Month: April 2019

Arraignments held for multiple defendants on drug trafficking, money laundering charges

Arraignments were held Monday in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, for some of 14 defendants charged with marijuana trafficking and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

A federal indictment alleges the defendants smuggled hundreds of pounds of marijuana from California and Colorado to be distributed in Kansas and laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.

Charges include drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy, unlawful use of the U.S. Postal Service and maintaining a residence for the purpose of drug trafficking.

The following defendants were charged in a 25-count indictment:

Steven Martinez, 30, Rosamond, California.
Nickolas Vander Bruggen, 28, Hesperia, California.
George Garcia, 31, Rosamond, California.
Alonzo Cooper, 28, Kansas City, Kansas.
Reginald Allen, 26, Kansas City, Kansas.
Kayla Union, 22, Kansas City, Missouri.
Akil Cooper, 26, Lancaster, California.
Marcus Joseph, 31, Lancaster, California.
Dominique Wilson, 24, Kansas City, Kansas.
Mario Zelaya, 27, Los Angeles, California.
Trenton Smith, 29, Aurora, Colorado.
Anthony Daniels, 58, Sacramento, California.
Daya Daniels, 46, Sacramento, California.
Barbara Haynes, 39, Littleton, Colorado.

Upon conviction, the charges carry the following penalties:
• Conspiracy: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
• Conspiracy to distribute marijuana: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Unlawful use of the Postal Service: Up to four years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Maintaining drug-involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.
• Money laundering: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Dubuque (Iowa) Drug Task Force, Kern County (California) Sheriff’s Office and the La Habra (California) Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

Community calendar

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

Women’s self-defense program offered April 3
A women’s self-defense program will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program is facilitated by Sidney Thompson. Kansas City Shizoku Karate-Do will teach ways to defend oneself and others. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Program on diabetes to be presented April 3
“Diabetes 101” will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The presenter will be Shannon Teft. The program will discuss finding better ways to eat and manage diabetes. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Women’s Chamber meeting canceled
A Kansas City, Kansas, Women’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting originally scheduled to be a talk by former Mayor Joe Reardon at 11:30 a.m. April 3 has been canceled. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled at a later date.

BPU to meet April 3
The Board of Public Utilities will meet for a work session at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the BPU offices, 540 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. On the agenda for the work session is the board update and general manager update, followed by a cold and warm weather policy review. The regular BPU meeting will follow at 6 p.m. at 540 Minnesota Ave. On the agenda for the meeting are a visitors’ time; a LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corp.) update; Lineman’s Rodeo update; preliminary February financial report; board comments and general manager comments. The BPU Finance Committee will meet from 4:15 to 5 p.m. April 3 in the board room at the BPU offices at 540 Minnesota Ave.

Blood drive planned
Washington High School, 7340 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in the small gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Master Gardeners to discuss garden design April 4
The Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners will offer a presentation on “Edible Garden Design” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, Sunflower Room, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The program will be presented by Sherry Thomas, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener. The presentation will discuss the ornamental value of edibles that should pass homeowner association restrictions. The fee for the class is $5. It will be waived for currently certified Extension Master Gardeners. For more information, call 913-299-9300.

KCK Chamber’s annual meeting April 4 to feature foundation executive, governor
Janis Bowdler, president of JP Morgan Chase & Co. Foundation, will be the guest speaker at the Kansas City, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, with welcoming remarks by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. The annual meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Reardon Convention Center, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kansas. The theme of the event is “Building Equitable Cities: How to Drive Economic Mobility and Regional Growth.” Doors open at 11:15 a.m., followed by the annual meeting lunch at 11:30 a.m., Gov. Kelly’s remarks, board chair comments, and the keynote speech starting at noon. The cost of the luncheon is $75 per person for individual chamber members or $90 for individual nonmembers. For more information, call the KCK Chamber at 913-371-3070 or email Katelyn McInerney at [email protected].

Women writers to meet April 4
The Women Writers Group will meet from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The purpose of the group is to help develop the writer within, learn new approaches to writing and to share one’s own writings. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Program on acupuncture scheduled April 4
A program, “Acupuncture: How It Works, Uses, Benefits and Treatments,” will be presented from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

KCK school board meeting canceled
This meeting has been canceled and will be rescheduled in May. The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education plans a special board meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Central Office, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The agenda may be posted at www.kckpl.org.

Town Hall meeting planned April 6
State Sen. Kevin Braun, R-5th Dist., plans a Town Hall meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6, at the Lansing Community Center, 800 First Terrace, Lansing, Kansas.

Growth group offered for women
Affirmations and Living Free Growth Group for Women will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, 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.

Blood drive planned
The Chiropractic Healing Center, Harding and Associates, 8437 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 8, in the donor bus in the parking lot. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Program offers advice on raising safe kids
 “ACT Raising Safe Kids Program” will continue from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The topic will be “Young Children’s Exposure to Violence,” presented by Heather Neds. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Free tax preparation offered
 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 through 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, April 9, 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. 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.

Program on allergies to be presented April 9
“Living with Allergies” by Dr. Alex Kieu will be presented from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program will discuss seasonal allergies, symptoms, their effects and when it is necessary to see a doctor. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

KCK school board to meet April 9
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. April 9 at the Central Office, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The agenda may be posted at www.kckpl.org.

Leavenworth Road Association to meet April 9

The Leavenworth Road Association will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Eisenhower Community Center, 2901 N. 72nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. The potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. The main dish for the potluck dinner will be fried chicken, and those attending may bring a side dish to share with the group. The guest speaker will be Shaya Lockett, small business liaison for economic development, who will present a new program for existing and new small business opportunities. For more information, call 913-788-3988.

Parenting support group to meet
A parenting support group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 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.

Book club to meet April 9
The book club will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. “Same Sky” by Amanda Eyre Ward will be discussed. 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, April 9, 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.

Blood drive planned
Schlagle High School, 2214 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Create greeting cards in program April 10
“Beautiful Cards” with Carole Thrasher will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending will create their own greeting cards. Supplies will be provided. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

‘Pretty Nails’ program offered
Appointments for a “Pretty Nails” program will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 11, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those interested must call 913-906-8990 to schedule an appointment.

Bukaty to speak at Fairfax meeting

Nate Bukaty, sports commentator for Sporting KC and Sports Radio 810, will speak at the Fairfax Industrial Association meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Neff Packaging, 555 Sunshine Road, Kansas City, Kansas. Bukaty is a native of Wyandotte County and will speak about the local sports scene. The luncheon will cost $25 and the registration deadline is 3 p.m. April 9 to
https://fiakck.org/product/april-2019-luncheon-fee/ .

UG Commission to meet April 11
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Commission Chambers, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. An agenda may be posted at www.wycokck.org.

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.

Groundbreaking for Piper fire station to be April 13
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Piper fire station is scheduled to be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at 2913 Hutton Road, Kansas City, Kansas. The groundbreaking was originally scheduled March 9 but was changed because of the weather. Because of construction on Hutton Road, access to the site is available only by Leavenworth Road.

Blood drive planned
The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 17 and 18 at the Hixson Atrium. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Blood drive planned
Sumner Academy, 1610 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the new gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Blood drive planned
Turner High School, 2211 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the auxiliary gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Town Hall meeting planned May 18
State Sen. Kevin Braun, R-5th Dist., plans a Town Hall meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at the Bonner Springs Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Blood drive scheduled
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28 at Prairie View at Village West, 11200 Delaware Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org. `

Blood drive scheduled
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 5 at the Village West Luxury Apartments, 11024 Delaware Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

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.wycokck.org/wycomuseum.aspx or 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, Kansas, 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, Kansas. For more information about the museum, call 816-820-3615 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ccoqmuseum/.