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Organic Matter

By
Guest Columnist
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KSU horticulture

If you only do one thing to your garden soil, add organic matter. Organic matter or compost loosens clay soil making it easier to dig and rototill. It also will add nutrients to the soil. How do we make compost and add organic matter to add to the soil? On October 30 I will have a program at the Newton Public Library at 6:30 pm called “Make The Most From Your Compost”. This is a free program but please register by calling (316) 284-6930 by October 29.

 

Fall is the time of year when nature graces us with shades of purple, red, orange, and yellow leaves to enjoy. As you take in the beautiful scenery, you may wonder: What causes the leaves to change colors in the fall? Many people believe frost is the reason, but that’s actually a myth!

During warmer months, leaves create food for tree growth. The process takes place inside of plant cell structures called chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll. This explains why the leaves are green during spring and summer! Fall brings shorter days and cooler weather, which brings this food-making process to a halt. The green chlorophyll breaks down, and golden-colored leaves begin to appear instead. Other chemical changes may occur, which result in different leaf colors like orange, red, and even deep purple.

These leaves last briefly before fall winds and rains cause them to drop. The cells that hold the leaves to the twigs become weak because the food-making process has slowed down. That’s why leaves drop easier in the fall than in the summer when trees are actively creating food for growth. Leaf-shedding helps protect trees by making it easier for the tree to handle any snow and ice collection that may happen as the weather grows colder.

After the colorful leaves have fallen you will need to do something with them. The educational program I mentioned above “Make The Most From Your Compost” will teach you how!

Thanksgiving In A Cup

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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When I first wrote this recipe it was called something like, ‘Vegetable Bisque’. It received lots of accolades at work, and the staff said it needed to be named, ‘Thanksgiving In a Cup’ because that’s what it tasted like.

I think it’s another one of those soups that can be used as a nice opener instead of a salad. In the present format I’ve used it for the opener at dinner parties. However; on the flip side the staff would ask if there was any leftover as their main entree, many times.

You can reach for the pre-chopped butternut squash which is available at many big grocers. I just don’t think the flavor is as good as when a fresh butternut squash is used. A bit like the difference between a Mrs. Smith apple pie and a homemade apple pie!

As we journey through this absolutely wonderful autumn season it truly makes one want to park in the kitchen and not come up for a couple of days. I had lots of plans to bake this weekend, with all the storms I was afraid to slide any goods into the oven. The chance of losing product made me see dollar signs. Instead I enjoyed a quiet rainy day.

We also celebrated ErvIn’s birthday with a steak dinner, wild rice, salads, biscuits and dessert. It was good having our son and fiancée over for the evening. The clock is ticking on the countdown for their November wedding.

ErvIn and I are ready, now it’s just a matter of arranging a few flowers for the big day, and freezer cooking in preparation of friends and family.

I really hope you’ll find the time to give this recipe a try, you will be very surprised at the outcome. I think a little bit of Jarlsberg Cheese or perhaps a smoked cheese would be nice on top for a garnish. The Jarlsberg will have a bit of a nutty undertone, which would enhance it nicely. ‘Nutty’, that too is an option, a few sauteed pecans sprinkled over the top would be another choice.

Throw a quick pumpkin pie together with whipped cream, call over some friends and enjoy. Oh my goodness, we need to do just that this week. Our neighbors’ daughter, from Sweden is here, think I’ll use my own suggestion.

Simply Yours, The Covered Dish.

Creamy Vegetable Bisque aka ‘Thanksgiving in a cup!’

2-3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion

1/2 lb. carrots, peeled

(3-4 large carrots)

3 large gold potatoes

10-12 oz. butternut squash*

3 celery ribs

1 red bell pepper, optional

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

3 garlic cloves

3 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon dry ground thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1-2 bay leaves, optional

1 cup heavy cream

Chop onion, carrots, potatoes, squash, celery and pepper into small 1/2 inch chunks. Heat butter in a skillet and sweat the vegetables for around 8-10 minutes; until the vegetables begin to soften. Introduce garlic cloves towards the end. Sprinkle in the salt and white pepper.

 

Pour the 3 cups of chicken stock over all the ingredients. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Cook until mixture comes to a boil and the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove bay leaves; with an immersion blender blend the ingredients until smooth. Add the ground red pepper. Slowly add the heavy cream and heat over medium to medium-low heat.

If the bisque isn’t as rich as you like add a bit more cream or fresh grated cheeses. Ladle into soup cups and garnish with a spoon of sour cream and parsley. When serving this for 20 or more I omit the sour cream and top with curled leek tops.

Yields 7-8 cups.

*Cubed butternut can be purchased at most Walmart stores.

KU News: Classical music gets creepy with KPR’s Live Day

By
Joyce Gilliland
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From the Office of Public Affairs | https://www.news.ku.edu

Headlines

Classical music gets creepy with KPR’s Live Day

LAWRENCE — KPR’s Live Day on Oct. 24 will broadcast over seven hours of music live from the Kansas Public Radio station and Lawrence Public Library, concluding with a public Halloween Spooktacular concert. Featured performers include the Lyric Arts Trio of Kansas City, Trio Lawrence, KU’s Glee Club and Oread Singers, and KPR “Evening Classical” host Destiny Ann Mermagen.

 

KU Law to host lecture on public trust doctrine and environmental rights

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Law will host environmental law scholar Erin Ryan for a public lecture Oct. 30 as part of the Big 12 Law Schools Signature Lecture Series. Ryan, associate dean for environmental law programs and the Elizabeth C. & Clyde W. Atkinson Professor of Law at the Florida State University College of Law, will present “Law for the Land: The Public Trust Doctrine, Mono Lake and a Quiet Revolution in Environmental Rights.”

 

KU Counseling Psychology marks 70 years with 2025 Lichtenberg Lecture featuring Rod Goodyear

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will celebrate a milestone this fall: the 70th anniversary of its Counseling Psychology Program, highlighted by the 2025 Lichtenberg Lecture. This year’s featured speaker is scholar Rod Goodyear, who is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on the training and supervision of mental health professionals. The lecture will take place Nov. 7, with a celebratory lunch commemorating the program to follow.

 

School of Engineering to host 57th annual Geotechnical Engineering Conference

LAWRENCE — On Nov. 6, the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering within the University of Kansas School of Engineering will host experts — including representatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation, academia and private industry — for the 57th Annual Geotechnical Engineering Conference. Early bird registration ends Oct. 24.

 

Full stories below.

 

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Contact: Emily DeMarchi, Kansas Public Radio, 785-864-0190, [email protected]
Classical music gets creepy with KPR’s Live Day

LAWRENCE — Classical music gets creepy and crawly with KPR’s Live Day — an entire day of live concerts — on Oct. 24. Broadcasting over seven hours of music live from the Kansas Public Radio station and Lawrence Public Library, the day will conclude with a special Halloween-themed concert that is open to the public.

The University of Kansas’ Glee Club and Oread Singers will kick off the day at 9 a.m. live on KPR. Music from the Lyric Arts Trio of Kansas City will follow at 10 a.m. in the Lawrence Public Library’s Auditorium. The concerts at the library are free and open to the public; KPR also encourages schools, child care centers and other community groups to attend.

Performances will continue to alternate every hour between the KPR Live Performance Studio and the library until 3 p.m. Additional performers include Trio Lawrence, strings duo Madeleine Jansen and Syneva Colle, violinist David Colwell and pianist Ellen Sommer, and the music of Robert and Lyra Pherigo.

The day will conclude with skeleton songs, terrifying tunes and music of classical de-composers. Halloween Spooktacular, featuring violinist and KPR “Evening Classical” host Destiny Ann Mermagen, begins at 7 p.m. at the library. She’ll be accompanied by pianist Hyunsoon Whang, percussionist John Currey and cellist Michael Mermagen. This year’s evening concert is free to attend and open to the public, as space allows. Last year’s crowd resulted in standing room only, so plan to get there early. Guests may also participate in a costume contest and enjoy an assortment of Halloween treats starting at 6:15 p.m.

KPR’s Cordelia Brown and Kaye McIntyre will host the broadcast on KPR, online at the KPR website and on the KPR app for those who cannot attend in person.

KPR, a 23-time winner of the KAB’s Station of the Year, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on 91.5 FM and 96.1 FM (KPR2) in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM (KPR2) in Manhattan. KPR can be heard online at the station website, and KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website.

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For every $1 invested in KU, taxpayers gain $2.90

in added tax revenue and public sector savings.

https://economicdevelopment.ku.edu/impact

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Contact: Julie Francisco, School of Law, 785-864-9205, [email protected]
KU Law to host lecture on public trust doctrine and environmental rights

 

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Law will host environmental law scholar Erin Ryan for a public lecture Oct. 30 as part of the Big 12 Law Schools Signature Lecture Series.

Ryan, associate dean for environmental law programs and the Elizabeth C. & Clyde W. Atkinson Professor of Law at the Florida State University College of Law, will present “Law for the Land: The Public Trust Doctrine, Mono Lake and a Quiet Revolution in Environmental Rights.” The lecture will explore themes from her forthcoming book of the same title, to be published by Cambridge University Press in 2026.

The event will take place from 4 to 5:15 p.m. in 106 Green Hall at the School of Law. It is free and open to the public, with options to attend in person or virtually. Registration is requested.

Ryan is a leading scholar in environmental and natural resources law, water law, property, land use, federalism and negotiation. She oversees the Center for Environmental, Energy, and Land Use Law at Florida State and was recognized in 2022 with the university’s Innovation in Teaching Award.

Her scholarship and commentary have appeared in national and international outlets including the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Foreign Policy, Huffington Post, Financial Times and NPR. She is also the author of “Federalism and the Tug of War Within” (Oxford University Press, 2012) and has lectured at leading universities and government agencies across the United States, Europe and Asia.

Before entering academia, Ryan clerked for Judge James Browning of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and practiced environmental, land use and local government law in San Francisco. A former U.S. Forest Service ranger on the Mono Lake District of the Inyo National Forest, Ryan earned degrees from Harvard College, Wesleyan University and Harvard Law School.

The newly established Big 12 Law Schools Signature Lecture Series showcases a distinguished event from each member school, selected for its intellectual rigor and impact. The KU event is made possible through a grant from the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law.

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Each of Kansas’ 105 counties receives KU Medical Center outreach.

 

https://ku.edu/distinction

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Contact: Tiffany Reddig, School of Education & Human Sciences, [email protected]
KU Counseling Psychology marks 70 years with 2025 Lichtenberg Lecture featuring Rod Goodyear

 

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will celebrate a milestone this fall: the 70th anniversary of its Counseling Psychology Program, highlighted by the 2025 Lichtenberg Lecture featuring renowned scholar Rod Goodyear.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the Burge Union, Forum C/D. A celebratory lunch commemorating the program will follow at noon.

Distinguished Speaker: Rod Goodyear

Rod Goodyear, professor emeritus at the University of Redlands and the University of Southern California, is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on the training and supervision of mental health professionals. He co-wrote “Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision” (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019), the most widely cited text in the field of clinical supervision. In 2015, the American Psychological Association (APA) honored him with the Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contributions to Psychology Education and Training.

Workshop overview

The Lichtenberg Lecture also serves as a continuing education (CE) workshop, jointly sponsored by the KU Clinical Psychology and KU Counseling Psychology programs. More information is available in the online version of this press release.

A celebration of legacy and leadership

Following the lecture, attendees are invited to join faculty, alumni and students in celebrating 70 years of excellence in the KU Counseling Psychology Program. Since its founding, KU Counseling Psychology has advanced the field through research, education and community engagement — preparing generations of professionals dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. RSVP for the Lichtenberg Lecture and Celebration.

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KU activity supports nearly 88,000 jobs — or 1 in every 23 jobs in Kansas.

If KU by itself were its own industry sector, it would be the 10th-largest sector in Kansas.

https://economicdevelopment.ku.edu/impact

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Contact: Emma Herrman, Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering, [email protected]
School of Engineering to host 57th annual Geotechnical Engineering Conference

 

LAWRENCE — On Nov. 6, the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering within the University of Kansas School of Engineering will host experts in the field of geotechnical engineering for a one-day conference exploring the latest developments in the field.

“This year’s conference will highlight the integration of cutting-edge technologies, innovative construction methods and lessons learned from landmark geotechnical projects,” said Jie Han, conference chair and Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering. “Attendees will gain insights into emerging digital and geospatial tools for field data collection and analysis, the application of advanced stabilization and ground improvement techniques in challenging conditions and reflections on decades of progress that continue to shape the future of geotechnical engineering practice.”

The 57th Annual Geotechnical Engineering Conference will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kansas Union. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with the first session starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration is required. To register and preview the complete conference schedule, visit the event website.

Conference event speakers:

Scott Anderson, BGC Engineering
Stan Boyle, Shannon & Wilson
Rick Deschamps, Nicholson Construction Company
Jerry DiMaggio, HNTB
Amanda Keeney, Kansas Department of Transportation
John Kemeny, University of Arizona
Luke Metheny, Kansas Department of Transportation
Miranda Perkins, Louisiana Department Of Transportation and Development
John Wolosick, Keller.

This conference will also offer networking opportunities for industry experts in the geotechnical field. Early bird registration for this event ends Oct. 24.

For more information, contact Emma Herrman, outreach and communications coordinator, at [email protected].

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KU News Service

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence KS 66045

[email protected]

https://www.news.ku.edu

 

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

 

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

 

Boo at the Zoo

By
Steve Gilliland
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0

A few years back, the Hutchinson Zoo was raising money to build a new otter exhibit, and we heard they were looking for an otter pelt to become part of that exhibit. I contacted the president of the Kansas Fur Harvesters who got them a pelt, but perhaps just as important, I managed to get myself invited to an event there at the zoo where I could display one of the collections of Kansas furbearer pelts owned by the Fur Harvesters. The event was a Halloween trick-or-treat bash/fundraiser for the otter exhibit called “Boo at the Zoo.”

For three hours, hundreds of kids and parents dressed in Halloween garb flowed through a predetermined route there at the zoo, ending up where I and other volunteers were set up for face painting, etc. I had the pelts laid out on a long table, making them available for everyone to look at and touch. In their defense, I perceive that most people attending were from the city of Hutchinson and there were probably not a lot of hunters and trappers among them, but I heard some interesting and telling questions from the kids. Many asked “Are these real?” or “Where are their eyes?” Several asked me “You found these already dead, right?” But perhaps the most pointed inquiry came from a girl of ten or twelve who stared intently into my eyes and asked “So how did you feel after you shot these?”

I suppose I should not have expected much serious conversation about hunting or trapping at an event like that where the kids are mostly pre-teen and the parents are tired of whiney kids and just want to get the heck out of Dodge and go home. I used to think that one would have to go to Detroit, New York City or Washington DC to find people who didn’t have a clue where the hamburger they were eating came from, or where the leather and the fur came from to make the coat with the fur cuffs and collar they wore; I’m now rethinking that.

Kids and parents alike enjoyed looking at the pelts and were intrigued at how soft they were as they ran their hands through the fur. I made sure to point out to all of them how soft and luxurious the skunk fur was, asking them if they had any idea that something so feared could feel so soft. The badger pelt has the claws still intact, and I made it a point to show each person those claws, explaining to them how God designed them with those claws because they dig for the prey animals they eat. Most wanted to know what animal each pelt came from. Some knew several of them but many hadn’t a clue, calling the coyote pelt a beaver, the beaver pelt a mink and so on. I rattled off the furbearer each pelt came from so many times that night I could name them in my sleep; next time I’ll make labels.

I guess my point to all this is that you really don’t have to go far from home to find people that have no understanding of the merits of hunting and trapping, (or even where their meat, eggs and leather belts come from.) If we are to see hunting and trapping passed on to our grandchildren and in turn to their kids and so on, we need to make a concerted effort to educate the people around us about the merits of our passions. There is absolutely no better way to do this than to take non-hunters and trappers along with us on our adventures as we continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve can be contacted by email at [email protected].

Fall Gardens: Plants bulbs now for colorful spring displays

By
Guest Columnist
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0
K-State horticulture expert says Kansas options extend beyond tulips, daffodils.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini knows that die-hard flower gardeners are thinking about planting bulbs as fall rolls around.

While tulips and daffodils are among gardener’s favorites, Domenghini said there are many other bulb varieties that can be planted in Kansas for a colorful spring show, namely:

  • Hyacinth.
  • Allium.
  • Asiatic Lily.
  • Crocus.
  • Snowdrops.
  • Oriental Lily.

“Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted from now through October, giving them time to establish roots before winter,” Domenghini said.

She suggests that gardeners pick a spot with full sun to part shade.

“Ideally, the soil should be sandy loam, but if not, amend it by adding compost to a depth of at least one foot,” Domenghini said. “Good drainage is essential. Incorporate fertilizer only if recommended, based on a soil test. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0.”

The size of the bulb determines the planting depth, she adds. Tulips and hyacinths are typically planted six inches deep, while daffodil-sized bulbs should be 6-8 inches deep. In general, bulbs should be planted 2-3 times as deep as their width.

“Space large bulbs 4-6 inches apart,” Domenghini said. “Small bulbs can be spaced 1-2 inches apart. Mass plantings create a more aesthetically-pleasing display when spring blooms emerge.”

She adds: “Backfill each hole halfway and water in to settle the soil. Replace the remaining soil and water again. Though you will not see above-ground growth in the fall, roots are still growing. Keep the soil moist and add mulch after the soil freezes to provide insulation and prevent bulbs from being heaved out of the soil.”

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at [email protected], or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.

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