ABILENE, Kan. – The documentary film Crossing Waters will be shown as part of a Kansas Town Hall program at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. The 40-minute film will begin at 7 p.m.on Nov. 15 in the Visitors Center Auditorium followed by a question and answer opportunity with filmmaker Jane Watson. This event is free and open to the public.

Crossing Waters uses archival sources and interviews with current residents of Poughkeepsie, New York, to chronicle the arrival of Irish and Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It follows their cultural and economic struggles to gain a toehold in a city they have since helped build. It also portrays the musings of their descendants who now feel pushed out of the neighborhood where they were once scorned as invaders. Taking a look at the past history of reactionary nativism, filmmaker Jane Watson shines a light on current debates regarding immigrants and refugees in the United States.
Jane Watson is an independent filmmaker who lives in the Hudson Valley. Watson is a graduate of NYU’s prestigious film school with a passion for film-making.

The film has received several awards: Best Short Documentary at the Mexico International Film Festival earlier this year, Silver Award Spotlight Documentary Film Awards – Atlanta (December 2015), and Award for Merit Special Mention for Technical and Artistic Capabilities – Women Filmmakers Indie Fest (November 2015) – La Jolla, California.

DICKINSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Dickinson County are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help.

During the overnight hours of November 4th, unknown suspects stole the beloved Russell Stover Candies bear from in front of their factory in Abilene, according to Abilene police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dickinson County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-5DK-TIPS.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will be holding a free day for military Friday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. All military personnel, including retirees, veterans, immediate families and gold star families will receive free admission for the day by presenting a military ID. There will also be a short ceremony taking place at 3 p.m. with cake and punch to follow.

“We are excited to be opening our doors to those who serve our country,” said Susan Adams, Director. “We hope to see many families connected to the military come out and enjoy the free day on Friday, November 11.”

Speaking during the ceremony will be retired Colonel Mike McDermott. McDermott served as an Infantryman during the Vietnam War and is recognized as one of the conflict’s most highly decorated soldiers, being twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and more than thirty other awards and decorations.

The ceremony will also recognize all veteran Flint Hills Discovery Center volunteers, including John Rodgers who will be receiving the Kansas Vietnam medal, medallion and certificate.

Veterans will have access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions, including Going Home: Hidden Histories of the Flint Hills.

This day is possible by the support of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation.

Adams said, “It is a small gesture for us to show our appreciation for all that our military has and continues to do in securing our freedoms.”

ABILENE, NOVEMBER 8, 2016 – The Magic of Michael Misko premiers at Great Plains Theatre on November 11 and 12, 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 per person and available at the box office now! Michael combines witty humor and advanced sleight-of-hand to present a custom magic show. His years of training onstage and in the classroom allow Michael to present his award-winning magic with a seemingly “off-the-cuff” air. Audience members for Michael’s stand-up show can expect a magical, fast-paced evening where anything can (and usually does) happen!

Michael is familiar face around Abilene and the surrounding communities having spent quite a few years at the Great Plains Theatre. After leaving the theatre Michael took to the high seas performing on Princess Cruise Lines, there he debuted the magical musical revue “Magic To Do” and his own one man show. The Magic of Michael Misko has decided to make port in Kansas and it will be an event not to be missed!

Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and amazed! Call Great Plains Theatre box office at 785-263-4574 or go online to greatplainstheatre buy tickets. The show is Friday November 11 and Saturday November 12 at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 per person.