Month: January 2015

No. 8 KCKCC women deal No. 7 Highland first loss in 18 games

by Alan Hoskins
Kansas City Kansas Community College officially stamped itself among the elite in the nation’s most competitive NJCAA Division II women’s basketball conference Saturday.

One of three teams ranked in the top eight teams in Division II, the No. 8 Lady Blue Devils handed No. 7 ranked and two-time national tournament qualifier Highland its first loss of the season with a furious, hard-fought 63-60 home court win.

“Exciting – and intense,” said KCKCC coach Valerie Stambersky, whose Blue Devils had to overcome a rash of turnovers and sub-par free throwing before backup point guard Arrica Daye clinched the win by grabbing her own missed free throw and dribbling out the final seconds to set off a wild mid-court celebration.

Trailing 26-21 late in a first half that had two ties and eight lead changes, the Blue Devils ran off 10 straight points on the way to a 33-30 halftime lead and were never headed the rest of the way. With less than five minutes remaining, the lead had grown to 56-46 on three-point field goals by Cheyenne North, the first of her career, and Cierra Gaines.

But just when it looked like the Blue Devils were in command, Highland turned up the defensive pressure, forcing six KCKCC turnovers in the final 4½ minutes. The Blue Devils further contributed to the Scotties’ rally by missing 8 of 10 free throws in the final 2:34.

After Highland had closed to 61-59, Erin Anderson made one of two free throws with 1:26 left and Cassidy Harbert added another with 24 seconds to go to keep the margin at three.

“The three-pointers by Cheyenne and Cierra were big and so was Erin Anderson’s free throw that gave us a 3-point lead,” Stambersky said. “With Cassidy Harbert in early foul trouble, Arrica Daye stepped in and gave us a different look. Defensively, I thought we were a lot more focused the second half.”

Highland drained four three-point goals the first half but managed only 2-of-15 the second half (13.3 percent) on the way to 37.9 percent shooting for the game.

The Blue Devils, meanwhile were 15-of-29 the first half (.517) and finished with 24-of-50 for the game to offset an uncharacteristic 26 turnovers and just 12-of-27 free throws.

Gaines led the scoring with 16 points while North had a huge double double, 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. Daye and Anderson each added seven points, Janai Mitchell six and Harbert and Rashaun Casey five each. Harbert and Mitchell also had seven rebounds apiece while Daye led in assists with three.

The win boosted the Blue Devils’ Division II record to 3-0, just a half-game back of No. 1 Johnson County (4-0), and their overall record to 17-2 heading into a Division I Jayhawk Conference clash at Independence Wednesday night.

For Highland, the Region VI champion and national tournament qualifier in each of the last two seasons, the loss was its first to any Division II team other than No. 1 JCCC under coach B.J. Smith.

Alan Hoskins is the sports information director for KCKCC.

Faith news

To send in items for the Faith News, email information to [email protected]. If there is inclement weather, call first to see if the event is still being held.

A benefit is planned Saturday, Jan. 24, for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas. The 41st annual Snow Ball will take place at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel, Kansas City, Mo. Proceeds will go toward providing for the basic needs of children and families in the region. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a social time, dinner and dance. Tickets are $250 per person. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiessnowball.org or call 913-433-2046.

Christ the King Catholic School is planning an auction on Friday, Feb. 27, at the George Meyn Community Center, Wyandotte County Park, 126th and State Avenue.

A weekly Scripture Group with Bible Sharing and Reflection, Lectio and Journaling, is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Heather Neds is a pastoral minister and leads the group at Keeler Women’s Center. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

The Kansas City, Kan., Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jack Reardon Civic Center, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. Addressing the theme, “Hands Up for Peace; Hands Up For Justice; Hands Up For God!” the Rev. Forrest E. Harris, president of the American Baptist College (affectionately called “Holy Hill”) located in Nashville, Tenn., will be the keynote speaker for the event. It is free and open to the public. A motorcade will be held before the celebration. For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/kck-king-day-speaker-to-be-college-president/.

Open Door Christian School, 3033 N. 103rd Terrace, plans a chili supper and silent auction on Feb. 20. The event will raise funds that will be used for the computer technology and training program, and for a shade structure for the playground.

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb.1, at St. Patrick Parish Center, 94th and State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan. Donations are $8 for adults and $3 for children. The meal will include Italian sausage and spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Carryout meals are available for Super Bowl Sunday. The event will also feature a variety booth. The Sisters, Servants of Mary, are a group of women religious with a nursing ministry. They provide in-home nursing care, free of charge, throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area for persons who are critically ill or dying. They live solely off the donations of their friends and benefactors and fund-raising efforts like the spaghetti dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call 913-371-3423.

St. Mary – St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., will hold Sweetheart Bingo, an afternoon of bingo and fun, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Bishop Forst Hall. A $5 ticket admission will get a bingo card, free desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Carol Shomin at 913-897-4833 or the parish office at 913-371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.

Stony Point Christian Church, 149 S. 78th St., is planning a Basket Bonanza at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, and is collecting donations from individuals of items to put into the baskets. Proceeds will benefit the Stony Point Christian Church preschool. Stony Point’s annual meeting will be after the first service at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 25.

Send in items for the Faith news to [email protected]. Include your name and contact information.

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to [email protected] and include your name and phone number. Please send in planned events by about a week before the event if possible. In the event of inclement weather, call the sponsoring organization to see if the event will be held.

Strawberry Hill Museum open for holidays
The Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., has opened for the holidays and will remain open on weekends through Sunday, Jan. 26. The museum, decorated in Victorian style, is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with special tours available by appointment. The cost of a tour is $7 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Call 913-371-3264 for more information or to make reservations. Holiday parties also may be booked. For more information, see http://www.strawberryhillmuseum.org/.

Wyandotte County Museum features World War I exhibit
The Wyandotte County Historical Society and Museum, 635 N. 126th, Bonner Springs, Kan., will feature a historical exhibit about the local effect of World War I, “Local Poppies: Centennial of World War I.” The exhibit will include information Wyandotte County service members, war memorabilia, propaganda posters and local memorials from Wyandotte County. This exhibit will be on display through March 20. For more information about the days and hours it is open, call 913-721-1078 or visit www.wycomuseum.org.

Project Feederwatch continues
Project Feederwatch continues at the Schlagle Environmental Library at Wyandotte County Lake Park, 91st and Leavenworth Road. The bird count is planned each Saturday when people sign up in advance. For more information, call 913-299-2384.

Programs offered for Spanish-speaking women
Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers these programs for Spanish-speaking women: Grupo de mujeres: les invitamos a disfrutar, compartir, recibe apoyo, con lideres Mary Ellen Rodriguez y Ana Maria Sauer, 6, 13, 20 y 27 de enero, 10-11 a.m. Grupo de salud emocional para la mujer, ofrecido por MOCSA, los martes, 1-2:30 p.m. Para registrarse contacte a Marie Alcocer, Llame 816-285-1357.

Support group for caregivers offered
A support group for caregivers is offered from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave. Kansas City, Kan. The facilitator is Jackie Tigges, MSW, LSCSW. Caring for a loved one who is ill or dying may be difficult and it helps to be supported by others. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Support group for those with addictions offered
All Addictions Group, a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction, at any stage of recovery, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call 913-906-8990 or register on-line at www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

Fundraiser planned Jan. 17
Resurrection Catholic School, 425 N. 15th, Kansas City, Kan., plans a fundraiser, “A Taste of KCK,” on Saturday, Jan. 17. The guest speaker will be Lamar Hunt Jr. A social time at 6 p.m. is followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and a program at 8 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. The event was sold out. For more information about registration and the event, visit resurrectionkck.edu12.net.

Fundraiser scheduled Jan. 18
A Bowl-a-Thon benefit fundraiser is scheduled for medical expenses for Missy Kline at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Ranch Bowl, 5604 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. There will be a suggested donation of $15.


King Day celebration to be Jan. 19
The Kansas City, Kan., Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jack Reardon Civic Center, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. Addressing the theme, “Hands Up for Peace; Hands Up For Justice; Hands Up For God!” the Rev. Forrest E. Harris, president of the American Baptist College (affectionately called “Holy Hill”) located in Nashville, Tenn., will be the keynote speaker for the event. It is free and open to the public. A motorcade for hunger will be held before the celebration. For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/kck-king-day-speaker-to-be-college-president/.

Providence to offer free smoking cessation classes
Providence Medical Center, 8929 Parallel Parkway, offers the community free smoking cessation classes that focus on why individuals smoke, methods to quit smoking and how to successfully stop. The series of four classes is available on the hospital campus in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department. The next session will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 20, 22, 27 and 29. To register for this free class, call 913-596-4950.

Turner board meeting planned Jan. 20
The Turner Board of Education plans to meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Administrative Service Center board room, 800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kan.

Healthy Argentine Challenge to begin Jan. 21
The Healthy Argentine Challenge will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The event includes information, health screenings and community resources. Part of the program includes free Zumba classes, free nutrition classes and free support groups.

UG Commission scheduled to meet Jan. 22
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. The meeting will be in the Commission Chambers, lobby level. Planning and zoning items are expected to be included on the agenda. Another UG Commission meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 in the fifth floor conference room, Suite 515, at City Hall. The 5 p.m. special session will include a presentation by the Department of Technology followed by a discussion about financial strategy. The agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting may be posted online a few days before the meeting at www.wycokck.org.

Snow Ball to be Jan. 24
A benefit is planned Saturday, Jan. 24, for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas. The 41st annual Snow Ball will take place at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel, Kansas City, Mo. Proceeds will go toward providing for the basic needs of children and families in the region. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a social time, dinner and dance. Tickets are $250 per person. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiessnowball.org or call 913-433-2046.

Raptor Days scheduled Jan. 24 and 25
The Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library and the James P. Davis Hall at Wyandotte County Lake Park, 91st and Leavenworth Road, will be hosts for Raptor Days Jan. 24 and 25. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 and noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Schlagle Library and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 and noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Davis Hall. Outdoor eagle and water fowl viewing, crafts, and a presentation about hawks, owls and falcons by Operation Wildlife are included. Presentation times will be at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Sponsors include the library, Operation Wildlife and the Board of Public Utilities.

5K run scheduled Jan. 25
The Psychodelic 5K Trail Run, Ice Edition, is planned at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Wyandotte County Lake Park, 91st and Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan. For more information about registration and cost to enter the race, visit http://www.psychowyco.com/id95.html.

ServSafe class scheduled Jan. 27
A ServSafe Course is scheduled Jan. 27. This course is for anyone who is interested in food service employment, handles any type of food service or group meals. To register or for more information, contact K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County, at 913-299-9300 or email [email protected].


Blood drives scheduled Jan. 28-29
A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 28 and and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at the University of Kansas Francisco Lounge, 3901 Rainbow Blv., Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

Eagle Days planned at Kaw Point
Eagle Days, an opportunity to watch bald eagles, will be Jan. 30 to Jan. 31 at the Lewis and Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point, 1 River City Drive. The location is accessible from I-70 in the Fairfax area of Kansas City, Kan. For more information go to the website www.lewisandclarkwyco.org or call 913-677-7752.

Red Cross blood drive scheduled Feb. 9
An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 at Curves, 1224 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, to find other blood drives in the area, or to sign up for a blood drive, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

School plans chili supper, silent auction Feb. 20
Open Door Christian School, 3033 N. 103rd Terrace, plans a chili supper and silent auction on Feb. 20. The event will raise funds that will be used for the computer technology and training program, and for a shade structure for the playground.

Counseling offered
Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers individual and couples counseling to women and men who might otherwise not be able to afford counseling. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to do an intake and schedule an appointment.