Month: December 2018

KCKCC to celebrate 94th annual candle lighting ceremony

by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s oldest tradition is returning, honoring the holiday season while raising funds for scholarships at the same time.

The 94th-Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center on the main campus, 7250 State Ave.

Faculty have been asked to consider excusing students, so that they may attend the Candle Lighting Ceremony, as long as it can be done with minimal disruption to classroom instruction. In addition, faculty have been asked to make allowances for students who may come to 12 p.m. classes late as a result of attending the ceremony. Students will need to present a program as evidence of their attendance.

The ceremony will highlight students in the KCKCC Music Department and Theater Department as well as KCKCC Foundation Scholarship Donors and Recipients. Among the groups performing will be the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble and the freshmen and sophomore class representatives. Mary Ricketts, incoming chair of the KCKCC Foundation, will provide the keynote address. The Candle Lighting Ceremony is free and open to the public.

“The KCKCC Candle Lighting service is the longest running celebration on campus and perhaps the city, which began in December 1924,” said Tami Bartunek, chief marketing and outreach officer for KCKCC. “The celebration brings together students, faculty, staff and community members to honor our alumni, students and the history of the college. KCKCC is a cornerstone of our community and impacts so many families by fulfilling hopes and dreams. It’s amazing to see the continued community support by attendance.”

KCKCC faculty members started the Candle Lighting Ceremony in December 1924, the year after KCKCC was founded. It remains the oldest tradition at KCKCC and serves as an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. During that first year, a collection was taken to fund student scholarships. This tradition has continued and over the years, more than $10,000 has been collected for student scholarships at KCKCC. The current KCKCC Student Senate will continue this tradition by presenting a scholarship check to the KCKCC Foundation at the ceremony. Their motto is “from the students to the students.”

KCKCC Alumni and community members will be given the opportunity to give free will donations to support our KCKCC student scholarship fund. There are and have been many students who have benefited from the scholarship fund, which would not be possible without the community and alumni.

Kansas sets aside day of mourning for late President George H. W. Bush

Gov. Jeff Colyer has designated Wednesday, Dec. 5, as a legal holiday in Kansas to observe the national Day of Mourning for the late President George H.W. Bush.

State of Kansas offices will be closed that day, according to Colyer’s executive order. Also, flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days in Kansas.

Bush, 94, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday, Nov. 30, in Houston, Texas. He served as U.S. president from 1989 to 1993, and he was vice president from 1981 to 1989.

He will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., starting Monday evening. A funeral service will be in Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, and a funeral will be held Thursday in Houston, Texas, with burial at the presidential library at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Nonessential federal employees also are observing the national Day of Mourning on Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, issued this statement: “President George H.W. Bush was a steadfast defender of freedom and liberty, from his time in the United States Navy to his many years of service in Congress, as vice president, and as our country’s 41st president. Our nation is grateful for his leadership through periods of conflict and uncertainty around the world. President Bush was a family man whose legacy of faith and service will live on. Robba and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Bush family and we pray that President Bush has been reunited with Barbara, his wife of 71 years, in Heaven.”

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, stated on social media: “Rest In Peace, President George H.W. Bush. President Bush was a World War II hero, serving as the youngest aviator in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He dedicated his life to public service as a Congressman from Texas, Director of the CIA and Vice President to President Ronald Reagan before becoming the 41st President. Franki and I are praying for the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”

Freezing temperatures in this week’s forecast

The maximum temperature Monday in Wyandotte County is expected to be 31 degrees. (National Weather Service graphic)

A little snow overnight with freezing temperatures Monday morning has resulted in slick spots on area roads and highways.

Temperatures are expected to remain at or below freezing through the day and overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
Cold temperatures will carry through Tuesday, and temperatures will struggle to climb above freezing, the weather service said.

A quick-moving system Thursday could bring a dusting of snow to portions of the region, according to the weather service.

This weekend, a potent storm system will cross the southern plains, the weather service said. Forecast models continue to keep this system to the south of central and western Missouri and eastern Kansas with limited effects to the region.

Today, there is a chance of snow flurries after 2 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 31 with a north northwest wind of 8 to 10 mph.

Tonight, there is a chance of flurries before 3 a.m., with a low of 22 and a northwest wind of 6 to 9 mph, according to the weather service.

Tuesday, the high will be near 31 with a west wind of 7 mph, the weather service said.

Tuesday night, the low will be around 23 with a west wind of 5 mph, according to the weather service.

Wednesday, it will be sunny with a high near 45 and a southwest wind of 5 to 8 mph, the weather service said.

Wednesday night, there is a 40 percent chance of rain before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., then a chance of snow after 3 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 28.

Thursday, it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 31, the weather service said.

Thursday night, it will be mostly cloudy with a low of 16, according to the weather service.

Friday, it will be partly sunny with a high near 30, the weather service said.

Friday night, it will be mostly cloudy with a low of 20, according to the weather service.

Saturday, it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 32, the weather service said.

Saturday night, it will be mostly cloudy with a low of 19, according to the weather service.

Sunday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 35, the weather service said.

The low temperature on Tuesday morning in Wyandotte County is expected to be in the low 20s, according to the National Weather Service. (National Weather Service graphic)
Tuesday’s high temperature is expected to be about 31 degrees in Wyandotte County, according to the National Weather Service. (National Weather Service graphic)