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VVV Hope for a safe return .
Wednesday , June 22 , 2016 |
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MISSING TEEN
EPD seeks public ’ s help locating missing teen
Children spark ESU glass students ’ creative processes
By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com
Emporia children had a unique experience when they had the opportunity to work with Emporia State University students on a project called Children Inspire Glass .
Under the direction of Carol and Fletch Russell , the project was an opportunity for children , ages 5 - 10 , to create stories and design creatures who lived within a story .
Carol Russell , a professor in the elementary education , early childhood and special education department at ESU , along with Fletch Russell , an adjunct professor in the art department at ESU , worked with art faculty members Patrick Martin and Roberta Eichenberg , ESU masters glass students , and many others to complete this project .
“ It is amazing how children can be engaged and focused when you foster creativity with the right environment , materials , interactions and time ,” Carol Russell said . “ We tend to structure so much of their young lives and hurry them through processes , rather than slowing down for learning through play , giving them time to show us how much they know , and allowing time for problem-solving opportunities and time to create .”
Ryann Brooks of Emporia said her son Jack , 7 , participated in the project and loved it from the beginning .
“ I feel like Jack gained some confidence in his art by participating in the project ,” Brooks said . “ It helped solidify for him , his love of art . He wants to do more art classes now this summer . This helped cultivate his creativity . He got to hang out with kids who love art and that was
Above , Jack Brooks poses with his mother Ryann , ESU faculty and ESU glass students in celebration of the completion of the colored glass version of his creature , Chica . The process was an art project called Children Inspire Glass , which children learn about the creative process of art .
cool for him . He said he wants to be a glass blower when he grows up .”
The project consisted of several sessions and learning experiences for the children .
“ We had four sessions with the children during this project where the children designed a creature , depicted in 2D and 3D through drawings and clay sculpture , and wrote a story about their creature ,” Carol Russell said . “ Faculty , alumni and students facilitated the creative process by encouraging expansion of their ideas . One segment of the project included the children viewing their designs in clear glass and giving feedback
about any changes to ESU glass students . We do believe this aspect of the project is one of the most empowering for them . It communicated that their design and creative thoughts are valid and respected .”
Brooks agreed and said Jack had a positive experience with the project .
“ Jack was asked to participate in the project because he goes to art therapy ,” Brooks said . “ His art therapists thought it would be a good project for him . Art helps him work through his emotions
Please see Glass , Page 3
Courtesy photos
Chynna Bernhardt-Purdy
By Zach Hacker zach @ emporia . com
The Emporia Police Department is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Chynna Bernhardt-Purdy to come forward .
Bernhardt-Purdy , 15 , of Emporia was last seen Monday afternoon . She is described as being 4-feet , 10-inches tall and 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes . She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt , gray camouflage capri pants and black shoes along with dark eye makeup .
Emporia Police Sergeant Kevin Risley said his department doesn ’ t have any further information on her whereabouts , but at this time EPD does not suspect any foul play . He urged anyone with information to contact the Emporia Police Department / Lyon County Dispatch Center at 343-4200 .
“ If anyone has any information on her whereabouts , please let us know or let her family
Please see Missing , Page 3
Family asks for return of bicycle stolen from memorial
Because you Asked Chlorine reason for change in Emporia water
By John Robinson john @ emporia . com
QIs there something going on with the water ? It tastes different .
AThe water is currently being cleaned , what you ’ re tasting is the free chlorine .
According to Frank Abart , director of Emporia Public Works , it ’ s a cleanse of the water system the city does at least once every year . A change in the taste isn ’ t dangerous and the cleansing is mandated by the state and federal governments .
“ It ’ s a pretty common process used by a lot of different water systems ,” he said . “ It ’ s been used here for over 20 years , probably
VOL . 124 , NO . 303
Please see Water , Page 3
By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com
A memorial created for Kenneth E . Young , who died two years ago today , was recently burglarized and has become Lyon County Crime Stoppers ’ Crime of the Week .
Young died June 22 , 2014 , south of Admire while riding his bicycle . It was his goal to one day ride in the Dirty Kanza .
“ We set up a memorial after my father , Kenneth Young , passed away ,” daughter Audra Sundberg said . “ The memorial is on Highway 99 , about five miles south of the 99 and ( Highway ) 56 Junction . We had the bike he was riding when he died located at the memorial by the fence . The bike was stolen recently from the memorial . It was what my father was riding when he took his last breath .”
JoAnne Young , Kenneth ’ s widow , said it was difficult to have this situation happen right around the anniversary of her late husband ’ s death .
“ The emotions of the anniversary — the date looms over you ,” Young said . “ To have something like this happen is so painful . Emotions are still so tender and it seems like we ’ ve been sucker punched .”
Sundberg agreed having the bicycle stolen from the memorial so close to the anniversary is very emotional .
“ The bike being stolen so close to the anniversary adds insult to injury ,” she said . “ We would just like to get the bike back . It was weathered and rusted and the tires didn ’ t hold air , so I can ’ t imagine who would want it . The family would just like to get the word out to prevent this from happening again .”
Young said the bike was placed at the memorial and had been out in the elements for two years ; it didn ’ t have much value .
“ The bike doesn ’ t have any monetary value , but it has tremendous sentimental value ,” she said .
Please see Bicycle , Page 3
Courtesy photo
A memorial for Kenneth E . Young was created by family members after he died while riding his bicycle two years ago . The bicycle Young was riding the day he died is placed near the fence . The bicycle was recently stolen from the memorial and the family would like to have it returned to the memorial site , no questions asked .