Being close only counts in a few sports and unfortunately for the Barton Community College volleyball team, close doesn’t account for wins in volleyball as the Cougars dropped four matches this weekend at the Pizza Hut Invitational hosted by Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. The losses drop Barton to a deceiving 2-12 on the season as the Cougars continue to battle strong competition in the non-conference portions of the schedule. Barton returns to conference play on Wednesday as the 1-3 Cougars travel to Dodge City, Kansas, for a 6:30 p.m. match against the 0-3 and 4-11 Dodge City Community College Conquistadors. Barton began play on Friday with two matches, the first coming against Northwest College. In a tight first two sets, Barton took a 2-0 match lead getting identical 25-23 set wins. The Trappers awakened and easily took the next two sets 25-10 and 25-10 to set up a decisive fifth set. Recovering from blowing the two set lead, the Cougars appeared to be in great position leading 8-6 but Northwest outscored Barton down the stretch for a 15-13 win. Two hours later Barton returned to the hard court to wrap up first day action with the daunting task of taking on No. 19 Casper College. After dropping the first set 25-14, the Cougars evened the match with a 25-21 win. The Thunderbirds flexed their muscles in the third with a decisive 25-9 win then held off the Cougars in the fourth for a narrow 25-23 win. With two tough matches behind them from the first day of competition, the Cougars began Saturday’s action going against the host Plainsmen who dispatched fellow Jayhawk member Seward County Community College in three straight sets the day prior. NJC took the first set 25-18 but Barton rallied in the second set holding off a late Plainsman rally to hold on for a 27-25 win to even the match. Trailing throughout the third, Barton was unable to string a big enough rally together and fell 25-17. With their back to the wall, the Cougars got off to a good start in the fourth then used a 6-1 run to open up a comfortable 17-10 lead. NJC wouldn’t lie down easily though pecking away at the lead, drawing to within 21-19, but Barton held off the rally to win 25-23 to force a fifth set. Playing their third five-set match in their last three matches, the Cougars held a slim 8-7 lead at the changeover. NJC put up three straight points only to have Barton respond with three of their own to grab an 11-10 lead. Following a NJC timeout, the Plainsman regained the lead with two straight but again the Cougars matched NJC and took a 13-12 lead. NJC slowed the Cougar momentum with a timeout then promptly tied the contest before a controversial touch call took the Plainsman to match point where they completed the 3-0 run to win 15-13 and capture the match. Hoping to wrap up the weekend action with a win, the Cougars took the first set against Sheridan College 25-23. But that was all Barton could muster the rest of the way as the Generals took the match with consecutive 25-23, 25-21, and 25-20 set wins.
Fun family meals in minutes
(Family Features) Make dinnertime simple, delicious and fun by using different proteins, such as shrimp, for tried-and-true dishes like tacos, pasta or even slider sandwiches.
To make the most of evenings together, smart families shop for time-saving ingredients. Using the frozen food aisle can help save time preparing dinner, without sacrificing quality. Nature’s original preservation method, freezing, locks in the great taste of quality ingredients that are ready to go when you are, leaving more time for you to enjoy fun family moments. Frozen products that come semi-prepared, such as SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp and SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, can be used in family-friendly recipes for meals that are ready in a snap.
For example, take the taco – a dinnertime favorite that’s also popping up in new varieties on trendy menus – and elevate it from ordinary to exciting! Shrimp Scampi Tacos can be prepared in less than 25 minutes and can put a refreshing twist on the mealtime fare. Top a bed of crisp lettuce with savory shrimp, fragrant cilantro and a spritz from some fresh lemon and lime for an ideal family dish that is easy to prepare and fun to enjoy together. Plus, each shrimp is tossed in SeaPak’s signature blend of seasonings, breading and sauces, so you can bring the best coastal tastes to your table in minutes.
Use the time you save preparing the meal to catch up with your family – recapping the day’s activities or discussing your children’s high and low points with them. And, remember, dinner doesn’t need to last an hour. Research shows that even 20 minutes together, instead of 40 or 60, gives the family similar benefits.
Tasty tips to maximize family time
Here are some easy ideas to get the most out of enjoying dinner with your family:
- Get the kids to help in the kitchen. When they’re involved with the preparation, they’re more likely to be interested in mealtime and enjoy helping you prepare. While you bake or sauté the shrimp, let them set the table, wash and strain vegetables or help keep an eye on the timer.
- If schedules are overwhelming, designate a specific day of the week for fun family meals to be the top priority. Write it on a calendar in the kitchen, so every member is aware of this special time together and can look forward to it during the week.
- Remove distractions, so everyone can participate in meaningful conversations. This requires turning off the television, leaving phones in another room and focusing on having a good time together.
The combination of easy-to-make meals and ideas for making the most of time together is the perfect recipe for a family fun night. Visit www.seapak.com for additional family-friendly, coastal recipes.
Shrimp Scampi Tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4
1 package (12 ounces) SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
2 cups prepared white rice, warm
2 limes (zest and juice)
1 lemon (zest only)
1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup chopped green leaf lettuce
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup arugula
Prepare scampi according to package directions and keep warm.
Source: SeaPak Shrimp Company
In medium mixing bowl, stir together rice, lime juice, lime and lemon zest and cilantro. Inside each tortilla, assemble in this order: lettuce, lime/rice mixture, shrimp scampi and cheese. Sprinkle arugula on top. Serve salsa on side, if desired.
Kansas Department of Agriculture and KSU Foundation to host ribbon cutting September 18
MANHATTAN, Kan. – A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will held Sept. 18 at the new Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) office building at 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. The event is a joint effort between KDA and the Kansas State University Foundation, the building owner.
“This new location will allow the Kansas Department of Agriculture to collaborate more effectively with Kansas State University and members of the agricultural industry,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “The move will ultimately better serve our farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, as well as a public that depends on Kansas agriculture each and every day.”
Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz said he believes this partnership will yield great results for the agriculture community in Kansas.
“K-State looks forward to the opportunity to work closely with the Kansas Department of Agriculture leadership and staff,” Schulz said. “We are committed to finding new ways we can collaborate for the benefit of our state’s agricultural producers and all Kansans.”
KSU Foundation President and CEO Fred Cholick said he was pleased the foundation could assist with the project.
“Facilitating the development of Kansas Department of Agriculture’s new home in the K-State Research Park allowed the KSU Foundation to serve as a catalyst to strengthen K-State’s partnership with industries and KDA,” said Cholick.
Tours will be offered from 2 – 4 p.m. with presentation and remarks beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will attend the event.
MC Squeaks by Builders
McPherson, Kan. – The MC volleyball team picked up their second-straight win on Wednesday as they held off the Moundbuilders of Southwestern College 3-2. The Lady ‘Dogs are now 6-4 on the year and 1-1 in conference.
The first set of the match went McPherson’s way from the beginning; Mac coasted to a 25-17 win. Set number two was a different story as SWC came out strong and got up on the Bulldogs; MC tried a late push but fell short, losing 25-22. The third set went much like the first, the Lady ‘Dogs took a commanding lead early on and then cruised to a 25-17 finish. In the fourth, Southwestern used adrenaline fueled by a couple quick rallies to force a fifth set; they won the fourth 25-19. McPherson trailed early in the final set but six-straight points late pushed them over the edge as they came out on top 15-10.
Cortlyne Huppe was in beast-mode early on and ended the match with 17 kills and just one error; she also recorded four total blocks. Taryn Lee hit double-digits in kills as well, logging 10 on 25 attempts; she led the team in blocks with five. Setters Taylor Johnson and Phoebe Barton netted a combined 48 assists with Johnson tallying 28. Emily Warner dug up 27 to lead the team.
McPherson is off this weekend and will have their next match in a week as they travel to Hillsboro, Kansas to face Tabor College on September 17th; match time is 7:00 p.m.
Make sure to follow Bulldog Nation on Facebook (MCathletics) and Twitter (@MAC_Bulldogs)
McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Kansas wetlands education center butterfly festival
Participants can help capture and tag monarch butterflies
GREAT BEND – From making milkweed seed bombs to tagging monarch butterflies, kids and adults will find plenty to do during the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s (KWEC) “Butterfly Festival” Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. KWEC is located at 592 NE K156 Hwy on the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area 10 miles northeast of Great Bend. Participants will study butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalises, an exhibit bee hive, as well as several other amazing insects and spiders on display inside the insect “zoo.” There is no cost to attend and door prizes will be given away just before noon.
Nets and tags will be available for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies. Participants will receive information about the tagging process before heading out with a tagging leader to search for monarch butterflies. Although monarch numbers have decreased drastically, populations seem to be rebounding locally, with many adults, caterpillars and eggs found on milkweed at Cheyenne Bottoms.
Apart from tagging, participants can also play in the mud and make a take-home seed bomb, composed of clay, compost, water and seeds; take photos at the monarch butterfly and caterpillar photo boards; create a unique caterpillar and butterfly in the craft section; refuel with light refreshments and drinks.
Butterfly milkweed plants, with growing instructions, will be available at no cost to those who would like to encourage monarchs in their yards and gardens. Information on butterfly-friendly plants and other attractants will be available and visitors may also walk through the wildflower/butterfly garden to view examples of butterfly-friendly plants.
For more information, contact the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268, or visit: wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu.
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
