Month: May 2019

Officers to crack down on motorists not wearing seat belts during Memorial Day weekend

Law enforcement officers in Kansas will be giving out tickets to people who aren’t wearing seat belts over the Memorial Day weekend.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Click It or Ticket campaign will run from May 20 through June 2 in Kansas.

Officers from many agencies will step up enforcement during the Memorial Day weekend.

According to a spokesman, in 2017 more than half of Kansas traffic fatalities were from unrestrained drivers or passengers.

“The Click it. Or ticket. campaign isn’t about issuing citations, it’s about saving lives,” said Technical Trooper Ben Gardner, of the Kansas Highway Patrol “Too many people die in motor vehicle crashes who could have survived if they had only buckled up.”

It is prohibited to drive or ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt, a spokesman said. Fifty-three percent of the 316 deaths from automobile crashes in Kansas in 2017 involved persons who were not wearing seat belts. Pickup truck drivers, young adults and males are among some of the worst offenders and most at-risk, according to a spokesman.

“Frustratingly, there are still people out there who do not take that extra second to buckle up,” said Chris Bortz, KDOT traffic safety program manager. “Any adult not wearing their seat belt could be issued a $30 traffic citation. Make a better decision and buckle up, every trip, every time.”

In 2018, the Kansas observed seat belt usage was 84 percent, below the national average of 90 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Education coupled with enforcement can raise this rate and ultimately save lives, according to a spokesman.

Health Partnership Clinic welcomes Wyandotte Pediatrics patients following practice closure in June

A small yet well-established pediatric practice in Wyandotte County will soon be closing its doors –after serving the community for more than 30 years– on Friday, June 14.

Dr. Debra Tickles is retiring, and Dr. Tracey Miller has opted to work as a Children’s Mercy Urgent Care pediatrician. That leaves more than 5,000 families needing to find care elsewhere.

According to Amy Falk, CEO, Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) stands ready to care for these patients and their parents.

“We serve all ages, and we’re conveniently located in Shawnee Mission, Kan. on the campus of Shawnee Mission Medical Center (now AdventHealth), as well as in Olathe. To accommodate the additional patient appointments, we have ramped up staffing at our Shawnee Mission location. Families are invited to tour any of our clinic sites. HPC also has clinics in Paola, Ottawa and a School-Based Clinic for Shawnee Mission School District students.

“Our overall goal is to fill the gap when Drs. Tickles and Miller close their doors and make the transition as smooth as possible for their patients,” Falk said. “Health Partnership will become the custodian of medical records, and all records will be transferred on June 18. We are honored that both doctors have put their patients’ health in our competent hands.”

As patients of HPC, families will enjoy additional services including pediatric dentistry and behavioral health as well as a sliding fee discount for those who qualify. Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) provides comprehensive, quality health care services, including medical, dental and behavioral health, for children and adults, regardless of socioeconomic status.

“Drs. Tickles and Miller have served this community with distinction and compassion, and they will be missed,” Falk said.

  • Information from Catherine Rice, vice president of marketing and outreach with Health Partnership Clinic

Cycling safety, family fun focus of KCK West Kiwanis Bike Rodeo Saturday

Elementary-aged kids will have the opportunity to learn tips on cycling safety, get free bike safety helmets and T-shirts and enjoy activities at the Kansas City T-Bones stadium at a free family event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 18.

The annual Kansas City Kansas Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo is back for the 13th year and will be held rain or shine in the parking lot area of Kansas City T-Bones Stadium, 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas.

Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the event to have their bikes inspected free and to complete the bicycle safety course. Youth must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate.

The first 300 to arrive will receive a free bike safety helmet and T-shirt.

Participants will rotate through seven bike riding skill stations and have the opportunity to earn a bicycle safety certificate.

Back again this year will be a free, drive-through car seat safety check. Experts will inspect car seats and ensure they are installed securely in families’ vehicles.