April 22, 2025
Shout Out: Sara Juenemann
This week the Shout Out is from Jeanne Falk Jones, Multi-County Agronomist, Northwest Research Extension Center; and is sent for Sara Juenemann, Office Professional, Northwest Research Extension Center. Jeanne writes:
"This shout out is to Sara Juenemann, our office professional at the K-State Northwest Research and Extension Center in Colby. Last Friday afternoon (March 14), the wind in northwest Kansas was 60+ mph, after a rapid shift from south to northwest winds. This resulted in blowing soil, numerous wrecks (including the severe pileup on I-70 east of Goodland) and extensive road closures.
Sara knew that all of the faculty from Colby were in a meeting in Hays and we would be traveling back after the meeting. She was following the weather and road closures closely because of this. When the travel conditions deteriorated rapidly, she called each one of us individually to make sure we knew the travel conditions were very bad. She briefed each of us on what was going on and the road closures. She also discussed with us if we should travel back or if there were alternative routes available where there was less potential for blowing soil because of rain showers.
Sara's quick actions show her willingness to go above and beyond. It shows the ongoing level of communication and the value of our relationships - that one, she knew that we were all in a meeting in Hays, and two, that she felt comfortable and willing to call each one of us to discuss the deteriorating weather and our travel plans. And I think all of us checked in with Sara to let her know we had reached our destinations safely (whether it was Colby or somewhere else). This shows the respect and value that we all place on the working relationship with Sara."
Sara -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Research and Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.