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New sidewalks in Turner expected to improve safety, health

Students from Junction Elementary School spelled out "sidewalk" in today's sidewalk dedication. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was in Matney Park near 42nd and Shawnee Drive. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert) — Students from Junction Elementary School spelled out “sidewalk” in today’s sidewalk dedication. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was in Matney Park near 42nd and Shawnee Drive. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

by Mary Rupert

With the help of students from Junction Elementary School, the ribbon was cut today for new sidewalks in the Turner area.

The sidewalk improvements are expected to make it safer for students to walk to school, according to Unified Government Commissioner Angela Markley, 6th District. They also are in keeping with the healthy communities initiative goals in Wyandotte County.

During the ribbon-cutting event, the group walked a short distance on a pathway from Matney Park at 42nd and Shawnee Drive to the nearby Junction School, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather.

About $210,000 was spent on the project from the Commissioners’ Neighborhood Infrastructure Project (CNIP). Commissioner Markley estimated the cost of sidewalks at $100 per square foot. Mike Tobin, UG director of public works, said the project included 925 feet of sidewalks, plus lighting and curb work.

Under this program, each commissioner has about the same amount of money to spend on projects he selects in his district. The source of the funds is the sales tax approved in 2010, according to the UG. In all, the districts have $4.4 million to spend on projects selected by each commissioner. In the 5th District, the CNIP project was the renovation of the Piper community center, and in the 4th District, it was the improvement of an athletic field.

Since the amount of money can fund only a small project in each district, Commissioner Markley said it was decided in the 6th District to work on sidewalk projects near schools that are in heavy traffic areas, to improve children’s safety in walking to school.

She said she received about 200 responses from her community survey of residents, plus she talked with groups in Turner about their priorities for spending the CNIP funds.

The sidewalks near Junction School are now connected with a walking trail at Matney Park. In addition, new improvements of sidewalks and curbs on 55th, Hagemann to Oak Grove Road, are in keeping with Americans for Disabilities Act requirements. Lighting was enhanced for the Turner community walking park.

Turner historically has been a rural area, changing over the years to a suburban area, where sidewalks were not part of the original plans for some developments.

Commissioner Markley said she is now working on the CNIP project requests for 2015. Many residents have asked about improvements to Key Lane, she said, but after meeting with the Public Works Department she discovered it would cost more money than CNIP could provide. The Key Lane project will be placed on the list for usual UG public works projects, she said.

Commissioner Markley said it is likely that the second round of CNIP funding for the 6th District will go toward similar sidewalk projects.

The ribbon was cut today for new sidewalks in the area of Matney Park and Junction Elementary School, near 42nd and Shawnee Drive. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

Those attending the ribbon-cutting today walked along a path at Matney Park. (Staff photo)

Commissioner Angela Markley, 6th District, right, said the sidewalk project was chosen because it would help improve safety for students walking to school. (Staff photo)

KCK student receives scholarship

Jena Klaas, Kansas City, Kan., was one of 30 students who were awarded Sen. Robert J. Dole Service Scholarships of $1,000 each.

The scholarships were awarded by the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas to recent high school graduates and will be used for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The scholarship program recognizes graduating seniors throughout Kansas who have volunteered in their communities and maintained a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

Aligned with the primary mission of the Dole Institute of Politics, the scholarship program encourages young Kansans to get involved in politics, government and community service.

“The Dole Institute of Politics provides many opportunities for Dole Scholars to become involved in civic engagement and continue their interest in public service,” said Barbara Ballard, director of the scholarship program and associate director of the Institute. “We hope the scholarships will inspire students to take their public service interest to the next level as they develop academically to become future leaders.”

Funded by two federal grants from NASA, the scholarship program began with 40 scholarships each year in 2005 and 2006. From 2007-2009, a total of 128 new scholarships were awarded annually. All scholarships could be renewed up to three times. Scholarship recipients were required to complete 100 community service hours per year. Students have provided more than 100,000 service hours in Kansas.

The scholarships, now totaling more than $1.4 million to date, have been distributed among the state’s four congressional districts to ensure the broadest statewide opportunity and participation.

Scholars must enroll at one of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities or Washburn University in Topeka. Regents universities are the University of Kansas, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University.

“It’s great to see so many young Kansans interested in public service each year,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “Helping them understand the challenges and rewards of public life is invaluable.”

The Dole Public Service Scholarship program was administered by Scholarship Management Services, a department of Scholarship America, a national nonprofit educational support and student aid service organization that seeks to expand educational opportunities and encourage educational achievement. Awards were granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, disability or national origin.

Ballard formally announced the new scholars during a luncheon program at the Dole Institute this past summer. The scholars and their guests received remarks from the luncheon’s keynote speaker, Paul Buskirk, associate athletics director for Student Athlete Support Services at KU, Lacy and Ballard.

Free Medicare open enrollment assistance event scheduled Wednesday

A free Medicare open enrollment assistance event has been scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Wyandotte County Aging and Disability Resource Center, at the Midtown Metro Center, 849 N. 47th St., Suite C, Kansas City, Kan. This office is at the new building at Indian Springs.

The Medicare open enrollment assistance event was announced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder’s office.

A second Medicare open enrollment assistance event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sylvester Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway, Mission, Kan.

Trained volunteers from the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas will be on hand at both events to provide one-on-one assistance to seniors who have questions, or who wish to make changes to their plans.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period extends from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Medicare beneficiaries who wish to make changes or enroll for the first time need to bring their Medicare card, any current prescriptions (including dosage and frequency), and a list of preferred pharmacies. The events are free and open to everyone.

For more information on Medicare enrollment, visit: http://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan.html#collapse-3190.