Month: December 2019

Despite injuries, No. 3 Lady Blue Devils 14-1 at halfway mark

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

With 24 days off, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s women’s basketball team is hopeful of finally being at full strength with conference play looming in the background.

“This team has overcome a lot of adversity in the first semester, primarily because of injuries,” fifth year coach Joe McKinstry said. “We have not been at full strength for one workout or practice since this group stepped foot on campus. Our lineups and play availability have fluctuated throughout November and December, which has limited us in what we can do in practice.”

Despite the injuries, the Blue Devils go into the holiday break with a lofty 14-1 record and No. 3 ranking in the latest NJCAA Division II Poll.

“I’m very proud of this group and the position they have put themselves in at this point in our season,” McKinstry said. “A 14-1 record speaks to their talent and capabilities.”

McKinstry has had just one player, guard Brodi Byrd, with experience from last year’s NJCAA Division II National Championship team.

“Diamond Williams was with us last season but missed the entire year with a knee injury, Caroline Hoppock has missed the entire season with an injury but we are hopeful she will return after the break. And Carson Chandler will miss the entire season with a knee injury that required surgery.

“So of the 11 individuals who have suited for competition, 10 of them are playing in a KCKCC uniform for the first time (nine freshmen, one sophomore transfer).

“The most exciting part is that I believe this group still hasn’t played its best basketball. Every day is a learning experience and as a group, we are just trying to learn as much as we can, limit mistakes and not repeat them, and continue to grow as a team. They’ve really put themselves in position to win a lot of games and hopefully compete for a conference championship.”

The Blue Devils resume play the second week in January, playing host to Southeast Nebraska Jan. 9 and Metropolitan Jan. 11.

On the road for three games against Missouri Southern junior varsity, Park University junior varsity and North Central Missouri, KCKCC begins play in the rugged Jayhawk Jan. 22 at Labette.

Bonner Springs man charged with drug, firearm possession

Shaun Salazar, 59, Bonner Springs, Kansas, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 15, 2018, in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

According to documents filed in court, when Bonner Springs police attempted to stop the defendant’s car, officers saw several objects being thrown from the car.

Items recovered included a ziplock bag of methamphetamine, a .45-caliber handgun and a magazine containing ammunition. Inside the car, officers found a .380-caliber pistol and two baggies of methamphetamine.

If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years on the drug charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession by a felon, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

The Bonner Springs Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

BPU receives Smart Energy Provider designation

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities has been named a Smart Energy Provider by the American Public Power Association.

The designation is for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost, quality, safe and reliable electric service, according to a spokesman.

Chris Van Dokkumburg, planning analyst at Holland Board of Public Works and chair of the Energy Services Committee in Michigan, presented the designations recently during the association’s annual Customer Connections Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The SEP designation, which lasts for two years (Dec. 1, 2019, to Nov. 30, 2021) recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and the customer experience. This is the first year the association has offered the SEP designation. BPU joins more than 60 public power utilities nationwide that received the inaugural SEP designation.

“This designation highlights utilities that are really stepping up to deliver their customers top-notch programs and services,” Van Dokkumburg said. “These utilities are going beyond ‘keeping the lights on,’ and their communities should be proud.”

“We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to support our community’s responsible energy use,” Bill Johnson, general manager of BPU, said. “We take a lot of pride in the programs we offer that help our customers save money and reduce our collective footprint on the environment. It’s encouraging to be recognized as a best-of-class utility when it comes to smart energy.”

  • Information from David Mehlhaff, BPU chief communications officer