Month: February 2019

Freshman’s last-second shot let KCKCC escape Fort Scott

Brodi Byrd (KCKCC photo)

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Not only was it the best game of Brodi Byrd’s young career, she punctuated it with the biggest play of Kansas City Kansas Community College’s women’s basketball season.

Darting between three Fort Scott defenders, the 5-6 freshman guard from Truman High School grabbed a one bounce rebound and scored as time ran out to give the Lady Blue Devils a 75-73 win.

“Brodi had great energy all day and it really paid off for us on that play,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said. “She’s been shooting the ball with confidence but I’ve been challenging her to make more toughness plays and she answered me this time for sure! Nija Collier gave us a great burst of energy as well and knocked down some very timely 3-pointers.”

The win not only tightened KCKCC’s hold on first place in the Jayhawk Conference but put the Blue Devils in position to clinch a tie for the conference championship should Johnson County defeat second place Labette at JCCC Monday.

With two games to go, the Blue Devils (7-1) have the lead over Labette (5-2), Highland (5-3) and JCCC (4-3). KCKCC (25-3) closes the season at Highland Wednesday and at home against JCCC Saturday afternoon.

Byrd led the Blue Devils with a career high 23 points, knocking down 8-of-14 shots including 5-of-10 from 3 point while Nija Collier had another double-double – 22 points and 12 rebounds. The 22 points came on 8-of-12 shots including three very timely 3-pointers.

Guard Caitlin Stewart was also in double figures with 11 points while Lillie Moore and Kisi Young were keys in a 38-35 rebounding edge. Moore had eight points and seven rebounds; Young six points and seven rebounds along with three assists each.

Trailing 38-37 at halftime, the two teams entered a wild fourth quarter deadlocked 55-55. Fort Scott led just once in the final period but the Greyhounds refused to let KCKCC get away. Six times the Blue Devils went ahead and each time Fort Scott got back even.

Collier twice gave KCKCC the lead with field goals and Young did the same with four straight free throws. The only time the Blue Devils’ lead got to more than two points came in the final 1½ minutes.

Collier wiped out Fort Scott’s only lead with a 3-pointer with 1:35 left and then added a layup and free throw for a 73-68 lead with 23:2 seconds left.

The Greyhounds’ Arikiarra Clark hit a quick 3-pointer out of a time out and after a KCKCC traveling violation, Clark tied it with a short jumper with 15.5 to go.

It was just enough time for Collier to miss a short jump shot that was rebounded by Stewart for a baseline jumper that hit the corner of the backboard and into the hands of Bryd, who came from outside the 3-point line for the rebound, winning basket and subsequent mobbing by teammates.

“On a day where we weren’t very good and Fort Scott playing harder than us on most possessions, our girls picked the right time to out-hustle the Greyhounds and make them pay for it,” McKinstry said.

Guilty of 20 turnovers in an 82-41 loss at KCKCC earlier, the Greyhounds (16-8) made just five and matched the Blue Devils point-for-point from start to finish led by Clark’s 24 points and 5-of-6 3-point shooting by Shelina Harper.

“I felt not being able to practice Friday was a big factor in our effort today,” McKinstry said. “We seemed a bit tired and lethargic after being stuck inside all day. I understand it; the weather was certainly rough yesterday. But we’ve got to hold ourselves to a high standard with our expectations in these situations. We have to know we’re going to get everyone’s best shot. Don’t get me wrong, a conference road win is always a good thing. Now we’ve got to lock in for these two final games of the regular season.”

Faith news

To send in items for the Faith News, email information to [email protected]. Please include your name and contact information. In the event of inclement weather, contact the church or organization to see if the event is still being held.

Christ the King School will hold an auction and barn party benefitting the school at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the George Meyn Community Center, Wyandotte County Park, Bonner Springs. Tickets are $35 per person, with reservations to 913- 287-8823. Christ the King Catholic Church will hold a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, in Davern Hall, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.


“Scripture Study and Reflection” will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program is facilitated by Heather Neds. The Keeler Women’s Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, Kansas. All programs are free. To register, call 913-906-8990.

The 58th Annual Greater Kansas City Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast will be held Tuesday morning, Feb. 26, in the Kay Barnes Ballroom of the downtown Kansas City, Missouri, Convention Center, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Chair of the 2019 Breakfast is Rick Retrum. More than 900 persons are expected to attend the 2019 breakfast co-sponsored by more than 30 area mayors. This year the breakfast will benefit Restoration House of Kansas City, a faith-based group providing physical needs and recovery help for survivors of sex trafficking. Guest speaker at the breakfast will be Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation. Tickets are $50 each.


A Valentine Dance will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at St. Mary-St. Anthony parish basement, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets will be $20 for adults, with children under 5 free. The dance and meal are sponsored by the German American Edelweiss Society.


Members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas, will observe the seventh Sunday after Epiphany at 10 a.m. Feb. 24.


Wyandotte United Methodist Church will hold a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the church Fellowship Hall, 7901 Oakland. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.


Send Faith News items to [email protected]. Please include your contact information. If there is inclement weather, check with the sponsoring organization to see if the event will still be held.

Community calendar

In the event of inclement weather, contact the sponsoring organization to see if the event is still being held.


Painting class offered
“Painting Winter Scenes” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18 and 25 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program will be led by Mary Donovan. Call 913-906-8990 to register or for information.

Growth group offered for women
Affirmations and Living Free Growth Group for Women will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group helps women change the way they think about themselves and their lives. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Program offered on raising safe kids
The “ACT Raising Safe Kids” program will be presented from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Heather Neds is the presenter. The program on Feb. 18 will be “Understanding and Helping Angry Children.” For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Free tax preparation offered
Beginning in February, AARP will provide free tax preparation services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas. The program continues every Tuesday from Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Tuesday, April 9. Volunteer tax preparers will be at the Bonner Springs Library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This location will be a walk-in site and people do not have to sign up in advance. There is a list of what items you should bring, available at the library’s checkout desk. There are guidelines on what kinds of returns they can help with, and check with the library in advance for details. For more information, visit https://bonnerlibrary.org/aarp-tax-assistance/.

Program offered on healthy relationships
“Healthy Relationships: Domestic Violence Education and Support” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jaime Peterson. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Programs offered for Spanish-speaking women
Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, offers programs for Spanish-speaking women: Grupo de mujeres: con lideres Ana Maria Sauer, Los Martes, 10-11:30 a.m. Grupo de salud emocional para la mujer, ofrecido por MOCSA, contacte a Sinead McDonough, llame al 816-285-1349, los Martes, 11:30-1 p.m. Nutricion presented by Teresa Moreno, Jueves, 21 de Febrero, 10-11:30 a.m. Este programa le enseñara como cocinar comida deliciosa y nutritive de varias culturas. Camino A Casa, Reese Nichols, Jueves, 28 de Febrero, 1:30 – 2:30. El centro de mujeres, Keeler ofrece consejeria espiritual a mujeres y hombres en espanol y ingles. Gratis. Se aceptan donaciones. Llame al 913-906-8990 para hacer su cita o para mas informacion. For more information and registration, call 913-906-8990.

Caregivers support group to meet
A caregivers support group for men and women will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jackie Tigges, LSCSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Parenting support group to meet
A parenting support group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.19, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The education and support group is presented by Marqueia Watson, MSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Knitting and crocheting group to meet
A knitting and crocheting group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending may learn a new skill or work on a current project. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

BPU to meet Feb. 20
The Board of Public Utilities will meet for a work session at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. On the agenda are a board update, general manager update and Quindaro plant operation status. The regular session will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. On the agenda will be a visitors’ time, waiving of fees, report on a day at the capital, preliminary December financial report, board comments, general manager comments and executive session.

UG to hold public meetings on new downtown grocery store
The Unified Government will hold meetings allowing the public to give their opinions on the new downtown grocery store on Thursday, Feb. 21. Two meetings are scheduled on Thursday, Feb. 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 600 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

Blood drive planned Feb. 19
Bishop Ward High School is planning a Community Blood Center blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the school gym, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Municipal Judge Nominating Committee to meet Feb. 19
The Municipal Judge Nominating Committee, a Unified Government subcommittee, will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, to discuss municipal court judge nominations. The meeting will be in the fifth-floor conference room, Suite 515, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

KCK school board to meet Feb. 23
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, for a special meeting at the Central Office, 2010 N. 59th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. For an agenda, see www.kckps.org.

UG committees to meet Feb. 25
The Unified Government Public Works and Safety Committee will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the fifth-floor meeting room, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The meeting will be followed by the Administration and Human Services Committee.

Program on nutrition to be Feb. 26
A program, “Include More Vegetables in Your Diet,” will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program will be presented by Pat Callaghan. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

KCK school board to meet Feb. 26
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Central Office, 2010 N. 59th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. For an agenda, see www.kckps.org.

‘Pretty Nails’ program offered
Appointments for a “Pretty Nails” program will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those interested must call 913-906-8990 to schedule an appointment.

Fairfax Industrial Association to meet
The Fairfax Industrial Association will hold a festival kickoff happy hour from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Capital Electric, 2801 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas. Reservations are required. For more information, visit https://fiakck.org/event/fairfax-festival-kick-off-happy-hour/?instance_id=164.

UG Commission to meet Feb. 28
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Commission Chambers, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. An agenda may be posted at www.wycokck.org.

Opening day at lake to be March 2
The opening day at Wyandotte County Lake is scheduled for Saturday, March 2. In conjunction with the lake opening, the Leavenworth Road Association will sponsor a biscuits and sausage gravy breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 2 at the Davis Hall. The cost of the breakfast will be $10 for adults and a smaller portion at half-price for children 12 and younger. Breakfast includes two biscuits, sausage gravy, two sausage patties, coffee, milk or orange juice. The breakfast is a fundraiser for the Leavenworth Road Association.

Exercise program offered for older adults
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy – 11 a.m. to noon starting March 5 for Level 1, and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. starting March 5 for Level 2 at the K-State Extension office, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kansas. This is an exercise program for older adults and it targets strength, balance and flexibility. For more information about the classes, call 913-299-9300 or email [email protected].

Dining with Diabetes program offered
Dining with Diabetes – 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday for four weeks, starting March 6 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about the classes, call 913-299-9300 or email [email protected].

Two legislative coffees set for Saturday, March 30
The League of Women Voters, the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library and the Bonner Springs City Library will hold legislative coffees on Saturday, March 30. One coffee will begin at 10:30 a.m. March 30 at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave. A second coffee will be held at 1:30 p.m. March 30 at the Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton, Bonner Springs. Legislators who are planning to attend the coffee at the KCK library include Sen. David Haley, D-4th Dist., Sen. Kevin Braun, R-5th Dist., Rep. Pam Curtis, D-32nd Dist., Rep. Valdenia Winn, D-34th Dist., Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, D-36th Dist., and Rep. Stan Frownfelter, D-37th Dist. Legislators who plan to attend the coffee at Bonner Springs City Library on March 30 include Sen. Pat Pettey, D-6th Dist., Sen. Kevin Braun, R-5th Dist., and Rep. Tom Burroughs, D-33rd Dist. The legislative coffees are open to the public.

WyCo Ethnic Festival to be April 13
The WyCo Ethnic Festival will be Saturday, April 13, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College field house, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Hours of the event are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Music, dance and educational booths are planned at the festival. The festival promotes better understanding among people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. There is no admission charge to the festival, and it is open to the public. Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.freewebs.com/wycoethnicfestival.

Counseling offered
Keeler Women’s Center, offers individual and couples counseling and individual spiritual direction to women and men —available in English and Spanish. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information.

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.