Shepherds Center to meet Jan. 20

Murrel Bland, the Executive Director of Business West, will be a guest speaker when the Shepherds Center of Kansas City, Kansas, meets at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Grace Lutheran Church, 3333 Wood Ave. He will talk about economic development in Western Wyandotte County. Other activities will include health screenings and a potluck luncheon. Shepherds Center will be the benefit at a night at Culvers restaurant, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 1925 Prairie Crossing Village West.

BPU approves budget

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities approved its 2017 annual budget Dec. 21 following a series of public hearings. The 2017 budget will be $382 million which is $113 million less than the 2016 budget. The reduction is primarily due to lower capital expenses related to environmental projects mandated by state and federal governments.

Settlement reached in Schlitterbahn case

The three brothers of Caleb Schwab will receive lifetime payments according to a Johnson County Court settlement reached Jan. 11. ?Caleb died in an accident on the Verruckt water slide Aug. 7, 2016. The amount awarded was not made public. The settlement was between the Schwab family and Schlitterbahn Vacation Village and Zebec of North America, the manufacturers of the raft that carried passengers down the slide.

Staff added to Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Kansas City, Kansas, Convention and Visitors Bureau has added two staff members. They are Justin Stine who is the meeting and sports sales manager and Alexa Salva who is visitor services coordinator and also has administrative duties. In addition, Kerry Green has been promoted to group sales and partnership manager and Rebekah Baughman is now a marketing assistant.

Mayor opposes repeal of health care law

Mayor Mark Holland and Wyandotte County healthcare leaders are urging lawmakers to oppose the repeal of the Affordable Care and Protection Act. The Mayor said that some 6,000 Wyandotte County residents could lose their health insurance. He encouraged Wyandotte County residents to voice their opinions by telephoning U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, 913-393-0711; U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, 913-451-9343; and U.S. Representative Kevin Yoder, 913-621-0832.

New member welcome

Best Choice Home Health Care Agency, 1232 N. 79th St., is a new member of Business West. The principal owners are Reggie and Ericka King. Reggie is a former professional basketball player with the Kansas City Kings.

Members always welcome

All members of Business West are always welcome to attend the organizations monthly board meetings at 12:30 p.m. the third Wednesday in the Board Room at The Dotte Spot Bar and Grill.

For more information, telephone 913-766-4300 or 913-406-6266 (cell) or email [email protected].