Debra “Deb” Andres, Family and Community Wellness agent for the K-State Research and Extension Flint Hills District, spoke to the Council Grove Rotary Club Wednesday about the role of Extension and several local programs serving Morris and Chase counties.
Andres, who primarily works from the K-State Extension Council Grove Office in Morris County, has been an Extension agent since 2013 and joined the Flint Hills District in 2024. She has more than 35 years of experience in education, including time teaching at Council Grove High School, teaching at Kansas State University and serving in Extension in Geary County.
Andres said Extension was created through the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 to bring university-based research and education to local communities. Kansas State University is Kansas’ land-grant university, and Extension has a presence in all 105 Kansas counties.
She said Extension focuses on four main areas: family and consumer sciences, agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development and community vitality. Andres’ work is primarily in family and consumer sciences, although she also is assisting with 4-H because of staffing needs.
A large part of her work involves Medicare counseling. Andres said 35 to 40 percent of her time is spent helping residents review Medicare options, especially during open en- rollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Last year, she served 123 people in Morris and Chase counties. Of those, 45 changed prescription plans, resulting in combined savings of $139,920.
Andres said many people stay with the same Medicare plan for years, even though companies may change premiums, formularies or covered medications.
“You don’t know if it’s broke if you don’t have it checked out,” she said.
Andres will offer a Medicare class June 12 at the public library for those approaching Medicare or wanting to better understand their options.
She also provides ServSafe Food Handler certification for people who prepare or serve food to the public or to large groups. The course covers food temperatures, cross-contam-ination and personal hygiene to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Andres said she has trained church volunteers, White Memorial Camp kitchen staff and hospital staff.
Food preservation and safety also are part of her work. Last summer, she offered food preservation classes in Morris and Chase counties. She said preservation guidelines changed significantly in 1994, and older family recipes may not meet current safety standards.
Andres also has worked with students at White City High School and Council Grove High School on food insecurity. In November, students helped prepare 300 food packages, each containing three servings, for distribution in Morris and Chase counties. The project also gave students a better understanding of how food insecurity affects local families.
Andres said other programs include Walk Kansas, a physical activity program, and court-ordered parenting classes when requested.
She identified childcare as one of the major issues facing the area, especially infant care. Andres said current providers are doing good work, but there are not enough infant care slots available.
“We’re not going to attract young families if they don’t have a place that they can take their babies so that they can work,” she said.
She said infant care is more difficult for providers because it reduces the total number of children they can serve and requires different space, equipment and staffing considerations. Andres said some Kansas communities are exploring nonprofit facilities, modular buildings and partnerships with local employers to expand childcare options.
She also identified the cost of living on fixed incomes as a concern for seniors and families. Andres said communities need to look at ways to help residents live within their means while maintaining quality of life.
Andres also helps with the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge held in White City. She said Council Grove High School students are able to participate, but the school’s trimester schedule creates challenges because students may have only a short time to prepare before the competition.
During questions from Rotary members, Andres said 4-H became part of Extension after the Smith-Lever Act was passed. She said 4-H helps young people develop skills beyond the classroom, including confidence, public speaking and leadership.
Andres said Extension depends on local support, volunteers and awareness. She encouraged Rotary members to visit the local office, learn more about available programs and help share information with the community.
Deb Andres can be reached at the Morris County Extension Office at 620.767.5136.
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