The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2018 Kansas Notable Books

Press Release

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Topeka, KS — Acting State Librarian Eric Norris announced Thursday the 13th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with a wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or about a Kansas-related topic.
“I am proud to present the 2018 Kansas Notable Book list. Choosing only 15 books is no easy task,” said Eric Norris, Acting State Librarian. “The selection committee began with a pool of over 100 submitted titles and worked diligently to identify the year’s best works by authors and illustrators from Kansas, as well as those works that highlight our history and heritage. Kansans are encouraged to visit their local public library and celebrate the artists and the artistry of Kansas.”
Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program of the State Library. The Kansas Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Throughout the award year, the State Library promotes and encourages the promotion of all the titles on this year's list at literary events, and among librarians and booksellers.
An awards ceremony will be held at the Kansas Book Festival, Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9:30 a.m., at the State Capitol to recognize the talented Notable Book authors. The public is invited.
For more information about Kansas Notable Books, call 785-296-3296, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or email infodesk@ks.gov.

2018 Kansas Notable Books
Bad Kansas: Stories by Becky Mandelbaum(Rockport WA), University of Georgia Press

In this darkly humorous collection, Kansas becomes a state of mind as the characters struggle to define their relationship to home and what it means to stay or leave, to hold on or let go.

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs by Carol Murray (Overland Park), illustrations by Melissa Sweet (Portland ME). Henry Holt & Co

Playful poems highlight surprising facts about the world of insects – from familiar ants and exotic dragonflies to cringe-worthy ticks and magnificent fireflies in this picture book for children.

Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West by Tom Clavin (Sag Harbor NY), St. Martin’s Press

Cowpokes, desperadoes, and lawmen: it wasn’t always easy to tell which was which. This rollicking tale of Dodge City brims with colorful characters. From frontier settlement, to cattle drives, to a railroad town, the history of Dodge City is the story of how the West was won.

Feet of the Messenger: Poems by H.C. Palmer (Lenexa), BkMk Press Books

Between the horrors of the Vietnam War and the pacific silences of the Kansas prairie, these poems honor both the beauty of the English language and the ancient powers of poetry to speak experience without diminishing it.

Fireflies in the Gathering Dark: Poems by Maril Crabtree (Mission), Aldrich Press

These poems traverse landscapes, inner and outer: physical landscapes and metaphysical ones; the landscape of relationships; the landscape of age, from childhood to maturity; and the questing landscape that leads to new understandings.

Headlights on the Prairie: Essays on Home by Robert Rebein (Irvington IN), University Press of Kansas

These essays bring a storyteller’s gifts to life’s dramas, large and small. Moments of singular grace and grit encapsulate the lives of feedlot cowboys, long-haul truckers, and farm kids dreaming of basketball glory.

Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower's Secret Campaign Against Joseph McCarthy by David A. Nichols (Winfield), Simon & Schuster

This fast-paced account reveals President Eisenhower’s subtly clever role in the destruction of demagogue Joe McCarthy. Drawn from documents in the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Nichols presents a gripping story of a classic power struggle.

Kansas Baseball, 1858-1941 by Mark E. Eberle (Hays), University Press of Kansas

The early history of baseball in Kansas is the story of towns and the ballparks they built. It was a time when baseball was adopted by early settlers, then taken up by soldiers sent west, and finally by teams formed to express the identity of growing and diverse communities.

Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers by Marci Penner (Inman) and WenDee Rowe (Inman), Kansas Sampler Foundation

The ultimate guidebook for all things to see and do in Kansas features 4,500 attractions, 843 eateries, and more than 1,600 color photos. Counties are arranged alphabetically within six geographic regions as are the cities within each county. Entries include directions, hours and contact information.

The Man from the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery by Bill James (Lawrence) and Rachel McCarthy James (Lawrence), Scribner

A baseball statistician and his daughter deliver a provocative story that aims to solve a 100-year-old mass murder case. The two painstakingly scoured thousands of newspapers and records to discover and reveal the identity of one of the deadliest serial killers in America.

Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Asheville NC), HarperTeen

While the stories of three women span multiple generations and thousands of miles, their lives are intertwined. Before leaving Kansas to go to Mars, Adri discovers Catherine’s journal of the Dust Bowl and Lenore’s letters about World War I. Each story weaves a unifying thread of hope.

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity by Grant Snider (Derby), Abrams ComicArts

What do ideas look like? Where do they come from? These one- and two-page comics have been featured in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Kansas City Star. They are a colorful look into the creative process.

Stark Mad Abolitionists: Lawrence, Kansas, and the Battle over Slavery in the Civil War Era by Robert K. Sutton (Bethesda MD), Skyhorse Publishing

In 1854, Boston was in an uproar. Businessman Amos Adams Lawrence was inspired to put his efforts and considerable fortune toward keeping slavery out of Kansas. The town that came to bear Lawrence’s name became part of a bigger story of people willing to risk their lives and fortunes for freedom.

That is My Dream! by Langston Hughes and Daniel Miyares (Lenexa), Schwartz & Wade

Langston Hughes’s inspiring and timeless poem “Dream Variation” comes joyously to life in a gorgeously illustrated picture book. Follow one child on a walk through his small segregated town in the 1950s. Then watch his mind take flight as he images a brighter, more inclusive world.

To The Stars Through Difficulties by Romalyn Tilghman (Long Beach CA), She Writes Press

Inspired by the women who built fifty-nine Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the No Guilt Quilters overcome numerous obstacles to build the Cultural Center on the Plains- proving that New Hope is more than just the name of a town.

Area Happenings - Week of June 3

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  June 2, 2018.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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June 4, 2018


For the Adults:
Author Event

Location:
Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS

Time: ?? P.M.

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June 5, 2018

Time:  11 a.m.

For the Kids:
Rock and Slime Day
Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS

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June 5, 2018


Join us as we celebrate
the Retirement of Steve Friend
from the Baldwin City Recreation Commission


Time: 5-8 p.m.
Remarks at 5:30 p.m.

Location:
Dance Cafe
711 High St.
Baldwin City, KS



and meet the new director, Matt McClure.

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June 5, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting

Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS

Time: 7 P.M.

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June 6, 2018

Baldwin City Caregiver Support Group



Location:
Baldwin Junior HighFirst United Methodist Church
704 Eighth St
Baldwin City, KS

Time: 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Guest Speaker:  Bath innovation walk-in bathtubs and remodeling

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June 11, 2018


For the Adults:
Author Event
Location:
Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS

Time: ?? P.M.

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June 15, 2018

5-9 P.M.
Wine Fest

718 High St
Lotatorium
Baldwin City, KS


Don't miss out! This summer, Winefest returns to Baldwin City with...
Wine. Food. Music.
...and the Lumberyard Art Center's 3rd Friday Artwork and shopping.

Tickets: $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. Online purchases will be $21.83 with fees.  Online or in the Chamber office at 718 High Street. Ticket price includes entry to the event, plus 2 samples from each winery present.

Save the date now, and more information on vendors and tickets will be available soon!

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June 19, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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July 7, 2018

Time: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Baldwin City Car Show and Soc Hop

Location: Downtown Baldwin City
Baldwin City, KS

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July 11, 2018

Time: 2-4 p.m.

Senior Mix

 The annual reunion of the Baldwin City Community Senior Mix is Wednesday, July 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of the Ives Chapel United Methodist Church at 1018 Miami Street. Sponsored by the Ives Chapel United Methodist Women, this event is open to all senior citizens in the Baldwin City/Community area - from ages 55 to 105! There will be a special speaker, fellowship and refreshments provided.

Location: Ives Chapel
                  1018 Miami Street

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in your car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS

Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

Baker's Olivia Brees Selected NAIA First Team All-American

Tyler Price, Assistant Director of Athletics | Communications

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BALDWIN CITY, Kansas – Baker University junior pitcher Olivia Brees was selected a 2018 NAIA First Team All-America on Friday afternoon, becoming the first Baker softball player to garner the First-Team All-America award, announced by the NAIA national office.
Brees is now a two-time NAIA All-American, as the Meriden, Kansas native earned the 2017 NAIA Honorable Mention All-America award last season.
She helped lead Baker to its greatest season in program history, as the Wildcats finished the 2018 campaign with a record of 41-16 and qualified for its first-ever NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

The 41 wins, marked the most in a single season for Baker softball and Brees led the NAIA in strikeouts with 331, strikeouts per game at 10.12 and was one of only two pitchers from across the NAIA to finish 2018 with 300 or more strikeouts, the other was Jaylee Hinrichs of Midland University.
Brees allowed just 43 earned runs in 229 innings pitched for an ERA of 1.31, good for 15th in the NAIA.
She also won a school-record 29 games in the circle this season and threw 24 complete games. She also had three saves this season.
Heading into her senior season, she is just 147 strikeouts shy of 1,000, with her 853 and she has 65 career victories.
Brees also earned the 2018 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award this week and was selected to the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-District team earlier in May, becoming the first-ever Baker softball player to be selected for that honor.
That award also places her in the running for the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-America award, an honor that has only been given to seven students in the history of Baker Athletics.

Steve Watkins Endorsed by With Honor PAC

Press Release

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Topeka, KS - Steve Watkins, U.S. Army veteran and Republican candidate for Kansas' 2nd Congressional District, today was endorsed by With Honor, a bi-partisan political action committee dedicated to electing principled veterans to Congress.

Steve Watkins (file photo)

 "I am truly humbled to have earned the endorsement from With Honor,"

 said Steve Watkins.

"In my service in the military, I learned how to lead individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and execute plans under immense pressure in rigorous environments. I will continue to fight for every single vote in the second district and I look forward to advancing With Honor's mission in Congress.  I am running to bring military leadership and Kansas values to Washington, all in an effort to combat the gridlock and hyper-partisanship that has plagued progress for decades."

 With Honor was started in an effort to fight the historically low number of veterans currently serving in Congress. The group has endorsed a bipartisan slate of Veteran candidates in the 2018 mid-term cycle, all dedicated to putting principles before politics.

Memorial Day History and Traditions

Kevin Surbaugh

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This past Monday was Memorial Day. A day when we take time to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. We do this in many ways. There are ceremonies to honor those fallen veterans who sacrificed their lives so that we could have the freedoms that we hold dear. Others decorate the graves of all of the loved ones who had passed away. Still, others use the day, as the unofficial first day of summer with barbeques and family get-togethers.

photographer Kevin Surbaugh

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in 1868, following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  It was held on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. However, in 1968 Congress moved four holidays, including Memorial Day from their traditional day to a Monday. That law took effect with the 1971  calendar.
According to Wikipedia,

 The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day," which was first used in 1882. Memorial Day did not become the more common name until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.

Around the country, this year, people decorated graves, help memorial services at cemeteries, the most was the annual service and laying of the wreath at the tomb of the unknown,  enjoyed the opening weekend of public pools and barbequed. Here in Baldwin City, it was no different.

photographer Kevin Surbaugh

The local American Legion Post 228 held a Memorial Day Service at Oakwood Cemetery on Memorial Day at 10:00 a.m. In addition, the Baldwin City Pool opened for the first time for the 2018 season.  The opening day was a free day at the Baldwin City Pool.  At about 3:30 there had been 430 people that had entered the pool, according to pool staff.  The Pool was open between 12 and 7 p.m. Around town, you see smoke coming from barbeque grills and smell the delicious aroma coming from those charcoals.  

Two Westar Energy Employees Injured at Jeffrey Plant

Kevin Surbaugh (portions derived from press statement)

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Topeka, KS – A Westar press statement from Topeka issued on Sunday (June 3) afternoon that two Westar Energy employees were injured at the Jeffrey Energy Center near Saint Mary, KS at about 11:30 a.m. Sunday. They were transported by helicopter to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where they are being treated for severe burns. Immediate family members have been notified.
 John Bridson, senior vice president generation, said,

 “Our first priority is our injured people, their families and all plant personnel.  Our Jeffrey Energy Center team is like an extended family, and we want to ensure everyone at the plant feels and is safe.”

According to the statement, the circumstances of the incident are under review.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Barnett Announces Running Mate

Kevin Surbaugh

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Topeka – On Thursday (May 31, 2018) Republican Gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett, announced his choice for a running mate for Luetinet-Governor.
Barnett said the key criteria were someone who could help him implement his
#OneKansas agenda, help his administration improve the functioning of state government, and someone able to bridge the rural/urban divide.
In his announcement Barnet said,

“I’ve met and talked with people from all walks of life, from all over the state,” Barnett
said. “Many were qualified in some areas. Only a few were qualified in all three areas.
It became clear that the one person who was best qualified in all areas was also the person who had spent the past 22 months traveling 70,000 miles with me, Rosemary Hansen, my wife.”

Hansen, who grew up on a small farm near Americus, Kansas, graduated from Americus High School in 1972. She has several degrees including a BA in Biology from the University of Kansas (1976),  a Law degree from the University of Minnesota (1982), a Masters in Public Education from the Kennedy School, Harvard University (1993), and was a National Security Affairs Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (1998).
Her career has included serving as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State between 1985 and 2011 with overseas assignments in the Ecuadoran Consulate, and U.S.Embassy assignments in Bangladesh, Germany, Bosnia, Australia, Afghanistan, and Thailand with various assignments in Washington, D.C. During her career with the Department of State, she achieved the rank of Minister
Counselor with lead oversight of Embassy management operations in Thailand, Australia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.
During his announcement, he acknowledged that his pick was out of the ordinary.  Barnett pointed to
recent Kansas history for examples of non-traditional picks for Luetinent-Governor, he said,

“Yes, picking one’s spouse as a running mate is unusual. But so is picking the former party chairman of the opposing party. Ultimately, the benchmark for my pick was not the traditional pedigree of political connections or money, but the ability to do what our state needs.” 

Barnett continued by pointing to the campaigns #OneKansas agenda which  he uses to promote the key issues of ag and livestock, economic development, education (with a focus on workforce development) and career and technical training, healthcare access and keeping our hospitals open, tourism as well as promoting Kansas, and attracting and retaining young professionals Crediting his wife with the OneKansas agenda, Barnett said she was the best person to help implement it. Continuing his endorsement of Hanson as his Lieutenant -Governor, Barnett said,

 “Rosie’s extensive experience and knowledge of organization and management will
help me improve the functioning of a state government that has gone off the rails in the
past 8 years. When a new stockyard can’t open because the state
doesn’t have an inspector, jobs are lost. A poorly run Department of Children and
Families threatens the safety of our most vulnerable. Kansans will be getting someone as Lieutenant-Governor who has a history of public service at a high level.”

The pair has crisscrossed the state together for nearly two years, Barnett said, including a stop he in Baldwin City in March of this year.  Concluding,  Barnett told the media,

“We are the pro-jobs, pro-reform, pro-Kansas Republican alternative to four more
years of the Colyer/Brownback agenda. That is what we believe and why we are running.”

Obituary: Sherry Anne Mowrer Newell

Press Release

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The visitation for Professor Emerita Sherry Anne Mowrer Newell will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home; her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1313 SW D Avenue (Lawton, OK).

Sherry Anne Mowrer Newell

She died at 2:05 a.m. on May 26, 2018. The daughter of Mary Lillian (nee Sandefur) and Claude Newell Mowrer of Baldwin City, Kansas, Sherry was born on 11 June 1931 and is survived by her daughter, Kenni Lee (Kenwa Li) Newell of Los Angeles, California; two nieces, Mary Yvonne and Jackie Marie, of Overland Park, Kansas, and a nephew, Andy Green, of Overland Park; and twenty cousins. She is also survived by her beloved cat Sobi. In addition, she leaves behind a number of dear friends including Meg Deal-Saul, John G. Morris, Susan Luke, Sue Burpo, Roy Morgan, Steve Johnson, Ray Jackson and others too numerous to mention.
A teacher for thirty-four years before she retired, she taught grade school subjects at Gardner Elementary School in Gardner, Kansas; English at Indian Hills Community College in Indian Hills, Iowa; English at Kansas State University--Pittsburgh; and English at Cameron University, where she attained the rank of assistant professor, from 1975 to 1994. After graduating from public schools in Argentine, Kansas, and Baldwin City, she earned an undergraduate degree in psychology at Baker University in Baldwin City, serving as an intern in a private psychiatric hospital in Olathe, Kansas; she also earned an undergraduate degree in education at Baker and was certified for life as a teacher of elementary education. She later earned an MA in English at the University of Kansas. An outstanding student who graduated second in her class at Baker, she was a member of several honor societies: Alpha Delta Sigma, an interdisciplinary honor society at Baker that recognized academic achievement as well as involvement in university life; Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society; Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society; Kappa Delta Pi, the international education honor society; and Phi Kappa Phi, the international interdisciplinary honor society.
Sherry's dedication to service her entire adult life resulted in her lifetime membership in the Humane Society, the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild, and Star Fleet International; the Leigh Holmes, John G. Morris, and Sherry A. Newell Endowed Lectureship for Classic Films at Cameron honors her service as the faculty co-advisor to the Cameron University Magic Lantern Film Society for twenty-seven years, a period of service that extended well after her retirement from Cameron. As a member of St. Andrew's, she was also an active volunteer in the St. John's Baptist Church's feeding program as well as the Salvation Army. A talented singer, she sang in several choirs: the Baker University Acappella Choir, the Kansas State University Symphony Choir, the Cameron University Messiah and Spring Concert Choirs, The Lawton Philharmonic Concert Choir, the Evening of Praise Choir, and the St. Andrew's Chancel Choir. Sherry loved learning, knowledge, her students, and any opportunity to serve and honor others. She was also deeply devout and faithful to her Lord. Memorials may be made to the St. Andrew's Music Program at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, P. 0. Box 1256, Lawton, OK, 73502.
An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com

KDHE: Boil Order Rescinded

Press Release

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Baldwin City public water supply located in Douglas County.  The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Baldwin City indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. 

Boil Order Issued for Baldwin City and Wellsville

Kevin Surbaugh

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TOPEKA, KS – The Baldwin City Gazette has learned from KSNT in Topeka that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Baldwin City public water supply located in Douglas County. This order affects Wellsville as well as Baldwin City since Wellsville purchases its water from the city of Baldwin City.



According to the KDHE press release,

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physician.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

The advisory took effect on May 29, 2018, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Although the KDHE says the order is until further notice, water officials in the Facebook group, Citizens for the Future of Baldwin City, Kansas are saying 12-24 hours. According to the KDHE, the order was issued around 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
KDHE's statement said that regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced the boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue a cancellation of an advisory following testing at a certified laboratory.