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.

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Craig Dinkel

Interim District Director, 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.

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Jessica Kootz

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.

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Raine Bradshaw

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

• Holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Health and Fitness Endorsement from Kansas State University
• Earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah and Wichita State University
• Over 12 years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, specializing in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Chronic Pain
• Extensive training in leadership development, Lean principles, continuous process improvement, and high reliability practices
• Passion for rural communities and youth development, grounded in a strong 4-H upbringing in Russell County

Raine Bradshaw spent the past 12 years working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she played key roles in rural healthcare initiatives, program development, process improvement initiatives, and building high reliability organizations.

Raine attributes much of her professional success to the work ethic, values, and experiences she gained growing up in rural Kansas and through her 12 years as a 4-H member in Russell County. These same values ultimately brought her family back to Kansas four years ago. Since returning, she has been actively involved in her family’s farming operations and quickly reconnected with community activities. Her daughter’s enrollment in Russell County 4-H reignited Raine’s passion for youth development, leading her back to the program as a volunteer and advocate.

Now serving as the 4-H Youth Development Agent, Raine is committed to supporting youth and families across the Midway District. She is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences, expanding learning opportunities, and helping local youth build the skills needed to thrive in their future careers and life endeavors. Her goal is to encourage active participation in 4-H throughout all eligible years and foster the confidence, leadership, and resilience that Kansas 4-H is known for cultivating.

Michele Klein

4-H Office Professional
Russell Office
mklein1@ksu.edu

Rutika Bhakta

Financial Office Professional
Ellsworth Office
rutikab@ksu.edu