KRWA Conference 1997

Conference Highlights

From March 25 to 27, 1997, it seemed like nearly all of Kansas was in Wichita "Making tracks for the Future." Getting registration materials, eager hands seeking that first cup of coffee each morning, rushing up the stairs to get a seat at a "must do" session . . . the 1,604 KRWA conference-goers didn't dally around.

From 159 rwds and 234 municipalities, conference participants flooded downtown, suburban and even out-of-town hotels and motels. With parking by Century II at a premium due to construction of the new Hyatt hotel, they willingly walked the extra distance to join in the learning and fellowship.

Once again, KRWA's annual conference scored a home run. Nothing said it better than this evaluation comment on what they liked best: "The excellent combination of sessions, exhibits and meals!"

Pre-conference sessions

The 30th Annual Conference & Exhibition got underway on March 25 with four pre-conference sessions that attracted over 600 participants. The 125 attending the day-long "Communicating with customers: It's not an option anymore!" learned about the new Safe Drinking Water Act requirement for Consumer Confidence Reports. Techniques included customer surveys, newsletters, brief policy summaries and media relations. The presenters were Ellen Miller, Ellen Miller Group of Lenexa, and Helen Price, General Manager, PWSD No. of Andrew County, Mo. Attendees received a complimentary copy of Customers and you: Practical communications for small systems, volume 4 in the Water Board Bible series. Gordon Smith, City of Ozawkie, moderated.

"Learning about the Internet: How you and your utility can benefit" was presented by Kevin Knoland of Noland Publishing, Medicine Lodge. The 131 participants learned how to get onto the Net and search for information ranging from genealogy to water turbines. Of special interest were the hardware, software and telecommunications "musts" before you can get out in cyberspace. The hands-on searches were especially popular.

The full-day pre-conference, "Pump and motor maintenance," attracted about 100 registrants. It included a review of basic terms as well as a discussion of the types and application of pumps. Participants learned why seals fail and how to repack a pump . . . the right way! It also reviewed motor drive alignment, preventive maintenance of ball or roller bearings and water hammer. The presenter was Fred Douglas, Douglas Pump Service, Overland Park. Bret Beye, City of Herington, moderated.

More than 75 people attended "Source water and wellhead protection," presented by Larry Knoche, KDHE's Director of Environmental Remediation, along with KRWA's own Source Water Protection Tech Jerry McNamar, Allen Dinkel of the City of Oakley and Marc Anderson, City of Lindsborg. Topics included "How to" experiences of source water-wellhead protection. Participants learned about KRWA's new program, Source Water Protection, which provides communities with the training necessary to properly implement a public water supply protection program. They also heard about the successes and pitfalls in developing local programs. KRWA's Jerry McNamar was the moderator.

Carnival Party: Calories for a month, fun for a year

Everybody knows KRWA conference-goers like fun and food. So it's a good thing that the complimentary KRWA Carnival Party on Tuesday night featured eight buffet lines. Over 1,100 party people at Century II chowed down on:

Most people ate more cholesterol and calories than they're allowed in a month! Thanks to Clay Center Locker Plant for again supplying the meat. Then it was time for fun.

Who can forget the remote control mini racing cars, laser rifles complete with sound effects or NRWA President Jim Dunlap with wife Chris in the Go-Gator roller coaster? There were lots of laughs, but nothing beat sumo wrestling. The suits were so cumbersome that all one woman had to do was bump her opponent to knock her over. Once down, it took two people to help every wrestler up. Is prime time TV ready?

On the opposite end of the floor, seven teams competed for KRWA's first annual Hot Tapping Rodeo. Competing teams installed a pressurized 3/4-inch service tap, service line and meter setting. And the winner was . . . the City of Oskaloosa with a time of six minutes, seven seconds. Congratulations to team members Carl Chalfant from McLouth, Gordon Smith of Ozawkie and Brian Elkinton, Oskaloosa. Each took home a new $100 bill.

In between, party-goers visited with friends, watched the action and cruised the quieter games such as the basketball throw and Spin the Milk Bottles with 1950s style bottles. The kids enjoyed riding the Go-Gator roller coaster. Over $1,000 in prizes was awarded to lucky attendees. The Carnival Party once again provided fellowship, fun, laughter, noise, light, prizes. It was the place for old friends, new faces and relaxing fun. From roller coaster riding to mellow conversation, it all happened in the same room at the same time.

Opening session: Making tracks for the future

To the strains of new-age music, over 800 conference-goers filed into Century II's Concert Hall. On the huge screen at 10 a.m., KRWA's 1997 video of the "Year in review" came up as the lights went down. "Start your engines" was ordered; then the racers tore down the track, one bearing a KRWA license plate.

To the thundering musical beat of "The power of love" from the film Back to the Future, images of backhoes, a water tower under construction, all four Water Board Bibles, the inside of a water tank, chefs preparing food, KRWA staff setting up for the Service Tap Contest -- even sumo wrestlers -- washed over the audience. The finale? KRWA's famous water drop logo. Thanks again to Linda Windler of Thoroughbred Systems for assembling this video.

KRWA President David Mueller welcomed the audience to the 30th annual conference. "Each of you is a professional. The future of many communities depends on you," Mueller said. He stressed that small systems are at a crossroads. Decisions made today will affect public perceptions for years.

Following the invocation by Mike Mayberry, City of Kiowa, the national anthem was sung by Butler County Community College (BCCC) soloist Shannon Silvet. The BCCC Headliners earned a standing ovation for their singing and dancing. Their show included a barbershop quarter, "Bridge over troubled waters" dedicated to KRWA and "Tribute to America" with a voice-over saying "This is my country and I'm proud to be an American."

Invited back to KRWA's conference due to popular demand, keynote speaker David Okerlund showed why he's such a favorite, mixing humor, drama and challenges. Some of his notable statements:

Okerlund's challenge to the audience: You come from the heartland and have a foundation that's not seen in the rest of us. If you want to make an impact, the most important ingredient to making tracks to the future is having a vision. He told of the six failures of the transatlantic cable before it finally worked. "If you want to draw someone within the circle of your flame you need to (1) have a vision, "see it," and (2) have a passion for that vision. He urged the audience to look at the redundancies of their lives and ask "What can I change?"

Okerlund, the only professional speaker who twice finished in the final three of the World Championship of Public Speaking, concluded with a poem. Its final words: "You'll never discover the best in life until you discover the best in you."

Greetings from NRWA President Dunlap

The Tuesday luncheon featured NRWA President Jim Dunlap. Reminding the audience that NRWA represents over 17,000 small systems and has a budget of $21 million, he noted that he learns at least as much from conference vendors as from the sessions.

Dunlap chronicled for the 800+ lunch-goers the steps leading up to passage of the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. He complimented KRWA for doing a good job in working with state agencies to see that small systems are included in intended use plans. NRWA priorities in light of the new SDWA include the 2% of funds for technical assistance in each state, utilizing each State Revolving Fund for small systems, providing input for the upcoming Consumer Confidence Report requirements, opposing the federal one-call system and supporting the loan and grant programs. He concluded by stating, "Rural water is in good hands in Kansas."

Getting down to business

There are two main parts to a successful conference: Diverse, up-to-date exhibits and timely session topics.
Exhibits. With the preliminaries out of the way, it was time for serious KRWA conference-going. Hundreds of people thronged the 167 exhibits. The $60,000 dollar question: Can KRWA shoehorn in any more exhibit space for disappointed requesters? In 1997, six last-minute requests were turned down. Stay tuned!

In the exhibits, people watched computerized SCADA demonstrations, took a test seat in the latest backhoes and handled the latest in valves, pumps and motors. They kibitzed by massive tables laden with coffee, donuts, cookies, fruit juices and fruit. They eased tired feet at strategically placed tables and chairs. They greeted old friends. Dozens visited KRWA's booth to check out its new site on the World Wide Web.

"Where are the meters?" one older man anxiously asked his companion. "There are lots right over there," the other reassured him.

On stage was a huge, lighted banner that said it all: "Welcome."

The exhibits are half of the learning equation; the other half is the sessions. It is the exhibitors who make classroom topics come alive. They provide the products and services that help municipalities and rural water districts, day in and day out. KRWA appreciates the exhibitors, who support the association in so many ways. They are a major reason that this conference is the largest water and wastewater show in the Midwest.

Conference-goers checked out the time of their next "must do" session -- it just doesn't pay to be late to a KRWA session or you'll stand up.

So much to choose from, so little time. The 32 session topics included:

With eight sessions going on concurrently, conference-goers crowded the stairs and elevator to get to their room early. Several sessions were full, reminding dawdlers that there was a price for that last cup of free coffee.

The proof of every conference lies in the evaluations. What did people like best?

The annual meeting was held March 27. Over 130 members sent delegates. A financial report showed that KRWA is strong financially and has continued on a consistent growth pattern.

Legislative Chairman Dennis Schwartz presented a summary of 1996 accomplishments, including HB 2365 sponsored by Rep. Tom Sloan, which provides that KDOT fully reimburses rural water districts for crossings on highway construction projects. He also reviewed the new Safe Drinking Water Act amendments.

Nine-year board member Delbert Shaffer, director from Benton, did not seek re-election. KRWA President David Mueller presented Shaffer with a KRWA logo watch as a token of appreciation for his many years of dedicated service to the Association. Pat Shaffer, business manager for Butler RWD 5, was elected to the seat. Carl Carroll of Independence was re-elected to a three-year term.

Spouses' Program: Fashions, hats and a hypnotist

The Spouses' Program started with a luncheon at the Broadview Grand Heritage Grand Ballroom. A fashion show by the "Weekenders" displayed the newest trends in casual and sportswear.

At the afternoon program, "hat lady" Joyce Wesseler showed how hats can tell personality type. Over 120 spouses enjoyed finding out if they were the life of the party, a planner, an observer or a leader. Wesseler selects samples for each show from the over 700 antique hats in her collection.

On Thursday, Sally Sheets, counselor and hypnotist, taught techniques of self-hypnosis. Spouse program participants learned how to use it for behavior modification, addressing weight control, stress management, sleep disorders and smoking management (to name only a few uses).

The 1997 conference pinnacle arrived on Wednesday, March 26: The exhibits social and annual banquet, followed by awards and entertainment. With anticipation and good appetites, 1,400+ people visited with exhibitors and each other during the Exhibits Area Social.

As the doors opened, they streamed towards the eight buffet lines to enjoy roast beef and chicken tetrazini. On stage hung three hand-pieced quilts designed by Kathleen Ronnebaum, coveted by virtually all in attendance. The two winners at the banquet were: Mark Maness, City of Hutchinson, and Elaine Patterson, Harvey RWD 1, Whitewater. (The third quilt was won on Thursday by Patricia Clines of Cherryvale.)

The main banquet speaker was Mel Thompson, Kansas agricultural representative for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. He is a farmer south of Medicine Lodge. To much applause, he announced that he wasn't going to speak as long as his introducer had. Thompson said that the agricultural attainments of the U.S., especially Kansas, should be used as a tool for peace. Sen. Roberts would take that message to his upcoming trip to Russia and the two Koreas. He concluded by addressing the Endangered Species Act. In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court unanimously voted that human rights come first.

The audience adjourned to the Little Theater for the annual awards ceremony. It was a full house that cheered the 1997 award winners (see related article). Then it was time for the world premiere of a new American folk musical, "Silver Dollar."

"Silver Dollar" chronicles the real "Baby Doe" story. It tells of that ill-fated triangle, Baby Doe Tabor, the much younger other woman and eventually second wife of 1880's Colorado mining king Horace Tabor, and his first wife Augusta Tabor. This real-life plot is suitable for any modern TV soap, recounting their loves, lust, histories, laughs, hatreds, drama and pathos. The presentation of act one left the audience wanting more -- so how did the story end? Congratulations to Wichita's Stage One productions for bringing this compelling story to the KRWA stage. Stage One is known as an incubator of first-class theater, such as its "Jane Eyre" now playing in Toronto before moving to Off-Broadway in the fall of 1997. Once again, KRWA scored a hit with its cap to this annual "Night of all nights."

Bulletin: "Silver Dollar" is being considered by regional theaters in Houston and Long Island, N.Y. Just remember . . . you saw it first, in Wichita.

Highlights of Previous Years


	KRWA Conference 1997 Conference Highlights

	From March 25 to 27, 1997, it seemed like nearly all of Kansas was in Wichita "Making tracks for the Future." Getting registration materials, eager hands seeking that first cup of coffee each morning, rushing up the stairs to get a seat at a "must do" session . . . the 1,604 KRWA conference-goers didn't dally around. From 159 rwds and 234 municipalities, conference participants flooded downtown, suburban and even out-of-town hotels and motels. With parking by Century II at a premium due to construction of the new Hyatt hotel, they willingly walked the extra distance to join in the learning and fellowship. Once again, KRWA's annual conference scored a home run. Nothing said it better than this evaluation comment on what they liked best: "The excellent combination of sessions, exhibits and meals!" Pre-conference sessions The 30th Annual Conference & Exhibition got underway on March 25 with four pre-conference sessions that attracted over 600 participants. The 125 attending the day-long "Communicating with customers: It's not an option anymore!" learned about the new Safe Drinking Water Act requirement for Consumer Confidence Reports. Techniques included customer surveys, newsletters, brief policy summaries and media relations. The presenters were Ellen Miller, Ellen Miller Group of Lenexa, and Helen Price, General Manager, PWSD No. of Andrew County, Mo. Attendees received a complimentary copy of Customers and you: Practical communications for small systems, volume 4 in the Water Board Bible series. Gordon Smith, City of Ozawkie, moderated. "Learning about the Internet: How you and your utility can benefit" was presented by Kevin Knoland of Noland Publishing, Medicine Lodge. The 131 participants learned how to get onto the Net and search for information ranging from genealogy to water turbines. Of special interest were the hardware, software and telecommunications "musts" before you can get out in cyberspace. The hands-on searches were especially popular. The full-day pre-conference, "Pump and motor maintenance," attracted about 100 registrants. It included a review of basic terms as well as a discussion of the types and application of pumps. Participants learned why seals fail and how to repack a pump . . . the right way! It also reviewed motor drive alignment, preventive maintenance of ball or roller bearings and water hammer. The presenter was Fred Douglas, Douglas Pump Service, Overland Park. Bret Beye, City of Herington, moderated. More than 75 people attended "Source water and wellhead protection," presented by Larry Knoche, KDHE's Director of Environmental Remediation, along with KRWA's own Source Water Protection Tech Jerry McNamar, Allen Dinkel of the City of Oakley and Marc Anderson, City of Lindsborg. Topics included "How to" experiences of source water-wellhead protection. Participants learned about KRWA's new program, Source Water Protection, which provides communities with the training necessary to properly implement a public water supply protection program. They also heard about the successes and pitfalls in developing local programs. KRWA's Jerry McNamar was the moderator. Carnival Party: Calories for a month, fun for a year Everybody knows KRWA conference-goers like fun and food. So it's a good thing that the complimentary KRWA Carnival Party on Tuesday night featured eight buffet lines. Over 1,100 party people at Century II chowed down on: Eight hogs 250 pounds of sirloin Tubs of potato salad , cole slaw and baked beans Cherry and apple cobblers Most people ate more cholesterol and calories than they're allowed in a month! Thanks to Clay Center Locker Plant for again supplying the meat. Then it was time for fun. Who can forget the remote control mini racing cars, laser rifles complete with sound effects or NRWA President Jim Dunlap with wife Chris in the Go-Gator roller coaster? There were lots of laughs, but nothing beat sumo wrestling. The suits were so cumbersome that all one woman had to do was bump her opponent to knock her over. Once down, it took two people to help every wrestler up. Is prime time TV ready? On the opposite end of the floor, seven teams competed for KRWA's first annual Hot Tapping Rodeo. Competing teams installed a pressurized 3/4-inch service tap, service line and meter setting. And the winner was . . . the City of Oskaloosa with a time of six minutes, seven seconds. Congratulations to team members Carl Chalfant from McLouth, Gordon Smith of Ozawkie and Brian Elkinton, Oskaloosa. Each took home a new $100 bill. In between, party-goers visited with friends, watched the action and cruised the quieter games such as the basketball throw and Spin the Milk Bottles with 1950s style bottles. The kids enjoyed riding the Go-Gator roller coaster. Over $1,000 in prizes was awarded to lucky attendees. The Carnival Party once again provided fellowship, fun, laughter, noise, light, prizes. It was the place for old friends, new faces and relaxing fun. From roller coaster riding to mellow conversation, it all happened in the same room at the same time. Opening session: Making tracks for the future To the strains of new-age music, over 800 conference-goers filed into Century II's Concert Hall. On the huge screen at 10 a.m., KRWA's 1997 video of the "Year in review" came up as the lights went down. "Start your engines" was ordered; then the racers tore down the track, one bearing a KRWA license plate. To the thundering musical beat of "The power of love" from the film Back to the Future, images of backhoes, a water tower under construction, all four Water Board Bibles, the inside of a water tank, chefs preparing food, KRWA staff setting up for the Service Tap Contest -- even sumo wrestlers -- washed over the audience. The finale? KRWA's famous water drop logo. Thanks again to Linda Windler of Thoroughbred Systems for assembling this video. KRWA President David Mueller welcomed the audience to the 30th annual conference. "Each of you is a professional. The future of many communities depends on you," Mueller said. He stressed that small systems are at a crossroads. Decisions made today will affect public perceptions for years. Following the invocation by Mike Mayberry, City of Kiowa, the national anthem was sung by Butler County Community College (BCCC) soloist Shannon Silvet. The BCCC Headliners earned a standing ovation for their singing and dancing. Their show included a barbershop quarter, "Bridge over troubled waters" dedicated to KRWA and "Tribute to America" with a voice-over saying "This is my country and I'm proud to be an American." Invited back to KRWA's conference due to popular demand, keynote speaker David Okerlund showed why he's such a favorite, mixing humor, drama and challenges. Some of his notable statements: "If you make an attitude, make it one of enthusiasm." That's the way to make tracks to the future. Life is a "matter of rediscovery -- of unlearning bad habits of the past." Don't give up; don't stop kids from asking "Why?" The day they stop asking "Why?" they'll stop wondering. "If it ain't broke, break it. If you don't break it, bend it." "Sacred cows sometimes make the best burgers." Okerlund's challenge to the audience: You come from the heartland and have a foundation that's not seen in the rest of us. If you want to make an impact, the most important ingredient to making tracks to the future is having a vision. He told of the six failures of the transatlantic cable before it finally worked. "If you want to draw someone within the circle of your flame you need to (1) have a vision, "see it," and (2) have a passion for that vision. He urged the audience to look at the redundancies of their lives and ask "What can I change?" Okerlund, the only professional speaker who twice finished in the final three of the World Championship of Public Speaking, concluded with a poem. Its final words: "You'll never discover the best in life until you discover the best in you." Greetings from NRWA President Dunlap The Tuesday luncheon featured NRWA President Jim Dunlap. Reminding the audience that NRWA represents over 17,000 small systems and has a budget of $21 million, he noted that he learns at least as much from conference vendors as from the sessions. Dunlap chronicled for the 800+ lunch-goers the steps leading up to passage of the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. He complimented KRWA for doing a good job in working with state agencies to see that small systems are included in intended use plans. NRWA priorities in light of the new SDWA include the 2% of funds for technical assistance in each state, utilizing each State Revolving Fund for small systems, providing input for the upcoming Consumer Confidence Report requirements, opposing the federal one-call system and supporting the loan and grant programs. He concluded by stating, "Rural water is in good hands in Kansas." Getting down to business There are two main parts to a successful conference: Diverse, up-to-date exhibits and timely session topics. Exhibits. With the preliminaries out of the way, it was time for serious KRWA conference-going. Hundreds of people thronged the 167 exhibits. The $60,000 dollar question: Can KRWA shoehorn in any more exhibit space for disappointed requesters? In 1997, six last-minute requests were turned down. Stay tuned! In the exhibits, people watched computerized SCADA demonstrations, took a test seat in the latest backhoes and handled the latest in valves, pumps and motors. They kibitzed by massive tables laden with coffee, donuts, cookies, fruit juices and fruit. They eased tired feet at strategically placed tables and chairs. They greeted old friends. Dozens visited KRWA's booth to check out its new site on the World Wide Web. "Where are the meters?" one older man anxiously asked his companion. "There are lots right over there," the other reassured him. On stage was a huge, lighted banner that said it all: "Welcome." The exhibits are half of the learning equation; the other half is the sessions. It is the exhibitors who make classroom topics come alive. They provide the products and services that help municipalities and rural water districts, day in and day out. KRWA appreciates the exhibitors, who support the association in so many ways. They are a major reason that this conference is the largest water and wastewater show in the Midwest. Conference-goers checked out the time of their next "must do" session -- it just doesn't pay to be late to a KRWA session or you'll stand up. Sessions. So much to choose from, so little time. The 32 session topics included: Automated recordkeeping Troubleshooting gas chlorinators Trench and excavation safety Preventing compliance violations Sales and property tax, annexations investments Fire flow ratings Sources of financing With eight sessions going on concurrently, conference-goers crowded the stairs and elevator to get to their room early. Several sessions were full, reminding dawdlers that there was a price for that last cup of free coffee. The proof of every conference lies in the evaluations. What did people like best? "Education in areas of interest, the promptness, new products, smiles and friendliness." Jeanette Spilman, Neosho RWD 12 "The wide array of exhibits and classes." Rod Huffman, City of Oakley "It's all good and I appreciate it: teaching, learning, friends, food, getting away." Leonard Mostrom, City of Burdett "The royal treatment I received from everyone." Roger Lathrop, Fort Riley "The sessions, the arrangement of the whole thing." Jeff Hedleston, City of Wakefield "I sincerely appreciate the speakers and their preparation and efforts in providing this information. What they share is invaluable. It provides us opportunities and windows to further expand our efforts and discuss options in the water service business." Alan Soetaert, Johnson RWD 7 Annual meeting. The annual meeting was held March 27. Over 130 members sent delegates. A financial report showed that KRWA is strong financially and has continued on a consistent growth pattern. Legislative Chairman Dennis Schwartz presented a summary of 1996 accomplishments, including HB 2365 sponsored by Rep. Tom Sloan, which provides that KDOT fully reimburses rural water districts for crossings on highway construction projects. He also reviewed the new Safe Drinking Water Act amendments. Nine-year board member Delbert Shaffer, director from Benton, did not seek re-election. KRWA President David Mueller presented Shaffer with a KRWA logo watch as a token of appreciation for his many years of dedicated service to the Association. Pat Shaffer, business manager for Butler RWD 5, was elected to the seat. Carl Carroll of Independence was re-elected to a three-year term. Spouses' Program: Fashions, hats and a hypnotist The Spouses' Program started with a luncheon at the Broadview Grand Heritage Grand Ballroom. A fashion show by the "Weekenders" displayed the newest trends in casual and sportswear. At the afternoon program, "hat lady" Joyce Wesseler showed how hats can tell personality type. Over 120 spouses enjoyed finding out if they were the life of the party, a planner, an observer or a leader. Wesseler selects samples for each show from the over 700 antique hats in her collection. On Thursday, Sally Sheets, counselor and hypnotist, taught techniques of self-hypnosis. Spouse program participants learned how to use it for behavior modification, addressing weight control, stress management, sleep disorders and smoking management (to name only a few uses). Nighttime magic The 1997 conference pinnacle arrived on Wednesday, March 26: The exhibits social and annual banquet, followed by awards and entertainment. With anticipation and good appetites, 1,400+ people visited with exhibitors and each other during the Exhibits Area Social. As the doors opened, they streamed towards the eight buffet lines to enjoy roast beef and chicken tetrazini. On stage hung three hand-pieced quilts designed by Kathleen Ronnebaum, coveted by virtually all in attendance. The two winners at the banquet were: Mark Maness, City of Hutchinson, and Elaine Patterson, Harvey RWD 1, Whitewater. (The third quilt was won on Thursday by Patricia Clines of Cherryvale.) The main banquet speaker was Mel Thompson, Kansas agricultural representative for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. He is a farmer south of Medicine Lodge. To much applause, he announced that he wasn't going to speak as long as his introducer had. Thompson said that the agricultural attainments of the U.S., especially Kansas, should be used as a tool for peace. Sen. Roberts would take that message to his upcoming trip to Russia and the two Koreas. He concluded by addressing the Endangered Species Act. In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court unanimously voted that human rights come first. The audience adjourned to the Little Theater for the annual awards ceremony. It was a full house that cheered the 1997 award winners (see related article). Then it was time for the world premiere of a new American folk musical, "Silver Dollar." "Silver Dollar" chronicles the real "Baby Doe" story. It tells of that ill-fated triangle, Baby Doe Tabor, the much younger other woman and eventually second wife of 1880's Colorado mining king Horace Tabor, and his first wife Augusta Tabor. This real-life plot is suitable for any modern TV soap, recounting their loves, lust, histories, laughs, hatreds, drama and pathos. The presentation of act one left the audience wanting more -- so how did the story end? Congratulations to Wichita's Stage One productions for bringing this compelling story to the KRWA stage. Stage One is known as an incubator of first-class theater, such as its "Jane Eyre" now playing in Toronto before moving to Off-Broadway in the fall of 1997. Once again, KRWA scored a hit with its cap to this annual "Night of all nights." Bulletin: "Silver Dollar" is being considered by regional theaters in Houston and Long Island, N.Y. Just remember . . . you saw it first, in Wichita.



	Highlights of Previous Years 2001 Photo Album 2000 Highlights Award Winners 1999 Highlights Award Winners 1998 Award Winners 1997 Highlights Award Winners