Month: January 2022

Plans underway for shelter at 29th and Ridge

Plans are in the works for a men’s Shalom House shelter at 2901 Ridge Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas.

The shelter will make improvements to the property before opening, according to a presentation made at a Unified Government Commission meeting on Jan. 6. The UG Commission approved a plan Jan. 6 for Catholic Charities to fix up the former Sanctuary of Hope retreat site, and move Shalom House there.

Shalom House was formerly near 13th and Parallel for about 40 years.

The site at 2901 Ridge Ave. will have 31 guest rooms, room for 35 cars along with a dining area, and may serve up to 60 individuals, according to Kevin Bentley, representing Catholic Charities.

Plans are for a slow ramp-up to maintain quality of services, he said.

More than $2 million will be invested in the improvements, he said.

The site will provide full wraparound services for men staying at Shalom House, he added. He also said there will be no walkup admissions, and referrals will be made from their programs and other agencies. They will conduct background checks and screening on individuals.

He also said there will be a security system and property at the site will be cleaned up. They may have to come back again for variances on buildings, according to planning officials.

Several people appeared in favor and against the project. Matt Watkins said it was a vital program serving the homeless.

Kasey Featherstone, who lives near the center, said she was excited about the program and it would lift many men out of poverty.

A neighbor who lives next to the property opposed it, saying she was concerned about her safety. Another resident was concerned about property values.

Paul Soptick, who lives near the site, said he was concerned about safety and he mentioned several areas to work on.

Commissioner Harold Johnson said homelessness was an increasing problem in the community, and needed to be addressed. He said the site provides a very discreet place in the community to do that.

Commissioners also asked the center to reach out to the neighbors and create a partnership at the neighborhood level.

Current Wyandotte County warming centers are listed online at https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/Warming-Centers-Winter-2021-2022.

An emergency cold weather shelter has opened at the Reardon Center, 5th and State, for nights when the temperature is 25 degrees and below. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the shelter closes at 7 a.m. It is a first-come, first-served shelter. The entrance is off 5th Street.

BPU offers cold weather tips to prevent frozen pipes

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities (BPU) reminds homeowners of steps to take to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes, which can bring costly plumbing repairs and replacement fees along with headaches and unexpected expense for homeowners.

“We are facing frigid temps across the metro, which can cause pipes in vulnerable areas to freeze and burst, resulting in costly damage,” said David Mehlhaff, BPU’s chief communications officer. “By simply running a pencil-thin stream of water overnight, customers can avoid frozen pipes.”

Mehlhaff said doing this during these frigid temps could solely use about two gallons of water an evening, which prices a lot lower than a frozen or burst pipe.

BPU encourages residents to take the following precautions when temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:

· Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe. BPU also encourages customers to capture the water for wise water use. The water can be used to water indoor plants and more.

· Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.

· Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and eliminating drafts near doors.

· Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.

· Protect your pipes. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or use electrical heat tracing wire; newspaper or fabric might also work.

If your pipes freeze:

· Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.

· Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended, and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.

· Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

When you are away:

· Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check your property to ensure that the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.

BPU also advises that sub-freezing temperatures can cause aging water mains to break and cause water to cover roadways. If you see a leak, your water service is disrupted, or you experience low pressure, contact the company’s Water Issues Line at 913-573-9622 to report an emergency.

  • Information from BPU

Edmonds to return to KC Current

Kristen Edmonds (Photo: NWSL  / ISI Photos)

Kansas City Current defender-midfielder Kristen Edmonds has agreed to a new contract with the club through the 2022 season.

“Kristen’s performance was incredibly valuable to this team last season,” said general manager Camille Levin. “Her leadership, experience and professionalism are qualities that are paramount to our success in 2022.”

Edmonds started her professional career in Iceland, leading Stjarnin to the Icelandic Women’s Cup Championship in 2011 before moving to WFC Rossiyanka of the Russian Premier League from 2012 to 2013.

Edmonds joined the NWSL in 2014, signing with Western New York. She recorded 29 starts in 31 appearances for the Flash. In December 2016, Edmonds was traded to the then-expansion Orlando Pride where she led the team in scoring and assists in her first season with the club. In five years with Orlando, the veteran from New Jersey tallied 72 appearances and scored 10 goals for the Pride.

Edmonds came to Kansas City via trade with the Orlando Pride in January 2021. Edmonds displayed her versatility early in her tenure with the Current, starting at forward, midfield and defense in preseason and the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup. In the regular season Edmonds appeared most often on the backline. She led the team in starts (21), minutes played (1,721) and captained the squad through six matches.

“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my career with my teammates and this club,” Edmonds said. “The KC Current is really setting the bar for the future of this league. This club is built on solid moral values that I can get behind while also setting a foundation to be a force in this league and I am grateful to be a part of that. I can’t wait to start this 2022 season! KC Baby!”

The 2022 preseason kicks off for Edmonds and the Kansas City Current Feb. 1 with the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup slated to begin March 19. For tickets and information, visit KansasCityCurrent.com.

  • Information from KC Current