Children have embraced the internet with remarkable enthusiasm as they go online to learn, play, and communicate with their friends. Unfortunately, cyberspace is not always safe place for youngsters to visit. Some sex offenders use the privacy and anonymity of the Internet to prey on vulnerable children and teenagers whose Internet access is often unsupervised.

The National Center of Missing & Exploited Children disclosed that one in five children age 10-17 received a sexual solicitation over the Internet in the past year. (Finkelhor, Mitchell, and Wolak, 2000)

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/191213.pdf

K-State Research & Extension is offering a set of 3 Hands-on Workshops for any parent who want to:

Understand the same technology their children use every day. Bridge the gap between what their children know and what they know. Be able to assist their children and protect them.

The workshops will cover:

Understanding of the history behind the Internet

How to investigate where information is kept on a computer

How to locate where some of the communications come from that our children receive. And More…

Race will be in Kannapolis Park for 20th year

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March 20, 2015

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Marquette – The 20th Annual Horsethief Canyon Trail Run is scheduled for September 19 in Kanopolis State Park.

The course is 6.5 miles. If you are interested in participating, please email [email protected].

Fitness classes offered in Buhler

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March 20, 2015

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The Buhler Wellness Center is offering several classes throughout the week, including cardio, yoga and core classes.

They are $1 for members and $3 for non-members. For more information, visit www.buhlerwellnesscenter.wordpress.com.

Competitive Trail Ride at Sandhill State Park April 10-12

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March 20, 2015

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CHENEY – The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), a nonprofit organization that provides competitive distance trail rides for riders of all equine breeds and disciplines, will be holding its second annual trail ride competition, “Exploring Sand Hills,” at Sand Hills State Park April 10-12, 2015. Anyone age 10 or older is welcome to compete. A free clinic will be held on Friday April 10 at 10 a.m. for first-time competitors.

In a competitive trail event, riders will complete a measured distance ride within a window of time. The judging begins at the preliminary examination, usually the day before the ride, continues during the ride, and concludes at the final examination one or two days later. The equines (horses, ponies, and mules) are evaluated on condition, soundness, and trail manners. Riders are judged on horsemanship as it applies to trail riding and caring for a horse naturally (without drugs or artificial appliances) during and after a day on the trail.

Riders can compete in 1-day or 2-day rides within novice, competitive pleasure, and open classes. Novice and competitive pleasure classes will complete about 16 miles per day, and open classes will complete about 27 miles per day.

Campsite and ride reservations are required and fill up fast, so early registration is encouraged. Horses will have their own individual corrals.

All contestants will receive gift buckets with coupons, samples, and literature from sponsors. Each first-time competitor will receive a completion award. Evening meals Friday and Saturday will be potluck with meat provided by ride management. In addition to awards and door prizes, there will also be live entertainment Saturday evening.

For more information, visit www.natrc.org or contact Liz Klamm at [email protected]t. An introductory video on “what to expect” can also be viewed at www.natrc.org/what_to_expect_Video.htm.

USDA to Hold Expert Panel on Statistics for Women and Beginner Farmers

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March 20, 2015

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will convene a panel of subject matter experts to discuss needs for federal statistics about women and beginning farmers and ranchers. The panel meeting will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on April 2 and 3 at the USDA offices, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C. Only the meeting on April 2 is open to the public. The panel will hear public comment (pre-registration required) in the morning on April 2 as well as in writing before and up to two weeks following the meeting. These comments will be included in the public record.

“Through data collected in the Census of Agriculture and our knowledge of farming trends, we know agriculture is changing,” said NASS’s Chief Mathematical Statistician and Director of Research and Development Dr. Linda J. Young. “As a federal statistical agency, we want to understand what information those who use the data need now and in the near future, given the roles of women and beginner farmers today.”

Expert Panel on Statistics for Women and Beginner Farmers

Purpose: To discuss needs for federal statistics about women and beginning farmers and ranchers.

When: Thursday April 2, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.(open to the public) and Friday, April 3, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed to the public).

Oral Public Comment: Pre-register at least 5 days in advance via 800-727-9540 or [email protected]. Registrants may make public comments of up to 3 minutes on the morning of April 2. If there are multiple representatives from one organization one representative will be given priority; the others will be accommodated as time allows so that all organizations and unaffiliated individuals have the opportunity to provide comments. NASS will provide attendance details to those who register.

Written Public Comment: Send written comment of up to 500 words to [email protected]; FAX 202-690-2090; or USDA/NASS, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6035, South Building, Washington, DC 20250.

More Information: Federal Register Notice http://federalregister.gov/a/2015-06181

Rural Messenger

Rural Messenger

Internet 101 for Parents

Race will be in Kannapolis Park for 20th year

Fitness classes offered in Buhler

Competitive Trail Ride at Sandhill State Park April 10-12

USDA to Hold Expert Panel on Statistics for Women and Beginner Farmers

Rural Messenger

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