Kay County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences

10/12/2026

Deer Hunting Season is upon us!

10/12/2026

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Stocking up on food staples for fall and winter?

Learn how long and where to store food items from the NDSU Extension food storage guide >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/food-storage-guide-answers-question

10/12/2026

Living Well in Kay County | October 10, 2026

The Little Things Children Remember

Sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest difference in a child’s life.

A few extra minutes of listening, a hug, keeping a promise, or simply saying “I’m proud of you” can leave a lasting impression.

This week’s Living Well in Kay County column reminds us that building strong relationships with children doesn’t always require more activities or elaborate plans. Often, it’s about being present, listening, and making the most of everyday moments.

Children may not remember everything we say or do, but they will remember how we made them feel.

Check out my October 10 column in the Ponca City News!

10/12/2026

Congratulations to Our Kay County Best of Wheat Bakers!

We are proud to share this wonderful recognition in the Ponca City News highlighting our three Kay County representatives who competed in the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair Best of Wheat Bread Baking Contest!

Cash Tripp – Kay County Junior Division Champion

Clara Cartlidge – Kay County Junior Division Reserve Champion and 5th Place at State!

June Sheppard – Kay County Senior Division Champion and 4th Place at State!

We are so proud of these talented bakers for representing Kay County and showcasing their baking skills at the state level!

Calling all bakers! It’s never too early to start thinking about the 2027 Best of Wheat Bread Baking Contest! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, we encourage youth and adults alike to consider participating next year.

Who knows? Your favorite bread recipe could be a winner!

10/10/2026

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Canning dry goods is NOT a recommended method of food preservation.

According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, "This method does not remove all of the oxygen from the jar before sealing and may trap moisture from the food if condensation occurs. While the presence of spores would not be an issue in very dry foods, any moisture pockets say from condensation or incompletely dried foods could be a problem. Moisture in the jar with some retained oxygen could support the growth of airborne molds or even bacteria not killed by the low heating in some seemingly dry foods. Some foods may seem dry to the consumer but still have enough moisture in them to come out upon heating and closing up in a container. This could be especially true of home dried foods."

Learn more >>> https://nchfp.uga.edu/blog/dry-canning-isnt-canning-to-me?fbclid=IwY2xjawU00e9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mA2JyaWQRMUZ5Ylg2NkNKUmZJUUtTMzNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR68E-jYPzOW-rT074eCrSf9S1RMJffqB5qQSX_I0v2o11M8KRnc5G261BBFMA_aem_HfCEuBI4O9grPf-hI7PnWw

Safe canning methods from NDSU Extension >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/food-and-nutrition/food-preservation-and-wild-game/can

10/10/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1629858432514376&id=100064707039474

Teaching young people about money starts with everyday conversations and simple experiences. Help them learn how money is earned, saved, and spent, while teaching the difference between needs and wants.

Encourage them to set savings goals, create a simple spending plan, and make small financial decisions as they grow. Talking about real-life money choices can help young people build financial skills and confidence for the future.

Want more tips? Click here: https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2025-09/teaching-young-people-about-money

10/08/2026

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NEWSFLASH from the National Center for Home Food Preservation:

Check that bottle before you can.

If a tested canning recipe calls for bottled lemon or lime juice, choose juice labeled “from concentrate” or “reconstituted.”

Why? Juice made from concentrate has a standardized acidity level. “Not from concentrate” juice does not have that same guarantee, and acidity matters for safe home canning.

For canning:
• Use bottled lemon or lime juice from concentrate.
• Do not substitute fresh-squeezed juice or “not from concentrate” juice.
• Use the amount called for in your tested recipe.

This applies when lemon or lime juice is used to acidify foods such as tomatoes or salsa, and when called for in tested jam and jelly recipes.

Source: National Center for Home Food Preservation
https://nchfp.uga.edu/newsflash/

10/08/2026

Help Support a Kay County 4-H Service Project!

Charli is leading a wonderful 4-H service project, Mail Call for Heroes, helping youth learn about gratitude, citizenship, and service while creating heartfelt cards and letters for Veterans participating in Honor Flights.

Donations of patriotic card-making supplies are needed! New, leftover, or gently used supplies are all welcome.

Every donation helps these young people show appreciation to the heroes who have served our country!

Contact Lori Evans at 580-304-2274 to donate.

Please share and help support Charli’s meaningful project!

10/07/2026

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Although consumers haven’t heard the BC Clark jingle yet, it’s not too early to start planning for the holiday season. Special meals, travel, decorations and gifts add up quickly, but putting a plan in place now will help alleviate some financial concerns later on. To read more: https://bit.ly/3Th3B1z

10/06/2026

I am needing a few painters drop cloths and blow dryers for upcoming workshops. If you have any old ones laying around that you no longer need, please let me know. Thanks!