MCDOWELL CREEK, Kan. - Much of artist Betsy Roe's work centers on the contact zone between humans and other animals. Now Betsy is creating an outdoor installation at Bird Runner Wildlife Refuge, and this time that zone is a bloody one -- the place where animals meet our vehicles on the road.

Betsy! Why are you making us think about this? Roadkill? Yuck! Sad -- but what can we do about it? People aren't going to stop driving and animals aren't going to stop trying to cross the road. So why dwell on it? What's the point?

Betsy's art makes us think of one answer after another.

HAYS, Kan. - After leading the Allied victory in World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was asked to speak in Canada's capitol city of Ottawa. He said, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity."

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense," he emphasized later, speaking to a gathering of the American Society of Newspaper Editors on April 16th, 1953.

In preparing to leave the White House in January 1961, President Eisenhower made these remarks in his farewell speech ...

YOCEMENTO, Kan. - A storm was brewing in the north, but there was nothing but peace and good cheer around our kitchen table last Thursday evening. My family and I had the privilege of hosting Nola Ochs and her great-granddaughter Janae Ochs for dinner.

I took an Old Testament class with Nola in the fall of 2006, where we first met. It was her first semester as an on-campus student. On the first day of class, we went around and introduced ourselves with a brief bit about why we were taking the class. Nola said that she was interested in the Bible. She tagged on at the end that she was 94.

There were no gasps or applause from the class; instead there were a few indulgent smiles. How quaint that this elderly woman wants to better understand the history of the Bible. Most likely the professor will go easy on her. After all, she's 94 years old. But we soon found out that Nola Ochs was no shrinking violet. She spoke up with thoughtful, relevant remarks, wrote papers and took exams.

MCDOWELL CREEK, Kan. - When Jan Garton passed away on November 9, 2009, one of the leading voices for conservation in Kansas was stilled.

Regarding Jan's successful campaign to save Cheyenne Bottoms, the Hutchinson News wrote, "Jan Garton's life story perfectly illustrates how one person can make a difference." Jan's public actions and public words are well known.

Less well known iis her poetry, even by her friends. As Jan's executor, I had to clean out her file cabinets, and there I found writing she had never mentioned. Her poems give insight into just what it was that helped her change the world.

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

WICHITA, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Claudean McKellips. She has taught at the high school and college level since 1997. Helping students find their voice in reading, writing and thinking brings Claudean the greatest joy. She has found her niche in the public alternative and charter schools where it is still possible to escape canned curriculum and some aspects of NCLB. Claudean is especially interested in leveling the playing field for first-generation college students.

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

POTWIN, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Eden Fuson. Active in citizenship and grassroots organizing, she talked with us about what motivates her to make the world a better place. Very simply, she said, "My main goal in life is to be someone my three children will be proud of." Eden explained that she hopes to always spend her life trying to change things that will positively affect their lives.

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

LAWRENCE, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Amber Fraley. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas (go 'Hawks!) where she achieved a bachelor of arts in English. These days, she is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer living in Lawrence. She has over ten years experience working as a professional writer, editor and reporter for newspapers and magazines.

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

SHAWNEE, Kan. - In this profile, we are honored to introduce KFP correspondent, Milack Talia. He is an attorney, businessman and public servant living in Shawnee, in eastern Kansas. Milack serves as business manager of an advertising firm and as the Kansas State Representative for the 23rd District. He graduated from KU in 2003 with his law degree and in 2000 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Milack is proud also that during high school he became an Eagle Scout. He explains that each chapter of his life has provided opportunities for triumph in the face of struggle.