Category: Bonner Springs

Five Wyandotte County students graduate from Washburn

Washburn University has announced the students in its fall 2019 graduating class. More than 400 students completed their courses for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

“Every single one of these students worked hard during their time here at Washburn University,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president. “I’m proud of their success and have no doubt they will continue to be successful as they navigate their careers.”

Graduating students from Wyandotte County include:

  • Katie Carpenter of Bonner Springs graduated with a Associate of Liberal Studies in Liberal Studies.
  • Isabella Willhite of Kansas City, Kansas, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
  • Annie Carpenter of Bonner Springs graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
  • Jaime Weible of Bonner Springs graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
  • Wonder Golden of Kansas City, Kansas, graduated with a Master of Arts in Human Services.

Washburn University, founded in 1865, is a public university in Topeka, Kansas, with nearly 7,000 students.

Natural holiday trees can be ‘treecycled’

When the holidays are over and it’s time to take down your natural holiday trees, wreaths and garlands, give them a second life by recycling them, according to the Mid America Regional Council.

Like yard waste materials, holiday trees and greenery are banned from landfills in Missouri and are discouraged from being deposited into Kansas landfills.

Area communities offer residents a number of ways to recycle them — not only keeping them out of landfills, but also creating a useful product that can be used for a variety of purposes, including trail surfaces, erosion control, landscaping and fish habitat in local lakes.

“All residents in the Kansas City metro area have many options for recycling their natural holiday trees and greenery,” said Matt Riggs, outreach coordinator for the MARC Solid Waste Management District. “Residents should contact their trash hauler first to see if they provide curbside pickup, since that is most convenient. If not, there are plenty of other pickup and drop-off options available.”

For more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle for the holidays, visit RecycleSpot.org or call 816-474-8326.

The Kansas City, Kansas, dropoff locations are clearly marked with a sign. The Wyandotte County tree recycling locations listed include:

• Kansas City, Kansas — Alvey Park, 4834 Metropolitan Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 913-573-8327, north side of the south parking lot
• Kansas City, Kansas — City Park, 2601 Park Drive, Kansas City, Kansas, 913-573-8327, in the park, around the corner on the grass
• Kansas City, Kansas — Stony Point Park, 531 N. 86th St., Kansas City, Kansas, 913-573-8327, northeast corner of parking lot
• Kansas City, Kansas, and Bonner Springs — Wyandotte County Park, 600 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, Kansas, 913-573-8327, ball field parking
• Kansas City, Kansas — Missouri Organic, 1260 Alma St., Kansas City, Kansas, 816-483-0908, fees apply
• Bonner Springs — North Park, 1200 S. 134th St., Bonner Springs, Kansas, 913-422-7010

Visit RecycleSpot.org, call 816-474-8326 or check the list at https://www.marc.org/News-Releases/12_2019/Treecycle%E2%80%9D-your-natural-holiday-tree-and-greenery.html for other locations throughout the metro area that will recycle trees and greenery. Most services are free.

Nearman 4-H Club holds food drive for Vaughn Trent

Members of the Nearman 4-H Club were greeted by Charles Grant, Vaughn Trent board chairperson. (Photo from Wyandotte County 4-H)
Members from the Nearman 4-H Club with their donations to Vaughn Trent Community Service, Inc. in Bonner Springs, Kansas. (Photo from Wyandotte County 4-H)

The Nearman 4-H Community Club in Wyandotte County recently held a food drive, collecting food donations to deliver to Vaughn Trent Community Service Inc. in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

4-H members assisted in the collection of items, and gave back to their community. Vaughn Trent is a social services agency that serves residents in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public School district.

Part of the 4-H pledge is “Hands through larger service” – a commitment to make communities a better place to live. In 4-H, that means giving back to the community through community service, according to 4-H All 4-H members are encouraged to participate in community service projects, but it is not required. In Wyandotte County 4-H, members find a need in their community and come up with a creative solution for how they can help, the spokesman stated.

Wyandotte County’s 4-H youth development program is one of many 4-H programs offered nationwide through the Cooperative Extension system via land-grant universities such as Kansas State University. Passage of the Smith Lever Act in 1914 nationalized 4-H and by 1924, 4-H clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted.

Developing important life-skills through hands- on learning educational programs, 4-H youth development programs are engaging and challenging youth to reach their fullest potential as they become leaders in their communities.

Unlike other youth organizations, 4-H doesn’t require a uniform and there are no national fees. Children select their 4-H education project, therefore they can choose one that works well within a family’s budget. 4-H programs and clubs typically meet once per week or once per month, although some may choose to meet more or less frequently. 4-H programs are available for children ages 8-18.

For more information on the Wyandotte County 4-H program visit, www.wyandotte.ksu.edu or contact 4-H staff at 913-299-9300, Ext. 116, [email protected]. The local office is located at K-State Research and Extension, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

  • Information from Debra Sweeten, WyCo 4-H program assistant