Category: 2021

Smith County Simply Produce

“Simply Produce” offers customers approximately 15 pounds of produce for $15.00.  Produce baskets will contain a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and may vary slightly from what is typically available on the produce department’s shelves.  Basket contents will be different for each ordering period as well.  In addition to produce, customers will receive a recipe highlighting basket items, as well as educational materials on food storage and produce handling.

Produce baskets are purchased through the participating grocery store’s register and must be paid for at time of orderingThe purchase is taxable. 

For the June distribution, baskets must be ordered June 10th through June 15th at Noon and distribution is set for June 18th from 12-12:30pm at the Mary’s Parish Hall, 403 US-36 in Smith Center. Customers will drive up to the Parish Hall and volunteers will bring out their purchased basket(s).

Produce basket distribution that utilizes local retail venues is designed to increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables for consumers, while stimulating positive economic impact and building regional food system sustainability. We are proud to partner with Gene’s Heartland Foods to promote this great opportunity for our residents.

For more information, please contact Post Rock Extension agents, Ashley Svaty (asvaty@ksu.edu) or Brenda Langdon (bklangdon@ksu.edu).

Multiple Career Opportunities!

We have multiple career opportunities to join K-State Research and Extension’s Post Rock District! Visit postrock.ksu.edu to explore position descriptions and application procedures. If you have questions, please contact Nora Rhoades, District Director, at nrhoades@ksu.edu or 785-378-3174. We are excited to have enthusiastic professionals join our team!

  • Livestock Production Extension Agent (full-time)
  • Nutrition Educator (full-time)
  • 4-H Program Coordinator (full-time)

By: Nora Rhoades

K-State Garden Hour – Summer Series

K-State Research and Extension, Horticulture Agents are hosting education webinars throughout the summer. The series will continue into June with a session the first and third Wednesday of the month. In June the topics will be Effective Irrigation, and Native Plant to Support Native Bees. The sessions are held over the Noon hour via Zoom. To register follow the link below. All of the past webinars are also available on the website to watch at your convenience.

Garden Hour Cover Photohttps://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinar-series/k_state_garden_hour.html

By: Cassie Homan

It’s Almost Fair Time!

We look forward to seeing you at your local county fair! Individuals of all ages are encouraged to exhibit an item, creation, and/or skill in Open Class. The fair is a great place to see local talent on display and to enjoy entertainment with your friends and family. Contact your local Post Rock District Office for the complete fair schedules and exhibiting guidelines. You can also visit the Post Rock District website.

Post Rock District 2021 Fair Dates

Jewell County (Mankato): July 8—11

Smith County (Smith Center): July 15—19

Lincoln County (Sylvan Grove): July 14—17

Mitchell County (Beloit): July 21—24

Osborne County (Osborne): July 28—31

Jewell Fair  Lincoln Fair  Mithcell County FairSmith Fair

Osborne Fair    Insider Experience

By: Nora Rhoades

Sun Safety

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and that unprotected UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer? There are many ways that you can protect yourself and others from harmful UV rays.

 

  • Apply Sunblock: Apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Sun-Protective Clothing: Wear a lightweight and long sleeved shirt, pants, brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
  • Seek Shade: Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association

By: Ashley Svaty

Tax Checkup

If you have filed your federal and state tax return, now is the time to do a tax checkup. Pay necessary taxes but no more. Ideally you should owe nothing and get no refund when your taxes are figured. Why give the government a short-term loan without interest? If you do get a large refund, increase the number of deductions on your W-4 form to reduce the amount of money withheld from your paycheck. Then you can use the money from each paycheck to pay down debt or to increase savings.

Itemize deductions when appropriate and keep adequate records to justify those deductions.

Use tax credits (Earned Income Tax Credit or Dependent Care Credit, for example) if eligible.

Know your marginal tax bracket. Use the information to guide decisions about whether to utilize taxable or tax-exempt investments. Check your bracket each year for changes.  For updated tax bracket information, see: https://www.dinkytown.net/java/marginal-tax-rate-calculator.html  or https://taxfoundation.org/publications/federal-tax-rates-and-tax-brackets/ .

By: Brenda Langdon