Author: Brian Turrel

Polski Day celebrated today in Kansas City, Kansas

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Polski Day parade Grand Marshal Nate Bukaty waved to the crowd today. After the parade, the Polski Day celebration continues through the day on the All Saints Church grounds at 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The event will end at 7 p.m. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
A young polka fan danced along with the music at today’s Polski Day celebration. The event continues through 7 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Church grounds, 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Ed Grisnik Polka Band entertained the Polski Day crowd today. Music and food are part of the Polski Day celebration is from 11:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. today at All Saints Church grounds at 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Polski-Day-186983628009794. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Stan Zemula of Greenwood, Missouri, wore his Polish heritage on his arm at Polski Day today in Kansas City, Kansas. Polski Day continues with food and music through 7 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Church grounds, 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Mayor Mark Holland chatted with Polski Day visitors today during the celebration at 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Dwyer excels with two goals to move Sporting KC into first place

Sporting KC midfielder Ilie Sanchez won the ball in the air from Red Bulls midfielder Gonzalo Veron. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

Sporting KC moved into first place in the MLS Western Conference with a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Forward Dom Dwyer accounted for both goals. Sporting controlled the pace throughout the game, using accurate passing and strong defensive challenges to keep control of the ball and allow few opportunities for New York. Sporting attempted 18 shots, while allowing the Red Bulls only 6.

Dwyer scored his first goal shortly after halftime, banging in the rebound of a shot by midfielder Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber provided the assist on Dwyer’s second goal, with a cross that Dwyer knocked in with a right-footed shot.

The game was scoreless in the first half. Sporting missed a few opportunities including two headers from close range by Dom Dwyer. Tim Melia made a tip save on a strong shot by New York forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen to keep the clean sheet for Sporting.

Sporting defender Ike Opara headed a shot toward goal late in the first half, but it sailed high over the crossbar. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sporting forward Dom Dwyer knocked in a rebound for his first goal of the game. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Dwyer saluted the crowd in the north end of the stadium after his first goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Dwyer knocked in a cross from midfielder Benny Feilhaber for his second goal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Forward Jimmy Medranda signed autographs for fans after the game. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Slain police officers remembered at memorial service

Kansas City, Kansas, Chief of Police Terry Ziegler choked up as he presented a flag to Jamie Lancaster, widow of Detective Brad Lancaster. The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Lancaster’s honor, and was sent to Chief Ziegler by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Photos and story copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4 and the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department held a memorial service to remember all of the police officers who have died in the line of duty for the department.

The deaths of two officers in the past year were a heavy focus of the service.

The service was originally scheduled for the front steps of City Hall, but was moved indoors to the council chambers because of inclement weather.

The memorial stone in front of City Hall lists the names of all the fallen officers from the city’s history. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Eloise Melton, youngest daughter of fallen officer Capt. Robert Melton, wore a shirt that read, “My Hero Wears a Badge.” Eloise was born after Capt. Melton’s death. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Taps was played and a moment of silence was observed for the fallen officers. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Attorney General Derek Schmidt, right, talked with Mayor Mark Holland prior to the service. Mayor Holland gave a tribute to fallen officers Detective Brad Lancaster and Capt. Robert Melton. He also read a proclamation from the city. Attorney General Schmidt also paid tribute to the officers and extolled the role of police in protecting the public. He announced the imminent passage of the Law Enforcement Protection Act by the Kansas Legislature. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)