Baker University to mark its founding at celebration

Baker University will celebrate its founding and its church affiliation with a special celebration Feb. 14.

The Founders Day Convocation will mark 144 years of continuous service in higher education. Baker was founded in 1858 by what is now the United Methodist Church and was named in memory of Bishop Osmon C. Baker.

The convocation will feature an address by Heather Murray Elkins, an associate dean and associate professor of worship and liturgical studies at Drew University in Madison, N.J. Elkins is a widely known preacher and teacher who specializes in worship, prayer, women’s studies and the arts.

The convocation starts at 11 a.m. Feb. 14 at Osborne Memorial Chapel, and will be followed by a professional workshop at 1:30 p.m. led by Elkins. Both events are open to the public.

Two rural water districts to discuss consolidation

The board of directors of two rural water districts in Jefferson County soon will meet to discuss consolidation.

Since last year, RWD Nos. 3 and 6 have been discussing the possibility of consolidation because of the increased regulations placed on small districts. RWD No. 3 has sold and billed the other district for wholesale water for several years. In turn, RWD No. 6 has been billing its own customers for the purchased water.

The board of directors of RWD No. 6 will have its annual meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kansas Grange Center in Meriden to discuss and vote on the proposal. RWD No. 3 officials will meet Feb. 20 to discuss the consolidation issue. If both parties agree, they will meet in March to make their final decision, which also must be approved by Jefferson County commissioners.