Issuu

GEORGE WEIGEL

MARCH F E AT U R E S

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook. D E PA RT M E N T S

12 | Rural Vision

4 |

Gov. Laura Kelly sat down with Kansas Country Living staff to discuss her vision for the newly created Office of Rural Prosperity and the challenges facing rural Kansas.

6 | 8 |

16 | Winning at Reliability

10 |

Power in the United States is incredibly reliable with the average American having electricity 99.97 percent of the time they flip a switch. But the battle to keep the lights on continues.

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

New session, new administration A RO U N D K A N S A S

Experience what March has to offer CO M M E N TA RY

Common sense should prevail E N E RGY W I S E

Electric, gas or manual

Which mower is right for you?

18 |

20| Tasty Gardens

YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N

Lucky weeds?

Clover vs. traditional Irish shamrock.

Edible gardens can be just as pretty as flower gardens and they are making a comeback, fueled by new interest in fresh, chemical-free produce and home-grown vegetables.

24 |

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

For the love of spuds

Shepherd’s pie includes potato “crust.”

26 | 28 |

M A R K E T P L AC E

Find products, services you need SAFETY

Food safety during an outage Save what you can; toss the rest.

29 |

M O N T H LY R E C I P E S

ON THE COVER

GEORGE WEIGEL

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly reflects on the view outside her office at the Kansas State Capitol. The governor sat down with Kansas Country Living staff to discuss her vision for rural Kansas. P H OTO BY CARRIE KIMBERLIN

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Marching into the Legislative Session with a New Administration

(ISSN 0091-9586) MARCH 2019 VOL. 69, NO. 3 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2019 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Vicki Estes

Director of Communications, Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Shaylee Arpin

issue of Kansas Country Living was the first of our now annual focus on legislative issues. Each January since, we’ve devoted the main feature to informing electric co-op consumer-members of the topics likely to be addressed by the Kansas Legislature. With Education, Training and Information as one of the seven cooperative principles guiding our daily operations, it’s our duty to educate readers of the decisions and debates occurring at the statehouse that could potentially impact co-ops and the rural Kansans they serve. With the change in our state’s leadership following the 2018 elections, Kansas Country Living staff visited with Gov. Laura Kelly to discuss challenges facing rural Kansas communities and how the newly created Office of Rural Prosperity will work with those communities to find solutions. No matter your political affiliation, the administration’s plans for addressing rural issues is of interest to all of us. In a perfect world, i.e., one without deadlines and overbooked calendars, we would have included the governor’s interview in the January issue; however, with the Kansas Legislature now in session, our timing is fortuitous. My THE JANUARY 2016

interview with Gov. Kelly begins on Page 12. If avid gardeners could influence weather patterns, they would undoubtedly prefer March arrive like a lamb and stay that way all month. Or arrive as a lion and leave as a lamb, and remain a lamb until summer arrives. If you’re counting the days to planting season, you can whet your appetite with the two gardening articles on Pages 18 and 20. Storm season will soon arrive, potentially causing power outages due to high winds, trees on power lines and ice and snow accumulations. Electric co-ops fight the battle to keep the lights on by investing in and maintaining infrastructure. Learn more on Page 16. We appreciate hearing from readers, and many of you have taken the time to share your comments with us. Keep them coming! KCL

VICKI ESTES , EDITOR

SHARE WITH US!

ff events@kansascountryliving.com ff letters@kansascountryliving.com ff photos@kansascountryliving.com ff editor@kansascountryliving.com ff recipes@kansascountryliving.com

Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Keith McNickle President

Terry Hobbs

Vice President

Craig Kostman

Secretary

Teresa Miller Treasurer

You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Lyon-Coffey, Lebo Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.88 per year. Individual subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).

Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching an audited circulation of 9,378,177 monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

PUT TWO & TWO

TOGETHER and you could save

Have GEICO car insurance? Get home insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency and you could get a Multi-Policy discount.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2018 GEICO

THIRD WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH Better Breathers Club, Ellsworth. S ponsored by the American Lung Association. Begins at 3:30 p.m. in the ECMC Hospital Conference Room. 1604 Aylward Ave. Call Josh at 785-4723111 ext. 323. MARCH 1-30 Parade of Quilts, Yoder. S pend a day in the community and browse among dozens of hand-stitched creations throughout participating local businesses. Parade route brochure available. 620-465-2220 or yoderkansas.com. MARCH 1-FEB. 2, 2020 105 Counties, 105

Stories, Topeka. E xperience the stories of all 105 Kansas counties collected and preserved in thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs and other records. 6425 SW 6th. St., 785-272-8681. MARCH 2 Grandma’s Memories:

Leaving a Legacy, Concordia. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $50 (includes lunch). Held at Manna House of Prayer. 785-243-4428 or retreatcenter@mannahouse.org. MARCH 2 Laboratory Health Fair,

Ellsworth. H ours 7-9 a.m. at the Ellsworth Senior Center. Cash or check only, no insurance accepted. Pre-registration available at www. ewmed.com. 785-472-3111 ext. 307. MARCH 5 Community All Gospel Jam, Sedan. Bring your instruments, play and sing or enjoy fellowship and music. Finger food provided. 6:30 p.m. 123 E. Main St. Contact Jim at 417-499-4110. MARCH 5 Southwest Kansas Live on

Stage, Garden City. R ussian pianist, Ilya Yakushev will perform classics for pianist enthusiasts. Contact Nancy at 620-275-2878. MARCH 6-9 KSHSAA Basketball

Tournament, Dodge City. C lass 1A girls and boys championship tournament at United Wireless Arena. For more information call 620-371-7390.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

MARCH 7 7th Pops Concert, Dodge City. E njoy an evening of Broadway and pop hits featuring soloists, small groups and choral ensembles. 7 p.m. at the Dodge City Community College Little Theater. Free admission. Find us on FB: DC3Choirs or email finearts@dc3.edu. MARCH 7-10 Quilting Retreat, Concordia.

T hurs. 5 p.m. to Sun. 1 p.m. Cost is $210. Held at Manna House of Prayer. Contact retreatcenter@ mannahouse.org or 785-243-4428. MARCH 9 Flea Market, Syracuse. B eat

those winter blues with a little treasure hunting. Vendors may bring new, used, handmade, maybe even home raised animals! Spaces still available. Held at Hamilton County Fairgrounds. 620-3845433 or hamiltoncountyfairgrounds.com. MARCH 9 Southwest Kansas Antiques

Appraisal Fair, Garden City. C ome join a live, all-day entertainment event (in the style of “Antiques Road Show”). People from Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma bring heirlooms and keepsakes for evaluation by a panel of antique dealers and collectors. Finney County Historical Museum. Contact Steve 620-272-3664. MARCH 10-OCT. 16 44th Annual Cuba Rock-a-thon, Cuba. E njoy food, crafts, family entertainment and 320 hours of rocking. Find us on FB: Cuba Rock a thon. 785-729-3603. MARCH 14-17, 21-24 Depot Theater

Production: Into the Woods, Dodge City. A n award-winning musical that turns the fairy tales we all know upside down! From 5:309:30 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. at Depot Theater Company. 620-225-1001. MARCH 16 Chocolate for CASA, Phillipsburg. S ocial hour begins at 5 p.m. with silent and live auctions starting at 6 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Center. www. phillipsburgchambermainstreet.com. MARCH 19 Big Rural Brainstorm: Network It, Lindsborg. J oin our networking event to share issues, ideas and

examples to find solutions and add spark into how you look at things. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration at 8:30 a.m. Held at the Sundstrom Conference Center. Register at www. kansassampler.org/specialevents.16.php. Call 620-585-2374, email marci@kansassampler.org. MARCH 19 Lamb Fry, Bazine. E njoy a great meal including lamb fry, fries, ham and all the trimmings. 6:30 p.m. at the Bazine American Legion. One price all you can eat. 785-798-5278. MARCH 20 American Lung Association Better Breathers Club, Ellsworth. C lub meetings held the third Wednesday each month at 3:30 p.m. at the Ellsworth County Medical Center conference room. Call Josh at 785-472-3111 ext. 323. MARCH 21-23 3i Show, Dodge City. A

salute to industry, implements and irrigation. Organized and managed by Western Kansas Manufacturers Association, the show provides an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their agri-business products. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Western State Bank Expo Center. 3ishow.com. MARCH 22-23 Jackson Taylore & the Sinners LIVE, Dodge City. J oin us at Central Station for an unforgettable performance! You won’t want to miss this! March 22-9 p.m., March 23-noon. 620-225-1176. MARCH 22 Outlaws & Renegades Tour: Travis Trit, the Cadillac Three, Copper Chief, Dodge City. 7 p.m. at United Wireless Arena. 620-371-7390, unitedwirelessarena.com. MARCH 23-24 “Earn Your Wings” Sanctioned AAU Gymnastics Meet, Garden City. S ee gymnasts from surrounding states perform. For more information, contact Garden City Booster Club at 316-651-6965. MARCH 23 Ellsworth County Medical Center Annual Health Fair & Kiwanis Home & Garden Show, Ellsworth. J oin our event, including a garage and bake sale. A $500 cash prize will be awarded. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the ECMC Administration Building.

MARCH 23 Våffeldagen, Lindsborg. riginating in Sweden, Våffeldagen is an entire O day dedicated to the delicious waffle and the upcoming arrival of spring. 888-227-2227 or visit www.visitlindsborg.com. MARCH 26 Hospice Fun-D Dinner & Action, Phillipsburg. J oin the fundraiser of a smoked pork chop dinner and auction at 5:30 p.m. at Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas. Contact Hospice Services, Inc. at 785-543-2900. MARCH 27-29 Mike “Huey” Hughes

Sunflower Classic Memorial Race, Hays. I MCA Mods, Stocks, SportMods, Hobby Stocks & Sport Compacts compete on 3/8 oval dirt track. Held at RPM Speedway. Find us on FB: rollingplainsmotor.speedway. Email info@ rpmspeedway.net or visit rpmspeedway.net.

MARCH 30 Dirty-Dala, Olsburg. A gravel bicycling endurance race in scenic northern Flint Hills; 80 and 25 mile options. Registration includes post-ride meal, T-shirt, aid stations and timed ride. Registration closes March 20. Find us on FB: dirtydala, BikeReg.com, or email olsburgpride@gmail.com. MARCH 31 Hope Historical Museum Old

Settlers Dinner, Hope. J oin us for chuck wagon stew, homemade breads, homemade desserts and drinks. Free will offering. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the FNB Annex. APRIL 5-7 Garden City Community College Intercollegiate Rodeo, Garden City. T op college students compete in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Associationsanctioned event. Call Jim Boy Hash, Head Rodeo Coach at GCCC, at 620-275-2878.

APRIL 6 Tree Festival, Wichita. C elebrate

the value of trees at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st. N. The fest will feature seminars, demonstrations, vendors, and youth activities. Call Matt Mckernan at 316-660-0140. APRIL 7 160th Anniversary of the Central Branch RR, Waterville. V isit downtown Waterville from 1-5 p.m. for rail rides, model trains, music, food, pony rides and exhibits from POW camp/Orphan Train Museum. Call 785-779-4264. APRIL 9 Southwest Kansas Live on

Stage, Garden City. T he Abrams are brothers and 4th generation musicians showcasing country, bluegrass and gospel music. Call Nancy Randolph at 620-275-1878. KCL

NEVER SEAL YOUR WOOD OR CONCRETE AGAIN PERMANENT ONE-TIME SOLUTION

BEFORE

25% OFF WITH THIS AD

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

• We clean, restore & permanently preserve your product. • Prevents wood from rotting, decaying and further damage from moisture. • Repels mold, mildew & fungus growth. • Prevents concrete from pitting, flaking, dusting and scaling. • Prevents salt & alkali damage. • Backed by technology.

Free Estimates

844.481.6862 PermaSealUSA.com

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O M M E N TA RY

Co-ops Support Thoughtful Approach to Balanced Energy Policy BY B R U C E G R A H A M

Bruce Graham

At the Statehouse, the most vocal utility critic is a coalition of some large industrial customers that first called for an arbitrary 10 percent rate cut. It makes a good headline but not good policy.

ELECTRIC RATES IN KANSAS have received a great deal of attention recently in the media and the Kansas Statehouse. Statistics show that bills are higher in Kansas than our neighboring states and the causes of this discrepancy were well researched in a 220page study compiled by the Kansas Corporation Commission. The report was specific to Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) and Westar Energy, now known as Evergy, and the reasons include: capital investments to construct transmission facilities and build generation through renewables and fossil fuels; environmental improvements to existing resources; and declining volumetric sales. While electricity rates in Kansas have risen, they are still near the national average. And for many years, Kansans have benefitted from electric rates that were well below the national average. But rate frustration is understandable and a concern shared by your electric cooperative. Many of the electric cooperatives in Kansas are partial or full requirements generation customers of Evergy and have been impacted by cost increases. Utility rates differ widely, not only between states, but between the other utilities in Kansas. Besides Evergy and Empire District Electric, there are 28 rural electric cooperatives and 118 municipal utilities in Kansas that make sure the lights are on, your food stays cold and your phone stays charged. Rates for each of those utilities vary because costs vary. Costs are influenced by several factors including generation sources, the mix of residential, commercial and industrial customers as well as load size and density. Some of the electric cooperatives in Kansas serve fewer than two customers per mile of line, which means higher rates. Maintaining reliable service requires hundreds of decisions that include an educated look at the future economy, fuel prices, labor availability, construction costs, anticipated customer growth, technology advancement, etc. Regulations must be complied with and doing so is expensive. At the Statehouse, the most vocal utility critic is a coalition of some large industrial customers that first called for an arbitrary 10 percent rate cut. It makes a good headline but not good policy. Utility rates are set to recover the costs of operation plus the cost of capital. So slashing rates would need to be matched with cuts in expenses, which could

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

Learn more by visiting www.KSEnergyFacts.com.

reduce reliability, safety and customer service. Their next idea is a bill in the Kansas Legislature that would hire a think-tank to examine 40 topics that appear to be a compilation of past grievances with utilities and regulators and uses 20/20 hindsight to challenge prior decisions. Many of the topics won’t make a difference in rates and are certainly not forward thinking. Ironically, the stated goal is to lower rates—but a conservative estimate pegs the cost of this analysis at more than $1 million. And the utilities in Kansas will have to pay for the consultant, which means Kansas ratepayers will pick up the tab. The utility industry is changing and evolving rapidly and there are many topics that should be studied that will impact rates and reliable service. The electric cooperatives support that discussion— but we believe there can be a better, more inclusive and thoughtful approach. The electric cooperatives are asking the Kansas Legislature to support a task force that brings all the affected parties to the table to explore our current energy picture and work toward a balanced energy policy for the future. It deserves a deliberate, respectful and stakeholder-driven process that will take some time. It will be worth the investment though because we all have the same goal—for Kansas to continue to be a great place to work, play, raise a family and call our home. You can learn more by visiting www. KSEnergyFacts.com. KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

THE ONE TIME, LIFETIME LAWN SOLUTION!

Plant Faster, Easier With NEW SUPER PLUGS!

Pre-cut plugs are 10x bigger!

SAVE OVER

50%

OR… Plant Your Way With FREESTYLE PLUGS!

NEW PRE-CUT SUPER PLUGS now available!

Cut any size plugs from sheets!

Stays lush and green in summer

Mow your Zoysia lawn once a month – or less! It rewards you with weed-free beauty all summer long.

7 Ways Our Amazoy Zoysia Lawn ™

Saves You Time, Work and Money!

CUTS WATER BILLS AND MOWING BY AS MUCH AS 2/3 Would you believe a lawn could look perfect when watered just once? In Iowa, the state’s biggest Men’s Garden club picked a Zoysia lawn as “top lawn – nearly perfect.” Yet, this lawn had been watered only once all summer to August! In PA, Mrs. M.R. Mitter wrote, “I’ve never watered it, only when I put the plugs in...Last summer we had it mowed 2 times...When everybody’s lawns here are brown from drought, ours stays as green as ever.” That’s how Amazoy Zoysia lawns cut water bills and mowing! Now read on!

IT STAYS GREEN IN SPITE OF HEAT AND DROUGHT “The hotter it gets, the better it grows!” Plug-in Zoysia thrives in blistering heat, yet it won’t winter-kill to 30° below zero. It just goes off its green color after killing frosts, and begins regaining its green color as temperatures in the spring are consistently warm.

NO NEED TO DIG UP OLD GRASS Plant Amazoy your way in an old lawn or new ground. Set plugs into holes in the soil checkerboard style. Plugs spread to create a lush, thick lawn, driving out weeds and unwanted growth. Easy instructions included with every order.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY No weeding means no costly chemicals. Since Amazoy Zoysia lawns naturally resist insects, you’ll save money, while helping to protect the environment. You’ll never have to expose your family and pets to the risk of weed killers and pesticide poisons.

FOR SLOPES, PLAY AREAS, BARE SPOTS AND PARTIAL SHADE You can’t beat Amazoy Zoysia as the low-cost answer for hard-to-cover spots, play-worn areas, places that have partial shade and erosion on slopes. Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

Thrives from partial shade to full sun.

Plant it from plugs.

Your Assurance of Lawn SUCCESS

Each Order for Amazoy Zoysia is

GUARANTEED

Guaranteed to grow new green shoots within 45-60 days or we’ll replace it FREE – for up to 1 year – just call us. We ONLY ship you living genuine Amazoy Zoysia grass harvested direct from our farms. Easy planting and watering instructions are included with each order. Every Reorder assumes success of previous orders (plantings), voiding any previous guarantees, but initiating a new one-year guarantee.

CHOKES OUT CRABGRASS AND WEEDS ALL SUMMER

NOW 3 WAYS TO START YOUR AMAZOY ZOYSIA LAWN!

Your established Amazoy Zoysia lawn grows so thick, it simply stops crabgrass and most summer weeds from germinating!

1) Freestyle plugs come in uncut sheets containing a maximum of 150 - 1” plugs that can be planted up to 1 ft. apart. Freestyle plugs allow you to make each plug bigger and plant further apart – less cutting and planting – you decide. 2) New Super Plugs come precut into individual 3”x3” plugs ready-to-plant (minimum 1 per 4 sq. ft.). They arrive in easy to handle trays of 15 Super Plugs. Save more time and get your new lawn even faster! 3) Amazoy Approved Seed-As The Zoysia Specialists for 60+years, we finally have a Zoysia seed available that meets our standards and homeowners expectations. Learn why at zoysiafarms.com/mag or by phone at 410-756-2311.

Freestyle Plugs You decide how big to cut the plugs. Each grass

ORDER TODAY - GET UP TO

1000 FREESTYLE PLUGS – Dept. 5322

Plugs only shipped to Continental USA & not to WA or OR.

Super Plugs Precut plugs 3 inches by 3 inches. READY TO PLANT Packed in trays of 15 Super Plugs. Plant minimum 1 plug per 4 sq. ft.

sheet can produce up to 150-1 in. plugs. Plant minimum 1 plug per sq. ft. Your PRICE

+ Shipping

SAVINGS

Super Plugs

Free Plugs

Trays

300

–

$29.95

$14.50

–

$24.95

$8.50

500

+100

$50.00

$16.00

+15

$90.00

$20.00

750

+150

$66.00

$19.50

+25

$110.00

$30.00

1100

+400

$95.00

$30.00

120

+30

$125.00

$35.00

2000

+1000

$165.00

$45.00

25% 36% 43% 52%

180

+45

$180.00

$50.00

Max Plugs*

Free Plugs Grass Sheets*

Your PRICE + Shipping

SAVINGS –

34% 47% 50% 54%

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START AND MAINTAIN A CAREFREE BEAUTIFUL ZOYSIA LAWN

PLANTING TOOLS * PLANT FOOD * WEED AND PEST CONTROLS * ORGANIC PRODUCTS * SOIL TESTS * GARDEN GLOVES * EDGING AND MORE

All Available Exclusively at www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag or 410-756-2311 ZOYSIA FARM NURSERIES, 3617 OLD TANEYTOWN ROAD TANEYTOWN MD 21787

AMAZOY IS THE TRADEMARK REGISTERED U.S. PATENT OFFICE for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

We ship all orders the same day the plugs are packed and at the earliest planting time in your state.

E N E R GY W I S E

Electric, Gas, Manual: Which Mower is Right for You?

BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N

DEAR PAT & BRAD: I’m seeing a lot of ads

P I X A B AY

lately for electric lawn mowers. I want to save money and help the environment, but from what I’ve heard, electric mowers can be underpowered, and the cordless ones lose their battery charge too quickly. Is it worth making the switch from a gas mower to an electric mower? – Eric DEAR ERIC: Until recently, corded and cordless electric mowers tended to be underpowered. For cordless mowers, this fact was made worse by their sub-par battery life. But today, with those problems largely solved, the best electric mowers have the power and battery life to keep pace with a gas mower, depending on the size of your lawn. A cordless, electric mower with a large 56-volt battery can run for about one hour. Plug-in electric mowers don’t have this limitation, but using a long electrical cord can be challenging. Quality electric mowers, especially the cordless, rechargeable ones, tend to cost twice as much as a new equivalent gas model. But you can recoup some of the expense with cheaper operating costs, since electricity is less expensive than gas, and electric engines generally require less maintenance than gas engines. Another important cost consideration is that rechargeable batteries typically need to be replaced

Unlike models from a few years ago, many of today’s electric mowers have the power and battery life to keep up with gas mowers.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

after three to five years. The cost savings also depend on the size of your yard. A small yard uses less gas, so fuel cost savings are less significant. You can save a significant amount of money on purchase price with a corded mower, if you don’t mind the hassle of navigating around the cord. There are additional benefits of electric mowers besides lower power and maintenance costs. Electric mowers are much quieter than gas mowers, and they start instantly. Electric mowers produce less tailpipe emissions, but the overall environmental impact depends on how the electricity you’re using (to charge the mower) is generated. The environmental benefits will be greater if the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. Given all these considerations, my advice is to weigh your priorities. If you are looking to buy new, have a small- to mid-size yard, prioritize environmental concerns and don’t mind navigating a cord or recharging batteries, an electric mower could be the right choice for you. If you don’t mind the noise, maintenance and other hassles of a gas mower, have a large yard and prefer not to invest in the upfront purchase price, a gas mower may be a better option. There’s also a third choice. If your goals are to save money and hassle while protecting the environment, you can minimize your need for a mower, or get rid of the need completely. If you’re willing to keep your lawn mowed regularly and want to break a sweat, consider a manual reel mower. Some models are more effective than you might think and are far less expensive and require little maintenance or storage space. The most dramatic step you could take is replacing your lawn completely with water-efficient landscaping, a rock garden, a vegetable garden or an artificial lawn. This could dramatically cut your water bill and the environmental impact of a lawn. Any change you make, whether in mowing or landscaping, will require a little research. But it’s great to know the option of an electric mower is more viable than ever. KCL This column was co-written by PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on mower options, please visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

SUPER COUPON

FREE

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com SUPER COUPON

30", 5 DRAWER MECHANIC'S CARTS

• 15,000 cu. in. of storage BLUE ITEM 64031 • 700 lb. capacity • Weighs 139 lbs. BLACK

WITH

ANY PURCHASE

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

Customer Rating ITEM 64030 64032 64033 shown

RED

• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included

ITEM 64059 64061 64060 shown

GREEN

E YOUR CHOIC OF COLOR

SAVE $ 640 COMPARE TO

*53748701 * 53748701

Snap-on BLUE-POINT

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

$1 89

830

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

219

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100

COMPARE TO

99 $

COMPARE TO

$ 99

MODEL: VEN4145

YELLOW

ITEM 97581, 97582, 37051, 37052, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

*53749782 * 53749782 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/7/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

TEQ CORRECT $ 99

259

MODEL: 1404PV

229

SAVE $ 80

99 NOW

99 $1 79

ITEM 60388/69514 shown

COMPARE TO

DEWALT

*53749676 * 53749676

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/7/19.

SUPER COUPON

RAPID PUMP 3 TON STEEL HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE • Weighs 73 lbs. FLOOR JACK Customer Rating $ 99 NOW

9 $799

SAVE $ 100

NOW

11899 $99

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

2.5 CFM @ 90 PSI 3.4 CFM @ 40 PSI

Customer Rating

20% OFF

MODEL: MT-1210

ITEM 56239 64720 shown

• Boom extends from 41" to 61-3/4" • Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"

NOW

VENOM $ 97

ITEM 56238 64722 shown

PROSKIT $ 23

2 TON CAPACITY 6 GALLON, 1.5 HP, 150 PSI FOLDABLE PROFESSIONAL OIL-FREE Customer Rating COMPRESSOR SHOP CRANE AIR • Air delivery:

• 5 mil thickness

SAVE 59%

ITEM 98025/63604 63758/63759/69096/90899 shown

ORANGE

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

ITEM 56237 64721 shown

SUPER COUPON

20"

COMPARE TO

TEQ CORRECT $ 99

16999

179

SAVE $70

MODEL: DWFP55126

MODEL: T830018Z

ITEM 64264/64266/64879/64881 61282/68049/62326/61253 shown

ITEM 68149/62380/62511/62894/67696 shown

*53754508 * 53754508

*53758921 * 53758921

*53764563 * 53764563

*53768305 * 53768305

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

SUPER COUPON

20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS Customer Rating EXTREME TORQUE 1/2" IMPACT WRENCH KIT

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

NOW

SAVE 484

$239

COMPARE TO

SNAP-ON $ 85

724

MODEL: CT8850PDB, CTB8185BK, CTC720

NOW

269

$ 78

COMPARE TO

BLUE HAWK

ITEM 63537/64195/63852 shown

• Weighs 83.65 lbs. • 21" L x 10-1/8" H

MODEL: BG8X10-Y

SAVE $ 421 COMPARE TO

SAVE $ 99 65% 4

ITEM 69115/69121/69129/69137/69249/877 shown

3 PIECE TITANIUM HIGH SPEED STEEL STEP BITS

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

• Drill 28 hole sizes from 1/8" to 3/4"

Customer Rating

• 4.0 amp hour battery $

12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH

WARN $ 99

Customer Rating

720

MODEL: 96820

NOW

399 $299 99

ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown

NOW

SAVE 85%

$8 99

COMPARE TO

1399

IRWIN $ 98

MODEL: 15504PKSM

ITEM 69087/60379/91616 shown

*53775395 * 53775395

*53782957 * 53782957

*53789226 * 53789226

*53797145 * 53797145

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

SUPER COUPON

6 FT. x 8 FT. ALUMINUM GREENHOUSE

200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT

$ 49

NOW

9 $1 999

$299

PROMIER $ 99

SAVE 40%

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24

ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

COMPARE TO

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

SUPER COUPON

4" x 36" BELT/ 6" DISC SANDER NOW

Customer Rating

• Wireless, tool-free and easy installation

Customer Rating ng

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

PALRAM

299

59999 SAVE $400

MODEL: 741353

ITEM 63354/47712 shown

9 $647

SAVE 44% COMPARE TO

PERFORMAX $ 99

MODEL: 2411-1

NOW

COMPARE TO

$999

ITEM 69645/95578/60625 shown

7499

RYOBI

ITEM 64778/97181 shown

SAVE $ $ 84 149

MODEL: BD4601G

*53803762 * 53803762

*53807071 * 53807071

*53814892 * 53814892

*53818024 * 53818024

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

SUPER COUPON

HEAVY DUTY MULTI-VEHICLE HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE 750 LB. HIGH LIFT JACK ALUMINUM • 500 lb. saddle capacity SPORTS CHAIR Customer Rating NOW

MOJACK

412 19 SAVE $ 242

19 99 $ 9 6 $1 $ 2999 $ 99

MODEL: PRO

199

ITEM 63298

10" PNEUMATIC TIRE NOW

40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 14" BRUSHLESS CHAIN SAW Customer Rating

$3 99

NOW

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

COLEMAN

$ 99 SAVE

SAVE 50%

MODEL: 2000020293

Customer Rating

ITEM 62314/63066/66383 shown

SAVE $ 25

NOW

17999 $15 4

ITEM 64715/64478/63287 shown

50%

COMPARE TO

$ 09

FARM & RANCH

Customer Rating

MODEL: FR1055

ITEM 69385/62388/62409/62698/30900 shown

*53820308 * 53820308

*53828654 * 53828654

*53829309 * 53829309

*53834793 * 53834793

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/7/19*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 7/7/19.

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

Laura Kelly was sworn in as the 48th governor of Kansas on Jan. 14, 2019.

No matter your political party affiliation, Gov. Laura Kelly’s commitment to strengthening rural Kansas presents an opportunity to have our voices heard.

then gubernatorial candidate Laura Kelly revealed her plan to address issues facing rural Kansas communities, including access to health care, affordable housing and broadband; road improvements; and population decline. As newly elected governor, Kelly announced the creation of the Office of Rural Prosperity, with Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers and acting Secretary of Commerce David Toland managing the office’s efforts. They will work together to develop policies for serving rural communities and align the state’s efforts with the needs of those communities. Before serving the 18th District in the Kansas State Senate from 2005 through 2018, Kelly was executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association for 18 years, where she traveled through-

IN JULY 2018,

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

R ural Prosperity out the state working with local recreation agencies and the people they serve. “I’ve been there. I know these communities. I care about these communities. And I’ve structured my organization to support these communities,” she said. Kelly pointed to her selection of Toland for acting secretary of commerce, a seventh generation Allen Countian (Kansas) who returned from working in Washington, D.C., to run Thrive Allen County, a nonprofit coalition addressing quality of life and economic conditions. He oversaw the organization’s efforts to improve health care access, healthy lifestyles and economic development in the rural county. “He is sharing that model with other communities, so our rural communities can fully expect that we will be a very hands-on administration and partner with them to help them build on their assets, to evaluate their assets and figure out which direction they need to go in order to grow and thrive,” Kelly said.

Prioritizing the Needs of Rural Kansas

With numerous challenges facing rural communities, Kelly plans to initially tackle the most essential

BY VICKI ESTES

and workable initiatives but said, “It’s hard to prioritize because I think there are so many.” First on her list is the Medicaid expansion bill, which she released on Jan. 29. Kelly believes the expansion dollars will strengthen rural hospitals, keep their doors open and bolster the communities they serve. She pointed to the recent closures of two facilities as a cause for alarm and reason for action. “We just lost the Fort Scott hospital and we lost Independence, and we’ve got 30 more rural hospitals at risk of closing,” Kelly said. “We have to infuse the expansion dollars into those so they can keep their doors open.” Kelly is concerned lack of access to health care will also affect population growth of rural areas in the state. “If you don’t have a hospital, you won’t have a community,” she said. “People will not live there. Health care is one of the checklist items that people have when they decide where they want to live.” Next on the governor’s priority list is to jumpstart stalled Department of Transportation projects, several that will benefit rural communities. “We are putting money back into transportation because we’ve stolen their money for a long time and that’s resulted in a lot of incomplete projects,

“I really would like people to know that I’ve been there. I know these communities; I care about these communities. And I’ve structured my organization to support these communities.” MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

R ural Prosperity many of them targeting our rural communities—Highways 69, 54—they are projects that need to be completed,” Kelly said. On Feb. 13, the governor’s office announced the Kansas Department of Transportation’s plans to invest $160 million in revenue, which is included in the governor’s proposed 2020 budget. The funding comes from reducing the amount of money transferred out of the State Highway Fund. Projects targeted for completion include four that were previously delayed: ffU.S. 54 in Seward County (expansion project) ffU.S. 169 in Anderson County

(modernization project)

ffU.S. 281 in Russell County

(modernization project)

ffU.S. 50 in Lyon County

(expansion project) “If we can’t access a community, if businesses can’t move their products, they’re going to leave,” Kelly said. “They’re certainly not going to come.” Another concern of Gov. Kelly’s is the housing shortage. “Middle class housing options just don’t exist in our rural communities,” she said. “That’s clearly another issue we’ve got to address.” The administration plans to coordinate with the Kansas Development Finance Authority, in which the Housing Authority resides, along with the Department of Commerce and rural community foundations to develop solutions. Recent state and county estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show a continued decline of the state’s rural population with residents migrating to urban locations. A few counties, however, have experienced an increase in

population, specifically Finney, Greeley, Pottawatomie and Riley. “The growth you’re seeing around Manhattan and surrounding areas is connected, I believe, to NBAF,” Kelly said. Scheduled to open in 2021, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility has attracted other related companies— animal and health sciences—to set up shop nearby. The Office of Rural Prosperity will be tasked with improving the state’s partnership with rural communities and working with them to identify and procure resources needed for local initiatives. “There is no way they (rural communities) can fund economic development specialists or technical advisers—that’s the kind of thing that the state ought to be providing,” she said. The budget Kelly submitted to the Kansas Legislature in January called for more than $90 million to be added to the funding for education the state had approved in 2018. “Fully funding public education will make a difference for our rural communities, where the schools are often the center of the community and the largest employer,” she said. The 2018 legislative session provided funding to boost access to broadband for 60 schools in rural parts of the state. Kelly, pleased with the work on this issue last year, said it’s important to continue expanding broadband for the benefit of education, businesses and the future of health care. “When I think of infrastructure, I think not only of roads but I also think of broadband. Telemedicine is really the way that we will be able to provide high-level health care in our rural communities,” Kelly said. “It’s not practical to think that you’re going to have a radiologist or a psychiatrist in every town. In

Gov. Laura Kelly met with the staff of Kansas Country Living in late January.

order to get those services to a town we would use telemedicine. That obviously requires connectivity.” The future of any community is its youth, and Kelly would like for rural Kansas youth to grow up knowing they don’t have to leave home to access opportunities for a bright future. “We’re always going to have kids leaving; it’s the nature of growing up,” she said. “But I would like them not to feel forced into leaving their communities. But if they choose to, I want them to feel like they could come back, like David Toland did, that there are opportunities here for them.” Kelly emphasized that all Kansans should be concerned with the state of our rural communities, that as rural Kansas goes, so goes the urban areas of the state. “It’s not just the rural communities— it’s the culture,” Kelly said. “They really are what Kansas is all about and I think it’s important we support that. I would not want to lose that.” KCL

“It’s not just the rural communities—it’s the culture. They really are what Kansas is all about, and I think it’s important we support that. I would not want to lose that.” 14

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

The Walk-In Bath Designed by Kohler With the safety features you need and the spa-like experience you crave, the KOHLER® Walk-In Bath delivers a secure, comfortable soak every time. Stay in the home you love for years to come.

The Kohler Price Promise We designed our Price Promise to give you

ON YOUR KOHLER BATH WALLS ®

the exact cost of your walk-in bath down to the penny. Some companies offer only an estimate, leaving the ultimate cost a mystery until installation day. With Kohler, you won’t have any surprise fees or hidden costs.

Ultra-Low 3" Step-In

LIMITED TIME OFFER

GET A FREE KOHLER ® NIGHTLIGHT TOILET SEAT AFTER YOUR FREE IN-HOME QUOTE * C O M P L E T E O N E - D AY I N S TA L L AT I O N I N C L U D E D * LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY

DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED

IN THE U.S.A.

CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME QUOTE

(800) 847-3284 kohlerwalkinbath.com

*Limited time offer. Valid through March 31st, 2019. Participating dealers only. Not available in AK, HI or Nassau County, NY, Suffolk County, NY, Westchester County, NY and Buffalo County, NY. Also may not be available in other areas. Dealer will provide customer with certificate for free KOHLER® Nightlight toilet seat upon completion of custom quote. No certificate will be provided for quotes that are scheduled but not completed. Certificates for free product to be redeemed directly from Kohler Co. Cannot be combined with any other advertised offer. Installation of toilet seat not included. **Contact your local dealer for financing details.

FIGHTING to Keep BY PA U L W E S S L U N D

the Lights On Electric co-ops are winning the reliability battles against squirrels, storms and hackers. DID YOU KNOW squirrels, lightning and trees have something in common? They can knock out your electricity. Electric co-ops work hard to keep your lights on all the time, but “you’re going to have power outages, and that’s just the way it is,” said Tony Thomas, senior principal engineer with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). An electric utility’s basic job of keeping the power flowing 24/7 calls for maintaining a complex network of power plants, poles and wires. But it also means battling the unpredictable. Thomas cites the top three troublemakers to electric reliability as trees falling on power lines and other interferences from vegetation, lightning strikes, and animals going about their daily routines, especially squirrels chewing on electrical equipment. “Utilities do an awfully good job,” said Thomas. “But Mother Nature gets in the way sometimes.” Humans contribute to power outages as well, with vandals deliberately damaging electrical equipment, homeowners planting trees too close to power lines and drivers accidentally crashing into utility poles.

Statistics Say the Lights are Almost Always On

Numbers collected from electric utilities show that power in the United States is incredibly reliable. According to these figures, the percentage of time the average American has electricity at the flip of a switch is 99.97… oh forget it, you get the idea. Thomas said what’s most important to know about those numbers is that they don’t change much. “I don’t see big swings from year to year,” said Thomas. “If things are fairly consistent, that means the utility is operating about as efficiently as it can.” But utilities still try to improve on that reliability. Among the techniques being used to foil critter catastrophes are snake barriers around substations, buzzard shields on transmission Continued on page 22

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

Utilities operate extensive right-of-way programs to keep vegetation away from power lines, from clearing underbrush to publicity campaigns asking people not to plant trees where they can fall on power lines.

Good News for Americans, Bad News for Pain Drugs Millions are expected to benefit from a new technology that could relieve years of severe joint discomfort; reprograms the body to block slow burning inflammation instead of creating it By Casey Law, Health News Correspondent NATION- Several of the major drug companies behind popular pain relievers may take a financial hit as manufacturing of a new pill is now complete. Using a new technology, the pill could be safer and more effective than many store bought brands. The pill, VeraFlex, was developed in May of this year by a private company in Seattle. Functioning primarily as an immune modulator, the pill targets the body’s immune system which can decrease pain in the body.

The Science Behind Relief Research shows that the joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort associated with arthritis is caused by inflammation which attacks healthy cartilage and protective tissue. And according to leading medical scientists, this inflammation is caused by two inflammatory enzymes released by the body’s immune system. Remarkably, the active ingredients in VeraFlex help to block the production of both these enzymes, resulting in a dramatic decreasing in swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. Right now, the leading over-the-counter pills are only able to block one of these enzymes! It’s why so many sufferers fail to ever find relief.

Years of Discomfort Relieved in 5 Days “VeraFlex users can generally expect more flexibility in three days...their joint pain alleviated in five days...and in just seven days, a tremendous improvement in overall joint function that may help them move like they did years prior” explains Dr. Liza Leal, developer and spokesperson for VeraFlex. “It’s an incredibly powerful little pill. And with the addition of a patented absorption enhancer, it packs an even greater punch. That’s why I’m so excited to be the first to share these results. It’s giving sufferers their life back.”

A Safer, More Effective Avenue to Amazing Relief Its widely accepted through the medical community that inflammatory enzymes are the primary cause of pain and suffering in millions of Americans. It’s why most prescriptions and even nonprescription pills are designed to block them. However, what most people don’t know

is that even the most advanced ones can’t block both! And yet, that’s exactly what VeraFlex is designed to do and why it works so well. “Top pharma companies have struggled to create a drug that blocks COX and LOX; the medical names for the two inflammatory enzymes in the body. Consider the top seller Celebrex, it only blocks one variation of the COX enzyme” explains Leal. “And that’s because they have focused on using chemicals instead of natural substances like VeraFlex.” “Every VeraFlex capsule contains an ultra-high dose of a patented plant extract which has been clinically shown to block both enzymes, bringing relief to every joint that hurts! “The kind of relief most people have never experienced. I often say two enzymes, twice the relief. People think I’m kidding until they try it.”

Piling on the Clinical Research Remarkably, the key ingredient in VeraFlex is protected by 8 patents that spread from the US into Canada. And as would one guess, it’s backed by an enormous amount of research, including two patient clinical trials. In the first, 60 participants with rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis were randomly placed into four groups. Two groups were given the patented ingredient in VeraFlex, one was given the drug Celecoxib, and the last group a placebo. The results were monitored at 30, 60, and 90 days. The data collected by researchers was stunning. The groups taking the VeraFlex ingredient saw staggering improvements in arthritis symptoms such as flexibility, discomfort and function. And even more astonishing they experienced a dramatic reduction in pain by the 30-day mark that was even better than Celecoxib, a powerful drug! A second study was conducted to ensure the data was accurate and again the results participants experienced taking the VeraFlex compound blew away researchers. This time it beat out the drug Naproxen. Shockingly, both men and women experienced a reduction in joint stiffness two days faster than when using Naproxen. “I have to admit I was surprised when I read the initial findings” explains Leal. “But

when you look at the science it just makes sense. It’s going to change everything.”

Faster Delivery, Maximum Absorption VeraFlex is mainly comprised of two patented ingredients: Univestin, a powerful immune modulator which blocks the enzymes which cause your joints to hurt and BiAloe, an absorption enhancer (accelerator) that ensures maximum potency. Research shows that severe joint discomfort arises when the immune system goes haywire and releases COX and LOX into your blood stream, two enzymes that causes tremendous swelling and inflammation around cartilage and protective tissue. Over time, this inflammation overwhelms the joint and it begins to deteriorate resulting in a daily battle with chronic pain. Unfortunately, modern day pain pills are only able block only one of these enzymes, resulting in marginal relief and continued suffering. The Univestin in VeraFlex is one of the only known substances which has been proven successful in blocking both enzymes, resulting in phenomenal relief from the worst kinds of discomfort. The addition of BiAloe, a unique aloe vera extra, maximizes the delivery of the plant based Univestin extract to every joint in the body because it is proven to improve nutrient absorption for maximum results. Aloe Vera also is proven to support the body’s immune system which manages inflammation, further supporting relief.

How to Claim a Free 3-Month Supply Of VeraFlex Due to the enormous interest consumers have shown in VeraFlex, the company has decided to extend their nationwide savings event for a little while longer. Here’s how it works... Call the VeraFlex number and speak to a live person in the US. Callers will be greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly person approved to offer up to 3 FREE bottles of VeraFlex with your order. VeraFlex’s TollFree number is 1-800-924-0983. Only a limited discounted supply of Veraflex is currently available. Consumers who miss out on the current product inventory will have to wait until more becomes available and that could take weeks. They will also not be guaranteed any additional savings. The company advises not to wait. Call 1-800-924-0983 today.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.

YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

The fourth leaf is a result of a genetic mutation, but why not put a positive spin on that and call it a lucky charm!

BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

THE WORD “LUCKY” is rarely used to describe a gardener with weeds in his/her garden. What if those weeds express a genetic anomaly to be discovered by individuals with keen eyesight and attention to detail? There are many varieties and plenty of confusion over what is commonly referenced as clover and what is the true Irish shamrock. The genus for true clover is Trifolium. This name references the clusters of three leaves on the plants. Red clover (Trifolium pretense) has medicinal value that may remedy coughs as well as skin irritations. The flowers on this variety are pinkishred. White clover (Trifolium repens) has creeping stems that will root and spread throughout the lawn. They produce white flowers and attract bees. The leaves of both of these varieties are green and can have a whitish marking on them. Red clover grows taller than the white, but both varieties are an excellent plant for improving soil and can be grown as cover crops. Trifolium dubium, small hop clover, is a lowgrowing annual with yellow inflorescences. Some claim hop clover is the authentic Irish shamrock that St. Patrick, of present-day Ireland, used to symbolize the Holy Trinity. When an unexpected fourth leaf is found on a stem the rare occurrence is believed to be lucky. Some have estimated that for every four-leaf clover there are 10,000 threeleaf clovers. The fourth leaf is a result of a genetic mutation, but why not put a positive spin on that and call it a lucky charm! Oxalis is the genus for woodsorrel and resembles the clover plant. The leaves appear in clusters of three or four depending on the variety. Oxalis acetosella has white blooms and dark green, triangular-shaped leaves on a petite, 6-inch-tall plant. This is the St. Patrick’s Day species commonly sold this time of year. It is easier to grow indoors than the Trifolium so it’s a suitable substitute. Oxalis deppei produces leaflets in clusters of four and consequently bears the common name, “lucky clover.” Oxalis stricta is commonly known as creeping woodsorrel due to the prostrate growth habit. All Oxalis plants produce blooms with five distinct petals as opposed to spherical, tufted blossoms of Trifolium. Many varieties have leaves that fold up at night and open with the morning light. Seeds are contained within capsules that burst

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

open spreading seeds up to 12 feet away. Controlling the spread of Oxalis in the garden is relatively easy if the gardener monitors the planters regularly. The roots are shallow and plants can be easily be removed by hand. Removing weeds prior to flowering and seeding will minimize the spread. Confusion in the garden continues with the introduction of black medic (Medicago lululina). This prostrateflat, broadleaf weed bears other common names including black clover and hop medic. Although not a clover at all, the leaves appear in clusters of three. Each leaf has a small point along the rounded top. The blooms are yellow in tufts composed of 10 to 50 individual flowers, with a similar appearance to the Trifolium. One difference between this genus and the previous two look-alikes is the black medic produces a long taproot. With anything in life, relying on luck will often end in disappointment. Take charge of the future in your own garden by increasing your knowledge and investing the time necessary for success. Determine what you will call a weed and what you will invite into your space. Then reap the rewards of your efforts. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.

GETTYIMAGES/HENRIK_L

Lucky Weeds? Clover vs. Irish Shamrock

Oxalis acetosella is a variety of woodsorrel that is often confused with clover. Most gardeners don’t call themselves lucky to have this clover imposter in their flowerbeds.

FDA Listed Hearing Aid ONLY $ 299 EACH! Y A D 45 EE RISK-FARL

✔ 100% Digital We trust you... ✔ Risk-FREE 45-day SEND home trial NO MONEY ✔ FREE shipping NOW! FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS ✔ Payment plans available ✔ FREE unlimited professional support

TRI

SAME HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL HEARING AIDS OFFERED BY AUDIOLOGISTS AND ENT’S. The Apollo™-6205 is the perfect FDA listed digital hearing aid if you want the BEST technology for the BEST price. American Made electronics give you advanced technology in a durable, easy to maintain hearing aid. Includes four channel compression for crisp, clear sound and feedback cancellation that virtually eliminates squeal. Discreet slim-tube design gives you the most natural sound with total comfort. The typical hearing aid costs at least $2,300 but your price is nowhere near that with this special offer! Try the Apollo™-6205 with NO MONEY DOWN completely Risk-FREE for 45 days in the comfort of your own home and see if it’s everything we’ve promised. High-quality American Made electronics

“Works very well. I am hearing sounds I haven’t heard for a long time. I am able to understand people when they talk to me.” L.C. – Wichita, KS “It is small, easy to use and it works. I can hear the radio and TV now.” T.T. – Bern, KS

Doctor Designed ● Audiologist Approved

Try our Apollo™-6205 hearing aid risk-free for 45 days. SEND NO MONEY NOW! If you like it then pay only $299 per aid or simply send it back.

By phone (Mon-Fri • 8 am - 5 pm Central Time)

Expires: 5/31/19

CODE 1-866-231-5640 PROMO 94-452

Visit us online and SAVE. (Deposit required for online orders.)

Trusted Since 1979

• Hearing aids by mail for 39 years • Over 750,000 satisfied customers Facility and devices registered with the FDA.

www.HearingHelpExpress.com 45-DAY RISK-FREE HOME TRIAL

A+ Rating

Satisfaction

Better Business Bureau

GUARANTEED

100%

Gardens P H OTOS A N D A RT I C L E BY G E O R G E W E I G E L

that Look as Good as They Taste

the path to modern American landscapes, gardeners got the idea that flowers are pretty and edible plants are not, so no respectable gardener should ever mix the two. “Ugly” vegetable plants not only got segregated to the vegetable garden but relegated to back corners, as far away from view as possible. Then, when busy generations found it easier to just buy produce at the grocery store, vegetable gardens often disappeared altogether.

SOMEWHERE ALONG

Vegetable gardens don’t have to be rectangular. This design is a traditional German four-square layout.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

Lately, though, edible gardening is making a comeback. Fueled by new interest in fresh, nonsprayed produce, homegrown vegetables are chic again. And they’re being grown in pots, fabric bags and even straw bales, as well as in the ground. A new twist is rethinking the whole concept of a “vegetable garden” and instead tucking edibles into the existing landscape.

Better-Looking Veggie Gardens

Option one is keeping the edibles together but dressing them up in a more ornamental way. Think “kitchen garden,” a style that includes all sorts of usable plants—herbs, cut flowers, edible flowers and berries, as well as vegetables. Rather than plant in long, singular rows that harken back to farming, an alternative is planting in mix-and-match blocks in wider rows and raised beds. This style makes better use of space, is easier to tend, and ensures that soil is loose and well drained. It also gives better ability to arrange plants by how they look together—just as in flower gardening. For example, rather than planting a row of cabbage next to a row of lettuce, why not interplant the two? The ruffled form of leaf lettuce pairs nicely with the rounded form of cabbage. And if you use colorful versions of those plants, such as red lettuce and purple cabbage, the combination is even more striking. When you think about it, edible plants have ornamental characteristics, too. Carrots have frilly foliage. Kale has corrugated, colorful leaves. Hot peppers have fruits that ripen in all sorts of bright

colors and shapes. And rhubarb has both red stems and huge, tropical-looking foliage that’s impressive enough to make a garden centerpiece. Pairing small combos by looks also makes it harder for pest bugs and animals to beat you to the harvest, since it’s easier for them to zero in on masses planted in one spot. A down side to “landscaping” with edibles is that you’ll have regular holes in the design as you pick crops to eat. The solution is “succession planting,” meaning that as soon as one crop is harvested, another one is planted to take its place. Even in colder climates, it’s possible to change out a space with two or three different edibles in one season. Radishes, for example, could lead off an area in early spring, then beans could take their place in summer, then lettuce could follow the beans for a fall harvest. Tuck a few annual flowers into edible plantings to give extra color and season-long interest. Some of the best are ones that can be direct-seeded into the garden, such as marigolds, dwarf zinnias, cosmos and sunflowers.

Three More Ways to Dress Up an Edible Garden

GO WITH A GEOMETRIC PATTERN.

Vegetable gardens don’t have to be rectangles. They can be built in more interesting circles, or in picket-fenced collections of blocks of varying sizes, or as early German settlers liked to do, in four-square layouts with a centerpiece bed in the middle.

ADD HARDSCAPING. Define the

garden with permanent features, such as stone paths between the beds, walls or fencing around the perimeter, and maybe a vine-covered arbor at the entrance.

ADD ACCESSORIES AND FOCAL POINTS. Instead of plain wooden

tomato stakes and utilitarian vine

netting, switch to more ornamental trellises or build attractive bamboo teepees. Finish the garden with an eye-grabbing object or two, such as a statue, bird feeder, or favorite antique.

Edible Landscaping

If you can’t or don’t want to dig up space for a dedicated edible garden, look for places in existing beds to sneak in a few favorite herbs and vegetables. There’s no law (other than in some communities with homeowners associations) that says you can’t grow sage in the front yard or strawberries along a sunny property line. Edibles with the most ornamental value make sense in landscape settings. Select edibles based on how their ornamental traits match existing neighbors. Chives, for example, make a good edging plant in front of evergreens with their short, spiky leaves and pink, ball-shaped spring flowers. Purple basil pairs nicely with pink shrub roses. And pepper plants fit seamlessly into a hot-colored perennial garden of black-eyed susans, mums and daylilies. The same design principles that apply to flowers and shrubs apply to edibles—except you get to eat that basil and those peppers in the end. Breeders have been developing more colorful, more durable and better tasting edibles in recent years, so your choices are better than ever. A side benefit is that the pigments that add more color to edible plants are generally ones with higher levels of antioxidants and nutrition. It’s all good reason to give new meaning to the term “tasteful garden.” KCL

10 Plants T H AT LO O K A S G O O D A S T H E Y TA ST E

ffBLUEBERRIES make an excellent border hedge

and turn brilliant shades of red, orange or burgundy in fall (see photo above). ffUnderplant a bed of RED DAYLILIES with a

groundcover of golden oregano. ffSILVER THYME is a salt- and drought-tough

creeper that makes a nice edging plant along a sunny driveway. ffHOT PEPPERS produce all summer and

mature brightly enough for use in sunny foundation beds. ffRED OR PURPLE KALE adds colorful upright

contrast when interplanted with rounded shrubs, such as boxwoods or abelia. ffEGGPLANT makes a good centerpiece in a

sunny pot surrounded by pink petunias. ffInterplant FRILLY-LEAFED PARSLEY with

rounded perennials, such as hosta or coralbells. ffGrow CHERRY TOMATOES up a trellis

between shrubs in a south- or west-facing foundation bed. ffFlank pink shrub roses with PURPLE OR TRICOLOR SAGE. ffGrow SWEET POTATO VINES out of hanging

baskets or window boxes.

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FIGHTING to Keep the Lights On Continued from page 16 towers and mesh coverings on wood poles to protect them from woodpeckers. For some of the other causes of outages like trees and lightning, there’s now an app for that. Utilities operate extensive right-ofway programs to keep vegetation away from power lines, from clearing underbrush to publicity campaigns asking people not to plant trees where they can fall on power lines. These days, those efforts can be aided by software that forecasts the growth of trees and other plants so utilities can prune branches before they cause a problem. Other software tries to manage lightning by analyzing the age and wear on the utility’s equipment that minimizes the damage from lightning strikes so it can be replaced before it fails. Fighting storms and squirrels are two ways to keep the power on, but by far the biggest part of reliability comes from the decades of building, maintaining and updating the massive machinery of the nation’s electric grid. More than 8,500 power plants generate electricity that moves through 200,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. Banks of substations and transformers step-down that voltage to send it to homes and businesses through 5.5 million miles of local distribution lines. Keeping that network up and running calls for a lot of planning among utilities to anticipate how electricity will be used in the future. Part of that reliability planning has focused on protecting the electricity system from computer-based digital attacks.

“Cyber helps a lot on reliability because it gives us the ability to monitor and know everything right away,” she said. “But whenever you increase reliability through a technology, you do potentially open up vulnerabilities as well from the security angle.” For any organization, including electric utilities, the benefits of the internet come infested with mischief makers. Bourge said it’s routine for a company to receive tens of thousands of attempts each day to break into its computer network. Those “knocks” at the cyber door can come from individuals, countries and organizations, or from the army of automated “bots” roaming the internet worldwide, testing for weaknesses where a hacker could enter. For a utility, a troublemaker inside the computer network could affect electric service, and that’s why NRECA has organized a variety of cyber reliability programs. Bourge said those cyber reliability programs aim to help protect against a range of threats, from broad attempts to shut down parts of the electric grid, to more focused efforts to corrupt pieces of software used by electric cooperatives. NRECA’s cyber protection efforts include a national program of working closely with the nation’s electric co-ops to share the techniques for protecting utility systems from internet invaders. NRECA also works closely with federal

government cybersecurity groups in the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security. NRECA is part of a national program to create a cyber mutual assistance agreement. Much like how groups of lineworkers from an electric co-op travel to help restore power after a hurricane, these cyber agreements would be able to utilize teams of information technology experts in the case of a cyber incident. “You can’t solve cybersecurity,” said Bourge. “No matter what you do today, the bad guys are going to figure out a way around it tomorrow. You have to keep thinking about the next step.” Bourge sees electric co-ops as well-placed to pay attention to cybersecurity. She said as communitybased, member-led businesses, electric co-ops have a unique interest in protecting the reliability of the local community’s energy supply. “Electric cooperatives take cybersecurity very seriously,” said Bourge. “It’s built into their DNA.” KCL PAUL WESSLUND writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

The Never-Ending Job of Cybersecurity

Bridgette Bourge is among those overseeing how digital technology affects reliability for electric co-ops and their consumer-members. As director of government affairs for NRECA, she sees both the positives and the negatives to the latest internet-based, or cyber, technology.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

When it comes to electric reliability, the biggest challenge is maintaining and updating the massive machinery of the nation’s electric grid. More than 8,500 power plants generate electricity that is shipped through 200,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines.

BR EX ADF OR CHANORD IG GE

Raise a Glass to the

University of Kansas ® Jayhawks ®

Ofﬁcial team logos decorate four 12K gold-rimmed glasses

•

Cushioned, satin-lined gift box doubles as a storage box

•

Ofﬁcially licensed limited edition

Glasses are 3½ inches tall. Container is 9 inches tall. Product subject to change.

The indicia featured on this product are registered trademarks of The University of Kansas®

Celebrate Another Jayhawks ® Victory!

There’s nothing like toasting your favorite team with friends on game day. And what better way to do that than with an officially licensed crystal barware set as dedicated to the University of Kansas® as you are! Each of the four 10-ounce glasses features a different Jayhawks® logo and is highlighted in 12K gold around the rim. A matching 25-ounce crystal container sports a handsome crystal stopper and more 12K gold accents. It all comes in a cushioned gift box.

Exceptional value; satisfaction guaranteed

Acquire your University of Kansas® Jayhawks® Legacy Glassware Set now in four installments of $39.99, for a total of only $159.99*, backed by our 365-day moneyback guarantee. Send no money now. Return the Reservation Application today!

An elegant arrival is guaranteed with this satin-lined gift box.

*For information on sales tax you may owe to your state, go to bradfordexchange.com/use-tax

EASY TO ORDER! RESERVATION APPLICATION

01-29886-001-BI

www.bradfordexchange.com/kuglassware

SEND NO MONEY NOW Mrs. Mr. Ms.

Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address

YES.

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

Please reserve the University of Kansas® Jayhawks® Legacy Glassware Set for me as described in this announcement. Please Respond Promptly

City

State

Zip

Email (optional)

* Plus a total of $19.99 shipping and service, plus sales tax; see bradfordexchange.com. A limited edition restricted to 95 firing days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

01-29886-001-E08691

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

Potatoes Underneath; Potatoes on Top

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

that many families’ tradition has been to plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day (ground thaw permitting). I knew my grandparents and parents always tried to follow this timeline. My parents got the seed potatoes, sometimes a gunny sack full, and dug the deep holes in the black, newly tilled earth that had rested all winter. Sometimes, it was my job to drop a wedge (or two) of seed potato into the holes, eyes—the potato’s, not mine—facing skyward. In a couple of months, these holes became hills and the early reward came in the digging of “new”

potatoes, the smaller, thin-skinned bounty of the just-bloomed, dark green plants that flourished above ground. These were turned into new potatoes and peas, swimming in a cream sauce thickened with cornstarch and topped with dollops of melting butter. Or, they were sliced and fried with onions, their rounds so sheer and thin they clung together in starchy, crispy stacks. Later in the heat of summer, the big dig. Spades were drawn, and potato hills were excavated, Rebecca Howard revealing the more earthy Idahos in heavy, brownish-gray jackets that were brushed free of dirt and transported down to the cellar’s dark, cool back room, laid out on a bed made of a wood frame screened with chicken wire and stored to be used until their numbers dwindled into the winter. We were a potato family, like many. Spuds were on the plate more often than not—mashed, boiled, baked, fried; stewing alongside carrots with a chuck No meatloaf should ever be without mashed potatoes, here together in roast; underneath thick gravy with fried one dish. chicken. We ate them for breakfast, ff 4 Tbs. olive oil ff 1/2 tsp. black pepper lunch and dinner. ff 3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced ff 2 Tbs. ketchup That potatoes were planted on St. ff 2 medium onions, diced ff 1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce Patrick’s Day, the holiday celebrating the ff 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced ff 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar Irish, made sense. The Irish people have ff 1 stalk celery, chopped ff 2 eggs, slightly beaten their long, storied and tragic history ff 1 medium carrot, diced ff 1 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs with the potato, the crop that thrived ff 1/2 cup button or portobello ff 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese in Ireland’s climate and became a main mushrooms, diced ff 4 cups mashed potatoes source of food, depended upon so much ff 2 pounds ground turkey or beef ff 4 scallions (including green that when blight obliterated the potatoes parts), finely chopped ff 2 Tbs. fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped during the Irish Potato Famine, which ff 1 tsp. dried oregano ff 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), cut into cubes lasted from 1845 to 1849, one million ff 1 1/2 tsp. salt Irish died and more than a million immigrated to America during the Heat oven to 375 F. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, set aside. In a large skillet on medium-high, heat 2 Tbs. of olive oil. Sauté garlic, onions, bell pepper, celery, carrot and famine and years directly following. mushrooms until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. The potato’s link to Ireland is celebrated in foods connected to the In a large bowl, combine the meat, 2 remaining Tbs. olive oil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar and eggs. Add the sautéed veggies. Mix in region. An entire chapter in Darina bread crumbs to combine thoroughly. Press into casserole dish evenly. Allen’s “Irish Traditional Cooking” (Kyle Books; 1995, 2012) is devoted to potaBake meatloaf for approximately 50 minutes. Remove from oven. If using beef, carefully drain off most of the fat. Cover the meatloaf’s surface with 2 cups of the cheese. Return to the toes, including recipes for such dishes oven for 2 minutes. Remove. as “boxty” (potato pancakes), “fadge” (potato bread) and “champ” (mashed Mix mashed potatoes with scallions. Cover cheese-topped meatloaf with potatoes. Dot surface of the potatoes with cubes of butter and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. potatoes flecked green with scallions or Bake for about 10 minutes until surface of the potatoes is beginning to lightly brown. Allow chives, then topped with a deep well of the meatloaf pie to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serves 4 to 6. melting butter). IT MAY BE

G E T T Y I M A G E S /A G A 7 TA

Meatloaf Shepherd’s (Cottage) Pie

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

Mashed potatoes crown shepherd’s pie, a dish often attributed to Ireland (but also with roots in Scotland and England) and considered a St. Patrick’s Day food. A casserole of ground meat and vegetables topped with a “crust” of mashed potatoes, it is among those recipes called “pub grub,” homey, hearty dishes, like fish and chips and Welsh rarebit. Even though it was probably eaten much earlier, the first references to the term “shepherd’s pie” were in the 1870s when mincing machines for meat were developed, according to “The Oxford Companion to Food,” by Alan Davidson (Oxford University Press; 1999). True shepherd’s pie consists of, appropriately, lamb or mutton, even though other meats have been used. Made with beef, the dish is usually labeled “cottage pie” for the rural, cottage dwellers of Ireland, England and Scotland who made it. I knew of “shepherd’s pie” from an early age because of a casserole-type entrée served for school lunch at Upland Elementary School in rural Chapman. It was a layered “pie” where meatloaf was topped with a thick layer of cheese and over that, a top crust of soft mashed potatoes, golden from extra baking time. I fell in love with the dish and considered, for the first time, how my budding culinary skills could be put to business. In our home kitchen, I was probably 9 or 10 when I proposed re-creating the dish for supper (I had already been flattered into becoming the household’s meatloaf maker). My meatloaf was liberally seasoned with whatever spices I could find in the kitchen (including a heavy dose of oregano), grated or finely chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce and more; it was made loaf-like in texture with eggs and crushed saltine crackers. I would bake it in a glass casserole round, drain off some of the fat, top with piles of grated cheddar cheese and return to the oven. Once that had melted, mounds of whipped potatoes made the top crust. More cheese was added (of course) and all was browned for a bit longer. This version of cottage or shepherd’s pie, Americanized but held humble with meatloaf, was a family favorite, my first “restaurant” replica that I still bring to the table today. Sometimes, I’ll make the potatoes Irish-style, with green onions and lots of butter, making it a true “champ” of a dish. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

SHARE WITH US! Have an event you would like to run in Around Kansas? A story idea or comments you want to share with the editor? A recipe and photo for us to consider publishing? Let us know: ff events@kansascountryliving.com ff letters@kansascountryliving.com ff photos@kansascountryliving.com ff editor@kansascountryliving.com ff recipes@kansascountryliving.com

Your Pole Barn Specialists!

VVV Triple V Pole Barns

triplevpolebarns1@gmail.com

triplevpolebarnsllc.com

Kansas March April May 2019.qxp_Advanced Tree

Fast-Growing Trees For windbreak, screen and shade – some grow up to 6 feet per year!

Call 260-749-0891

For FREE brochure or to place an order

ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY 12818 Edgerton Road New Haven, IN 46774

www.advancedtree.com

BARN BUILDERS

DT Construction Established in 1977  All Workers Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

30x50x10 enclosed 12’ Slider, 1 entry door

Galvalume

40x60x14 enclosed 2 12’ sliders, 1 entry door

Galvalume

40x80x16, 2 12x14 framed overhead door openings, fully insulated in R-foil, 1 entry door

$9,300

Colored Metal $10,300 $16,000

Colored Metal $17,600 Colored Metal $26,200

Galvalume $24,300 40x100x16 enclosed 20’ split slider, 1 entry door Colored Metal $26,300 40 years in business and thousands of satisfied customers. Call today for a reference near you!

918-527-0117

Price includes labor and material

www.DTCBarns.com 26

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

Financing Available Easy Online Application Serving the Entire State of Kansas

Baby Chicks for Sale! Free catalog at

www.cacklehatchery.com Hatching & shipping in Lebanon, Missouri, since 1936

S U B S C R I B E TO

Mail check or money order payable to: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604

Moooving? Report your new address to your local electric cooperative.

Grind Away ANY Size Stump FAST!

The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbidetipped cutting teeth (taking 360 “bites” per second) to reduce any stump to a pile of woodchips. Grinds stumps below ground level so they are gone forever! • Faster, safer and easier than digging, burning, or using chemicals. • New, more powerful and lower-priced models. • Now towable with your riding mower or ATV.

FREE SHIPPING

Self-Propelled Model Available!

Only $10 a year.

6 MONTH TRIAL

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Go Online or Call for FREE Info Kit!

DRstumpgrinder.com TOLL FREE 888-213-2127 MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

SAFETY

If the Power Goes Out, Keep a Lid on Food Safety Save what you can; toss the rest!

suffer a loss of electrical power, the refrigerated and frozen foods inside can become susceptible to foodborne contaminants in just a few hours. Blizzards, thunderstorms and tornadoes can bring down power lines in a neighborhood, or even entire grids of a city. When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking on the viability of meats, seafood, ice cream, cut produce and even leftover pizza. According to the USDA, bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter can grow within minutes of food entering the “Danger Zone”—the range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. The insulation in freezers and refrigerators are your best allies during a power failure, as long as you don’t subvert them. “One advantage of winter storms is that we often have 24 hours or more of advance warning,” said Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “This allows you to take some preemptive steps to preserve your food.” A refrigerator in good working order can maintain its temperature for about four hours; a full, reliable deep freezer can keep food frozen as long as 48 hours. Nwadike said there are small cheats that can help stretch your advantage.

WHEN REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

ffSHARE SPACE WITH FRIENDS – If you have

nearby friends and neighbors who have extra space in their freezer, consolidating frozen foods is a great strategy. “A full freezer will maintain its temperature longer than a freezer that’s only half full,” Nwadike said.

ffFILL IN THE GAPS – If you know a winter storm

G E T T Y I M AG ES / B R AV I SS I M OS

is on the way, consider moving as much as possible from the refrigerator to the freezer. Leftover pot roast, tuna casserole, and plastic bottles of fruit juice will keep these foods in a colder environment, and helps fill empty spaces in the freezer. “You can also use water bottles, plastic gallon jugs of water and plastic storage containers filled with water,” Nwadike said. “Just get them frozen before the power goes out.” If you have a source for dry ice, add a few blocks to

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

MARCH 2019

your freezer. Dry ice can extend your safe zone by several hours. ffKEEP ‘EM SHUT! – As much as you can,

Nwadike said, keep the doors closed. “Don’t open them to peek in and check to see what the temperature is—just leave them closed. Avoid that temptation.”

Refrigerator and freezer-rated thermometers are also a good permanent addition to your appliances. Nwadike says they’re inexpensive and will give you a reading the first time you open the appliance, after the power has been restored, and are important to use anytime. After that, the question is simple: Keep it or toss it? The USDA provides a handy, printable chart detailing which foods are most vulnerable (meats, seafood, dairy, ice cream) and which are a bit more stable (whole fruits and vegetables, condiments, hard block cheese). When checking the freezer, Nwadike said ice can be a good indicator. “If an item is still frozen solid, or if you can still feel ice crystals, that’s a good thing,” Nwadike said. “But whatever you do, don’t taste something and think, ‘Well, if it tastes OK, it’s still good.’ Bacteria doesn’t always reveal itself that way.” The oft-repeated adage holds true: When in doubt, throw it out. Some homeowners insurance providers will cover a certain amount of food loss that results from a power outage. Nwadike advises homeowners to check with their insurance providers to find out what is covered, and what kind of documentation will be required to make a claim. Even if the loss of food creates a financial hardship, it pales in comparison to the risks of consuming unsafe, contaminated food. Some foodborne illnesses can result in a costly hospital stay, if not death. For more information and helpful tips, visit the Prepare Kansas blog, https://blogs.k-state.edu/ preparekansas, dedicated to anticipating and preparing for natural disasters and the K-State Research and Extension Food Safety disasters website, www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/ disaster.html. KCL

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Cranberry Strata

Ridiculously Tasty Roast Beef

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, MARCH 2019

“Strata” is Italian for layers, and this strata is packed with delicious layers.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, MARCH 2019

Conceived by rancher and blogger Terryn Drieling, herbs bring out the beef flavor.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, M ARCH 201 9

classic romesco sauce (recipe included).

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, M ARCH 201 9

Cottage cheese is the secret to making these crispy, yet moist and tender biscuits.

BaconSpaghetti Squash Fritter Serve this fritter as is or drizzle with a

Herb Biscuits

ff 1/4 tsp. salt

Herb Biscuits ff 1 cup all-purpose flour ff 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ff 3/4 cup cottage cheese

ff 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

ff 2 tsp. baking powder ff 1/2 tsp. sugar ff 1/3 cup milk

ff 3 Tbs. butter

ff 1/2 tsp. dried minced onion

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil. In large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, Italian seasoning, onion, salt and garlic powder. Add in cottage cheese and butter and mix until crumbly. Add milk. Stir until combined. Drop large dollops of batter onto prepared baking sheet. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with some butter or your favorite biscuit topping.

COURTESY MILK ME ANS MORE

COURTESY FARML AND

In food processor, pulse roasted red peppers, plum tomatoes, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to combine. Slowly add in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour Romesco Sauce over Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter before serving.

ff pepper, to taste

ff salt, to taste

ff 1/2 cup olive oil

ff 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

ff 2 tsp. smoked paprika

ff 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar

ff 4 cloves garlic, roasted

ff 3/4 cup almonds, toasted

ff 4 plum tomatoes, roasted, skins removed

ff 2 roasted red peppers, fresh or jarred

Romesco Sauce

Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter Bacon–Spaghetti Squash Fritter ff 4 cups cooked spaghetti squash ff 6 slices Pure Farmland AllNatural Uncured Bacon, cooked, chopped, fat reserved only, sliced thin

ff 4 green onions, white parts ff 2 eggs, lightly beaten ff 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ff 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Place spaghetti squash in large bowl. Add bacon, green onions, eggs and cheese. Stir to combine. Add flour and mix until combined. Form into patties. Heat large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat. Add fritters in batches and cook until well browned on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

ff 1 1/2 cups water

ff 3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth

ff 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

ff 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves

ff 1 tsp. salt

Ridiculously Tasty Roast Beef (about 3 pounds)

ff 1 beef bottom round roast ff 2 Tbs. olive oil ff 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh rosemary ff 1 Tbs. minced garlic ff 1-1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix together oil, rosemary, garlic, basil, salt, thyme and pepper in small bowl. Set mixture aside 5 to 10 minutes.

Place beef bottom round roast on baking rack in tall-sided roasting pan. Rub oil mixture on roast, covering all sides. Pour broth and water in roasting pan. Insert oven-safe thermometer into center of roast. Place roasting pan in center of 325°F oven.

Roast 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 10 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5°to 10°F.)

COURTESY B EEF. I T ’S WHAT ’S FOR DINNER

Carve roast into slices; serve with cooking liquid or as a sandwich, topping with your favorite cheese.

Cranberry Strata

ff 2 ¼ cups milk

ff 1/3 cup maple syrup

ff 8 cups French bread (crusty)

ff ½ tsp. ground cinnamon or nutmeg

ff 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese ff 1/2 cup dried cranberries

ff 6 eggs

In a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish, arrange half of the bread pieces, about 4 cups. Cut cream cheese into 8-10 slices and arrange over the bread chunks. Sprinkle cranberries over bread chunks. Top with remaining bread pieces (4 cups).

In a medium bowl beat together eggs, milk and maple syrup. Pour over bread in dish. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Lightly press down with back of spoon or spatula to saturate bread with egg mixture. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Uncover then bake for 20 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and topped with maple syrup, if desired.

COURTESY CULINARY.NET

MARCH 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

The NEW Gold Standard of Walk-In Bathtubs

Stay Safer & More Independent with a Jacuzzi® Luxury Walk-In Bathtub

SAVE $1,500

on your NEW Walk-In Tub with ONE DAY installation

Low Entry Step

The safety features of the Jacuzzi® Walk-In Bathtub help with mobility in and out of the tub, and also help you feel more secure and independent when bathing at home.

Enjoy Legendary

Jacuzzi

Jet Technology

Don’t let mobility concerns end your ability to enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic bathing experience NEW!

✔ NEW! Epsom salt compatible with

hydromassage relaxes the mind and body

✔ NEW! A quieter and energy efﬁcient pump

provides a more enjoyable bathing experience

✔ NEW! Relaxing Bubble Foot Massage ✔ NEW! Heated back and seat for more comfort and relief

✔ PLUS! Installation in as little as one day available!

Epsom Salt Compatible Now enjoy the relaxing health beneﬁts of Epsom salt in your tub without the worry of rust or damage to your tub’s components.

CALL A JACUZZI SPECIALIST & SAVE $1,500 ®

Call now for limited-time savings on your new Walk-In Bathtub and details on installation that takes as little as ONE DAY!

ITE LIM D

LIFETIME RAN

Call: 1-888-884-5754 or Visit: www.JacuzziWalkIn.com

Ask About Affordable Financing