Ark Valley News - Highlights

Highlights
Last Updated: May 23, 2013

Kenneth Francisco of Newton loved to fish. He also served 26 years in the Kansas House of Representatives, Kansas Senate and the Kansas Racing Commission. Kenneth enjoyed spending time outdoors and passing on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Kenneth passed away on March 7. His family designated the Kansas Wildlife Federation to receive his memorial.

To carry on Francisco's legacy, KWF will conduct the Kenneth Francisco Memorial Family Fishing Day on June 1 in Newton. The event will run from 10 am to 2 p.m. at the Spring Lake ponds at Spring Lake Road and Old Main Street.

The event is intended to introduce families with young kids to the opportunities of fishing. Instructions will be offered to first time anglers, young and old, by experts from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Equipment will be supplied or you can bring your own. The weekend of June 1 and 2 is Free Fishing Days in Kansas and anyone can fish during those two days without the need for a fishing license. Participating families will be provided fishing tackle they can use in future fishing adventures.

KWF is looking for help to put on this event in the following categories: register participants, assist young anglers baiting hooks and removing fish and cooks to prepare lunch. Even if you don't have children come anyway. We can guarantee you an enjoyable day of providing kids with the experience of their first fishing opportunity. And we'll provide a free meal to boot.

Participants must register by sending name and number of people involved to info@kswildlife.org. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Lunch will be provided free of charge to registered participants.

If you have any questions call 214-3001.

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Army National Guard Pfc. Aviery W. Hickey has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Hickey is the son of Patsy Hickey of Park City.

He is a 2011 graduate of Learning2 Virtual School of Wichita.

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Bethany Arneson, a 2013 Valley Center High School graduate received the Jennie C. Walker Scholarship from Pittsburg State University.

She will be majoring in nursing.

Her parents are Bill and Jana Arneson of Valley Center.