and shrubs. One to 2 inches is fine around flowers. Watering blunders. Your goal is to keep the soil consistently damp (never soggy) all around the root ball and to just below it. That encourages roots to grow out toward the water without rotting them. The best way to gauge the amount: water slowly enough that the water soaks in instead of runs off for the time you think is right. Wait 10 or 15 minutes and use a stick or probe to go down beside the root ball to see how deeply the soil has been moistened. If it’s excessively wet, cut back next time. If it’s not wet deeply enough, you’ll need to water more or for longer. Once you know the time and amount that’s just right for that bed, deliver it according to weather and plant size. Plants with bigger root balls, such as trees and shrubs, are best soaked deeply once or twice

5 6

Continued on page 17

Worst Gardening

BLUNDERS Continued from page 16

a week. Vegetables, annual flowers and newly planted perennials are best watered two to three times a week in hot, dry weather since their roots are shallower and closer to the surface (which dries out fastest). You won’t need to water as much when it’s cooler and cloudier and probably not at all if a soaking rain does the deed for you. Pay more careful attention to regularly watering young plants, ones whose roots are limited and more at risk from dry soil. Picking problem-prone plants. Plants have their own particular site preferences (especially when it comes to light and soil moisture), and some are pickier about them than others. Some do a good job of adapting to a variety of sites, while others need close to ideal conditions or else they’ll struggle and possibly die. A big part of good gardening involves figuring out where each plant will be “happiest.” Just as important is knowing which are the most troubleprone plants—a lineup that varies from area to area. Check with trusted local experts (Extension educators and local garden centers are good starting points), as well as experienced local gardeners and published lists targeted as closely as possible to your area. As for plants that you realize are struggling because you’ve guessed wrong on the site, don’t be afraid to move them—the sooner the better. Most “green-thumb” gardeners will tell you they’ve moved every plant in their yard a minimum of three times before they got it right. KCL

George Weigel is a Pennsylvania-based horticulturist, garden consultant, author and newspaper garden columnist. His website is http://georgeweigel.net. MARCH 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Meandering among the booths you’ll discover a wide selection of fresh produce, meats and handmade goods. When cooler temperatures prevail, the aroma of brewed coffee and hot spiced cider wafts among the vendor booths enticing you to try a sip to take the chill off. The outdoor spring farmers market season nears. No longer limited to Saturday mornings, outside venues or even three seasons, Kansas farmers markets have changed with the times to meet the needs of their customers by adding weekday hours, winter market schedules, incentives for purchasing healthy produce, and an array of products from which to choose. These community gathering spots have grown in popularity for both consumers and vendors, and in their numbers across the country, from nearly 1,800 markets on record a decade ago to more than 8,200 in 2014 according to figures from the United States Department of Agriculture.

in Hays and Ellsworth, and now that he and his dad have entered the business full time, they plan to increase their presence at farmers markets in Great Bend and Salina this year. On the road early the mornings of market— by 4 a.m. for Hays—the Svaty’s remain focused on their customers. “The best part is that we are bringing really good product to the people and they don’t have to drive to us,” Svaty said. “And, we are getting to know so many different people,” he added.

Attributing to the uptick has been an increase in consumer demand for locally sourced and grown food products. Simply put: We want to know where our food comes from. “It’s about trust,” explained Gregory Cole, of Good Life Company LLC, whose Little Bits Gourmet Cookie Bites debuted at the farmers market level in the Wichita area about five years ago and will soon launch nationally. “I think it’s all based on trust and loyalty and that’s why people are going back to farmers markets now." Caleb Svaty, of Svaty’s Produce just outside Kanapolis, said they’ve been selling their produce, meats and eggs at farmers markets for approximately 25 years. They have traveled to markets KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

T R AV E L K S

Looking for local

Visit https://fromthelandofkansas.com/explorefrom-land-kansas to locate a market in your area.

In 2013 Senate Bill 120 established a central registration for farmers markets hosted by From the Land of Kansas, the state agricultural trademark program. The bill also limits the legal liability of those registered farmers markets and offers their vendors access to marketing, outreach and advocacy efforts. Registration is voluntary but encouraged to help connect consumers and vendors in support of Kansas agriculture. “We have almost 60 farmers markets registered in the state and we know there are more, so we are working to get them to register as well,” said Julie Roller, From the Land of Kansas. To assist the growing number of vendors participating in farmers markets, From the Land of Kansas recently hosted workshops throughout the state that offered educational sessions on topics including food safety, production planting for market, sales tax requirements and weights and measures. “I learned a lot about food safety and weights and measurements,” Svaty said of the workshop he attended in Hays. “Almost all of your items will be sold by the pound and they want to make sure everyone is on the same playing field with scales,” he added. Although a farmers market vendor for approximately five years, Cole didn’t realize the extent of vendor support available until he attended one of the farmers market workshops. “For me it was a blessing to attend. I had no idea that information was available,” he said. “Any vendor who is a part of a farmers market should attend the classes.” The farmers market can be a first step for those launching a new product or eager to earn some cash from selling their garden bounty. “A farmers market is a great opportunity to get your feet wet, to test the product with your customers, get immediate feedback, and you can scale your business from there,” Roller said. “It’s that first entry of participating in the market that a lot of businesses take advantage of.” Which is exactly how Cole’s seven-spice cookie first entered the market. “It was at the farmers market where the repeat customers turned into loyalists and they began to tell others and bring people to the market to sample,” he shared.

All inclusive

According to Eileen Horn, sustainability coordinator for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, farmers markets have struggled with the perception that they are more expensive, resulting in potential customers believing they can’t access the fresh produce available. “However, most of the studies show that, in season, the produce at a farmers market

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From acorn squash to zucchini, farmers markets offer fresh produce and speciality items, such a handmade soap.

is either the same price or less expensive than at a grocery store.” To help change that perception and to improve access to nutritious food for all, Horn helped pilot the Double Up Kansas program at farmers markets in Lawrence in which shoppers using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can receive a dollar-for-dollar match at the farmers market up to $25. “It basically doubles their purchasing power at the market,” Horn said. “It helps low-income families have access to that healthy nutritious food, and it’s also great for our vendors because it introduces them to new customers and increases revenue for the farmer vendors at the market.” The program is part of a national initiative through the USDA to support SNAP matching at farmers markets, something Horn believes will help change how farmers markets are perceived. “What public health officials recognize and what farmer advocates recognize is that it’s really a win-win situation when you can bring more traffic to your farmers market to help with vendor sales but also make sure the farmers market isn’t perceived as a place only for the wealthy in your community,” she said. A handful of Kansas farmers markets continued throughout the winter, but with spring approaching all will soon reopen. Saturdays remain the traditional day of operation but more markets have added weekday hours for the convenience of their growing customer base, allowing people from all walks of life—vendors and buyers alike—to participate in these community gatherings. KCL

LOOK FOR DOUBLE UP KANSAS SNAP matching at markets in Atchison, Baldwin City, Emporia, Lawrence,

Leavenworth, Manhattan, Perry-Lecompton, Pittsburg and Topeka. Contact Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator, at ehorn@douglas-county.com for more information. MARCH 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S Continued from page 10 

consider the height and shape (round, pyramidal, oval, conical, columnar) of the tree as it matures. This allows you to determine how many to plant and how far to locate them from your house. Growth rates and winter hardiness are also important selection criteria. Keep in mind some of the fastest-growing trees are also short-lived. Avoid planting these close to your house or you may have a future expensive tree removal job. For the Deciduous trees shade this house with open areas for breezes to flow. Few plantings most efficient use of trees, around the house foundation help reduce the humidity level. plan on doing quite a bit of where plants are discouraged, keep the gravel pruning to maintain the proper ratio of shading and openness for winter solar heating. as thin as possible to minimize heat buildup. To complete your landscaping, use lowKCL water-demand groundcover plants near your house on the south and west sides. These reflect Send inquiries to JAMES DULLEY, Kansas Country Living, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or more of the sun's heat and do not store it as visit www.dulley.com. gravel or stone does. In drought-prone areas

IS A FULL REFRIGERATOR MORE EFFICIENT?

Dear Jim: I have always heard that you should keep a refrigerator reasonably full to make it operate most efficiently. How do I determine what "reasonably full" means? —Jeri S. Dear Jeri: Reasonably full means having the shelves almost completely covered with a typical array of various-sized containers, bottles and cans. This provides space for air to circulate freely around the containers. The freezer portion can be packed somewhat fuller, but still needs gaps for air flow. A fuller freezer loses less cold air each time it is opened. Mark packaging well to reduce the open time while searching for food items. KCL

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

JAMES DULLEY

For the most efficient use of trees, plan on doing quite a bit of pruning to maintain the proper ratio of shading and openness for winter solar heating.

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newsbriefs A G L A N C E AT

Impact of Justice's Death on Landmark Ruling Uncertain The passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on

February 13 has focused new attention on the importance of this deliberative body in shaping our nation and its judicial direction. It has also focused attention on how a landmark ruling for the utility industry, issued just a few days earlier, might be impacted. In response to petitions by 27 states and numerous industries, the Supreme Court on a 5-4 decision, took an unprecedented step to issue a stay of the Clean Power Plan crafted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Obama Administration—a rule that had never been considered by Congress. “Charging ahead with implementation of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) would have caused immediate and irreparable harm to America’s electric co-ops,” said Jeffrey Connor, Interim CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “Had the stay not been granted, co-ops would have been forced to take costly and irreversible steps to comply with the rule, which is a huge overreach of EPA’s legal authority.” Justice Scalia’s opinion was in the majority. His passing a few days after the February 9 CPP decision causes uncertainty about the fate of this

ruling. Following are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What happens next?

The State of Kansas and interested parties have been working deliberately to develop a plan to try to comply with an aggressive mandate to reduce carbon emissions. The Supreme Court’s stay means that the CPP has no legal effect while courts are reviewing the rule to determine whether it is lawful. During this period of time, the EPA cannot enforce any of the deadlines or requirements contained in the rule. States (or anyone else subject to the rule) cannot be penalized for missing a deadline or a requirement. The Supreme Court has not heard the case yet. The stay simply suspended the regulation while the D.C. Circuit Court makes a decision on the legality of the CPP. Argument in that court will be heard on June 2, with a decision likely in the fall of 2016. Depending on how quickly the D.C. Circuit issues its decision and resolves any petitions for rehearing, the decision will most likely be appealed to the Supreme Court by a group unhappy with the outcome.

What happens if a new Justice is not appointed soon? The passing of Justice Scalia

changes the landscape. Whether President Obama can move an appointment through before he leaves office or whether the decision is made by the President elected later this year is not the immediate issue. The importance of the upcoming D.C. Court decision is elevated because if the eight current Supreme Court Justices split on a case, the ruling simply affirms the decision of the appeals court from which it came. It is a near certainty that any nominee from President Obama would have an opinion on the EPA rule favorable to the administration. And the political persuasion of the new President could be similar to the current administration. Therefore, some question whether the Supreme Court would feel it was worth accepting an appeal without a ninth Justice in place.

What should the states be doing while litigation is proceeding?

States have no obligation to work on implementation of the CPP. Kansas legislative leaders have already expressed sentiment that state agencies should suspend activity on development of a compliance plan until the rule’s fate is decided by the courts.

KEC ELECTS 2016 BOARD OFFICERS

Officers elected by the KEC Board of Trustees are: (seated) President Kathleen O'Brien, Nemaha-Marshall; standing from left: Treasurer: Terry Hobbs, Western; Secretary: Patrick Riley, Wheatland; and Vice President Keith McNickle, Ark Valley.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) Board of Trustees took action at its January 26 annual meeting in Topeka to elect a new slate of officers for 2016-2017. The KEC Board elected the following officers: Kathleen O’Brien, NemahaMarshall Electric Co-op, President; Keith McNickle, Ark Valley Electric Co-op, Vice President; Patrick Riley, Wheatland Electric Co-op, Secretary; and Terry Hobbs, Western Co-op Electric, Treasurer. “Each of these officers also serves on the staff or board of their local elec-

tric co-ops and on one or more of KEC’s committees,” said Bruce Graham, KEC’s CEO. “We depend on the leadership and commitment of each of our hard-working board members to help us expand and improve the services we provide our member co-ops.” KEC, a Touchstone Energy Co-op, is the Kansas statewide service organization for 29 electric distribution co-ops and three G&Ts. KEC represents the interests of and provides needed services and programs to the electric co-ops that serve Kansas.

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C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Celebrating a Darling—and Daring—Clementine

BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

At the height of her fame in the 1950s

For me, Clementine was illuminated in a 2003 Saveur magazine article by Kelly Alexander and ’60s, she had 12 million readers and was and later the detailed and fascinating biography dubbed “Best Known Food Editor,” by Time Alexander co-wrote with K-State library archimagazine. She was the first to chronicle Amerivist Cynthia Harris, “Hometown Appetites: The ca’s regional cuisine in her “How America Eats,” Story of Clementine Paddleford, the Forgotten columns in This Week magazine and pieces she Food Writer Who Chronicled How America Ate” contributed to Gourmet. (Gotham Books, 2008). I also paged through her But if you have never heard of Clementine enormous cookbook “How America Eats” (rePaddleford—writer, editor, Kansan—don’t feel published as “The Great American Cookbook” in alone. As legendary as she was in her time, it’s Rebecca Howard 2011) over a Fourth-of-July holiday. The book of as much a legend that she was all but forgotten despite being a household name. Her 15 minutes recipes (and the stories behind them) from every state—all tasted and collected by Clementine of fame lasted decades, yet after her death in —was more of an American travelogue of time 1967, the world moved on with television and and place and food than any I had ever read, and Julia Child and all the food icons who followed. my admiration grew for this tireless and prolific As we pay homage in Women’s History Month, it seems necessary to me that Clementine food writer, who spent 12 years traveling 800,000 Paddleford be celebrated. Her work as a pioneer- miles and interviewing more than 2,000 cooks for the columns that became the book. ing food journalist influenced me before I even Here are some highlights of Clementine’s knew who she was, despite my spending four time: years attending Kansas State University—also Clementine’s alma mater—and working on The ffShe was born on a farm in Stockdale (now Collegian, where she was the editor her senior the site of Tuttle Creek Lake) in 1898. It was year. Clementine’s mother, Jennie, who advised her: “Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.” ffUpon earning her journalism degree from K-State in 1921, the ambitious and independent Clementine left for New York and began freelancing for various publications. In 1936, she landed at the ff 4 cups shredded cabbage ff 2 tomatoes, chopped New York Herald Tribune (at the time ff 1 green pepper, sliced ff 1/4 cup bacon drippings one of the nation’s leading newspapers). ff 2 cups diced celery ff 2 tsp. sugar ffThe New York Times described her ff 2 large onions, sliced ff Salt and pepper to taste as “...a go-anywhere, taste-anything, ask-everything kind of reporter who Combine ingredients in large skillet. Cover. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Yield: 6 portraveled more than 50,000 miles a tions. year in search of stories in a day when very few food editors strayed far from “Gourmet dinner clubs spring up cross-country like mushrooms after rain,” Clementine Paddleford wrote of the group of Manhattan, Kan., ladies who got together and shared their desks.” Not an avid cook herself food in How America Eats. “Clara gave us this skillet cabbage recipe which we like (most recipes were tried out in the test better than any vegetable dish tasted in a long time. Whatever else you do, don’t overkitchen at her newspaper), Clemencook. The vegetables should maintain their crisp, fresh quality.” tine focused her reporter’s eye on the RECIPE FROM HOW AMERICA E ATS kitchens of others.

Clara McCracken's Skillet Cabbage

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

“We all have hometown appetites,” Clementine once said when she herself was interviewed. “Every other person is a bundle of longing for the simplicities of good taste once enjoyed on the farm or in the hometown left behind.” ffShe took food writing beyond the recipe page. At times

states of Hawaii and Alaska. thought a bit flowery, her style brought forth a vivid ffShe attended the luncheon for the coronation of Queen new way of describing food, such as shrimp looking Elizabeth II, as well as a dinner for Winston Churchill like “pink commas,” and of Nebraska wild plum prein Missouri; interviewed the actress Joan Crawford (and serves she wrote: “Some crafty kitchen alchemist has got her recipe for meatloaf); and travel writer Duncan caught the blue and gold of summer and turned it into Hines (yes, he was a real fellow) cooked for her in his shining jewels to be enjoyed when days go dull...” Kentucky home. ffShe raised an adopted daughter as a single mother, and ffClementine was just as celebratory of the less-thanin her 30s, when malignant throat cancer meant she famous. She attended a hobo convention, documented would breathe through a tube in her throat the rest of a shad fry in New Jersey, interviewed budding teen her life, Clementine donned a stylish ribbon choker and bakers and ladies who swapped recipes, including a kept going. Manhattan, Kan., gourmet dinner club (who shared the ffClementine’s travels took her on planes (she even cabbage recipe featured here). piloted her own), trains (aboard the Katy Clementine Paddleford, a hero in her own right, Railroad MKT, she wrote about the should not be forgotten. Her life and work are famous Kornette cakes served from an example that it is backbone that makes the dining car), automobiles and wishes come true. KCL even on the back of a mule. She boarded the Naval submarine, Clementine Paddleford with her beloved cat, the USS Shipjack, to find Pussy Willow. out what the boys dined on below sea level...and emerged with a brownie recipe for 80 and hamburger pie for 100. ffShe has sometimes been credited for naming the hero sandwich, claiming that, because the sandwich was so large, one had to be a “hero” to finish it. She shared the originations of everything from green goddess dressing in San Francisco, Smithfield Ham in Virginia, Speck’s potato salad in Missouri and Lindy’s famous New York cheesecake. And she was the first food C L E M E N T I N E PA D D L E F O R D PA P E R S , M O R S E D E PA R T M E N T journalist to write O F S P E C I A L C O L L E C T I O N S , K A N S A S S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y L I B R A R I E S , M A N H AT TA N , K S . of cuisine in the new MARCH 2016

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T H I N G S TO D O

Continued from page 4 

MARCH 19 C asino Night, Wilson. Join

the fun at the Wilson American Legion with a social from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by games of chance from 7 to 10 p.m., including a silent auction and prizes. 419 27th St., 785-658-2211.

teaches consumers how to establish a credit history, how credit is scored and what can be affected by a credit score. Also learn practical tips for paying off debt; 7 p.m. at Salvation Army. 520 Constitution St., 620-343-3166.

MARCH 19 H ealth Fair, Ellsworth.

MARCH 5 & 19 W inter Farmers

E llsworth County Medical Center will host this event in the Administrative Building from 9 a.m. to noon. All welcome to attend. The ECMC Auxiliary will also host a garage sale with proceeds helping to purchase an Accuvein machine. 1706 Aylward Avenue; call Doug at 785-472-3111 ext. 307. MARCH 19 P hil Keaggy, McPherson.

" Phil Keaggy, considered the father of contemporary Christian, music will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House. 219 S. Main St., Mcphersonoperahouse.org, 620-241-1952. MARCH 26 S pring Celebration Open

House, Pleasantview. Celebrate spring with the Pleasantview merchants. Join the fun of door prizes, refreshments, games and a bake sale. Five miles west of Hutchinson on Highway 50, www.pleasantviewkansas.com, 620-665-1161.

THROUGH MARCH 31 N ational Youth

Art Month Exhibit, Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Area Art Center will exhibit art from Ellsworth County schools, preschools and Head Start. Open Monday-Friday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Parents and grandparents are welcome to visit. 223 Douglas Ave. APRIL 2 Flea Market & Bazaar,

Harper. T he Harper Area Health Foundation sponsors this event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blue Barn on the Harper County Fairgrounds. Proceeds benefit the foundation that supports Harper Hospital District #5. Booth space available. 128 E. 9th St., 620-8967324 ext. 422.

Join us from 1 to 5 p.m. for a day of making to celebrate Emporia Public Library's new Makerspace. From circuits to kites, there will be something for everyone. The new Cube 3D printer will be in use. 620-931-5059, 110 E 6th Ave.

APRIL 2-3 Q uilt Show, Abilene. The End of the Trail Quilter's Guild of Abilene hosts this show at Sterl Hall. Activities will include door prizes, a merchant's mall, silent auction of quilted items, and quilt appraisals Carol on Sunday by appointment only. Lunch available. 619 N. Rogers at the Eisenhower Park, 785-479-2332.

MARCH 29 F armers Market 101:

APRIL 6-8 F arm & Ranch Expo,

MARCH 26 M akerFest 2016, Emporia.

Everything you ever wanted to know about farmers market vending, Emporia. If you've ever considered selling produce, baked goods or homemade crafts at a farmers market, this is the place for you. Flint Hills Technical College-Main Campus, 6-8 p.m. 3301 W 18th, https://www.flinthills.augusoft.net. MARCH 31 A ll About Credit and

Debt Repayment, Emporia. This class

Market, Emporia. Open from 10 a.m. to noon, shop for produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and artwork. 701 Commercial St., emporiafarmersmarket.org.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2016

Great Bend. M ore than 700 vendors will be promoting the latest in agricultural technology, research and equipment. Great Bend Expo Complex–West Barton County Road, 866-685-0989. APRIL 8-10 " Legally Blonde," Winfield. A musical celebration of knowledge, freedom and truth; 7:30 p.m. nightly, Richardson Performing Arts Center, Southwestern College Campus. 100 College, 620-229-6171,

www.sckans.edu/undergraduate/theatrearts/season-at-a-glance. APRIL 9 P rairie Sun Outdoor Spring

Market, Cheney. E njoy family friendly fun in the prairie sun at Souders Farm Museum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop acres of local artisans, food, produce, antiques, collectibles, and more! 39925 39th St. South, www. facebook.com/soudersfarmmuseum. APRIL 9 Indian Artifacts Show, Holton. C ollectors will display authentic prehistoric Indian artifacts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NE Kansas Heritage Complex. The public is invited to bring artifacts they wish to have identified. 12200 214th road, 1/4 mile west of U.S. 75 highway south of Holton, 785-364-3238. APRIL 9 ABATE Spring Fling Bike Show, Emporia. M any makes and models of motorcycles plus a variety of vendors and chances to win items throughout the day. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lyon County Fairgrounds, Anderson Building, 2650 W. Highway 50. APRIL 9-10 T ulip Time Festival, Belle Plaine. A ctivities for every age including arboretum tour of 30,000 tulips, athletic competitions, BBQ cook-off, Kids Fest, and live entertainment. Downtown Belle Plaine. Like us on Facebook, Tulip Time BPKS or www.belleplainechamber.com, www. bartlettarboretum.com, 620-488-3451.

Send items for your free listing in Around Kansas to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604 by the fifth of the month prior to publication. Or send an email to events@kansascountryliving.com. Please include a contact phone number. We publish “Around Kansas” events as a courtesy and at no charge as space allows. Please note that we cannot guarantee publication of your event. To guarantee placement of your event in the magazine, contact Carrie Kimberlin at 785-487-4554 or advertising@kansascountryliving.com.

MARCH 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Blended Chili and Macaroni

Cajun Salmon Burger with Lime Mayo

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, MARCH 2016

Blending mushrooms into the ground beef enhances the flavor and nutrients.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, MARCH 2016

Need seafood inspiration? Swap ground beef for salmon for a cajun-inspired burger.

Apple Fritter French Toast Casserole

Power Up Muffin Cups

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Power Up Muffin Cups ff nonstick cooking spray ff 8 large eggs ff 1-3/4 cups plain 2 percent Greek yogurt ff 1 tsp. onion powder ff 1 tsp. garlic powder ff 1/2 tsp. salt ff 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

zarella cheese, divided

ff 1/2 tsp. lime juice

ff 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion ff 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper ff 2 tsp. cajun seasoning ff 1 Tbs. oil ff 4 hamburger rolls

Cajun Salmon Burgers with Lime Mayonnaise less salmon, drained

ff 3 pouches (5 ounces each) boneless skinff 1 egg, beaten ff 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs ff 1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise

ff 1-1/4 cups shredded mozff 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese ff 1-1/2 cups frozen chopped

broccoli, thawed

ff 1-1/2 cups cubed whole-grain bread

cup reduced fat mayonnaise tsp. grated lime peel

COURTESY MCCORMICK SPI CE

ff 1 cup medium salsa ff 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked ff shredded cheese ff sour cream ff cilantro

COURTESY MUSHROOM COUNCIL

In another large saucepan, mix broth, kidney beans, tomato paste, salsa and macaroni. Bring mixture to boil and cover. Simmer on low 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. When noodles are al dente, stir in browned meat and mushrooms. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream and cilantro. Serves 8.

In food processor with metal blade, pulse mushrooms until finely chopped. In large saucepan, brown meat and mushrooms with chili seasoning.

ff 1/2 pound mushrooms ff 1 pound lean ground beef ff 1 package chili seasoning ff 1 can beef broth ff 1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed ff 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

Blended Chili and Macaroni

Serve salmon burgers on rolls with Lime Mayonnaise and desired toppings. Serves 4.

For the burgers, mix salmon, egg, panko, mayonnaise, green onions, bell pepper and seasoning in large bowl until well blended. Shape into 4 patties. Heat oil in large nonstick stick skillet on medium heat. Add salmon patties; cook 5 minutes per side or until lightly browned and cooked through.

For the mayonnaise, mix all ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

ff 1/4 ff 1/2

Lime Mayonnaise

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat standard 12-cup nonstick muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, beat eggs and yogurt until thoroughly combined. Whisk in onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, all cheddar cheese, broccoli and bread; mix thoroughly. Let stand for 10 minutes. Stir thoroughly, then divide mixture evenly among prepared muffin cups. (Cups will be about two-thirds full.) Top evenly with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 12. COURTESY MIDWEST DAIRY ASSOCIATION

ff 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ff 1 cup powdered sugar ff 1-2 Tbs. milk

Overnight Apple Fritter French Toast Casserole ff 1 package (24 ounces) thick-sliced cinnamon bread, divided ff 1 can (21 ounces) apple fruit filling ff 9 large eggs ff 1 cup fat-free half-and-half

Grease 9-by-9-inch baking dish. Cube cinnamon bread and add half to prepared baking dish. Add fruit filling over bread. Cover fruit filling with rest of bread cubes. In bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Cover and chill overnight. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes. If it starts to brown too much, tent aluminum foil over casserole. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk, adding more as needed to make pourable glaze. Drizzle glaze over casserole just before serving. Serves 12.

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