Newsletter-Mid-Week

Simien says Leavenworth set him up for success

It is impossible to spend time with Wayne Simien and not share in his joy.The 42-year-old Leavenworth native and University of Kansas men’s hoop legend is living out every one of his childhood basketball dreams – and then some.Twenty years after his astonishing 2005 senior season with the Jayhawks, which earned him consensus first-team All-American and Big XII Player of the Year honors, he still considers the earliest days of his Leavenworth upbringing his foundational moments.“I can’t have those thoughts of the All-American year or a world championship year without thinking of my hometown,” he said with a warm smile.Currently serving as the Jayhawks Associate Athletics Director of Strategic Engagement, a role he accepted in August 2021, Simien is honored to give back to the school, region and state that he credits with much of his success.“I like to take care of home,” Simien offered. “I was a beneficiary of so much that (KU) had to offer, and I feel like I’m a caretaker of it now.

Read MoreSimien says Leavenworth set him up for success

Special Olympians prepare for trip to state tourney

The march to Manhattan has begun for 48 Leavenworth County basketball players.Following a successful trip to the regional tournament in Overland Park last weekend, the Leavenworth County program punched its ticket to the Special Olympics Kansas State (SOKS) Basketball Tournament to be held March 21-22 at Manhattan’s Anthony and Eisenhower Recreation Centers.“Special Olympics Kansas is extremely proud of all of our athletes that put in months of training to prepare for this event,” SOKS President and CEO John Lair said. “It is a thrill for us to be able to share the abilities and joy of competition and inclusion exhibited by our athletes.”Six Leavenworth County teams earned their way to Manhattan during the Metro Ball Tournament in Overland Park, with a pair of teams taking first place in their brackets, one taking second and three nabbing third-place finishes.

Read MoreSpecial Olympians prepare for trip to state tourney

Administrator discusses rules of rezoning, use permits

In anticipation of constituents’ questions about three McIntyre Road proposals, Lansing City Administrator Tim Vandall provided what he called some education about the rules of rezoning and conditional use permits at a recent Lansing City Council work session.He had told council members at a previous meeting that three concepts for development alongside McIntyre Road would be forthcoming and he thinks residents may be confused and have questions about what can happen. When the first piece of property reached council members in November, landowners were seeking to rezone it so development could occur.

Read MoreAdministrator discusses rules of rezoning, use permits

Bobcats power past Piper in UKC battle

In just 2.4 seconds Tuesday, the Basehor-Linwood High School boys’ basketball team served notice to the entire United Kansas Conference – and perhaps the state – that it is not to be taken lightly.Led by 19 points from Micah Gibbs and 17 from Breckin McBride, the Bobcats slugged their way to a 63-59 UKC victory over first-place Piper High School before a packed house on Senior Night.According to Basehor coach Mike McBride, there has been a noticeable shift in the way his team has played of late.“I don’t know why, but it feels like they finally bought in a week and a half ago,” the veteran mentor said. “Our bigs have finally started believing us when we tell them how impossible they are to guard, and how strong they are, and that’s opened up things for our guards, and it’s all working.”Gibbs is one of those bigs.

Read MoreBobcats power past Piper in UKC battle