James S. and Susan W. Aber, earth scientists at Emporia State University, hold a line spool and remote controls for an aerial photography rig launched high above a playa in Western Kansas. For the full story please check out Hunting the Kansas Playa by Cheryl Unruh.

Gallery of Kite and Blimp Aerial Photographs – by James S. and Susan W. Aber

Emporia

May is National Historic Preservation Month. As part of the city’s observance Kayla Oney, director of Emporia Main Street, took groups of local school children on a tour of the Lyon County Museum and the Cross House. Bob and Deborah Rodak have been involved in heroic efforts to rennovate the old Cross mansion, a labor that has gone on for the past eight years.

I was fortunate enough to accompany the students on their visit.

More photos from the tour and earlier are available here.

Folklorist  Jim Hoy, PhD., professor of English at Emporia State University, entertains with cowboy stories and songs at the Governor’s Inaugural Family Festival in Topeka.

Joyce Thierer of Ride Into History

Joyce Thierer, PhD., is a history professor at Emporia State University. She is also co-owner and actor in Ride Into History, which provided a historical reenactment, shown above, during the 2006 Symphony in the Flint Hills. Here she draws her audience into the life of the 1804 figure ”Grower”.

This photo was taken in June but reworked today by layering in two other photos for atmosphere.

Henry Leiker, Christmas 2006