Lakeside Speedway: April 20

Week two of racing at Lakeside Speedway is in the books. Here are the results from Friday night's races at the track.

Modifieds – Feature

Finish     Start          Car             Driver               Hometown                       Points

1              6              77           Cody Agler          Emporia , Kan.                   50.00

2              5              1K           Tim Karrick          Basehor, Kan.                    48.00

3              2              15           Nic Bidinger        Perry, Kan.                         46.00

4              7              70           Aaron Marrant Orrick, Mo.                         44.00

5              13           68           Kerry Davis         Parkville, Mo.                    42.00

6              14           4J            Jake Richards     Kansas City, Kan.              40.00

7              4              34           Mark Schafman Edwardsville, Kan.           38.00

8              11           8              Mark Hoover     Maryville, Mo.                   36.00

9              16           3              Larry “bubba” Harvey, Jr. (KCK)                 34.00

10           3              13           Joe Walker          Harrisonville, Mo.            32.00

11           9              53           John Baker          Basehor, Kan.                    30.00

12           15           88           Donnie Burlington, Jr. Kansas City, Mo. 28.00

13           19           B2           Bobby Bills                                                          26.00

14           17           99           Tim North, Jr.     Olathe, Kan.                       24.00

15           12           81           Tom Charles       Bonner Springs, Kan.      22.00

16           25           14B         Darren Bennett Tonganoxie, Kan.            20.00

17           10                           Joe Cobb             (KCK)                                     18.00

18           22           R21         Ryan Schaffer    Corning, Ia.                         16.00

19           20           96           Danny Barker                                                     14.00

20           23           7              David Edwards (KCK)                                     12.00

21           18           9              Brad Dibben       Kansas City, Mo.               10.00

22           10           81J          Dan Charles        Basehor, Kan.                    8.00

23           21           28           Jerry Liston, Jr. (KCK)                                     6.00

24           8              87           Darron Fuqua    Mayetta, Kan.                   4.00

25           26           11           Warren Johnson Overland Park, Kan.      2.00

26           24           28L         Nick Little            Plattsburg, Mo.                 2.00

Grand National – Feature

1              7              28D        Gary Donaldson Liberty, Mo.                      50.00

2              18           11T         Mike Taylor, Jr.   Kansas City, Mo.             48.00

3              9              6              Marshall Jewett  Gardner, Kan.                    46.00

4              2              42T         Tim Shields         Kansas City, Mo.               44.00

5              3              3E           Kelby Ostrander Oskaloosa, Kan.              42.00

6              6              52           Jim Baker             (KCK)                                     40.00

7              1              29           Dennis Melvin, Sr. Basehor, Kan.              38.00

8              13           44           Sam Schuler, Jr. (KCK)                                    36.00

9              12           1              Christopher Smith Kansas City, Mo.         34.00

10           11           711         Bill Ruisinger Bonner Springs, Kan.            32.00

11           19           26           Donnie Brown   Lancaster, Kan.                30.00

12           10           54           Eddie Ingram                                                     28.00

13           16           69           Steven Dibben Smithville, Mo.                  26.00

14           17           46           David Holcomb (KCK)                                     24.00

15           15           07           Tony Brown        Kansas City, Mo.               22.00

16           22           14F         Larry Ferris          Kansas City, Kan.              20.00

17           5              45           Ben Kyle              Gardner, Kan.                    18.00

18           8              18           Frank Littrell       Claycomo, Mo.                  16.00

19           4              30           Darren Kling       Basehor, Kan.                    14.00

20           14           72           Matt Dibben      Smithville, Mo.                      0.00 DNS

21           21           9              Don Marrs           Shawnee, Kan.                  0.00 DNS

22           20           60           James Glackin    (KCK)                                     0.00 DNS

Factory Stock – Feature

1              2              37           Justin Seifert      (KCK)                                     50.00

2              11           27           Jason Ryun         Kansas City, Mo.               48.00

3              1              7              Marshall Jewett Gardner, Kan.                  46.00

4              20           12           Scotty Moore    (KCK)                                     44.00

5              9              0T           Bobby Tavis Iii    Leavenworth, Kan.          42.00

6              8              68M       Caleb Mcclellan Kansas City, Mo.              40.00

7              19           1              J.R. Billings          (KCK)                                     38.00

8              18           76           Adam Parris        (KCK)                                     36.00

9              10           26           Anthony Whitham Kansas City, Mo.        34.00

10           7              ON1       Jason Park           (KCK)                                     32.00

11           16           18           Jim Conley          Kansas City, Mo.               30.00

12           5              56           Joe Smith, Jr       (KCK)                                     28.00

13           23           53W       Larry Waters                                                      26.00

14           12           6              Hank Thompson (KCK)                                   24.00

15           4              21V        Vic Tranckino     Basehor, Kan.                    22.00

16           6              29           Nate Barnes       Kearney, Mo.                    20.00

17           14           46           Philip Holcomb (KCK)                                      18.00

18           21           3B           Darrin Christy     (KCK)                                     16.00 DNF

19           13           91           Dalton Vanbebber (KCK)                              14.00 DNF

20           3              T2           Tom Fogarty       Olathe, Kan.                       12.00 DNF

21           17           41K         Vernon Kever    Kansas City, Mo.               10.00 DNF

22           22           19           Jay Barnes           Kearney, Mo.                    8.00 DNF

23           24           3              Don Johnson      Overland Park, Kan.        6.00 DNF

24           15           30           Cliff Hedges Jr   Kansas City, Mo.               0.00 DQ

B Mods – Feature

1              7              70           Aaron Marrant Orrick, Mo.                         50.00

2              10           11           Mike Higley        Tecumseh, Kan.                48.00

3              5              8              Terry Bruner      Sugar Creek, Mo.             46.00

4              3              23K         Ben Kates            Tonganoxie, Kan.             44.00

5              16           C17         Jeremy Chambers                                           42.00

6              9              X33         Nick Newton      (KCK)                                     40.00

7              11           25           Tim Billings          Liberty, Mo.                       38.00

8              1              181         Luke Nieman     Nortonville, Kan.              36.00

9              17           74           Rodney Schweizer (KCK)                              34.00

10           4              21C         Chad Clancy        Smithville, Mo.          32.00

11           18           51M       Mike Ryun          Pleasant Valley, Mo.       30.00

12           15           4D           Doug Richards   Edwardsville, Kan.           28.00

13           6              38           Nic Bennett        Grain Valley, Mo.             26.00

14           14           57           Randy Ainsworth Excelsior Spgs, Mo.      24.00

15           13           30           Jason White       Basehor, Kan.                    22.00

16           20           21K         Kevin Sloan         Easton, Kan.                       20.00

17           12           3J            Joe Pete                                                              18.00

18           19           41           Chris Dishong                                                     16.00

19           21           17T         Tim Galvan                                                          14.00 DNF

20           2              20T         Mike Tanner      Kansas City, Mo.               12.00 DNF

21           23           21           Bill Custer            (KCK)                                     10.00 DNF

22           22           45           Dustin Thulin                                                      8.00 DNF

23           8              42           Gene Claxton    Kansas City, Mo.               6.00 DNF

24           24           14S         Paul West            Shawnee, Kan.                  4.00 DNF

It's time to volunteer outdoors

By DIANE HENTGES, United Way of Wyandotte County

These nice spring days make me want to get out and enjoy this weather. I figure I am not alone. Today I have put together a list of volunteer opportunities that will give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors and in some cases get your hands dirty.

On April 28, the Argentine Betterment Corporation is hosting their annual SERVE DAY. This is a day when the volunteers come together to improve the Argentine area.  There will be trash and debris to pick up, things to paint, fences to mend and side walks to sweep, to name just a few of the endless projects. This is a great opportunity for a church or work group, a family or an individual. If you are interested go to www.abckck.org to register to volunteer.

The Unified Government Parks & Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to help with the Hershey Track & Field Meet on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Washington High School located at 7340 Leavenworth Road. The meet will start at 9:00 a.m.

Volunteers working with field events are expected to report by 8:30 a.m. The day should be completed no later than 3:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours. Please contact Jim Rusconi at 913-573-8330 or email jrusconi@wycokck.org to volunteer.

Cross-Lines Community Outreach is looking for a volunteer who wants to help do some yard work around their buildings at 7th & Shawnee.

Mowing, raking, trimming, mulching…that’s the kind of work that needs to be done. If you are interested let amber know a amber@cross-lines.org.

For information on how you can GIVE, ADVOCATE, and VOLUNTEER please contact me at 913-371-3674 or at dhentges@unitedway-wyco.org.or check out our web site at www.unitedway-wyco.org.

KCK man, 28, pleads to role in robbery of KU student

By GEORGE DIEPENBROCK, The Lawrence Journal-World

A 28-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man pleaded no contest Friday to a conspiracy charge for his role in a 2010 robbery of a Kansas University student in Oread neighborhood.

Raymond C. Morgan entered the plea Friday afternoon, and prosecutors agreed to drop aggravated robbery and felon in possession of a firearm charges against Morgan. Two other Kansas City, Kan., co-defendants have also entered pleas for incidents related to the December 2010 robbery.

Eve Kemple, an assistant district attorney, said prosecutors had evidence the three were at a party before the robbery and discussed ways to obtain money.

In an October preliminary hearing, Ashley C. Johnson, who has received probation in the case, testified Morgan was with her in the car while Howard used a gun to rob a 21-year-old male KU student who was walking in an alley near the 300 block of West 12th Street.

Morgan’s defense attorney Jason Billam said Howard is expected to face a 27-month prison sentence. Attorneys said Morgan was on probation for a Wyandotte County case at the time of the robbery, so he’s expected to be sentenced to additional prison time on top of the Lawrence case.

Morgan is scheduled to be sentenced June 7.

He has also not yet sentenced Howard, 21, who entered a plea to one count of robbery and faces a 10-year prison sentence.

Kids encouraged to ride safely at Free Community Bike Rodeo on May 19

Elementary-aged kids will have the opportunity to learn tips on cycling safety, participate in interactive activities that promote health and safety and to sneak a peek at new attractions at Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark at a free family event on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The annual Kansas City Kansas Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo is back for the sixth year and planners anticipate the largest-ever turnout.

Event sponsors plan to distribute up to 250 free bike safety helmets and t-shirts to participants.

The event will be held rain or shine in the parking lot and entrance area of Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, 9400 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan. Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles.

The KCK Kiwanis West, in partnership with Providence Medical Center, Atmos Energy, Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark and numerous community businesses and organizations, are committed to helping area youth ride their bicycles safely.

“During the past five years, we’ve reached approximately 1,000 kids throughout Kansas City – helping them become safer cyclists,”says Jan Wiley, KCK Kiwanis West member. “That’s 1,000 young cyclists who understand the rules of the road and the importance of wearing safety helmets to prevent head injuries. We’re really excited about the popularity of this event because it has the potential to save young lives. Our community sponsors are making it possible for us to reach more kids than ever before.”

Rodeo participants should be accompanied by an adult. They will rotate through seven bike riding skill stations and have the opportunity to earn a bicycle safety certificate.

“Even though helmets can’t keep a cyclist from falling, they can save lives,” says Kevin Jones, Atmos Energy, the company that provides free safety helmets. “When they are properly fitted, helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent if a fall occurs.”

“Every year, more than half a million bicyclists visit hospital emergency rooms because of cycling mishaps,” says Tom Weidmaier, Providence Emergency Services director. “Nearly one quarter of those injured in bike-related accidents are youth. As the health care sponsor of this bike rodeo, the Providence team is committed to making sure area youth understand the importance of riding safely. But when accidents happen, we’re standing by.”

Providence has recently redesigned the approach to providing emergency care.

“Whether it’s a child with a broken arm or an adult experiencing chest pain - patients need immediate attention from a board-certified physician – and that’s what they get here. We’ve dramatically reduced waiting time and increased the speed of treatment,” says Catherine Rice, senior communications specialist.

Just as helmets reduce the risk of injury in bicycle accidents, car seats are vital for kids’ safety in automobiles.

That’s why the event will also feature a free, drive-through car seat safety check. Experts will inspect car seats and ensure they are installed securely in families’ vehicles, making sure restraints are age appropriate and facing the right direction.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of children from ages 1 to 14,” says Tim Williams, a State Farm Insurance agent. “Even though most parents understand the importance of putting their children in car and booster seats, seven out of 10 kids in child safety restraints are not buckled in properly. We want to reduce that number.”

Schlitterbahn Season Passes will be on sale for $5 off the full gate price. Season Pass holders will have an exclusive opportunity to beat the rush and process their Season Pass ID Cards during the event.

“Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark is thrilled to host this popular community event for the second year,” says Chris Ozimek, marketing director. “In addition to helping kids gear up for a safe bike-riding season, the event promises to offer a morning packed with free family fun.”

Bike rodeo participants will be treated to free donuts, courtesy of Judi’s Bakery; get to enjoy performances by kids affiliated with Kansas Academy of Theatrical Arts; hang out with Sizzle, the Kansas City T-Bones mascot and Blue, the Sporting KC mascot; tour new attractions at Schlitterbahn; get a close up look at emergency vehicles; create their own healthy snacks; get into the groove of Zumbatronic, a fast-moving and fun dance workout; win prizes and passes to Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark and engage in other exciting activities. 

If you have questions or need directions on the day of the event, call 816-751-4227. To get to Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark from I-435, take Exit 13 – State Avenue East. Turn left at the second traffic light and enter the parking lot.

Today's Poll: Do you think marijuana should be legalized?

Mayors stress education in KCKCC forum

By ALAN HOSKINS

If Kansas City is going to continue to move forward into the 21st Century, education must be the vehicle.

That was the consensus of the mayors of Kansas City’s three largest cities in a public forum attended by Sly James, Kansas City, Mo.; Carl Gerlach, Overland Park; and Joe Reardon, Unified Government of KCK/Wyandotte County at Kansas City Kansas Community College Tuesday.  

“I just came back from a meeting of mayors from all over the nation and every single one, from San Francisco to New York, from Houston to Chicago, said education is it,” James told a crowd of more than 100 students, staff, faculty and members of the community at the forum hosted by KCKCC’s Economics Club and Intercultural Center. “It is imperative for the development of a city that we have educated people.”

“Education is the key,” agreed Gerlach, who said incentives are not the No. 1 reason new businesses have been attracted to Overland Park. “It’s probably only fourth or fifth. We’ve only given incentives to eight businesses. The No. 1 reason is quality education, a good workforce followed by a good infrastructure, ways to get to and from work. And also public safety. They want to feel safe.”

Reardon said education is of particular importance in KCK because of the coming of the Cerner Corporation and 4,000 new jobs and Sara Lee, the largest meat slicing company in the U.S.

“Sara Lee has 250 jobs and nobody ever touches the meat,” said Reardon.

James also noted that in the past most people were in the middle class but now an education is needed to be in the middle class and it is those in the middle class who are least likely to lose their jobs.

All three mayors also stressed a need for regionalism, emphasizing the biggest competitors for new businesses is not among cities here in Kansas City but cities such as St. Louis, Omaha and Oklahoma City.

“Not a single mayor is doing something contrary to other cities,” said Reardon, “although the media does not share that side of the story.”

“People don’t know it because there are no newspaper reporters or TV cameras but the three of us meet every month,” said Gerlach. “I had our public relations department look up the things we work on cooperatively and it takes 12 pages.”

James said the Kansas City metro area is No. 29 economically in the country.

“We need to go together,” stressed James. “We need a plan if our region is going to grow. We need to put all our assets on the table. The worst thing we can do is nothing.”

Pointing out that Kansas City, Mo., has 6,600 miles of streets to plow (“all the way to San Diego and back”), James said “As mayors we get it but not so much in Washington. We are on the front line whether it be that your street hasn’t been plowed, your trash picked up or the lack of jobs. We get it.”

All three mayors had ties to Wyandotte County. James was born in KCK and lived here until the age of nine while Gerlach’s father-in-law, the late Dr. Jack Flint, was the first president of KCKCC.

“I love community colleges,” said Gerlach. “I have a son and a daughter who both went to community colleges.”

The mayoral program was coordinated by Dr. Mehdi Shariati, a professor of Social Science and Economics Club advisor; and Barbara Clark-Evans, Director of the Intercultural Center who moderated the program.

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PHOTO: More than 100 students, faculty, staff and community members turned out at Kansas City Kansas Community College for a program featuring (from left) Mayors Carl Gerlach, Overland Park; Sly James, Kansas City, Mo.; and Joe Reardon, KCK, stress the need for education. (KCKCC Photo by Alan Hoskins) 

KCKCC Phi Theta Kappa one of top 100 international chapters

The Mu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa got the frosting on the cake of a banner year at this year’s PTK international convention in Nashville, Tenn.

The Mu Delta chapter was recognized as one of the Top 100 chapters out of more than 1,200 international chapters and Stacy Tucker was awarded the Continued Excellence Advisor Award. In her 13th year, Tucker was also advisor when KCKCC was designated the No. 1 chapter internationally in 2002 which ironically was also awarded in Nashville.

The international awards come on the heels of more than 20 awards conferred on the KCKCC chapter at the Kansas Regional Convention and the election of Ramona Nelson to the position of Northern District Vice-President of the Kansas Region for 2012-13. Nelson is currently serving as a chapter officer. “Adam Shirley served as Ramona’s campaign manager and both did a fantastic job,” said Tucker.

The awards were presented to the KCKCC Board of Trustees at its April meeting Tuesday. “The lessons that I have learned about effective partnership and leadership have been more valuable than anything that can be taught in the classroom,” said Shirley, a two-year chapter officer.

“What does PTK and KCKCC mean to me?” asked Audrey Mendoza, who won the Distinguished Chapter Officer Award at the Kansas Regional. “To me it’s a future, an incredible learning experience, a second chance and a home away from home. Growing up in a not so desirable area and making not so wise decisions caused me some serious consequences.

“Because of KCKCC, I have been given the opportunity for the second chance that I needed to prove myself that all things are possible. Because of KCKCC, PTK and Stacy Tucker believing in me and pushing me out of my comfort zone, I have been able to excel in my studies, my community and most important, my family, and given a second chance to purse my dreams of becoming a social worker.”

In addition to Mendoza earning the Distinguished Chapter Officer Award, Shirley earned honorable mention for the same award.

“It’s not often you see two officers from the same chapter receive this recognition,” said Kendra Folsom.

Both Mendoza and Shirley will be continuing their careers at Park University where Mendoza has a $12,000 scholarship and Shirley at $5,000 grant while Folsom will be attending UMKC with a $2,000 scholarship,

The regional chapter awards were highlighted by the College Project, Great Idea, 5-Star Chapters, Sister Chapter and Yearbook awards and the Service Award for the Northern District which included chapter members helping in the tornado relief effort in Joplin, Mo.; workshops on self-esteem for Associated Youth Services; and the annual Christmas in the City program.

Service projects which earned the College Project Award included Carpet for a Cause, in which carpet was purchased for a needy school in Africa; Pink Ribbon Day supporting the fight against cancer; United Way, Card Blitz and the Five Days of Giving.

The Five Days of Giving also earned the Great Idea Award.

“For five days during Thanksgiving week, student members unloaded food items, worked with individuals with disabilities, distributed food at a local shelter and cooked and served meals at a local church on Thanksgiving Day,” said Tucker.

The 5-Star Chapter Award is the highest level of awards given for PTK; the Sister Chapter award was presented for Mu Delta’s work with Independence Community College; and Yearbook Award is the chapter’s first since 2000. The chapter also earned two honorable mentions for Outstanding Chapter and Honors in Action Project.

Individual awards were earned by Audrey Mendoza, Distinguished Chapter Officer; Jennifer Fratzel, Distinguished Member; Ramona Nelson, Achievement in Arts (Ceramics/Sculptures); and Janet Manson, Achievement in Arts (Painting/Drawing). The chapter’s four executive officers, Kendra Folsom, Ramona Nelson, Audrey Mendoza and Adam Shirley, earned Distinguished Chapter Officer Team awards and Stacker Tucker an honorable mention for Distinguished Chapter Advisor.

Honorable mention went to Adam Shirley for Distinguished Chapter Officer and Shirley and Janet Manson for Achievement in Arts (Photography).

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PHOTO: Under the direction of (from left) Director Stacy Tucker and executive officers Audrey Mendoza, Ramona Nelson, Kendra Folsom and Adam Shirley, the Mu Delta Chapter at Kansas City Kansas Community was named one of the Top 100 or more than 1,200 international chapters of Phi Theta Kappa and Tucker was presented the Continued Advisor Excellence Award at the international convention. (KCKCC Photo by Alan Hoskins)

KCKCC Debate team continues to make history after winning ninth straight title

By ALAN HOSKINS

Since when does winning national championships become almost secondary?

Strange as it might sound, sweeping national Cross-Examination and Phi Rho Pi championships was only part of the biggest season in Kansas City Kansas Community College debate history this spring.

For the first time in KCKCC’s long and storied debate history, a team qualified for the prestigious National Debate Tournament (NDA); the Blue Devils were ranked in the Top Five nationally in two polls; and Darren Elliott became the first coach to receive the Phi Rho Pi Lynch-Grossman Award.

Presented for continued support and excellence in policy debate, the Lynch-Grossman award had previously always gone to students including two from KCKCC, Ryan McFarland and David Bowers.

“In the past, students have voted on the award but this year the coaches voted on it,” said Elliott.

With two national trophies in their grasp, the Blue Devils finished No. 5 overall among all college and universities in the CEDA rankings and No. 4 overall in the final NDA poll.

Liberty, Northwestern, Oklahoma and the U.S. Military Academy were the only teams finishing ahead of KCKCC in CEDA; Liberty, Northwestern and Oklahoma in NDA.

KCKCC’s most recent national championship was won this past weekend at the national Phi Rho Pi championships in Schaumburg, Ill., and was a record ninth in a row in the competition open only to community colleges.

Earlier, KCKCC ended a two-year skein of finishing second by winning the Community College Division Sweepstakes Championship of the Cross-Examination Debate Assn. (CEDA) at the University of Oklahoma.

Determined by a team’s performance in competition against two and four-year institutions throughout the season, KCKCC nearly doubled the point totals of runnerup Los Rios and third place Johnson County and is the seventh CEDA national title won by Elliott-coached teams.

Between the two national tournaments, the duo of Thomas Garvey and Ryan McFarland was chosen to compete in the AFA National Debate Tournament (NDT) in Atlanta, Ga., and the team of Marin Loken and Justin Parks won the Novice Nationals tournament at Johnson County Community College, winning all nine debates by 3-0 votes.

Both are freshmen, Parks from Hutchinson and Loken from Sacramento, Calif.

McFarland and Garvey are the first KCKCC team to ever be selected to compete in the NDT and only the sixth community college team selected since 1941.

“It’s equivalent to playing in the NCAA basketball tournament and an amazing accomplishment because the NDT is an elite tournament dominated by the top juniors and seniors from the nation’s best teams,” said Elliott.

“When it was announced that we were competing in the tournament for the first time, we got a standing ovation from about 500 persons. I’ve gone through a lot but that brought a few chills.” 

The duo, McFarland from Hutchinson and Garvey from Valley Center, finished 2-4 in the NDT, beating Dartmouth and West Georgia but losing four split 2-1 decisions.

Both Garvey and McFarland were named to the CEDA All-America team, only two of three community college debaters so honored.

The duo of sophomore Joshua Miller of Independence, Mo , and Evan Johnson of Wichita East also reached the final round of 64 at CEDA, the first time KCKCC has had two teams advance through the elimination rounds. The duo of Andy Montee and Chris Rohan was last team KCKCC to advance in 2009.

Garvey led KCKCC to its record ninth straight Phi Rho Pi championships by winning the Policy Lincoln Douglas championship, defeating Irvine Valley 3-0 in the finals. KCKCC put three debaters in the semifinals with Evan Johnson and Independence freshman Josh Miller tying for third.

In addition, the duo of Tyler Gillette and Evan Johnson finished second in parliamentary debate to assure KCKCC of the Debate Sweepstakes award and third in the Overall Sweepstakes which took in both debate and forensics.

Assisted by Scott Elliott, former KCKCC debaters Candace Moore, John Bretthauer, Clay Crockett and Andy Montee along with Mike Krueger also assisted on a voluntary basis during the banner season.  

“The way everything played out, this was probably our best year,” says Elliott, who is in his 11th year as head coach. “I think our success came because we came together and everyone was helping everyone else out, even when they weren’t debating. It was great way for our students to be recruited.”

All three sophomores will be continuing their debating careers. Garvey is expected to enroll at Kansas State, Gillette at Missouri State and Bowers at Cameron. 

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PHOTO: Led by Darren Elliott (front), the first coach to receive the Lynch-Grossman Award, KCKCC won a record ninth straight national Phi Rho Pi championship and swept the CEDA national debate title for the seventh time in 2012. Team members include (second row, from left) All-Americans Ryan McFarland and Tom Garvey; (third row) Justin Parks, Marin Loken and David Bowers; and (fourth row) assistant coach Scott Elliott, Tyler Gillette and Evan Johnson. Josh Miller was not available. (KCKCC Photo by Alan Hoskins)

Hurla wins 300th game as Bishop Ward's manager

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

Believe it or not, there are still individual milestones possible for Bishop Ward baseball coach Dennis Hurla.

With Bishop Ward's victory against Basehor-Linwood on Thursday, Hurla picked up his 300th win as head coach of the Cyclones baseball program.

The accomplishment is the latest in a mile's worth of accomplishments for Hurla as the manager at Bishop Ward.

He guided Ward to 45 straight wins, stretching from 2007 to 2008. The winning streak remains a state record.

Ward also won six straight titles from 2003-08 and Hurla has coached the program to nine state titles - 1998, 1999 and 2010 being the other seasons.

Last year was the first time a Hurla-coached team at Bishop Ward did not make the state tournament in Salina, Kan. Ward also has the Kansas 4A record for 19 straight state tournament games won.

Though Ward had won three state titles prior to Hurla's arrival, it's safe to say Hurla transformed Ward from a good program to a perennial state power in baseball.

KCK man charged with unlawfully entering United States after a crime

U.S. Department of Justice

Mario Ulises Moreno-Ayala, 24, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony and deported.

He was found Dec. 29, 2011, in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

KCK residents charged with multiple counts related to drug dealing

U.S. Department of Justice

Bryce Morlang, 32, Kansas City, Kan., and Krystle Morgan, 25, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of distributing heroin and one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred Nov. 14, 2011, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each of the heroin counts and a penalty of not less than five years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearms charge.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

KCK school bus in accident, two sent to hospital

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

A Kansas City, Kan., school bus and a van were involved in a car accident this morning at around the area of 13th Street and Greeley Avenue.

The bus, which had school children in it, hit the van shortly after 7 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Kansas City, Kan., police are investigating the accident.

In regards to injuries, KMBC Channel 9 news is reporting that two people have been sent to the hospital in connection to the accident.

More information when available.

KCK author to hold book signing Saturday

Kansas City, Kan., author Charles Kendrick will be having a book signing this weekend at Judi's Bakery Cafe.

Kendrick will sign copies of The Adventures of Lowboy and Friski.


More information via a press release:

WHEN: 4-21-12

TIME: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Judi's Bakery Cafe, 11006 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109

WHAT: Kendrick, a resident of Kansas City, KS, will be available to sign copies of his book, The Adventures of Lowboy and Friski.
Lowboy is a small squirrel with one big problem.  He's afraid of heights!  The Adventures of Lowboy and Friski takes you on a delightful journey along Lowboy's rise from small town squirrel to national hero.

Today's Poll: Should people be required by law to purchase health insurance?

VIDEO: Highlights of Sporting Kansas City's win

As noted earlier, Sporting Kansas City prevailed 3-1 against Vancouver on the road Wednesday night. With the win, Sporting remains undefeated and is 11 points ahead of the second best team in the Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.

Here are highlights from the game.

Lucky 7: Sporting Kansas City remains undefeated

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

One team in Kansas City is on a seven-game losing streak.

Luckily, the team in Kansas City, Kan., is on a seven-game winning streak.

Sporting Kansas City defeated Vancouver 3-1 on the road this evening in Canada. Aurelien Collin scored after a shot from Roger Espinoza's shot on goal deflected to the scorer in the 24th minute of the game.

Now 7-0-0 to begin the season, Sporting Kansas City later received help from the opposition in the form of an own goal.

Vancouver's Martin Bonjour kicked the ball in his own net while attempting to pass it to goalkeeper Joe Cannon.

The goal helped Sporting Kansas City take a 2-0 early in the second half.

In the game's 65th minute, Kei Kamara scored off an assist from Chance Myers.

Vancouver's Sebastien Le Toux scored in the game's 79th minute, but Sporting KC held Vancouver scoreless the rest of the way.

The win is even more impressive considering that most of the statistics, outside of the most important one, indicated a strong performance by Vancouver.

The Whitecaps out-shot Sporting 19-8 and had seven shots on goal to just two from Sporting Kansas City. Vancouver also dominated the possession rate, 56.5 percent to 43.5 percent.

Still, it was not enough.

Sporting's record remains perfect and now are 11 points ahead of the second best team in the Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.

Fire at manufacturing plant causes $50K worth of damage

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

A fire at a manufacturing plant at 2100 Kansas Avenue has caused $50,000 worth of damage.

The fire was reported to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department late Tuesday night. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

According to Kansas City, Kan., Deputy Chief and Public Information Officer Craig Duke, employees had evacuated the plant during the fire.

Duke also said the fire was electrical.

"All employees had self evacuated," Duke said. "Crews found the machine used in the manufacture of cardboard packing boxes had caught fire. Crews were able to disconnected power to the machine. Fire was under control within seven minutes."

No major damage was done to the building itself.

Over $50,000 worth of contents were damaged, however.


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Former owner of KC Knights pleads guilty to tax evasion in KCK court

James Clark, 52, Overland Park, Kan., has pleaded guilty to tax evasion and bank fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Clark, a former owner of the Kansas City Knights basketball team, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., to one count of tax evasion and one count of bank fraud.

In his plea, Clark admitted that he withheld more than $502,000 in payroll taxes from employees of his company, SWISH Holding Corp., but failed to pay the money to the Internal Revenue Service.

He diverted the funds and used them for his own purposes, including the operation of the basketball franchise.

In his plea, Clark also admitted submitting false information to UMB Bank when he applied for a line of credit. He overstated the income, profits and assets of SWISH.

He gave the bank purported copies of federal income tax returns for SWISH for 2002 and 2003. The returns had not actually been filed with the IRS and falsely overstated SWISH’s income.

Additionally, as a personal guarantor of the loan, Clark gave the bank statements that over-stated the value of the Kansas City Knights and misrepresented that he had an ownership interest in the American Basketball Association.

UMB Bank approved the line of credit, and issued draws totaling $1,398,002.  He only made one payment on that line of credit, in the amount of $6,368.43.

Sentencing is set for July 16. 

He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the tax evasion count; and a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the bank fraud count.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.

Cerner announces new groundbreaking date

After severe weather postponed the first date for its groundbreaking, Cerner has announced April 24 as the new groundbreaking date.

The campus will be located on the southeast campus of State Avenue and Village West Parkway.

More information from a press release: 

Cerner, along with state and local dignitaries, will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Cerner’s new Kansas City, Kan., campus at 11 a.m. on April 24, 2012. The new campus will be located on the southeast corner of State Avenue and Village West Parkway.

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Wyandotte County Unified Government Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon, will discuss the impact of the campus on the area’s thriving economy. Cliff Illig, Cerner’s vice chairman and co-founder, will discuss the vision, design and working functionality of the new campus. All three individuals will participate in a question and answer forum and will be available for a ceremonial photo opportunity. Members of the media will also have an opportunity to conduct one-on-one interviews following the event.

The groundbreaking ceremony starts promptly at 11 a.m., due to parking, please arrive before 11 a.m.; specific directions will be available on-site.  As the ceremony will take place at an active construction site, closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

KCK students abuzz with excitement over Somerset playground equipment

By JAY SENTER, Prairie Village Post

The loss of Somerset Elementary was difficult for many in Prairie Village — but part of the school’s history has made for a group of very happy kids several miles to the north.

Silver Spring Elementary officials yesterday formally dedicated a new playground for the school’s 290 students, marking the first time in the school’s history that it’s had real play structures.

All of the new equipment — including two jungle gyms, a swingset and soccer goals — came from Somerset, and were donated by Hunt Midwest, which purchased the school from the Shawnee Mission district last year.

“Before, the kids would just be kind of running around during recess,” said principal J.D. Rios, who took over the head spot at the Kansas City, Kan., school last year. “We had a little structure for the kindergarteners, but nothing for the elementary kids.”

The school had attempted to raise money for a rudimentary playground through its PTA, Rios said, but hadn’t been able to generate enough funds. Just a rudimentary set up can cost upwards of $30,000.

“This is a high-poverty school,” he said. “It’s just very difficult for us to raise that kind of money.”

The donation was largely arranged by Kaler Bole, a former neighbor of Prairie Village Mayor Ron Shaffer, who knew Silver City lacked a playground.

In total, Rios estimates that the value of the equipment it received was well over $100,000. The Kansas City, Kansas, School District paid to have the equipment installed.

Rios said students at the school have been ecstatic.

“It was all the buzz around the halls yesterday — kids saying ‘We get to play on our new playground!’” he said. “This is the kind of thing, in this community, that can be a real motivator for kids to want to come to school. There isn’t anything else like this in the community now. The kids are very appreciative.”

KCK woman injured in Tuesday morning accident

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

A Kansas City, Kan., woman was injured Monday morning as a result of a two-car accident on Kansas Highway 7 near Interstate 70.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, KCK resident Jannetta Durrah was slowing for traffic while traveling southbound on K-7 Highway in Wyandotte County.

After slowing for traffic, Terry Helmert's vehicle struck Durrah's from behind.

Durrah went to the hospital following the accident, which happened at 7:47 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Helmert did not suffer any injuries.

UG Parks & Rec Department seeking volunteers for Hershey meet

News Release:

The Unified Government Parks & Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to help with the Hershey Track & Field Meet on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Washington High School located at 7340 Leavenworth Road.

The meet will start at 9:00 a.m. 

Volunteers working with field events are expected to report by 8:30 a.m. The day should be completed no later than 3:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours. Please contact Jim Rusconi at 913-573-8330 or email jrusconi@wycokck.org to volunteer.

Providence Medical Center President/CEO joins KCK Chamber Board

Randall G. “Randy” Nyp, FACHE, president/chief executive officer (CEO) of Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., and Saint John Hospital, Leavenworth, Kan., has recently joined the Kansas City Kansas (KCK) Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

The KCK Chamber board members participate in a wide range of community-building activities, including revitalization efforts underway in Wyandotte County.

“Providence is one of the largest employers in western Wyandotte County, employing more than 1,000 health care professionals and supporting an annual payroll of more than $73,000,000 in 2011,” Nyp says. “My participation with the KCK Chamber board is another way the hospital can be involved with our community and extend our healing ministry beyond the hospital’s walls.”

As a vital part of “The Dotte,” Providence also provides sponsorship dollars and in-kind donations to more than 35 not-for-profit organizations to support a thriving, healthy community. Nyp also is involved with the Kansas City Metropolitan Health Council (KCMHC) and other local groups.

Nyp brings a proven track record of 25 years’ experience to the KCK Chamber Board. He has served in executive leadership roles overseeing mergers, developing integrated health care systems, and motivating health care professionals to improve patient care while enhancing financial performance.

He has implemented strategic plans that not only achieved growth objectives, but also improved organizational productivity and deepened relationships within the communities being served. In his previous leadership roles, Nyp also focused on developing strong physician relationships.

Prior to joining Providence and Saint John, Nyp spent six years as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg, S.C., a leading not-for-profit health care system including several hospitals, a regional physician network, and two ambulatory surgery centers, both physician joint ventures.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Washburn University in Topeka and is a Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives.

The Midwest is home to Nyp.  He held multiple leadership positions for 19 years at St. Francis Health Center, Topeka, Kan., and Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, Colo.

He was also president and CEO of Via Christi Regional Medical Center and Wichita Health Network from 1997 to 2004.

KCKPD asking for helping in locating missing 13-year-old

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department is asking the community for help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl.

Jamelia Newman was reported missing this afternoon. 

She resides in the 1000 Block of Rowland Avenue.

Newman is described as being five-foot in height and she weighs around 85 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. 

If you have information, contact KCKPD Detective Mark Bundy at (913) 573-6052 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

KCKPS announces teachers of the year

News Release:

For their exemplary work, and their dedication to the district and its students, two teachers in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) have been chosen as the elementary and secondary local teachers of the year. They are: Helen Windhorst, art teacher at New Stanley Elementary School; and Steve Howard, math teacher at J.C. Harmon High School.

Each year, staff in all the district schools nominate one educator for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. This list of “Star Teachers” is then reviewed by a collaborative committee consisting of teachers, administrators and a representative from NEA-KCK. The committee selects one elementary and one secondary nomination to forward on to the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

All 45 “Star Teachers” will be celebrated at the district’s annual Star Teacher Celebration, set for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18 at the Central Office and Training Center.

Helen Windhorst 

Windhorst started working for the district in 1976 as a contract art substitute. She has taught at more than a dozen elementary schools over the years and has been at New Stanley for the past 12.  For the past seven years, she has served as the district’s lead art teacher. Windhorst guides her students to learn about themselves, art and the world around them. She links learning to other activities and to their daily lives and leads them into self-reflection by modeling and encouraging them to be artists in her room.

“I immerse them in art content gathered from national and state conferences, the Internet, personal experience, books and colleagues,” Windhorst said. “In return, they give me their hearts.”

Windhorst is a member of the Kansas Arts Education Association and the National Arts Education Association and has served as a presenter at their annual conferences. She has established many school/community activities at New Stanley including Muffins for Moms, Donuts for Dads and Fifth Grade Family Art Night.

Steve Howard 

Howard has spent 23 of his 31 years as an educator in the KCKPS. One critical aspect of his teaching style is bringing math and real life skills together. An example of this was the establishment of a student run store at Harmon. Students purchased the goods and the profit they made became their working capital.

His students compete annually in the district’s Math Relays, and typically have one of the largest pools of students at the event.

“For me to be at all successful in helping my students to acquire needed math skills, I must start with relationship building, establishing trust and letting them know I see them as capable, worthwhile people. First and foremost, I believe they are great kids and I tell them that on a daily basis. Only then can I begin teaching math,” Howard said.

He has been recognized as the Star Teacher at Harmon six times and has twice been named Teacher of the Year by the KCK Rotary. He also has been named KCK Track Coach of the Year and KCK Soccer Coach of the Year.

The complete list of Star Teachers is as follows:

High Schools

Mary P. Blomquist, F.L. Schlagle; Steve Howard, J.C. Harmon; Kelly Burns, Sumner Academy; Dane Johnson, Washington; Carol Normandin, Wyandotte.

Alternative Schools

Hershell R. Cox, Bridges/Wyandot Academy.

Middle Schools

James Thompson, Argentine; Jennifer Reynolds, Arrowhead; Anita Perdue, Central; Jae Tillman, Coronado; Stephanie Budt, Eisenhower; Fulece C. Carson-Hughes, Northwest; Hailee Nieman, West.

Elementary Schools

Nicole Marie Ragsdale, Banneker; Sara Passman, Bethel; Lisa Young, Caruthers; Mikesha Bradner, Claude Huyck; Tracie Rezzelle, Douglass; Lynn Salisbury, Emerson; Emily Coonfield, Eugene Ware; Irina Eccles, Frances Willard; Susan Care, Frank Rushton; Amy Runyon, Grant; Amirah Captain, Hazel Grove; Dawnyel McCollum, John F. Kennedy; Rick Smith, John Fiske; Katrina Byers, Lindbergh; Beverly Hovorka, Mark Twain; Jennifer Ramirez, McKinley; Colton Currie, M.E. Pearson; Elvis Spearman, New Chelsea; Helen Windhorst, New Stanley; Rachel Matias, Noble Prentis; Carmen Dorsel, Parker; Kathy Manherz, Quindaro; Brenda Chabot, Silver City; Lisa Webster, Stony Point North; Judy Fink, Stony Point South; Janice R. Vose, T.A. Edison; Bonnie Kane, W.A. White; Julia Cordes, Welborn; Amanda Griffin, White Church; John Burton, Whittier.

Preschools

Andrea Netzer, KCK Early Childhood Center; Heather Turi, Morse Early Childhood Center.