Courtney Romero of Kansas City, Kan., is hard at work on the Emporia State University production of “The Birds: A Modern Adaptation” by Don Zolidis.
A revamping of Aristophanes’ classic comedy, “The Birds” follows the story of Eulpides and Pithetaerus who are fed up with the petty problems of the modern world and flee to the kingdom of the birds in search of a simpler life. Along with the help of the philandering King of the Birds, Epops, his embittered wife Procne and a whole chorus of wild birds, the two scheme up a financial jackpot that could turn the birds’ land into a powerful utopia. Their only obstacle: the wrath of the gods. This hilarious satire is a look at politics, religion and the foolishness of mankind that brings new life to the Greek comedy.
Romero, a junior theatre major, is the costume crew head.
“The Birds” is the first collaborative project between ESU Theatre and ESU’s newly reinstated chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, an honorary theatre society, giving students the opportunity to take on more of the production responsibilities. Nancy J Pontius is designing the lights. Susan J Mai serves as costume designer and Amanda Dura is the costume shop manager. Chris Lohkamp is both sound designer and technical director.
“The Birds” runs April 13-16 at 7:30 pm. All performances will be in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre located in King Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the Memorial Union Ticket Office or by calling 620-341-6378.
As the Legislature quickly approaches first adjournment, we have been extremely busy both on the House floor and in committee. This week the House debated a number of bills that were both controversial and politically charged. Meanwhile, there has been no debate on the floor to address the challenging and systemic issues facing our state. I was temporarily encouraged by hearings in committee this week that would have increased funding for our schools and reduce the sales tax on food, but neither received a vote (more information below). The Kansas House is scheduled to adjourn next Friday. We will come back in late April for veto session.
Bill to increase funding for schools rejected
This week the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on a bill to increase funding for education by $38 million. You may remember from an earlier newsletter, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled the block grant formula passed last year as unconstitutional.
The bill, HB 2731 would have reinstituted a portion of the old school finance formula that ensured equal funding among all school districts.
Unfortunately, the chairman of the committee did not bring the bill for a vote and thus, there will be no floor debate on the issue. There is a bill in the Senate, but it does not allocate any new money and will likely not meet constitutional requirements. Lawmakers have until June 30th to fix the problem or our schools risk being shut down.
I know how important quality public education is to you and our community at large, and I will continue to fight to restore funding for our school district. Our children’s futures depend upon it.
Effort to reduce sales tax on food failed
The House Tax Committee held hearings this week on a bill to reverse a portion of Gov. Brownback’s 2012 tax plan. The bill, HB 2444, would have reinstated the income tax on certain businesses (LLCs, S-Corps) and reduced the sales tax on food from the current rate of 6.5% to 2.6%.
Currently 330,000 businesses in Kansas don’t pay any income tax, up from 190,000 when the bill went into effect. As a result, Kansas has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over the last three years.
To make up for the lost revenue, the legislature passed the largest tax increase in state history last year, raising the sales tax to 6.5 percent. The increase in the sales tax means Kansans pay more on all their purchases and more on food than in any other state in the nation.
Our state in broke and the Kansas economy is lagging behind others in the region. I’m ready to get our state back on solid financial footing, but the chairman of the tax committee did not call a vote on this bill either.
Major juvenile justice reform passed House
A bill reforming the Kansas juvenile justice system passed the House this week. Kansas currently has the sixth highest incarceration rate of juveniles in the nation, and this bill seeks to reduce that number by moving away from the practice of incarcerating kids towards evidence based practice that use more community based services.
SB 367 is the result of an extensive workgroup process that lasted several months and is the first major overhaul of the juvenile justice system in more than 20 years. It is hope this will decrease juvenile recidivism, protect public safety, and reduce spending on practices that are ineffective thus saving taxpayer dollars.
Job report points to troubled Kansas economy
A labor market report released this week indicates Kansas lost 1,900 jobs in February and the state has lost 5,400 jobs in the last year. As the economies in other states continue to grow, this is troubling news for the state of Kansas and evidence that Gov. Brownback’s policies aren’t working.
It’s time for change. I will continue to focus on policies that move our state forward by investing in research and innovation, bringing new businesses to the state to generate high-paying jobs, and creating responsible and sustainable tax policies.
Keep in touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 174-W, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66612. You can reach me at 785-296-7691 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. Additionally, you can e-mail me at [email protected]. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org
North has big performance to push Blue Devils past Owens Cheyenne North
The Lady Blue Devils (30-3) matched up against Owens Community College (26-7) Thursday night in the Elite 8 of the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.
Early in the first quarter, Owens jumped out to an early lead. The Blue Devils were quick to respond. With three minutes to go in the first, the Blue Devils were up 17-7. Owens would not go away easily, going on an 11-0 run to move the score to 18-17.
With 20 seconds to go, Cheyenne North made a jump shot to regain the lead 19-18 going into the first break.
Early in the second quarter, North took over grabbing virtually every rebound possible, along with her perfect first-half shooting percentage (6-6 from the field). Brooklyn Wagler added 9 first half points and Erin Anderson contributed 4 assists to give the Blue Devils a 40-28 lead going into the half.
Owens came out for the second half looking to mount a comeback, scoring 4 quick points to cut the lead to 8 after a Blue Devil turnover. The Blue Devils were quick to answer when Wagler was fouled on a layup and made her free throw to take another double digit lead.
“I’m especially proud of our resiliency and our ability to answer all of Owens’ runs,” head coach Joe McKinstry said. The Lady Blue Devils held on to their 10 point lead after three quarters.
Once again, Owens tried to fight back early in the fourth but Erin Anderson and Bri Taui would have something to say about that. Anderson scored 6 of her 9 points in the fourth quarter and Taui scored 5 of her 10 in the fourth as well.
“Obviously Cheyenne was amazing and showed that she is one of the most talented players in the country, but we had huge plays from everyone last night,” McKinstry said.
As a team the Blue Devils had an assist on 22 of 31 field goals – a total team effort.
Owens pushed and tried to make a comeback down the stretch, but the Blue Devil defense controlled the game. With just under 5 minutes to go, Owens made a layup, and that was the last field goal they made. The Blue Devil offense stayed on the attack by going on an 8-0 run behind the shooting of Aricca Daye and Sierra Roberts. The final score of the game was 78-64.
Cheyenne North finished her big night with 20 points, 19 rebounds and 7 assists. Brooklyn Wagler had a great offensive night finishing 7-8 from the field, scoring 18 points.
McKinstry said it was one of the most special games he had been a part of in his 10 years of coaching.
The Lady Blue Devils (31-3) move on to the Final Four against Monroe CC (31-0) at 8 p.m. tonight at Johnson County Community College.
– Story from Jason Browar, KCKCC
