This week on the program we will recognize the power of women in recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, which was Tuesday, March 8th. We will talk with an author who highlights the women who moved West in pioneer days, and not only changed their lives, but the lives of women across the country. They opened up new professions and opportunities for many women.
Also, what happened to the “Bloody Benders,” a family who squatted in Kansas’ Indian Territory in the 1870s. Men with seemed to disappear after taking a meal at the Bender home.
Author of the new book about the Benders Susan Jonusas talks about what may have happened to the beautiful Kate Bender after she fled her Kansas home.
We also talk with the author of "New Women of the Old West," Winnifred Gallagher. Gallagher brings to life the riveting history of the little-known women–the White, Black, and Asian settlers, and the Native Americans and Hispanics they displaced–who played monumental roles in one of America’s most transformative periods.
Also, this week, a look at the people and events that shaped Sioux City in its early days. Coming up at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center on March 20th, local historian Russ Gifford will explore Sioux City at the END of the Steamboat Era. When Siouxland was first established, most settlers arrived here by steamboat, but as the railroad arrived and the economy changed, the whole downtown area and the economy changed as well.
On the program this week we also discuss the controversy over an event being held this Saturday at Western Iowa Tech Community College with constitutional attorney Kris Anne Hall, who many critics say is affiliated with right-wing groups. Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan defends the event.
And finally today a more upbeat topic, we speak Todd Behrens of the Sioux City Art Center about the upcoming fundraiser and art show coming up in April. It’s called ARTcetera.
The exhibition, which opened Feb. 25, concludes April 1 with a fundraising art auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Behrens also talks about the 25th anniversary of the art center.
