September 2016 – Page 87 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

Leaders plead with community to stop violence and come forward with information to solve four homicides

by Mary Rupert

Community leaders and police today made an impassioned plea to community members to come forward with information to solve four homicides within the past week.

Just an hour or so before a news conference at Kansas City, Kan., police headquarters this afternoon, the fourth homicide of the week was reported near 21st and Quindaro, according to police. A man in his 30s was found dead from apparent gunshot wounds, police stated.

Other Kansas City, Kan., homicide cases this week include:

• A homicide was reported Friday night, Sept. 2, a drive-by shooting that killed a teenage girl in the 500 block of Freeman at 6:33 p.m.
• A homicide was reported Aug. 31 in the 100 block of South 12th St., a drive-by shooting.
• A homicide was reported Aug. 30 in the 2400 block of North 9th St., a drive-by shooting at 3:47 p.m., and the victim died inside her home.

Deputy Police Chief Tyrone Garner said there was an unprecedented level of crime and violence currently in the community.

“What you see behind me is a unified front of elected officials, community leaders and concerned citizens that are here today to stand with the police department, and say enough. Enough is enough of the violence and crime that is going on in our city of Kansas City, Kan.,” Garner said.

“Our citizens, our elected officials and your police department, we’re not going to stand for it,” he said. “We need the community to stand with us in this regard, to say enough, as well.”

Garner said the homicides affect the community not just for a week, but they affect the families of the victims for a lifetime.

Grieving families and friends of the victims plan a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. tonight near 9th and Cleveland.

Since July 5, there have been 14 homicides in Kansas City, Kan., Garner said. He said so far this year, there were 28 homicides in Kansas City, Kan., as compared to 22 at the same time last year.

“We wanted to get our message of unity, the need for love, as well as a message of hope moving forward, that we’re going to come together and work together to keep our community safe and improve the destiny for everyone here in Kansas City, Kan.,” Garner said. “Your police department can’t do it along, these people behind me these concerned citizens, realize that, and that’s why they’re here today.”

Garner said there have been some community calls to the TIPS hotline, 816-474-TIPS, but that more information is needed.

“We’re going to aggressively and actively seek to get these individuals … off our streets,” he said.

He said the police department will be knocking on doors, seeking information about the crimes, and intensifying its efforts to solve them. A task force is working on it currently.

His message to anyone considering violence was to think twice, because the violence has to be stopped, he said. There is no reason, no excuse for anyone in the community to take the life of anyone at any time, he said.

“Tuesday night, a young mother, about 30 or so, was gunned down while sleeping in her bed, sprayed down by a barrage of bullets while sleeping in her bed, in a place where all of us should feel safe,” UG Commissioner Gayle Townsend said.

She said members of the community have to speak up and be supportive to stop this activity.

“Someone knows what happened,” Commissioner Townsend said. “I need for those persons to come forward, call the commission office, call the police department.”

While community leaders were preparing to get their message out about stopping violence, another homicide occurred last night, and then another one this afternoon.

“This has got to stop,” she said. “There is no reason whatsoever for these killings to continue.”

“Even though the bullets have plunged the particular families involved into abject grief, they continue to take other victims,” Commissioner Townsend said.

She said all members of the community have to take responsibility, and she was begging anyone with information has to come forward.

Besides grieving families, the killings are hurting the community as it tries to develop the northeast area, she added. While the UG has put money into the budget to help develop the area, the perception that the community is not safe could stop prospective businesses from locating here, she added.

Commissioner Townsend said she would support any lawful means the Kansas City, Kan., police use to bring the offenders to justice.

Commissioner Harold Johnson said he was pleading with the community to rally behind the families that are grieving, and he is imploring the community to speak up and say something.

“We are just one or two persons away from knowing who are these persons that have committed these acts of violence and murder in our community. As a father, right now I am completely perplexed and appalled and hurt by these murders that have taken place in our northeast section of Wyandotte County,” Commissioner Johnson said.

“We are better than this, Wyandotte County. We are better than this, Kansas City, Kan.,” Commissioner Johnson said. “It is a great community to live and raise a family, but we must stop this kind of senseless violence.”

He called on those who have committed acts of violence to turn themselves in.

Garner asked persons with information to call the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS or the police department at 913-573-6030 to report acts of violence. Rewards are offered for information leading to the solving of the crimes.

Neighboring Kansas City, Mo., has experienced a large number of homicides this year, with 74 homicides reported so far, according to recent reports.

Some Unified Government officials could not attend the news conference because of the holiday weekend.

Mayor Mark Holland sent out a statement: “In the last week, four people have lost their lives in drive-by shootings. It is important for us to remember that these four victims leave behind families and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are grieving.

“I want to thank Commissioners Harold Johnson and Gayle Townsend for drawing attention today to these senseless crimes,” the mayor continued. “I join them in calling on everyone who may have information about these crimes to come forward and help our police catch those responsible. Bringing criminals to justice depends not only on the efforts of our law enforcement officials, but on the community at large.”

Deputy Police Chief Tyrone Garner called for a stop to the violence in the community. There have been four homicides since Tuesday. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

“This has got to stop,” Commissioner Gayle Townsend said. “There is no reason whatsoever for these killings to continue.” (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

“We are just one or two persons away from knowing who are these persons that have committed these acts of violence and murder in our community," Commissioner Harold Johnson said. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert) — “We are just one or two persons away from knowing who are these persons that have committed these acts of violence and murder in our community,” Commissioner Harold Johnson said. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

T-Bones offense held in check in loss

Kansas City rallied late but ended up losing to Sioux Falls, 4-2, Friday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.

Although he’d given up a base hit in the second, Kansas City starter Jared Messer faced the minimum through the first 3 2/3 innings. Jake Taylor ended that streak and scored the first run of the game with his 13th home run of the season with two outs in the fourth. That put the Canaries ahead 1-0.

After Messer sent the Canaries down in order in the fifth, he allowed a lead-off walk to Ethan Chapman in the sixth. Chapman swiped second and was sent to third when Taylor singled. J.C. Linares singled, scoring Chapman, giving the Canaries a 2-0 lead. Messer (5-4) then walked Blake Schmit, loading the bases, before Cameron Monger sent a sacrifice fly to deep right that scored Taylor.

Sioux Falls starter Joe Bircher held the T-Bones in check. Bircher (6-6) tossed 7 scoreless innings, scattering six hits and no walks. He also tossed eight strikeouts, including four straight. Kansas City had runners in scoring position in three consecutive innings — third, fourth and fifth — but was unable to score.

In the third, Tyler Massey grounded into an inning-ending double play. In the fourth, Starlin Rodriguez reached third after leading off the inning with a single but was ultimately stranded 90 feet away. In the fifth, Nolan Johnson doubled with two outs. He was sent home on a single by Massey, but Canaries right fielder Aaron Owen sent a dart home that beat Johnson to the plate.

Kansas City finally got on the board in the bottom of the eighth. Trailing 4-0 with Massey, who reached on a fielder’s choice, at third base, Jake Blackwood picked up the RBI when he grounded an infield single behind second base.

In the bottom of the ninth, Sioux Falls reliever Madison Boer walked two T-Bones, bringing the tying run in the form of Massey to the plate with two outs. Boer (7) allowed a run when Massey singled to right and brought in one of those walks, Vladimir Frias, cutting the Canaries’ lead in half. But Boer ended the game by striking out Rodriguez. That gave Sioux Falls pitchers 12 strikeouts in the game.

Kansas City (41-56) continues this four-game season finale against Sioux Falls (38-59) Saturday night at 7:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.

– Story from Matt Fulks, T-Bones

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to [email protected] or [email protected] and include your name and phone number. Please send in planned events about a week before the event if possible.

Renaissance Festival opens Sept. 3
The Renaissance Festival opens Sept. 3 and runs on weekends through Oct. 16, at 126th and State Avenue. For more information, see www.kcrenfest.com/.

Programs offered for Spanish-speaking women
Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers these programs for Spanish-speaking women: Grupo de mujeres: con lideres Maria Elena Rodriguez y Ana Maria Sauer, Los Martes, 6, 13, 20, 27 de septiembre, 10-11 a.m.. Grupo de salud emocional para la mujer, ofrecido por MOCSA, contacte a Sinead McDonough, llame al 816-285-1349. los martes, 1-2:30 p.m. Clase de Nutrición con Terea Moreno, cada tercer Jueves del Mes. Jueves,15 de septiembre, 10-11:30 a.m. For reservations or more information, call 913-906-8990.

Program to address health challenges
A program will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on health information for Hispanic women. The program will discuss ways to approach health challenges. The program is offered in partnership with Mercy and Truth, with Dr. Alex Kieu as the presenter. For more information or registration, call 913-906-8990.

NAACP to meet Sept. 6
The Kansas City, Kan., NAACP executive and membership meeting will be held Sept. 6 at the second floor meeting room of the Bethany Medical Building, 21 N. 12th St., Kansas City, Kan. The executive meeting will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 7 p.m. Included on the agenda will be several guest speakers. The NAACP Branch is planning the annual Freedom Fund Banquet, and those interested in more information on it may call 913-281-7900. All members are encouraged to attend. For more information contact the office at 912-281-7900 or [email protected].

Pregnancy and infant loss support group to meet
A pregnancy and infant loss support group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The facilitated support group is for persons who have recently, or some time ago, experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. For more information or registration, call 913-906-8990.

Program to be offered on co-dependency
A program on co-dependency will be offered on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 7 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The program will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. It will discuss relationships and skills for having healthy, mutually satisfying relationships. Marla Looper will be the facilitator. . For more information or registration, call 913-906-8990.

BPU to meet Sept. 7
The Board of Public Utilities will meet Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. On the agenda for the work session, which begins at 4:30 p.m., are a board update, general manager update and benchmarking report. On the agenda for the regular session, which begins at 6 p.m., are a visitors’ time, awards, the August financial report, board comments and general manager comments.

United Way campaign kickoff scheduled
The United Way of Wyandotte County campaign kickoff is scheduled at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 8 at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kan.

Program offered about job search
“Finding the Right Job and Keeping It” will be the title of a program from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The program is for six Thursdays, and began Sept. 1. The class will cover writing resume and cover letters, practicing interview skills, then discussion on how to keep the job. For more information or registration, call 913-906-8990.

Fairfax group to meet Sept. 8
The Fairfax Industrial Association plans to meet at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, for a luncheon at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The sponsor of the event is the Fairfax Drainage District. The guest speaker will be Al Wallace, sports anchor for Fox 4 News. The cost of the luncheon is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required to Rebecca Heatwole by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, to [email protected].

Community event Sept. 8 to discuss KanCare expansion
A KanCare Expansion community action event is planned from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Donnelly College Event Center, 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Members of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas are sponsoring the community event. The organization is planning community events across Kansas to discuss what KanCare expansion would mean for Kansas residents. According to a spokesman, expanding KanCare would help the state’s economy and more than 150,000 Kansas residents would be able to access health care. To register for the community event, visit http://www.expandkancare.com/event/kansas-city-kansas-community-forum/.

BPU charity golf tournament to be Sept. 10
The BPU Employee Charity Golf Corp. will hold its annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Dub’s Dread Golf Course in Kansas City, Kan. As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, BPU employees sponsor and hold this annual golf event which, to date, has raised nearly $500,000 for charities and nonprofits in Wyandotte County. The 2016 tournament kicks off with registration and a continental breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The individual entry fee is $95, which includes greens fees, cart, a continental breakfast, refreshments on the course, and an awards dinner with prizes and free give-aways after the tournament. For player registration, contact David Mehlhaff at [email protected]. The deadline for player registration is Sept. 2. There are also several opportunities for individuals or companies to contribute or donate to this charity event, including corporate sponsorships at various levels, in-kind donations of gift certificates, golf balls, tees, and other items for use in player goodie bags. For donation or sponsorship opportunities, contact a member of the Golf Tournament Committee: David Mehlhaff 913-573-9173, Jerin Purtee 913-573-6833, Jeremy Ash 913-573-9555, Donna Maskil-Thompson 913-573-9967, Steve Wolf 913-573-6824, Tony Coleman 913-573-9667, Sam DeLeon 913-573-6915, Jason Moe 913-573-9348.

Central Avenue parade will be Sept. 10
The Central Avenue parade is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The parade will start at 18th and Central and end at Bethany Park, 12th and Central. Food, music and activities are planned afterward at the park.

Victory Project’s annual blood drive to be Sept. 10 at Children’s Mercy Park
A blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kan. The Victory Project’s annual blood drive is being held in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each blood donor will receive a “Bleed Sporting Blue” T-shirt, a Sporting KC locker room tour and lunch provided by Papa John’s Pizza. Early registration will ensure donors receive this year’s T-shirt. Register at www.RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: TheVictoryProject.

Program offered on raising safe kids
A program will be offered on raising safe kids on eight Mondays beginning Sept. 12 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. “ACT Raising Safe Kids” program will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays. It will cover positive discipline, anger management and conflict resolution skills. It will be presented by certified trainers, Heather Neds and Elizabeth Madeo. For more information or registration, call 913-906-8990.

KCK school board to meet Sept. 13
The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education plans to meet at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at Frank Rushton Elementary School, 2605 W. 43rd St., Kansas City Kan. An agenda should be posted in advance of the meeting at 22.kckps.org.

United Way of Wyandotte County to hold golf fundraiser on Sept. 15
Golfers are invited to the second annual golf tournament of the United Way of Wyandotte County. It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Painted Hills Golf Course, Parallel Parkway and College in Kansas City, Kan. The tournament is presented by Victory Automotive Group. The tournament fee of $125 per golfer includes lunch at noon and a modified shotgun start at 1 p.m. for 18 holes. There will be a goodie bag, door prizes and cash prizes for first, second and third place winning teams. A game package for $20 more will include a putting contest, longest drive contest, a mulligan, and a hole-in-one contest with $15,000 cash as the grand prize. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or find out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Cindy Cash, 913-371-3676 or [email protected].

UG Commission scheduled to meet Sept. 15
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Commission Chambers, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. An agenda may be posted before the meeting at www.wycokck.org.

Library in the Park planned Sept. 17
Library in the Park 2016 will take place at Big Eleven Lake, near 11th and State Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 in Kansas City, Kan. Library in the Park is completely free and will include activities for all ages. The downtown festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with DashKCK, a 5K run-walk sponsored by the Downtown Shareholders and Donnelly College. For more information, see https://wyandotteonline.com/award-winning-author-to-be-featured-at-library-in-the-park-sept-17/.

Bishop Ward plans auction Sept. 24
Bishop Ward High School’s 38th annual auction will take place Saturday, Sept. 24, and will include a silent and live auction. Tickets are $60 per person and include food and entertainment. For more information, visit http://www.wardhigh.org/apps/pages/auction2016.

‘Stay Strong, Stay Healthy’ program offered
The “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” program will focus on improving the health and well-being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide a safe, structured and effective strength training exercise program that targets strength, balance and flexibility. The program is sponsored by the K-State Research and Extension office in Wyandotte County along with the Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kan. It will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 27 at the Wyandotte United Methodist Church, 7901 Oakland Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The dates of the program will include Sept. 27, Sept. 29, Oct. 4, Oct. 6, Oct. 11, Oct. 13, Oct. 18, Oct. 20, Oct. 25, Oct. 27, Nov. 1, Nov. 4, Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Nov. 15 and Nov. 17. For more information and registration, call 913-299-9300.

Blood drive scheduled Sept. 30
A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at Providence Medical Center, auditorium rooms, 8929 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

30th anniversary celebration planned for Shepherd’s Center
The Kansas City, Kan., Shepherd’s Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Kansas City, Kan., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 4, at 7844 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.sckck.org or https://www.facebook.com/shepherdscenterkck/.

Quilt show to be Oct. 7-8
The Starlight Quilters Guild Quilt Show will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Abdallah Shrine Temple, 5300 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan. Admission is $4, and children under 12 are free.

Counseling offered
Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers individual and couples counseling to women and men who might otherwise not be able to afford counseling. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to do an intake and schedule an appointment.

Wyandotte County Museum
The Wyandotte County Museum, 631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and holidays. For more information visit the website www.facebook.com/wycomuseum or call 913-573-5002.

Strawberry Hill Museum
The Strawberry Hill Museum at 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., is open on the weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. For information, call 913-371-3264 or visit http://www.strawberryhillmuseum.org/.

Grinter Place Museum
The Grinter Place State Historic Site, 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan., is one of the oldest homes in the area, built in 1857. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students; and children 5 and younger free. It is closed on state holidays. For more information about hours and days it is open, call 913-299-0373 or visit http://www.kshs.org/p/grinter-place-plan-your-visit/15857.

Old Quindaro Museum
The Old Quindaro Museum is at 3432 N. 29th St., Kansas City, Kan. For more information about the museum, call 816-820-3615 or visit https://www.facebook.com/oldquindaromuseum/.