RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR STEVE SCHENEMAN
Dr. C. Stephen Scheneman, Leader of Professional Development, will be retiring from his Extension career in June.  You are cordially invited to attend his retirement reception this Friday, May 18, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. in Room 125, Umberger Hall.

A collection of letters is being gathered for Steve.  Please send your letter to K-State Research and Extension-Extension Administration, Attention: Marlene Hightower, 123 Umberger Hall, Manhattan KS 66506, by May 16. E-mail messages may also be sent to mhightow@oznet.ksu.edu . Gifts are not being solicited, but if you would like to contribute toward a gift, please make checks payable to the KSU Foundation and forward to Marlene by May 16.

We hope you will be able to join in recognizing Steve for his 11 1/2 years of service to the people of Kansas. --Dick Wootton rwootton@oznet.ksu.edu 

LEGISLATURE WRAPS UP; SOME DETAILS KNOWN
The 2001 Kansas Legislature adjourned early Tuesday morning, one week ago today. There are a some items I can share with you today. Others will have to wait until we have more information.

FACULTY/STAFF SALARIES
There is a special Regents Pool of 3.12%, effective 6/10/2001, which will be applied to all ranked faculty at the instructor level and above. This particular salary increase does not apply to County Extension Agents, Farm Management Fieldmen, or top level administrators of K-State Research and Extension.

Funding has been provided for an average base increase of 1.5% at the beginning of the fiscal year (6/10/2001) and an additional average increase of 1.5% on 3/03/2002. This applies to both classified and unclassified employees.

When the faculty salary enhancement funds mentioned previously are included, on the average, a ranked faculty member's base salary will increase by about 6.12% as we go into FY2003. It is important to point out, however, that the real dollars (cash salary) paid out will increase by an average of about 5.1% for FY2002, because of the structure of the increase (i.e. June 10 and March 3).

On the average, the base salary for non-faculty unclassified employees and classified employees will increase by 3% as we go into FY2003. Again, it is important to note that, on average, the cash salary increase will be about 1.9% for FY2002, because of the structure of the increase (i.e. June 10 and March 3). 

Longevity bonuses that recognize years of service for classified employees have been fully funded. 

BIVAC BUILDING FUNDED
In his budget request to the Legislature, Governor Graves asked lawmakers to authorize $3 million for a Bioprocessing and Industrial Value Added Center (BIVAC) building, which would be part of the new Grain Science Complex. Research in this building would develop new processes and products using Kansas cereal grains and oilseeds, thus enhancing their value and benefiting Kansas producers.

I am pleased to say the Legislature funded the $3 million and also provided a loan from state funds to help launch the construction. We will approach the private sector to fund the remaining costs of the building and repay the loan. We thank Governor Graves for his leadership on this issue.

SPECIAL BUDGET ENHANCEMENTS
In our original budget request which went to the Governor, we requested two program enhancements. One was for a Water Quality Enhancement in the amount of $487,282, and the second was for the Farm Analyst Program in the amount of $69,372. The Governor did not include the enhancements in his budget request to the Legislature.

OTHER ISSUES
Many details affecting K-State Research and Extension were decided at the very end of the session. Thus, the State Division of the Budget, KSU Administration, and our K-State Research and Extension budget office are still determining the ramifications of some actions affecting both this fiscal year and FY2002.

For example, we know the legislature made a 25% reduction in out-of-state travel financed by the State General Fund for FY2002. The State Division of the Budget has not yet provided the exact amount of this reduction.

Also, we typically must estimate the amount of federal funds we will receive long before we know the actual amount. We have had an agreement that the State would make up the amount if we did not estimate correctly. Unfortunately, the Legislature failed to appropriate funds to offset an over-estimate of federal land-grant funds and an under-estimate of State funds required ($339,000) for K- State Research and Extension in FY2002. We will seek restoration of those funds as a supplemental appropriation during the 2002 legislative session. However, we will set our budget assuming the total amount will not be restored. 

No additional funding was provided for the utility shortfall for the current year or next fiscal year. We do not know yet the amount we will need to hold back to pay utility bills.

SUMMARY
As in all years, some really great things happened and we appreciate all the hard work by the Governor and Legislature. Given the funding situation, some tough decisions had to be made. As we receive the rest of the budget information, we will set our budgets and do the best job we can for the citizens of Kansas. Also, we will keep you informed. Thanks. --Marc A. Johnson mjohnson@oznet.ksu.edu 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COFFEE REMINDER
The Kansas Citizens for Extension Education and the Kansas Extension Agents Association are co-sponsoring a continental breakfast for the County Commissioners State meeting which is in Great Bend. The breakfast is set for Friday, May 18, from 7:15 - 8 a.m., in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Convention Center. All agents are welcome to participate in this event to visit with the commissioners. Also, please check to see that the invitations which were sent out in the distribution packet on April 30 have been delivered to your commissioners. 

If you have questions, call Donna Krug. 620-793-1910. --Donna Krug dkrug@oznet.ksu.edu    

SUMMER FRUIT TOURS TO BE HELD ON MAY 30 AND JUNE 6
The Kansas Fruit Growers Association and K-State Research and Extension are pleased to announce two summer fruit tours this year. Summer fruit tours provide the public with an opportunity to visit commercial fruit growing operations, and are specifically aimed at those who are fruit producers or who are interested in producing fruit commercially.

On May 30, there will be a visit to the Steffen Orchard at 1345 W. 90th Avenue, Conway Springs. Nick and Mary Steffen grow peaches, apples and blackberries, and also produce cider. The visit will start at 10 a.m. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat at the orchard following the tour. Drinks will be provided. To get to the Steffen Orchard, in Conway Springs turn west on Parallel Avenue (90th Avenue). The Steffen Orchard is 3 1/2 miles west of town.

On June 6, there will be a visit to Gary's Berries at Grantville, and to the Rees Fruit Farm, near Topeka. Gary Starr and his family grow strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and pumpkins at their farm near Topeka. They mainly produce strawberries using an intensive annual strawberry production system, with raised beds, plastic mulch and drip irrigation. The Rees Fruit Farm has been in the family for about 100 years and is the largest commercial fruit farm in Kansas. Rex Rees and family produce apples, peaches, cherries, grapes, plums, strawberries, blackberries, other fruit and vegetables. Their farm store is open year-round, and is renowned for its cider slush. Rex will update us on his changing fruit production and marketing strategies.

The June 6 tour will start at Gary's Berries at 10 a.m., and then proceed to the Rees Fruit Farm where lunch (approximate cost $5.00) will be offered prior to a tour of the Rees Farm and store.

Gary's Berries is about 6 miles east of Topeka on Hwy 24. Look for his sign on the north side of the highway and follow signs south to the farm. Rees Fruit Farm is about 4 miles west of Gary's Berries on K-24 at the junction of K-24 and Hwy K-4 East.

To allow us to make adequate plans for food and drink, please confirm your intention to participate in either of these tours by calling Christy Nagel: 785-532-6173. --Ted Carey tcarey@oznet.ksu.edu 

FARM BILL FORUM HOSTED BY JERRY MORAN
K-State Research and Extension personnel are invited to join in a 90-minute farm bill forum, hosted by State Representative Jerry Moran on Wednesday, May 23. The forum begins at 7:30 a.m. CDT and will be broadcast on interactive television at eight sites in western and central Kansas:

1) Dodge City Community College, Student Union Building, Ford County Room;
2) Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial Street, Visser Hall, Room 111;
3) Garden City Zoo, 312 E. Finnup Drive, Finnup Center for Conservation Education; 
4) Goodland Vo-Tech, 1209 Harrison Street, Bookstore; 
5) Fort Hays State University, Memorial Union, Stauffer Lounge; 
6) Hutchinson Community College, 1300 N. Plum, Shears Technology Center, Justice Theater
7) Seward County Community College (Liberal), 1801 N. Kansas, Hobble Academic Building, Room A140; 
8) Kansas State University -- Salina, 2409 Scanlan Avenue, Technology Center, Room 113 C.

For more information, you may contact Rep. Moran's Washington DC press office at 202-225-2715. --Pat Melgares pmelgare@oznet.ksu.edu 

CENTENNIAL UPDATE
During the first two weeks of May, National 4-H Council sent all county offices a packet of materials concerning the National 4-H Centennial. It contained, among other pieces, several copies of a brochure that describes the effort and the time line, sample copies of letters to national legislators, and more information about the movement. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS, PLEASE ASK AROUND IN YOUR OFFICE. VISIT WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

Recently, press releases were sent out to newspapers across the country. The press releases announced the 4-H Centennial Initiative, the Power of Youth Pledge Campaign, and what will be occurring throughout the next year. Newspapers may contact you for more information regarding the 4-H Centennial. Below is some information that may help you answer their questions:

1. The 4-H Centennial will begin with the Centennial Conversations in the fall of 2001 and will continue through the year 2002. 

2. Agents will be working with 4-H'ers within each county and state to plan local conversations to focus on issues related to youth development in the 21st Century. Community leaders and members of other organizations in your community will be invited to participate. 

3. Let the reporter know about any centennial plans that you may have for your community or state and encourage them to also look at the 4-H Centennial site at http://www.4hcentennial.org/ . Please send Christie Phillips, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at National 4-H Council, an e-mail to let her know when a reporter contacts you. Please include the reporter's name and newspaper so we can keep track of reporters who have responded to the information sent. For more information, please refer the reporter to Christie Phillips at 301-961-2915 or phillips@fourhcouncil.edu .

Check out the floor debate that occurred in the house about 4-H Centennial http://www.4hcentennial.org/conversation/index.asp . Click on the link "H, Res. 112 Floor Debate May 1, 2001" at the bottom of the page. (This information provided by the Clover Corner News) --Steve Fisher sfisher@oznet.ksu.edu 

BUY 4-H FABRIC NOW
We have been notified that Wal-Mart stores will probably not carry the 4-H fabric after August, 2001. Alert your leaders and families now, so they can purchase what they need while it is still available. --Steve Fisher sfisher@oznet.ksu.edu 

2ND ANNUAL KANSAS YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM
Planning is underway for the 2nd Annual Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, to be held November 30 - December 2, 2001 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The theme for this conference is “Leadership-A Knowledge Within You.” This event, designed for youth ages 14-18, will include: speakers, track sessions, service learning, focus teams and the election of our second State 4-H Council.

We are recruiting proposals for track session presenters and focus team facilitators. The Kansas 4-H Youth Council hopes you will be interested in sharing your expertise and talents with one or more of these opportunities.

Track Sessions (Workshops) will be offered on Saturday, December 1, 8:30 - 9:40 a.m. (Session #1); 9:45-10:55 a.m. (Session #2); and Sunday , December 2, 9:45-10:45 a.m. (Session #3). Topics should center around leadership. Some ideas might include citizenship, communication, conflict management, ethics, motivation, initiatives, decision making, leading by example, time management, using your resources, leadership after high school, getting involved, international citizenship, diversity and multi cultural studies.

Focus Teams will be offered from 11 a.m.-12 noon on Saturday, December 1. The purpose of the Focus Teams is to get youth opinions, ideas and solutions for the participants to take back to their own communities. This information will also be used for state programming and for National Conference Delegates to take to Washington, D.C. Some topic areas might include: technology, continuing 4-H involvement, expanding 4-H involvement, power of youth, healthier and safer youth, ethical solutions, diversity, maintaining interest and motivation.

Printed copies of the workbook are available from the Housing Assistance Council for $4.00 each (including postage and handling) at 202-842-8600.

The workbook is also available on the Housing Assistance Council website at www.ruralhome.org/pubs/workbooks/saworkbook/contents.htm . --Robert Wilson rwilson@loki.agecon.ksu.edu 

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS . 

Submit corrections to previously submitted items to jzarger@oznet.ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR MAY 23, 2001, THROUGH MAY 29, 2001:

Wednesday, May 23
.... Wheat Tour, Ottawa, Single county, SC, Jim Shroyer jshroyer@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... Kansas Wheat Day, Hays/Ellis, Statewide, 9:00 a.m., Pat Coyne coyne@ksu.edu 

Thursday, May 24
.... ServSafe-Serving Safe Food, Junction City/GE and surrounding area, NE, SE & SC, Karen Penner kpenner@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... Wheat Tour/KSU Southeast Agricultural Research Center, Parsons/LB, SE Area, 8:30 a.m., Lyle Lomas llomas@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... Wheat Plot Tour, Dickinson, Single county, SC, a.m., Stu Duncan sduncan@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... South Central Kansas Experiment Field Day, Hutchinson/Reno, Statewide, 6:00 p.m., Bill Heer bheer@oznet.ksu.edu 

Friday, May 25
.... Wheat Plot Tour, Sedgwick, Single county, SC, Stu Duncan sduncan@oznet.ksu.edu 

Saturday, May 26
.... Southwest Horse Spectacular, Garden City/FI, Statewide, Barbara Addison baddison@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... Haskell County Spring Prospect Show, Haskell, Single county, SW, Carla Nemecek cnemecek@oznet.ksu.edu 

Monday, May 28
.... Memorial Day Observed

Tuesday, May 29
.... Wheat Tour, Saline, Single county, SC, 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Jim Shroyer jshroyer@oznet.ksu.edu 
.... Wheat Plot Tour, Cowley, Single county, SC, 6:00 p.m., Jon C. Baker cbaker@oznet.ksu.edu 

Tuesday, May 29, through Thursday, May 31
.... New Extension Agent Orientation, Manhattan, Statewide, Steve Scheneman sschenem@oznet.ksu.edu