Month: March 2016

Residents provide information about stormwater problems at meeting

Residents viewed maps at a neighborhood stormwater meeting on Wednesday evening at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kan. The residents filled out forms about stormwater problems in their area, which was between 81st and 85th streets, from Parallel Parkway to Georgia Avenue. John Menkhus, with the Unified Government’s engineering department, said there were some potential storm sewer issues in the area, and a study will look at the issues and estimate costs. Doug Carpenter with GBA Architects and Engineers said a preliminary engineering study is planned. Menkhus said a couple of these projects are being done each year. Another neighborhood meeting took place around 29th and Ohio. At the end of March, a study is expected to start in the Stony Point neighborhood. The meeting was coordinated by the Unified Government Public Works Department. (Staff photo)
Residents viewed maps at a neighborhood stormwater meeting on Wednesday evening at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kan. The residents filled out forms about stormwater problems in their area, which was between 81st and 85th streets, from Parallel Parkway to Georgia Avenue. John Menkhus, with the Unified Government’s engineering department, said there were some potential storm sewer issues in the area, and a study will look at the issues and estimate costs. Doug Carpenter with GBA Architects and Engineers said a preliminary engineering study is planned. Menkhus said a couple of these projects are being done each year. Another neighborhood meeting took place around 29th and Ohio. At the end of March, a study is expected to start in the Stony Point neighborhood. The meeting was coordinated by the Unified Government Public Works Department. (Staff photo)

3 KCK persons charged in Stilwell bank robbery

Two men and a woman were charged in federal court in Kansas City, Kan., today in a federal criminal complaint alleging they robbed a bank, engaged in a high-speed chase with a 19-month-old child in their car, and fired at police officers who were pursuing them, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jacob L. Smith, 18, Kansas City, Kan.; Gary L. Jordan, 39, Kansas City, Kan.; and Danille Morris, 26, Kansas City, Kan.; are charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing firearms during the robbery.

A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleged Jordan and Smith were armed with handguns on March 9 when they entered the First National Bank at 7460 W. 199th St. in Stilwell, Kan. Morris and her 19-month-old daughter waited outside in the getaway car. Morris had helped to case the bank before the robbery.

Smith and Jordan held the tellers at gunpoint before fleeing with cash stuffed in a backpack, the U.S. attorney’s office stated. Jordan took the wheel of the getaway car. There was a video of the robbery, according to the criminal complaint.

During the next 25 minutes, the robbers were pursued by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as they fled across the Kansas-Missouri state line, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

During the chase, Smith fired at officers from the car, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. After the car overturned on a sharp turn, the defendants were arrested. Throughout the chase, the child was in a car seat fastened to the back seat of the defendants’ car.

One of the defendants told authorities that the two men were members of a street gang, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 25 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and not more than life on the brandishing charge.

Agencies assisting in the investigation include the FBI, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department and the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.

KCK school board honors students of month

Four students were honored by the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education for their exemplary work.

Named students of the month for February were Jermyiah Lewis from Earl Watson Jr. Early Childhood Education Center; Rubi Perez-Villegas from New Stanley Elementary School; Joshua Gaddy from Central Middle School; and Luke Wortman from Schlagle High School.

Their nomination letters:

Jermyiah Lewis, pre-K. :
“Jermyiah is such a wonderful addition to our preschool class. He is a leader among his peers, always setting a positive example for his classmates. He is a hard worker and tries his very best on every activity. He has many friends which he treats with respect and kindness!! Thank you for selecting him as one of the students for February student of the month.” Sincerely, Haley Logan, teacher

Rubi Perez-Villegas, 4th grade:
“Rubi is a positive role model for other students in our classroom. She takes great pride in her work and always does her best. She participates in classroom discussions and has a kind and gentle manner. She has become quite proficient with the iPad. When she writes, she is tenacious. Her mother is very active with our class and helps when needed. This caring background carries through in Rubi’s day-to-day activities.” Sincerely, Dawn Medina and Enid Rosario, teachers

Joshua Gaddy, 6th grade:
“As a science teacher and advocate, it gives me immense pleasure to write this recommendation for Josh Gaddy for student of the month. Josh is a well-rounded student, with values and etiquette. He is punctual and does his homework every day. He uses study hall to help others who are struggling. I have had the good fortune of meeting his parents as well, who are equally grounded. I am proud of Gaddy and his hard work.” Jodi Reno, teacher and advocate

Luke Wortman, 11th grade:
“Luke has a very pleasant personality and attitude. It can easily be seen that he values his education. This scholar is present physically and mentally every day and his grades reflect it. One thing that I truly appreciate about Luke is that he is not afraid to ask questions. He understands that to be successful you need to take on each task with care and seriousness. Luke is one of my brightest scholars! I know that he will continue to shine and his brightness will spread to those around him.” Sincerely, Raneka Truelove, language arts teacher