June 2015 – Page 63 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

‘Luau with Love’ to benefit kids in crisis

St. Patrick Parents Class of 2009 is once again collaborating with PACES to hold “A Luau with Love” – this year to help fund operating expenses for Robert’s Place, the new emergency shelter for kids in crisis in Wyandotte County.

“Remembering Robert: A Luau with Love” is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. Patrick Parish Center, 94th and State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan. For a $25 per person donation, guests will enjoy a buffet meal, entertainment, games, and a silent auction and other fundraising events.

The Luau commemorates Robert Zevenbergen, former St. Patrick parishioner, who died at age 20 in a tragic car accident on March 20, 2014. Robert’s Place is named in his memory and serves kids removed from their homes due to suspected abuse or who are at-risk of out-of-home placement.

Robert’s Place is a program of PACES, the Wyandotte County nonprofit agency that provides services to address emotional and behavioral needs of children and adolescents, and their families. Last year’s Luau with Love benefited the capital campaign to build the new Robert’s Place that will open this summer. This year’s proceeds will go toward ongoing operations of the emergency shelter.

To purchase Luau tickets, donate an auction item or be a sponsor, or for more information, contact Allison McLain, 913-328-4667 or [email protected], or visit paceskidsshelter.org.

– From Therese Horvat

First West Nile Virus case identified in Kansas this year

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting the first case of West Nile virus for 2015. The individual that tested positive is an adult from Lincoln County.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person. Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and in rare cases, death. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

West Nile virus cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. Through mosquito surveillance conducted in Sedgwick County, it has been found that an increase in mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus and therefore it is not surprising to see a case this early in the summer, health authorities said.

In 2014, there were 54 cases of West Nile virus in Kansas.

In addition to tracking cases of human illnesses caused by West Nile virus, KDHE assesses the potential for West Nile virus by conducting limited mosquito surveillance, including laboratory testing. At this time, there has not been a positive mosquito sample in Kansas.

Birds are not tested for West Nile virus in Kansas and KDHE will not be collecting information about dead birds, a KDHO spokesman said. If you find a dead bird, KDHE recommends that you wear gloves, place the bird in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided a web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/ or visit the KDHE website:www.kdheks.gov/westnilevirus.

West Nile virus case counts are updated each Tuesday on the KDHE website: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/case_reports_by_county.htm.

Rain, storms in forecast for Wyandotte County today

Thursday storm outlook (National Weather Service graphic)

Some rain has moved through Wyandotte County, and storm clouds are moving through the region this morning.

Most of this storm is located to the north of Wyandotte County, according to radar maps from the National Weather Service.

Thunderstorms this morning will continue to push off toward the east with a break in the precipitation midday today, according to the weather service.

Another round of thunderstorms will develop later this afternoon, bringing the potential for strong to severe weather from western Kansas through northern Missouri, with a slight risk in Wyandotte County and an enhanced risk.to the north, near St. Joseph, Mo., according to the weather service.

The storm this afternoon will bring the potential of tornadoes, hail, damaging winds and flash flooding, the weather service said.

Today’s temperatures may reach 90 degrees, with a heat index of 95, according to the weather service.

Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The chance of rain is 70 percent. The low tonight will be 65.

Friday, expect a 40 percent chance of showers and storms, with a high near 76, the weather service said.

Friday night, there is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The low will be 66.

On Saturday, the high will be near 79, with a 70 percent chance of shower s and thunderstorms. Saturday night, the low will be around 69, with showers and thunderstorms in the forecast.

Showers and thunderstorms also are in the forecast from Sunday through Wednesday.

Wind and tornado threat (National Weather Service graphic)

Wind threat (National Weather Service graphic)

Precipitation forecast (National Weather Service graphic)