Category: Opinions

KCK blues fest attracts crowd

Danny Cox was the “king” of this year’s Kansas City, Kansas, Street Blues Festival held Saturday. (Photo by William Crum)
The audience braved a heat advisory on Saturday to attend the KCK Street Blues Festival. (Photo by William Crum)

Opinion

by William Crum

Once a year a great event happens in Kansas City, Kansas. The event is the KCK Street Blues Festival.

The annual event Saturday attracted a crowd.

After talking to people in the crowd, I met a couple from England and a young man from France. Whether you realize it or not, this event draws world attention.

One of the main performers was the legendary Danny Cox, otherwise known as the king of the festival. I have known Danny for a number of years and he is still going strong.

The event was held at the Circle L Ranch on 49th. Already plans are underway for 2020. Every year it gets better and better, making it one of those “must do” events.

Another thing I thought was amazing was it only cost $15 for this one-day event. You can’t beat it. Top jazz and blues performers right here in Kansas City, Kansas.

College adopts strategic plan as its centennial year approaches

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Opinion column

by Murrel Bland

Kansas City Kansas Community College will celebrate 100 years as an educational institution in 2023. The college’s Board of Trustees has approved a “Centennial Path,” a strategic plan which will guide the school for the next four years.

Dr. Greg Mosier, the president of the college, spoke to about 50 members of the Congressional Forum Friday, June 21, at Children’s Mercy Park. The Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the forum.

Dr. Mosier, who came here about one year ago from Rochester (Minnesota) Community and Technical College where he was executive vice president of academic affairs, told of how the strategic plan will be implemented.

One of the goals of the centennial plan will be to attract and attain a high-performing diverse workforce that will reflect the communities that the college serves. The Wyandotte Economic Development Council, which visits numerous Wyandotte County businesses, reports that the number one need is having qualified workers. The college has various training programs in such skill areas as machinist, diesel mechanic and heating and air conditioning technician. The college’s Technical Education Center also offers courses in such areas as culinary arts and cosmetology.

The college is considering courses in such areas as utility linemen and hospitality worker.

Dr. Mosier said that the college this fall will offer night time classes at Wyandotte High School. He said the college is in conversation with various organizations to extend its presence in the downtown area.

Dr. Mosier meets regularly with Dr. Charles Foust, the superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas, School District. Many of the students from the Kansas City, Kansas, district who attend the community college must attend remedial classes.

Dr. Mosier told of national recognition that the college’s jazz band, women’s basketball team and debate team have received.

The college last fall opened a Veteran’s Center. Its goal is to prepare men and women for the civilian workforce.

Dr. Mosier said that the college had an economic impact of $182 million during 2018.

Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.

Labor secretary learned early about importance of good workers

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Opinion column


by Murrel Bland

Delia Garcia knows how important having a qualified workforce is to a business. She grew up and worked in a family restaurant, Connie’s Mexico Café in Wichita. She also learned the importance of good customer service.

Garcia was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Congressional Forum Friday, May 17, at Children’s Mercy Park. The Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the forum.

Gov. Laura Kelly appointed Garcia as Kansas secretary of labor earlier this year. The Kansas Senate confirmed the appointment 38-1.

Garcia, 42, served in the Kansas House from 2005 until 2010, representing the 103rd District in Wichita. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University and a Master of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. She also worked as a professor at Butler County Community College, El Dorado, Kansas. She was a member of the Kansas Democratic Caucus.

The Kansas Department of Labor administers unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, employment standards and industrial health and safety. The agency also records statistics for the state of Kansas labor market, keeping tract of employment and unemployment data, noting information by industry and wages. Labor force needs also are forecast.

Garcia said her agency also works with the Kansas departments of commerce and education to help assure that there is an adequate and well-trained workforce. She also said she works with the Department of Corrections to help train those who are incarcerated.

Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.