Scattered storms today, with heavy rain to the south

Rain today. (National Weather Service forecast)
Rain today. (National Weather Service forecast)

Scattered thunderstorms are possible across northeast Kansas and northern Missouri this afternoon according to the National Weather Service.

Locally heavy rainfall is possible with a few of these storms along with a few gusty winds, the weather service said. Severe thunderstorms are not expected.

In Wyandotte County there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 a.m. today, the weather service said. The high will be near 82.

Widespread heavy rain will spread across the Ozarks today and tonight associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill, according to the weather service.

Flash flooding will be possible across these areas, according to the weather service. While the heaviest rain will stay south of the forecast area, some rain could make it as far north as Butler, Sedalia and Boonville where saturated soils could cause minor flooding, the weather service said.

Tonight, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and storms in Wyandotte County, with a low of 68, according to the weather service.

Friday, expect partly sunny skies in Wyandotte County with a high near 83.

Hot and very humid weather returns this weekend, particularly on Saturday when heat index values could reach 100 to 105 degrees, the weather service said. The temperature high in Wyandotte County will be about 93, according to the weather service.

The Missouri and Kansas rivers in Wyandotte County are currently below flood stage and not projected to go into flood stage in the next few days.

The Missouri River at Atchison is in minor flood stage; the Missouri River at Leavenworth was in minor flood stage and is receding into the action stage; the Missouri River at St. Joseph, Mo., is in minor flood stage; the Platte River near Platte City, Mo., is experiencing flooding; and the Missouri River at Sibley, Mo., is flooding.

Friday to Sunday forecast. (National Weather Service graphic)
Friday to Sunday forecast. (National Weather Service graphic)

Rainfall amounts through Friday. (National Weather Service graphic)
Rainfall amounts through Friday. (National Weather Service graphic)

Nominations open for KCKCC Endowment Association’s awards program

by Kelly Rogge

There is still time to submit nominations for two awards that will be given at the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Endowment Association 4.0 Gala – the KCKCC Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award and the Wyandotte Countian of the Year Award.

This is the second year for the 4.0 Gala, which will be Oct. 24 at Lake Quivira. In addition to a reception and dinner, there will be a silent and live auction, presented by the Nigro Brothers as well as the presentation of the KCKCC Distinguished Alumni of the Year and Wyandotte Countian of the Year awards.

“We are looking forward to seeing who our award winners will be for the year,” said Dawanna Fangohr, professional assistant for the KCKCC Endowment Association. “We have several nominations, but we would like to have a few more.”

The purpose of the Wyandotte Countian of the Year Award is to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wyandotte County community. To qualify for the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, nominees must have either attended or graduated from KCKCC. Karen Orr, chief nursing officer at Providence Medical Center, received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014 while former Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Joe Reardon, received the Wyandotte Countian of the Year Award.

The Endowment Association’s nomination committee will select winners by Aug. 1.

For more information about the 4.0 Gala or to submit nominations for the Distinguished Alumni of the Year or Wyandotte Countian of the Year awards, contact Dawanna Fangohr at 913-288-7675 or by email at dfangohr@kckcc.edu. For more information about sponsorships, contact Patrick McCartney, executive director of the KCKCC Endowment Association at 913-288-7166 or by email at pmccartney@kckcc.edu.

Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

La Raza national conference planned July 11-14 in Kansas City, Mo.

The National Council of La Raza will hold its annual conference July 11-July 14 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.

NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguia, who is from Kansas City, Kan., will announce a lineup of conference speakers and entertainment at a news conference June 18 in Kansas City, Mo.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in the conference this year.

This year, the event kicks off with the National Latino Family Expo, one of the nation’s largest events focused on resources and activities for the Latino family. The Expo averages around 200 exhibitors who showcase their products and services. In addition, live entertainment, giveaways, free health screenings and cooking and exercise demonstrations offer attendees something new in a fun, exciting and family-friendly atmosphere.

The NCLR Annual Conference has become the nation’s largest annual gathering of Latino leaders, advocates, elected officials, business executives and change-makers whose work impacts the Latino community.

Through a series of workshops, town halls and presentations, participants engage in discussions about a range of issues critical to the Latino community such as the 2016 elections, education, immigration, workforce development, health care and housing.

Featured speakers from past conferences have included President Barack Obama, COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg and President and Editor-in-Chief of AOL Huffington Post Media Group Arianna Huffington.