TOPEKA-Entries are being accepted for the Annual Kansas Factual Story Contest.  The annual contest, sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, encourages preserving, in writing, factual, unpublished happenings and anecdotes in the lives of Kansans today and yesterday. Olive Ann Beech, of Wichita, provided cash awards for winners for over 30 years. Following her death, her daughter, Mary Lynn Oliver, Wichita, has continued this support.

Beech Memorial Cash Awards are: 1st place, $175; 2nd place, $125; 3rd place, $100; and $50 each for two honorable mentions. Entrants are asked to keep copies of their entries; none will be returned. The Kansas Historical Society may preserve all stories in their collections.

Stories should have taken place in Kansas; be limited to 750 words; be true and not have been published. The contest is open to anyone, anywhere. Only one story may be submitted per person. Entries must be submitted electronically by e-mail no later than November 18, 2011. Send entries to: Terry Marmet, Kansas Historical Foundation, via e-mail to: [email protected].  In the subject are of the email put “Beech Memorial Contest.”  The author’s name, mailing address, and phone number must be included on the essay.

A panel from the Kansas Historical Society and the Foundation will judge entries. Winners will be announced and recognized at the annual meeting of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas in Topeka, Friday, January 27, 2012.  The Kansan of the Year, Distinguished Kansan, and other honorees may be featured at the banquet.