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December 6, 2006

Mead's Milkweed

The Biological Survey at the University of Kansas is taking steps to help preserve the endangered plant Mead’s milkweed.

Mead’s milkweed has been listed as endangered by the Missouri Department of Conservation and listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1988. Since then, KU faculty and students have been working on conserving the plant. The work went even farther last week at a symposium on the species, where the Survey took new initiatives with the federal agency in creating a recovery plan.

“One of the biggest things identified in the recovery plan is additional survey work,” Associate Scientist Craig Freeman said. “We know that there are other populations out there that will be discovered by survey work.”

Other plans in conserving the plant include researching it in labs to find out more about the DNA make-up and reproductive system.

“Our main focus is to understand the biology of the species better,” said Helen Alexander, professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology. “If we don’t understand the biology, we can’t do much about it.”

Another process the Survey is using is acquiring land throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa where Mead’s milkweed is found. By buying this land, researchers can protect the remaining populations of the species still in existence.

“There are also conservation land easements where a land owner will give up development rights for a piece of ground and in exchange, they receive a tax break,” Freeman said.

Mead’s milkweed was first discovered in Illinois in 1843 by Dr. Samuel Barnum Mead. In Kansas, it can be found on the prairies in the east side of the state. The plant was placed on the threatened species list in 1988.

KU students are also helping with the conservation of Mead’s milkweed. Bernadette Kuhn, Courtland senior, has written her own version of a recovery plan, which she presented to the research team.

“I was looking more at what protection was available, in terms of taking care of what we already have,” Kuhn said.

Though Mead’s milkweed may not seem like an important or exciting plant, researchers are confident that they are doing the right thing by trying to conserve it.

“It’s important to realize that what we here at KU and in general care about is a much larger issue, which is biodiversity,” Alexander said. “If we can learn how to preserve this one species, where it does have federal protection, that will help us in the larger goal preserving prairie ecosystems.”

Dean Kettle, associate director of the KU Field Station & Ecological Reserves, agrees that preserving Mead’s milkweed is just one piece in a much bigger picture.

“You could say that by focusing on this plant, we are focusing on the overall problem facing our ecosystems,” he said. “I think it’s an overall indicator of the condition of the prairie.”

And all researchers agree that if Mead’s milkweed is to be saved, it has to start here.

“Ninety percent of the populations are in eastern Kansas and western Missouri,” Freeman said. “If we’re going to protect the species, it’s going to be done in this part of the world.”

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November 14, 2006

KU uses spray vaccine while shot is delayed

Watkins Memorial Health Center is temporarily out of injectable influenza vaccine, but is giving a nasal spray substitute called FluMist.

Patty Quinlan, supervisor of nursing at Watkins, said that while the spray is not as popular as the flu shot, it may be better.

“Because it’s made from a live virus instead of an inactive one, it does offer better protection,” she said.

There are restrictions, however. The nasal spray is available only for people between the ages of 5 and 49 and cannot be used by people with long-term health problems and weakened immune systems. Pregnant women are also not allowed to get the spray vaccine. Those who do get the vaccine are warned to stay out of contact with those with a weakened immune system because it is made from a live virus. Because the nasal spray contains a live virus, which is used to make the vaccine, it could cause those with weaker immune systems to catch the flu.

The injected flu vaccine, on the other hand, has no age or health restrictions.

Doctors keep the nasal spray in a freezer and don’t bring it out until both the doctor and patient are ready. Once it is ready, the doctor or nurse sprays one drop in each of the patient’s nostrils.

“It’s so fine, some people don’t even realize they’re getting it,” said Quinlan.

Quinlan said that the flu season usually lasts from October to April and that students usually don’t fear the flu enough to get a vaccination.

“Many people are under a false sense of security that not everyone has to get it every year,” she said. “They don’t realize that you’ve lost five to seven days of classes and you feel like poo for a good 14.”

If students don’t get the vaccine, though, they should know the symptoms so they can see a doctor as a soon as possible.

“A lot of people are under the perception that it’s the stomach flu, which is in no way related to influenza,” said Dr. Robert Brown, a staff physician at Watkins. “It’s worthwhile to come in within the first day or so of recognizing symptoms.”

These symptoms include headache, body aches, fever and cough.

“Basically, you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck,” Brown said.

However, some students are well aware of danger of influenza.

“I get vaccinated every year,” Christopher Friedl-Buckland, Topeka sophomore, said. “Just because I’m young doesn’t make me immune.”

While Watkins is facing a delay on vaccinations, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has received its second shipment. Watkins is expecting more than 1,000 doses of the vaccine within the next week.

“In the past, we stressed that children and those 65 and older get shots, but this year, we are encouraging even healthy young people to go get the flu shots,” said Sheryl Tirol-Goodwin, communication coordinator at the Health Department “The more people are protected, the more it helps reduce the risk of influenza.”

As of last Saturday, the Health Department has given more than 1,000 doses of the vaccine and is still expecting more than 3,000.
The vaccine at the Health Department costs $21, while the nasal spray is unavailable. The injected vaccine at Watkins costs $15, and the nasal spray costs $28, but Quinlan said that it’s money well spent.

“You hear about the injection because it’s cheap and everyone gets a shot,” she said. “But the mist is a great way for the students to go.”

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October 26, 2006

Local designer makes recycling fashionable







Loni Hosking has always been artistic, but recently, she has been able to turn her creative outlet into a career. In March, she opened Ecoboutiquo, a store which sells only recycled clothing and accessories. And on Nov. 2, the clothing from the store will walk down the runway in the “Planet Fashion” show at Liberty Hall.

As organizer of the event, Hosking hopes to draw people into Ecoboutiquo with the fashion show.

“I’m doing the show mainly for exposure,” Hosking said. “I really would like to get some business for the store.”

Hosking is the daughter of a designer in Wichita, Kan. Even at a young age, Hosking’s artistic impulses were evident.

“Loni loved to draw on herself,” said Debby Moore, Hosking’s mother. “She would draw on her clothes, her feet, her shoes and just everything.”

Hosking said that in her most formidable years, her mother was at a sewing machine, making clothes for her two stores, as well as dresses for Hosking’s first communion and proms.

At 18, Hosking left Wichita for Lawrence, enrolling at the University of Kansas. She started school with a major in theater design, but soon found that her interests lay elsewhere.

“I loved the freedom of art classes,” she said. “So I walked over to Strong Hall and changed my major to Liberal Arts.”

While at KU, Hosking also met her husband, Dondo, who was visiting from Scotland.

“I was visiting my girlfriend at the time, who was an exchange student from Scotland, and she introduced me to Loni,” Dondo said. “That was her first mistake.”

After 10 months of dating, the two were married in Scotland, and Loni convinced Dondo to stay in the United States.

After graduating from KU with a degree in sculpting, Hosking returned to Wichita, working at a self and drop off service Laundromat.

“All I can say about that job is ‘Ew’,” Hosking said.

Less than a year later, the Hoskings came back to Lawrence where Loni found a job at Waxman Candles. Hosking worked 15 years for the store, all the while finding outlets where she could pour out her creativity with help from her boss, Bob Werts.

“Bob was the boss, and I was the creative nucleus,” she said.

“She worked on everything from signage to creating new candle designs,” Werts said.

During this time, Hosking also gave birth to two children: Lena,13, and Graham, 10. She also created her own clothing line called “Lonibobonny”. The line specialized in creating clothing and accessories from recycled material including license plates, vinyl records and old tires. Even Hosking’s family have become victims of her creativity.

“I’ve lost so many shirts to her dress designs,” Dondo said.

Hosking’s daughter Lena is taking after her mother, as well.

“I found my shirt cut-up the other day, and told my daughter, ‘I can’t believe you cut my clothes!’ and she said right back, ‘You cut mine!’” Hosking said.

Hosking sold her designs at craft fairs and local retailers, but dreamed of owning a store of her own.

“When I quit working at Waxman, I felt like I graduated from retail college,” she said.

With the support of her husband, and loans from her friends and grandfather, Hosking opened Ecoboutiquo in March.

“How cool is it to create something from recycled goods, put a price tag on it and put it on rack?” Hosking said. “It’s beautiful.”

While selling mostly her own products, Hosking also markets designs from approximately 30 other local artists and said she can already see her store begin to grow.

“Business is decent and increasing all the time,” Hosking said. “But it’s nerve-racking as hell not to have any capital to fall back on.”

Her husband agreed that the store is slowly but surely on the road to success.

“If she’s paying the rent within the first month of being open, that’s a good start,” Dondo said.

Customers are also enjoying the unique feel of the store.

“It’s a very friendly atmosphere for both people and the environment,” said Christina Grant, one of Ecoboutiquo’s customers. “It’s cool being able to have something personally made for you.”

Hosking’s hopes for the near future include getting people to recycle, but her long-term dreams stretch well beyond that.

“Right now, I want Ecoboutiquo survival and payroll,” She said. “Then, Ecoboutiquo takes over the world.”

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October 11, 2006

Commissioner, Officials plan trip to D.C.

The Lawrence City Commission and various members of the Douglas County commission will travel to Washington, D.C. Oct. 15 through 17 to meet with legislators on federal issues and how they pertain to Lawrence.

The commissioners agree that this meeting will be vital to Lawrence’s future.

“I don’t think you can overstate the advantage of having people in power know who you are,” said Commissioner David Schauner.

Issues to be discussed at the meeting include seeking federal funds for the Lawrence Transit System, opposing fund cutting for the federal Community Development Block Grant program, federal support for the Haskell Indian Nations University, opposing unfunded mandates from federal government and challenging the 2005 federal census estimates for Lawrence, which said that population had decreased when it had increased.

Though there are many, the issues that are important with commissioners mostly concern education.

“As a former educator, unfunded mandates are very important to me,” Vice Mayor Sue Hack said.

Hack also expressed an interest in increasing funding to Haskell.

“It’s an important resource to our community,” she said. “If we believe Haskell is to be preserved and protected, it’s our call.”

Commissioner Dennis “Boog” Highberger echoed Hack’s sentiment.

“Fundraising for Haskell is key,” he said. “They’re an important part of this community.”

Those going to D.C. include Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx, Vice Mayor Hack, Commissioners Highberger, Schauner, Mike Rundle, City Manager David Corliss, Douglas County Commissioner Bob Johnson, Chamber of Commerce President Lavern Squier and Chamber Chair Pat Flavin.
Because of this year’s elections, the city and county officials won’t get the opportunity to speak directly to Representatives Dennis Moore and Jerry Moran or Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, but to their staff instead. They are certain that this should not present a problem, though.

“Our anticipation is that we’ll be meeting staff,” Hack said. “We’re fine with that, because they’ll deliver the message.”

Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx stressed the importance of the meeting.

“I don’t think people really have a clue how much pressure is on for getting these dollars,” he said. “We’re going there to bring out tax dollars back home.”

Amyx also spoke last night about the issues that he thought were most important to discuss.

“The biggest issues are the CDBG programs and the continued transportation funds,” he said. “I think we need to go onto any block in our community and see the CDBG funds.”

Corliss emphasized the meeting would be between the commissioners and the federal staff, and not just towards the staff.

“It needs to be more than a model, it needs to be a dialogue,” he said. “We need to hear from them as well.”

The officials will fly from Kansas City to D.C. on the 15, spend the 16 meeting with the federal staff, and return on the 17.

At last night’s meeting, the commissioners discussed the planned trip, illustrating the importance of it to the public.

“If we don’t say what we want, no one else will,” Hack said.

Commissioner Schauner emphasized this point.

“It’s not that no one else will, it’s that everyone else will say what they want,” he said, “and we’ll be left behind.”

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September 27, 2006

Pendleton's Market making recovery

When the microburst swept into Lawrence in March, those hardest hit were locally owned businesses. The business that suffered the most damage was Pendleton’s Country Market East of Lawrence on the Kansas 10 highway. Though the damage was severe, owner John Pendleton still manages to look on the bright side. “This kind of damage gives us an opportunity to make changes we wouldn’t have made,” Pendleton said. Six months after the storm, John and his wife Karen are still cleaning up and rebuilding the 80-acre farm. But with only half of the $150,000 damage covered by insurance, the family has a long way to go. “The clean up is costing more than we have,” Karen Pendleton said. “No one ever comes out ahead when insurance is involved.” John Pendleton recalls the morning of the storm as if it was just another day. “I was putting away tractor equipment, just in case it rained,” he said. “Then, next thing I know, I see this wall of dirt coming across the field.” Pendleton then went into the market and dove under a desk, seeking shelter. After the storm had passed, Pendleton was met with acres of rubble where much of his farm used to stand. Damage included two demolished 60-foot silos, a green house destroyed by debris, a grain bin and a 30-by-50 farm shop which were both blown away and a 50-by-130 roof carried away by the storm. Facing an astounding amount of clean up, the community quickly came to the aid of Pendleton’s Country Market. Around 300 friends, neighbors and community service groups showed up the day after the storm to aid in the cleaning. “We had neighbor ladies cooking casseroles and kids dragging nail magnets around,” Pendleton said. The market was able to open on schedule on April 1. Some volunteers kept coming out to the farm until every piece was picked up. “The clean-up took at least a month,” said Matt Kirby, a friend who helped with the clean-up. “But it was a gift to go over and help. They’re good people.” Kirby recalls driving miles away from the farm two weeks after the storm and still picking up sheet metal. “The right thing for us to do is to go over and help these people, and I’m glad we did,” Kirby said. In addition, Kirby’s musical group, The Alfred Packer Memorial Band, will be performing at the Barnstorm Benefit, a fundraiser on Oct. 15 at the Pendleton’s farm to raise money for repairs. “They’re really good people and have done a lot for the community,” said Maria Anthony, benefit organizer. “A lot of people came out to help clean up, so hopefully they’ll come out again and have some fun while helping out.” The Pendletons have taken their own steps in making up for the damage, as well. People can rent out a portion of the farm for parties, including a large party deck. Prices range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 and can include a bonfire, tent set-ups and hayrides. The Butterfly Bio-Villa is another new venture the Pendletons are hoping customers will come and see. Measuring 20 feet by 100 feet, the Bio-Villa cost $5,000 to put together and is open to the public. Those who pay $2 to get in can observe and learn more about butterflies in an enclosed environment. “We needed an attraction to replace what was blown away,” Pendleton said. On the wall inside of Pendleton’s Country Market, a sign encourages customers to visit Davenport’s Winery, just a few miles away. Much like Pendleton’s, the winery saw a lot of damage and halted the business for a brief period. “It put us behind in all our work,” said owner Greg Shipe. “We got behind in the crops.” Unlike Pendleton’s, though, Davenport’s damage amounted to $12,000 and was completely covered by insurance. With the benefit, Pendleton hopes his business can fully recover, but said that he doesn’t know what lies ahead. “With this type of damage, we can look at the operation very critically and see if this business has a future,” he said. “Fortunately, I think it does.”

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