Issuu

Easy Financing Available! LUMBER AND HOME IMPROVEMENT

Kansas’ Zero-Turn Mower

Headquarters Available at Olathe, Emporia, Dodge City, El Dorado, Great Bend, Topeka & Wichita Stores

Available at El Dorado & Dodge City Stores

Available at the Great Bend Store

We Service What We Sell!

See store for details.

VISIT ANY OF OUR KANSAS LOCATIONS OR GO ONLINE sutherlands.com DODGE CITY

1510 Soule St. 620-371-0751

EL DORADO

2850 W. Central Ave 316-322-7788

GREAT BEND 5520 10th St. 620-792-2900

OLATHE

16665 W. 151st. St. 913-782-6666

EMPORIA

1700 Industrial Rd 620-343-6100

WICHITA

2263-2273 N. Amidon St. 316- 838-8200

TOPEKA

2210 NW Tyler St 785-232-3900

HARL AND J SCHUSTER /KANSAS TOURISM

OCTOBER

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

F E AT U R E S

D E PA RT M E N T S

12 | Power-less

4 | 8 |

We are only a few generations removed from life without electric power. Ron Wilson touches on the importance of rural electrification in Western history and in the history of our nation as we celebrate the uniqueness of the cooperative business model this month.

10 | 16 |

14 | Smart Lighting Analysis

16A |

Smart lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable technologies to integrate into your home. As a new technology, there are plenty of benefits but also a few potential issues to consider.

18 |

CO M M E N TA RY

The heart and soul of the co-ops E N E RGY W I S E

Picking the right heat pump T H E P R E S I D E N T ’S P E N

Time changes everything, even words YO U R LO C A L CO - O P N E W S

Celebrating Co-op Month

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

Bulbs — it’s all about timing

Prep for next garden season begins now.

20 | Seeking Digital Experts

24 |

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

Turnips, the original jack-o’-lantern Multiples uses for this humble vegetable.

Electric cooperatives are experiencing a workforce evolution, a direct result from emerging energy trends including new patterns in the flow of electricity and the explosion of digital technology.

26 | 28 |

M A R K E T P L AC E

Thanks for supporting advertisers L E T ’S D I S H

Pumpkin signals the first tastes of fall Use this squash in sweet or savory recipes.

29 | D O N J O H N S O N , T R I N I T Y V A L L E Y E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Change brings challenges, growth

30 |

C RO S S W O R D

Kansas City Chiefs football K A N S A S C LO S E - U P S

Pictures from across Kansas

Reader-submitted photos of rural living.

ON THE COVER Ron Wilson, Kansas’ Poet Lariat, describes in his article on Page 12 the transformation of rural Kansas when co-ops brought electricity to our homes, farms and businesses. P H O T O B Y S H AY L E E A R P I N

OCTOBER 2021

ENER

Y EVOLUTG ION Power-

Electrifyin less of Kansas’ g words Poet Laria t

OCTOB ER

2021 | BROUG HT

TO YOU BY ROLLIN G

Generating Jobs

Smart grid

creates tech careers

HILLS ELECTR IC CO-OP | WWW. KEC.CO

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Change Brings Challenges, Chance for Growth

(ISSN 0091-9586) OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 71, NO. 10 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC. 2021 WWW.KEC.COOP

Lee Tafanelli

Chief Executive Officer

Vicki Estes

Director of Communications, Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Shaylee Arpin THE CHANGE OF SEASONS ,

especially morphing from summer to fall, rates high on my “things to look forward to” list. The list is similar to a bucket list but these items are more easily attainable, cheaper, and are basic pleasures often overlooked. Growing, harvesting and consuming homegrown garden goodies also make that list. By this time of year my kitchen counters overspill with produce I’ve failed to keep up with. It’s not a bad problem to have, though, because the solution learned in kindergarten still applies today — share. Later in life I learned large quantities of vinegar, the main ingredient to make edible gifts, also solves the harvest overload. While produce production in the garden slows, fall foliage comes to life ushering in brilliant red, orange and golden leaves, along with pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, colors and sizes. In life, as in nature, change brings future growth as well as challenges. Kansas Country Living has grown its circulation and readership in the last few years, increasing its reach and actively encouraging dialogue with readers. My challenge is to respond to the increase in phone calls, emails and letters to the editor. Thanks for your patience — I

am working to acknowledge all of your inquiries as quickly as I can. Just like my overabundance of produce, this is a good problem to tackle. Kansas Country Living will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022. Our staff is assessing potential changes to the magazine to meet the changing needs of our readers and the electric cooperatives that rely on the magazine to keep you informed of co-op business. While the cost of a first-class stamp jumped to 58 cents effective Aug. 29, and postage for this magazine increased by 8.8% effective that same date, Kansas Country Living continues to deliver important co-op news, rural Kansas features and entertaining content for a little more than the cost of a first-class stamp. Our goal is to maintain that value and look for ways to mitigate increases caused by pandemic-related supply chain struggles. Thus, you may notice a change in the paper we use or the size of the magazine in future issues. Change brings challenges and we’ve all experienced a bumper crop of both the last two years. We are committed to viewing these challenges as opportunities to reassess and make positive changes. KCL

VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Terry Hobbs

President

Teresa Miller Vice President

Kirk Thompson

Secretary

Jim Christopher 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: 4 Rivers, Lebo Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DSO, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington TCEC, 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 $5.58 per year. Individual non-member 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

OCTOBER 2021

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Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since.

A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between floors, slowly. And it fits in only one place: your staircase. Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair.

THE MODERN SOLUTION

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It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet. One look at our unique freestanding rail system, and you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!

A Stiltz Homelift is 100% safe. The elevator will not

operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way.

A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage. The floor lid is safe to walk on, and a key lock prevents unauthorized use.

A Stiltz Homelift is versatile.

Our elevators carry two people, or even a wheelchair. And the small footprint means they fit just about anywhere. Install your homelift through the floor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!

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SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER Fall

Blast, Scott City. Blast includes a corn maze, giant slide, hay ride and more activities. Bellwether Barn, 620-874-1363. THROUGH JAN. 9 Vapes: Marketing An

Addiction, North Newton. An exhibit focused on the trends, health risks, marketing strategies and cessation of smoking and vaping. Kauffman Museum, 27th and N. Main, 316-283-1612, kauffman@bethelks.edu, kauffmanmuseum.org. OCT. 1-2 F&E Auto Auction, Great Bend.

Classics, muscle cars, antiques, hot rods and more to see. From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Bend Expo Complex. OCT. 1-3 Sunflower Futurity, Scott

City. Annual barrel race event. Scott City, 620-635-0323.

OCT. 1-3 Rustic Charm, Wichita. Vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and jewelry. Event includes live music and food trucks. Wichita Sports Forum, 2668 N. Greenwich Road, vintagemarketdays.com/market/wichita. OCT. 1-3 Flint Oak Cup, Fall River. 200

target main event Saturday and Sunday, make-a-break tournament on four layouts Friday-Sunday. Target ammo and on-site lodging available. Rural Fall River, 620-658-4404. OCT. 2 Harvest Home Festival, Leon. A

family community event with car show, parade, craft booths, talent show and mountain oyster feed. Downtown Leon, Geri 719-433-6500. OCT. 2 Heritage Day, Onaga. Tour the

Onaga Historical Museum while learning about the early days of Kansas and watch special presentations from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Onaga Historical Museum, 310 E. Second St., Search Onaga Historical Society on Facebook. OCT. 2 Kruise-In at the Clarion, Garden

City. Bring your muscle car, low-rider, motorcycle, or anything you’re proud of and show it off from 6-9 p.m. OCT. 2 Leave a Legacy Race, Garden

City. Take part in the Spirit 5K race or Heart Winkin’ Half Marathon beginning at 8:30 a.m. Both races are USA Track & Field Organizationcertified. Proceeds fund the Leave a Legacy

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

Foundation. Heartland Cancer Center, Paige Kraus 620-260-7150, whodoyourunfor.org.

encounters and a journey through the ghoulish graveyard from 4-8 p.m.

OCT. 2 Rosewood Rodeo, Great Bend.

OCT. 16 Fall-Fest, Harper. Car show, corn hole and co-ed softball tournaments and food. Harper West Main park, Wade Beal 316-2580222, peepsfoundationemail@gmail.com.

OCT. 5 Powerwheels Race, Fredonia. Ages 2 and up, battery-powered, modified battery-powered and pedal-power with 1, 2 or 3 wheel gliders and scooters may enter. Register online. Races begin at 6 p.m. Downtown Square, fredoniakschamber.org.

OCT. 16 Fall Festival, Johnson. Join the Stanton County Hospital Auxiliary to enjoy homemade crafts, food and fun from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Johnson City 4-H Building, 620-492-6630.

Full day of rodeo activities, face painting, silent auction and concessions from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Bend Expo lll Arena.

OCT. 6 Embrace Your Landscape’s Wild

Side Webinar, Virtual. What types of food and habitat are going to attract the most birds and make them feel safest? Learn from Chuck Otte as he discusses tips for backyard bird feeding success. hnr.k-state.edu/extension/ info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinarseries/k_state_garden_hour.html. OCT. 7 Homecoming Queen Pageant,

Fredonia. Talent performances for Queen, Princess and Lil Miss at 7 p.m. Bateman Gym. OCT. 8-9 SRCA Drag Races, Great Bend. 7:30-11 p.m. SRCA Dragstrip. OCT. 8-9 Oktoberfest, Junction City. Downtown Junction City, junctioncityoktoberfest.com. OCT. 9 Fall Festival, Fredonia. Parade, vendors, food trucks, carnival rides and more activities. Downtown Fredonia.

OCT. 16 Flatlander Half Marathon and 5K, Great Bend. Take part in the 6th Annual Flatlander Half and 5K. Sign up online. runsignup.com. OCT. 16 Luray Craftique, Luray. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore 140 crafts, repurposed items and antique vendors. Admission is a cash donation or non-perishable food item. Event supports local food pantry. City of Luray, 785483-1503, search Luray Craftique on Facebook. OCT. 16 Oktoberfest, Kinsley. Celebrate the German heritage for food, beer and music. Everyone is a bit German at Oktoberfest! OCT. 22-23 SRCA Drag Races, Great Bend. 7:30-11 p.m. SRCA Dragstrip. OCT. 23 Bison, Beef & Bourbon,

Manhattan. The evening will include cuisine, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment. Flint Hills Discover Center, 315 S. Third St., Lesley White 785-748-1275, fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com.

OCT. 9 Harvest Festival, Junction City. Live music, food, farm tours, bouncy house and more activities 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www. hildebrandfarmsdairy.com.

OCT. 27 Youth Halloween Party, Alton. sborne County Community Foundation, O osborneccf.org.

OCT. 9 Heritage Festival, Sedan. Celebrate

Parade, Great Bend. Bring your children to parade around downtown in their Halloween outfits at 11 a.m. Downtown Great Bend.

Sedan’s 150th birthday with antique displays, demonstrations, live music, food and fireworks from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fairgrounds. OCT. 11 Folk Legacy Trio, Dodge City.

’50s-’70s era folk music at 7 p.m. Dodge City Civic Center, 2110 N. 1st Ave.

OCT. 16 Boo! At the Zoo, Garden City.

The evening includes a trick-or-treat trail with 38 spooktacular treat stops, creepy creature

OCT. 30 Kiwanis Downtown Halloween

OCT. 30 Sipindipity Boos & Brews,

Osborne. Osborne County Community Foundation, osborneccf.org. KCL Kansas Country Living publishes events free as space allows. Send event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@ kansascountryliving.com. Acceptance of events does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

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C O M M E N TA RY

Why We Celebrate and Promote the Cooperative Business Model

BY L E E TA FA N E L L I

supports the entire structure. Without it, the structure is doomed. The cooperative business model rests on a foundation that not only provides stability but also guides day-to-day decisions. This “foundation” is what we refer to as the Seven Cooperative Principles and it’s what distinguishes all co-ops, including electric co-ops, from Lee Tafanelli other businesses. We address the seven principles throughout the year, and your co-op’s local pages this month beginning on Page 16A highlights their importance. Because it’s proven we learn and remember things better in groups of three, here are three main themes derived from the seven principles that I believe are the “heart” of cooperative: A BUILDING’S FOUNDATION

f Concern for communities served by the co-op f Consumer-members’ financial obligation and benefits are

proportional to use

f Democratic control by consumer-members

Perhaps the most important takeaways critical to understanding the difference between a cooperative and for-profit

businesses can be pared down to two fundamentals that center around you, our readers, of which I’ll refer to as the “soul” of the cooperative: f People who own and finance the cooperatives are those who use it f People who control the cooperative are those who use it

There are myriad reasons to celebrate and promote cooperatives, including the co-op ideals that continue to serve rural America well. However, most importantly co-ops put people, their consumer-members — the soul of the co-op — first. Co-ops are also vital to the communities they serve. Co-ops represent more than 1 billion consumer-members, which equates to 12% of the world’s employed population. Throughout times of financial crisis and downturns in the economy, cooperatives have shown great resiliency, continuing to meet consumer-members’ needs even as profitdriven organizations falter. Now more than ever we need locally-owned and locallycontrolled co-ops to be a strong foundation to the local, state and national economies. We should take time to celebrate the ways co-ops continue to stabilize our Kansas communities and rural communities throughout the world. KCL LEE TAFANELLI is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

COOPERATIVE FACTS

f More than 8,300 CREDIT UNIONS provide financial services to

f Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since

f Approximately 233 MILLION PEOPLE are served by insurance

1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed OCTOBER AS CO-OP MONTH. f There are more than 29,000 co-ops in the United States with

Americans holding 350 MILLION CO-OP MEMBERSHIPS. f U.S. co-ops provide over 850,000 JOBS and create more than

$74 billion in annual wages with revenue of nearly $500 billion. f Nearly 900 rural electric co-ops deliver electricity to more than 42 MILLION PEOPLE IN 47 STATES . This makes up 42% of the

nation’s electric distribution lines and covers 75% of our country’s land mass. In Kansas, 27 electric distribution co-ops and three generation and transmission co-ops serve more than 202,000 consumer-members. f The majority of our country’s 2 million farmers are members

of the nearly 3,000 FARMER-OWNED COOPERATIVES. They provide over 250,000 jobs and annual wages of over $8 billion.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

nearly 100 million members. companies owned by or closely affiliated with co-ops. f FOOD CO-OPS HAVE BEEN INNOVATORS in the areas of

unit pricing, consumer protection, organic and bulk foods, and nutritional labeling. f MORE THAN 50,000 FAMILIES in the U.S. use cooperative day

care centers, giving co-ops a crucial role in the care of our children. f About 1.2 MILLION RURAL AMERICANS IN 31 STATES are

served by the 260 telephone cooperatives. f More than 6,400 housing cooperatives exist in the U.S., providing 1.5 MILLION HOMES.

f The .coop web address extension has been adopted by OVER 3,000 CO-OPS and while many cooperatives may use .com or other domain extensions, when you see .coop, you can be sure that it’s a cooperative. S O U R C E S : C O O P M O N T H . O R G , U S A . G O V, E L E C T R I C . C O O P, G R E E N S TA R . C O O P

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E N E R GY W I S E

Which Heat Pump Option is Right for My Home?

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

heard heat pumps can be a good alternative for heating my home, but it looks like there are several types available. Can you explain a few of the most common options? — Brett D E AR B R ET T: It’s a good idea to consider a heat pump for your home. The technology has improved a lot over the past 10-20 years and is likely to be at least 20% more efficient than what you have now. Heat pumps can also cool your home during summer months, The condenser for a mini-split is often mounted on an exterior wall. which is an added value. Newer models of heat pumps can operate effectively in sub-zero weather, but someDuctwork in most homes is not designed to times they do so by switching to electric resistance heat or cool every room evenly. Long supply runs mode, which is much less efficient. In a colder provide little air to some rooms, and it’s typical for some rooms to lack return air registers. Also, climate, it may be worth investing in a dual fuel ductwork is often leaky, which creates comfort system where propane or another fuel provides issues. If leaky ducts are located in unheated areas supplemental heat on extremely cold days. such as crawl spaces or attics, it will increase Here are a few situations where you might use the different types of air-source heat pumps. your heating and cooling costs. Poor ductwork will render any kind of central heating or cooling system much less effective. Some HVAC contracDucted Heat Pump tors can repair ductwork problems if the ductwork If your home has a forced air furnace, a is accessible. centralized air-source heat pump can work well. Heat pumps vary in efficiency, and this is meaA compressor outside your home that looks like an A/C unit is connected to your home’s existing sured in two ways. The Heating Seasonal Perforduct system. Like your furnace, the temperature mance Factor (HSPF) rating measures heating is controlled through one main thermostat. This efficiency and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a solid solution if your system has quality (SEER) rating measures cooling efficiency. The ductwork that heats and cools every room evenly, minimum ratings for a new heat pump are HSPF which is rare. 8.2 and SEER 14. Heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR®-rating are significantly more efficient than the minimum standard. The quality of the installation also matters, and some contractors will have more experience and training than others.

MARCELA GARA, RESOURCE MEDIA

A homeowner shows off his energy-efficient ductless heat pump.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

Mini-Split Heat Pump

If your home does not have ductwork or the ductwork is poorly designed or leaky, a ductless mini-split heat pump might be your best bet. With a mini-split heat pump, tubes con-

MARCELA GARA, RESOURCE MEDIA

D E AR PAT AN D B R AD : I’ve

nected to the outside compressor carry refrigerant to one or more air handlers, which are mounted high on a wall to distribute air. Thermostats regulate each air handler, providing control of different zones in the home. In climates that don’t experience extreme cold, a ductless heat pump could supply all the heating and cooling in a small home. They are often used in combination with a central heating and cooling system. Ductless mini-splits are an excellent option if you don’t have central air ducts, your ducts are leaking or you only want the new ductless heat pump to heat or cool part of the home.

Geothermal (or GroundSource) Heat Pump

Several feet underground, the temperature remains constant year-round, typically between 45 degrees and 75 degrees F, depending on latitude. Heat is transferred into or out of the ground by pipes buried in a loop 10 feet underground or drilled up to 400 feet into the earth. The pipes carry water to a compressor, which uses a refrigerant to transfer the heat to or from your home’s ducts. A geothermal heat pump system is extremely energy efficient since the earth’s temperature is warmer than the outside air in the winter and cooler than the outside air in the summer. But this efficiency comes with a high price tag, which is the initial cost to install the pipe loop or drill the hole for a vertical pipe. We hope this information provides a good starting point in your research of heat pumps. Check with your local electric co-op for additional information and guidance. If you have a qualified energy auditor in your area, an audit could be a great next step, especially if it includes a duct leakage test. Then you’ll be ready to reach out to contractors and request a few quotes. Good luck! KCL This column was co-written by PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on surprise energy hogs, please visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. OCTOBER 2021

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Power-less RECO RDS O F T HE T EN N ESSEE VA LLEY AUT HO RIT Y, RECO R D GRO UP 1 42 ; N ATIO N AL A RCH IV ES AT AT L A NTA , GA .

BY R O N W I L S O N , P O E T L A R I AT REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM GRASS & GRAIN

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

It was early Saturday morning, before daybreak. I was still in bed, but I heard a beep and a click. I looked at my digital bedside clock, and I knew the power had bleeped off. The clock was dead. The overhead fan had stopped. In a couple of seconds, the power came back on and stayed on. All was well. That brief incident reminded me of electric power’s role in our daily lives out on the ranch. We take it for granted. We assume that when we flip a switch, a light will come on. But there is a lot that goes into meeting our electrical needs. Out here in the country, electric cooperatives are vital in providing such power. Rural electrification was very important in Western history, and in the history of our nation. Benjamin Franklin was interested in the possibilities for electricity two centuries ago. In 1752, he tied a metal key to a kite and flew it in a thunderstorm, thereby collecting electric current in a jar. (Kids, don’t try this at home. The results could be, um, shocking.) Thomas Edison invented or perfected hundreds of devices using electric power, such as the incandescent light. He and his engineers also studied how to generate and transmit electricity. In 1882, Edison helped form the first company which provided power for lights in downtown New York City. (Today, New York’s power is provided by a company named Con Edison, so the business still bears his name.)

Similar power systems sprang up in cities across the nation. Where there were houses and buildings standing next to each other, it was a simple matter to run a power line down the street. But out in farm country where there was a long distance between farmsteads, the cost of providing such service was prohibitive. Big companies chose to invest in urban areas instead. Farm country was left behind. By the mid-1930s, 9 out of 10 farm family homes still did not have electric power. In 1936 — 85 years ago this year — the Rural Electrification Act was enacted by Congress. The Rural Electrification Administration (now part of the Rural Utilities Service within USDA) provided low interest financing for cooperatives to provide rural electric service. Farm families, including my ancestors, banded together to form rural electric co-ops. It was absolutely transformational when electricity reached the rural home.

N AT IO N AL RURA L ELECT RIC COO PE RAT IV E A SSOC IAT IO N

STA N DA RD O IL (N EW JERSE Y ) COLLE CTIO N , PH OTO GRA PHIC A RC HIVES , UN IV ERSI T Y OF LO UI SVI LLE , LOUIS VILLE , KEN T UCKY.

Continued on Page 22

OCTOBER 2021

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

PHILIPS

App-Enabled Lighting Options BY M A R I A K A N E V S K Y

OUT OF ALL THE SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES

ABOVE: Most smart lighting options on the market use LED lightbulbs, which are more expensive but use less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs.

available on the market, the smart lighting is one of the easiest technologies to integrate into your home. Smart lighting can be controlled by voice command, through your smart phone or through a smart home hub (like Amazon Alexa), making them relatively easy to control. They are also among the most affordable smart home devices, starting at about $10 per bulb. There’s a range of benefits from using smart lightbulbs. One of the most useful aspects of smart lighting is the ability to control the lighting while you’re away from home. For example, if you leave for work and forget to turn off the lights at home, you can easily turn them off with a few taps on a smartphone app. Alternatively, if you’re traveling but want to appear as if you’re home, you can turn on your lights at a certain time to create that illusion. Similarly, many smart lights offer the option for a customizable schedule. Consumers can schedule lighting to turn on or off at certain times of the day depending on their preferences. For instance, turning off all the lights at home just before bedtime, or scheduling the lights to

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

turn on just before returning home from work. To increase safety at home, many smart lightbulbs have motion-detection technology that can sense if a person is in the room or nearby. This feature can be programmed to send an alert to your phone when the smart lighting detects an unexpected motion, either inside or outside the home. Beyond the more practical applications, smart lighting can simply be fun to use. Bulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light. Various color temperatures can create different moods and also potentially help with winding down at night and improving sleep quality. Blue light, which mimics daylight, prevents the release of melatonin, an important hormone to feel sleepy. Setting smart lights to warmer-colored lights at night can help release melatonin, and therefore lead to a better night’s sleep. With all the benefits of smart lighting, there is also a higher price tag compared to regular lightbulbs. Most smart lighting options on the market use LED lightbulbs, which are more expensive but use less energy than traditional

approximately

Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED smart bulbs can help save energy and money over the long run, despite the higher initial cost. incandescent lightbulbs and need to be replaced much less often. Incandescent lightbulbs cost about $1; however, their life spans are relatively short at around 1,000 hours. LED bulbs typically start at about $2.50 per bulb, but their life spans are almost 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED smart bulbs can help save energy and money over the long run, despite the higher initial cost. As a new technology, there are plenty of benefits but also a few potential issues to be aware of before implementing the technology. Some smart lightbulbs may have minor technical issues, such as not properly responding to a voice command. However, sticking with reputable brands should ensure a well-functioning lightbulb. Another factor to consider is not all smart lighting options are compatible with dimmers

7 TEENS aged 13–19 DIE EVERY DAY from motor vehicle crash injuries

since smart bulbs come with their own built-in dimming mechanisms. This could lead to inconsistent lighting between smart and regular bulbs and could cause smart lights to flicker if they clash with the existing dimmer switch. To prevent this, simply avoid placing smart lightbulbs in fixtures that already have a dimmer switch. Before making any purchases, be sure to research which smart lighting options work best for your home. Read several reviews to ensure your purchase is reliable during the entirety of its lifespan. There are plenty of smart lighting options out there and choosing the best personalized option will help you make the most of it! KCL writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

MARIA KANEVSKY

CREE

ktsro.org/safe

Smart lightbulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light.

Wearing Your Seatbelt Could Save Your Life OCTOBER 2021

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

THE PRESIDENT ’S PEN

Terms of Endearment Meanings Change Over Time

Terry Hobbs

As the years and decades have slipped by there are several terms of endearment that have changed over the lifespan of boomers.

RECENTLY, I HAPPILY CELEBRATED another birthday. My birth year places me right in the middle of the baby-boom generation. Fortunately, my age group does have a nifty name. More recent age groups are simply designated as Generation X, Y or Z. Pretty generic if you ask me. Baby boomers can still be found shopping at malls and watching re-runs of “The Match Game.” We like The Reader’s Digest, retirement funds and meatloaf dinners. As the years and decades have slipped by there are several terms of endearment that have changed over the lifespan of boomers. Many phrases we hear today resonate familiarity. One extremely popular topic we hear today is renewable energy, a term that describes sources that primarily generate electricity. Years ago, renewable energy is what you suddenly found when household chores weren’t done when your parents got home. Group insurance didn’t used to be a cost-effective way to lower premiums, it instead meant taking three carloads of buddies to a Saturday night dance in a rival town. No industry or organization has come up

Shutterbugs

with more new terminology and acronyms than that of information technology. One example is data loss technology or DLT. This term refers to security measures to prevent data loss and cyberattacks. The earliest form of this has been widely used in schools, classrooms and driver’s license examination stations but were called cheat sheets. Other primitive forms of DLT include test answers written on palms and shoe soles. Here’s another new phrase you hear — gain of function. I witnessed gain of function many times after the wasp nest was cleaned out of the fuel sediment bowl on the old Massey Harris combine. Once the fuel flowed freely, you gained function, and work resumed. No matter what age group you fit in or the terms and phrases we use, one thing for sure is the enjoyment, comfort and convenience we all enjoy thanks to everyone involved in providing clean, safe, and affordable electricity. KCL TERRY HOBBS is the board president for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He is also a member of Western Cooperative Electric’s Board of Trustees in WaKeeney.

It’s time again for the Rural Kansas Photography Contest that showcases the beauty of our state captured through the eye of a lens. Kansas Country Living partners with Rural Health Education and Services each year to choose a grand-prize photo to be published on the January magazine cover, garnering the photographer $100. To enter the contest, please visit www.kumc.edu/communityengagement/rural-health/rural-kansas-photography-contest.html for complete rules and deadlines. DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ENTRIES IS 11:59 P.M. CST ON MONDAY, OCT. 18, 2021.

All entries must be submitted to RHES; please do not submit entries to the Kansas Country Living staff.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

BY T E R RY H O B B S

2022 CONTEST CATEGORIES BEST IN SHOW Show us the absolute best Kansas-themed image you’ve ever captured. SUN, WIND, OR RAIN Use your imagination and enter a visual with one of these base words: sun, wind or rain. ON THE MOVE Everything from dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and ATVs to planes, boats, trains, and horses. ROAD TRIP What kinds of places have you captured while on a road trip through Kansas? HEALTHCARE IN KANSAS What does a healthy Kansas mean to you? WILDLIFE AND CRITTERS Highlighting the fuzzy, furry, creepy and crawly friends that call Kansas home.

CoQ10’s Failure Leaves Millions Wanting Use this pill to supercharge your brain and think better than ever. Millions of Americans take the supplement CoQ10. It’s the “jet fuel” that supercharges your cells’ power generators, known as mitochondria.

age. In fact, the Mitochondria Research Society reports 50 million U.S. adults are suffering from health problems because of mitochondrial dysfunction.

As powerful as CoQ10 is, there is a critical thing it fails to do. It can’t create new mitochondria in your cells.

Birth of new mitochondria

As you age, your mitochondria begin to die. In fact, by age 67, you lose 80% of the mitochondria you had at age 25. But if you’re taking CoQ10, there’s something important you should know.

Common ailments often associated with aging — such as memory problems, heart issues, blood sugar concerns and vision and hearing difficulties — can all be connected to a decrease in mitochondria.

Dr. Sears and his researchers combined the most powerful form of CoQ10 available Taking CoQ10 is not enough — called ubiquinol — with a unique, “There’s a little-known NASA nutrient newly discovered natural compound called that multiplies the number of new power PQQ that has the remarkable ability to generators in your cells by up to 55%,” says grow new mitochondria. Together, the Dr. Al Sears, owner of the Sears Institute for two powerhouses are now available in a Anti-Aging Medicine in Royal Palm Beach, supplement called Ultra Accel II. Florida. “Science once thought this was Discovered by a NASA probe in space dust, impossible. But now you can make your PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) stimulates heart, brain and body young again.” something called “mitochondrial biogenesis” “I tell my patients the most important — a unique process that actually boosts the thing I can do is increase their ‘health span.’ number of healthy mitochondria in your This is the length of time you can live free of cells. disease and with all your youthful abilities In a study published in the Journal of and faculties intact.” Nutrition, mice fed PQQ grew a staggering Medical first: Multiply the “power number of new mitochondria, showing an increase of more than 55% in just eight generators” in your cells weeks. Al Sears, M.D., recently released an energyThe mice with the strongest mitochondria boosting supplement based on this NASA nutrient that has become so popular, he’s showed no signs of aging — even when they were the equivalent of 80 years old. having trouble keeping it in stock.

Science stands behind Dr. Sears is the author of over 500 scientific the power of PQQ papers on anti-aging and recently spoke at the WPBF 25 Health & Wellness Festival Biochemical Pharmacology reports that featuring Dr. Oz and special guest Suzanne PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient in Somers. Thousands of people listened to Dr. sustaining energy production than common Sears speak on his anti-aging breakthroughs antioxidants. and attended his book signing at the event. “Imagine 5,000 times more efficient Now, Dr. Sears has come up with what his energy,” says Dr. Sears. “PQQ has been a game peers consider his greatest contribution to changer for my patients.” anti-aging medicine yet — a newly discovered “With the PQQ in Ultra Accel II, I have nutrient that multiplies the number of tiny, energy-producing “engines” located inside energy I never thought possible,” says the body’s cells, shattering the limitations of Colleen R., one of Dr. Sears’ patients. “I am in my 70s but feel 40 again. I think clearer, traditional CoQ10 supplements. move with real energy and sleep like a baby.” Why mitochondria matter

It works right away

A single cell in your body can contain Along with an abundance of newfound between 200 to 2,000 mitochondria, with the largest number found in the most energy, users also report a sharper, more metabolically active cells, like those in your focused mind and memory, and even younger-looking skin and hair. Jerry M. from brain, heart and skeletal muscles. Wellington, Florida, used Ultra Accel II and But because of changes in cells, stress and was amazed at the effect. poor diet, most people’s power generators “I noticed a difference within a few days,” begin to malfunction and die off as they

NASA-discovered nutrient is stunning the medical world by activating more youthful energy, vitality and health than CoQ10. says Jerry. “My endurance almost doubled. But it’s not just in your body. You can feel it mentally, too,” says Jerry. “Not only do I feel a difference, but the way it protects my cells is great insurance against a health disaster as I get older.”

Increase your health span today

The demand for this supplement is so high, Dr. Sears is having trouble keeping it in stock. “My patients tell me they feel better than they have in years. This is ideal for people who are feeling or looking older than their age… or for those who are tired or growing more forgetful.” “My favorite part of practicing anti-aging medicine is watching my patients get the joy back in their lives. Ultra Accel II sends a wake-up call to every cell in their bodies… and they actually feel young again.”

Where to find Ultra Accel Il

Right now, the only way to get this potent combination of PQQ and super-powered CoQ10 is with Dr. Sears’ breakthrough Ultra Accel II formula.

To secure bottles of this hot, new supplement, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-830-3478 within the next 48 hours. “It takes time to get bottles shipped out to drug stores,” said Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product directly to the customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, he offers a 100%, money-back guarantee on every order. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days, and I’ll send you your money back,” said Dr. Sears.

The Hotline will be taking orders for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number will be shut down to allow them to restock. Call 1-800-830-3478 to secure your limited supply of Ultra Accel II. You don’t need a prescription, and those who call in the first 24 hours qualify for a significant discount. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code UAKS1021 when you call in.

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 FROM PERSON TO PERSON. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL. OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF IOWA

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

Time for Bulbs to Chill

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

preparing for another garden season as the summer growth is barely behind us. However, now is the time to get our bulbs ready for the spring. For some species that means it’s time to plant and for others it’s time to pull them out of the ground. Here are some tips for getting it right and having a beautiful spring and summer flower garden.

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

Planting the bulbs in the fall, before the ground freezes, allows time for roots to develop giving the plant a better chance at healthy growth.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER BULBS SHOULD BE PLANTED IN THE FALL OR SPRING? Bulbs are

categorized as either tender or hardy. Tender bulbs should be planted in the spring for summer blooming, while hardy bulbs should be planted in the fall for spring blooms. Examples of tender bulbs include: amaryllis, canna, gladiolus, begonia and caladium. Examples of hardy bulbs include: tulips (Tulipa sp.), daffodils (Narcissus sp.), hyacinth (Hyacinthus sp.), crocus, allium, fritillaria, and grape hyacinth (Muscari sp.).

WHY DO BULBS NEED TO BE PLANTED IN THE FALL IF THEY AREN’T GOING TO BLOOM UNTIL SPRING? Hardy bulbs require a chilling period,

which should ideally be at least 10 to 13 weeks with temperatures below 40 degrees. Planting the bulbs in the fall, before the ground freezes, allows time for roots to develop giving the plant a better chance at healthy growth. CAN YOU STILL PLANT HARDY BULBS IF YOU MISS THE FALL PLANTING PERIOD? If you plant

the bulbs in spring, they likely will not flower. However, if you save them for the next fall, the bulbs are likely to become soft and rot while in storage. Additionally, the food supply stored in the bulbs will start to deplete during the time they are out of the soil. One solution is to plant the bulbs as soon as the soil thaws. There will still be days of cold temperatures so the bulbs will get some chilling period. Though the bulbs will likely not bloom in the spring, they may bloom during the summer. Another option is to create an artificial chilling period. Plant the bulbs in containers and keep them in a refrigerator or other space that is below 40 degrees for the required 10 to 13 weeks. After that time, move the containers to a location where it is 65 to 70 degrees. This change imitates the spring temperatures and the bulbs will bloom within a few weeks.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

WHAT DO I DO WITH TENDER BULBS IN THE FALL?

Tender bulbs should be dug up once the foliage dies back. Take care not to damage the roots as you dig and remove the soil. Care for the bulbs varies depending on the species. Dahlias and Cannas can be washed and dried, whereas Gladiolus should not be washed. Dry the bulbs in a dark room where temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees. After a few weeks the bulbs can be labeled and stored in a cool, dry room until the temperatures outdoor are warm enough for planting in the ground. WHERE IS A GOOD SPOT TO PLANT BULBS OUTDOORS? Sandy loam soil is best for bulbs, but any

soil will suffice if you mix in compost. Healthy soil allows for proper drainage which prevents the bulbs from rotting. Choose a location that receives full to part sun. Be sure to follow the planting recommendations for the specific plant type. Typically, smaller bulbs should be planted shallower. Also consider the arrangement of the bulbs for the most attractive spring display. One final tip is to make a garden map so you remember where you planted your hardy bulbs and where you plan on incorporating the tender bulbs after the cold season. A little planning will go a long way for next year’s garden. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.

The brave crocus are often our first glimpse of spring. Planted en masse you can create a “crocus carpet” as a lovely reward for completing fall garden chores.

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The Energy Industry Seeks

DIGITAL

has always been a high-tech job, but now it’s gone even higher. If you need proof, take a look at the new job titles electric co-ops are wanting to fill, like data scientist and cybersecurity analyst. Even lineworkers are adding to their skills as more homeowners install solar panels on their roofs, some returning excess electricity back to the co-op — along power lines that used to only carry electricity in one direction. “When lineworkers go out to fix a problem, they need to make sure they understand where the rooftop solar is so they can operate in a safe manner,” says Venkat Banunarayanan, vice president of Integrated Grid Business & Technology Strategies with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Banunarayanan describes a “workforce evolution” in electric co-ops resulting from two powerful trends — new patterns in the flow of electricity and the explosion of digital technology. The radical idea of rooftop solar owners selling electricity back to the utility is just one of the new dynamics affecting the nation’s grid of electric poles and wires. The rapid rise in renewable energy complicates utility planning when solar power suddenly stops at sundown or calm weather cuts windfarm energy generation. Electric co-ops are also preparing for the effects of more people charging up electric vehicles at home as every major car company has announced plans for electric cars and trucks. If coordinating this new world of electricity sounds impossibly complicated, the almost-as-new world of information technology offers a solution. It’s called the smart grid. Over the past couple decades, power lines have been increasingly carrying not just power, but tons of data. The meter at your home is much more sophisticated at recording and reporting your energy use. Attached to overhead power lines are tennis-shoe-sized boxes called sensors that monitor the performance of the wires and send that info back to your electric co-op. Investments to develop the smart grid in the U.S. more than doubled the past six years, from $3.5 billion in 2014

KEEPING YOUR LIGHTS ON

Renewable energy trends and a smarter grid create new energy careers.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

to $7.8 billion in 2020, according to the analysis company Statista, and they expect that figure to nearly double again by 2024, to $13.8 billion. That money means new jobs. A report by the Energy Futures Initiative found that energy jobs grew at twice the rate of the overall economy from 2015 to 2019. Parts of the smart grid rely on the internet, so that means growth in jobs related to cybersecurity. Specialists are needed to guard against internet hackers, not only to protect co-op consumer-member and business information, but to make sure the electric supply is safe and secure. The new role of a “data scientist” determines how to use all that information coming in from the smart grid. NRECA’s Banunarayanan offers an example of what a data scientist might do: The reports of electricity use coming into the co-op’s computers could reveal several members plugging in their electric vehicles to charge every day around 5 p.m. That puts extra demand on the utility when it’s already at peak use. A data scientist looking at those numbers could recommend a special rate to encourage those electric vehicle owners to start charging after 10 p.m. when overall energy use isn’t so high. Or they might recommend updating the utility’s transformers to handle the heavier use. Those new careers — and yes you can go to school for a degree in data analytics — will also mean changes in other parts of the co-op. Managers of these new employees will be supervising more jobs that can be done remotely, and at any time of the day or night. NRECA’s Banunarayanan says that adapting to a different workforce will mean a new era for co-op management as well, as they recruit and supervise not just a new generation of workers, but a new generation of work. KCL 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% of the nation’s landscape.

PAUL WESSLUND

C E N T R A L R U R A L E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E

Electric cooperatives are experiencing a workforce evolution, which is a result from emerging energy trends — including new patterns in the flow of electricity (rooftop solar) and the explosion of digital technology. With all the new data and technologies, co-ops will have new career roles to fill.

D O N J O H N S O N , T R I N I T Y V A L L E Y E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E

BY PA U L W E S S L U N D

Investments to develop the smart grid in the U.S. more than doubled the past six years, and those investments mean new job opportunities at electric cooperatives and other utilities.

K E L LY H E S T E R , C A R R O L L E M C

Experts

Emerging energy trends also mean new skillsets for lineworkers, particularly for servicing homes that include rooftop solar panels. OCTOBER 2021

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Power-less Continued from Page 13

ELECTRIFYING Of all the things we take for granted in modern society, One thing that’s very important is our electricity. Electric power cools our homes, provides light for reading, And powers the appliances which modern homes are needing. But in the previous century, times were hard and sour. Most rural homes were without electric power. Investor-owned companies provided power in the city, But out here in the countryside, the picture wasn’t pretty. Homes out here were far apart. Cost was high to build a line. The cost of providing service made big companies decline. Then cooperatives were formed, as farm families came together, To provide electric service, in spite of distance and of weather. When electric power reached the rural parts of our nation, It was truly part of an important transformation. It would dramatically change the rural daily life, And eased the labor burden upon the farmer and his wife. It’s hard to imagine life without it, in those days bygone. I give thanks for electric co-ops that keep the power on. For when electric power reached the oldtime home on the range, You might say that it was an electrifying change. Happy Trails! WWW.RONSCOWBOYPOETRY.COM © COPYRIGHT 2021

Imagine life without electricity. For lighting, a family would need candles or gaslight or lanterns. Instead of a refrigerator, there was an icebox. Laundry was done with a washboard and a clothesline. Fireplaces and wood stoves were used for heating and cooking. Milking was done by hand. Water was hand-pumped from a well. No television, no computers, no internet, no Google! It is unthinkable today — but that was the life experienced by my parents when they were kids. We are only a few generations removed from life without electric power. Everything changed when affordable electricity reached the home. Electric-powered devices freed men and women from so many tasks. It made a difference in people’s lives. Fast forward to today. There are still challenges in providing electric service efficiently, due to growing demand and variations in weather. According to USDA, today’s rural electric cooperatives provide electricity to over 5.5 million rural customers. Thanks for keeping the power on. KCL In 2003 then Kansas Gov. Bill Graves officially proclaimed RON WILSON to be the Poet Lariat (not laureate) of Kansas, the same year he won first place at the Kansas Cowboy Symposium in Dodge City. Wilson also serves as director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS! The “Four Horsemen of the Lines” became a national symbol for the advancement of the rural electrification movement in the late 1930s. Helping to construct the electrical system for the Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative in the Horton area were Lind Jacobson, Junior Adams, Elmer Krebs and Karl Jacobson.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

Texas Grandmother with Leg and Feet Problems Goes from Near Cripple to Walking Her Dog Daily You don’t have to suffer anymore. Doctors never tell you about these 7 natural herbs, yet millions of people in China have used them for relief of leg and feet problems for 3,000 years. In fact, they are guaranteed to relieve your problems and provide soothing comfort - or you pay nothing. Mary Lentz of Plano, Texas suffered for over twenty years from leg and feet problems. Doctors prescribed one prescription drug after another. Then electrical stimulation. Then surgery. But after all these treatments – her legs and feet actually felt worse. Mary was fed up with suffering. She took matters into her own hands. At wit’s end, she discovered the best herbs for natural relief. She took them, and within just days, her leg and feet problems began to disappear. Now she walks her Golden Retriever Max every day (which she couldn’t do before), works in her garden and regularly plays tennis with friends. “If I kept listening to my doctors, I’d be a cripple today. I’d be in a wheelchair or in a nursing home. I am so thankful for these remarkable herbs.” Leg and feet problems could have been almost like a death sentence for Mary – and a shame for her suffering family. It is a terrible way to live out what should be the best year of your life. Neuropathy is like a wildfire. It starts with a small flame, but then quickly turns into a raging fire in your feet that never stops. Left alone or treated in a way that doesn’t work, it can lead to constant suffering – or even one of the 86,000 Americans who need a limb amputated each year according to the National Institutes of Health.

“I had so much pain from burning nerves in my feet I could barely move…but this makes it calm down so I can walk and sleep. I really love this stuff. Other pills didn’t work. It stops the nerves from hurting so bad. It is amazing. NeuroFlo lets me move and sleep pain-free. It is wonderful.” - Katerina King-Mccausland, Murrieta, CA

At Last – You Don’t Have To Suffer Anymore Here’s why you have these problems: Your arteries have weakened. Your arteries can’t carry enough blood, nutrients and oxygen down to your legs and feet. This damages your nerves and causes your burning, tingling and numbness. The 7 herbs in the pill NeuroFlo strengthen your arteries that carry blood, nutrients and oxygen to your feet and legs. It improves your circulation so oxygenated blood goes to the nerves and repairs them. This makes your nerves grow stronger so your pain fades away and your legs and feet feel much younger again. Until now, scientists could not combine all these herbs into one pill without losing their full potency, but finally, they have succeeded. Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. says “This is new and different. It works for people who’ve tried many other things before. It is natural with no side effects. Don’t give up hope for your leg and feet pain, burning, tingling and numbing. This pill is working for countless people after other treatments have failed them.” From word-of-mouth, over 30,000 doses of this Chinese miracle have already been sold in America. Instead of letting their doctors control their health with no real relief, people are taking this natural approach. They are staying active and independent as they age – and creating a bright future they are excited about, instead of fearing. Now you too can enjoy your best years yet. Conventional Treatments All Wrong In America, drugs and other OTC formulas try to superficially suppress the symptoms. This may be going after the problem completely wrong. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes nerve problems are largely caused by stagnant blood circulation. This causes your legs and feet NOT to get enough oxygen-rich, nutrient-rich blood they need to heal. The ingredients in NeuroFlo get this crucial blood flowing to your legs and feet like a fast-running river stream so they can feel better fast. Want proof? To show how important oxygenated blood flow is, hold your breath. Hold

Chinese herbs provide fast relief of leg and feet tingling, burning and numbness. They do this by improving the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen to your legs and feet to repair damaged nerves.

it too long and you’ll pass out. This is what’s happening to your feet and legs now -- they are not getting the oxygenated blood flow they need to feel healthy. Now you can get a good night’s sleep peaceful, restful sleep – with no pain, tingling, zinging, itching or zapping. Improve your balance and coordination. No side effects – safe to take with other medications. Enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies again. Be more active, have more fun, enjoy life more. Don’t risk irreversible damage to your feet and hands. Don’t get worse and wind up in the hospital or a nursing home. Neuroflo is GUARANTEED to work great for you – or you PAY NOTHING with a 90-day unconditional money-back guarantee. It is NOT sold in stores or online. No prescription or doctor visit is required. 50% OFF FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS This is the official release of Neuroflo in the state. Therefore, everyone who calls within the next 10 days will receive 50% OFF their first order. A toll-free hotline number has been set up for local readers to call for this 50% OFF savings. The number will be open starting at 7:00 am today and only for the next 10 days. All you have to do is CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-263-6394 and provide the operator with the special 50% OFF discount approval code: NEF158. Important: Due to Neuroflo’s popularity and recent media exposure on ABC, CBS and FOX NEWS, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not get through immediately, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 10 day deadline for 50% OFF will have to pay more for Neuroflo.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results based upon averages. Models are used in all photos to protect privacy.

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

A Return to Turnips, the Original Jack-o’-Lantern THE TAP AT THE DOOR WAS SO LIGHT, the dogs didn’t even notice. The house was buttoned up tight in preparation for the cold already hinted at in the north wind, so that even a neighbor bearing gifts could creep on the porch, barely noticed (and certainly unrecognizable through the windows, covered in plastic sheeting). His annual visits were like clockwork. He didn’t aim to stay, but just drop off his bounty. The turnips he grew were left humbly, with no fanfare, in bags and cardboard boxes by the front door, a simple testament to the nearby farm and fields he tended well into his 90s. The white and purple globes, scrubbed clean to the point of glowing, were much appreciated by my parents, who ate them throughout the fall and

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

into winter, steamed and boiled and mashed with butter or roasted alongside carrots with pork and beef roasts in a gravy broth. One year, when I visited my folks around Halloween, I got to join in on the neighbor’s generous turnip crop. Some of the roots were enormous, nearly small cabbage size. Since we had watched a recent special on the history of Halloween and learned that it was turnips, not pumpkins, originally carved as jack-o’-lanterns in Ireland during those Rebecca Howard early harvest celebrations, I asked my mom if I could take one of the larger turnips and give it a go. That old expression of how you can’t get blood from a turnip could also be applied to the challenges of wrenching a jack-o’-lantern from one, too. Still, I was determined, and in the span of an afternoon — and with the help of one of my dad’s honed-to-hairsplitting knives — had hollowed and carved the veggie, quite crudely, into a rough symbol of Halloween. We put a tiny tea light candle inside the turnip to illumiThis easy turnip soup takes on a creamy texture from pureeing with the nate. While the glow of jack-o’-lanterns blender. Instead of soup and salad, try salad on soup by making one from was originally meant to scare off spirits the turnip greens (or fresh spinach) tossed in a light vinaigrette and serving in the night, I would say my turnip directly on top of the soup. jack’s smell — as the candle par roasted f 4 medium turnips (about 1 1/2 f 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary it from within — would also do the job. pounds), plus 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced Even though the pumpkin (way f 1/2 tsp. salt plus a pinch, divided turnip greens or spinach, divided easier to carve and much more festivef 1/4 tsp. freshly ground white f 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided looking) replaced the turnip at Halpepper plus a pinch, divided f 1 Tbsp. butter loween, cultivating turnips for culinary f 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth use (as well as feed for livestock) began f 1 medium onion, sliced f 1/4 cup shredded carrot early in America, inspired by the likes f 1/2 cup chopped celery f 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced scallion greens of Charles “Turnip” Townsend, an f 1 clove garlic, minced f 2 tsp. white wine vinegar Englishman who in the 1700s “develPeel and slice the turnips. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. oped a system of rotating grain crops Add onion, celery and garlic and cook, stirring until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add with turnips,” according to “The the turnips, rosemary, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; stir to combine. Cover and cook, stirring Oxford Companion to American Food once or twice, for 10 minutes. and Drink,” edited by Andrew Smith Add broth, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover (Oxford University Press, Inc.; 2007). and cook until the turnips are tender, 10 to 12 minutes more. Turnip roots have long been tradiMeanwhile, toss the turnip greens (or spinach) in a medium bowl with carrot, scallion greens, tionally cooked similarly to potatoes vinegar, the remaining 1 Tbsp. of oil and pinch of salt and pepper. (boiling and mashing), as reflected Puree the soup in the pan using an immersion blender, or carefully transfer to a regular blender in early cookbooks, such as Hannah and blend until smooth. Serve each portion of the soup topped with a generous 1/4 cup of the Glasse’s “The Art of Cookery” (1748), salad. Serves 6. where she also suggested using them to ADAPTED FROM E ATINGWELL MAGAZINE make wine. Turnip greens, also quite tasty, were adopted by the American

Creamy Turnip Soup

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

South as a beloved soul-food side, slow-cooked with smoked fatty meats, similar to mustard greens or collards. Turnips and their cousins, the mysterious (and, yes, delicious) rutabagas are actually in the mustard family. While some turn up their noses at eating the humble turnip, I’ve always been fond of them, as a child enjoying a crunchy slice of raw turnip with a little sprinkling of salt. Their spicy, just shy of bitter taste and tight, crisp texture gives them more body and bite than a starchy potato, and mixing them in the spud mash will breathe new life into an old favorite. Expanding on their potato-like possibilities, one could also use turnips in gratins or other cheesy bakes. Turnips can be roasted and maple-glazed or pureed into soups. Raw, they can be sliced into crispy crudité for a veggie-and-dip platter, shredded into slaws or salads (as can their tops, too), or chopped up for a textural garnish. Maybe, if you are lucky enough to have extra-large turnips and time to whittle away, you could take a stab at carving a turnip to get in touch with one of Halloween’s oldest roots. 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.”

Maple-Glazed Turnips You’ve heard of honey-glazed carrots … why not turnips with a maple glaze? The sweet-smoky syrup takes roasted turnips to a new dimension for the perfect autumn side dish. f 6 to 8 medium size turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes f 2 Tbsp. canola or light olive oil f Salt, to taste f 1/4 cup pure maple syrup f 2 Tbs. butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly oil a large shallow roasting pan or half sheet pan (tip: lining the pan with nonstick aluminum foil eases cleanup). In a large bowl, combine the turnips, oil and salt to taste. Toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer in the pan. Roast for about 15 minutes, until the turnips are tender, stirring or shaking the pan occasionally for even cooking. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, butter, nutmeg and chili powder (if using). Pour over the turnips. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes until the turnips are well browned and tender. Serve hot. Serves 4.

f Pinch of nutmeg

ADAPTED FROM “ THE ROASTED VEGETABLE” BY ANDRE A CHESMAN (THE

f Pinch of chipotle chili powder (optional)

HARVARD COMMON PRESS: 2002)

OCTOBER 2021

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SUPERSONIC CBD

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WHY SO MUCH EXCITEMENT Dr. Al Sears, M.D., is considered the leading pioneer in anti-aging medicine. He’s published over 500 scientific papers and is a frequent guest on ABC News, CNN, Discovery, National Geographic, and many other media outlets. Working with his team at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging, Dr. Sears has formulated Supersonic CBD into a new, fast-acting, feelyoung formula called Canna LS. The results have been so incredible that Dr. Sears is having a hard time keeping up with the rising demand. “We’ve sold out multiple times in the past and expect to sell out again soon.”

94% OF CBD GOES TO WASTE The reason most CBD oils fail to deliver results is because of the liver’s filtering system. “Think of it as a mesh strainer,” explains Dr. Sears. “It catches almost everything, and only a handful of the tiny particles are able to pass through.” In other words, almost all CBD products promising better sleep, mood, blood pressure, cognitive function and even pain relief, all get filtered by your liver before they can even attempt to fix the problem. The World Health Organizati-

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let’sdish Pumpkin French Toast Casserole EATWHEAT.ORG

Spicy Pumpkin Pork Chili

Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies

KANSAS PORK PRODUCERS, EATPORK.ORG

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f 1 loaf French bread (day-old is great)

f 1 1/2 lbs. sirloin pork chops cubed

f ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

f 6 eggs

f sea salt and black pepper

f ¾ cup brown sugar

f 2 cups milk

f 2 Tbsp. olive oil

f ¼ cup granulated sugar

f ½ cup heavy cream

f 1 cup onion chopped

f 1 box pumpkin spice dry pudding mix (3.4 oz)

f 1 cup granulated sugar

f 1 cup pumpkin puree

f 2 eggs

f 1 cup pumpkin puree

f 1 cup tomato sauce

f 1 tsp. vanilla extract

f 2 Tbsp. chili powder

f 2 ¼ cups white whole wheat flour

f 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

f 1 Tbsp. garlic powder

f 1 tsp. baking soda

Topping f ½ cup brown sugar f ½ cup flour f ½ cup diced butter f 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

f 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.)

Glaze f 1 cup powdered sugar f 2 Tbsp. milk f ½ tsp. vanilla extract

f 1 can diced green chiles (4 oz.)

FOR CASSEROLE Cut bread into chunks and spread evenly in a generously greased 9x13 pan.

Mix eggs, milk, cream, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice together and pour over bread. Gently press bread down into egg mixture to ensure all bread is coated.

Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper to taste. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the pork cubes and chopped onion and sauté. Cook until the pork is lightly browned and the onion is clear.

FOR THE COOKIES Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on medium speed. Add dry pudding and mix well. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Mix in flour and baking soda. Dough will be thick.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, butter and pumpkin pie spice for the topping and sprinkle mixture evenly over bread.

In the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, chili powder and garlic powder. Add the meat mixture, beans, tomatoes, and chiles to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook for 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.

Cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Top with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy.

Remove from refrigerator and bake at 350 F for about 45 minutes, or until set in the middle. If necessary, tent with foil toward the end of baking to prevent overbrowning.

Serves 8-12

Bake cookies for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet then remove to cooling rack.

FOR TOPPING

Using cookie scoop place cookies on prepared cookie sheet. Using bottom of a flat glass, lightly press cookie until flat.

RECIPE NOTES Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, pecans, or a spoonful of fruit and enjoy!

FOR THE GLAZE While cookies are cooling, prepare powdered sugar glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Using a spoon or piping bag drizzle glaze over cookies.

FREEZER-FRIENDLY To prepare casserole

RECIPE NOTES If you can’t find pumpkin spice

for the freezer, complete all the steps except refrigerating and baking. Wrap casserole in foil and seal in a 2-gallon freezer bag or double wrap casserole in foil. When ready to serve, allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Then bake as directed.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER 2021

pudding mix, substitute butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix and 1 Tbs. pumpkin pie spice.

Football Across 1

Chief's CEO and Chairman, ____ Hunt

Team that Chiefs defeated in the Super Bowl in 2020

Punt's trajectory

Original Founder of the Kansas Chiefs, ____ Hunt

QB's cry

Chief's wide receiver nicknamed "Cheetah" (first name)

Long arching passes

Position covering a receiver

___ coverage- different from zone coverage

Advantage

Savings account, abbr.

Chiefs' winning coach

____ ball: ball that's no longer in play

Powerful tackle

Triangular traffic sign

Game plans

Attempt to stop the quarterback from passing (2 words)

Strong-side linebacker

Down 1

The Tomahawk chop is part of this cheerleaders' refrain TV network owned by Disney

Treatment for injured players

Total attempts (kick off/ punt returns), abbr.

Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman. for example

Type of offense (2 words)

Darrel Williams position, abbr.

Chief's QB, Patrick

Negative word

Compass point

Chief's TE, Travis ___

Designate

Place for relaxation

Boise State's state

Very small, as a margin of victory

Their purpose is to prevent the offense from scoring

Article in Germany

Add up

ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 26 OCTOBER 2021

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Bill Wessel, Council Grove Lake, Flint Hills Electric

Kansas

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