Kansas Journalism | Opinionated and Seized

2pm | OPINIONATED, released in September 2026, by Clay Wirestone

"A nationally acclaimed opinion editor provides a winsome and eye-opening tour through the golden age of Kansas journalism, proving why local newspapers and incisive commentary are indispensable for an informed public.

"Clay Wirestone, award-winning opinion editor at Kansas Reflector, takes readers on a tour of Kansas journalism from the 1920s to the 1970s, introducing us to the people who shaped public discourse in the heartland..." - University Press of Kansas

3 pm-4:40pm | SEIZED, a film by Sharon Liese

Followed with a Q&A by Jon Niccum, former Kansas City Star writer, filmmaker, Professor of Film & Media Studies at the University of Kansas, and Co-Executive Producer of SEIZED.

In the wake of August 11th, 2023, Marion, KS - about an hour and half south and west from Volland - was thrown into the center of public discourse around the freedom of the press. That morning, local law enforcement, with warrants that were later withdrawn, searched and seized computers, phones, files, and hard drives at the Marion County Record and two homes.

In her 2026 documentary, SEIZED, the discussion around the Marion County Record expands into larger topics, and Liese foregrounds the local impact of the event.

SEIZED has won a number of awards including the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature from the Florida Film Festival; the Thaddeus Stevens Award for Social Engagement at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival; and an Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Using police body-cam and surveillance footage interlaced with interviews, Liese shares the story of the raid and its aftermath.

The presentations of historic and current-day journalism will be presented in the context of the current gallery exhibit, FAULT LINES: THE MARION COUNTY RECORD by Jeremiah Ariaz.

Join us on Sunday afternoon, November 15th for an author talk by Clay Wirestone at 2pm and a screening of SEIZED at 3pm.

Copies of Opinionated will be available for purchase and signing by the author at the event.

Admission is by Free Will Offering. Reservations are required.