May 2022

Kansas Grantmakers in Health award $25,000 in grants in memory of former Kansas Health Foundation CEO Steve Coen

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Grantmakers in Health, a collaborative network of the state’s six health care foundations, is pleased to announce the awarding of $25,000 in grants to a pair of organizations that work to address food insecurity and access to healthy foods – causes important to the late Steve Coen, the former Kansas Health Foundation CEO who passed away in February and for whom the grants memorialize.

Read MoreKansas Grantmakers in Health award $25,000 in grants in memory of former Kansas Health Foundation CEO Steve Coen

Historic Kiowa County figure on historic roll call of law enforcement heroes

The week of May 15 boasts commemorative days for law enforcement in the United States. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations and communities dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement personnel. Whereas the National Peace Officers Memorial Day pays special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others (Sardino). Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial walls in Washington, DC. This year, 619 names were engraved on the Roll Call of Heroes. Their names will be read aloud during the annual Candlelight Vigil to memorialize them for making the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s Vigil is planned for Friday, May 13, 8:00 PM, on the National Mall. The event is open to the public and livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube (NLEOMF).

Read MoreHistoric Kiowa County figure on historic roll call of law enforcement heroes

10 years and going strong

Kiowa County Senior Center patrons, friends and supporters celebrated the 10th Year Anniversary of their community building in Greensburg on May 4, sharing memories, good times and good friendships. “It was a really good day! Happy 10-year Anniversary to us,” said current Director Kari Kyle. “Thank you for everyone who came to our celebration. The senior center is a success because of each of you. Our hearts are full and overflowing.” Joining in the celebration were many city and civic leaders and a special individual, John Wickland, who was credited with helping restore communication between senior center oversight groups such as the Kiowa County Commissioners and the Kiowa County Council on Aging, which allowed progress towards building a new senior center that was completed in 2012 in Greensburg. Elected to serve the community as director of the senior center in 2010, Wickland dealt with many disappointments from tornado re-building days from 2007 and turned them into positive progress for senior citizens throughout Kiowa County, according filed news reports from Kiowa County Signal archives.

Read More10 years and going strong

Alumni Association announces nominees for 2022 Torch, Pilot, and Lighthouse Awards

Nominees for three top commencement awards have been announced by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association. Twenty-one graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2022 Torch Award, the highest student honor, and 28 faculty members were nominated by members of the class of 2022 for the Pilot Award for an outstanding faculty member.

Read MoreAlumni Association announces nominees for 2022 Torch, Pilot, and Lighthouse Awards

The leaving in legacy

The saying, “farmers never retire, they farm until they die,” is accurate for my paternal grandfather. Grandpa turned 95 this winter and outside a short Navy deployment at the end of World War II, he has farmed all his life.

Read MoreThe leaving in legacy