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Articles by Kathy Goul
Medicare drug price negotiations provide additional support for 2027
Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 will see many changes for the coming year. It is important that Medicare recipients review their current plan for changes during the open enrollment period. (Wix file photo) K-State Research and Extension News for October, 2026 Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 is here and with it comes some good news. Medicare is continuing its drug negotiation program, adding 15 new prescription drugs for the coming year.
Special: KDA and KSRE offer Local Food Producer Workshop series
Submitted story | January 20, 2026 MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer seven regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy.
Special: Religious Freedom Day, 2026 -- A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
NEWS PROVIDED BY The White House Jan. 16, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2026 /Christian Newswire/ — The White House releases the following proclamation by the President of the United States of America: For 250 years, our Nation and our people have abided by a simple truth: Every person is born with the God-given right to practice their faith, follow their conscience, and worship their God freely and without fear.
Special: enator Marshall introduces WALZ Act to prevent large-scale welfare fraud nationwide
S WASHINGTON – In response to the massive fraud scandal uncovered in Minnesota, where an estimated $9 billion or more in taxpayer funds was siphoned off through fraudulent claims, Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Welfare Abuse and Laundering Zillions (WALZ) Act, legislation designed to stop large-scale welfare fraud and restore accountability to government programs nationwide.
Special: Expiration of enhanced tax credits drives sharp premium increases on Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace
KHI new analysis shows higher costs and reduced insurer choice in 2026 TOPEKA, KANSAS, January 2026 – New analysis from the Kansas Health Institute shows that many Kansans who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace will face significantly higher premium costs this year following the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits. KHI today released analysis in its latest issue brief, 2026 Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.
Special: Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to host Washburn Piano Day Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students; registration open through Feb. 8
TOPEKA, KAN. — The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will host Washburn Piano Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students.
Special: AARP Kansas Now Accepting 2026 Community Challenge Grant Applications
The annual program aims to make communities in Kansas more livable for people of all ages. Topeka, KS—AARP Kansas invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects thathelp communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.
Family show-and-tell brings history to life
Sharing family history through stories is a great way to reconnect – without the distraction of devices – over the holidays. (Wix file photo) Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent K-State Research and Extension One of the hottest topics discussed this past year has been artificial intelligence – more commonly referred to as AI. The business world has highlighted the benefits of this new technology. Social media is buzzing about the advantages and disadvantages of AI.
Caregiver class series starts Sept. 10th at Mound City Library
The Marais des Cygnes District Extension Service will conduct a series of classes for family caregivers beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10. The number of attendees is limited so be sure call the library soon to register.
There’s still time for fair open class exhibit pre-entry
If you missed the pre-entry deadline for open class exhibits, help is here! Open class exhibits can be entered the day of the fair, but please plan ahead to make the process go smoothly for you and your family. kAmkDA2? DEJ=6lQE6IE\564@C2E:@?i F?56C=:?6jQm(96? E@ 6?E6Cik^DA2?mk^Am kAm~A6? 4=2DD 6I9:3:E 6?ECJ H:== E2<6 A=246 %F6D52J 6G6?:?8[ yF=J ab[ 7C@> e E@ g A]>] 2?5 (65?6D52J >@C?:?8[ yF=J ac[ 7C@> g E@ ``ib_ 2]>]k^Am kAmkDA2?
Delicious pies will be judged, auctioned at fair
The King Arthur Baking Company Pie Baking Contest is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their pie-baking talents, trying their hand at the elusive first-place ribbon and special prizes. But did you know it is also an excellent way to support the work of the Miami County Fair Association? Once the pie judging has been completed, all pies are auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the Miami County Fair Association to help with fair improvements.
File Your Taxes Then Set a Family Meeting
K-State Research & Extension News for April, 2024 Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent The title of today’s article probably has you puzzled. Filing taxes usually does not prompt having a family meeting – unless your tax return gives you a windfall of money you would like to share! While I do not have a windfall of money to share, I do have information to share that I feel is important to every family.
File your taxes and set a family meeting
The title of today’s article probably has you puzzled. Filing taxes usually does not prompt having a family meeting – unless your tax return gives you a windfall of money you would like to share! While I do not have a windfall of money to share, I do have information to share that I feel is important to every family. kAmx C646?E=J =62C?65 E92E[ :? a__g[ pAC:= `e H2D 56D:8?2E65 2D }2E:@?2= w62=E942C6 s64:D:@?D s2J] %9:D 52J H2D 49@D6? 32D65 @? E96 72>@FD BF@E6 3J q6?;2>:? uC2?<=:? E92E “x?
Healthy living for your brain and body
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are some healthy behaviors that we can adopt to lower our risk for dementia. Science tells us that many factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke increase the risk of dementia, such as hypertension, diabetes and midlife obesity. kAm$6G6? <6J 2C62D 92G6 366? :56?E:7:65 E@ >@G6 FD E@H2C5 962=E9J =:G:?8 7@C @FC 3C2:? 2?5 3@5J] t249 A=2JD 2? :>A@CE2?E C@=6 :?
Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body
K-State Research & Extension News for March 2024 Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are some healthy behaviors that we can adopt to lower our risk for dementia. Science tells us that many factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke increase the risk of dementia, such as hypertension, diabetes and midlife obesity.
Quarters, dates and dollars - the ins and outs of Social Security
Quarters, dates and dollars. Each of these play a role in understanding how Social Security operates, what benefits are available to you and your family and when you choose to start drawing your benefits. The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935, establishing Social Security benefits through trust funds. These trust funds are funded by FICA taxes collected through employment taxes and income taxes.
K-State Research & Extension Launches New “A Matter of Balance” Program
Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent Registration is now open for A Matter of Balance, a new program being offered by K-State Research & Extension. A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program designed to increase activity levels and improve balance, flexibility and strength while teaching practical skills in fall prevention.
Grab your sled and head up the hill
I have decided on my favorite commercial from this holiday season. No matter how many times it crosses my screen, I catch myself smiling. Each time, it adds a bit of joy to my life. I can picture myself doing exactly what the women in the commercial are doing - riding a sled down a hill covered in snow, smiling, laughing and reminiscing all the way to the bottom! From an advertising perspective, Amazon has done a great job with this ad.
Grab your sled and head up the hill
Keeping active helps older people maintain a postive outlook. (Wix file photo) Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent I have decided on my favorite commercial from this holiday season. No matter how many times it crosses my screen, I catch myself smiling. Each time, it adds a bit of joy to my life.
Deciphering fact from fiction when it comes to falls
Falls are a normal part of aging — aren’t they? The truth is, they’re not. While we might think, “It won’t happen to me,” the truth is that more than one in four older adults fall every year in the United States. The good news is, most falls can be prevented if we plan ahead. Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing medications, having our vision checked annually and making our living environment safer are all steps we can take to prevent a fall.
There’s still time for fair open class exhibit pre-entry
If you missed the pre-entry deadline for open class exhibits, help is here! Open class exhibits can be entered the day of the fair, but please plan ahead to make the process go smoothly for you and your family.
Delicious pies will be judged, auctioned at fair
The King Arthur Baking Company Pie Baking Contest is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their pie-baking talents, trying their hand at the elusive first-place ribbon and special prizes. But did you know it is also an excellent way to support the work of the Miami County Fair Association? Once the pie judging has been completed, all pies are auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the Miami County Fair Association to help with fair improvements.
Pre-entering fair exhibits is a win-win for everyone
Hosting a fair can be complex at times. Before the first exhibitor enters the gates, many hours of planning and preparation have already taken place with one goal in mind - a fair that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Entry of fair exhibits is one of the tasks that consumes a large amount of time each year at fair. As exhibitors arrive with their projects in hand, they are directed to the appropriate place to have their item/animal checked in and be prepared for judging.
SMILE BIG and reap the rewards
A smile or words of encouragement may seem like small things, but they add up! When we live life to the fullest, looking for the silver lining in all things, those smiles and words of encouragement can add up in a big way. We know from research that having a positive outlook on aging actually adds 7 ½ years to our life.
Meet me where I am
Communication is more than just talking and listening — it’s also about the messages we send through our attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. Communication is a way to express who we are and how we relate to each other. As the brain changes with Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia, those affected lose the ability to speak and decode language in the usual ways.
Check your credit and help prevent identity theft
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently found that one in five Americans have an error on at least one of their credit reports. Having an error on a credit report is typically not a problem for most people, but leaving it there can be. An error on a report could also indicate that someone is trying to steal your identity to apply for credit. People who are not currently looking to apply for a loan think they don’t need to check their credit.
Budgeting for the winter holidays: It’s not all about the money
From Thanksgiving to New Years, winter holidays can be stressful — both mentally and financially. Many times during the holiday season, our focus shifts to finances. Do I have funds to make a trip to see family? Is the gift I want to purchase affordable? Am I able to purchase food for my guests? While finances are important, we must also take time to review our mental health during the holidays. What part of the season is causing stress? What can I do to reduce the amount of stress I am experiencing?
Medicare open enrollment is almost here
Medicare open enrollment time is almost here! Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can review their plan coverage to make certain they are getting the most bang for their buck. Plans are allowed to change their cost and coverage rules each fall, so it is important to read the Annual Notice of Change received each year from your plan to see if there are any changes that affect you.
Help and hope is closer than you think
Our immediate response to someone in a medical crisis is to call 911. This nationwide emergency response system has helped save countless lives since its inception, linking callers to emergency responders on the other end of the line. The simple, 3-digit number connects us to a network that routes us to the help that is needed, saving us from having to search for the phone number of the nearest hospital, police department or fire department during our time of need.
Recycling and Sustainability Class offered this year
The benefits of recycling are many. By reducing waste, recycling conserves natural resources and protects natural ecosystems, both of which enhance sustainability of the world in which we live. To help promote the benefits of recycling, this year’s Miami County Fair is offering youth the opportunity to showcase their talents in the area of recycling and sustainability as part of our open class exhibits.
Fair to feature pie baking contest and auction
The King Arthur Baking Company Pie Baking Contest is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their pie-baking talents, trying their hand at the elusive first-place ribbon and special prizes. But did you know it is also an excellent way to support the work of the Miami County Fair Association? Once the pie judging has been completed, all pies are auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the Miami County Fair Association to help with fair improvements.
Miami County Fair moves to online entry system
Entering your projects in the Miami County Fair looks different this summer. The Miami County Fair Association upgraded its fair management software in the spring to enable online entry of fair exhibits and livestock. This new system will streamline exhibit check-in, judging and payment of premiums. Online entry is open to both 4-H and Open Class exhibits. To access the system, visit the K-State Research & Extension Marais des Cygnes District website at www.maraisdescygnes.k-state.edu.
Managing stress in later life
As we age, we often dream of the freedom to travel, try out new hobbies and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to our time of economic security without the hassles of going to work every day. However, reality seldom matches our expectations. The losses and gains of new roles in our life can lead to periods of stress we did not expect. Leaving a career can mean more freedom, but is also involves the loss of challenging work, relationships, daily routine and a sense of purpose.
AARP Smart Driver Course offered in June
If you are interested in improving your driving skills, and at the same time reducing the cost of your present auto insurance premium, then read on. The Marais des Cygnes Extension District will once again join with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to offer the AARP Smart Driver Course. AARP developed the 4 ½-hour classroom refresher course to help drivers, 50 years of age or older, improve their skills and prevent traffic accidents.
Building momentum as we age
The negative lens through which our society sees aging feeds the stereotype that aging is a process of deterioration, decline and dependency. This assumption is so engrained in America today that we rarely notice it. However, when we look closely, it can be seen everywhere. We talk about “battling” aging. We mock ourselves for struggling with new technology as we age. We see aging as an embarrassment we do not want to highlight. We tell children it is rude to ask older people how old they are.
It can be easy to save money
Finding money in our budget to set aside for savings can be difficult. Many times it may seem that we have too much month at the end of our money, and setting aside funds for a rainy day doesn’t seem possible. Saving money is possible, and can be done very easily. The answer? Save automatically. The easiest and most effective way to save money is automatically. Saving automatically is the way that millions of employees save through their 401(k) or other retirement plans at work.
Radon: can your home pass the test?
As a resident of Kansas we have heard this phrase all too often — “There’s no place like home.” After a long day of work, play, running errands and completing chores, many of us are glad to enjoy the comfort of home and the opportunity to relax and unwind. We want our home to be a safe place to live. We secure doors and windows. We install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. But do we test our homes for radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that leaks into homes.
Navigating a stress-free holiday
For many of us, the holiday season is full of hustle and bustle. While we enjoy getting together with family and friends, the holidays can be one of the most stressful times of year. To avoid having stress take the joy out of your holidays, check out these tips. Set a holiday budget and keep track of what you spend Holiday spending can turn into a big headache and financial problems after the holiday. When setting your budget for this year, include all expenses — not just the cost of gifts.
Get ready for Medicare open enrollment
Medicare open enrollment time is here! Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can review their plan coverage to make certain they are getting the most bang for their buck. Plans are allowed to change their cost and coverage rules each fall, so it is important to read the Annual Notice of Change received each year from your plan to see if there are any changes that affect you.
Suicide is preventable - learn the signs and how to help
Each day in the United States, approximately 130 individuals die by suicide. Now the 10th leading cause of death, the rate of suicide has increased by 33 percent over the past 10 years. While we are becoming more comfortable talking about the topic of suicide, we still have a long way to go until individuals readily engage in conversations regarding this critical issue.
Liars, cheats and crooks are alive and well
Despite the best efforts of consumer protection agencies, law enforcement, businesses and government, scammers continue to rake in millions of dollars each year from unsuspecting consumers. In my role as an extension agent, I receive frequent phone calls about potential scams — especially those involving Medicare and Social Security. However, contrary to popular opinion, seniors are not the only potential target for these crooks. Individuals of ALL ages fall victim to scammers each day.
Pie baking contest is a win-win for exhibitors and fair
The King Arthur Baking Company Pie Baking Contest is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their pie-baking talents, trying their hand at the elusive first-place ribbon and special prizes. But, did you know it is also an excellent way to support the work of the Miami County Fair Association? Once the pie judging has been completed, all pies are auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the Miami County Fair Association to help with fair improvements.
Forgetfulness: Normal or not?
Many of us worry about becoming forgetful as we age. This can be interpreted as the first “sign” of Alzheimer’s disease, causing us to jump to conclusions and panic. It’s important for us to pause, take a deep breath, and know that some forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. Various conditions can cause short-term or long-term memory loss and affect thinking or behavior.
Stop the stigma - mental health matters
Diet and exercise play an important part in a healthy lifestyle. We purchase the latest magazine containing healthy recipes and sign up for a membership at the local gym. We share our experiences with friends stating how quinoia can be used to make our new favorite dish or how our body aches from participating in yoga three days a week. The conversations are simple and carefree. So why then is it so hard to have conversations about our mental health?
It’s time to spring clean your medicine cabinet
Spring has arrived! More sunlight and warmer temperatures boost our spirits and give us the energy to give our homes a good, spring cleaning. As we go down our list of cleaning out closets and cupboards, one place that is often overlooked is our medicine cabinet. Just like the closet full of clothing that you haven’t worn in years, our medicine cabinet should be cleaned out regularly so unused and unwanted medicines don’t collect over time.
Don’t forget your annual financial checkup
Just like physical health, it’s important to review finances yearly. Most people know that to maintain good physical health, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor once a year. The same advice holds true when it comes to your money. Martin Seay, department head and associate professor in Kansas State University’s Department of Personal Financial Planning, has these words of advice: “For most folks, life is busy and thinking about finances takes a back seat.
Medicare open enrollment is underway
Medicare open enrollment time is here! Now through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can review their plan coverage to make certain they are getting the most bang for their buck. Plans are allowed to change their cost and coverage rules each fall, so it is important to read the Annual Notice of Change received each year from your plan to see if there are any changes that affect you.
Youths advocate for more openness on mental health issues
Teenagers who responded to a survey commissioned by the National 4-H Council said that more than seven in 10 kids between the ages of 13 and 19 are struggling with their mental health. In addition, this same survey indicated that teens are feeling more pressured to hide their feelings rather than talk to a supportive adult.
Contest puts pie-baking talent on display
The King Arthur Flour Pie Baking Contest is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their pie-baking talents, trying their hand at the elusive first-place ribbon and special prizes. But did you know it is also an excellent way to support the work of the Miami County Fair Association? Once the pie judging has been completed, all pies are auctioned to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the Miami County Fair Association to help with fair improvements.
When your income drops: Don’t panic - take control
Many circumstances can lead to an abrupt reduction in income – loss of a job, layoff or cutback on hours or reduced farm income, to name a few. Sudden loss of income, whatever the reason, can be a traumatic experience that leaves you wondering how you can make ends meet. When it happens, a common instinct is to panic. While this may be the natural response, we must work to take control of the situation before things get out of hand.
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