Kansans get preview of Capitol dome statue

A flat bed trailer carrying Ad Astra, the statue that will be placed atop the Capitol dome in Topeka was parked Monday in front of Bergen’s Studio and Art Gallery, in Salina, allowing people to get a closer look at the 22-foot-tall statue. Salina artist Richard Bergen designed and created the statue, which will be placed atop the Capitol dome Oct. 7.

The state has spent $614,000 over the vocal objections of some legislators to finish the work on the dome and its lantern.

Bergen said he wasn’t worried about the bills, or the criticism of the state spending its money getting his work atop the dome when it has budget problems.

“It’s not that important anymore, because it’s going up,” he said.

Follow-up: Atchison explosion still under investigation

Authorities still are investigating the cause of a Sept. 13 explosion that injured four people at an Atchison distillery.

Insurance adjusters and fire investigators have been examining the scene at Midwest Grain Products Inc. but have yet to determine a damage estimate or a cause, said Steve Pickman, the company’s vice president of corporate communications.

The company manufactures wheat proteins and starches, in addition to producing beverage alcohol, industrial alcohol and ethanol.

The explosion occurred in the alcohol plant’s distillery.

The plant covers more than 17 acres and operates 24 hours a day. It employs 320 people.

Atchison is about 42 miles northeast of Lawrence.

Fund raising: Light the Night Walk to help cancer research

An illuminated balloon walk Thursday evening will honor those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The event also is to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The fourth annual Light the Night Walk will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Park gazebo. Registration starts at 7 p.m.

Participants will carry flickering red and white balloons on a two-mile course, part of which will take them down Massachusetts Street. Cancer survivors will carry white balloons, all others will carry red balloons.

Participants also will be able to place a name or message in honor of a loved one with cancer on dedication banners that will be on display.

Prizes will be awarded to participants based on their fund-raising efforts. Proceeds will fund research programs, patient services and educational programs.

For more information or to register, call Kelly Gerstenkorn of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (316) 687-2222.

Television: River City Weekly to explore Haskell sports

Historian Steve Jansen will tell viewers about the history of Haskell Indian Nations University sports this week on River City Weekly.

In the encore presentation, Jansen, historian with the Watkins Community Museum of History, will describe the glory days of Haskell football, highlighting administrators, athletes and coaches, including the legendary Jim Thorpe.

The impact of Roosevelt’s “New Deal” will be explained. Jansen also will talk about Haskell’s various teams, coaches, administrators and athletes up to the modern age.

River City Weekly, with host Greg Hurd, premieres at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, with encores at 7:30 p.m. weeknights, and at 9 a.m. Saturdays.