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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

Ice Melt Damaging Plants

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Winter is here, and with it comes snow and ice. It’s important to also think about your plants during this season. Make sure to use a de-icer that will not harm your lawn and other landscape plants.

There are five main materials that are used as chemical de-icers: calcium chloride, sodium chloride (table salt), potassium chloride, urea, and calcium magnesium acetate.

Calcium chloride is the traditional ice-melting product. Though it will melt ice to about -25 degrees F, it will form slippery, slimy surfaces on concrete and other hard surfaces. Plants are not likely to be harmed unless excessive amounts are used.

Rock salt is sodium chloride and is the least expensive material available. It is effective to approximately 12 degrees F, but can damage soils, plants and metals. Potassium chloride can also cause serious plant injury when washed or splashed on foliage. Both calcium chloride and potassium chloride can damage roots of plants.

Urea (carbonyl diamide) is a fertilizer that is sometimes used to melt ice. Though it is only about 10% as corrosive as sodium chloride, it can contaminate ground and surface water with nitrates. Urea is effective to about 21 degrees F.

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a newer product, is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (the principal compound of vinegar). CMA works differently than the other materials in that it does not form a brine-like salt but rather helps prevent snow particles from sticking to each other or the road surface. It has little effect on plant growth or concrete surfaces.

Limited use of any of these products should cause little injury. Problems accumulate when they are used excessively and there is not adequate rainfall to wash or leach the material from the area. Since limited use is recommended it is best to remove the ice and snow by hand when possible. When they are applied, practice moderation. Resist the temptation to over apply just to make sure the ice and snow melts. Keep in mind this can damage concrete surfaces as well as the plants and grass growing along the walks and driveways. These problems are normally latent and do not show up until spring or summer.

By: Cassie Homan

Managing Family Stress During COVID-19

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic is causing disruptions in family and work life. The virus has forced us to change daily routines leading to increased family stress. Many people are faced with financial strain and lack of resources. While all of these changes can add stress and tension to family interactions, family members also can grow closer to each

other and become more resilient and resourceful.

One way to manage your families stress is to communicate. Family members grow closer if they talk to each other about their personal experiences with the stress of the coronavirus and its impact on their lives. Sharing one’s own feelings and views and listening to others promotes better understanding.

  • Set a time each day to talk about your day and about thoughts or feelings related to COVID-19.
  • Talk with family at the end of the day about something that was fun or that you learned new that day.
  • Come up with a plan together for what you will do tomorrow as a family. You can plan small things, such as meals, or fun activities, with everyone sharing their input and making a family decision together.
  • If the health and safety of people are not at stake, then put off major decisions and difficult conversations that are not necessary to manage the current crisis. It is best to avoid or delay conflict right now.
  • In the context of parenting, connecting with your kids before correcting them is really important.
  • If you get angry, or someone gets upset, find some personal space and take some time to cool down. Put things in perspective and keep in mind that this is a very challenging time for all.
  • People might need some private time to be by themselves. If the kids share a room, you can schedule who gets to be in the room at what time. If there is a balcony or yard, you can send the kids out for some time or spend time there yourself.
  • Be the first to offer comfort or to tell someone “it’s ok.”

By: Brenda Langdon

Storing Eggs Safely

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Storing eggs safely is important for quality and safety. Some older methods of storing eggs are not recommended today due to advancements and knowledge of egg safety. One method that has recently surfaced is storing eggs in lime water which is not recommended.

When this method was popular in the early 1900’s, they thought that eggs were sterile inside and all bacteria came through the shell after the eggs were laid.  But research shows that Salmonella enteritidis can contaminate the eggs as they are being formed inside the reproductive organ of the hen and there is no way a person can know it is there or not.

Since the method requires using unwashed eggs, they will likely come from smaller flocks. A study from Penn State University determined that small, home flocks have a much higher incidence of Salmonella than large commercial operations.

Another concern is about using lime water and the fact that it could seep through the egg shell. The risk of storing eggs for long periods of time include loss of nutrients, several oxidative reactions, changes in protein functionality, and a strong bitter taste from the lime.

A study from USDA Agricultural Research Service compares how eggs are stored in Europe and how eggs are stored in the U.S. Results showed that refrigeration is best for safety and quality.

Learn more about safe egg storage in this USDA publication, Shell Eggs from Farm to Table.

Source: December 2020 You Asked It!

By: Ashley Svaty