MANHATTAN — Kansas State University researchers have patented the first plant-based resin of its kind that would be ideal for re-adherable painters’ tape, labels, packing tapes, stationery notes and other adhesive uses. It also can provide shiny coatings.

“Painters generally finish projects with mounds of used tape made of low-quality paper that does not recycle,” said Susan Sun, university distinguished professor of grain science and industry and lead researcher on the project. “If they could use biodegradable tape, like ours, it would greatly reduce the amount of waste.”

In addition to adhesive applications, the resin could be used in coatings on wooden surfaces, slick magazine pages, bags of potato chips and other items needing shiny and protective surfaces that are either flexible or rigid.

Sun said the resin outperforms previous bio-based adhesives because it adheres to a surface for a longer period of time, has a longer shelf life and is more water-resistant. Because the substance is plant-based, its resources are biodegradable and renewable.

“Our resin is unique because it is made from soybean, corn and other plant oils,” Sun said. “Currently available resins are made from petroleum-based products, which are less sustainable, and from plant fatty acids, which cost more to process.”

The research has been featured in several publications, including Biomacromolecules, Journal of Materials Chemistry and others. It has been presented at the International Material Research Conference in China, the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in Washington, D.C., the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Anaheim, California, and other events.

Initial funding was provided by the Kansas Soybean Commission and the United Soybean Board. Additional funding sources include the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Sun developed the resin with Donghai Wang, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, and Kollbe Ahn, a 2011 Kansas State University grain science doctoral graduate who is now a research professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The patent was issued to the Kansas State University Research Foundation, a nonprofit corporation responsible for managing technology transfer activities at the university.

The former Geary County Attorney Steve Opat has been hired to serve as a full-time county counselor for Geary County.

That announcement was made by current county commission chairman Ben Bennett. The decision to create a position and hire Opat was made by the commission of Florence Whitebread, Ben Bennett, and Larry Hicks. That was the action taken by that commission before the terms of Whitebread and Hicks expired at noon on Monday.

Bennett explained the county had to create the position through H-R. “And then we had to set the salary, which is $60,000 for the year. And then Mr. Opat asked us to also allow him to hire Lloyd Graham as a deputy for $20,000 to handle tax sales and matters that deal with that part of the county counselor’s position.” Graham is also an assistant county attorney who has been prosecuting juvenile crime cases.

Opat wrapped up his service as county term when his term expired on Monday. He had chosen not to seek re-election.

 

There will be some changes for the Geary County Commission meetings this year.

First, the commission comprised of Ben Bennett, Keith Ascher and Charles Stimatze have decided to begin their meetings at 10 a.m. instead of at 9 a.m. as in the past. The meetings will go until 4 p.m. on Mondays, or on Tuesday if a particular Monday happens to be a holiday.

Bennett said in addition to the time change they will change the entire format of the meetings, but they do not exactly how yet. “But we’re looking at coming up with deadlines for getting on the agenda, and to have the agenda prepared in such a way that there will be packets available for us at the end of the week so that we can review them from Friday through the weekend.”

Bennett explained they will conduct press conferences jointly as a commission, and not just have the chairman speaking to the media.

Kimberly Milleson has resigned from the Geary USD 475 Board of Education.

“The decision to step down was announced by Milleson during the Board’s meeting Monday at the Devin Center. “As my husband and I will be relocating out of state in the very near future. It’s been a true pleasure serving this district, our students, and our community. And I leave knowing this district to be the best in the state.”

Milleson noted she was proud to have served with current and past board members, particularly a high functioning board, along with the superintendent and the district administration. “The work we’ve done and the work that you will continue to do is very important to the future of the students that we serve. I wish you all the very best as you continue the motto, Learning for All, Whatever it Takes.”

Milleson told JC Post she and her husband ( Michael ) will be moving to Punta Gorda, Florida, which is located just north of Fort Myers, Florida. It has been their desire to reside in that area, and in the future they will explore other business opportunities that might exist there.  Milleson confirmed over the last four years her husband has sold his auto parts stores in Saint Marys, Manhattan and most recently in May in Junction City.

Kimberly Milleson was appointed to the school board in September of 2012 following the death of former board member Becky Bramlage in a plane accident earlier that year. She was later elected to a full term, and served as Board of Education president for the 2014-15 school year.

 

 

The ribbon cutting cereony for the Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz VA Clinic in Junction City has been set for Friday, April 14, 2017.

The new clinic is under construction on Southwind Drive adjacent to US Highway 77 on the south side of Junction City.

The new clinic will be approximately 10,000 square feet, replacing the existing 3400 square foot facility in Junction City.

 

Abilene, KS – In the early 1870s, Abilene, KS, was the top cattle town in American. Cowboys drove thousands of cattle up from Texas to the stockyards, from where they’d be shipped by train back east. It’s a heritage that Abilene celebrates today in a number of ways—attracting visitors, not cows.

That’s one reason Abilene is #3 among True West Magazine’s 2017 Top Western Towns. Deadwood, SD won the top honor. They will be featured in the February 2017 issue, hitting newsstands on January 3, 2017.

“Abilene is a wonderful community with a rich history, quality attractions, unique businesses and wonderful people,” Julie Roller, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director said. “We are excited to add this recognition to Abilene’s list of accolades.”

From Joseph McCoy to James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, Old Abilene Town and the Dickinson County Heritage Center, Abilene’s cowboy roots run strong. The 2016 Trails, Rails and Tales celebration reconnected visitors and residents alike with the days of the cowboy by herding longhorn cattle through town and onto rail cars.

“Abilene is one of the great names of the Old West, a place where so much happened,” explains True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “Local people haven’t forgotten that history, the characters and events that made this town what it is today. Just as important, they’ve made efforts to preserve and share that history. Abilene is a Top True Western Town.”

This is the twelfth year True West has presented this annual award. Editors base their selection on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events, and promotions of historic resources.

True West magazine is in its 65th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit TWMag.com or call 888-687-1881.

*press release from True West Magazine