Month: May 2016

Flunder remembered with proclamation

Mayor Mark Holland presented a proclamation for Mary Ann Flunder Day last week to relatives of the long-time KCKCC board member, who died March 24.
Mayor Mark Holland presented a proclamation for Mary Ann Flunder Day last week to relatives of the long-time KCKCC board member, who died March 24.

A proclamation was issued by Mayor Mark Holland last week naming April 28 as Mary Ann Flunder Day.

Flunder, a long-time member of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees, served on many community boards and was a community leader in Kansas City, Kan. Flunder died March 24.

She frequently attended Unified Government meetings, and her family was present April 28 to accept the proclamation.

“I know she would appreciate very much this honor,” said one of her daughters. “She spent her life working for and with those who had very little.”

She often got people to do things that made them better persons, she said.

Commissioner Ann Murguia remarked that she had never met anyone who worked harder for her community. “I hope that her memory is not lost and the community works together to erect something in memory of her,” she said.

Cycling safety focus of KCK Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo

Elementary-aged kids will have the opportunity to learn tips on cycling safety, to get free bike safety helmets and t-shirts and to sneak a peek at the attractions at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, 94th and State Avenue, at a free family event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14.

The annual Kansas City, Kan., Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo is back for the 10th year with expanded offerings and the same location. The event will be held rain or shine in the parking lot and entrance area of Schlitterbahn Waterpark, 9400 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

The KCK Kiwanis West, in partnership with Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Big D Cycling, Atmos Energy, Kansas City Building Trades Council, Safe Kids Johnson County and other community businesses and organizations, are committed to helping area youth ride their bicycles safely.

“Cycling is a fun and healthy way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Jan Wiley, KCK Kiwanis West event chair. “It’s also a leading cause of unexpected and sometimes serious injuries. Our goal is to ensure that youth learn the rules of the road and understand the importance of wearing well-fitted safety helmets.”

Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the event to have their bikes inspected free and to complete the bicycle safety course. Youth must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The first 300 to arrive will get a free bike safety helmet and T-shirt. Participants will rotate through seven bike riding skill stations and have the opportunity to earn a bicycle safety certificate

“Every year, more than half a million bicyclists visit hospital emergency rooms because of cycling mishaps,” Wiley said. “Nearly one-quarter of those injured in bike-related accidents are youth. A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent if a fall occurs. As the main sponsor of this bike rodeo, the Kansas City, Kan., Kiwanis West Club is committed to making sure area youth understand the importance of riding safely.”

Back again this year will be a free, drive-through car seat safety check. Experts will inspect car seats and ensure they are installed securely in families’ vehicles.

Kiwanis West Club member Kimberley Holm, a certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department said, “Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children from ages 1 to 14. Even though most parents understand the importance of putting their children in car and booster seats, seven out of 10 kids in child safety restraints are not buckled in properly. We want to reduce that number.”

Schlitterbahn season passes will be on sale for $5 off the full gate price. Season pass holders will have an opportunity to buy passes early, and process their season pass ID cards during the event.

“Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City is thrilled to host this popular community event,” said Chuck Stites, Kiwanis member and Schlitterbahn director of development. “In addition to helping kids gear up for a safe bike-riding season, the event promises to offer a morning packed with free family fun.”

Bike rodeo participants will be treated to free refreshments, courtesy of Judi’s Bakery; get to enjoy performances by kids affiliated with Kansas Academy of Theatrical Arts; tour attractions at Schlitterbahn; get a close up look at emergency vehicles, get into the groove with fun Zumbatronics workouts; and engage in other exciting activities, games and crafts provided by local businesses and organizations.

Those who have questions on the day of the event may call 816-751-4227.

Event sponsors include: Kiwanis Club of KCK West, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Atmos Energy, Big-D Cycling, Judi’s Bakery, Kansas City Building Trades Council, Providence Medical Center, Safe Kids Johnson Country, Board of Public Utilities, Country Club Bank, PACES, Morrill and Janes Bank, Sunflower Family Dentistry, August Resources, Country Place Senior Living, DeGoler Pharmacies, Edward Jones Investments – Eric McTye, Painters District Council 3, Unified Government Commissioners – Melissa Bynum and Jane Winkler Philbrook, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

Sunny skies ahead today

Patchy fog this morning will give way to mostly sunny skies later today, according to the National Weather Service.

Visibilities as low as a quarter-mile will be possible through 9 a.m.

Then, the skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 68, according to the weather service. Tonight, the low will be around 50.

No additional hazardous weather is expected through Saturday, the weather service said.

On Wednesday, there will be sunny skies with a high of 69; on Thursday, it will be sunny and the high will be 72; and on Friday, it will be sunny and 78, according to the weather service.

Storms will return to the area Saturday night, and then continue through early next week, according to the weather service. It is too early to determine whether this activity will be severe, the weather service said.

During the day Saturday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 80, according to the weather service. Saturday night, the low will be 60, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Sunday’s forecast is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 74.