Kansas
Symphony in the Flint Hills taps into restorative power of the Kansas prairie – Kansas Reflector
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Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion items from writers who share our aim of widening the dialog about how public insurance policies have an effect on the day-to-day lives of individuals all through our state. Dave Kendall served as producer and host of the “Sunflower Journeys” sequence on public tv for its first 27 seasons and continues to provide documentary movies by his personal firm, Prairie Hole Productions.
That is typically thought-about one of the best time of yr to move to the hills. The hills I take into consideration are the Flint Hills of Kansas — these broad, open vistas with tallgrass prairie stretching north and south in a slender band throughout the japanese third of the state.
This remaining stand of native prairie, which as soon as lined the guts of North America, evokes a way of awe and reverence. After ranchers have accomplished prescribed burning and spring rains have come, the pastures at the moment are lush and inexperienced and the wildflowers are popping up throughout.
As Jim Hoy, the resident skilled on cowboy tradition, is usually quoted as saying: “The Flint Hills don’t take your breath away (just like the Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon do); they provide you an opportunity to catch your breath.”
Over time, an increasing number of individuals have come to the Flint Hills to catch their breath. They motor by the guts of the area on the Flint Hills Nationwide Scenic Byway, bike alongside the Flint Hills Nature Path or head out for hikes on the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect, the place they could encounter bison grazing the hills as they did way back.
It was on this protect in the summertime of 2006 when the primary in a sequence of annual gatherings known as “Symphony within the Flint Hills” occurred, merging the pure great thing about the hills with the suave expression of symphonic music.
Saxophonist Paul Winter, recognized for his distinctive “earth music,” introduced his musical group to carry out alongside the Kansas Metropolis Symphony. The night’s efficiency featured “Grasslands,” an authentic composition by Kansas-born cellist Eugene Friesen, a longtime member of the Paul Winter Consort.
5 thousand individuals got here to the protect that day, becoming a member of a pair thousand extra volunteers who assisted with the logistics of transferring everybody safely on and off the prairie. A few of the volunteers led wildflower walks or birding excursions, whereas others assisted with things like parking automobiles and transporting people to the live performance website.
I used to be there to observe Emily Hunter, the occasion organizer, documenting the inaugural occasion on video, recording it from her perspective. The footage was later edited right into a Plains Folks section for “Sunflower Journeys.”
Once I requested her to explain who is perhaps interested in this occasion, she indicated it could be finest suited for individuals who perceive the unpredictable nature of such an outside gathering.
“It’s probably not an occasion for everybody,” she mentioned. “That is, at its coronary heart, an journey.”
The journey had been impressed by an outside live performance held 12 years earlier on a ranch close to Matfield Inexperienced owned by Jane Koger. That occasion had change into legendary. It prompted discussions amongst a variety of totally different people and organizations, finally ensuing within the creation of Symphony within the Flint Hills.
The principle goal of the nonprofit behind “the Symphony” was to offer an expertise giving those that attended a extra private connection to the prairie. The thought was that they might then be extra apt to assist defend and protect this panorama — the final 4% of tallgrass prairie on the planet.
The day’s actions on the tallgrass protect went off with out a vital hitch. A day of instructional shows and guided excursions was adopted by a night of world-class symphonic music. Thunderstorms that popped up on the horizon skirted the protect because the night efficiency concluded with everybody becoming a member of in to sing “Residence on the Vary.”
Hunter characterised the occasion as a co-creation.
“The entire thing was fully co-created by each single individual, animal, blade of grass, breath of air, notice of music, horse’s tail — every thing … the entire thing was all of a chunk,” she mentioned.
Three years later, as planning was below means for the fourth annual gathering, I used to be shocked to obtain a name inviting me to function grasp of ceremonies. I accepted, although I used to be leery about how snug I’d be in that place. However I’ve been drawn again yr after yr and am now approaching my tenth yr as emcee, lacking just one installment since I started.
Annie Wilson, the “Flint Hills Balladeer,” additionally has change into a daily participant on the Symphony, strolling round to carry out numbers with members of her Tallgrass Specific String Band all through the afternoon. Her encouraging phrases helped me adapt to the emcee position, typifying the kindness and consideration that pervade the occasion.
Cattle drives have change into a daily function as effectively. Because the orchestra performs the theme from “The Magnificent Seven” or one other rousing tune, a herd of cattle seems from over the hill, with cowboys on horseback guiding them near the stage.
It’s not all the time as managed as some might imagine.
“In one of many later years, the cowboys and cattle coming across the live performance website started operating actually quick,” Wilson recollects. “The company round me at this level knew the cattle drives had been ‘staged,’ however thought the riders had been positive doing a top-notch job of making an thrilling ‘stampede’ for the general public leisure!”
It seems the cattle had actually been spooked and the cowboys had been doing one of the best they may to comprise them!
Tales about real-life incidents associated to cowboy tradition within the Flint Hills and different regional subjects have been printed within the Discipline Journal, which highlights a specific theme spotlighted by the Symphony annually. These softcover books are filled with illustrations, together with paintings impressed by the Flint Hills.
For individuals who want to take greater than a journal with reproductions of the artwork dwelling with them, there’s additionally an annual public sale that includes a juried collection of authentic paintings. Proceeds are shared with the artists and used to assist the group cowl the prices related to fulfilling its mission.
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The organizers of Symphony within the Flint Hills have chosen to maneuver the signature occasion to a brand new setting annually, offering publicity to totally different locales throughout the area whereas giving entry to scenes that will not in any other case be accessible to the general public.
The following one, for which tickets are nonetheless accessible, is scheduled to happen on Saturday, June 11, in a privately owned pasture west of Bazaar in Chase County. The theme of this yr’s signature occasion will probably be “Climate within the Flint Hills.”
In fact, the query all the time is: Will the climate cooperate?
The final time the Symphony was scheduled to be held on this specific pasture, in 2019, excessive climate compelled a cancellation for the primary time in its historical past. The evening earlier than, a violent thunderstorm spawned a microburst of wind that left a number of of the tents in shreds. With extra storms within the forecast, there was no alternative however to cancel.
The chance to bounce again the next yr was smacked down by the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled the occasion to be sidelined for the second yr in a row. Some might have questioned: Would the group survive if one thing triggered one other cancellation?
Happily, the pandemic eased lengthy sufficient in the summertime of 2021 so the Kansas Metropolis Symphony might return to the Flint Hills. Folks might come out to benefit from the music and different actions supplied throughout the afternoon and night.
“Finally yr’s occasion,” panorama artist Lisa Grossman famous, “you would simply really feel the enjoyment rising out of the entire expertise on the sunny prairie, rising after the yr of the pandemic.”
Certainly, everybody appeared to revel within the freedom of congregating once more out on the prairie, with the Symphony set in a pasture close to Council Grove. They listened to tales in regards to the Santa Fe Path, rode the lined wagons, and reunited with household and buddies.
Certainly, everybody appeared to revel within the freedom of congregating once more out on the prairie, with the Symphony set in a pasture close to Council Grove. They listened to tales in regards to the Santa Fe Path, rode the lined wagons, and reunited with household and buddies.
Earlier than the night live performance started, they heard the governor extoll the virtues of the tallgrass prairie, which has change into one other mainstay of the occasion. They watched cowboys drive the cattle previous because the efficiency approached its climax. And so they had been capable of stand collectively on the finish and take part singing the state track.
After the live performance, as in earlier years, many stayed to take heed to tales instructed round a campfire, gaze on the evening sky by high-powered telescopes and kick up their heels to some energetic dance tunes. These post-concert actions are supplied annually to boost the expertise in addition to to attenuate congestion as automobiles depart the parking space.
Within the years because it started, this peripatetic occasion has attracted individuals from all around the world and generated quite a few tales in a wide range of publications. It has elevated consciousness of the distinctive nature of the tallgrass prairie and raised the profile of the Flint Hills, leaving a deep, lasting impression on a lot of those that have skilled the journey.
I recall once I confronted a choice about the place to find as a younger grownup. For a number of years, I had been following a semi-annual migration backwards and forwards between our Kansas farm and the Bay Space of northern California. The serene, spacious vistas of the Flint Hills performed a serious position in calling me again to my roots, and I proceed to really feel most at dwelling on the vary right here.
At a time when we’ve got all been traumatized by the mindless slaughter of innocents at dwelling and overseas, exhausted by a protracted pandemic and aggravated by ongoing political polarization, we might all use a dose of the restorative vitality that comes with spending time in nature.
Whether or not you intend to attend the Symphony within the Flint Hills this week, you may wish to get out into the hills and take time to catch your breath. Cease and soak within the views, discover the locations you may discover, and tune in to your senses.
The hills actually are alive with the sound of music, with or with out an orchestra. Go there, be nonetheless and hear.
By way of its opinion part, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who find themselves affected by public insurance policies or excluded from public debate. Discover info, together with easy methods to submit your personal commentary, right here.
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Kansas
Kansas State players of the game vs UT-Martin
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Kansas State offensive MVP: DJ Giddens
It was another nice and easy day at the office for Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.
The Junction City running back went over 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game. His five game streak of going over the century mark is tied for fourth in K-State school history. Giddens finished the game with 124 rushing yards and added six receiving yards.
Dylan Edwards provided a nice spark for the Wildcat offense in his first game after transferring from Colorado. Edwards scored multiple times in the contest Saturday night with one on the ground and a receiving touchdown.
In the first home start for Avery Johnson, there were some ups and downs.
However, Johnson still finished with two touchdowns through the air and added some nice runs as well. Jayce Brown was a major bright spot receiving as well with 71 receiving yards. The true sophomore led Kansas State in receiving and had the most receptions with five.
Defensive MVP: Tobi Osunsanmi
For defense there was a few different options for MVP. I really wrestled back and forth between two.
Ultimately, I decided on Tobi Osunsanmi. The Wichita native was a man possessed in his snaps. He showed his elite burst and was able to get to the quarterback at a very high clip. Osunsanmi finished the game with 1.5 sacks (2.5 if he completes one instead of letting the quarterback escape).
He also added another quarterback hit to go along with the sacks.
Desmond Purnell was also flying around the field Saturday evening. He led K-State in tackles with seven and was tied for first in tackles for a loss with 1.5.
K-State special teams MVP: Ty Bowman
Anytime you can create a touchdown on special teams, it is an easy choice for special teams MVP. Ty Bowman blocked his second career punt in the season opener versus UT-Martin. The beneficiary of Bowman blocking the punt was Colby McCalister who returned the ball one yard for a touchdown.
Chris Tennant was also perfect on all of his kicks. Tennant knocked in a 45 and 43-yard field goal and was perfect on all of his extra points.
Kansas
Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State
![Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4096,h_2304,x_0,y_268/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/tulane_green_wave_on_si/01j6mvw0vcfqn9xhqdjr.jpg)
The stage is set for Tulane football’s highly anticipated Week 2 matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats as they seek to become contenders on a national stage.
Intriguingly, the Green Wave and the Wildcats have some parallels on offense. Kansas State kicks off the season Saturday against FCS opponent UT-Martin, much like Tulane opened against Southeastern Louisiana.
Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson will make his first regular season start, much like redshirt freshman Darian Mensah led Tulane to their 52-0 victory Thursday night. Johnson did appear in eight games as a true freshman and started for the team in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, beating North Carolina State.
However, he did so behind an offensive line that looks nothing like the one that will take the field next Saturday at Yulman Stadium. The Wildcats must replace four of five starters, including third-round draft pick Cooper Beebe. Just as Tulane had to find Vincent Murphy to take over for Sincere Haynesworth.
Though the group of returners isn’t exactly inexperienced, they don’t have any time playing together in concert. The lone starter remaining is right guard Hadley Panzer, who likely is starting this season at left guard. Presumed starting left tackle Easton Kilty is making his first FBS start.
It helps that Kansas State’s offensive line coach, Conor Riley, was promoted to coordinator. He has pieces to work with that have credible game snaps. The challenge is whether they can come together as a unit.
While Avery Johnson has more experience than Darian Mensah, Mensah benefits from a much more stable offensive line. Tulane returned both starting guards and right tackle and brought in key transfers to fill the remaining holes. In their season debut, they gave Mensah time in the pocket, but the run blocking left much to be desired.
Tulane brought in transfers on the defensive line to bolster their pass rush. They got to the quarterback twice with two sacks last Thursday, but the Bandit role was a point of concern. Their three-man front is spaced to spread out their top playmakers, Adin Huntington at defensive end and Patrick Jenkins at tackle.
With Huntington to the field and Jenkins to the boundary, it forces defenses to either focus attention on one side of the line or just shut down the best two players. That awards a lot of one-on-one opportunities for the rusher at Bandit. The players who rotated in the first game didn’t make much of a case.
Terrell Allen didn’t make any standout plays, nor did Matthew Fobbs-White, though the latter showed some disruptive abilities off the line of scrimmage. Frankly, Shi’Keem Laister was the most productive in a packaged role. Laister had a hurry and forced Southeastern to throw quickly, leading to incompletions on the drive.
Tulane doesn’t need the Bandit to be the hero, but they need a player to step up and credibly command attention to open up lanes for Huntington, who only recorded one hurry in his debut for the team.
Importantly, the team likely didn’t show their cards on the ways they might get to the quarterback. It might come from the second level. Linebacker Sam Howard had more pressure snaps than Fobbs-White and Allen, and he recorded a hurry and beat his blocker on another.
Could Tulane rely on blitzing and utilizing defensive backs and linebackers as rushers? Not all season. But creativity and confusion might just be enough to rattle the Wildcats as both teams race to figure out what the other is made of with merely one game of film.
The secondary came together as Tulane’s season opener went on, and should be a point of strength, but the best coverage is a pass rush. Especially with an opponent that has similar turnover and areas to exploit. For the Green Wave to pull off a victory on Sept. 7, the key lies in the lane to the quarterback.
Kansas
Lawmakers plan brazen power grab, pushing aside Kansas voters and Gov. Laura Kelly • Kansas Reflector
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Let’s be clear about what Kansas Republican legislative leaders are doing with their planned overhaul of budgeting: They are launching a personal and political power grab against Gov. Laura Kelly.
They have never accepted or respected her mandate. Despite Kelly winning a second term and having two years left to go, they have continually attempted to usurp the executive branch’s authority. They have tried a constitutional amendment and prohibiting her ability to negotiate Medicaid contracts. Now they’re going after her yearly state budget proposal.
Usually, the Legislature begins its yearly budget process with a proposal from the governor. Her office submits it when lawmakers arrive for the annual session, in January. Now an interim committee wants to start the process earlier, as soon as October of the previous year.
In this new process, the governor’s budget would be a suggestion, not a starting point.
And never mind that it’s a direct attack on Kelly. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, assured the audience that these changes had nothing to do with the governor.
“This process has nothing to do with the governor,” he said at the meeting earlier this month, according to Kansas Reflector reporter Tim Carpenter. “If you’re going to focus on the governor, probably not the wisest thing to do, because this process has happened over time with many, many different governors.”
He was contradicted by Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, who let the proverbial cat out of the figurative bag.
“You’ll have a Republican governor, for example, or somebody you trust, and you trust the administration to build the budgets, and then you kind of rubber stamp stuff,” Masterson said. “And, then, you switch, and you have (the) opposition party and then there’s all that same power.”
Oh. So it’s like that, then.
All of this might seem like so much partisan mud wrestling, except for the fact that the leaders have also decided to do an end run around Kansas voters.
Did you notice that the proposed new process could start as early as October? While details at the hearing were scarce, leaders appeared to suggest that they would start working on budget without knowing whether they would be elected. What happens if all the folks on the budget committee are voted out of office? Who takes the lead then?
Once again, we see Kansas legislative leaders trying to concentrate power. They don’t want the governor to even have the first say in the budgeting process, and they apparently don’t trust the rest of their colleagues. You know, all the people who drive to Topeka in January to actually make laws.
Sen. Carolyn McGinn, a Sedgwick Republican, raised concerns that these changes would also limit the ability of constituents to speak about budget priorities.
McGinn might have decided to retire, but she has a point. Leaders apparently don’t even trust their constituents when it comes to spending.
In there interest of fairness, I should note that the reform committee considered several worthwhile proposals. Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, discussed ending lawmakers’ de facto three-day work week. Yes, they usually take Mondays and Fridays off, at times slowing progress to a crawl. The panel also targeted budget earmarks for favored programs that don’t go through a regular committee process.
In the interest of perspective, however, I’m not falling over myself with gratitude. It’s obvious that legislators should work throughout the week, and it’s obvious they shouldn’t be larding up the budget with unvetted spending.
It’s like going through life without running over someone with your car. I mean, I’m glad that you didn’t, but surely you don’t deserve a plaque.
Lawmakers might still be able to make worthwhile changes to the budgeting process. They could start with increasing transparency, which Carpenter noted wasn’t discussed by members of either party. But until they stop jostling for partisan advantage and making themselves look foolish, don’t expect much.
Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
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