kansascityhappenings

[kansascityhappenings]

Kansas City Mayor Lucas says city will vote on police control question in November election

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mayor Quinton Lucas announced that city residents will get to vote for or against local control of the police department, addressing a major discussion topic in local police reform.

The question, which would appear on the November General Election ballot, would ask residents if the the city should make it a legislative priority to pursue legal action, returning control of the police department to the city. Currently, the department is overseen by a state-run committee, which was formed back in the Pendergast era of the early 1900s.

READ: Why Kansas City lost local control of its police force — and why there’s a push to get it back

“We need to ask the people where we stand, what they think, and what they think is important for the future of Kansas City, Missouri,” Lucas said.

Why Kansas City lost local control of its police force — and why there’s a push to get it back

The question would not have a legally binding effect. Lucas said Kansas Citians are unable to change the control over the police department with a local vote. However, he said the answer would give a clear directive for local representatives at in the state legislature.

Lucas said the issue is brought up every few years but nothing really happens. He now wants to hear from the people of Kansas City

“We need to figure out how we bring our community together long-term,” he said. “There are a lot of good men and women in the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, there are a lot of good people in our community.”

The mayor acknowledged that this was only one part of a larger push for change. He said he wants to increase trust on all sides, decrease crime and solidify police review processes.

“We have heard loud and clear that there are people that want to have better relationships and want us to have better relationships between police and the community.”

However, Police Chief Rick Smith said the current system is good, stating that the push for local control is more about “local political control” in a blog post.

“Many say that model is outdated. We believe, however, that it has served the people of Kansas City well for 80 years and will continue to do so,” the chief wrote.

He stated that local control has nothing to do with how responsive the department is to the city council or the homicide rate in Kansas City. He also said that, even though this is the only model of control like it in the country, being unique is not a bad thing.

Lucas acknowledged that the police department will continue to exist “in five years, in ten years,” quelling speculation over recent calls by the Black Lives Matter movement to defund the police.

Ben & Jerry’s calls to defund the police in Juneteenth message

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-mayor-lucas-says-city-will-vote-on-police-control-question-in-november-election/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/kansas-city-mayor-lucas-says-city-will-vote-on-police-control-question-in-november-election/

[kansascityhappenings]

Standoff in Kansas City after suspect fired at officers, police say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police are at the scene of a standoff after a domestic disturbance call turned into shots fired at responding officers.

Police were called to a house in 27th Street and Van Brunt Avenue shortly after 5 a.m. Officials said that a woman’s ex-boyfriend showed up and shot at her tires.

When officers arrived, police said he shot several rounds at them.

Police did not say if officers shot at the suspect.

The suspect has holed up inside the home, and police are working the situation. FOX4 witnessed armored vehicles arriving on scene. The street is taped off near the area.

FOX4 has a crew at the scene and is working to get more information. This story will be updated.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/standoff-in-kansas-city-after-suspect-fired-at-officers-police-say/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/standoff-in-kansas-city-after-suspect-fired-at-officers-police-say/

[kansascityhappenings]

Dozens of KCMO neighborhoods closing streets through limited COVID-19 permit program

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With so many camps and parks either closed or cramped in the summer of COVID-19, many Kansas City neighborhoods are taking advantage of a limited permit program.

It allows neighbors to block off portions of streets to give children and families extra room to roam.

“I’m stuck at home from work, my wife’s stuck at home from work, my kids don’t have summer camps to go to,” said Brian Strohm, who successfully applied to block off a portion of 69th Street near his Brookside home. “So anywhere else they can run around besides their yard, play with other kids, it’s pretty nice and ideal.”

The Open Streets KC permit program is similar to a block party permit, without the party. It’s a free application with a fairly fast turnaround.

“I had to send an email to everyone on the block letting them know that I was applying for it and that I will be putting up the street signs with the permit and that was about it,” Strohm said.

Neighbors will have to supply their own signs and cones. The organization BikeWalkKC is also offering an equipment rental program for anyone who needs cones or signage.

The program lasts through the city’s state of emergency, which is set to expire Aug. 15.

Strohm said some of his handmade closure signs have been knocked over, and he recognizes the program can put extra traffic strain on surrounding streets.

“Some others are not necessarily thrilled because traffic is probably picked up on their streets, and they cannot get the same permit because they’re adjacent to us,” Strohm explained.

But on the whole, Strohm said it’s been a nice way to build a feeling of community during a very unusual summer.

“We’ve had neighbors doing concerts, ukulele concerts across the road,” Strohm said. “People can sit out in the road at night. At least we can stay somewhat socially distanced.”

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/dozens-of-kcmo-neighborhoods-closing-streets-through-limited-covid-19-permit-program/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/dozens-of-kcmo-neighborhoods-closing-streets-through-limited-covid-19-permit-program/

[kansascityhappenings]

With a legacy of paying it forward, KC nonprofit awards more scholarships than ever before

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Amid the pandemic, one Kansas City nonprofit is handing out more scholarships than it’s ever done before.

Jessica McClellan, founder of Giving Hope & Help, said giving is in her family’s DNA.

“They came from slavery to changing the world,” she said.

Her great-great-grandfather, Robert McCallop, founded the McCallop Bus Company in the 1930s in Johnson County, taking Black kids to school during segregation.

“He started with his pickup truck,” McClellan explained. “He would put kids in the truck and drive them to school, and it grew into a 14 fleet of buses.”

Nearly a century later, McClellan’s nonprofit works to better the future for underserved college-bound students at some of the same schools.

“We want to give the life skills that they need to move forward and better the community,” she said.

This year, the organization, which also supports women and girls in need of period products, is awarding scholarships, valued at $30,000, to 23 seniors.

One of those scholarships includes an all-expense paid education at MCC Penn Valley.

“Many of them want to be the first graduated with a degree and help somebody else,” McClellan said, looking at Keyshell McDonalds, who was awarded the full ride to MCC.

“When I first got the call, I was crying excited because I didn’t think I was going to get it,” the Raytown High senior said.

McDonalds, who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, was planning to work her way through college. Now the scholarship will allow her to focus on her studies.

“It’s a blessing to have someone care,” she said.

McDonalds and the other recipients will also get brand-new laptops, bedding for their dorms and backpacks filled with school supplies and toiletries.

McClellan said together, she and the awardees can make a difference in our community.

“Many of the scholars are already giving,” she added. ‘Some of the scholars work for domestic violence shelters, volunteering. Some are already giving out food to the community. This opens the door for so many that are coming behind them.”

Giving Hope & Help usually holds a big ceremony and fundraiser for the winners, but COVID-19 got in the way of that. However, the organization is still fundraising on its website and social media page.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/working-for-youth/with-a-legacy-of-paying-it-forward-kc-nonprofit-awards-more-scholarships-than-ever-before/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/with-a-legacy-of-paying-it-forward-kc-nonprofit-awards-more-scholarships-than-ever-before/

[kansascityhappenings]

Local dentist battling with insurance company over coverage for profits lost during pandemic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Robert Klein has spent more than a decade building his dental practice. He has four offices stretching from Kearney to Kansas City. 

He’s never closed his doors until this past spring when non-essential businesses were asked to shut down because of COVID-19. The only services Klein could offer were for emergency procedures.

About 99% of his business disappeared, Klein said, at a cost of more than $1 million.

“And that’s money we will never recoup,” Klein said.

Klein was initially hopeful that his business interruption insurance, which in 13 years he’s never once used, would cover at least some of the loss. He immediately called his broker.

“And the response was, ‘Oh, we can’t cover those kinds of things. That would bankrupt us,’” Klein said.

But Klein was determined. He spent more than 50 hours filling out paperwork to document his losses and file a claim.

But the day before he planned to submit it, he received a letter and a phone call from his insurance company, Owners Insurance, informing him that his coverage didn’t include pandemics and repeating the assertion that such coverage would bankrupt the company.

“That is a ridiculous argument, and it’s an argument they are going to keep making,” said Kent Emison, Klein’s attorney, who has filed a class action complaint against Owners Insurance, alleging a breach of contract.

“They have been collecting premiums from businesses like Dr. Klein’s for decades,” Emison said. “In 2018, the insurance industry collected over $1.2 trillion — that’s with a T — trillion dollars in premiums.”

Klein’s lawsuit alleges that his dental practice, like nearly every business, has an all-risk policy and therefore should cover all risks, unless there is a specified exclusion.

“Dr. Klein’s policy has no pandemic exclusion,” said Emison of Langdon & Emison. “It has no virus exclusion, so it’s clear to us there is coverage.”

Owners Insurance declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. But an insurance industry expert disputed the lawsuit’s claims.

“Insurance policies have exclusions, but before you get to the exclusion you have to trigger the insuring agreement,” said Bill Wilson who has written multiple articles regarding business insurance coverage during a pandemic. “That’s the problem with most of these COVID-19 business insurance cases is they don’t trigger the insuring agreement.”

Wilson, who has reviewed dozens of similar lawsuits but not Klein’s in particular, said the insuring agreement requires businesses to have physical damage or to be included in an entire geographic area closed because of the pandemic.

Until that happens, Wilson said, the insurance doesn’t kick in.

“It seems to be a technicality, but that’s the way contracts work,” Wilson said.

But Emison argued that it’s exactly the technicalities in the contract that he believes makes Owners Insurance responsible for the losses.

Experts predict it could take years of litigation before this issue is finally settled. 

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/local-dentist-battling-with-insurance-company-over-coverage-for-profits-lost-during-pandemic/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/local-dentist-battling-with-insurance-company-over-coverage-for-profits-lost-during-pandemic/

[kansascityhappenings]

After season canceled, hundreds of metro softball players come together for one last game

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — When the pandemic started, a lot of things ended.

But school spirit endured, even while high school softball’s 2020 season was canceled, as schools across the United States were forced too close to the public. High school athletes feared their prospects of a senior season had vanished as well.

Shamefully, their first softball game of the season is also their last.

On Wednesday, One Last Game came to Overland Park’s Blue Valley Recreation Complex, offering metro softball teams one final chance to compete.

A series of exhibition games attracted teams from 32 Kansas City area schools. Teams from the Missouri side of the metro didn’t participate since their softball seasons happen during the fall months.

The idea for One Last Game came from Bella Gravatt, a Piper High School senior infielder, who suggested the concept to her coaches. It didn’t take long for the notion to take off, leading to the 32 schools getting involved. 

“The best part of this is being able to play with everyone again for one last time. Some of these girls don’t play competitive ball, so it’s good to play with them one last time,” Gravatt said.

“We’re family. When we heard we can’t play together anymore, it was just devastating. To actually be here and step out on the field one more time with these girls is just awesome,” said Emma Martin, Piper third base. 

Hundreds of players and their families came out for one last dance through the dirt, refusing to allow a public health concern to win.

Everyone in attendance was required to socially distance, bringing their own folding chairs to the ballpark.

“It was mind-blowing to know there’s so many people. Coaches had to set that up and other players who had to communicate and commit to it. That just shows how much love there is in this sport,” said Rachel Milnark, Piper High’s head coach.

“I hope they remember it, and years from now, they’re going to remember it, and nobody’s going to forget this,” Gravatt added.

Midwest Sports Productions, a Shawnee-based company that produces hundreds of youth sporting events every year, was in charge of One Last Game. Leaders at the Blue Valley Rec Complex donated access to the diamonds for these games.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/sports/high-school-sports/after-season-canceled-hundreds-of-metro-softball-players-come-together-for-one-last-game/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/after-season-canceled-hundreds-of-metro-softball-players-come-together-for-one-last-game/

[kansascityhappenings]

Chiefs officially cancel training camp in St. Joseph after appeal to NFL

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs will be staying at Arrowhead Stadium and hold training camp at its practice facility this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It ends a 10-year run of trips to Missouri Western University in St. Joseph. 

The NFL issued a memo earlier this month asking teams to keep travel to a minimum. The Chiefs then submitted a detailed appeal to the league to try to still head to Missouri Western.

The but team announced in a statement Wednesday “as conditions have evolved nationally, we have decided that our best option is to conduct training camp at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex this season.”

After a Super Bowl Championship, Missouri Western was gearing up for swarms of fans this year for training camp. Approximately 400,000 have gone through the gates the past 10 years, including a record 63,000 last year.

Construction of new seating areas was planned this year, with the expectation of even more fans. Upgrades were also planned for the dorms where Chiefs players usually stay in late July and early August.

It’s unclear how much the change will cost the city of St. Joseph, as no study on the economic impact of training camp has been conducted.

“Collectively, as small business owners, we are all holding our breath, and now we are kind of gasping at sadness knowing that they aren’t going to be here this year,” said Timmy Lawrence, owner of the Muni Inn, near Missouri Western.

“But player safety and fan safety is more important right now. Just to have a season is what everyone is hoping for because we need some sense of normalcy right now,” he added.

Mayor Bill McMurray said St. Joseph was planning a “Red Rally” welcoming the Super Bowl Champs and likely would have granted the Super Bowl MVP or Head Coach Andy Reid a key to the city.

“It would have been a great experience, but I just want them to win again in the Super Bowl, and we’ll all have this again in the summer of 2021,” McMurray said.

“We appreciate the overwhelming support of Chiefs Kingdom and the St. Joseph community and look forward to returning to Missouri Western State University in preparation for the 2021 season,” the statement from the Chiefs said.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/sports/chiefs/chiefs-officially-cancel-training-camp-in-st-joseph-after-appeal-to-nfl/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/chiefs-officially-cancel-training-camp-in-st-joseph-after-appeal-to-nfl/

[kansascityhappenings]

Kansas City Council exploring idea of KCPD patrolling KCI, downtown airport

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – There was a touchy issue on the table Wednesday about the Kansas City Police Department and whether it should assume control of policing at Kansas City International Airport.

The Kansas City Aviation Department has its own security team it trains and oversees to provide security at the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport and KCI.

The Kansas City Council has asked the Aviation Department to provide a report about what it would look like if KCPD takes control.

The idea of making a change in security at Kansas City’s airports has been kicked around for years.

With the new terminal being built, some city leaders believe with more expected flights and increasing traffic, it’s time KCPD takes over to provide a higher level of security.

“Most airports operate this way. We are one of the very few that do not, so I think it’s time we take a look at that,” Councilwoman Teresa Loar said.

Loar is the chairwoman of the transportation committee and believes airport security should be at a level to handle things like terrorism, hostage situations, drug trafficking and human trafficking incidents.

“Our Kansas City, Missouri, police officers are well-trained in all of those areas, plus just theft and whatever else is going on,” Loar said.

Joe McBride, spokesperson for the Aviation Department, said airport police provide more than safety and security.

“We have a great track record of safety and security and also customer service at the airport,” McBride said.

“Understand that it is a fine line, really, providing safety and security, but also customer service for those people. People are trying to find a flight and might be lost, confused, so they also act as airport ambassadors.”

In January, Aviation Director Patrick Kline sent a letter to the interim city manager, expressing his displeasure with the proposed change. He cited the following:

A significant cost increase for no service level increase

Pushback from airline partners because of cost

Possible penalties from the Federal Aviation Administration for revenue diversion and grant money payback

The Aviation Department would lose control of directing airport security

“We have a great track record with the airport police officers, and I’m very proud of what they are doing,” McBride said.

The Aviation Department is one of two money-making city departments. It pays for its police force and would also pay for KCPD security, so the department would not necessarily be affected by the extra work.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-council-exploring-idea-of-kcpd-patrolling-kci-downtown-airport/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/kansas-city-council-exploring-idea-of-kcpd-patrolling-kci-downtown-airport/

[kansascityhappenings]

Missouri woman who shouted ‘KKK belief’ at BLM protest apologizes: ‘I don’t represent hate’

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Missouri woman is apologizing for the “ugly” things she said in a now-viral video recorded at a Missouri Black Lives Matter protest.

The video, which surfaced on Monday, isn’t long. It only runs about 35 seconds. In it, Kathy Jenkins sits and later stands on the bed of a pickup truck while holding and dancing with a Confederate flag.

“I will teach my grandkids to hate you all,” she says to someone off camera. She later raises her fist and declares “KKK belief.”

Since the video surfaced, Kathy says she’s been locked out of Facebook and fired from her job (a punishment she says she deserved). She says she’s been the target of a few threats and she says even her friends are being threatened.

When she called sister station KOLR, she wouldn’t even say where she was calling from; only specifying that she has left Branson, her home of six years.

The call was a response to what she describes as a misunderstood portion of her day that was caught on video.

{“mcp”:”LIN”,”width”:”100%”,”height”:”100%”,”video”:”5615548″,”autoplay”:false,”expect_preroll”:true,”pInstance”:”p9″,”plugins”:{“comscore”:{“clientId”:”6036439″,”c3″:”fox4kc.com”,”script”:”//w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/plugins/comscore/comscoreplugin.min.js”,”useDerivedMetadata”:true,”mapping”:{“video”:{“c3″:”fox4kc.com”,”ns_st_st”:”wdaf”,”ns_st_pu”:”Nexstar”,”ns_st_ge”:””},”ad”:{“c3″:”fox4kc.com”,”ns_st_st”:”wdaf”,”ns_st_pu”:”Nexstar”,”ns_st_ge”:””}}},”dfp”:{“adTagUrl”:”https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=1×1000&iu=/5678/nx.wdaf&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vmap&unviewed_position_start=1&vid=short_onecue&cmsid=1234&url=https://fox4kc.com/feed/&ciu_szs=728×90,300×250&ad_rule=1&description_url=https://fox4kc.com/feed/&cust_params=vid%3D5615548%26bob_ck%3D%5Bbob_ck_val%5D%26d_code%3Dna003″}},”expectPrerollTimeout”:8,”accessKey”:”70X35QbVjgovptmVD0HwZI0w9lNQk2R1″,”token”:”eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ2aWQiOiI1NjE1NTQ4IiwiaXNzIjoiNzBYMzVRYlZqZ292cHRtVkQwSHdaSTB3OWxOUWsyUjEiLCJleHAiOjE1OTMwNDg4NzZ9.xCWhDCc4JbqEGbvn_q3IdBWQUOVw_o5IwxvEfq3tu5w”,”nxs”:{“mp4Url”:null},”disableMutedAutoplay”:false,”recommendations”:false,”expectPreroll”:true,”titleVisible”:true,”trackTimePeriod”:60}

“I was chanting Black Lives Matter… and that’s not even on video,” she said on Wednesday. “It’s like I blacked out. I don’t even remember.”

Jenkins said she was only there in the parking lot of Dixie Outfitters to observe the nearby Black Lives Matter protest.

“I’ve never been to one,” she said. “I just wanted to see what the rally was all about.”

She said while watching from the other side of the street someone handed her a Confederate flag. She claims she didn’t fully know what it represented but assumed it was a symbol of unity. She also said she was in the bed of a truck belonging to someone she didn’t know.

Later, when people from the other side of the street approached her, she says she lost her temper.

“I hadn’t said anything until they came into my face … it’s like I blacked out. I don’t even remember saying half the stuff that I said.”

As for the part about holding the same beliefs as the Ku Klux Klan, she said she was mocking the people who approached her.

“I wasn’t saying I’m KKK or for the KKK. I was mocking them because I don’t like being called a racist,” she said.

Now she’s apologizing.

Along with vowing to never hold another Confederate flag, Jenkins is offering both lamentations and her time to the people she offended.

“I’m so, so sorry,” she said Wednesday. “I mean, if it would help for me to stand with Black Lives Matter, I absolutely would do that.”

Below you can read a full apology written by Kathy Jenkins:

As many of you know I am Kathy. I just wanted to start with saying that I am truly deeply sorry for what I said. This isn’t who I am as a person. I obviously cannot take back what I said. I can only learn from this. I want to make it clear. I am not teaching my children or grandchildren to hate anyone. No one. Ever. I’ve always taught them to respect and love anyone no matter the race. I’ve always taught them to treat people with the same respect as they would want to be treated. My words and actions have been a learning experience. Not only did I learn from this, but I hope this message helps others that they cannot take back what they have said. Again I am so so sorry because that is not who I am.  I would never ever want to see anyone hurt and I don’t care who they are.”

-Kathy Jenkins

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/missouri-woman-who-shouted-kkk-belief-at-blm-protest-apologizes-i-dont-represent-hate/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/missouri-woman-who-shouted-kkk-belief-at-blm-protest-apologizes-i-dont-represent-hate/

[kansascityhappenings]

One year after Grandview teen shot and killed, family says efforts to find justice being ignored

GRANDVIEW, Mo. — Wednesday marks one year since a Grandview teen, 14-year old Damian Norfleet, was shot and killed in his home.

Today, there still are no arrests or a suspect description in the case.

“It’s been a whole year now since my baby’s been gone. I haven’t been able to say my baby’s name. I haven’t been able to hear him say mama. For a whole year,” said Latisha Norfleet, Damian’s mother.

His mother said she’s reflecting and remembering her son who loved to play football and eat.

“We have been getting a lot of support, and we appreciate it a lot. I don’t want my son’s case to go in vain like that. It can’t, it can’t. If you want to stop violence, help us,” Norfleet said.

The teen was shot while in the kitchen sweeping the floor.

Following the case, his parents announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrests. They believe there are people who know exactly who killed their son, even sharing countless tips with police.

They said all their efforts are ignored.

“We feel as if our son’s case has gone cold,” Norfleet said. “There’s no attention on it no more. Nobody in the Grandview Police Department are talking about it for real. You try to get in contact with somebody, you cannot get in contact with them. Even if they would tell me, ‘We have nothing,’ I will accept that. I just want to know something.”

According to investigators with Grandview Police, every tip has stopped cold. They said they have followed up on what they could, but there’s no solid evidence to support any further investigation into the case.

The teen’s parents said this isn’t enough.

“I am tired of that word, being substantial, when you are giving puzzles and pieces, everything connecting. How much torture do you want? Now we are just tortured,” Damian Norfleet Sr. said.

On Wednesday afternoon, family, friends, teachers and classmates gathered outside Grandview High School for a special vigil to honor the teen.

Special memories were shared, and they signed a football to be used as memorabilia.

Family members are pushing anyone who has information to contact the TIPS Hotline at [phone].

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/one-year-after-grandview-teen-shot-and-killed-family-says-efforts-to-find-justice-being-ignored/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/one-year-after-grandview-teen-shot-and-killed-family-says-efforts-to-find-justice-being-ignored/

[kansascityhappenings]

At virtual town hall, dozens sound off on renaming JC Nichols Fountain, Parkway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Any statue, monument or name connected to slavery and racism is getting a hard, second look.

In Kansas City, the fountain and street named after JC Nichols is under review.

Nichols was a city planning mastermind and developed the Country Club Plaza, but he also helped write the rules that kept Blacks out of affluent neighborhoods for decades.

On Wednesday, the Kansas City parks board held a virtual town hall, listening to residents both for and against removing Nichols’ name from the parkway and fountain near the Plaza. The board held an in-person meeting on the issue last week. 

Cries for racial justice in Kansas City took over the area surrounding the JC Nichols Fountain for weeks this summer.

But the very place tied to Black Lives Matter rallies, and countless other protests for change, bears the name of this Kansas City developer linked to divisive practices.

“The impacts of JC Nichols’ policies and practices are significant and long lasting on African Americans,” said Scott Helm, professor at the UMKC Bloch School of Management.

Kansas City parks board members heard from more than three dozen residents both for and against that idea of removing Nichols’ name. 

Many of those commenting echoed the need for more community education about Nichols and his links to redlining, which racially divided Kansas City’s landscape.

“It’s important we use this opportunity not just to remove the name and check a box, but educate our city and beyond,” said Steff Hedenkamp, who supports the name change.

“Let’s learn from that past and not feel the need to remove and rename statues, leaving people who need to learn from it in oblivion,” said Marilyn, who opposes the name change.

Those speaking out against the idea insist Nichols had important contributions to building Kansas City into what it is today. They argue that a name change won’t make a difference in the fight for racial equality.

“If we start changing names, we will need to change all of them because we could find something not redeemable in everyone,” said Leigh Ann, who opposes the name change.

But others insist to begin the long, hard work of changing Kansas City’s racial divisions, Nichols’ name has to go.

“It’s a quiet complacency. That fountain is such a common meeting place for protests and those seeking justice. I think leaving it up is an insult to progress and change,” said Olivia Powell, who supports removing Nichols’ name.

The Kansas City parks board plans to vote Tuesday, June 30, on whether to remove JC Nichols’ name from the fountain and street.

If it votes ‘yes’ on removal, a separate process will be launched on what the two places should be called instead.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/at-virtual-town-hall-dozens-sound-off-on-renaming-jc-nichols-fountain-parkway/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/at-virtual-town-hall-dozens-sound-off-on-renaming-jc-nichols-fountain-parkway/

[kansascityhappenings]

Kansas couple donates their stimulus checks to KC restaurants, bars they frequent

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s no secret people who work in the service industry have taken a big hit due to COVID-19.

But recently, a local bar owner received something in the mail that brought her to tears — and it wasn’t another bill to pay.

Twin City Tavern owner Kim Moffitt said she was scraping the bottom of the barrel to keep her business alive during the pandemic. 

The glass looked half empty with doors closed for more than two months and no money coming in. 

“We had overbought for March Madness and Lent and St. Patrick’s Day, and we lost everything,” Moffitt said.

But just days after the tavern reopened, Moffitt got a precious gift in the mail. 

“So I got that letter on Saturday. Hold on, I’m about to cry,” Moffit said walking away, “’cause I was like bawling all Thursday.”

A heartfelt letter and a check for $200 continues to move Moffitt to tears. 

“It was really nice to know that there were nice people out there that cared about us reopening,” Moffitt said.

The letter and money were from two regulars, Joyce and Tony Vietti.

They live in Pittsburg, Kansas, but come to the homey bar and always sit in the same booth on Thursdays. 

“We weren’t doing it for the glory or anything,” Tony said. “We were doing it to help these people that we consider friends.”

The retired couple spread the wealth to several other KC restaurants, too. They each gave away their entire $1,200 stimulus checks from the federal government. 

“We just didn’t need the money that bad,” Vietti said. “So we decided to give the money to restaurants and bars and services we use because we knew these people were hurting.”

Moffitt said they’ve been riding the “COVID-coaster” for too long. 

“COVID-coaster just screwed us all up. Nobody gets to see each other. Nobody can hug. Everybody has to keep social distances and wear masks, so it’s just stressful for everybody,” Moffitt said, “and financially — horrible.”

Moffitt said the check and note felt like arms being wrapped around her in support. 

“Thank you. It meant the world,” Moffitt said.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-couple-donates-their-stimulus-checks-to-kc-restaurants-bars-they-frequent/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/kansas-couple-donates-their-stimulus-checks-to-kc-restaurants-bars-they-frequent/

[kansascityhappenings]

Lucas’ ordinance to strike marijuana possession from KC code passes committee

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ ordinance to cut marijuana possession from city code is moving forward.

Lucas introduced the ordinance last week with support from several council members already.

It is co-sponsored by council members Brandon Ellington, Melissa Robinson, Lee Barnes and Ryana Parks-Shaw.

On Wednesday, several city council members threw their support behind the proposal in a Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee meeting.

The committee voted in favor of the ordinance. It will now head to the full Kansas City Council for consideration on July 9.

If the ordinance goes into effect, it would not make marijuana legal. State and federal law still applies, and people can still be charged under those systems. However, officials would no longer press charges at the municipal level.

The mayor believes it’s something Kansas City can do to be more equitable and free up police to focus on other types of crimes.

“There’s a better way we can try to apply and enforce our police time in ways that are solving violent crime and those big impactful issues,” Lucas previously told FOX4.

“Frankly, when you look at the discriminatory and disproportionate impact that our drug laws, particularly our petty drug laws, are having on African-Americans in our community, it’s time for us to make a change.”

In 2017, nearly 75% of Kansas City voters approved a ballot initiative to reduce penalties for marijuana possession. The fine was reduced to $25 for possession of 35 grams or less, and it eliminated jail time.

This ordinance, if approved, would eliminate even these punishments.

This isn’t the first time Lucas has supported looser marijuana restrictions. In February, Lucas rolled out a pardoning process for those with municipal marijuana charges.

He said the convictions were a barrier for many residents and the decision was long overdue.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/lucas-ordinance-to-strike-marijuana-possession-from-kc-code-passes-committee/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/lucas-ordinance-to-strike-marijuana-possession-from-kc-code-passes-committee/

[kansascityhappenings]

Sporting KC matches scheduled for MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The schedule is set. Major League Soccer will open its World Cup-style return tournament in Florida on July 8 with a double header.

Orlando City will play expansion Inter Miami in the first match, followed by a game between the Chicago Fire and Nashville SC. 

The games will be the first time the league has been in action since play was shut down on March 12 because of the coronavirus. The MLS Is Back Tournament schedule was released Wednesday. 

The all-Florida opener is a nod to the tournament’s host state. All games will be played without fans in attendance at the sports complex at Walt Disney World.

As for Kansas City’s favorite team, Sporting KC takes the field for the first time in months at 7 p.m. (CST) July 12 against Minnesota United FC. 

They’ll also play the Colorado Rapids at 7 p.m. July 17 and Real Salt Lake at 8 a.m. July 22 for their Group D play. 

That 8 a.m. game is the earliest kickoff Sporting KC has ever had, according to the club. Teams are playing early in the morning and late at night due to the Orlando heat. 

You can find the full schedule for the MLS tournament here. 

The 26 MLS teams will be divided into six groups for the opening round of the tournament, which will be played over 16 consecutive days.

Group matches will count toward the regular-season standings. Sporting KC started the season off with a perfect 2-0-0. 

In a news release, Sporting said they’ll announce watch party details for tournament matches in the near future. 

Sixteen teams will advance to the knockout round, which begins July 25. The winner of the title game on Aug. 11 earning a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.

The teams and select staff members will be sequestered during the tournament at two Disney resorts for the duration of the tournament.

After the tournament, MLS plans to continue its regular season with a revised schedule in home markets, followed by the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and the 25th MLS Cup.

MLS will be the second professional sports league in the United States to return to the field. The National Women’s Soccer League will play a tournament in Utah starting Saturday. 

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/sports/sporting-kc/sporting-kc-matches-scheduled-for-mls-is-back-tournament-in-orlando/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/sporting-kc-matches-scheduled-for-mls-is-back-tournament-in-orlando/

[kansascityhappenings]

KCPS seniors grateful to finally turn their tassels at in-person graduations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The class of 2020 has waited 13 years to walk across the stage at high school graduation.

But because of the coronarvirus crisis, it’s something many didn’t think would happen this year. 

“I thought that it would be canceled. To be honest, I was kind of sad about it because who wouldn’t want to walk across the stage after 13 years of hard work,” East High School graduate Jacob Moreno said. 

But the Kansas City Public School District arranged for its seven high schools to have in-person graduation ceremonies. On Wednesday, East High seniors got to turn their tassels. 

“I don’t think it was a hard decision at all because we know what our parents want. We surveyed. We had a group of seniors that we spoke with. They made it very clear that they did not want a virtual commencement,” KCPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell said. 

The district has held about 14 mini graduations each day for the past three weeks. The graduates are put into small groups, and then they were able to walk across the stage.

Each student was allowed to invite four guests. Seats were taped off to ensure social distancing measures were followed. Students also stood 6 feet apart, as they waited for their names to be called. 

“This is a huge blessing, and I know a lot of seniors in today’s society haven’t been given that chance to walk across the stage. But we’ve been given that chance, and it’s just amazing,” Moreno said. 

While many other metro districts opt for virtual ceremonies, KCPS leaders are happy with their district’s decision.

“The texts and the emails from the students’ responses that they get to have that moment for themselves has been awesome,” East High School Principal Luis Hinojosa said. 

District officials said East High School had 330 graduates this year. That’s its highest graduation rate in school history. 

RELATED: Multiple metro school districts announce in-person graduation ceremonies at Children’s Mercy Park

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/kcps-seniors-grateful-to-finally-turn-their-tassels-at-in-person-graduations/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/kcps-seniors-grateful-to-finally-turn-their-tassels-at-in-person-graduations/

[kansascityhappenings]

Independence police looking for motorcyclist who pointed gun at woman, children in road rage incident

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Independence police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man who pointed a gun at a woman and her children during a road rage incident.

According to police, on June 18 around 6:45 p.m. a woman and her two children were traveling near E. Salisbury Road and 291 Highway when a man on a black and silver Harley Davidson motorcycle began yelling vulgar names at them.

The woman reported that the man flipped her off numerous times and pointed a handgun at her and her children.

The suspect is believed to be a frequent customer at the Shell gas station in the 15300 block of E. US 24 Highway and may live in the northeast area of Independence.

Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477), the IPD tips line at 816-325-7777 or email [email protected].

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/news/independence-police-looking-for-motorcyclist-who-pointed-gun-at-woman-children-in-road-rage-incident/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/independence-police-looking-for-motorcyclist-who-pointed-gun-at-woman-children-in-road-rage-incident/

[kansascityhappenings]

4Star Politics: FOX4 and The Kansas City Star debut digital political show

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — FOX4 and The Kansas City Star are joining forces to provide complete political coverage of the region and country in a new digital show: 4Star Politics.

Between now, the primary election in August and the general election in November, we’ll cover the most important issues voters have to consider. We’ll also talk to a range of politicians and leaders from the local level all the way up to Washington.

You can watch the show every Wednesday beginning at 5 p.m.

In this debut episode, here’s what you can expect:

Discussion with KC Mayor Quinton Lucas

FOX4’s John Holt and The Star’s Dave Helling talk to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas as he reflects on his first year in office, how the city has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he plans to achieve some of his agenda going forward.

With a challenging six months ahead, Lucas discusses the city’s homicide problem and possible changes for KCPD.

Kansas Primaries

Holt and Helling talk to Bryan Lowry, The Star’s Washington correspondent, about the race for Kansas’ U.S. Senate seat and an intriguing Republican primary. You’ve probably seen Bob Hamilton’s commercials, and the panel discusses whether he can give a fight to more well-known politicians Kris Kobach, former Kansas Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate, and U.S. Representative Roger Marshall, who currently serves Kansas’ 1st Congressional District in Washington D.C.

They also discuss the race for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District and a crowded Republican primary.

How COVID-19 has reshaped the landscape

Holt and Helling talk about how COVID-19 has changed this year’s political races, how it’s impacted fundraising and what they expect to see with only six weeks until the primaries.

Response from KCPD Chief Rick Smith

While this isn’t mentioned in the video, FOX4 reached out KCPD Chief Rick Smith for comment regarding Mayor Lucas’ comments on his job and efforts to combat violent crime and the homicide rate. Chief Smith provided the following to FOX4:

“We are all very concerned about the increased gun violence in this City. The initiatives we are undertaking to combat violent crime have previously proven effective in other cities around the country. Through those practices, we’ve seen a reduction in overall violent crime each year.

We start the process of solving violent crimes before they are committed. It requires relationships to build trust. We have invested heavily in those relationships through things like social workers, community interaction officers and youth initiatives such as the Police Athletic League/DARE, Police Explorers, Teens in Transition and the Youth Police Initiative. We welcome any ideas about how to bridge the gap in communication between those who have knowledge of crimes and the police.

This is not unique to Kansas City. Gun crimes are up in many major cities across the country this year, and we’re all grappling with similar issues and looking for the best solutions.

I’m committed to serving this City under the direction of the Board of Police Commissioners, and I have confidence we have the right people at KCPD who are committed to the safety of Kansas City.“

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/your-local-election-headquarters/4star-politics-fox4-and-the-kansas-city-star-debut-digital-political-show/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/4star-politics-fox4-and-the-kansas-city-star-debut-digital-political-show/