News (Noticias) for Kansas

Though the number is impossible to pinpoint, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Low German Mennonites, distinct for their language and religion, have started settlements in southwest Kansas, said Cyndi Treaster, director of the Farmworker, Immigrant and Refugee Health Section in the Office of Local and Rural Health at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“The last time Low German Mennonites settled in Kansas was in the 1800s,” said William Keel, a professor of German at The University of Kansas, referring to a group that settled on farms in central Kansas. “This is like the 19th century all over again.”"*

Guadian, 88, of Garden City, is one of 28 Hispanic veterans from Kansas who are featured in the new documentary film “Kansas Hispanic Veterans Remembered.”

The one-hour-and-15 minute documentary is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. Nov. 18 on KPTS-PBS television in Wichita. Ford and Sumaya, both of Topeka but originally from Garden City, produced the film.”*

“Officials at St. Anne Catholic School here have gotten mixed reactions to their requirement that students speak only in English while at school.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita says the school enacted the policy to deal with Spanish-speaking students who were using their native language to bully other children or insult teachers and administrators without their knowledge.

But some parents have complained about the policy, saying St. Anne is discriminating against Spanish speakers.”*

“The Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Kansas will host the second Latino Leadership Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Kansas Union.

The goal of the summit is to provide information in Spanish and English on college preparation to the growing Latino high school student population in Kansas. The program will address social adjustment, admissions processes and leadership development to help students explore their college options. Motivational speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr. will give the keynote address.”*

“The crowd, packed in tight on the southeast corner of the Depot Theater and the Central Station Parking lot, gathered Saturday morning to celebrate the dedication of a sign recognizing the Mexican Village of Dodge City.

Some who were born and raised in the village attended the event, while the descendants of others acted as proxies for their loved ones.

Off to the side of the stage, a mariachi band’s songs echoed across the parking lot.”*

“Spanish energy company Abengoa (ABG.MC: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it had signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy worth $38 million to develop a biomass ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kansas.

In a statement to the Spanish stock exchange regulator, Abengoa said the plant would eventually process 700 tonnes of biomass a day, producing 44 million litres of ethanol a year.”*

“The playgrounds of the Dodge City elementary schools are filled with the chatter of children as they take turns on the swings and chase each other around the yards. The children converse freely with one another, alternating with ease between English and Spanish depending on who they’re speaking with.

This is not an unusual snapshot of the schools in Dodge City, where the elementary schools have an Hispanic population of around 80 percent. While other schools in the Midwest may be dominated by blond-headed children, they become the minority here. The middle and high schools aren’t far behind, where approximately 60 percent of the students come from Latino ancestry.”*

“The area’s only live, local Spanish-language television show celebrated its first anniversary Tuesday.

“Al Dia Con Sabor Latino,” or “Day to Day with Latino Flavor,” airs from 5 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays on Cox Communications digital cable channel 312 or on Channel 51 by antenna and Direct TV satellite.

Azteca Wichita Channel 51’s crew has kept busy in its first year covering a variety of news and entertainment events — from immigration marches to the defeat of the city’s first popularly elected Hispanic mayor, Carlos Mayans, and live musical performances.”*

“A decade ago, when the Crossroads Arts District set about establishing its identity, one of the first projects completed was a commission for three sculptures by area artists in the parking lot of Lidia’s restaurant.

Recently the West Side engaged a prominent Latino artist to proclaim its identity ”” and its distinctness from the neighboring Crossroads.

In early September a billboard, designed by Kansas City artist Adolfo Martinez, went up at 17th and Jefferson streets in the historically Latino neighborhood.”

“Members of the city’s Hispanic women’s organization, Mana de Wichita, are recognizing seven “quiet warriors” whose determination and passion make a difference in their community and beyond.

“We want to recognize the Latina leaders we do have in Wichita and sort of showcase them to the rest of the city,” said state Rep. Delia Garcia, former Mana president.”

“The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City celebrates its 30 year anniversary with its Annual Noche de Gala Awards Celebration on Friday, November 16, 2007. The celebration will be held at the Bartle Hall Grand Ballroom, Kansas City, Missouri, and is presented by Anheuser-Busch. “The Gala is our Chamber’s premier business event in the Hispanic community. The Gala awards recognize business leaders and corporations that have provided exemplary support to the Hispanic business community in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” said Carlos Gomez, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Gala evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a Chairman’s reception, followed by the awards dinner at 7:30 p.m. The awards program will honor the achievements of those Hispanic individuals who have made a positive impact on the Kansas City business community. The Gala attracts more than 900 attendees, including local and state elected officials, corporate business leaders, and influential individuals from the Hispanic community.

For more information, please contact Gabriel Munoz with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City at 816-472-6767.

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The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City is proud to honor the following award winners:

Reyes Media -Jesse Flores Hispanic Business of the Year Award - This award is presented to the company who most exemplifies excellence in the Hispanic entrepreneurial activities, success in business, and positive representation of the Hispanic culture.

Cristo Rey –Hector Barretto Sr. New Small Business of the Year - This award is presented to a new organization that has been in business less than two years, has shown significant growth in business, and has demonstrated commitment to the community.

Bank of America –El Dorado Corporation of the Year - This award is presented to the corporation who has demonstrated and implemented initiatives that has made a positive difference in the growth of the Hispanic Business.

Rudy Padilla -Carlos F. Cortes Humanitarian of the Year - This award is given to the individual who best exemplifies the traits of volunteering, community service, and the tireless dedication to the well being of the Hispanic community.

A Chairman’s Award will also be presented to the Chamber member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the year through service and commitment to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.

About the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the creation, advancement, promotion and development of economic opportunities within the Hispanic market and business community in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. The Hispanic Chamber was founded in 1977; since its inception, the chamber has worked towards the development of its members businesses and the community they serve.

Contact: Gabriel Munoz
816.472.6767
Website Link:

“U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced three grants totaling $1,709,000 to Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College and Donnelly College in Kansas City for the Hispanic Serving Institutions Program. These grants will help expand educational opportunities and improve academic achievement for Hispanic students.

Ӣ $574,000 for Garden City Community College to increase student access to high-demand Nursing and Allied Health programs.

Ӣ $572,000 for Dodge City Community College to fund a new English as a Second Language (ESL) Lab that will provide for assessment, placement, and advising.

Ӣ $561,000 for Donnelly College in Kansas City, KS to develop and pilot two new programs: Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

The funds will be used to enhance the academic offerings, program quality and the institutional stability of each college. Senator Roberts is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.”

“My name is Martha Sanchez, mother of Maria Guzman. I would like to get some help from you to try and catch the two men who murdered my daughter.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005 in Kansas City, Kan. Maria Guzman was riding in a car with three friends when she was shot and killed when the car she was in exchanged gunfire. This stemmed from an earlier incident, where a girl lost a fight with another girl and was seeking revenge.

My daughter was shot first. The car had 25 gunshot holes. Maria died instantly. Three of her friends were also shot. Maria’s friend Michael, who was also shot, is now going to be a quadriplegic. Joshua, another friend, was shot five times (once in the face). He is doing OK but he will need some surgery to repair his face. Jodie, 17, was also shot five times in the chest. He was very lucky to survive. One of the four girls in the Explorer (all of whom were shot) also died.”

“A well-known Kansas City, Kan., businessman who helped shape one of Wyandotte County’s top community groups died over the weekend.

David Alvarado, 78, died Saturday, Sept. 15, at Providence Place care center.

A lifetime area resident, Alvarado was the owner of Casa de Tacos for over 40 years, at the restaurant’s original location at 19th and Park Drive and more recently at 7516 State Avenue. The original location was sold several years ago and now operates under the name Casa de Hernandez; the State Avenue restaurant was sold last year and is now called Dancing Like David.”

“”Being able to speak Spanish and English, it will open up doors for you,” 38-year-old Guillermo Martinez said in English. “It’s very important.”

And it’s increasingly common as immigrant parents with varied levels of English skills enter Kansas and their kids grow up in a dual-language world.

More than 10 percent of Kansas residents speak a language other than English at home, Census figures released this week show. Nationally, it’s nearly 20 percent.”

“A pro-immigration march through Wichita advocated legal status for the 40 to 70 thousand illegals in Kansas.

Kansas United Corporation, which is a local civil rights group, gathered people at 23rd North and Broadway and took the street. They are calling for an end to INS raids and the stopping deportation of undocumented immigrants.”

“Like other area ministers, Rev. Francisco Aguirre is trying to ease the fears of immigrants in his congregation who bought memberships in a federally nonrecognized American Indian tribe in the hope that they would become U.S. citizens.

Aguirre, pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Redempcion in Kansas, is allegedly a victim himself.

Aguirre is a legal U.S. resident, but he is not an American citizen. He said he bought memberships in the Kaweah Indian Nation for himself, his family and members of his congregation, anticipating they would automatically become U.S. citizens. He said about 30 people in his congregation paid $80 (€57.8) each for memberships.”

“In the black-and-white photographs lining one Evergreen library bookshelf, a birthday is called a “cumpleanos” and America’s favorite pastime is “beisbol.”

“Images of America: Latinos in Wichita” is a new exhibit featuring community photographs of Hispanic life, family portraits and celebrations. So far, 10 images are displayed, but library organizers said there is room for 100 photos that help illustrate the depth and beauty within the Hispanic experience.”

“MANA de Topeka held its fourth annual awards gala.

Among those honored for their contributions were Deborah Rios-Ortega and Art Balandran in the community service category; Marta Moralez-Kennedy for education and Cheryl Rios-Kingfisher in professional development.”

“The opening bars to summer’s popular song “Lean Like a Cholo” scream over large loud speakers as a sold-out crowd of teen and tween fans sing along at the Orpheum Theatre. Waiting in the wings, wearing a long black T-shirt, is Down aka Kilo, the artist whose song is creating the frenzy. He stretches and drinks from his water bottle before walking on stage, yelling into the mike…

“Who wants to lean like a cholo?”

The question is a call to arms, and the crowd’s roar increases by several decibels.”

“The Kansas City Royals together with the Guadalupe Center of Kansas City, executive producer LatinPointe and Sprint Wireless have announced they will host the inaugural “Viva Los Royals” celebration before the Royals-New York Yankees game on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:10 p.m. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the event will feature a special pre-game concert by Grammy-nominated Tejano singer Jay Perez and international acting and singing sensation, Jose Jose Kansas City hometown favorite Las Estrellas will also perform, while comedian Alex Reymundo will emcee the festivities scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. inside Gate A at Kauffman Stadium.”

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“KRPS, the National Public Radio NPR station at Pittsburg State University, on Sept. 1, will begin broadcasting an all Spanish-language radio channel as part of its HD Radio service.

KRPS began broadcasting a digital signal in 2006, improving the sound quality of the broadcast signal. Along with improving the quality of the signal, it gave the radio station the ability to split its signal into three separate channels.”

“About 15,000 current Kansas driver’s license holders obtained their license without a Social Security number, said John Holroyd, a public service administrator with the Department of Motor Vehicles in Wichita.

Some may be foreign students, but the majority are believed to be illegal immigrants who renewed licenses obtained before Kansas verified residency.

Kansas Secretary of Revenue Joan Wagnon has said the change could affect 50,000 people through the years as current license holders have to renew and others seek licenses.”

“This is the home of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, of Boot Hill and the Long Branch Saloon, of cattle drives, buffalo hunters and the romance of the American West.

But thats the Dodge City of yesteryear.

Today, downtown has Mexican restaurants and stores more reminiscent of shops south of the border than Main Street Kansas. The city of 25,176 even has a new nickname: “Little Mexico.”"