For about a year, I worked as a receptionist at KTWU Channel 11, a Kansas public television station on the Washburn University campus in Topeka. KTWU has been broadcasting local public television in eastern Kansas and parts of Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska since 1965. It is licensed to Washburn University, and the studios are located on the Washburn campus.
I loved my time at KTWU. The wonderful individuals who used to work there when I worked there were inspirational and loved their jobs, their careers. They gave it their all, and they had passion for public television.
Dave Kendall, who now is director of Prairie Hollow Productions, a Kansas documentary production company owned by him and his wife, Laura, used to be executive director of production at KTWU for many years. He and his wonderfully talented team produced the beloved and ever-popular “Sunflower Journeys.” He has also written for Kansas Reflector. Dave hired Amanda Shaw Newsome as his co-host for a while, and she did a fantastic job. Others who were a big part of the success of KTWU were Bill Shaffer, Jim Kelly, the late Scott Williams and others.
For many years, the programming director was Dave Pomeroy, and he was truly a gift to the station. Others who have dedicated their talents to KTWU are Kathy Woods, Cindy Barry and now the general manager, Val VanDerSluis. Val is a great lady who truly cares about those who watch and give to the station.
The “PBS News Hour” is a staple of programs broadcast on KTWU. Judy Woodruff used to be the anchor, and she was a delight to watch and listen to. Other shows include “Inspire,” which is a truly inspirational and educational show with wonderful women such as Danielle Norwood and Amy Bixler Kelly.
The children’s shows are positive and uplifting for developing minds and spirits and hearts. “Curious George,” “Sesame Street” and many others have inspired little children to know that they have friends on this journey of life. In an age where violence reigns supreme on too many TV shows, PBS offers an alternative of positive programming.
My mom, Claire, is a monthly supporter, and I think giving to KTWU is a wonderful idea. PBS is full of shows that cause thinking and processing at a higher level.
KTWU’s building on the Washburn campus is beautiful. I remember walking in each morning and thanking God for the beauty of the building and the beauty of the wonderful people who worked there. Lee Wright, who has passed on, worked there for many, many years, and he was a figure in Topeka and beyond who gave his life to cultivating positive relationships. He and his wife, Alice, gave of themselves to the mission of KTWU and gave of themselves to serving others. Alice lives on and carries on his spirit.
“Sunflower Journeys” is my favorite show on the station. It covers different subjects and interviews fascinating people throughout Kansas. I had watched this show for years even before I met Dave Kendall. “Sunflower Journeys” is a show to look forward to and to sit down with a family member or the whole family and enjoy a cup of cocoa and learn and be inspired about this wonderful state.
I wish more people gave to KTWU and found out just how much they have to offer. In an age when a lot of people don’t open their minds to thinking, it’s even more important to watch shows that offer reality and hope. I will never stop watching or being grateful for the short time I worked there. I will never stop being thankful for its mission to educate and inspire.
We need that in our world more now than ever.
About the author: Rebecca Lyn Phillips is a published author, speaker and mental health advocate.
