The Dane G. Hansen Foundation awarded NWKareS a grant of $91,060 to expand telecare to improve care those we serve. The funds will cover the costs of equipment for telecare including tele-monitoring software, patient monitoring devices and patient monitoring applications for smartphones. NWKares is so very appreciative of this support for us to better serve their communities.

Pat Hageman and Karen McMullen Hageman have been chosen as the 2021 Bankers Soil Conservation Award Winners for Rooks County. Pat grew up in a large family three miles north of Plainville.

The 2018 Farm Bill introduced the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC) to expand resource benefits for producers to implement, adopt, manage, and maintain incentive practices that effectively address soil health resource concerns within the State of Kansas. Across the Nation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has led the soil health movement by connecting all fundamental NRCS resource concerns that address farm production. Ensuring healthy soils’ optimal functioning secures national food production, reduces the level to which disasters and weather extremes impact agriculture, and improves our society’s overall well-being.

During the 1930's, the Dust Bowl made the need to conserve natural resources, particularly soil, very clear. Agencies ranging from Land Grant Universities to the Federal Emergency Relief Administration researched and implemented conservation practices throughout the nation. Eventually the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was created under the Soil Conservation Act of 1935, to develop and implement soil erosion control programs. It was soon evident that local leadership was needed to encourage local participation and coordinate efforts of conservation agencies. As a consequence, the U.S. Congress developed a model Conservation District Law, for consideration by state governments.

The 2021 Rooks County Windbreak Award winner is Craig and Jessica Iwanski of Stockton. They have worked diligently to establish windbreaks on their property.

Because the right amount of moisture at the right time is not a guarantee, the threat of soil erosion caused by wind is increased in times of drought. Farmers and ranchers have diligently worked hard to improve farming practices over the years to help conserve top soil.

Because Conservation Districts are citizen-directed organizations, they are ideal and practical partners to coordinate local, state and federal initiatives to protect natural resources and enhance water quality. In addition to local programs, Conservation Districts administer the State cost-share programs which provide financial assistance to landowners to install conservation practices. Conservation District employees work closely with employees of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and cooperate with other federal and state agencies to help protect and conserve natural resources in Kansas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced recently up to $225 million in available funding for conservation Partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address nat-challenges on agricultural land. This years funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture.

Kansans struggling to cover high utility bills and energy costs may qualify for free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient. The assistance, made available through the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, improves heating and cooling efficiency and saves energy by ensuring homes hold in heat and air conditioning while keeping cold and hot air out.

Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday, January 25, the appointment of Angela D. Coble, Salina, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Buser.