Month: May 2014

T-Bones game suspended

What a way to start the season. After 13 innings and a 7-7 score, the Kansas City T-Bones and Lincoln Saltdogs season opener Thursday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark was suspended until Friday night.

After giving up five runs in the sixth and seventh innings, the T-Bones answered with three runs in the eighth. And then, trailing 7-5, Danny Richar singled home David Espinosa before scoring on a fielder’s choice by Nick Giarraputo.

The T-Bones threatened in the bottom of the 13th after Robby Kuzdale and Espinosa singled, and then advanced to second and third, respectively, on a one-out wild pitch by Conor Spink, the seventh Lincoln pitcher of the game. However, Danny Richar struck out and Bryan Sabatella grounded out, stranding Kuzdale and Espinosa.

The game will resume at 6 on Friday night. Shortly after the conclusion, the T-Bones will face off with Lincoln at 7:05 in the second game of the four-game series. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.

KCKCC-TEC cosmetology students prepare for graduation

Melissa Pegel, Josie Hensley, Danielle Caruthers, Pauline Karan work with customer, Mazine Boyice at KCKCC-TEC. (KCKCC photo)

by Kelly Rogge

With graduation nearing, four students in the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Technical Education Center Cosmetology program are preparing for the next chapter of their lives.

Danielle Caruthers, Melissa Pegel, Josie Hensley and Pauline Karan have all been enrolled in the program for two years.

Each will be graduating with a Cosmetology Certificate of Completion and Cosmetology License.

The four graduates had a unique experience of being in both the old KCKCC-TEC facility and new building, which opened in August 2013.

They said the new location is modern and offers a great opportunity to work hands-on with customers, using what they learned in the classroom.

“I chose the cosmetology program because I have always loved to do hair,” Karan said. “What I liked most about this program was the fact that it was Monday through Friday, and you get to learn everything there is to know about hair.”

The cosmetology program at KCKCC-TEC is a 50 credit hour program for high school and postsecondary students.

The goal is to prepare students to take the Kansas Board of Cosmetology written and performance exam, which is required before a graduate can become a licensed cosmetologist.

Courses in the program include scientific concepts, physical services, chemical services, hair designing and business practices.

“I love to make people feel great and beautiful,” Pegel said. “I loved all of my instructors. We had this beautiful new building and great instructors to help us learn. I feel like I am now part of KCKCC history.”

For more information on the cosmetology program or any of the programs at KCKCC-TEC, call 913-288-7800 or visit the KCKCC website at www.kckcc.edu/academics/TEC/.

Pauline Karan, Melissa Pegel, Interim Fulltime Faculty- Cosmetology, Ralph Bautista, Danielle Caruthers and Josie Hensley. (KCKCC photo)

Ag Hall to close temporarily this season

The National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame, Bonner Springs, will close its doors temporarily this season, according to an announcement today.

“The Board of Directors believes that this is an opportune time to regroup and rethink the Center’s future,” said Jody Albers, president of the Board of Directors.

“Our balance sheet is strong, and our board of directors and partners are committed to a bright future,” Albers said.  Event and daily attendance have grown substantially over the last several years.  The previous staff and leadership have done a tremendous job, but without continued private funding the board has had to make a tough decision, Albers said.  The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame will be completely reimagined in the months ahead, she said.

The facilities and grounds will play host to a variety of events throughout the year. Temporary volunteer or part-time staff will be made available for scheduled events.  The facility offers a variety of spaces for rent and will continue to do so during this period, she said.  Staff will attend to the upkeep of the buildings and grounds and the preservation of the collection.  Maintenance of the buildings and grounds will continue as usual. The community and patrons will be able to visit the website to get updates and to express thoughts on the future, she said.