Lifestyle

November’s temperatures in much of Kansas have proven to be unseasonably warm, but rest assured, the colder days of winter are not far away. For gardeners, that means giving attention to garden plants in order to protect them from the inevitable freeze.

SUMNER COUNTY – The Sumner County Health Department has issued a statement to clarify that it is not closing. The clarification comes following the recent announcement that the Sumner County Home Health Agency is closing.

GODDARD – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services will hold a mobile outreach event in Goddard next week on Wednesday and Thursday. The event will run 9 a.m.

CHENEY – With screaming excitement, students at Cheney Elementary School enjoyed watching two teachers and their principal get hit in the face with pies. The “pie-ing” took place on Nov.

Savvy Senior Dear Savvy Senior, What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease? My husband was recently diagnosed after noticing a slight thumb tremor but we’re wondering if we missed any other early warning signs. Curious Wife Dear Curious, Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is challenging because the symptoms are often subtle and/or similar to those in other health conditions, which means they can easily be overlooked, dismissed or misdiagnosed.

Ingredients 4 large chicken breasts 2 heaping teaspoons cumin 2 heaping teaspoons garlic powder 2 heaping teaspoons onion powder 2 heaping teaspoons chili powder 16 ounce jar spicy salsa 15.25 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cans diced chile peppers 1 cup pickled jalapenos, drained prepared Mexican rice for serving Directions Add the chicken to the bottom of the crock pot and sprinkle the seasoning over top. Pour in the entire jar of salsa, along with the black beans, diced chiles (you don’t need to drain them) and the jalapenos.

I’ve read that one of the reasons podcast advertising tends to work well is because listeners grow to really trust hosts of those shows over time. I have several shows I listen to regularly, and I refer to the hosts as “my friends I’ve never met.” Having someone’s voice in your ear on a regular basis makes you feel like you know them.

Extension Holding the door for someone is a nice gesture, but Kansas State University community health specialist Elaine Johannes says there’s a deeper, more impactful practice that benefits both giver and receiver. She calls it “intentional kindness.” “Being nice keeps social lubricants moving,” said Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at K-State.

CHENEY – The USD 268 Cheney Board of Education is holding a special meeting next Thursday as it begins its search to replace retiring superintendent Marc Woofter. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m., and will be held in the Cheney High School auditorium.

CONWAY SPRINGS – The Conway Springs High School drama department will present the melodrama “The Vile Veterinarian, or...How Much is that Doggie with the Widow?” at 7 p.m. this Saturday and 4 p.m. this Sunday.