Ryan Blaney, left, and Joey Logano, the first and second qualifiers for the Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway, shared a light-hearted moment after qualifying. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel) by William Crum
Joey Logano, the second-place qualifier tonight for the Kansas Speedway Go Bowling 400, was not thrilled with being second.
Logano drives a Ford for Team Penske.
Another Ford driver, Ryan Blaney, was at the top in qualifying today for Saturday night’s Monster Energy Cup series race at Kansas Speedway. Blaney drives a Ford for Wood Brothers Racing.
Blaney said this is his best year ever. He is only 23 years old.
Third through fifth places are occupied by Martin Truex Jr., driving a Toyota; Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving a Ford; and Kyle Busch, driving a Toyota.
The Toyota Tundra 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
About 70 students graduated earlier this week from Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo from Bishop Ward High School) by Josh Johns
Seventy proud students from the Class of 2017 at Bishop Ward High School achieved the ultimate pinnacle of their high school career when they accepted their diplomas on Tuesday evening, May 9.
“…over the years, our class became a family,” said Valedictorian Natalie Bragdon in her speech to the crowd. “Bishop Ward shaped us and will always be a part of who we are… once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone.”
Bragdon achieved a 4.48 grade point average and will be attending Regis University in Denver, Colo. Natalie is the third sister to graduate from Bishop Ward; Rebecca graduated in 2008 and Emily in 2012. They are a strong legacy family as their father, Raymond Bragdon, also graduated from Bishop Ward in 1984.
“I am so proud of the achievements of the Class of 2017,” said Bishop Ward President, the Rev. Thomas Schrader. “They have worked hard to meet the goal of graduation that was set before them and to go on to college as moral leaders who will continue to mature in body, mind and spirit in Christ.”
The Class of 2017 had 11 students recognized as scholars of distinction maintaining a GPA of 4.0 or above, 16 were National Honor Society members and 30 graduated from the Academy of Finance program. The entire 2017 Class earned over $1.6 million in college scholarships so far. Many are awaiting word on additional scholarships that will help to propel their dreams of college.
In addition to academic achievements, all seniors are required to complete Legacy service projects during their years at Bishop Ward. This class has completed nearly 3,000 hours of community service and mission trips throughout their time at Bishop Ward High School. These volunteer opportunities create well-rounded individuals who realize the value in giving back.
“I hope that each graduate becomes the successful, faith-filled person God created them to be. Good luck to each of the graduates of the Class of 2017,” said Principal Karen Hopson.
Michael LeDesma was one of two salutatorians honored at graduation and he addressed the crowd expressing thanks on behalf of the class.
“We would like to sincerely thank each of you for all that you do for us,” he said. “Not only do you have loving hearts that you give to your family and friends, but you share your dynamic hearts with us… each one of you have been an amazing blessing to us.”
David Rodriguez was also recognized as a salutatorian and became the first generation of his family to graduate from high school. He is originally from Cuba and moved to the United States when he was 10 years old.
Josh Johns is the marketing manager at Bishop Ward High School. Graduation was earlier this week for Bishop Ward High School students. (Photo from Bishop Ward High School) At the Bishop Ward High School graduation earlier this week were, left to right, the Rev. Thomas Schrader, Michael Ledesma, David Rodriguez and Natalie Bragdon, (Photo from Bishop Ward High School)
The Unified Government Commission moved several projects forward at Thursday night’s meeting.
Several projects moved forward on an 8-0 vote, including an Argentine fast-food project. The commission set a public hearing date for the Argentine fast-food project of June 15 for the $3.3 million project. Commissioner Ann Brandau Murguia, who has been advocating for the development, left the board when the item was considered and did not vote on it.
The commission voted 8-1, with Commissioner Mike Kane voting no, to authorize a survey of the Leavenworth Road project, which would include land for underground utilities between 38th and 63rd streets. Eminent domain could be used for the right-of-way.
The underground utilities were an issue earlier. Commissioner Kane said spending millions on putting power lines below ground was the “wrong way to spend money,” especially when they are trying to find money for police cameras, vehicles and to repair or construct new fire stations.
Commissioner Melissa Bynum pointed out the resolution did not deal with funding, but just the ability to acquire property, regardless of whether utility lines are above or below ground.
In another project, the commission approved, on an 8-1 vote, a public hearing to take a portion of Holliday Drive from the Kansas City, Kansas, boundaries, which would allow it later to be annexed by Lake Quivira city. Three parcels of land would be taken out of Kansas City, Kansas, boundaries, and the road running through them would be excluded, under this proposal.
On a 9-0 vote, the commission set a public hearing of June 15 for amendments to the Village East STAR bond districts. The area is generally east of I-435, between Parallel Parkway and State Avenue, and were formerly part of the Schlitterbahn property.
An item concerning the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area of 18th to I-70, Central Avenue to Grandview Boulevard, was removed from Thursday’s agenda. It was part of the UG’s SOAR program to reduce blight.
Also approved Thursday night were several Land Bank items.
