Month: December 2017

KCK Library redesigns website

The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library has redesigned its website.

According to a library spokesman, the redesigned website launched on Dec. 5.

It will elevate KCKPL’s online presence and highlight multiple services the library offers patrons, according to a news release.

The website, www.kckpl.org, serves as a reading, information, and entertainment portal to the catalog, events at the library, eContent and databases, yearbook collection, and other features, according to the news release. It has a cleaner look and feel, and includes featured collection highlights, the ability to search the entire website and the library’s services, and a responsive design that makes browsing easier on tablets and smartphones, according to the news release.

“We’re very excited to provide our patrons a new and modern website,” said Alicia Houston, web and data services manager, in the news release. “As we move forward, we plan to update information and add features and enhancements to the site along with new and fresh content.”

The development of this website has taken place over the past year with comment from library staff on commonly asked questions and information available on the website along with an analysis and review of use of the previous website.

“We focused on what our patrons’ needs are and how we can reflect that in a functional library website,” Samantha DuPree, eContent library, said.

Specific thought was given to determine what should transfer over from the old website and what innovative features should be incorporated on the new website, according to the spokesman. Some new additions include a search bar for the website, specific “Senior” and “Adult” patron pages, a robust online look at the Kansas Collection, a library blog with recent, new items reviewed by library staff and a new job postings board with an online job application component.

Two charged with lying to become naturalized citizens

Two men who been living in Kansas were indicted in separate cases on charges of lying in order to become naturalized citizens, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Victor David Garcia Bebek, 45, a native of Peru who has been living in Wichita, was charged with one count of unlawfully obtaining naturalized U.S. citizenship. The indictment alleges Bebek failed to disclose on his application for naturalization that he committed crimes while in the United States, including voter fraud.

In April, Bebek pleaded guilty in Sedgwick County District Court to three counts of voting without being qualified. He voted in a 2012 special election, the 2012 general election, and the 2014 general election, according to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Kobach said his office learned of the voting fraud after Bebek became a naturalized citizen in February 2017.

Terry Kang, 48, a native of India who has been living in Overland Park, is charged with one count of unlawfully obtaining naturalized U.S. citizenship. The indictment alleges he failed to disclose on his application for naturalization that the government previously had initiated proceedings to remove him from the United States. In addition, the indictment alleges he made false statements to the government.

If convicted Bebek and Kang face up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and revocation of their naturalized citizenship. The Fraud Detection and National Security section of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Candlelighting ceremony planned today

Kansas City Kansas Community College plans its 93rd annual candlelighting ceremony at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Performing Arts Center at the college, 7250 State Ave. The event will raise funds for scholarships at the college, and also will mark the holiday season.

Musical performances are planned during the event, and free-will donations will be accepted for scholarships. The event is free and open to the public.