Month: August 2021

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for northeastern Wyandotte County

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for northeastern Wyandotte County, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

At 3:56 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Lake Waukomis, or near ladstone, moving southeast at 35 mph.

This storm includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Also, wind damage to roofs, siding and trees is possible.

Also under the thunderstorm warning are southern Clay County, southeastern Platte County and northwestern Jackson County.

Monarchs split doubleheader in Sioux City

Clutch hitting, long ball win for Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs (52-24) only needed one swing—and some clutch pitching—to take game one of a doubleheader against the Sioux City Explorers (39-37), 3-2, in seven innings on Wednesday in Iowa.

That one swing came from just the fourth batter of the game—a three-run shot from Gabby Guerrero. The right fielder drove in himself as well as Morgan McCullough and Ryan Grotjohn, who both reached on singles, to score the Monarchs three runs.

Starting pitcher Justin Shafer pitched a five-inning gem in which he gave up just two hits, including a solo home run in the second for the Explorers lone run against him. He struck out three and walked five en route to the win.

The Monarchs turned to bullpen arm Jameson McGrane to bring the win home in the sixth, and he promptly walked the first two batters and gave up a single to give the Explorers another run. McGrane preserved the lead by inducing two pop outs and strike out to strand an Explorer at every base.

In the seventh, the winning run reached second with two outs after a double, a walk and a stolen base. McGrane was once again able to blow one by Lane Milligan to seal the win.

  • Story by Nathan Enserro

X’s end Monarchs’ winning streak

The Kansas City Monarchs (52-25) fell to the Sioux City Explorers (40-37) in the second game of their doubleheader on the road.

The Explorers got on the board first in the bottom of the second, putting up two runs and taking an early lead, 2-0.

The Monarchs couldn’t muster an answer in the third but struck in the top of the fourth when Will Kengor hit a single to center, then Morgan McCullough singled to right. Ryan Grotjohn walked to first and loaded the bases. A wild pitch to Darnell Sweeney scored Kengor and advanced the base runners. Then, a sacrifice fly by Sweeney scored McCullough to tie the game 2-2.

Sioux City responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth, grabbing two more runs and spreading their lead over the Monarchs 5-2.

The Monarchs couldn’t answer the Explorers as they closed out game two of the double header ahead of the Monarchs, 5-2.

Right-handed pitcher Jake Matthys (7-2) took the loss and was the only pitcher for Kansas City.

The Monarchs will meet the Sioux City Explorers for the finale of their four-game series Thursday night. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. The game can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with the pre-game beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on aabaseball.tv.

Following the game against the Explorers the Monarchs will head to Chicago for a three-game weekend series with the Chicago Dogs. All games can be heard on the Monarchs Broadcast Network with pregame coverage starting 30 minutes prior to first pitch.

  • Story by Emerson Peavey

New ID program launched by KCK police

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department has launched a new, free municipal identification card, according to a spokesman.

The department hopes it will pave the way for more residents to obtain housing, employment and vital services and benefits only accessible with a state-issued identification card, the spokesman stated.

Many vulnerable residents of Kansas City, Kansas, such as the unhoused and victims of crime, do not have a state-issued identification card or the means necessary to obtain the documents to apply for one, according to the spokesman.

This new police department program is not as extensive as another program under discussion in Kansas City, Kansas, the Safe and Welcoming proposal, which would provide IDs for undocumented persons. This program does not provide IDs for undocumented workers. This police department program is for those whose identity can be verified.

“We see these individuals everyday who can’t do simple things many of us take for granted such as picking up a prescription, renting an apartment or even get cash from a checking account – because they don’t have an ID to prove their identity,” Capt. Brittaney Pruitt, KCKPD Community Policing Unit, said. “Because of theft, fire or loss of possessions they also don’t have the documents necessary to prove their identity which makes the process of getting an ID nearly impossible.”

That is where the KCKPD Community Policing Unit hopes its new ID card – which will include the person’s legal name, photo, signature, date of birth, personal demographics and address or last known location, and, if applicable, Kansas State ID card number – will help residents.

Applicants start by booking an appointment with Community Policing where they provide personal information for the application and their photo is taken, the spokesman stated. Officers then utilize a minimum of two state-level databases to verify identity. ID will only be issued upon verification.

“It’s really then up to the applicant as to how far they want to go in the process,” Sgt. Angela Joyce, KCKPD Community Policing Unit, said. “The Kansas Department of Revenue will accept the KCKPD ID as proof of identification, which will allow them to get a temporary, one-year, state-issued ID card. With that temporary state ID, they will have one year to obtain a copy of their birth certificate. With their temporary state ID and birth certificate, they can then obtain a copy of their social security card, which will enable them to go back to get their official state ID. And the best part is that we will be there with them every step of the way.”

For more information on the KCKPD ID program or to schedule a KCKPD ID appointment, contact Community Policing at 913-573-6262 or email them at kckpdoutreach@kckpd.org.