Month: May 2014

Programs to help the needy this weekend

You can help eliminate hunger in the Kansas City area with some programs this weekend:

U.S. Postal letter carriers will lead the 22nd annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Saturday, May 10, in the Kansas City area.

Just leave a nonperishable food donation in a bag by the mailbox on Saturday, May 10, and the postal carrier will do the rest. It’s that simple and millions of Americans will be helped. Most of the food goes to local food banks and food pantries.

Hunger U raising hunger awareness at Kansas Speedway
The HungerU Tour is coming to Kansas Speedway this weekend to start a conversation about the global hunger crisis.
The appearance is sponsored by SFP, Hunger U’s local corporate partners, which is also sponsoring the 250 Camping World Truck Series race.
Feeding the world’s population is expected to be the world’s biggest challenge in the next 36 years, according to Hunger U. There will be an exhibit in the display area of the Kansas Speedway until 7:30 p.m. May 9 and from noon to 6:30 p.m. May 10.

Dance concert tonight, Saturday at KCKCC

by Kelly Rogge
Dancing is coming to Kansas City Kansas Community College this weekend.
The KCKCC Dance Concert is at 7 p.m. May 9 and 10 in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for non-KCKCC students, children and senior citizens. Admission is free for KCKCC staff, faculty and students with a valid ID.
The choreography is being done by Adjunct Instructor Danielle Swatzell and students Sharell Hall and Natashia Banks. Performances will feature KCKCC students as well as students from the Washington High School Dancing Dynasty Dance Team and the Academy STAR Dance Studio.
“As you can see, there is a little something for everyone,” said Charles Leader, theater professor at KCKCC. “From jazz to modern, there is a little of everything.”
Among the performances are a jazz routine to “Labels of Love;” a stage movement demonstration; a musical theater performance to “Kinky Boots,” a contemporary piece to “Fitz Pleasure” and a hip-hop routine to “Freestyle.”
For more information, call 913-288-7106.

Court affirms convictions

The Kansas Supreme Court today affirmed Wyandotte County convictions for two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

The case arose from the participation of Juan Lopez in a drive-by showing of rival gang members.

A unanimous court held that sufficient evidence was presented for the jury to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that Lopez was driving the car used in the drive-by shooting and that he acted with premeditated intent to kill.

In rejecting Lopez’ sentencing challenge, the court found that any error by the district court in taking judicial notice of facts relating to Lopez’ prior criminal case did not affect the current sentence and was harmless.

The decision is at http://www.kscourts.org/Cases-and-Opinions/opinions/SupCt/2014/20140509/105601.pdf.