Opportunities for participation

It is interesting and rewarding (most of the time anyway) to take advantage of opportunities that come our way. For example, I took the opportunity to share in a Thanksgiving meal that my daughters prepared for our family last week. Kara made her way to our house (from Iola) as did Kristin (from Panama City, Panama) for the cooking mission.

The food was very tasty, and we enjoyed sharing the time and the pleasant task (eating) at the appointed time. I did peel the potatoes as my contribution to the effort, as well as showing up on time for supper.

Opportunities for participation in some USDA and Bourbon/Linn County Conservation District-sponsored events are also coming up.

First is the opportunity to cast a ballot in this year's Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee election. Ballots were mailed early in November and are due back to the applicable FSA office by Monday, Dec. 5.

If mailed back, the returned ballot will be considered timely received if the postmark shows the Dec. 5 date or earlier. Bourbon County's ballots will be counted at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 8, in the conference room of the USDA Service Center, 1515 S. Judson, Fort Scott.

Committee member elections are staggered with one of the three regular members being elected to a three-year term each year. This year, the election involves Bourbon County's Local Administrative Area 3 which includes the townships of Marmaton, Pawnee, Drywood and Scott south of U.S. Highway 54. The candidates (in alphabetical order) are Mark Bohlken, Ancel Johnson, and Dennis Stephan. The incumbent for this position, Glenn Oberst, opted not to seek another term.

So, "mark and mail" those ballots now. Or drop them by our office.

Another opportunity for area residents is the "Prescribed Burning from the Landowner's Perspective" workshop being offered jointly by the Bourbon and Linn County Conservation Districts.

The session is set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Bronson Community Center. Those interested should contact either conservation district office (620) 223-3170, ext. 3 in Fort Scott; or (913) 795-2940, ext. 3 in Mound City) to reserve a spot no later than Dec. 7. There will be a $15 charge collected the day of the event that will cover lunch as well as all materials.

A number of topics will be covered including laws and liability, smoke management, ignition techniques, ignition devices, burning in different seasons and several other burn topics.

The presentation will be made by John R. Weir, who is an Oklahoma State University research associate in their Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Controlled burning is an important part of pasture, hayland and CRP management that is often a difficult as well as dangerous undertaking.

Information provided will be aimed at completing needed burning activities safely while also accomplishing the needed maintenance action.