Kansas Room serves as source for historians

Anne Lacey spoke about the Kansas Room to the Wyandotte County Historical Society on Sunday at the Wyandotte County Museum, Bonner Springs. (Photo from Murrel Bland)

by Murrel Bland

The Kansas Room at the Kansas City, Kansas, Main Library has evolved as it has taken on more historical documents and artifacts. That was the message of Anne Lacey, the librarian who takes care of the Kansas Room.

Lacey was the speaker at a quarterly membership meeting of the Wyandotte County Historical Society Sunday afternoon, April 7, at the Wyandotte County Museum. About 30 persons attended.

Lacey said that the Kansas Room was opened on the first floor of the library at 625 Minnesota Ave. after the construction of the building in 1966. It was moved to the second floor of the library in 2016 when the administrative offices of the school district moved to 2010 N. 59th St. The library system is part of the Kansas City, Kansas, School District.

The Kansas Room has extensive original materials of the William E. Connelley Collection including information about the Wyandot Indians dating back to before 1844 when the tribe moved from Upper Sandusky, Ohio to here. Connelley served as Wyandotte County Clerk for two terms after being elected in 1883. He served as president of the Kansas State Historical Society in 1912 and later was the society’s long-time secretary.

The Kansas Room also has extensive newspaper clippings and photos concerning Kansas City, Kansas, schools. Lacey said it is collecting and digitizing high school yearbooks from Wyandotte County.

Lacey said there is discussion of building a new main library building. If so, she said this could be an opportunity to plan for an expanded Kansas Room.

Rebecca Barber Meditz, the Society president, presented the organization’s annual awards. The Margaret Landis Award went to the Bonner Springs Library for its Kansas Room. The Kansas Room at the Kansas City, Kansas, Library received the V.J. Lane Award. Steve Zuk, who has produced an extensive slide show about the history of Wyandotte County, was named “Historian of the Year.” Quindaro Nancy Brown Guthrie was honored with the Dr. Virginia Smith Glandon Award; Guthrie was a Wyandot Indian who came here in 1844 and was the first woman to be married in Wyandotte County.

Honored as Volunteers of the Year were Debbie Felix and Mendy Smith. Lifetime Meritorious awards went to the late Gene Ashley and the late John J. Jurcyk. Craig Delich received the Historical Educator Award for his book on Wyandotte High School. Special Presidential awards went to Clarissa Haynes, Kevin Willmott, Sharon Grace O’Neal and Hoie Kuam.

Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is a member of the board of directors of the Wyandotte County Historical Society.

Three Wyandotte County students receive degrees from Wichita State

Three Wyandotte County students received degrees from Wichita State University in fall 2018.

They include:

From Bonner Springs, Kansas:


Melissa N. Cisneros, Master of Accountancy, Accountancy.

From Kansas City, Kansas:

Christopher M. Childs, Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management, Sport Management.
Tenisha M. Sutton, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies Economics.

Community calendar

In the event of inclement weather, contact the sponsoring organization to see if the event is still being held.

Growth group offered for women
Affirmations and Living Free Growth Group for Women will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group helps women change the way they think about themselves and their lives. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Blood drive planned
The Chiropractic Healing Center, Harding and Associates, 8437 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 8, in the donor bus in the parking lot. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Program offers advice on raising safe kids
“ACT Raising Safe Kids Program” will continue from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 and 15, at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The topic April 8 will be “Young Children’s Exposure to Violence,” presented by Heather Neds. The topic April 15 will be “Understanding and Controlling Parents’ Anger.” For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Program planned on ‘Plastic or Planet’
A presentation, “Plastic or Planet,” is planned from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, at the Grandview Park Church, 1613 Wilson Blvd. Kathleen Corbin is the presenter. A panel discussion with questions and answers are planned. Light refreshment will be available. The panel may discuss solutions for reducing plastic in everyday life. The event is free and open to the public.

Free tax preparation offered
AARP will provide free tax preparation services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas. The program continues every Tuesday through April 9. Volunteer tax preparers will be at the Bonner Springs Library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This location will be a walk-in site and people do not have to sign up in advance. There is a list of what items you should bring, available at the library’s checkout desk. There are guidelines on what kinds of returns they can help with, and check with the library in advance for details. For more information, visit https://bonnerlibrary.org/aarp-tax-assistance/.

Program offered on healthy relationships
“Healthy Relationships: Domestic Violence Education and Support” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jaime Peterson. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Programs offered for Spanish-speaking women
Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, offers programs for Spanish-speaking women: Grupo de mujeres: con lideres Ana Maria Sauer, Los Martes, 10-11:30 a.m. Grupo de salud emocional para la mujer, ofrecido por MOCSA, contacte a Sinead McDonough, llame al 816-285-1349, los Martes, 11:30-1 p.m. El centro de mujeres, Keeler ofrece consejeria espiritual a mujeres y hombres en espanol y ingles. Gratis. Se aceptan donaciones. Llame al 913-906-8990 para hacer su cita o para mas informacion. For more information and registration, call 913-906-8990.

Fountain Day planned at Wyandotte County Museum Tuesday
Fountain Day is planned at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Wyandotte County Museum, at Wyandotte County Park, 126th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. The 1904 fountain on the museum grounds will be turned back on April 9.

Program on allergies to be presented April 9
“Living with Allergies” by Dr. Alex Kieu will be presented from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program will discuss seasonal allergies, symptoms, their effects and when it is necessary to see a doctor. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

KCK school board to meet April 9
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. April 9 at the Central Office, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The agenda may be posted at www.kckpl.org.

Grinter Jamboree to be April 9
The Grinter Jamboree will be from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Grinter Barn, 1400 S. 78th, Kansas City, Kansas. The MP3 Band will perform. The event includes music and dancing. A snack bar will be available. Admission is $6.

Leavenworth Road Association to meet April 9
The Leavenworth Road Association will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Eisenhower Community Center, 2901 N. 72nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. The potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. The main dish for the potluck dinner will be fried chicken, and those attending may bring a side dish to share with the group. The guest speaker will be Shaya Lockett, small business liaison for economic development, who will present a new program for existing and new small business opportunities. For more information, call 913-788-3988.

Parenting support group to meet
A parenting support group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The education and support group is presented by Marqueia Watson, MSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Book club to meet April 9
The book club will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. “Same Sky” by Amanda Eyre Ward will be discussed. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Knitting and crocheting group to meet
A knitting and crocheting group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending may learn a new skill or work on a current project. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Blood drive planned
Schlagle High School, 2214 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Create greeting cards in program April 10
“Beautiful Cards” with Carole Thrasher will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending will create their own greeting cards. Supplies will be provided. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

‘Pretty Nails’ program offered
Appointments for a “Pretty Nails” program will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 11, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Those interested must call 913-906-8990 to schedule an appointment.

Bukaty to speak at Fairfax meeting
Nate Bukaty, sports commentator for Sporting KC and Sports Radio 810, will speak at the Fairfax Industrial Association meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Neff Packaging, 555 Sunshine Road, Kansas City, Kansas. Bukaty is a native of Wyandotte County and will speak about the local sports scene. The luncheon will cost $25 and the registration deadline is 3 p.m. April 9 to https://fiakck.org/product/april-2019-luncheon-fee/ .

Friends of Grinter to hold annual Spring Sip ‘n Shop Thursday
The Friends of Grinter will hold the annual Spring Sip ‘n Shop from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Grinter Barn, 1400 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The event will include more than 25 vendors indoors and outdoors. A wine tasting is planned with Rowe Ridge Winery. Cheese and crackers will be available. There also will be door prizes. A food truck from Don Antonio’s restaurant at 75th and State Avenue will have food available for purchase. Vendors will be from several areas, including jewelry, housewares and clothes. Admission is $5. Proceeds will go to support programs at Grinter Place, a historic state museum at South 78th and K-32.

UG Commission to meet April 11
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Commission Chambers, lobby level, City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. An agenda may be posted at www.wycokck.org.

Breakfast with Easter Bunny planned April 13
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is planned from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy, fruit, coffee, juice and milk for $6 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available for $5 each. For more information, visit https://www.strawberryhillmuseum.org/event/breakfast-with-the-easter-bunny-2-2/.

WyCo Ethnic Festival to be April 13
The WyCo Ethnic Festival will be Saturday, April 13, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College field house, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Hours of the event are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Music, dance and educational booths are planned at the festival. The festival promotes better understanding among people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. There is no admission charge to the festival, and it is open to the public. Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.freewebs.com/wycoethnicfestival.

Groundbreaking for Piper fire station to be April 13
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Piper fire station is scheduled to be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at 2913 Hutton Road, Kansas City, Kansas. The groundbreaking was originally scheduled March 9 but was changed because of the weather. Because of construction on Hutton Road, access to the site is available only by Leavenworth Road.

Caregivers support group to meet April 16
A caregivers support group for men and women will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The group is facilitated by Jackie Tigges, LSCSW. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Blood drive planned
The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 17 and 18 at the Hixson Atrium. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Program on Medicare to be April 17
A program on Medicare will be presented from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The program provides basic information and answers questions about Medicare. The presenter is Susan Marcos. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Informational program planned about funeral costs
“You Paid How Much? The Truth about Funeral Costs and Planning” will be presented from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Advice will be offered from experts who volunteer to educate and support families in making informed decisions. The presenter will be Steve Nicely. For more information or to register, call 913-906-8990.

Blood drive planned
Sumner Academy, 1610 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the new gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Barnyard Babies to be April 27 at Ag Hall
The Barnyard Babies Family Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, 126th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. Visitors may experience a day on the farm, with baby animals, a tractor petting zoo, train rides, games, a farmers market, pedal power, with Touch-a-Truck, Mater and Lightning also a part of the event. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 3-12 and free for children under 3. For more information, visit https://www.aghalloffame.com/events/barnyard-babies-family-festival/.

Blood drive planned
Turner High School, 2211 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas, plans a Community Blood Center blood drive from 7:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the auxiliary gym. To schedule a donation or for more information, visit www.esavealifenow.org or call 816-753-4040.

Flyover concert to be May 4 at amphitheater
The Flyover concert featuring Cardi B, Savage, Kodak Black, G. Herbo, Lil Mosey, YBN Cordae, Tobi Lou, Splurge, Blaatina and Yusee will be at 3:20 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Providence Medical Center amphitheater, 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the box office.

Town Hall meeting planned May 18
State Sen. Kevin Braun, R-5th Dist., plans a Town Hall meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at the Bonner Springs Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Blood drive scheduled
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28 at Prairie View at Village West, 11200 Delaware Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org. `

Blood drive scheduled
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 5 at the Village West Luxury Apartments, 11024 Delaware Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Counseling offered
Keeler Women’s Center, offers individual and couples counseling and individual spiritual direction to women and men —available in English and Spanish. Nothing is billed. Donations are accepted. Call 913-906-8990 for information.

Wyandotte County Museum
For information about the Wyandotte County Museum, 631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, call 913-573-5002 or visit https://www.wycokck.org/wycomuseum.aspx or https://www.facebook.com/wycomuseum/.

Strawberry Hill Museum
For information about The Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas, call 913-371-3264 or visit www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

Grinter Place Museum
The Grinter Place State Historic Site, 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas, is one of the oldest homes in the area, built in 1857. For more information about hours and days it is open, call 913-299-0373 or visit http://www.kshs.org/p/grinter-place-plan-your-visit/15857.

Old Quindaro Museum
The Old Quindaro Museum is at 3432 N. 29th St., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about the museum, call 816-820-3615 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ccoqmuseum/.