Community calendar

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

KCK libraries closed April 1
The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Libraries will be closed on Sunday, April 1.

Keeler Center to be closed April 2
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., will be closed Monday, April 2.

Blood drive scheduled April 2 at Providence Medical Center
A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 2, in the Providence Medical Center, auditorium rooms, 8929 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

KCK schools to hold public ‘listening tour’ April 3
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education will meet the district’s parents, students and community in a public listening tour. The board will listen to what is important to parents, students and the community concerning the Kansas City, Kansas, Public School district. The listening tours will be a chance for the board to hear first-hand about important opportunities that could help inform future board priorities, a spokesman said. It also gives parents, students and the community a chance to meet new members of the board. Some listening tour programs have already been held. The remaining listening tour:
• Tuesday, April 3: 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St.
Those unable to attend in person, can engage with the board by sharing their comments or questions during a YouTube Live event on the school district’s page: www.YouTube.com/KCKPSTV.

BPU Finance Committee and meeting scheduled April 4
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities will meet from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at the utility’s administration building, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The Finance Committee meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each month. The regular BPU meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 4 at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave.

Workshop offered on how to write a resume
A workshop on how to write a resume is planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at the Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas. The GoodWorks Career Resource Center at GoodWill, Mental Health America, Design Benefits Group and the Bonner Springs Library are joining together to offer 12 weeks of job-finding workshops on Wednesdays at the library. For questions or to pre-register, call 816-223-9409.

KCK Chamber plans ‘WyOneMetro’ annual meeting April 4
University of Kansas Chancellor Dr. Douglas Girod will be the keynote speaker at the Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4. Also in attendance at the annual meeting are expected to be Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James and Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey. The meeting will be held at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott, 200 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri. According to a KCK Chamber news release, the meeting will spotlight the vibrant partnership and collaboration between Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, and the entire metropolitan area. “Hosting our KCK Chamber Annual Meeting in downtown Kansas City, Mo., signifies our firm commitment to be a proactive partner in advancing regionalism for a more dynamic metro,” said Daniel Silva, KCK Chamber president and CEO, in a news release. “We are so pleased to be joined by Mayor James and Mayor Alvey, along with so many great partners from across the region.” Dr. Girod is expected to discuss the economic effect of the University of Kansas Health System on both sides of the state line, and the value of regional partnerships on the organization’s growth. Doors will open at 11:15 a.m. for the event, followed by the annual meeting lunch at 11:30 a.m. Mayor James and Mayor Alvey are expected to make remarks, there will be comments by the Chamber board chair, and an Ambassador Award ceremony before the keynote speech begins at noon. For more information, visit the KCK Chamber’s website at www.KCKChamber.com or email Katelyn McInerney at [email protected].

Blood drive scheduled April 5
Washington High School, 7340 Leavenworth Road, will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 in the small gym. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Master Gardeners offer program on dahlias April 5
Dr. Bernard Lohkamp of the Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society will give a presentation, “All About Dahlias,” at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Sunflower Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Dr. Lohkamp is the judging chairman for the group’s shows as well as the organizer of the Dahlia Society spring tuber sale. Dahlias add color and texture to late summer gardens, and are available in red, orange, yellow, white and purple, and in a variety of heights. The Master Gardeners program is open to the public, and there is a $5 fee that is payable at the door. Registration is not required. There is no fee for certified Extension Master Gardeners. For more information, call 913-299-9300.

UG Ethics Commission to meet April 5
The Unified Government Ethics Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Wyandotte County Courthouse, second floor, Division 18, the old county commissioners’ chambers, 710 N. 10th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

UG Commission to meet April 5
The Unified Government Commission is planning to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Commission Chamber, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Planning and zoning items are expected to be on the agenda, along with other items. An agenda may be posted in advance of the meeting at www.wycokck.org.

Grinter Friends taco dinner to be April 7
Grinter Place Friends will hold a Tacos N More fund-raising dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 7 at the Grinter Barn, 1400 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Tacos, nachos, dinners, drinks and dessert will be available for purchase. A meal of two tacos, refried beans, rice, chips and a drink will be $6.50. A meal of three tacos, refried beans, rice, chips and a drink will be $8. Individual tacos will be $2 each, and nachos will be $1.50 each. Dessert will be available for $1.50. There also will be a raffle for a cooler full of barbecue, with three gift cards from local barbecue restaurants, with a $350 value. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. For more information, call 913-334-2500.

Grinter Jamboree to be April 10
The Grinter Jamboree will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Grinter Barn, 1400 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The MP3 Band will perform country music, with guest Donna Hensley. Admission is $5. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call 913-481-3527.

Donnelly College to hold blood drive April 11
Donnelly College has scheduled a Red Cross blood drive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 11 at 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Jazz cabaret to be April 12
The Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Cabaret is at 6 p.m. April 12 in Upper Jewell on the KCKCC main campus, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets are $25 and $15 for children. Tickets are $10 after 7:30 p.m. Children 10 years old and younger are free. The cabaret will feature the KCKCC Blue Devil Jazz Ensemble (directed by Jim Mair), the KCKCC Latin Jazz Ensemble (directed by Justin Binek), the college’s three vocal jazz ensembles (Vocal Lab, Fusion and The Standard, all directed by John Stafford) and the KC Latin All-Stars, who will be playing at 7:30 p.m. The first half of the show will feature the student ensembles in performance with a catered taco dinner and drink options of beer, wine or non-alcoholic cocktails. The second half of the production will feature the KC Latin All-Stars who will provide music for everyone to dance. The event is sponsored by the KCKCC Music Club, with help from the KCKCC Intercultural Center, the Art Department, the Tech-Theatre Department, Media Services, Building and Grounds and the Division of Art and Humanities. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact John Stafford at 913-288-7137 or email at [email protected].

Grant writing workshop planned April 13
A grant writing workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 13, at the Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas. At this free workshop, persons will learn where to find grants, elements of a great grant proposal. The workshop, presented by Nancy Daniels, is sponsored by the K-State Research and Extension office. Registration is required by April 10 to [email protected], telephone 913-441-2665. For more information, visit http://bonnerlibrary.org/event/grant-writing-workshop/?instance_id=12912. Lunch is provided.

Prairie View at Village West schedules blood drive April 13
Prairie View at Village West has scheduled a Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at 11200 Delaware Parkway. For more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Blood drive scheduled April 16
The Chiropractic Healing Center has scheduled a Community Blood Center blood drive from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 16 at the Harding and Associates parking lot, 8437 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Blood drive scheduled April 18-19
The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., has scheduled a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 18 and 19 in Hixson Atrium. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Blood drive to be held April 19
Sumner Academy, 1610 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas, has scheduled a Commuity Blood Center blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 19 in the new gym. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

KCKCC awards and scholarship event planned April 21
The Mid-America Education Hall of Fame Awards and Scholarship Event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The annual event is the signature initiative of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Foundation, raising over $100,000 in 2017 to support student scholarships. The event will include a student art show, silent auction, student jazz performance, dinner and awards program. For more information, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=jfwtcnmab&oeidk=a07eet196g932877f2a.

Blood drive scheduled May 2
Security Bank, 10840 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, has scheduled a Community Blood Center blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 2 in the mobile bus at 10840 Parallel Parkway. To schedule a donation, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Registration open for Blue Devil 5K and Kids Trot May 5
The 2018 Blue Devil 5K and Kids Trot will be May 5 at Kansas City Kansas Community College. The Blue Devil 5K, which is in its 14th year, is at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 5. The course winds through the KCKCC campus on the roads, walking paths and sidewalks. The Kids Trot follows at 9 a.m. and is geared toward children 11-years and younger. Childcare volunteers will provide activities for the children from 7:30 to 9 a.m., so parents can participate in the run-walk. Registration for the 5K is $20 per person through March 31. The Kids Trot is $10. Registration for both the Blue Devil 5K and the Kid’s Trot includes a T-shirt, Finisher’s Medal, Goodie Bag and an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast following the event. About 200 people participated in the 5K and Kids Trot in 2017. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers. In addition, the winner of each age group will receive an award and a prize. Children in the Kids Trot will run in heats based on age groups. Distances will range from 25 meters to one-quarter of a mile. No strollers are allowed. For more information about the Blue Devil 5K Run/Walk and Kids Trot, visit www.kckcc.edu/campus-life/health-rec/WFC/blue-devil-fun-run-walk. Information is also available by calling the KCKCC Wellness and Fitness Center at 913-288-7610. For information on how to volunteer for the Blue Devil 5K Run-Walk and Kids Trot, call 913-288-7370.

Counseling offered
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., is offering individual and couples counseling to women and men who might not otherwise be able to afford counseling. Counseling services are available in English and Spanish. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information or to do an intake and schedule an appointment.

Wyandotte County Museum
For information about the Wyandotte County Museum, 631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, call 913-573-5002 or visit https://www.facebook.com/wycomuseum/.

Strawberry Hill Museum
For information about The Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas, call 913-371-3264 or visit 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. 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/ccoqmuseum/.

KCKCC wins on Gacke 2-hit gem; then tumbles to 10-run rally, 11-6

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Just when it looked as though Kansas City Kansas Community was about to complete a sweep at Allen County Friday, the roof fell in on the Blue Devils.

KCKCC had cruised to a 12-0 opening game win behind another superlative pitching performance by Cole Gacke and had a 6-0 lead in the second game only to have the Red Devils put 10 runs on the board in the sixth inning on the way to an 11-6 win.

The split, the Blue Devils’ seventh in nine doubleheaders this season, kept KCKCC (9-9) a game behind Allen County and Neosho County (both 10-8) in the race for a first division berth and a home playoff spot entering Saturday’s 1 p.m. twin bill between the two teams at KCKCC.

A 6-1 sophomore righthander from Liberty North, Gacke pitched his second straight two-hitter in the 12-0 7-inning opener. Only one Red Devil got past first base against Gacke, who struck out three and walked two.

The bottom half of the KCKCC batting order was particularly effective as five hitters combined for 13 hits in 19 at bats and scored 10 of the 12 runs. The Blue Devils finished with 18 hits, three each by Brandon Still, Brandon Green and Rorey Combs and two apiece by Brigham Mooney, Adam North, Josh Shumacher and Kevin Santiago and each had one double. The two hitters at the bottom of the order, Combs and North, combined to drive in half of the runs with three RBI apiece.

The big inning was the fourth when the Blue Devils lashed out five straight hits and scored five runs. Still started it with a double and Mooney, Green, Combs and North singled for two runs. A sacrifice fly by Shumacher and a squeeze bunt by Tyler Pittman scored two more and Santiago capped the inning with a run-scoring double.

The Blue Devils put together four consecutive doubles in a 3-run seventh. After Green’s two-base hit to lead off, Combs, North and Shumacher followed with RBI doubles. KCKCC took a 1-0 lead in the second on singles by Still, Green and North’s ground ball; added an insurance run in the fifth on a double by Mooney and single by Combs; and tacked on two more runs in the sixth on singles by Shumacher, Pittman and Still.

For five innings of the second game, Orlando Oritz was spectacular – 12 strikeouts including eight in a row during one stretch and just one hit – and a 6-0 lead. But six hits, five walks, one hit batter and an error later, Allen County had a 10-6 lead. Ortiz allowed just four hits but three of his four walks and a hit batsman came in the 10-run sixth. The Blue Devils used three pitchers in the inning, Allan Brown giving up three hits and three runs (one earned) before Julian Rivera gave up one hit the final two innings.

Home runs by Brandon Green and Rorey Combs helped get the Blue Devils in front 4-0 in the second inning. Green homered after a Still single and Combs followed with a round-tripper on the next pitch.
Doubles by Shumacher and Mooney made it a 4-run inning. KCKCC added another run in the fourth on singles by Shumacher and Mooney and a Pittman ground ball and made it 6-0 on an unearned run in the fifth.

The Blue Devils finished with a 9-8 edge in hits but left 14 runners stranded. Four Blue Devils had two hits each – Green a home run and single, Shumacher and Mooney a double and single and Still two singles.

Vehicle flips after crash on Southwest Boulevard

Injuries were reported in a crash where a vehicle flipped over at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at 31st and Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas.

According to a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper’s report, an Acura was fleeing from police, eastbound on Southwest Boulevard at 31st Street.

A Buick LaCrosse that was westbound on Southwest Boulevard turned left in front of the Acura, and the two vehicles collided, the trooper’s report stated.

The Acura flipped and struck a Board of Public Utilities pole, knocking it to the ground, according to the trooper’s report.

The driver of the Acura, a 17-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, male, was injured and taken to a hospital, according to the report.

A 17-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, female who was a passenger in the Acura also was injured and taken to a hospital, the report stated.

A 19-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, male passenger in the Acura also was injured and taken to a hospital, according to the trooper’s report.

The driver of the LaCrosse, a 26-year-old Overland Park, Kansas, woman, was injured and taken to a hospital, the report stated.