Sun invites readers to first ‘Burger Wars’

Sun Publications invites readers to The Sun’s first "Burger Wars."

Each Wednesday from Sept. 8 through Sept. 29, readers are invited to sample complimentary burger bites at each of the following restaurants while enjoying specialty drinks from their cash bars. Guests will rate burgers at each restaurant and at the end of the month we will announce the People’s Choice winner.

Sept. 1 News Briefs

SUMMER CONCERT IN THE PARK

A Summer Concert in the Park is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Russell Majors and Waddell Park, 8300 State Line Road. Performances from Molly Hammer, The James Ward Band, and Lonnie McFadden are scheduled.

Details about Habitat for Humanity Kansas City’s upcoming plans to build new homes in Kansas City also will be presented, along with information about the new retail facility, ReStore, which Habitat will open this fall at 79th Street and Wornall Road in Waldo.

For information, visit www.kcmo.org/parks.

Church stays close to community

The limestone building and its gothic tower has stood the test of time.

For 90 years Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, has served as a Kansas City landmark and voice for the community.

"For 90 years this church has really stood as a voice of grace, a voice of compassion, a voice of love and hope," Glen Miles, senior minister, said. "It’s a privilege and honor for me to stand in that same stream of thought and good news and sharing that as the senior minister at this time."

Country Club Christian Church commemorates 90 years of ministry and has celebrated the milestone with special events throughout the year. Most recently, the congregation held a Sunday service and 90th Anniversary Party on the Parkway.

Groups organize race in memory of murdered student

Nelson E. Hopkins Jr. had dreams of going to college. He often shared his hopes that his siblings would get a good education, too.

When Nelson was killed by what police called a random act of violence near Lydia Avenue and 54th Street last December, he was found with a college application in his pocket. He was 17 and had just been to the library.

Since Nelson was murdered, Rockhurst University students have wanted to find a way to connect with the Kansas City community and provide support for his family, said junior Erin Lang, philanthropy chair for the school’s Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

On Sept. 11, two Rockhurst University Greek organizations will sponsor a 5K memorial run to support the scholarship fund created in Nelson’s name.

“We hope this really takes off,” Lang said.

New playgrounds open for students

Recess just got a makeover in the Center School District.

In the last couple of weeks, students at each Center elementary school have cut ribbons, signaling new playground equipment is ready for play.

“Let’s have fun!” Principal Zora Durham yelled to about 300 Center Elementary students as their new playground opened Aug. 16.

The new playground replaces a broken down playground that was installed in the 1980s.

“It was broken and dirty,” fifth-grader LaDarrell Toney said.

Now, students have a handicap-accessible playground with features like a new slide, rock climbing wall and monkey bars.

Software, IT group selects Kansas City resident as president

Rachel Hack has joined the Software and Information Technology Association of Kansas as its president.

Hack said she is committed to helping companies, individuals and educational facilities communicate, grow and succeed.

"As a lifelong citizen of the area, I have a passion for supporting business development and creating opportunities for professionals," she said.

Launched in 2008 by the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation, the Lenexa-based association, referred to as SITAKS, provides support to Kansas’ 3,200 software and IT companies. Membership consists of executives working to strengthen and expand the sector through advocacy, work force development, capital formation, education and networking.

Firm develops system to reuse wastewater sludge

A Prairie Village-based company has unveiled a new green technology that its founders believe could have worldwide sales potential.

NOWA Technology officials say they are in the final development stage of a system that turns wastewater sludge into 100 percent reusable products such as fuel oil, cellulose and minerals. No other system of its kind exists, said Richard M. Nelson, NOWA’s president and CEO.

"People we talk to in the (solid waste disposal) industry have been looking for this kind of technology for years," Nelson said.

Aug. 25 News Briefs

Bacon-Fest sizzles in Waldo

Bacon-Fest, a fundraiser benefitting The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, in the main parking lot at 75th Street and Wornall Road in Waldo. Carnivores can enjoy all things bacon while helping disabled children and adults get back on the road to life. Local restaurants will serve up creative bacon samples along with beer and music. Prizes will be awarded to winners of various bacon-themed contests. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. For information or to register, visit www.baconfestkc.com or call the Bacon Hotline at 751-7901.

Free community festival

Serendipity Community Services, a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization, sponsors the "Each of Us Helping All of Us" Annual Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at 5916 E. Bannister Road. The event features entertainment, music, games, food, prizes and gifts, health care assessments, legal advice, and more. Free backpacks will be distributed to the first 300 people. Admission is free with a donation of canned goods and non-perishable items such as toiletries and personal hygiene products, which will be donated to Obadiaha’s Food Pantry. For information, call 612-9925.