Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson today named Chris Biggs as Kansas' Secretary of State.

"Chris has been in public service for more than twenty years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our state, our citizens, and our future," Parkinson said. "Chris will bring his forward-looking vision to the Office of Secretary of State while increasing the efficiency and participation in Kansas' elections."

Prior to today's appointment, Biggs, also served as an attorney in public service, including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. Biggs is a graduate of Kansas State University and KU Law School.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

TOPEKA, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Patrick Woods. He lives in Topeka with his wife Anna, a Topeka Public Schools teacher, and their young son Zen. When not spending time with his family, Patrick works as the director of governmental affairs, Office of Public and Governmental Services for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. He began his state service in the governor's office, shortly before the special session of 2005, as the education policy adviser to then Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

MCDOWELL CREEK, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Margy Stewart. She lives with her husband Ron Young on a ranch in the northern Flint Hills. Margy is professor of English at Washburn University, where she teaches American literature, composition, and nature writing. At Washburn, she is also coordinator of Writing Across the Curriculum. She is also founder of Bird Runner Wildlife Refuge.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

LAWRENCE, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, George Dungan. He hails from the great state of Nebraska and spent his early life involved in Midwestern progressive politics. He was also recently elected by the Kansas Young Democrats as that state organization's 2nd Vice President. George is finishing a degree in political science and women's studies at the University of Kansas and will soon head to law school, possibly out of state. He promises to continue writing at KFP. Naturally, we hope he comes home when he achieves his J.D.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

SHAWNEE, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Amber Versola. A lifelong Kansan, Amber was born in Salina and grew up in Galva, Kansas. She attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where she played rugby, was active with the Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center and the Oliver Hall Government, serving for one year as its community service co-chair. She's currently continuing her education working towards a bachelors in political science from Fort Hays State University.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

WICHITA, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Dr. Mildred Edwards. She is a passionate community leader, mobilizer and advocate. Her professional and volunteer experiences include public policy and advocacy activities, community mobilization, coalition building, capacity building, program evaluation, and non-profit administration and board development. A lifelong student of the art and science of leadership, Mildred's special skills include her abilities to think strategically and provide direction based on national trends and local data.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press (KFP) will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our own KFP writers.

LAWRENCE, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Travis Swicegood. Besides writing here, Travis is a professional programmer and owner of Domain51, a web development company in Lawrence, Kansas with a focus on non-profits, NGOs and online activists.

He says that he doesn't personally change the world, he just supports those who do.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our writers.

WICHITA, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Delia Garcia. She has served in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2005. She represents the 103rd House District, which includes portions of central Wichita. As a state lawmaker, Delia currently serves on the House Committees on Commerce and Labor, Health and Human Services and Judiciary. She also served on the House Select Committee on Corrections Reform and Oversight.

Her dedication to community service has been a consistent theme in her life.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our writers.

SALINA, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, David Norlin. In addition to writing here, David writes occasional columns for the Salina Journal and other area print newspapers. He is former instructor of broadcast communications and English at Cloud County Community College. David's civilian, "retired" activities include swearing under and above his breath at ideologues and taking part in interesting Salina projects, such as the recent Reality Not Celebrity event in Salina. He also ran for the Kansas Senate in 2000 and as Democratic candidate for Kansas House District 71 in 2008.

On April 1st, the Kansas Free Press will mark its 6-month anniversary. With gratitude for the Kansans who nobly commit their time and talents to citizen journalism, we are celebrating our upcoming half-year anniversary by proudly showcasing each of our writers.

HOBOKEN, N.J. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, David Cogswell. He says that he is a product of the middle of America in the middle of the 20th Century. David was born in Kansas to an English war bride and her D-Day veteran Navy lieutenant husband. He studied at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, pursuing courses in fine arts, art history, industrial design, English, American studies and mass communications.