Month: June 2016

UG working with Deffenbaugh to get trash picked up

Recent storm events have contributed to increased volumes of waste materials for many residents in Kansas City, Kan. As a result of this and other factors, many Kansas City, Kan., residents have experienced delays in getting their trash picked up in recent weeks.

The Unified Government has a contract with Deffenbaugh Industries to provide for the collection and disposal of solid waste in Kansas City, Kan., and is working closely with Deffenbaugh to get trash collected in neighborhoods that have fallen behind schedule.

“We value the partnerships we have with all of our contractors. Deffenbaugh has provided quality trash removal services for our community for more than 20 years,” said County Administrator Doug Bach. “We will do everything possible to resolve this issue in the most effective and efficient way possible to ensure our residents receive the trash removal services they’ve come to expect.”

Public Works crews were out Friday and Saturday collecting trash in an effort to help Deffenbaugh get caught up and back on schedule for residential trash collection.

“We understand the frustration of the residents and the Unified Government. Servicing our customers safely and on time is our top priority as we are bringing every resource to bear to address the situation to meet our customers’ needs and expectations,” said Lisa Disbrow, spokesperson, Deffenbaugh Industries. “We are committed to providing the service reliability that the community has experienced over several decades.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about their tras pickup may contact Deffenbaugh Industries at 1-800-631-3301 or visit the website at http://www.deffenbaughinc.com/all/contact-us for more information.

– Story from UG

Shooting reported on Leavenworth Road

Kansas City, Kan., police were called to a shooting Monday night, June 6, at 59th and Leavenworth Road.

A man was shot but was expected to recover.

Other recent cases:

On Saturday, June 4, an armed robbery was reported at 9th and State. A victim was taken to the hospital.

Also on Saturday, June 4, there was a life-threatening stabbing reported at 65th and Riverview. A suspect was taken into custody.

Special graduation ceremony held for KCKCC student athlete

Armoni Shorter overcame illness and family tragedy to graduate recently from Kansas City Kansas Community College. College President Doris Givens recently awarded his diploma at a hospital room. (KCKCC photo)
Armoni Shorter overcame illness and family tragedy to graduate recently from Kansas City Kansas Community College. College President Doris Givens recently awarded his diploma at a hospital room. (KCKCC photo)

by Mary Rupert

Armoni Shorter had been looking forward to graduation day May 24 at Kansas City Kansas Community College, but he was in the hospital that day.

So on May 27, graduation came to Shorter’s hospital room at Providence Medical Center.

KCKCC President Doris Givens and other college officials awarded Shorter his degree in his hospital room, with caps and gowns and commencement music.

It was the first time anyone at the college can remember a KCKCC commencement ceremony at a hospital room. Shorter is special, according to his coach.

“He’s touched a lot of people in his two-and-a-half years at KCKCC,” said KCKCC basketball coach Kelley Newton.

Shorter was a starter for the Blue Devils’ basketball team, and at the same time, he did outstanding academic work, with a 3.33 grade point average the first semester of his sophomore year and 3.44 the second semester, Newton said. His degree was in general studies, and he’s leaning toward business management.

It wasn’t always easy for Shorter, who is the oldest of seven children and the first one of the children to graduate from college. While he was at KCKCC, his mother died, Newton said. One of her wishes was for him to graduate, he said.

“He showed a lot of strength and got it done,” Newton said.

On May 24, Shorter’s dad walked across the stage for him, and on May 27, the graduation ceremony came to his hospital room.

“It was a unique situation that had a unique outcome,” Newton said. “It meant a lot to Armoni.”

Since graduation, Shorter has been released from the hospital and is with his family in Chicago, Ill.

“He’s expected to have a full recovery,” Newton said, and Shorter is expected to play basketball this fall.

Shorter has received a basketball scholarship to Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D., where he will continue his basketball and academic career, Newton said.

Armoni Shorter recently received his diploma from Kansas City Kansas Community College at his hospital room. (Photo from KCKCC)
Armoni Shorter recently received his diploma from Kansas City Kansas Community College at his hospital room. (Photo from KCKCC)