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The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

  
Vol. 13, No. 10  January 16, 2007


IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Contact with Legislators/Legislative Committees
...Introducing an Employee Resource Website
...Diversity Programs Office Update
...Password Change Reminder!
...Training Sessions for 4-H Day Judges
...Everyone Invited to Seminar on Biorefineries - January 19
...Operation Military Kids - Ready, Set, Go Trainings
...USDA Energy Conference Scheduled
...No-Till on the Plains Winter Conference
...Reminder to Register for the National Community Development Conference
...Interested in Mentoring and Hosting a Summer Youth Community Development Coordinator?
...4-H Discovery Days Needs Your Help on May 30 and 31!
...Dog Care and Training Action Team Minutes Now on Web
...Horse Action Team Minutes Now on Web
...Date Change for Kansas All Breeds Junior Dairy Show and State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and Quiz Bowl
...Dairy Career Camp
...
Master Schedule

                                                                                                           ...Tuesday Letter Archives


WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Dr. Vincent Amanor-Boadu, Extension Specialist, Agricultural Economics, conducted a survey following the annual conference "Program Focus Team" discussions to gain greater insight on where we are currently with respect to "program focus" and the expectations and interests of Extension agents in where the "professional development and training initiative" might be headed. I would offer a few key points from Vincent's summary:

Most respondents see themselves currently working in as many as seven to nine program focus areas as have been defined through this initiative. (Difficulty in envisioning ability to focus.)

Respondents did not think their current competence allows them to deliver effective services. (Need is there for increased knowledge and skills.)

Respondents expressed sincere interest in furthering their knowledge and skills in a more focused program area and would avail themselves for such opportunity. (Desire and commitment is evident.)

Respondents expect to be actively involved in determining the priorities needed and desired in a particular program focus area. (Expect the process to be collaborative among specialists and agents.)

Respondents desire multiple delivery modes for the learning experiences. (Interested in computer-based deliveries, real-time interaction, effective, and efficient educational experiences. Creative learning experiences are anticipated.)

Respondents expressed concern for continuity in training and personal development. Suggested that units across KSRE and KSU work collaboratively to design and develop the educational experiences in such a way to support "true development" of agents into excellent professionals. (This in difference to "flavor of the month" approach, as one respondent described it.)

Thank you for your sincere interest in this initiative. I thank Vincent for sharing this survey with all of us.

With your commitment to success in this process, I believe we can all share a vision of K-State Research and Extension continuously improving in its delivery of high quality, sustained, relevant educational experiences and information delivery to improve the quality of life and standard of living for the citizens living in Kansas. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

 

CONTACT WITH LEGISLATORS/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
If you are contacted and asked to provide information to legislators, are asked to provide testimony to Legislative Committees, or want to make a request to the Legislature for funds, programs, changes in legislation or new legislation affecting your program, the Board of Regents and/or the Regents institutions, please call or e-mail my assistant, Steven Graham, first, before doing anything else.

Also, if you want to invite a legislator(s) to attend a special meeting, please let Steven know first. By special, I do not mean something you do every year, i.e. annual Extension Council meeting, long-running local legislative event, etc. I mean something high profile that will have the legislator commenting to Sue Peterson, Assistant to the President and Director of Governmental Relations for K-State, that he/she was pleased to be invited. Sue should know you want to invite the legislator ahead of time and not find out afterward from the legislator.

As employees of the College of Agriculture/K-State Research and Extension, we operate under the auspices of the Kansas Board of Regents. We are subject, therefore, to "The Policy and Procedures Manual" of the Kansas Board of Regents. The entire section 5 of the manual is entitled: "Interaction With The Legislature And Other State Agencies."

I will not go into all the details because the overall message is very simple. We are to cooperate with such requests and can interact with legislators but ALSO are required to notify the President/CEO of the Board of Regents about an invitation to produce information, appear before a committee, provide input to a law, etc.

The way we do this within the College of Agriculture/K-State Research and Extension, is to e-mail or call Steven Graham. He will inform Sue Peterson. Sue then notifies the Board of Regents.

I encourage you to use this chain of command for two reasons:

1) We are required to under the Regent's Policies and Procedures.
2) Sue Peterson has her fingers on the pulse of Kansas politics and can enhance our activity and thought process with more information.

Sometimes, she will be aware of other activities that we can either join or avoid entirely. This helps us circumvent potential problems and succeed in our mission.

I encourage you to attend or host local legislative coffees or "eggs and issues" breakfasts. I also encourage you to know your local legislators and be a dependable source of research-based information for them.

However, if a legislator asks you for very specific information you may not be totally familiar with, think about contacting Steven and determining the proper strategy for responding. Also, if a legislator asks you to testify orally or provide written testimony and submit it on some subject, check with Steven before committing to do that. We always like to assist legislators, but we also want to protect you from being drawn into something that is better avoided.

I appreciate your cooperation. Steven Graham can be reached by e-mailing sgraham@k-state.edu  or by calling 785-532-6147. Thanks for your cooperation. --Fred Cholick fcholick@k-state.edu

 

INTRODUCING AN EMPLOYEE RESOURCE WEBSITE
An Employee Resource website has been added as a link from the K-State Research and Extension home page. This site is designed as a portal to resources unique to faculty and staff of K-State Research and Extension.

Information on benefits, civil rights, employee relations, forms, financial resources, policies, and professional and program development can be located.

Each month the front page will spotlight a different employee of K-State Research and Extension. The feature article is designed to highlight the diversity of responsibilities of those employed by the organization. You will learn about their professional responsibilities as well as their interests outside their employment.

To view the site, click on "Employee Resources" at www.oznet.ksu.edu . --Stacey M. Warner swarner@ksu.edu

 

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE UPDATE
Thanks to all who have reserved a seat at our Annual Diversity Student Leader Luncheon on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. We are so pleased with the response.

This upcoming week is packed with wonderful opportunities to come together and celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. The 2007 MLK events is also one way to show just how far we have come in moving towards equality and opportunity!

Below is a friendly reminder of this week's activities and you may also visit the website at http://www.k-state.edu/ddcd/mlkweek2007.htm .

2007 Events

Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Diversity Luncheon "Diversity: Addressing the Needs of Our People"
Speaker - Carl Butler, USDA 1890 Program Manager and National Society of MANRRS Public Relations Chair
12:30-2:00 p.m.
K-State Student Union (Flint Hills Room)

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hale Library Readings and Mural Viewing
12:00-2:00 p.m.
3rd Floor

Thursday, January 18, 2007
Fellowship Luncheon and Guest Speaker, Dr. Debbye Turner
Student Union (Grand Ballroom)

Friday, January 19, 2007
All parts of the program on Friday, the 19th will be powerful and historic. Please be a part of history as we dedicate one of Manhattan, KS streets as Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Street.

We want to mobilize as many people as possible to be a part of this historical event. Please join our Diversity Programs Office and MANRRS chapter as we participate in the march. The Street Dedication will take place at Longs Park at 10:30 a.m., followed by The March which will have many wonderful features. We are encouraging people to make signs similar to those on the 2007 MLK Observance Week poster.

Refreshments will be served at the end of the march at Ahearn Fieldhouse and the Installation Ceremony will feature Mr. James Reynolds, Kansas Historical Society Who's Who, Emmy- nominated actor in the daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives," and NAACP Image Award winner as our speaker.

Hope to see you this week for you DO NOT want to miss being a part of history! If you have any questions, please contact me at 785-532-5793 or zwh@ksu.edu . Thanks in advance for supporting our diversity efforts. Have a great week!  --Dr. Zelia Z. Wiley

 

PASSWORD CHANGE REMINDER!
THE UNIVERSITY'S eID PASSWORD CHANGE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 14.

Please change your K-State eID password before February 15.  On February 15, all eID accounts with unchanged passwords will be deactivated.

There are new password rules this year.  The minimum number of characters for a password has been changed from 6 to 7. Also passwords must contain characters from three of the following categories:

  • Uppercase letters
  • Lowercase letters
  • Numbers
  • Special characters (such as !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*, etc.)

To change your KSU eID password, log in to your eID profile at http://eid.k-state.edu . For more detailed instructions on changing your passwords go to http://accounts.oznet.ksu.edu/password .

As always, you can call IET at 785-532-6270 for additional help.  --Kat Burton kburton@ksu.edu

 

TRAINING SESSIONS FOR 4-H DAY JUDGES
To increase the pool of qualified and trained judges, Sedgwick, Anderson and Franklin Counties will be offering training sessions for 4-H Day Judges on: 

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Registration:  6:45 pm
(coffee, snacks)           
Program 7 - 9 p.m.
Anderson County Jr/Sr High School Commons Area
Garnett, KS

Thursday, January 25, 2007
Registration:  6:45 p.m.
(coffee, snacks)           
Program 7 -  9 p.m.
Sedgwick County Extension Education Center – 21st & Ridge Road
Wichita, Kansas

The training session is open to those who are interested in becoming a judge and experienced judges who want to increase their skills.

The workshop will include a general session for all participants on:  roles and expectations of judges; ribbon placings, giving constructive comments; and do’s, don’ts and tricky situations.  Participants will be able to choose two breakout sessions from the following:  Demonstrations/Illustrated Talks; Public Speaking & Project Talks, Music (piano, vocal and instrumental) and Talent (skits, readings, dance, etc.).  The Anderson County workshop will also include a session on Model Meetings and Gavel Games.

There is no charge for the workshop, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes.  Information can be found on the “What’s Hot” section of state 4-H web site at www.kansas4h.org .

For additional information or to register contact: Nancy Schuester, Anderson County, nschueste@oznet.ksu.edu ; Jo Ellen Arnold, Franklin County, jearnold@oznet.ksu.edu ; or Jodi Besthorn Besthorn@ksu.edu . --Jodi Besthorn

 

EVERYONE INVITED TO SEMINAR ON BIOREFINERIES - JANUARY 19
On Friday, January 19, Dr. Lawrence A. Johnson from Iowa State University will receive the College of Agriculture's Distinguished Service Award for Research and Teaching at 3:30 p.m. in the Alumni Center Rooms A & D.

Dr. Johnson will present a university-wide seminar entitled "Biorefineries - A Revolution in American Agriculture," an especially timely seminar in view of the interest in sustainable energy. Iowa State has an Office of Biorenewables Programs and Dr. Johnson is very involved in those programs.

Dr. Johnson received his Ph.D. in Food Science (emphases in Grain Science and Engineering Technology) from the Department of Grain Science and Industry in 1978. Currently, Dr. Johnson is the Director of Iowa State's Center for Crops Utilization Research and a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He is Immediate Past President of the American Oil Chemists' Society and served on the board of directors of the American Association of Cereal Chemists from 2002-2005.

Everyone is invited to attend the seminar and reception following. Before the seminar, at 3:15 p.m., coffee, tea, and Grain Science cookies will be served.  --Steven M. Graham sgraham@k-state.edu

 

OPERATION MILITARY KIDS - READY, SET, GO TRAININGS
What does Ready, Set, Go mean and should we or members in our community attend?

Almost every county in Kansas has been affected by the War on Terrorism and about every county has National Guard or Army Reserves living in the county. This war has affected these troops as well as their spouses and children who are left behind.

If you are concerned about kids, then this training is for you. The trainings in Clay County will be in two locations on January 24. The first training will be held at 3:30 at the Lincoln Grade school library, 1020 Grant Street, Clay Center. The second training will be held at 6:30 with dinner at the Wakefield School, 502 3rd, Wakefield.

Here is a brief outline of the training.

Ready - OMK network and Military culture
Set - Unique factors for Guard & Reserve component deployment cycle
Go- Individual and community action

For more information, contract Amanda Lott, amandal@ksu.edu ; or Ann Domsch, adomsch@ksu.edu . --L. Ann Domsch

 

USDA ENERGY CONFERENCE SCHEDULED
The fourth annual Kansas USDA Energy Conference will take place on January 30 and 31 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

The Kansas USDA Energy Conference will address the key points of USDA's Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (Section 9006), covering both the 2007 Program's details and application process. The Conference will also provide attendees information about other federal energy programs, along with presentations from leaders in rural renewable energy efforts.

The Kansas USDA Energy Conference details follow:

Kansas State University / Student Union, Manhattan, KS.
January 30, 2007 (Day #1): 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

January 31, 2007 (Day #2): 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Day #1 will consist of general renewable energy and energy efficiency presentations. Day #2 will consist of breakout sessions split between the following interest groups:

1] agricultural producers;
2] business owners;
3] public bodies (counties, municipalities, school districts, etc.); and
4] rural housing interests.

Space is limited; individuals should register in advance at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks  or call 785-271-2701. Additional USDA Rural Development energy program information is available through the Agency at 785-271-2744. Contact Harold Alford. --Steven Graham sgraham@k-state.edu

 

NO-TILL ON THE PLAINS WINTER CONFERENCE
The eleventh annual No-Till on the Plains Winter Conference will be held January 30-31, 2007, in the Bicentennial Center, Salina, Kansas.  This premier no-till conference is one of the largest in North America. The Bicentennial Center will be open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning allowing attendees to visit the tradeshow until the conference begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday’s sessions begin at 8 a.m. and conclude by 5:30 p.m.

For more information about the upcoming Winter Conference, contact No-Till on the Plains, Inc. at 888-330-5142 or visit the website at www.notill.org  to register.--Brian Lindley

 

REMINDER TO REGISTER FOR THE NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) is hosting it's third annual conference this spring, April 16-19, in Philadelphia. For Extension professionals in Community Development, this is THE conference to attend! NACDEP Conferences provide excellent opportunities to learn what other Extension Services are doing plus networking with your peers.

For registration and conference information, visit https://www.nacdep.net/confs/ConfRegistration.aspx .

For more information, contact Dan Kahl dankahl@ksu.edu . --Dan Kahl

 

INTERESTED IN MENTORING AND HOSTING A SUMMER YOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR?
Retaining youth is one of the central themes often discussed when identifying ways to sustain rural communities. Too often, youth leave a community because they feel that there are too few opportunities for employment, or that there is a lack of opportunity for involvement in the community.

The AmeriCorps Program of Kansas Campus Compact may have just the solution for communities, and a program that can help your Extension office. Kansas Campus Compact and PRIDE are working to link college students returning home for the summer with community youth development work in their home community and are seeking Extension mentors to host them. Working through the AmeriCorps program, a college student would receive training, an education award, and a living wage in return for their service to coordinate youth community development programs.

If you know of someone from your community who would provide strong leadership for other local youth, and if you would be interested in learning more about serving as a host and mentor with this program, please contact Dan Kahl, dankahl@ksu.edu ; or Lynda Bachelor, bachelor@k-state.edu . --Dan Kahl

 

4-H DISCOVERY DAYS NEEDS YOUR HELP ON MAY 30 AND 31!
We are looking for classes and tours both on campus and in the Manhattan area.  We want to offer sessions related to academics, careers, 4-H projects, life skills, local businesses, historic sites, recreation, and hobbies.  Classes with the most appeal to these 13 to 18 year old teens will be action-oriented with youth involvement and varied teaching methods.

This is a great way to reach out and affect the lives of young people by helping them connect with future careers, interests and the K-State community!  If you have a topic or know of a tour location that may be of interest to 13-18 year olds, please consider submitting a proposal.

We’re currently only about half way to the bare minimum number of 600 spaces needed during each workshop session.

As of January 10, nearly a month after our original deadline, we have:

304 spaces on Wednesday Afternoon
292 spaces on Thursday morning (includes 32 spaces in all day classes)
377 spaces on Thursday Afternoon (includes 32 spaces in all day classes)

Please download a workshop proposal at:
http://www.kansas4-h.org/Events/DiscoveryDays/

Leaders are needed for classes and tours on Wednesday, May 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and Thursday, May 31, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Thursday classes can also be offered from 9:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.  For 2 hour classes, you might consider leading the same class or tour more than once.

Last year, registration materials were delayed because we had to recruit additional workshops for the number of delegates!  If you have not already submitted proposals for classes at 4-H Discovery Days, we would truly appreciate your consideration.
 
Adult volunteer instructors attending the conference who reside outside Manhattan and stay in a K-State residence hall during 4-H Discovery Days are eligible to have $50 of their registration fee waived if they teach at least four hours (two 2-hour classes or one 4 hour class).  Youth who teach or assist with classes are not eligible for scholarships.

It would be greatly appreciated if you would complete the Microsoft Word form and e-mail it as an attachment to me.  The deadline for class/tour proposal forms has been extended to Monday, January 22.  Please do not delay. --Justin Wiebers jwiebers@K-State.edu

 

DOG CARE AND TRAINING ACTION TEAM MINUTES NOW ON WEB
The latest minutes of the dog care and training action team are now posted on the Web at the following:
 http://4-h.k-state.edu/Projects/DogCareTraining/ActionTeamMinutes.htm . --Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

HORSE ACTION TEAM MINUTES NOW ON WEB
The latest Horse action team minutes are now available at the following:
 http://4-h.k-state.edu/ActionTeams/Horse/Default.htm . --Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

DATE CHANGE FOR KANSAS ALL BREEDS JUNIOR DAIRY SHOW AND STATE 4-H DAIRY JUDGING CONTEST AND QUIZ BOWL
Kansas All breeds Junior Dairy Show and State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and Quiz Bowl have been moved to the first week of July for 2007!

This move is to avoid conflicts with the beginning of school and county fairs. The show will be July 5-7, 2007 with the Judging Contest and Quiz Bowl on Friday, July 6. -- Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

DAIRY CAREER CAMP
The Dairy Career Trip for older 4-H members will be held in early August. Watch for details. This will replace Dairy Camp for this year. Dairy Camp will return in 2008. Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

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

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 24, 2007, THROUGH JANUARY 30, 2007:

Wednesday, January 24
.... NE Annual Partnership Meeting, Manhattan (Pottorf Hall), NE Area, Dale Fjell
dfjell@oznet.ksu.edu
.... Wheat Production and Management, Leoti/WH, Multi-county, SW, 11:00 a.m., Curtis Thompson
cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu

Thursday, January 25
.... Forage Conference, Ulysses/GT, Multi-county, SW, 9:30 a.m., Curtis Thompson
cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu
.... 4-H Day Judges Training, Sedgwick Co., Statewide, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Jodi Besthorn
besthorn@ksu.edu

Saturday, January 27, through Sunday, January 28
.... Dog Certification Judges Training Workshop, Wichita, KS, Statewide, Jim Adams
jadams@ksu.edu

Tuesday, January 30
.... NC Kansas Experiment Field Winter Update, Scandia/RP and surrounding counties, 9:00 a.m., Dallas Peterson
dpeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
.... SW Area KAA Screening, Cimarron/GY, 9:45 a.m., Rod Buchele
rbuchele@oznet.ksu.edu
.... NE Area KAA Screening, Manhattan (Pottorf Hall), Diane Mack
dmack@oznet.ksu.edu
.... SE Area KAA Screening, Eureka/GW, Beth Hinshaw
bhinshaw@oznet.ksu.edu

 

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