Midway District #15 Staff

The Midway District is comprised of offices in Ellsworth and Russell counties. The Agents are available in both offices - the addresses shown are where they are based.

Office Locations

Jessica Kootz

District Director, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Ellsworth Office
jessicak@ksu.edu

Assisting with community development projects, planning, and local initiatives
Enhancing family skills through evidence-based programming
Medicare counseling specializing in new-to- Medicare and Part D enrollment
Promoting healthy living through health, nutrition, and physical activity programs for all ages and abilities

Jessica Kootz holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a secondary major in Gerontology from Kansas State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Gerontology. She is passionate about promoting healthy living through good nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being. Her dedication to improving community health and quality of life drives her leadership and advocacy efforts.

Karrie Van Winkle

4-H Youth Development Agent
Russell Office
karrievan@ksu.edu

Empowering leadership and personal development to youth and young adults
Enhancing life skills with hands-on learning to support career readiness
Engaging families and communities through educational programs and volunteer opportunities
Offering 4-H/Youth Development workshops

I am Karrie Van Winkle and I grew up in North East Kansas, where I was actively involved in 4-H for all 12 years at Meadowlark District - Nemaha County. Throughout my time in 4-H, I earned the prestigious 4-H Key Award and was recognized as a state KAP project winner in both sheep and dog projects. Additionally, I had the honor of judging the Kansas State Fair Dog Show twice.

After completing their Associate of Science Degree at Cloud County Community College in 2018, I went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University in 2020.

Clinton Laflin

Livestock Production Agent
Russell Office
cllaflin@ksu.edu

Comprehensive support for livestock operations: guidance on sustainable grazing, feed, nutrition, and herd management and health
Offering livestock workshops and resources for all ages and abilities
Specializing in livestock selection and beef genetics

Hello, my name is Clinton Laflin. I grew up in southeastern Kansas on a working ranch running both registered Angus cattle and a commercial cow-calf herd alongside my family. I hold a B.S. degree in Animal Science and a Masters Degree in International Agriculture from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

I enjoy working with local producers on livestock related questions and issues that arise in their agricultural operations. In addition to working in Extension I own a small herd of registered Angus cows, and enjoy attending cattle sales and judging livestock shows. My areas of specialty include cattle management, genetics, and livestock selection.

Craig Dinkel

Crops/Horticulture Agent
Ellsworth Office
cadinkel@ksu.edu

Comprehensive support for crop field diagnostics, crop variety/hybrid selection, crop diseases and insects, weed ID and herbicide plans, and soil fertility
Offering guidance to homeowners and individuals on vegetable gardening and lawn maintenance
Specializing in gardening with native plants

Craig Dinkel holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and is dedicated to helping farmers address crop production challenges. With expertise in weed control, crop disease and insect management, and soil fertility, he works closely with producers to find practical, research-based solutions. Craig also collaborates with Extension specialists to bring on-farm research trials to the district, ensuring local farmers have access to the latest advancements in crop production.

In addition to his agronomic work, Craig has a strong background in horticulture, gained through years of experience helping with his family’s produce operation in Ellsworth County alongside his uncle and cousin. His passion for vegetable gardening extends to his love for native plants, where he enjoys exploring their role in sustainable landscapes and conservation efforts.

Rutika Bhakta

Financial Office Professional
Ellsworth Office
rutikab@ksu.edu

Diana Johnson

4-H Office Professional
Russell Office
diane46@ksu.edu