Month: November 2018

KCKCC volunteers needed for Wreaths Across America

by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC

The Department of Military and Veteran Student Services (KCKCC Veterans Center) is looking for volunteers to support Wreaths Across America next month.

Wreaths Across America starts with at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 with a ceremony at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road in Leavenworth.

KCKCC will assist in laying wreaths shortly after. Volunteers will meet at 10:45 a.m. at the cemetery. The retirement of the wreaths will take place Jan. 19.

Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization that was founded in 2007.

Every December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies. The theme this year is “Be Their Witness.”

This event brings together community service groups and organizations from the local area to provide assistance and pay respect to the veterans that are laid to rest.

Persons interested in volunteering for this event may contact Amy Sigmon at the Veterans Center at [email protected] or call 913-288-7593 by Dec. 7. When calling, let the Veterans Center know if you can participate in the event on Dec 15, Jan. 19 or both. Provide your T-shirt size as all volunteers will be given a T-shirt for supporting the event. T–shirts can be picked up at the Veterans Center on Dec. 14 or the day of the event.

For additional information about this program, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Lady Blue Devils cruise 97-53 for 10th win of season

Sophomore Kisi Young posted her second double-double in three days, going high for one of her seven field goals in a 14-point, 11-rebound effort in KCKCC’s 97-53 win over William Penn junior varsity Thursday. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

With win No. 10 safely in the books via a 97-53 win over William Penn junior varsity Thursday, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Lady Blue Devils take to the road for their next three games.

At Washburn University junior varsity Monday at 5:30 p.m., the Blue Devils (10-1) will compete next Friday and Saturday in the Southeast Nebraska Classic in Beatrice. They’ll open play Friday against Central Nebraska at 2 p.m. and then meet host Southeast Saturday at 6 p.m. before returning home for a big re-match with Metropolitan Community College Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The inside-outside presence of sophomores Nija Collier and Camryn Swanson laid the ground work for the 97-53 win over William Penn.

Collier scored a game high 25 points on 10-of-12 field goal attempts, grabbed eight rebounds and came away with a season high six steals while Swanson had a season high 19 points that included 5-of-9 three-pointers.

Kisi Young had her second double-double in three days, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while Lillie Moore had a near double-double with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Caroline Hoppock added nine points, Brodi Byrd seven and Lenaejha Evans six while Caitlyn Stewart led in assists with five.

Tied 4-4 after more than three minutes into the game, the Blue Devils ran off 16 straight points for a 20-4 lead and led 23-11 after one quarter on 58.8 percent shooting.

They finished the game with 35-of-65 shots for 53.8 percent while limiting the Statesmen to 31.3 percent shooting. KCKCC also forced 33 turnovers but committed 21 and had only a 41-38 edge in rebounding.

“We shot the ball well but 21 turnovers take away a lot of opportunities to score,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said. “Also, William Penn had 18 offensive rebounds and had a 10-0 run to finish the game. We have to be better than that.

“We did make 18-of-21 free throws (.857) which is fantastic but I’m still waiting on a night where we can shoot the ball well from 3-point. We’re capable of doing better (.375). And we have to do a better job in the fourth quarter. We have to stay focused. Now is the time we’re getting ready for January and February.”

Surrounded on three sides, KCKCC point guard Caitlyn Stewart looked to escape on the way to a game high five assists in the Blue Devils’ 97-53 win over William Penn junior varsity. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)
KCKCC guard Caroline Hoppock split the defense for a reverse layup in the Blue Devils’ 97-53 win over William Penn junior varsity Thursday. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)

Westheight holiday homes tour to be Dec. 9

The Historic Westheight Holiday Homes Tour will be from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

This year the tour includes five homes, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as well as Wyandotte High School.

The tour begins at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18th St. in Kansas City, Kansas.

Tickets are $10. Go to www.historicwestheight.org for more information and to purchase tickets online.

Proceeds will benefit the neighborhood association and St. Paul’s Food Pantry.

Westheight Manor is listed as historically significant in the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places.

– From Susan Allen