Month: November 2014

Supreme Court allows same-sex couples in Kansas to marry

Same-sex couples in Kansas got the go-ahead to get married with a U.S. Supreme Court order today.

Today, the court denied the application for a stay in the case, Moser vs. Marie, and an order was vacated that had stayed marriage applications from being processed.

“KANSAS… GO GET MARRIED!” the ACLU wrote on its blog. The ACLU had represented same-sex couples in the case.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree had overturned the Kansas ban on marriage for same-sex couples on Nov. 5.

While the state is still appealing its case, the stay against couples being married has been lifted.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued this statement:

“The U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon, with two recorded dissents, lifted the temporary stay imposed Monday by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. As a result, the preliminary injunction previously ordered by the federal District Court has entered into effect, and pursuant to it the Defendant district court clerks are:

‘enjoined from enforcing or applying Article 15, § 16 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 23-2501 and any other Kansas statute, law, policy or practice that prohibits issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Kansas.’

“Although the preliminary injunction is in place, it remains under appeal in the 10th Circuit. The underlying case on the merits also remains pending.”

To read the Supreme Court order, visit: http://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/111214zr_2co3.pdf.

Annual Reasons to Believe celebration is Nov. 20

Twelve distinguished graduates of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools will be celebrated for their career achievements and community involvement as they are inducted into the 12th Alumni Honor Roll of the Reasons to Believe program.

The induction ceremony and celebration will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, on the first floor of the KCKPS Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Board of Education President Evelyn Hill will welcome guests, and honorees will be introduced by the current principals of their alma maters. The Sumner Academy Chorale Seniors will perform under the direction of Becky Thomas, director. Superintendent Cynthia Lane will address the members of the Alumni Honor Roll. Deryl Wynn, with McAnany, Van Cleave and Phillips, will present the 2014 Reasons to Believe Scholarships.

The Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll annually showcases the high caliber of graduates that the district produces and brings a select group of them together with staff, students, community members, colleagues and key leaders for a night of honors.

Members of the 2014 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll:
• Nedra Bonds, artist-social activist, Wyandotte High School Class of 1966
• Norman Brown, jazz guitarist, Wyandotte High School Class of 1982
• Wesley Guy Burt, artist-illustrator, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 1999
• Phil Dixon, author-historian-speaker, Wyandotte High School Class of 1974
• Dr. Simone Ariana Ellis, dentist, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 2001
• Lloyd Freeman, attorney, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Class of 2000
• Drue Jennings, retired CEO of KCP&L, Argentine Junior-Senior High Class of 1964
• Marcus Newsom, assistant athletic director-coach at Wartburg College, Schlagle High School Class of 1988
• LeeRoy Pitts, retired educator, Sumner High School Class of 1951
• Harold Simmons, retired police detective, Wyandotte High School Class of 1965
• Jayson Strickland, KCKPS administrator, Washington High School Class of 1989
• Christi Walter, health systems scientist and professor who holds a doctorate degree, Harmon High School Class of 1976.

Reasons to Believe was established in 2002 to generate pride and celebrate the progress being made throughout the district. As part of the program, nominations are sought for the Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll, which spotlights successful alumni to encourage and inspire today’s students.

To review past honor roll classes or to learn more about the program, go to www.kckps.org/recognition/alumni.
– Story from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools

Democrats to meet Saturday

The Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast will meet Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Eisenhower Room at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

The speaker will be former state Rep. Bill Reardon. He was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for 30 years.

The breakfast buffet is available at 8:15 a.m. and the forum begins at 9:15.

The cost for the breakfast buffet, which includes tax, service and tip, is $10; or $7 for students and those on limited income. All Democrats are invited to attend.

Reservations are requested by Friday, Nov. 14. Reservations are encouraged but not required. To make a reservation, email [email protected].