Community

The Wichita Fire Department reminds residents to be aware of potential fire hazards with Christmas trees and decorative lighting during this holiday season. Last week, a candle fire in south Wichita damaged a home and claimed the life of a family pet.

Bob Thompson is the Wichita Fire Department's Chief Prevention Officer, he says the candle was burning too close to a Christmas tree.

"As a result, the tree was ignited by the candle, the family was displaced and they lost a pet," he says.

KMUW’s Frank Dudgeon retires Friday after more than 40 years as a member of the professional radio community. Jedd Beaudoin recently sat down with Dudgeon to talk about his career. And they started at the beginning.

“I was actually born in Arkansas,” he says, “that was because my dad was a country singer and he was on the road. This is back when country music sounded like folk, it was all acoustic. And my mother was with him at the time and I always feel that if you’re born you should be near your mother."

Tom Hayden, internationally known human rights and peace activist, former California state legislator, and Freedom Rider will speak Friday at the Peace & Social Justice Center's 20th anniversary dinner.

Hayden will share his long-time experience in peace, justice and environment movements. He spent years on the forefront of the anti-Vietnam War movement and is against the war in Afghanistan. He says in the '60s, President Lyndon Johnson said that the United States could afford guns and butter, meaning the Vietnam War and domestic programs.

The official state Christmas tree ornament for this year recognizes the 150th anniversary of the founding of Washburn University, which is coming up in 2015.

Governor Sam Brownback unveiled the ornament at the governor's residence Monday. Washburn President Jerry Farley called it an honor and noted the strong connection between the state and the school.

"Washburn has played an integral role in the history of the state from the very beginning," said Farley.