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Category: January 2021

Student Loan Debt Relief Extended One Month Through January

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The Department of Education announced borrowers will receive a one-month extension of the federal student loan administrative forbearance period, the pause in interest accrual, and the suspension of collections activity.

The measures will run through Jan. 31, 2021, as the forbearance period was set to expire at the end of 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for many students and borrowers, and this temporary pause in payments will help those who have been impacted.

Federal Student Aid is working with federal student loan servicers to notify borrowers of the extension. Some borrowers had already received emails letting them know payments were due again in January.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, non-payments will continue to count toward the number of payments required under an income-driven repayment plan, a loan rehabilitation agreement, or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Additionally, wage garnishments for borrowers in default will still be discontinued and any borrowers who have their wages garnished will receive refunds.

By: Brenda Langdon

We’re Hiring a Nutrition Educator!

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

K-State Research and Extension is currently looking for a motivated individual to join our team! We are looking for someone to join our enthusiastic team as a Nutrition Educator. This position will serve multiple counties in the Northwest Kansas region including, but not limited to, the Post Rock Extension District (Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties) and the Phillips-Rooks Extension District (Phillips and Rooks counties).

The primary office location will be in Osborne, with additional office/equipment space available throughout the counties served. Regular travel to various sites within the Northwest Kansas region is required, along with occasional overnight travel for trainings (approximately 3-4 times per year).

A Nutrition Educator serves to meet the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education mission. Commonly known as SNAP-Ed, this nutrition education program is provided at no cost to Kansas families with limited resources. Our goal is to provide nutrition education and promote, implement and support initiatives for policy system and environmental changes to improve dietary quality, enhance food resource management skills, prevent obesity and increase physical activity.

We’re looking for a team member with knowledge of and experience working with limited resource families, diverse audiences and subject matter background. Written and verbal communication skills, such as confidence speaking in front of groups and facilitating meetings is important. The ideal candidate will work alongside supportive and passionate community partners and our local K-State Research and Extension team to extend quality educational experiences through direct education and promote community health in the region through public health approaches.

Learn more or apply at careers.k-state.edu/cw/en-us/job/510051/nutrition-educator-post-rock-district-nw-region-osborne-kansas.

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

By: Nora Rhoades

Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of lettuce (about 10 cups)
  • 2 apples (medium, sliced)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup green onion (sliced)
  • 3/4 cup vinaigrette dressing

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  2. Toss lettuce, apples, walnuts, cranberries, & onions in large bowl.
  3. Add dressing; toss to coat. Serve immediately.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts: 8 Servings Per Recipe, per serving: 150 Calories, 6g Total Fat, 290mg Sodium, 27g Carbohydrate, 4g Dietary Fiber, 18g Sugar, 2g Protein.

By: Ashley Svaty

January is Kansas Radon Action Month

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

January 2021 is Kansas Radon Action Month.  With all of us spending more time in our homes, now is an excellent time to check for radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in the rock, soil and water. Testing for it is the only way of telling how much is present.

Radon enters our homes through cracks in the concrete floors and walls, floor drains and sump pits.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The EPA recommends any house that tests 4.0 or over be mitigated to reduce radon levels.

Quick facts about radon:

  • Radon induced lung cancer is the #1 cause of death in homes. 1 in 4 Kansas homes has high levels of radon.
  • If you are buying or selling a home, Kansas law requires that all radon testing be conducted by state-certified radon professionals.
  • The only way to know the radon level anywhere is to test. Radon test kits can be purchased at the Post Rock District extension offices.
  • If your home has elevated radon levels you can have a radon mitigation system installed which will reduce radon to below 4.0.

By: Brenda Langdon