Month: July 2021

Protest calls for Department of Justice investigation into KCK police department

A protest this afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, called for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.

The protest by the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) took place outside police headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas.

Those involved in MORE2 include several activists and some area pastors. Some of the incidents referred to took place several years ago.

“MORE2 asked Mayor Alvey to call for a Department of Justice investigation of KCKPD two years ago,” said Marcus Winn, lead organizer for integrated voter engagement for MORE2. “We applaud the comments made by candidate Tyrone Garner in support of a DOJ investigation and hope all mayoral candidates will stand united in calling for an outside investigation of the corruption and violence perpetrated by our local police.”

A spokesman for the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department released this statement:

“The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department continues to be willing, and available, to assist any agency working any investigation involving our department,” KCK Police Chief Karl Oakman said. “Our relationship with the community is of utmost importance, which is why we are focused on strengthening current relationships and restoring those that have been broken.”

Letter to the editor

Representative supports efforts to address poverty, more funding for park security, deadbolt locks and gate locks at parks

Open letter to UG Commission, Mayor Alvey, Commissioner Burroughs, and Commissioner Markley:

Thank you in advance for your attention. I am proud to have supported all three of you at one point. I hope that G-d may continue to place his hand upon your head and guide you as you govern Wyandotte Country for the betterment of its people, and not simply its ruling class.

Hard times have fallen upon Turner and Argentine. Vandals dump trash in the street. Arsonists explode munitions in the public works while honest men and women hungry for work are struggling in their search for good paying jobs with benefits. The median income hovers around $20,000, and a large section of our community lives at or below the poverty line.

The southern half of Wyandotte County has fallen from the middle class lifestyle it enjoyed as recently as 40 years ago. The days of good infrastructure and high quality schools are gone.

The root cause of crime, drug addiction and violence is poverty. It is time to declare war on poverty.

I also call upon you to take immediate action to protect public works. I hope you will strongly consider protecting the taxpayers’ investment by appropriating funds to allow the Sheriff’s Department to increase patrols in Leo Alvey Park and Pierson Park between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

I hope you will follow Turner Baptist Church Pastor Steve Neal’s advice when he urges, “Rather than chains and padlocks [on the bathrooms], good solid deadbolt locks. Also, If I’m not mistaken, our parks have gates. They should be used. Parks closed at dusk and gates locked.”

Thank you for your time and for your public service to the community.

State Rep. Aaron Coleman
Kansas House of Representatives, District 37

Leavenworth Road closure begins in Wyandotte County

Leavenworth Road will be closed from 69th to 70th streets today through July 23. Detour signs have been placed. (KDOT map)

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), K-5 (Leavenworth Road), from North 69th Street to North 70th Street, will be closed beginning Friday, July 9.

Alternate routes can be accessed using North 67th Street and North 72nd Street and will be marked with detour signs. The road is expected to reopen on July 23.

This closure is part of a Unified Government roadway improvement project which includes grading, surfacing, and storm sewer work. Construction on Leavenworth Road has been underway for a number of months.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone, a spokesman stated. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1. Drive safely and always wear your seat belt, the spokesman stated.