An exhibit of almost 40 oil and acrylic paintings will open in Fort Hays State University’s Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on Monday, Jan. 11.
The Ballougan Exhibition showcases the collaborative work of Joel Dugan, assistant professor of art and design at FHSU, and Matt Ballou, associate teaching professor at the University of Missouri. Ballou and Dugan, who attended Indiana University-Bloomington together, have been working on the collaborative pieces since mid-2013.
The paintings focus on the idea of “portal” and the individual interests of both artists.
“The pieces they have created under the portal theme,” says the artists’ exhibition statement, “engage with the history of the painted surface as a threshold between the actual physical world and an imagined, constructed space.” Each artist has developed his own set of artistic methods, and the exhibition showcases the similarities and differences between Ballou and Dugan.
The Ballougan Exhibition will be open through Friday, Jan. 22. The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art will host a closing reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. Dugan will present a gallery talk and answer questions from the public.
The Moss-Thorns Gallery is on the first floor of Rarick Hall on the FHSU campus. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
PAOLA, Kan. (AP) — Officials in an eastern Kansas county say they’re frustrated by safety problems at a state mental hospital that recently lost Medicare funding.
Federal officials said last month that the Medicare program would stop paying for patient care at Osawatomie State Hospital because the hospital falls short of meeting federal regulations.
Miami County Commissioner Rob Roberts said at a meeting Wednesday that some of the issues “are not ones that anyone in our county should be proud of.”
Among numerous issues cited by federal inspectors was a report that an employee was raped by a patient in October.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Kelli Ludlum with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services spoke before the Miami County Commission and rejected findings that there was “systemic failure” at the hospital.
Mike Cooper speaks with the secretary of the Hays NAMI Board, Mary Akin, about the upcoming NAMI “Family to Family-to-Family Education Program” and what it’s all about.
Hays and Russell city officials discuss the R9 Ranch project at a meeting June 24, 2015, in Russell.
City of Hays
After decades of study, research, and planning, Hays and Russell, Kansas, are a huge step closer to finally obtaining an adequate and dependable water supply. On Thursday, January 7, 2016, Hays and Russell filed an application to transfer up to 7,625.5 acre-feet of water from their R9 Ranch in Edwards County for their municipal use.
The Cities purchased the R9 Ranch, including its 30 irrigation water rights, in 1995 in order to transfer water to Hays and Russell. As the only feasible long-term water source available to the Cities, approval of the transfer will provide the Cities, and potentially other water suppliers in the region, with a drought-proof water supply.
“Anticipating future needs, in the 1940s and ‘50s, Russell and Hays acquired water rights in Cedar Bluff Reservoir and on the Smoky Hill River. In 1995, the Cities demonstrated the same kind of foresight when they purchased the water rights on the R9 Ranch. Thursday’s action is the next step in that process that began more than 75 years ago,” said Hays City Manager, Toby Dougherty.
Russell City Manager, Jon Quinday, agreed: “We believe that using the water rights on the R9 Ranch for the Cities’ populations is essential to our ability to grow responsibly. We anticipate that the water rights will not only serve our populations, but those of our regional neighbors as well. It is the highest and best use of the water and will help halt the population decline in Western Kansas.”
In anticipation of this transfer application, in June 2015, the Cities filed applications to change the water rights on the R9 Ranch from irrigation to municipal use. Those applications are currently awaiting approval by the Chief Engineer at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources.
After the transfer is approved, a pipeline from the Ranch to the existing water supply infrastructure will be built. This multi-year project will finally end the Cities’ long-term and expensive search for a reliable and sufficient source of water.
Kansas law requires that the Chief Engineer, the Director of the Kansas Water Office, and the Secretary of Health and Environment review and approve proposals to move 2,000 acre-feet of water or more per year a distance of 35 miles or more. A copy of the application can be found HERE.
DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State and Fort Hays State are discussing opening a specialized school for medical training in Dodge City.
The talks are in the early stages but representatives of both schools have met with Dodge City officials. The Dodge City Daily Globe reports (https://bit.ly/1RlE9jr ) the universities are considering the former St. Mary of the Plains complex for a school to train physician assistants, nurses and physical therapy.
State Rep. Bud Estes of Dodge City says the two universities are only exploring the possibility. He says the new school would partner with the city, Ford County and the local hospital in a separate facility that would be a branch of the Wichita State and Fort Hays State.
St. Mary of the Plains College closed in the late 1990s because of declining enrollment.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Former Miss Kansas who hosted an adventure TV show has pleaded guilty to killing an Alaska grizzly bear without a state tag.
The sentence for Theresa Vail, issued Wednesday, includes one year of probation and a $750 fine.
A charging document says Vail, on a guided hunt, held a single bear tag and shot a bear. When she attempted to kill it with a second shot, it says, she killed a second bear.
It says the master guide was contacted and a collective decision was made to fly out another tag, which Vail said she signed but backdated at the master guide’s request.
Vail hosted the Outdoor Channel series “Limitless with Theresa Vail.”
NEMAHA- A Kansas woman died and four others were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. on Thursday in Nemaha County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy van driven by Rebecca Lynne Crismas, 37, Wetmore, was southbound on W Road four miles south of Sabetha.
The driver failed to yield at the stop sign. A Freightliner semi driven by Wayne E. Mowery, 63, LaCygne, which was westbound on U.S. 36 hit the van.
Crismas was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics.
Two children in the van Juliana Crismas, 11, and Jedediah Crismas, 1, both of Wetmore were transported to Children’s Mercy.
Another child in the van Joshua Crismas, 3, Wetmore, was transported to the Sabetha Hospital.
Mowery was transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. nd two children in the van
All were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Wildlife photographer David Slater- courtesy photo
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that a macaque monkey who took now-famous selfie photographs cannot be declared the copyright owner of the photos.
U.S. District Judge William Orrick said in a tentative opinion Wednesday that while Congress and the president can extend the protection of law to animals as well as humans, there is no indication that they did so in the Copyright Act.
The lawsuit filed last year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sought a court order allowing PETA to administer all proceeds from the photos for the benefit of the monkey, which it identified as 6-year-old Naruto.
The photos were taken during a 2011 trip to Sulawesi, Indonesia, by British nature photographer David Slater, who asked the court to dismiss the case. He says the British copyright obtained for the photos by his company, Wildlife Personalities Ltd., should be honored worldwide.
“Desperate and lengthy arguments by a fraudulent 6 yr old male monkey falsely impersonating the one in my photos finally led to Judge Orrick giving the monkeys at PETA one last chance to come up with something valid. The case was almost dismissed outright, but Orrick, I believe, wanted more fun and for PETA to waste more of it’s donations on expensive attorneys. PETA now get another chance to make their case,” Slater wrote Thursday via social media.
Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute.
The New Year begins, mass killings continue, and the United States government has yet to declare what is happening in Iraq and Syria “genocide.”
By now, the evidence is overwhelming: ISIS is systematically eradicating Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities in territories controlled by the terrorist group.
What’s at stake is more than a question of semantics: A declaration of genocide has significant legal and moral implications that would require the United States — and likeminded countries — to do whatever it takes to rescue the refugees and end the killing.
At this point in human history, we should know genocide when we see it. In the aftermath of the Holocaust — and in the idealistic hope of preventing another one — the United Nations adopted the Genocide Convention, defining genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.”
Last November, a report issued by the Holocaust Museum documented the attempt by ISIS to exterminate the Yazidis, describing in detail the mass killings and sexual slavery inflicted on that community as well as on Christians and other religious minorities.
After the report was released, the U.S. State Department indicated that a genocide designation for ISIS was imminent. But as the New Year begins, it remains unclear when that will happen — and if the designation will be confined to the attacks on Yazidis or will include Christians and other groups.
Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging passage of a House resolution expressing the sense of Congress that by targeting Christians, Yazidis and other religious and ethnic groups and committing atrocities against these groups, ISIS is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The “sense of Congress” resolution should be the official policy of the United States government. As a country founded on the principles of religious freedom — as defined by the First Amendment to the Constitution — America has a moral responsibility to lead the world by making every effort to stop genocide and rescue the victims.
During World War II, the U.S. government was slow to act — a delay with tragic consequences. Although the War Refugee Board created by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944 is credited with saving 200,000 lives, for many Jews it was too little, too late: Thousands more who might have been saved were exterminated by the Nazis.
Genocide is the “crime of all crimes” and should only be designated after careful deliberation. But we now know that Christians, Yazidis and other groups are not simply victims of war; they are targets of eradication much like the Jews during the Holocaust.
We have numerous first hand accounts and images of beheadings, kidnappings, rape, torture and enslavement — more than enough evidence to declare ISIS guilty of genocide under international law.
Of course, a declaration of genocide will not, in and of itself, do much to end the killing. But genocide is a call to action unlike any other, obligating the world to make every effort to save those facing extermination. First and foremost, the U.S. and other countries must immediately ramp up efforts to rescue the thousands of people fleeing religious persecution.
Other strategies, including additional military and diplomatic options for ending the genocide, will be hotly debated, especially in this election year. But given the magnitude and urgency of the crisis, we should at least agree that more can and must be done.
Past declarations of genocide by the international community have served to stir the conscience of the civilized world. Now, once again, it is time to call genocide “genocide” — and remind the world that “never again” must truly mean never again.
Time is running out for thousands of Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. In the blunt words of Pope Francis, “genocide is taking place and it must end.”
Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. [email protected]
RUSSELL — Russell Community Theater has announced its 2016 slate of plays. ”Old Ringers”, written by Joe Simonelli and directed by Bob Roe, will open the season March 8-12, 2016, at the RCT Playhouse located at 5th and Kansas in Russell.
No one feels the pain of tough economic times like senior citizens living on fixed incomes. When the recession hits a group of senior women in the suburbs, they’re desperate to find a way to pay the bills. An improper phone call from a wrong number inspires these sassy seniors to establish an at-home phone hotline. What’s for sale? Well, it’s definitely not Tupperware! Who says social security can’t be sexy? This semi-sequel to “Men Are Dogs” is a riotous adult comedy. Although two characters are reprised from “Men Are Dogs”, this production stands on its own. ”The Senator Wore Pantyhose” written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore will be directed by Erik Eaton and presented as the annual Dinner Theater production at the Russell Elks Lodge this summer. The Sluckup Inn is overflowing with political and religious scandals as Senator Sandalson arrives to judge the chili cook-off. According to his campaign manager, the Senator’s bid for the White House needs a bit of “excitement”. Unfortunately, the publicity gimmick he dreams up goes seriously awry.
Also stepping in and out of the action are a less-than-pure evangelist, and escaped felon, a television reporter and a gangster. Characters swap beds, identities and jabs in this hilarious comedy.
The season will wrap up in October with “Election Day” written by Josh Tobiessen and directed by Mitchell B. Hunsley. It’s Election Day and Adam knows his over-zealous girlfriend will never forgive him if he fails to vote. What starts out as a quick trip to the polls ends up derailed thanks to Adam’s sex-starved sister, an eco-terrorist and a mayoral candidate willing to do anything for a vote. This riotous dark comedy exposes the sometimes ugly truths about political (and personal) campaigns.
Like all classic tales of conflict and quarrels, this one features Molotov cocktails, handcuffs, eggplants and the occasional dismemberment.
Season tickets will be available soon. For more information, contact 785-483-4057.
Forsyth Library at Fort Hays State University recently purchased 12 books on the Kansas Notable Books List using a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Books published within the previous year, all by Kansas authors, are nominated for the Kansas Notable Books List by a committee of Kansas Center for the Book affiliates and fellows and authors of previous Kansas Notable Books. The selected titles are then sent to the state librarian, who creates the final list of 15 books.
Books are named at an awards ceremony and reception, which recognizes the author and illustrator of each book.
“It’s the only honor for Kansas books by Kansans, highlighting our lively contemporary writing community and encouraging readers to enjoy some of the best writing of the authors among us,” said the state library website.
The titles purchased by Forsyth are:
• “999 Kansas Characters,” by Terry Romebeck, Beccy Tanner and Dave Webb, is a collection of biographical articles about characters with Kansas connections.
• “A Carol Dickens Christmas,” by Thomas Fox Averill, is a novel about a woman named Carol Dickens who seeks refuge during a hectic period of transition in her life.
• “Chasing Weather,” by Stephen Locke and Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, combines Mirriam-Goldberg’s poetry with Locke’s photography of the changing sky to create powerful imagery of weather and change.
• “The Darkest Period,” by Ronald D. Parks, documents the Kanza Indians’ perseverance to maintain autonomy and culture during a time of upheaval and struggle.
• “The Devil’s Workshop,” by Alex Grecian, is a novel about Scotland Yard’s murder squad hunting escaped murderers, including Jack the Ripper, across 1890 London.
• “Field Guide to the Common Grasses of Oklahoma, Kansas _and Nebraska,” by Iralee Barnard, profiles the unique grasses that grow throughout the heartland.
• “The Kansas Relays,” by Joe D. Schrag, recounts the history of the celebrations of track and field that make up the Kansas Relays.
• “Michael Pearce’s Taste of the Kansas Outdoors Cookbook,” by Michael Pearce, is a collection of more than 50 recipes that celebrate the unique flavors of the Kansas outdoors.
• “Music I Once Could Dance To,” by Roy J. Beckemeyer, is a book of musically themed poetry that allows the reader to visualize traveling through Kansas and around the globe.
• “Railroad Empire Across the Heartland,” by James E. Sherow, with photography by John R. Charlton depicts the effects of the railroad industry across Kansas.
• “Soldiers in the Army of Freedom,” by Ian Michael Spurgeon, details the experiences of the First Kansas Colored, the Civil War’s first African American combat unit.
• “Waiting on the Sky,” by Cheryl Unruh, is a collection of 72 essays about growing up in Kansas and what it’s like to live in the heart of America.
Forsyth Library also received “The Ogallala Road,” by Julene Bair, an additional Kansas Notable Book, as a gift.
WAMEGO – Officials with the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners has issued an alert to veterinarians and their clients across the state.
Danny Russell Thomas, using the alias Chase McKnight, is alleged to be portraying himself as a veterinarian, to have treated horses on several occasions, and to have done no cost spay and neutering services in Cowley County, according to a social media report from the Wichita Animal Action League.
Thomas has been convicted for numerous computer and theft crimes, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Anyone with information related to Thomas or these activities is asked to contact the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners at (785) 564-6614.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The health care repeal bill passed Wednesday by the GOP-led House now awaits President Barack Obama’s veto. It’s no surprise that the president will reject another effort to dismantle his signature health care law. But this is the first time such legislation has passed both the House and Senate.
Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin says, “We are confronting the president with the hard, honest truth” that “Obamacare doesn’t work.” Democrats called the vote pointless political theater.
Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) voted for H.R. 3762, Restoring American’s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. The bill, which passed in the House 240 to 181, would repeal Obamacare funding, eliminate individual and employer mandates, and very importantly, stop taxpaying funding of mega abortion provider Planned Parenthood.
Watch Congressman Huelskamp speak on the House floor about his vote for HR 3762here.
“Putting this bill on Obama’s desk is five years overdue. It is time to hold this President responsible not only for his failed, unpopular D.C. takeover of Americans’ health care system, but also gruesome Planned Parenthood. An organization that is plagued with scandal and profits from the barbaric harvesting and sale of baby body parts should not receive a dime in federal funding, according to Huelskamp in a media release.
“Americans have felt the wrath of Obamacare for far too long. It’s bad, broken policy that hurts families and small businesses. This is an important first step today; it’s my hope that this year we continue our progress in doing away with the failed Obama initiative and work toward a patient-centered replacement,” he said.
