Sonya Rein runs a business in town called The Errand Lady. She specializes in organizing, senior support, and you guessed it…running errands for people. Rein will be one of the speakers at the September 11^th “Downsize to Rightsize Your Life” seminar in Great Bend.

Rein says it is important for everyone to know there are professionals that can help you with all aspects of preparing for retirement, including downsizing.

Sonya Rein Audio

The event is free and will include light refreshments at the Holiday Inn, 3821 10^th Street. The seminar will begin at 5:30 p.m. and should last approximately an hour.

Other guest speakers include: Aaron Andrews with MPIRE Realty Group, Nancy Baird with Doll Insurance Group & Financial Services, and Jim Armatys with Edward Jones.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — Three people died in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Reginald A. Miller, 32, Arthur, IL., was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of the Kansas 14 Junction. The pickup rear-ended a semi’s trailer.  The pickup then veered off into the north ditch and caught fire.

Miller and passengers  Darrin W. Stutzman, 20, Arthur, IL, and Matthew Lynn Herschberger, 16, Arcola, IL., were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Parsons Funeral Home.

The semi driver Curtis Lee Garrison Jr, 43, Vaughn, MS., was transported to the hospital in Salina.

The KHP did not have information on seat belt usage in the pickup.

written by: Rip Winkel – Horticulture Agent, Cottonwood Extension District

The rains we’ve received in our area of Kansas recently have resulted in the appearance of mushrooms in many a lawn and landscape.

Although mushrooms can be eye-catching in size, shape and color, most of them are relatively harmless to plant life. Case-in-point is the fungus referred to as Fairy Ring. It is characterized by its arc-like or circular pattern of growth. This ring pattern is caused by the outward growth of mycelium from the fungus. The mycelium forms a dense, mat-like structure in the soil that decomposes organic material.

As the mycelium breaks down the organic matter, it releases nitrate into the soil, which in turn stimulates the growth of the grass at the outer portion of the ring. The result is a dark green appearance of the grass around the edge of the ring. Unfortunately, that same thick fungal mat formed by the fungus interferes with water infiltration. The fungus can also release certain byproducts that are toxic, leading to dieback of the grass close to the ring. Ergo, in some cases the ring is exhibited by a darker green color and in others, by a brown ring with the outside edge being darker green than the rest of the turf.

Fairy rings are difficult to control. You can sometimes eliminate the ring by digging to a depth of 6 to 12 inches and 12 inches wide on both sides of the ring, refilling the hole with non-infested soil. Or you can try to mask the symptoms by fertilizing the rest of the lawn so that it is as dark green as the ring. This, however, is not such a good idea because it tends to promote other turf problems. Commercially there are certain fungicides marketed that control fairy rings, but these products are not available to homeowners. See https://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/EP155.pdf for more info on these fungicides.

Some mushrooms in lawns are not associated with fairy rings. These could be mycorrhizal (symbiotic association with tree roots) or saprophytic (live on dead organic matter such as wood, etc.) types of fungus in the soil. Because some of these funguses are beneficial, you don’t really want to kill them. Besides, applying fungicide spray to the mushroom structures does very little good. Remember the mushroom is simply the fruiting body of the organism. Most of the actual fungus is below ground and not accessible to the chemical.

If mushrooms become bothersome, pick them and dispose of them as soon as they appear. If there are too many for that to be practical, mow them off.  If possible, remove all sources of organic debris (i.e. old, dead roots) from the soil. Keep in mind that mushrooms tend to go away as the soil dries. Applying patience may be the best measure of control. FYI, some of the mushrooms in the lawn are edible, but others are poisonous. Never eat mushrooms unless you are absolutely sure of their identity.

As the condition of the now closed Great Bend Hotel & Convention Center continues to deteriorate, no solution to the communities biggest eyesore seems to be coming soon. The property at 3017 10th Street has been closed now for well over two years. The condition of the property was discussed at the August 8th city council meeting when Sanitarian Austin LaViolette commented on the trash and refuse on the property and the need for mowing and trimming weeds. According to Great Bend City Attorney Bob Suelter, nothing has changed since that meeting except for the fact that he was able to finally talk to the out of state owner.

Bob Suelter Audio

Suelter says the owner’s plans to renovate the structure and open it again for business may be a bit ambitious considering the large amount of work that will need to be done.

Bob Suelter Audio

Suelter says unless the building is deemed unsafe and dangerous there is not much the City can do besides make the owners keep it cleaned up on the outside. Suelter along with the City Building Inspector Lee Schneider agree that the building remains structurally sound.

The Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market in Great Bend has grown since it started in 2012. Janel Rose with the Barton County Health Department says the Farmers Market on Thursday afternoons started with five or six vendors, but this summer that number has been occasionally up to 14.

The 2018 edition has been successful with added activities in addition to the vendors.

Janel Rose Audio

The local farmers market features seasonal produce from area fruit and vegetable growers, honey, baked goods, flowers, and arts and crafts.

With other farmers markets happening in the morning on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, Rose felt the Summer Street Stroll gave citizens an extra opportunity to buy fresh produce in the evening.

Janel Rose Audio

The Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays on the south side of Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend. The last farmers market will be September 13.

After receiving a few complaints, the City of Great Bend will begin spraying for mosquitos again within city limits.

The spraying will occur the next four Thursdays, August 30^th, September 6^th, September 13^th, and September 20^th from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed during this time.

Earlier this month, Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf appeared on the KWEC Show on 1590 KVGB and 97.7 FM.

Wolf mentioned at the time, water shortages were a major problem at Cheyenne Bottoms, just northeast of Great Bend. A few more rain showers have hit the Golden Belt since the early part of August and Kansas Wildlife Parks & Tourism staff have diverted water into some of the dryer pools at the wetlands.

Although more rain would be welcomed, Wolf mentioned the nice part of the shallow waters is the site of more shorebirds and other species of birds.

Curtis Wolf Audio

Wolf added he also noticed or received reports of an increase in roadrunners at Cheyenne Bottoms. The fast-running birds are typically found in southwestern United States and Mexico, but their habitat has expanded over the years.