Author: Ward

Dole comes home to Kansas

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, center, visited with U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, left, and State Sen. David Haley, right, today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kansas City, Kan. Dole is making a swing through Kansas, meeting people face to face. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

Former Sen. Bob Dole came back to Kansas to visit the people who got him elected to office.

Bob Dole is truly a Kansas legend. While in office he did a lot for Kansas; in downtown Kansas City, Kan., there is a federal courthouse named after him.

“I want to thank Kansans for what they have done for me, I really appreciate that. I really miss being in office representing Kansas,” said former Sen. Bob Dole.

Dole was a student at the University of Kansas in 1945. When the war broke out he decided to volunteer for the Kansas Army Reserve and eventually he got sent to fight in the Army during World War II. He was injured and he received the Purple Heart. When he got back from the war, Kansas is where he decided to run for public office.

When asked you think of the temporary closing of the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kan., he replied “I was not aware that they were temporarily closed. Agriculture plays a major role in the American way of life. We should all be proud of our agricultural history. I will find out from Sen. Pat Roberts on what is going on with the National Agricultural Hall of Fame.”

Former Sen. Bob Dole was a strong advocate for the family farms, particularly in Kansas, his home state.

More than 100 people came by the Hilton Garden Inn in Kansas City, Kan., to greet him, including Congressman Kevin Yoder and State Sen. David Haley. Many marveled at Dole’s wit. For the most part he is in good health, and he still lives in Washington, D.C.

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, right, visited with Unified Government Commissioner Mike Kane, left, today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kansas City, Kan. Dole is making a swing through Kansas, meeting people face to face. (Photo by William Crum)
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole visited with the public during a meeting today at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kansas City, Kan. (Photo by William Crum)

 

Eight Blue Devils earn all-Jayhawk baseball recognition

KCKCC placed eight players on the All-Jayhawk Conference team this season (from left) – catcher Garrett McKinzie, first team; pitcher Geoffrey Birkemeier, outfielder Lucas Norton, third baseman Daniel LaMunyon and pitcher E.J. Merlo, second team; and outfielder Christian Arnold and shortstop Zane Mapes, honorable mention. Not available pitcher Hunter Phillips, honorable mention. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)

by Alan Hoskins

Eight Kansas City Kansas Community College Blue Devils have earned recognition on the All-Jayhawk Conference baseball team for 2014.
Catcher Garrett McKinzie was named to the first team while third baseman Daniel LaMunyon, outfielder Lucas Norton and pitchers Geoffrey Birkemeier and E.J. Merlo were selected to the second team. Earning honorable mention recognition were shortstop Zane Mapes, outfielder Christian Arnold and pitcher Hunter Phillips.
A two-year starter from Raymore-Peculiar, McKinzie hit. 315 with eight home runs and 48 runs batted in. He also led in walks with 30 and tied for the team lead in slugging percentage (.525). A second team All-Jayhawk selection last year, he was second in hitting with a 331 average and drove in 34 runs as a freshman.
A sophomore from Liberty, Mo., Norton lashed out 82 hits to lead the Blue Devils in batting with a .366 average and in stolen bases with 29. Hitting from the leadoff spot, Norton was especially effective with runners in scoring position with a .441 batting average.
LaMunyon, a freshman from Blue Valley, was selected to the second team behind Jayhawk Player of the Year Chase Rader of Coffeyville. Second in hitting at .340, LaMunyon led in doubles with 20, was second in stolen bases with 14 and third in RBI with 43.
Birkemeier, a freshman from Papillion, Neb., led the Blue Devils pitching staff with an 8-4 record and 2.26 earned run average. His 11 complete games and two shutouts were also a team high. A sophomore from Blue Springs, Merlo compiled a 6-3 record with four complete games, 46 strikeouts and an ERA of 4.46.
One of three all-conference selections from Raymore-Peculiar, Arnold led the team in home runs (10), runs batted in (52) and slugging (.525) while hitting .305. A sophomore from Lincoln, Neb., Mapes hit .316 with 19 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a team high 21 sacrifices. Phillips, a freshman lefthander from Ray-Pec, led the Blue Devils in wins (9-7) and strikeouts (60) while compiling a 4.28 ERA.

Hunter Phillips (KCKCC photo)

Armourdale awards

Armourdale community police officer Sara A. Lopez and Officer Eric A. Ibanez recently received the Armourdale Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award at the annual Armourdale Optimist Luncheon. Officer Lopez was present to receive the award. (Photo from Rep. Pam Curtis)
Armourdale community police officer Sara A. Lopez and Officer Eric A. Ibanez recently received the Armourdale Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award at the annual Armourdale Optimist Luncheon. Officer Lopez was present to receive the award. (Photo from Rep. Pam Curtis)
Armourdale community police officer Sara A. Lopez and Officer Eric A. Ibanez recently received the Armourdale Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award at the annual Armourdale Optimist Luncheon. Officer Lopez was present to receive the award. (Photo from Rep. Pam Curtis)