A course in Beginning Excel will be offered at Kansas City Kansas Community College beginning Monday, Feb. 13.

A series of five classes, Beginning Excel-Level 1will be offered on Mondays from 6-9 p.m. through March 26. However, no classes will be held on Feb. 20 or March 19.

Taught by Larry Cicero, the course will teach the basics about spreadsheets while learning to use Microsoft’s full-featured spreadsheet program that is part of the Microsoft Office 2010 Suite of Programs.

Using a hands-on approach, students will become familiar with basic workbook skills and techniques including creating spreadsheets, working with ranges, creating simple formulas, copying and moving data and other basic spreadsheet tasks.

Participants are asked to bring a flash drive to the first class.

Cost of the five-class series is $75 and includes textbook.   

Registration can be made in person in the Community Education Building (CEB) on the east side of the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue; by phone with credit card payment at 913-288-7660; or on-line at www.kckcc.edu and clicking on Continuing Education and Spring 2012.

The class is listed under Community Education/Computer Training.

The KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly meeting at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 at Carino’s Italian Grill, 1706 Village West Parkway.

Members and guests are welcome to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for networking prior to the noon start time.

Lunch will be ordered from a pre-set menu and attendees will pay their own bill.

The program will be Dr. Maria Javaid, board-certified cardiologist at Providence Medical Center.

Members and guests are encouraged to wear red to support heart health.

For more information or to RSVP contact Arlana Coleman at ajoycole@gmail.com.

Please RSVP by Monday, February 6.

WHEN: Wed. February 8; Networking: 11:30 a.m. to noon;mLunch and program: noon to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Carino’s Italian Grill, 1706 Village West Parkway, KCKS

PROGRAM: Dr. Maria Javaid, board-certified cardiologist at Providence Medical Center.

RSVP’s received by Friday, February 3 will have their name entered into a drawing to provide a one-minute commercial about their company or agency.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for today. It has been moved to February 3. Here's the full information.

-----

If you are an older adult and would like to volunteer your time in helping other older adults combat issues of depression and isolation, you are invited to participate in a free training opportunity to learn more.

The Shepherd's Center of KCK will host the training from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, February 3, in the meeting room at the Neighborhood Resource Center, 4601 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

The Peer Support Program is a partnership of the Shepherd's Center, the Wyandotte /Leav. Area Agency on Aging, and the K.U. Office of Aging & Long Term Care.

Made possible through support from the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the program seeks to assist older adults experiencing depression by pairing them with a trained peer.

To sign up for this free training or more information on this program contact Melissa Bynum at 913-281-8908 or email melissab@sckck.org.

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

The Unified Government’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a four-million gallon water reserve and piping project.

The water reserve will be used in coordination to the Board of Public Utilities’ Nearman Water Treatment Plant.

It will be located at 4301 Brenner Drive in Kansas City, Kan., and the project’s property is 69 acres in size.

Chris Stewart, representing the BPU at a Unified Government Planning Commission meeting, said the reserve is needed to deal with increasing demand of water in the country.

According to the agenda item, he told Planning Commission members that the water demand in the county is 30 million gallons of a day most of the year, while the demand peaks to 48 million gallons a day during the summer.

-----

UPDATE 11:42 a.m. - The cost of the project will be between $8-10 million. The cost of the project was built in to BPU's current rate structure.

By DIANE HENTGES, United Way of Wyandotte County

I am not exactly sure how January became the prefect time to clean out closets and organize our lives’ but it has.

Newspaper ads offer storage containers, bins, and labels that are the prefect way to “organize” stuff.

Magazines offer the secrets of how to purge closets of clothes and the kitchen cabinets of dishes.

So, we clean out the closet and now have bags of clothes that we wore two sizes ago. There are now boxes of dishes that haven’t seen the light of day for years.

All these items are perfectly good and very useable. Think “green” when disposing of these items. Help the environment and others in our community. Keep the discards out of the land fill.

There are number of thrift stores in the area that benefit local non-profits that can recycle these unwanted items. I have put together a short list of local non-profits that have thrift stores; however, it is not an all-inclusive list.

Big Brothers Big Sisters picks up and accepts drop-offs of re-saleable small household items and gently used clothing. For more information about donating goods to BBBS check out their web site at www.bbbskc.org.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has Turn-Styles located on 87^th near I-35 (913.648.6795.)They have a second location in Olathe (913.909.2485.)

They accept gently used clothing, furniture, small household appliances in working condition and household goods.

Items can be dropped off Monday thru Saturday between 10am & 4pm. For a small donation, arrangements can be made to have items picked up. More information is available at www.catholiccharitiesks.org.

Cross-Lines Community Outreach operates a thrift store near 7^th & Shawnee in KCK.

They accept large and small appliance in good working condition, furniture including sofas, beds, dressers, kitchen tables, chairs, and lamps; bedding; knick knacks; house wares and gently used clothing.

You can go to www.cross-lines.org and find when to deliver your goods or to schedule a pick-up for large items.

The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division have Family Thrift Stores & Donations Center in the Kansas City area.

They accept working appliances, household items, furniture, computers, children’s’ gently used toys, clothing, and books.  You can go to www.kansascity.satruck.org  to schedule a pick-up or find a drop-off location.

Vaughn-Trent Thrift Store in Bonner accepts gently used furniture, household items and clothing. Drop offs can be made Monday through Friday between 10am and 5pm or on Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

For more information call 913-441-2194.

Heartland Habitat for Humanity has two ReStores with a third planned for the Northland.You can schedule your donation pick-up by calling 913- 596-6597 in Wyandotte County or 913-648-6001 in Johnson County.

The ReStore accepts donations of lumber, working appliances not more than 10 years old, full cans of paint, new or gently used carpeting, tile, furniture, tools and much more.

For a complete listing of accepted donations please visit www.heartlandhabitat.org/restore.

There are two convenient donation drop-off locations: the first Saturday of the month at Lowe’s on North Oak Trafficway and the last Saturday of the month at Lowe’s on west 65^th in Shawnee.

For more information on how you can GIVE, ADVOCATE, and VOLUNTEER please contact me at 913-371-3674 or at dhentges@unitedway-wyco.org.

You can find volunteer opportunities by checking out our website, www.unitedway-wyco.org and click on Volunteer.

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

Calling it a compromise between a dispute of a local small business and neighborhood residents, the Unified Government’s Board of Commissioners voted to issue a one-year special use permit to the Wine Barn winery to host live entertainment.

The Wine Barn, a small winery located at 2850 N. 119^th Street in the Piper community of Kansas City, Kan., requested the special use permit so they could host “live entertainment” events at the winery.

The issue of live entertainment divided residents who live in the area.

During last night’s UG Board of Commissioners meeting, neighbors came out to support both sides of the issue.

Some wanted the winery to be allowed to host the events, while others opposed the live entertainment portion.

“We’re not opposed to the business,” said Larry Reynolds, a resident in the area. “The winery is OK. Nothing was said about the entertainment and we’ve lost some trust.”

However, an attorney representing the business said the Wine Farm repeatedly reached out to the residents.

Around 20 people gave public comment about the business.

“The Wine Barn has been well received,” said Joe Vaught, a supporter of the business. “It’s been well kept.”

Opponents of the permit generally were not against the business, but against the live entertainment portion of the application.

Supporters pointed out the business’ commitment to charities and sports programs in the Piper area.

Commissioner Mike Kane represents Piper on the UG’s Board of Commissioners.

He said the issue has been tough to deal with, ultimately recommending the approval of a special use permit.

“I’ve worked hard on this issue,” Kane said. “I’ve been cussed out and screamed at. There’s a friendship here that’s teetering. I thought long and hard about this and I could drive down 119^th Street in my sleep.”

With the suggestion of Commissioner Mark Holland, the UG Commissioners eventually passed a one-year special use permit, rather than the suggested two-year permit.

The Wine Barn will have to meet stipulations in relation to parking, signage and make efforts to keep the noise down.

The winery will be allowed to host 14 events between May and September.

A Driver’s Education course for the beginning driver will be offered by Kansas City Kansas Community College beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Flint Building 2602 on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue, the course will run through March 15.

A state-approved course, it will consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of driving instruction and 12 hours of observation, completion of the course requirements may lead to certification for a Kansas Driver’s license.

James Hathaway, a State of Kansas and National Safety Council certified instructor, will arrange the driving and observation time after the class begins and the entire 18 hours of driving and observation time will be outside the classroom instruction hours and may extend beyond the course completion date.

To be eligible to take the class, the student must be 15 years of age or older, obtain a State of Kansas Instructional Permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles and register in person at the Continuing Education Building (CEB) on the east side of the campus where they will be required to fill out paper work for the State of Kansas and present a copy of their instructional permit prior to the class start date.

Cost of the class is $275 and parents of minors are encouraged to attend the first night of class. Enrollment is limited to 24 students.

Registration can be made in person in the Community Education Building (CEB) on the east side of the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue; by phone with credit card payment at 913-288-7660; or on-line at www.kckcc.edu and clicking on Continuing Education and Spring 2012.

The class is listed under Community Education/Driver Safety.

News Release

Army Pfc. Brittany L. Johnson has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Johnson is the daughter of Jacquelene Deleon of North 83rd Street, Kansas City, and granddaughter of Delton Gilmore of Greely Avenue, Kansas City.

She is a 2011 graduate of Washington High School, Kansas City.

After speaking to nearly 100 students, faculty, staff and members of the community at a “Brother 2 Brother” program at Kansas City Kansas Community College Thursday, former Kansas City, Mo., Councilman and Ad Hoc Against Crime founder Alvin Brooks was presented gifts of appreciation by Daryl Long of the ‘Brother 2 Brother’ organization.

Following his 75-minute talk on the Importance of Education, Brooks met and talked with students and others.

A member of the first class to be inducted into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame at KCKCC, Brooks has also served as Mayor Pro Tem and on numerous committees including President George Bush’s National Drug Advisory Council in 1989.

(KCKCC Photos by Alan Hoskins)

By STAN DUITSMAN, tbonesbaseball.com

The Kansas City T-Bones are excited to announce that Kansas City legend and five-time all-star Frank White has been added to the coaching staff for the 2012 season.

White enjoyed an 18-year playing career with the Kansas City Royals from 1973-90.

He appeared in five all-star games in that span and was an eight-time Gold Glove award winner, including six straight from 1977-82.

White was selected as ALCS MVP in 1980 and was an integral part of the Royals’ 1985 World Series Championship team. He was elected to the Royals Hall of Fame in 1995 and his National Baseball Hall of Fame status is eligible for review next year.

“I am excited to get involved with the T-Bones organization, and to work with the young kids on their roster,” White said. “Teaching is a passion of mine and I look forward to helping these players become the best that they can be.”

White will join manager Tim Doherty’s staff and will serve in a variety of roles from the bench, and as first base coach.

He will also work alongside T-Bones Vice President & General Manager, Chris Browne, who first met White during his years as the Royals bat boy and clubhouse attendant.

“I am thrilled to announce that Frank will be joining the T-Bones,” Browne said. “He will be an asset to Tim, our coaching staff and a great addition to the clubhouse overall. I look forward to seeing #20 in uniform at CommunityAmerica Ballpark and I know our fans will too.”

White will continue a coaching career that began in 1992 when he was named manager of the Boston Red Sox’s Gulf Coast League affiliate.

He later became first base coach for the Royals from 1997-2001, and eventually moved on to his most recent coaching stint with the Royals former Double-A affiliate, the Wichita Wranglers, where he served as manager from 2004-06.

“I want to thank Chris for thinking of me and making this possible,” White added. “We have a long history together and I think this is a great way for me to give back to the game of baseball. I would also like to thank the T-Bones’ owners, John and Adam Ehlert, and I look forward to working with Tim to help him reach the team’s goals.”

U.S. Department of Justice

Oscar Calvin III, 37, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 10, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.

U.S. Department of Justice

Jose Acosta-Gutierrez, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported.

He was found Dec. 28, 2011, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith is prosecuting.

U.S. Department of Justice

Julio Pena-Carrillo, 31, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony and deported.

He was found Nov. 29, 2011, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

By ALAN HOSKINS

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) does not give out grades in its evaluations of college programs.

Otherwise Kansas City Kansas Community College would have earned an A Plus for its on-line distance delivery programs.

In fact, HLC team members were so impressed by their Dec. 5-6 evaluation visit they requested copies of KCKCC’s newly designed student evaluation forms for on-line courses introduced last fall by Provost Dr. Tamara Agha-Jaffar.

A commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the evaluation team was made up of Trudy Bers, Executive Director of Research, Curriculum and Planning at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Ill., and Frances Hendrix, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Rose State College in Midwest City, Okla.

“Their report just received was a resounding success,” said Dr. Agha-Jaffar. “We were commended for our robust and mandatory training for on-line faculty, our professional development incentive program, the quality and support services provided by the on-line staff, the resources made available for on-line classes and extensive student support services.”

The KCKCC team was made up of Susan Stuart, the Director of On-Line Education; Dr. Baz Abouelenein, Dean of Information Services; Dr. Sangki Min, Dean of Institutional Services; Webmaster Lisa Cline; and Dr. Agha-Jaffar. 

In recommending approval of the distance delivery programs, the HLC team said no further visits will be required until the next comprehensive visit scheduled for the 2015-16 academic year.

“The team’s review of documents, visits to on-line classes and conversations with faculty, administrators and staff provided evidence the College has the capacity to sustain and expand on-line degree offerings,” concluded the HLC report.

“Furthermore, it has a robust professional development program for on-line faculty; a Department of On-Line Education Services (OES) office with four full-time staff providing training and both student and faculty support; and the financial resources to sustain and expand distance learning.”

The report also noted that the growth of on-line education at KCKCC has generated enthusiasm and commitment among faculty across disciplines.

“Several faculty members noted they were re-designing their on-ground courses using the principles of instructional design learned in their on-line classes and voiced a desire that their on-line programs be excellent, not just good or adequate.

“Faculty and the Deans Council were also particularly clear about the importance of providing students with multiple options for taking courses and not forgetting the value and importance of on-ground courses for many students.”

The evaluation was required because KCKCC now offers a majority of associate degree programs on-line. A pioneer in the field, the College began offering on-line classes in 2000 and continues as a leader in training and new innovations.

“KCKCC is carefully and methodically approaching hybrid courses as evidenced by its Blended Learning Courses Guidelines which lay out a 19-point plan for piloting hybrid courses for the Fall 2012,” the HLC team reported.

To teach on-line classes, KCKCC faculty members are required to take an 8-week New On-Line Instructor Course and a follow-up 3-week Quality Matters Rubric course.

“In addition to the mandatory training, KCKCC provides other professional development opportunities for on-line instructors including an On-Line Institute and participation in the Sloan Consortium training for blended courses,” wrote the HLC team.

Other areas cited by the team included meeting the needs of underprepared and underperforming students in the on-line environment by identifying the needs and skills needed to be successful and the College’s commitment and history of expanding the infrastructure on a regular basis and adding staff to support the instructors.

The report’s only recommendations were consideration of charging a technology fee for all students to fund wider access, offering professional development opportunities focused on teaching and learning through mobile technologies and filling the vacancy of the Dean of Student Services.

“KCKCC is a progressive institution, proud of its contribution to the students, local service area and the state of Kansas.” concluded the HLC report. “The delivery of its on-line courses and programs has been methodically approached to ensure a strong foundation and infrastructure, professional and competent support staff and required training for faculty teaching on-line, web-enhanced and hybrid courses. Overall, KCKCC has a strong and inclusive approach to distance education.”

Kansan Staff Report

The Armourdale Renewal Association will honor Ruth Mann-Chinn’s 100th birthday on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 at the monthly “Armourdale Senior Dance.” 

Ruth is the founder of this dance and former crafts director for the Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department.

The dance  time is 1 - 3 p.m. at the Armourdale Recreation Center, 730 Osage Ave. in Kansas City, Kan. Refreshments will be served.

There is no charge with optional donations for the great music from the talented Don Nelson Band.

The public is invited.

Call Kim at 913-371-5696 if you require additional information.

U.S. Department of Justice

Two executives of the Hitchin’ Post Steak Co., in Kansas City, Kan., have been indicted on charges of selling misbranded and adulterated poultry products, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Craig Cunningham, 54, Leawood, Kan., and Jason Cunningham, 36, Olathe, Kan., are charged with the following counts:

One count of conspiracy to transport and sell adulterated and misbranded food items.

One count of selling and transporting adulterated poultry products from Kansas to Oklahoma and Minnesota.

One count of unlawfully using an official mark of inspection on adulterated poultry products without the authorization of the U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture.

One count of misrepresenting that poultry products sold and transported from Kansas to Oklahoma and Minnesota had passed federal inspection.

In addition, Jason Cunningham is charged with one count of unlawfully using an official mark of inspection on adulterated poultry products without the authorization of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and one count of transporting and selling adulterated poultry products from Kansas to Oklahoma and Minnesota.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred from March to December 2008 in Kansas City, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Conspiracy to transport and sell misbranded or adulterated poultry: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Unauthorized use of an official mark of inspection: A maximum penalty of a year in federal prison and a fine up to $100,000.

Selling or processing poultry products that were misrepresented as having been inspected: A maximum penalty of a year and a fine up to $100,000.

Selling adulterated poultry products: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.

Unauthorized use of an official mark of inspection on adulterated poultry products: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.

Misrepresenting that poultry products were inspected: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.    

The U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

U.S. Department of Justice

Jason Ham, 21, Kansas City, Kan., and Holly Lindsey, 29, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with two counts of bank robbery.

They initially were charged in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 19.

The indictment alleges that on Dec. 22, 2011, they robbed Bank Midwest at 4600 Shawnee Drive in Kansas City, Kan., and again on Jan. 17, 2012, they robbed the same bank.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The FBI and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton is prosecuting.

News Release

Congratulations to January Students of the Month for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.

Lesly Sosa, 4th grader at Whittier Elementary School, was nominated by Gerry Garcia, teacher. Lesly is a student you can always count on. She is consistently on target academically and behaviorally. She works very hard to accomplish her goals. Lesly is also very compassionate, can be depended on to help and takes initiative to make our building a great place to learn.

Darrena Bagley, 7^th grader at Eisenhower Middle School, was nominated by Marjorie Riggio, school nurse; Joyce Wade, secretary; and Mary Mikijanis, teacher. Darrena is a bubbly, vibrant student who is an inspiration and role model to both students and staff. She has such a positive outlook and says it is her goal to get “straight A’s.” She is a joy to know and have in class. Her warm smile is contagious to all those around her. She is truly our hero and our role model.

Holly Ratliff, 12^th grader at J. C. Harmon High School, was nominated by R. Steve Howard, teacher. Holly is a dependable, motivated young lady who has the drive to be successful at whatever she attempts. It has been my pleasure to work with Holly in Student Council, at which she serves as the president. Her resume reads like a list from Who’s Who, but she always finds time for others. She helps tutor her classmates and younger students. She has the ability to make others feel important.

Wyandotte High School has been named an Apple Distinguished School for its use of technology to advance student achievement and prepare students for college and careers.

The award was presented at the Board of Education Meeting on January 24.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that are recognized centers of educational excellence and leadership, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments.

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools’ One-to-One Laptop Initiative has enhanced collaboration and communication among Wyandotte’s students, students and teachers, and teachers and parents. Implemented in 2007, it has transformed the local urban environment in which students learn and teachers teach, into a large global community.

The vision for the school is simple: to equip, empower and encourage all learners. Staff continue to reinvent, redefine and reassess their work. And the possibilities and opportunities for students continue to expand and evolve.

The school’s increased tests scores have been attributed, in part, to the laptop initiative.

Reading assessment scores have jumped from 31.5 percent meeting the state standard to 62.6 percent meeting the standard. Math has risen from 39.7 percent meeting the state standard to 51.9 percent meeting the standard.

Attendance figures also have risen. Before the initiative, attendance was at 86.9 percent. In 2011, attendance was at 91.5 percent.

College admissions and college scholarship dollars also have grown steadily. Graduating seniors received a comprehensive total of less than a million dollars four years ago.

But that figure grew in 2011 when more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships were awarded to students.

“The students and staff at Wyandotte are very deserving of this recognition,” said Mary Stewart, principal. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Apple, and to continuing to embrace innovation and creativity in our work as we support students to become college and career ready.”

For the 2011-2012 school year, 56 schools across the United States were selected as Apple Distinguished Schools.

News Release

The Friends of JFK are sponsoring a grand re-opening of the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

The event will feature the Harlem Globetrotters from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a hard wood classic basketball competition.

The JFK Recreation Center is located at 1310 N. 10th Street.