Shawnee County K-State Extension

09/06/2026

The September Plant of the Month grows well and looks great year-round, the seven-son flower tree!

-Grows 10-15 feet tall
-White flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
-After the flowers fade, the red calyx persists
-Exfoliating bark is attractive in winter

For more information on seven-son flower trees and other summer blooming trees, go to https://tinyurl.com/ybenk274!

08/31/2026

After 29 years of dedicated service with the Shawnee County Extension Council, Joanne Domme is retiring!

Joanne’s extensive knowledge, commitment to our community, and smile will be greatly missed. We are very grateful for all she has contributed over the years and wish her every happiness as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Please join us in celebrating Joanne on September 25, 2026!

For celebration details, please visit the front page of our website: https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu

08/30/2026

Sign up is open for our young entrepreneurs for the 2026 Youth Pitch Contest! Our Contest will be Nov. 4th at Link Innovation Lab. Optional learning session are available at the Extension Office to youth who want to learn about how to create and deliver a business pitch!

The registration deadline for the contest is October 19th.

Find out all the details on our website: https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/community/

08/30/2026

Join horticulture agents and specialists from across the state for the webinar on Wednesday, September 2nd, over the lunch hour to learn more about how and why to divide your landscape plants. To register for this webinar, go to https://tinyurl.com/ydbjtym3. Unable to attend live? Go to https://hnr.k-state.edu/.../consumer.../garden-hour/ to see view all past webinars in the series

08/28/2026

In case you haven’t glanced at a calendar lately, here’s the stark reality: There’s just a little over four months to Christmas.

Gulp.

The reality that one of the most joyous – and often busiest -- times of the year is closing in can be a welcome reminder, says Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, a family life and resource management agent in K-State Extension’s Sedgwick County office.

“Four months gives us enough time to plan,” Brunscheen-Cartagena said. “By planning, we can avoid over-spending due to the excitement of the season, and thus control our money rather than the season controlling us.”

Read the whole article here: https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/08/family-christmas-planning-starting-in-summer.html

08/21/2026

Have you been looking for a volunteer opportunity? We're looking for you! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or VITA, has openings for Tax Preparers, Interpreters, and IT Assistants. No experience is required because we'll train you! If you have the time, we have the need! Call Atalie Tompkins at 785-232-0062 ext 103 or email [email protected] for more information!

08/19/2026

08/15/2026

Got weeds in your garden? Your lawn has bare patches? Tree is dying? Garden Response Line is OPEN!

Did you know we have an amazing group of volunteer Master Gardener's that answer gardening questions daily?
You can call us at 785-232-0062, email us, or fill out the form https://tinyurl.com/4pk7zrku with your question and they'll answer it with research from K-State and other dependable resources. If you have pictures or a sample to go along with your question that's even better! You can email pictures directly to the Shawnee County Extension office for the gardeners to look at. The more pictures the better!

Phone # 785-232-0062
Email [email protected]
Form https://tinyurl.com/4pk7zrku

08/14/2026

Are you a team player? A goal oriented, go-getter? We’d love to have you on our team as our Communications and Extension Outreach Coordinator!

The Communications and Extension Outreach Coordinator will manage internal and external
communications, coordinate Extension event logistics, and perform other administrative tasks under the direction of the Shawnee County Extension Agents and supervision of the Shawnee County Extension Director. The position will also oversee the 4-H School Enrichment program and work with Shawnee County schools to maximize the use of those programs in local schools.
This position will have occasional evening and weekend work, and the notice of those times will be given with at least two weeks’ notice.

Responsibilities
1. Create Marketing Materials and Registration Systems for Office Programs
2. Maintain the Shawnee County Extension Website and Social Media Accounts
3. Administer the 4-H School Enrichment Program
4. Work with Extension Agents to ensure K-State Extension and 4-H program mission and policies are followed
5. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Passion to work with Shawnee County residents, volunteers and youth
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft TEAMS, internet and email applications
• Access to a personal vehicle and a valid Kansas Driver's License
• Be approved through required background screening
• Ability to work Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm schedule
• Excellent communication skills written, verbal and interpersonal
• Ability to work in a collaborative work environment
• Ability to represent Shawnee County K-State Research and Extension in a positive and professional manner

Preferred:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience to perform the essential functions of the position
• Experience marketing events
• Experience working with volunteers and co-workers to accomplish goals

Application Procedure
The following application materials may be sent by email to [email protected] or dropped off at the Shawnee County Extension Office, 1740 SW Western Ave, Topeka KS 66604

Cover Letter
Application: Located at www.shawnee.ksu.edu
Optional Resume (Resume is not a substitution for an application)
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Candis Stiles, Shawnee County Extension Director at [email protected] or 785-232-0062

08/11/2026

NEXT Wednesday!
Join us for this incredible 6 week series where you'll get to taste sample meals, and learn how to eat healthier and stay more active all while on a budget.
Co-Sponsored by the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, you can register on their website here: https://events.tscpl.org/event/16837444