(AP) – The leg irons that restrained abolitionist John Brown after his failed 1859 raid on a federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry are being sold Saturday in Texas.
But officials with two historical parks dedicated to his legacy can’t afford to bid.
Dallas-based Heritage Auctions estimates the shackles are worth at least $10,000.
Idaho resident John Boling, whose family has long owned them, says he hopes the buyer will display them publicly.
Many scholars believe Brown’s raid hastened the start of the Civil War. He’d planned to arm slaves he believed would join him in a guerrilla war, but his rebellion was quickly crushed.
Brown was tried for treason and murder, convicted and hanged.
The Connecticut native was hanged in Charles Town. He’s buried on his former farmstead in North Elba, N.Y.
Easton Corbin and Dustin Lynch‘s performances at the Country Weekly CMA Music Festival Kick Off Party helped raise more than $13,000 for Musicians on Call Nashville. Greg Bates and newcomer Chris Janson were also on the bill for the show earlier this month.
The money raised goes to fund Musicians on Call’s work to bring live music to the bedside of patients in healthcare facilities, and the fundraising isn’t over yet. The 7th Annual Online Music Auction for Musicians on Call is still going on through Thursday. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Blake Shelton and Eric Church are among the stars who have donated items or meet and greet experiences to the auction at MusiciansonCall.org/Auction.
(AP) — A Reno County judge has upheld a former Kansas sheriff’s sentence for rape and indecent liberties with a child.
Reno County District Court Judge Trish Rose rejected former Trego County Sheriff James Bloom’s argument that his lawyers were ineffective and did not tell him the possible maximum sentence he could receive if he went to trial in 2006.
Rose rejected the motion and upheld Bloom’s 27-year sentence for crimes against a 13-year-old girl. She said Bloom was advised twice in court of possible penalties for each crime. Bloom rejected several plea offers in the case and went to trial.
Bloom was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center at the time of the crime.
The National Metropolitan Business Alliance (NMBA), a coalition of regional business associations spanning the country, has announced its endorsement of Startup Act 3.0.
In a letter last week to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who introduced Startup Act 3.0 along with U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), the NMBA said “Startup Act 3.0 would strengthen America’s innovation ecosystem by addressing three critical pieces of the startup ecosystem – capital, talent and commercialization of research – while also strengthening our regulatory structures to better facilitate startup formation and growth.”
“America has long been seen as the land of opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs. We must do everything possible to make certain that remains true,” Sen. Moran said. “At a time when our government should be facilitating economic growth and innovation, America’s archaic policies have us falling behind. We are losing talent and jobs by the day to countries like Canada, Chile, and the United Kingdom that are aggressively courting the world’s best and brightest. We must pass smarter policies, like Startup Act 3.0, or we risk losing the next generation of great entrepreneurs and the jobs they will create to countries that welcome these innovators.”
“Virginia and America must fight to remain competitive in the global marketplace by enacting smart, commonsense policies like Startup 3.0,” Sen. Warner said. “This bipartisan legislation would allow us to more effectively compete for talented innovators and entrepreneurs, as well take steps toward reforming our tax and regulatory policies to help promote investment and job creation.”
Startup Act 3.0 creates both Entrepreneur and STEM Visas for highly-educated and entrepreneurial immigrants to stay in the United States where their talent and new ideas can fuel economic growth and create American jobs. The legislation also modifies the tax code to encourage investment in new businesses, accelerates the commercialization of university research that can lead to new ventures, and seeks to improve the regulatory process.
(AP) — A California developer says an underground shelter he’s creating in a vast limestone cave in eastern Kansas could be the human race’s best chance to survive a nuclear attack or the impact of a wayward meteor.
Robert Vicino recently bought a large portion of a former U.S. Army storage facility on the southeast edge of Atchison along the Missouri River about 50 miles north of Kansas City, Mo. He says there’s room inside for more than 1,000 recreational vehicles and up to 5,000 people to ride out any potential earth-changing catastrophe.
While they’re awaiting Armageddon or a deadly global pandemic, Vicino says the Vivos Survival Shelter and Resort will be a fun place for members to spend vacations and learn survival skills.
AP) — A Shawnee County judge has denied a request that she remove herself from the trial in a sperm donor case.
An attorney for William Marotta of Topeka had argued that Judge Mary Mattivi should not preside over the state’s efforts to require Marotta to pay child support for a girl born to a lesbian couple in 2009. Marotta says he waived his parental rights and responsibilities when he donated his sperm.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Judge Mattivi denied the motion last week.
Marotta’s attorney argued that Mattivi appeared to be advocating for the state and apparently had already decided the outcome of the case.
Timothy Keck, an attorney for the state, said in response that Mattivi had examined her conscious and determined that the allegations of bias are false.
The cost of attending a state university is getting more expensive. The Kansas board of regents on Wednesday approved another tuition rate increase for state universities in Kansas.
Is the cost of college worth the investment? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Liberal’s Tyler Wiedenfield held the Hays Larks hitless through the first five innings Wednesday night as the BeeJays snap the Larks 11-game win streak with a 6-2 victory at Larks Park.
Liberal took advantage of an Elvin Rodriguez error to start the sixth and scored five unearned runs in the frame, all with two outs.
Rodriguez doubled off the left field wall in the bottom of the sixth for the Larks first hit. They would have runners at second and third with no outs but could muster just one run.
After Liberal scored in the seventh to go up 6-1, Hays scored their final run in the eighth on a Rodriguez single to right field.
Wiedenfield, a sophomore from Seward County Community College, pitched six innings, holding the Larks to one run on one hit while striking out six and walking one.
Jeff Chesnut (1-1) takes the loss for the Larks. The Nebraska product gave up five unearned runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings, striking out three and walking none.
The Larks are now 14-2 overall and 10-2 in the Jayhawk League. They open a three-game series in Derby Fridaynight.
The KU Alumni Association welcomes alumni and KU enthusiasts to join the KU School of Social Welfare and Chancellor Gray-Little at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday to celebrate the launch of the new KU School of Social Welfare’s Western Kansas MSW program. The event takes place at Robbins Center, Eagle Communications Hall, at One Tiger Place in Hays. Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.
The MSW program is made possible through the collaboration of Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas in cooperation with Garden City Community College. RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 785.864.9772
The celebration is one of more than 100 events the Association will sponsor across Kansas and around the country during the annual ’Hawk Days of Summer tour. The 90-day series of events results from a determination to make the most of the summer months. “We wanted to connect with Jayhawks in all kinds of settings, from breakfast, lunch or dinner in the smallest Kansas town, to large events in the cities that are our national strongholds,” says Kevin Corbett, Association president.
’Hawk Days of Summer began in 2011, when a 12-member team of Association staff members, along with local volunteers, hosted 143 events that welcomed more than 8,000 Jayhawks. The following year featured 150 events with more than 10,000 alumni, fans and friends in attendance.
The Hays Art Council will be hosting their Summer Art Walk from 7-9pm this Friday evening all over town. The quarterly event hosts a “true mixed bag” of art, from photography, live music, children books, Henna body art and contemporary art. The function acts as an open house for participants visiting any location at any time, for as long as they’d like. Courtesy of the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau, the CVB Trolley will shuttle guests between Union Pacific Park (10th & Main) and the Moss-Thorns Gallery (FHSU) from 7-9pm.
Itinerary and Locations:
HAC Summer Art Walk
Friday, June 21st 7 – 9 pm
Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th
“The Art of Setting Your Mouth on Fire”
MFA Thesis Sculpture Exhibition of Isaac Sandoval
Hays Public Library, 1205 Main
“A Trip to Africa” photography by Christina Tippy
Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., 117 E. 11th
Paintings & Henna Tattoos by Abby Bennett 7:30-9:30pm
Live Music by Cole Morse – 9:30-11:30pm
The Arc of the Central Plains, 116 E. 11th
Featured works by Omer Knoll, Ed Brown, & Erik Warren
Works from Arc participants & volunteers
“Perspective, A Photo Show” by persons served through DSNWK
Street Corner Concert, 11th & Main
Music by Tom Griffith “The Organ Grinder”
Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main
“Sizzlin’ Summer” youth art class exhibition
“Frank Nichols Remembered” & “Boar’s Rock” by Sean McLaren
Paintings & Photographs by Bruce Burkholder
Diamond R Jewelry, 1008 Main
“Mistaken Identity” book signing by author Jeanne Riedel
Photography by Mary Ladd Dague
Paintings by Jack Flagor
Dugan Studios, 107 W. 10th
“Works on Paper: FHSU Letterpress Exhibition”
Kris Kuksi Fine Art, 807 Main
Works by Kuksi and Local Artists
Crossroads Photography, 719 Main
Works by members of the Hays Photography Club
Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th
Tours through the Volga German House, Younker Harness Shop, & Fire Department Museum – Featuring: architectural design, leather crafts, immigrant furnishings, & firefighting gear
The Fort Hays State University Alumni Association Board of Directors has announced the addition of seven new board members.
The Robbins Center is home to the FHSU Alumni Association
They were introduced June 7 at the board’s summer meeting in Hays. New to the board are Lea Ann (Scott) Curtis, Topeka; Chad Fowler, Andale; Dr. Eric Grospitch, Overland Park; Mitchell Hall, Anthony; Mike Koerner, Hays; Dr. Ken Ruder, Petersburg, Ky., and Twilla (Brown) Wanker, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas.
Curtis, a testing and ADA coordinator with the Washburn Institute of Technology, received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1976 and a Master of Science in education administration in 1982, both from FHSU. She will serve a four-year term.
Fowler graduated from FHSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance in 1999. He is a compliance manager and vice president with Wells Fargo and will serve a four-year term.
Grospitch, dean of students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduated from FHSU in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and in 1997 with a Master of Science in counseling and guidance. He was appointed to a four-year term.
Hall received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from FHSU in 2005. He is the owner of H2O Drilling LLC and Hall Family Land and Cattle LLC. He will serve a four-year term.
Koerner, operations/systems manager with Eagle Communication, received a Bachelor of Science in information networking and telecommunications, media studies, in 2000, followed by a Master of Liberal Studies in general studies (INT) in 2005, both from FHSU. He was appointed to a four-year term on the board.
Ruder graduated from FHSU in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication. He holds professor emeritus status with Southern Illinois University and will serve a four-year term.
Wanker, a retired elementary school teacher, received a Bachelor of Science in 1957 in home economics. She will serve on the Awards and Recognition committee of the board for a two-year term as a Half Century Club representative.
“These highly talented Fort Hays State alumni bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FHSU Alumni Board of Directors,” said Debra Prideaux, FHSU executive director of alumni and governmental relations. “We are fortunate to have seven of our most talented graduates assist us in furthering the overall success of the Association.”
The Executive Council of 2013-2014 is composed of Dr. Marcella “Marcy” (Johnson) Aycock, Sedgwick; Chuck Sexson, Topeka; Dr. Stephanie (Groninga) Bannister, Manhattan; Dennis Spratt, Lawrence; Daron Jamison, Hays; Tracy Metzger, Hutchinson; Dr. Mary (Johansen) Martin, Hays; and Dr. Diane (Pfeifer) Scott, Broomfield, Colo.
Aycock serves in her second year as president of the board. She is a 1984 FHSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art education. She is the director of the Early College Health Science Academy at Butler County Community College.
Sexson is the director of the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit in the office of the Kansas Attorney General. He received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology in 1972. He will serve the board as vice president and is a member of the Awards and Recognition committee.
Bannister serves as chair of the Awards and Recognition committee. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication from FHSU in 1992. She works as the associate director of housing at Kansas State University.
Spratt graduated from FHSU in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education. He is the vice president of Wealth Management Group of Kansas City Inc., in Overland Park. He will serve as chair of the newly-established Chapter Development committee.
Jamison earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and Bachelor of Business Administration in management in 2003, both from FHSU. He works as the finance and business development supervisor with Nex-Tech Wireless LLC and serves the board as Finance and Operations Committee chair.
Metzger serves as chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee. He graduated from FHSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in computer information systems in 1996. He is vice president and chief technology officer at Lowen Corporation in Hutchinson.
Martin, an associate professor of marketing at FHSU, serves as an at-large member of the board and is on the Membership and Marketing Committee. She earned a Master of Business Administration in management from FHSU in 1991.
Scott is a self-employed consultant and life coach. She graduated from FHSU in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and in 1990 with a Master of Science in counseling and guidance. She serves as an at-large member of the board and is on the Awards and Recognition committee.
Other members of the board are Jon Armstrong, Hays, assistant director of admissions and transfer coordinator, FHSU Office of Admissions; Molly (Bircher) Aspan, Tulsa, Okla., attorney, Hall Estill; Josh Biera, Garden City, lieutenant, Kansas Highway Patrol; Monte Broeckelman, Beloit, chief financial officer, Farmway Coop Inc.; Rich Dreiling, Wichita, retired; Kevin Moeder, La Crosse, senior vice president and regional manager, Farmers Bank and Trust; Denise (Stegman) Riedel, Overland Park, owner, Riedel Communications and freelance consultant and writer; Dave Voss, Colby, network development manager, Centene Corp. Sunflower State Health Plan; and Gordon Zahradnik, Lyons, artist, Art of Z.
Retiring board members Brenda (Moore) Herrman, Brian DeWitt and Barry Yoxall were recognized for their 24 years of cumulative service, each serving two four-year terms.
Established in 1916, the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association serves the population of FHSU graduates by identifying needs and providing solutions. More than 52,000 graduates live throughout the United States and approximately 73 foreign countries. The board is a 24-member governing board that sets the policy and direction of the association in developing life-long relationships between the university and alumni.
(AP) – The leg irons that restrained abolitionist John Brown after his failed 1859 raid on a federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry are being sold Saturday in Texas.
