Kansas City Star: News

Schlagle band raising funds to march in Washington parade

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Last week, Reggie May, the band director at Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kan., gave his students a command in class. “Let’s go old school again,” May said.

Nothing says Thanksgiving like stuffing

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

As in previous years, the question is whether we will prepare Thanksgiving dinner ourselves, or trust that duty to strangers. And, once again, the decision properly is mine.

Cauthen may not be the only one exiting City Hall

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The political fallout from Thursday’s bloodletting at City Hall? A whole host of possibilities loom. Let’s rack ’em up:

New giving circle responds to the unspoken needs in Johnson County

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A group of people has come together this year to help people who have fallen on hard times, and it is focusing on one area: Johnson County. “There are a lot of people who think Johnson County doesn’t have need, but there really is,” said Linda Peterson, who in January founded this new giving circle with Marilee Benage.

Latest move proves Funkhouser is no longer a political klutz

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The mayor who couldn’t think straight finally hit his mark Thursday. Say what you will about the guy and whether he made the right move in ousting City Manager Wayne Cauthen, but two-plus years in office, numerous humiliations and, finally, some outside political help have proved to be of some benefit to Kansas City’s klutzy mayor.

High dropout rate hits all of us in pocketbook

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

It will take a substantial change in policy for this nation to overcome its appalling school dropout problem, but maybe the place to start is coming up with a good slogan. Something along the lines of “Buckle Up!” or “Don’t Drink and Drive.” What’s needed is a pitch that fundamentally changes our perception of dropping out, that highlights what it really is: a drain on society.

Rep. Dennis Moore

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:19 CST

Jingle Bell Run/Walk benefits Arthritis Foundation

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:51 CST

Adoption Day in Johnson County

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:14 CST

Girl sends Make-A-Wish money to Westport food pantry

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:28 CST

Park Hill, St. Pius X in Missouri state soccer consolation games

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:20 CST

Jingle Bell Run

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Briarcliff Holiday Lighting

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Chiefs vs. Steelers Tailgating

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Candlelight Homes Tour

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

South Asian Bazaar

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Corps was second family to Marine killed Sunday in Afghanistan

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Hand always knew the joy and duty of being a brother. He grew up in Kansas City, North, the second-oldest of 10 siblings. Hand died Sunday in Afghanistan, and his mother comforted herself Monday knowing that her son felt the same loyalty to his brothers and sisters in the Marines as to his siblings.

Sliding-scale medical clinic coming to south Kansas City

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The health care safety net doesn’t stretch very far into the south end of Kansas City. But that’s going to change next summer. Local organizations plan to open a public safety-net clinic south of 75th Street as early as June. Officials will formally announce plans today.

Man sentenced to six years in crash that killed girl, 3

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

It’s been two years since the adults entrusted with the life of 3-year-old Inita Rouser failed the Kansas City girl. On Monday, one of them was sentenced to six years in prison for driving drunk and causing the traffic crash that killed Inita on Nov. 18, 2007.

Brookside lights up the holidays

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The holiday season officially starts for the Brookside shopping district at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 with a tree-lighting ceremony. The event offers light refreshments, music and drawings for gift certificates from Brookside businesses. Participants also can take horse-drawn sleigh rides, with proceeds going to St. Peter’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Canned goods will be collected for Harvesters.

Two Kansas City men sentenced in ‘deadliest month' killings

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Two men who were convicted of killing people in the deadliest month in Kansas City history were sentenced Monday to lengthy prison terms. Their victims, LeRoy Cunningham and Otis J. Brown, were among the city’s 22 homicide victims in August 2008 who were profiled in “Murder’s Big Month,” an award-winning series in The Kansas City Star.

Shawnee Mission West Spanish teacher is 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A Spanish teacher at Shawnee Mission West High was named 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year at a ceremony Saturday in Wichita. Karen Tritt was one of eight finalists for the award. The teacher of the year program is sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Group faults response by Nazarene church to sex abuse lawsuit

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

An advocacy group for child victims of sexual abuse by clergy on Monday criticized the Church of the Nazarene’s response to a lawsuit. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests points to the lawsuit in Oklahoma that accuses the church of complicity in the sexual abuse of five girls by an elementary church pastor in that state. Specifically, SNAP decries a church response that asserted, in part, that any injuries or damages suffered by the plaintiffs were caused or contributed to by their own conduct.

News in brief | Lake of the Ozarks water report released

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAKE OF THE OZARKS | Water report released A Missouri agency has finished a monthlong study of E. coli levels in the Lake of the Ozarks, officials said Monday.

Lotteries | Winning numbers for Monday, Nov. 23

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Monday’s winning numbers: •Missouri Pick 3

Jingle Bell Run/Walk raises about $40,000 for Arthritis Foundation

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

About 700 runners, walkers, friends and fundraisers lined up for a Sunday morning footrace. Each seemed to have a different reason for joining the Arthritis Foundation event at Zona Rosa. The winner had come to win, having finished second in each of the previous three years and each time behind someone different.

Grant from Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to buy a police dog in KC

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Kansas City police won a grant from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s foundation that will be used to buy a new police dog. The $8,000 will pay to replace Rambo, a police dog that is set to retire at year’s end because of arthritis.

General answers questions about stealth bomber mission

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

KNOB NOSTER, Mo. | Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler remembers exactly what he was doing the day in August 2007 when he got a call about a monumental misdelivery. Dressed in his most tuxedo-like uniform and giving a speech to senior sergeants in an Air Force hangar on Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the then-colonel left his audience in an instant.

New entrance ramp opens from Levee Road to Interstate 29/35

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A new on-ramp opened Friday afternoon for motorists traveling from Levee Road to northbound Interstate 29/35. It is the fourth of 16 new ramps to open in connection with the Paseo Bridge project, which also includes widening I-29/35 northeast of the downtown loop.

Woman accused of stealing from those who offered help

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WICHITA | A pregnant woman accused of stealing from good Samaritans has been charged with burglary. Nicole Bell, 26, was charged Friday with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft in Sedgwick County District Court.

In brief | Murder charges filed in fatal shooting of convenience store clerk

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

KANSAS CITY | Murder charges filed Murder charges were filed Sunday against two men in the shooting death of a convenience store clerk on East 12th Street this weekend.

Two men nix Route 66 to travel the old Jefferson Highway, including eastern Kansas

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

PITTSBURG, Kan. | The old Jefferson Highway was the first road to traverse North America from north to south and possibly the first dedicated international highway in the world. So why is it nearly forgotten while Route 66 — which is not nearly so historic or as long — is celebrated with festivals and tons of memorabilia?

The Watchdog | Missing warning signal will remain a mystery

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The problem South Kansas City resident Judi Wollenziehn sent the Dog a photo of a portable warning signal parked at 56th Street and State Line Road on the Missouri side. She travels that way to work and saw it “languishing there” every morning for months.

Tribute | Barbara Elder-Owens ‘took care of everyone'

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Who: Barbara Elder-Owens, 71, of Lee’s Summit. When and how she died: Nov. 9, after a long fight against breast cancer.

Munday on Monday | Text messages from dogs

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Dog text messages Squirrel in yard.

With new visitors center, Leavenworth prison is more welcoming of guests

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

When the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth went from maximum to medium security in 2005, the storied prison encountered a problem not faced in its 100-plus years. People wanted inside.

Lottery results for Sunday, Nov. 22

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Sunday’s winning numbers: •Missouri Pick 3

On National Adoption Day, 13 children complete the legal process of becoming family members

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The holiday season started a little early for 10 families gathered Saturday at the Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe. An overcast, chilly morning did not dampen the enthusiasm of more than 100 people who stood outside the courthouse as 13 children prepared to be legally adopted.

Proposal would allow Amtrak passengers to pack firearms in checked baggage

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Flying is a turnoff for Brian Kunitz. Long security lines. Body patdowns. Having to remove shoes. Setting off the metal detector.

Fans design fundraiser for former HGTV host Jennifer Bertrand, her family

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Jennifer and Chris Bertrand spent part of Saturday morning watching a video about their 9-month-old son, Winston, a video that was edited and produced by two people they didn’t know.

Easy to go green for holidays

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

More people are buying local for their feasts, stringing LED lights and recycling their gadgets.

Belgian man was conscious throughout 23-year-long misdiagnosed vegetative state

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

BRUSSELS | For 23 torturous years, Rom Houben says he lay trapped in his paralyzed body, aware of his surroundings but unable to tell anyone or even cry out. The car-crash victim had been diagnosed as being in a vegetative state but apparently was conscious the whole time. An expert using a specialized type of brain scan that was not available in the 1980s finally realized it and unlocked Houben’s mind.

Republicans line up to vie for Moore's congressional seat

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Health wasn’t the reason. Neither were politics and the tough votes he’d cast lately. Instead, U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore said his unexpected decision not to seek re-election next year was all part of an earlier plan to serve for about 12 years.

Budget ax will slash deeper in Kansas

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

TOPEKA | Gov. Mark Parkinson says Kansans can expect larger school classes, more potholes and an increasingly anemic state government after another round of budget reductions that could represent the unkindest cuts yet.

Dennis Moore won't seek re-election

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat who confounded the GOP by winning six consecutive elections in a heavily Republican district, will not seek re-election next year.

Health bill faces a rough road in Senate

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | Senate Democrats sparred Sunday over how to fix the health care system, with moderates threatening to scuttle legislation if their demands aren’t met and more liberal members warning party leaders not to bend. The dispute foretells of a rowdy floor debate beginning next week on legislation that would extend health care coverage to roughly 31 million more Americans. Republicans have already made clear they aren’t supporting the bill.

Mayor-manager system makes problems for KC, observers say

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

From virtually his first day in office, Mayor Mark Funkhouser wanted City Manager Wayne Cauthen gone. They bickered. They disagreed. They ignored each other as the city’s budget deficit ballooned and citizens decried City Hall.

Accusers, defenders paint contrasting portraits of family in child-sex case

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Last June, 76-year-old Burrell E. Mohler Sr. seemed a perfectly reasonable choice to give the Father’s Day sermon at his tiny Bates City Community of Christ Church. After all, he was a family man. Proud of his four sons. Loved all those grandchildren.

Sick girl's wish for others comes true

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Julie Brock-Garcia knows wishes come true. So when she was asked by the Make-A-Wish Foundation what her heart’s desire was, she told them: to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Cleaver's idea for a complaint-free day draws lots of griping

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | Rep. Emanuel Cleaver just wanted people to stop complaining for a day and count their blessings. What did he get for his troubles? Just more complaints.

Senate clears important hurdle in health care overhaul

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | Invoking the name of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans. There was not a vote to spare.

Ouster of Wayne Cauthen shakes up city

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Thursday’s surprise ouster of Wayne Cauthen as city manager could well rattle Kansas City far beyond his office on the 29th floor of City Hall. The removal was so messy, critics said Friday, it could complicate the city’s budget crisis, create further tension on the council and damage the city’s tarnished image.

KC's acting city manager viewed as easygoing, collaborative

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Troy Schulte once was city manager of the town of Marengo, Iowa, population 2,500. Now he finds himself in a much hotter seat in a much bigger city.

Senate plans a Saturday night vote to open health care debate

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

WASHINGTON | The Senate is poised to approve today the start of a historic debate over health care legislation aimed at making coverage easier, less expensive to obtain and harder to lose. Democrats will need 60 votes to cut off a Republican-led effort to block consideration of the bill, however. A vote is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Central time tonight. Democrats control 60 seats, but two moderates are wavering.

For her garden's good, raking leaves is her bag

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Sun setting behind her, the white-haired Leaf Lady near Holt, Mo. — tiny back bowed with age, arms sinewy from work — points to her bags of “liquid gold.” Yellow leaf bags — count them, scores of them. They sit as plump as Bavarian bakers propped and piled at the trunks of her naked trees and in rows across her rolling five acres east of Smithville Lake.

In Kansas City, Catholic kids mix fun with their faith

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The nun in the gray habit was too busy playing basketball to talk. Teenagers climbed up, ran through and slid down giant inflatables.

In stunning move, Cauthen is ousted as city manager

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Two years ago, Mayor Mark Funkhouser of Kansas City tried to remove Wayne Cauthen as city manager. On Thursday, he finally succeeded in a move that passed the City Council by just one vote and that took City Hall completely by surprise.

No crimes committed among widespread financial irregularities at K-State, report says

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

TOPEKA | Kansas State University’s new president said he hoped the institution could move on now that a final report on widespread financial irregularities found that no crimes were committed. The report released Thursday also clears head football coach Bill Snyder of any wrongdoing, university president Kirk Schulz said. Nearly $846,000 in previously unexplained athletic expenses found by outside auditors were legitimate expenses, Schulz said.

Aggressive coaching is a growing problem, but how much is too much?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Anyone who's ever coached a young athlete recognizes the feeling — when pride and admiration turns to frustration or impatience when a shot is missed or a ball is dropped. But sometimes a darker side emerges: A player is yelled at, severely punished, even physically abused.

Senate unveils its health reform plan

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Senate Democratic leaders Wednesday outlined an $849 billion plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system.

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Names Interim President

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:01 CST

Photo by Bruce Mathews: Kristi Smith Wyatt has been with The Chamber since 1994, and serves as Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Policy Development.Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 read more

Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investors announces it's December Holiday Networking Party

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:51 CST

Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investors, announces its monthly meeting for December . Bring your business cards and your best networking techniques as this is a meeting purely for fun and networking during the busy holiday season. This event will be on Tuesday December 8th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Fox and Hound pub at 103rd and Metcalf in Overland Park. read more

Community Christmas Concert

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:13 CST

A Community Christmas Concert will be performed on Dec. 4, 7:30pm, at 2700 Ensign in Platte City, Missouri. Numerous choirs from northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas will unite to celebrate the birth of Christ and usher in the Christmas season. read more

Lee's Summit Consignment Sale named Franchise of the Year

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:09 CST

Eastern Jackson County’s largest children’s and maternity consignment event, Just Between Friends Lee’s Summit was just named Franchise of the Year at the national JBF “Beyond the Numbers” Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. JBF Lee’s Summit topped more than 90 franchises from 19 other states, including Missouri and Kansas, in achieving this honor. read more

Former Kline aide faces ethics charge

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

TOPEKA | A former top assistant to Phill Kline faces a legal ethics complaint alleging he made misleading comments before the Kansas Supreme Court. Eric Rucker was Kline’s chief of staff when Kline was attorney general and later worked as chief deputy for Kline when he was appointed Johnson County district attorney.