Flint Hills Shopper by The Emporia Gazette

FOOD PANTRIES

EMPORIA

The First Christian Church, 202 E. 12th Ave. will hold their Food Pantry only on the last Monday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. or until food is gone. Go to the north side of the church for pick up.

LEBO

The Lebo Community Food Pantry located behind the Lebo Baptist Church is open Mondays 5-7 p.m., Thursdays 9-11 a.m., and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-noon. This is open to residents of 66856 and 66868.

HARTFORD

The Hartford Community Food Pantry, 201 E. Park Ave., will be open Wednesday, February 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clothing and some household goods are available. This is open to residents of the USD #252 School District, Jacobs Creek and residents of Reading.

ALLEN

The North Lyon County Food Pantry is open the second Saturday, February 8 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. The pantry is located in the Allen United Methodist Church at 521 Grimsley Street and is open to residents in USD 251.

AMERICUS

The Americus Community Food Pantry will be open Tuesday, February 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 22 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The pantry is at the Americus United Methodist Church and is open to residents in USD 251.

Red Cross Needs Your Blood Donations

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Here is a list of upcoming Blood Drives:

February 17, Riverside Elementary School, noon-6 p.m. February 24, Logan Avenue School, 2-6 p.m.

February 25, Emporia State University,

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

February 26, Emporia State University, 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

February 27, Emporia High School, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Please help by making your appointment today at www. redcrossblood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. With the app you can schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your miniphysical, and track your donations.

by The White Corporation

AUXILIARY TO MEET

The VFW Post 1980 Auxiliary will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 5:30 p.m. at 932 Graphic Arts Rd. All Auxiliary members are welcome.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Coffey Health

System now offers a special program to help caregivers maintain perspective, step away for a while, and share their experiences with others who understand. Coffey Health System’s Mental Health Therapist Amy Osner will lead a Caregiver Support Group on the third Wednesday of each month at The Meadows in Burlington. There is no charge for participation. Respite care and activities will be available, if needed. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. at The Meadows, 1201 Martindale St. in Burlington. If you have questions about the program, call (620) 364-4556.

Osner is an experienced group therapy leader. She is a credentialled Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor.

VETERANS’ AFFAIR

Jamie Potter, Service Representative for the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, will visit the Greenwood County Courthouse in Eureka on the first and third Thursday; Coffey County Courthouse in Burlington on the second Thursday and the Morris County Courthouse in Council Grove on the second Tuesday of each month. She will be there from 1-3:30 p.m. She will go to Cottonwood Falls on an as needed basis.

Please call (620) 342-3347 in advance to ensure all information is readily available so all veterans, widows and dependents can receive better assistance.

SENIOR MEALS

Neosho Rapids Senior meals are served Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at noon. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated; meal is $7 for those under 60. For reservations or cancellations in Neosho Rapids call (620) 342-8232.

Olpe Senior Friendship meals are served on Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Knights Hall. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated; meal is $7 for those under 60. The second Monday of each month is the birthday dinner and games celebrating the birthdays of the month. For reservations or cancellations in Olpe call 620475-3384 between 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

North Lyon County Senior meals are available in Allen for grab and go or home delivery. Meals are available Monday through Friday and must be ordered by 11 a.m. the previous day by calling 620-528-3414. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated, meal is $7 for those under 60. Call for more information.

REPUBLICAN MEETING

The Lyon County Republicans will be meeting on Tuesday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyon County Courthouse Annex, 1st floor conference room. Former Kansas State Legislator Peggy Mast will be speaking on “What is a Republican”.

For Further information, please contact Chairperson Rhnae Blackburn 620-757-8135.

PANCAKE FEED

February 23, 2025

COFFEY COUNTY RURAL

WATER DISTRICT NO. 2

708 Atherly

GRIDLEY, KS 66852

TELEPHONE NO. 620-836-4080

FEBRUARY 2025

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

TO: The participating members of Coffey County Rural Water District No. 2

You are hereby notified the ANNUAL MEETING of the participating members of Coffey County Rural Water District No. 2 will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The meeting will be at the RWD office at 708 Atherly in Gridley, Kansas at 8 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting will be to:

Elect 2 members to the Board of Directors.

Report the Districts financial status.

MARK FEBRUARY 11th ON YOUR CALENDAR.

Refreshments will be served.

SOUP SUPPER

The annual Soup Supper for the Bethel community will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the School House. Each family is asked to bring vegetable beef soup or chili, a dessert and table service. The Pep & Progress Community Unit will provide the drinks.

BREAKFAST IN AMERICUS

Project Playscape will hold their monthly breakfast on Sunday, February 9, 8-11 a.m. at the Americus Community Center. Menu includes pancakes or biscuits and gravy with juice for $5 or pancakes, biscuits and

(620) 699-3009 Mon.-Thur. 9 am-3 pm • Fri. 9 am-9 pm

CLOSED Saturday and Sunday

gravy with juice for $7. To place a to go order, you can call 620-794-1685. Proceeds go to the splash pad project.

MUSIC IN BURLINGTON

Larry Newsom will perform on Thursday, February 13 at the Burlington Senior Center, 202 Neosho St. Join them for an evening of food, music, dancing and fellowship. The covered dish dinner begins at 6 p.m.

BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER

The St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Hartford will have their Beef and Noodle Dinner on Sunday, February 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Neosho Rapids Grade School, 240 N.

Commercial St.

Menu includes homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert and drink. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

They will have drawings for lots of wonderful prizes. Get your tickets at the door.

BINGO IN BURLINGTON

Join in on the bingo fun every second Wednesday of each month at the Rock Creek Country Club, 304 North 16th. Doors open at 5 p.m. Early bird starts at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo begins at 7 p.m. Concessions and bar service available. Floyd Lewis Foundation

SPRING FLING BIKE SHOW

The ABATE of Kansas District #12 will hold their 30th Annual Spring Fling Bike Show on Saturday, April 12, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building, 2650 W. Hwy. 50, Emporia. Set up begins at 7 a.m. Judging is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

with trophy presentation beginning at 4 p.m. For more information, to be a sponsor or reserve your vendor space call Barry (785) 258-4007, Sheila (620) 342-8722 or Sarah (620) 366-2472, gnzlssrh@gmail.com.

Library News

EMERGENCY VALENTINE

Drop in at the Emporia Public Library on February 7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and get creative while making heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards to share with someone special.

STORYTIME

Storytime will start back up on February 6 at the Emporia Public Library. Times are as follows: baby storytime, 9:15 a.m., toddler 9:45 a.m., and preschool at 10:30 a.m.

EMPORIA SENIOR CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS

603 E. 12th Ave * 620-343-3160

● Bingo is Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.; and Saturday, 4-6 p.m.Volunteers are needed

● Every Friday is Brain Break Fridays from 10:0012:00. For more information, call the center at 620-3433160.

● Hermes Footcare every Thursday. Call 316-260-4110 for an appointment.

● Lunch - Monday, Wednesday and Fridays - 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children eat free. Adults are $5. Cash only. Menu is on Facebook.

● Every Monday - Morning Chat at 9:00

● “Exercise with Alli” - Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 10 a.m. for $25 per month!

● Flint Hills Country Jam (Live Music), third Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m.

ESU’S PETERSON PLANETARIUM FEATURES ‘EARTHQUAKE,’ VENUE FOR FEBRUARY SCIENCE SATURDAY

The Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center is taking a short road trip for this month’s special Science Saturday, which journeys into the world of physical science. The event will take place at ESU’s Science Hall on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

In this free, hands-on event, guests can explore multiple stations led by ESU students and professors, including Mark Brown, Peterson Planetarium director, who will present a captivating planetarium show. Other stations include a variety of experiments that will culminate in a bubbly, possibly messy finale involving the creation of elephant toothpaste. Students of all ages are invited and asked to register individually at esuparoc.com.

Designed for children 7 and under, PAROC’s Science Storytime gives younger students the opportunity to engage in science-themed activities including reading a story, singing songs, playing games and doing crafts. Two free sessions are available: Monday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Both sessions are hosted at ESU’s PAROC facility at 601 E. 18th Ave. Attendees are asked to register online at esuparoc.com and plan for caregivers to attend with their student.

The Peterson Planetarium is launching an all-dome presentation in February called “Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet,” narrated by Benjamin Bratt. This sweeping geological journey and seismic experience will see audiences fly over the San Andreas Fault, head inside the Earth’s interior and time travel back to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake before witnessing the breakup of Pangaea 200 million years ago. Prior to the show, Brown will lead a live night sky presentation that includes stars, planets and constellations over Emporia.

“Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet” has multiple convenient showtimes throughout February:

● Thursday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

● Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.

● Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m.

● Thursday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.

● Thursday, Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.

There is no charge, and anyone is invited to attend. Registration is available at emporia.edu/ planetarium.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business &

Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to fulltime undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

SATURDAY SUPPER

The Olpe United Methodist members will host a meal on February 15, from 5-6:30 p.m., featuring bierocks, sauerbraten and vegetables, gingersnap gravy, sauerkraut and sausage, German potato salad and other salads, calico beans, homemade pie and other desserts, tea, coffee and other drinks. A freewill offering will be accepted. The church is located at 120 W. Listerscheid.

Anyone wishing to buy extra bierocks, contact 620-757-5303 or 620475-3863 by February 8. Cost is $30 per dozen.

DIVORCE CARE

Divorce Care is a support group that is designed to help individuals recover from the pain of separation and divorce. There are three parts to Divorce Care- Video, Group Discussion, and a Workbook. The cost of the workbook is $20 with scholarships available to defer the cost. They meet each Sunday from January 19 to April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. All meetings will be held at New Life Christian Church of Emporia, 1505 Road 175, Emporia. Registration is helpful, but not mandatory. To register, you can call Betty at 620-340-5330.

KIDS CLUB

First Congregational Church Adventure Club youth program will be held on Wednesdays, for youth Pre-K through high school. 5:30 p.m. meal, 6:00-7:15 p.m. getting to know God with fun activities. Parents/Families are invited to hang out if they’d like; the church has a lovely prayer garden

& sanctuary, nice welcome center and library.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Trinity Lutheran Church, Burlington invites you to join them for worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. with Bible Study and Sunday School following at 10:30 a.m. They are located at 902 Kennedy Street in Burlington. Their phone number is 620-364-2283. Additional information can be found at https://www.tlcburlingtonks.org.

CLOTHES CLOSET AND HOUSEHOLD HUT

The First Christian Church at 202 E. 12th will have their Clothes Closet and Household Hut on Fridays at 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

BABY CLOSET

The Baby Closet at the First Congregational Church, 326 W. 12th Ave., Emporia, will be open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and every Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. They serve infants through 5 years old. All items are free. Items may include the following as supplies permit. Diapers,wipes, five clothing articles, two miscellaneous items, one large item and two essential pantry items.

Donations will be accepted. You may call 620-342-6854 if you have questions.

6 VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITIONS

Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.

Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.

Handwritten cards

It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade

cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.

Pampering gentlemen

It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.

Bouquets

These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses

might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.

Puzzle purses

Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.

Heart-shaped

chocolate

boxes

British chocolatier

Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valen-

tine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.

Celebrating in June?

Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year.

Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.

NEWMAN REGIONAL HEALTH, THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM, AND LMH HEALTH ANNOUNCE Strategic Affiliation

Newman Regional Health (NRH), The University of Kansas Health System, and LMH Health are excited to announce a strategic affiliation, effective February 1, 2025. This affiliation is designed to strengthen the healthcare services available to our community and ensure continued high-quality care for years to come.

The NRH Board of Trustees approved the affiliation during its meeting on January 29, 2025. NRH’s Board Chair, Nancy Wells, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are grateful to align with the esteemed organizations: The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health. This affiliation will pave a new road for healthcare that will allow us to better serve our community while strengthening our position for the future. “

Cathy Pimple, CEO of NRH, emphasized the collaborative nature of the decision, saying, “This intentional decision reflects our strong commitment to partnership. From the start, our discussions with the leadership of The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health have been open and aligned—an approach we deeply value in a future partner. This strategic affiliation is grounded in key principles, including Newman Regional Health maintaining independent ownership and governance and remaining dedicated to our charitable mission as we continue to serve our community.”

The University of Kansas Health System expressed enthusiasm for the strategic affiliation with Newman Regional Health. “As a resource for the region and the state’s only academic health system, we are pleased to work with NRH to help ensure care close to home,” said Bob Page, President and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System. “We look forward to continued collaboration with NRH and LMH Health to create connections to support care needs from routine to the most complex.”

“Our regional efforts have been focused on helping independent hospitals remain strong in their local communities,” said LMH Health President and CEO Russ

Johnson. “LMH Health’s long history of collaboration with Newman Regional through OrthoKansas is a great example of how an expanded affiliation can benefit patients. Much like LMH Health’s strategic clinical agreement with The University of Kansas Health System, this new agreement will support delivery of care close to home and allow for streamlined coordination when patients require care outside of Emporia. Most importantly, this affiliation supports independence, allowing healthcare decisions to be made closest to home, for the benefit of our patients, physicians, and communities we serve.”

This strategic affiliation marks the beginning of a shared commitment between Newman Regional Health, The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health, to continue fulfilling each organization’s mission while honoring their individual roles within their communities. The affiliation is an integral part of NRH’s ongoing strategic planning, which focuses on enhancing patient quality and experience, expanding services, and improving the health of the community.

Heather Aylward, Chief Nursing Officer stated, “Newman Regional Health has deep roots in Lyon County. Over the past 100 years, we have come together as a community, and we are moving forward with partners who share our vision. These organizations bring complementary strengths that will enhance and support healthcare for the communities we serve.”

Don Hill, Newman Regional Health Trustee, shared his enthusiasm for the hospital’s future, stating, “I could not be more pleased for the future of our independent, community owned hospital. This past year was an exceptional recordbreaking year with clear improvement in clinical excellence and growth in volume. Our strategic affiliation agreement with The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health represents both a continuation of planning and progress made, including our very successful collaboration with LMH Health in expanding our orthopedics and sports medicine services. The benefits of the affiliation are significant.

It will assist in our quest for continuously improving quality of care and contributes to making NRH more financially sustainable. Our future is bright!”

Dr. Alana Longwell, NRH’s Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the collaborative approach to alignment with The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health, saying, “We are excited about the opportunity to align clinical programs where it benefits our patients most. This affiliation builds on the work NRH providers have already done to create greater access and improve quality of care.”

Dr. Ryan LaSota, a primary care physician at NRH Medical Partners, shared his anticipation for the possibilities this partnership will bring: “It will enhance our availability to advanced resources and specialized expertise, directly benefiting our patients. This collaboration allows access to the forefront of healthcare innovation while continuing to provide the highest quality care to our community.”

Pimple added, “This week’s announcement marks the first step in an exciting journey. We are optimistic about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact they will have on our patients and communities. The strategic affiliation will allow us to leverage our combined strengths to improve the health and well-being of our community in a meaningful and impactful way.”

NRH, The University of Kansas Health System, and LMH Health will continue to meet regularly to align on areas of collaboration. Pimple concluded, “These ongoing discussions will help us ensure the delivery of high-quality care while enhancing the continuum of services, all with the ultimate goal of keeping care close to home for our patients.”

Rebeca Herrera, Vice Chair of the NRH Board of Trustees, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to transparency. “We are committed to keeping our providers, staff, patients, and community informed as we move forward with this strategic affiliation. We are confident that now is the right time for this partnership, and we enter this process from a position of strength.”

A high cost of living and advancements in medicine that have contributed to longer life expectancies would seemingly compel individuals to work longer, but data indicates the average professional is retiring shortly after turning 60. Data from the 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study indicates that the average retirement age among American retirees is 62. That’s in spite of the fact that pre-retirees and retirees who participated in the study indicated that 63 is the ideal retirement age. Canadians are staying in the workforce a good deal longer, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age across Canada in

SCHOOL TO PROMOTE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PRESCRIBED BURNS DID YOU KNOW?

2023 was 65.1. That disparity could be due to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which replaces part of retirees’ income with a monthly, taxable benefit. The Government of Canada reports the standard age to start the CPP is 65.

In 1941 Orren Karr and his family received the Bankers Aware for outstanding work in soil conservation. In 1959 the family was named “Farm Family of the Year” by the Emporia Chamber of Commerce. But in the beginning of his farming career Karr bought a bankrupt farm in 1934. He purchased the farm for $35 an acre with a 3 ½ percent loan from the Federal Land Bank. At that point he had four milk cows and 10 mules which he used in those days instead of machinery. He bragged that he could do 36 rows in half a day, a good half day of work, and he put terraces on his 160 acres as quickly as he could. But by the late 30’s, he bought a John Deere Model A tractor. The thirties were tough years, yet Karr persisted, remembering buying cattle during the Depression for 6 ¼ cents a pound and corn for 17 cents a bushel. The Karrs thought of 1936 as the most difficult year when grasshoppers, chinch bugs, and drought ruined their crops and forced them to sell several steers. In their place they bought four milk cows for $25 each to help with the family income, milking and selling fresh cream in Emporia. He recalled that they never went to a picture

show for entertainment; they usually played cards with the neighbors.

Orren Karr’s farm was located a mile north of the intersection of the Allen Road and Road 240, not far from where he grew up on Road J. As a younger man he remembered helping drive Bill and Vernon Maxwell’s 25 head of cattle to market in Emporia on horseback in October of 1928. They went east from Road J to Road K, then south to Road 220, then west to the north end of Prairie Street, then south down Prairie all the way to South Avenue and west to the stockyards which were just west of the Emporia Elevator. They penned the cattle and consigned them to be shipped to the Standard Commission Company in Kansas City. It was 11 a.m. They were just getting back on their horses to start home when Jeff Wheat drove up and asked them to help drive 750 head of Hereford yearling steers back up the road they had just come down. Wheat only had three men for help, and he really needed more men with this big bunch of cattle. Considerations had to be made as they planned the trip with this newly purchased group of young steers.

The K-State Research and Extension Frontier District and the Anderson County Conservation District will host a school to teach attendees how to plan and safely conduct an effective prescribed burn. The school will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Anderson County Community Building in Garnett. The location can be found at North Lake Road next to the fairgrounds. A chili lunch will be available, with a donation appreciated to help cover expenses. Registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 14 to Ryan Schaub, agriculture agent, at 785-448-6826 or reschaub@ksu.edu

Presenters from multiple organizations are coming together to help teach the school. Topics addressed by these presenters will include reasons to burn, weather conditions for burning, equipment needed, how to plan and safely conduct a burn, fire behavior, hazards and precautions, liability and CRP rules.

Burning of native grasses in Kansas, both natural and man-made, goes back hundreds of years and is responsible for the development of the Great Plains, of which only about 4% remains. Based on early records, these fires varied from only a few acres to thousands of acres that lasted weeks.

On average, Kansas producers have burned roughly 2 million acres each year, but recent trends show that acres have fallen short of that number in the last few years. K-State releases a burn report every week during the burning season, which is the beginning of March to the end of May.

This report estimates, according to satellite images, the number of acres that have been burned. In the last few years, K-State has compiled the following estimations: 20241.37 million acres

2023 - 1.2 million acres

2022 - 1.89 million acres

2021 - 1.88 million acres

K-State research also shows that to keep woody encroachment pushed back, landowners need to burn native grasses at least 60% of the time. According to Schaub, many factors can impact why burning doesn’t occur.

“Maybe the winds were too strong in the spring, maybe the spring weather was too wet, or maybe we fear it will be a dry year or the previous year’s dry weather didn’t produce enough vegetation to burn,” Schaub said. “While we say the burning season is 90 days long, if we get 30 good days to burn, it’s a good burn year!”

In addition to preventing woody plants from invading the prairie grasses, burns conducted under favorable conditions and with proper timing may provide benefits of increased forage quality, improved grazing distribution, increased stocker cattle gains, improved wildlife habitat, faster development of newly seeded grasses and reduced wildfire hazards.

The primary purpose of the school on Feb. 18 is to help landowners and producers safely use fire as a tool to manage and improve their grasslands. If you have questions, call Schaub at 785-448-6826 or send him an email at reschaub@ksu.edu.

Provided by Lyon County Historical Society

BISCUIT AND GRAVY BREAKFAST

The Olpe Knights of Columbus hold their biscuits and gravy breakfast on Sunday, February 9 and 23 from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Knights Hall in Olpe.

All proceeds from the freewill donations at the breakfasts benefit their local charities.

BREAKFAST IN ADMIRE

Go and enjoy breakfast on Saturday, February 8 from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Admire United Methodist Church, 505 Market St.

They will serve a variety of breakfast items. A freewill donation will be accepted.

ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE

The North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Project, Inc. is collecting aluminum cans.

Cans must be in a bag and dropped off at the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Site, Bushong, in the caged area.

LAND AUCTION:

175.8+/- ac of Cropland, Diamond Creek & Recreation in Chase Co

AUCTION DATE: Tuesday, 03/04/2025 at 6:00pm

SELLER: Thomas P and Deanna S Sollner

AUCTION LOCATION: The Chase Co Community Building at Swope Park, 1715 210th Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

We are honored to represent the Sollner Family in the sale of this outstanding property in the Diamond Creek Valley of Chase Co. This highly productive tract offers top quality cropland and exceptional hunting. There are 175.8 total acres with 140 acres of cropland (91.2 ac are Reading Silt Loam, rarely flooded), which are top producing creek bottom soils. This property takes in both sides of Diamond Creek which offers great recreational value with excellent hunting and nice whitetail bucks! Properties along Diamond Creek rarely come on the open market, take advantage of this great combination of cropland, income and recreation in the Flint Hills. DIRECTIONS: From Strong City, KS, go west on US-50 for 4.5 mi to 225 Rd/Diamond Creek Rd, turn right and continue northwesterly for 10.1 miles to the property on the east side of the road. Visit our website for full listing, terms, videos & photos at www.GriffinRealEstateAuction.com

See website for full listing, terms and photos at www.GriffinRealEstateAuction.com

LAND AUCTION:

493+/-ac in 4 Tracts in Lyon Co (Cropland, Grass and Wildlife)

AUCTION DATE: Thursday, 02/20/2025 at 6:00pm

SELLER: The John G Atherton Rev Trust

AUCTION LOCATION: The Anderson Building (Lyon Co Fairgrounds), 2700 W US Hwy-50, Emporia, KS 66801

It’s a privilege to represent the Atherton Family in the sale of this quality ag land in Lyon County! We are offering 4 tracts that include cropland, grass, CRP, hay, potential building sites, and some very attractive hunting properties. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in land!

TRACT #1: 197.60+/- ac – cropland, CRP, hay, recreation with wildlife, timber and Allen Creek north of Americus (at intersection of Rd G & Rd 270)

TRACT #2: 143.12+/- ac – cropland, CRP, grass, recreation with wildlife, 30x60 Lester Building with electricity, north of Emporia (at intersection of Rd M & Rd 280)

TRACT #3: 78.79+/- ac – cropland, hay, pasture north of Emporia (east of Tract #2)

TRACT #4: 74.32+/- ac – recreation, hay, potential building site (1 mile west of Lyon State Fishing Lake on Rd 270)

See website for full listing, terms and photos at www.GriffinRealEstateAuction.com

620-794-8824

LAND AUCTION:

791+/-ac in 4 Tracts in Wabaunsee Co (Cropland, Grass and Wildlife)

AUCTION DATE: Thursday, 02/27/2025 at 6:00pm

SELLER: Justin and Barbara Hill

AUCTION LOCATION: The Eskridge Senior Center, 208 S Main St, Eskridge, KS 66423

What a great opportunity to invest in some quality recreational properties along with cropland and pasture located 5.3 miles south of Eskridge Kansas at the intersection of KS-99 and KS-31. It’s an honor to represent the Hill family in the sale of these 4 tracts that include wonderful hunting opportunities with Chicken Creek. Come and see how these properties can work for you!

TRACT #1: 155+/- ac – cropland, pasture & recreation with wildlife and Chicken Creek

TRACT #2: 335+/- ac – cropland & recreation with wildlife and Chicken Creek

TRACT #3: 141+/- ac – cropland & recreation with wildlife and Chicken Creek

TRACT #4: 160+/- ac – pasture, cropland & recreation

See website for full listing, terms and photos at www.GriffinRealEstateAuction.com

Chuck Maggard, Auctioneer/Realtor - 620-794-8824

Heidi

Morris Co. Real Estate Auction

Saturday March 8, 2025, 1:00 P.M.

Morris Co 4-H Building Hwy 56 612 US Hwy 56 Council Grove, KS

Directions: 1 mile east of Council Grove on US Hwy 56. Watch for signs.

Description: 282.8 acres, more or less, off a paved county road on the west edge of Parkerville. 106.3 acres of farmland that borders the Neosho River on the south and Parker Creek on the north and east. These fields are surrounded by considerable timber on the north, east and south sides making them secluded for deer and other hunting potential. Excellent soil types with approx. two thirds Mason and Reading silty loam. Approx. 75 acres of pasture and timber south of the river which has been used as hay meadow. Balance of the acreage is timber, hay meadow and vacant farmstead, most of which lies east of Parker Creek. Address 1799 J Ave., White City, KS

Legal Description: The NE ¼ , NE ¼ SW ¼, NW ¼ SE ¼ of Section 8, less a 3.2 acre tract and 49.7 acres int NW ¼ of Section 9 all in Township 15 South, Range 7 East of the 6th P.M., Morris County, Kansas.

Taxes: $1,342.10. 2024 taxes and all prior years will be paid by the Seller. 2025 taxes will be the Buyer’s responsibility, Terms & Conditions: 10% earnest money due the day of the auction. Balance due when merchantable title and Warranty Deed are delivered. Closing and possession on or before April 15, 2025. All Buyer’s inspections are to be done prior to the auction. Sale is not contingent on the Buyer obtaining financing. Acreage amounts are based on county records and are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed. Broker and Auctioneers are representing the Seller

For more information contact Greg Hallgren Broker & Auctioneer, at 785-499-2897. For aerial maps and soil information go to hallgren auctions.net.

Heirs of Harold Lee Haun