Last year a student at Park Hill High School complained of a science teacher who was teaching his own form of creationism/intelligent design in the high school. In addition the teacher was downplaying the importance of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The student's concerns were brought to the attention of several folks in and around Parkville, including the teacher, the school principal, the other science teachers, and politically active, long-time school board member. Blog postings (elsewhere) resulted in a regional and national science education organizations getting involved and the result was the teacher has promised to teach science and cease the teaching of supernaturalism. The real question is. "can we be sure this won't happen again?"
In Texas there was recently a statewide effort to subvert science teaching with myth and supernaturalism. The following italicized quotes are directly from an email sent by AAAS: "In a letter to the Texas State Board of Education, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and two dozen leaders of the Texas science and education community urged rejection of amendments to draft science standards that would undermine sound science teaching. In a supporting commentary in the San Antonio Express-News, AAAS warned that the antiscience amendments could undermine the state's reputation as an international engine of discovery and innovation. Read the full text of the letter and commentary. "
"Note: In the 27 March final vote on the standards, the board narrowly supported teaching the mainstream theory of evolution without reinserting the directive to study the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution and without requiring standards to study the "sufficiency or insufficiency" of natural selection. However, the board approved other amendments above the advice of scientific experts, including a directive to teach "all sides of scientific evidence," which critics fear will embolden the board to challenge science textbooks when they come up for approval in 2011. "
The Park Hill schools are some of the finest in the nation. Parents and students need to keep a watchful eye, and ear, on what's being taught in nscience.
==JFK==
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
How corrupt is it?
Rumor has it that the Parkville Birdcage Liner has labeled the Parkville Old Towne Market Community Improvement District (POTMCID), "the most corrupt organization this side of Kansas City, Kansas." This may not be the exact quote since, like most folks, I have not (and do not) read the Birdcage Liner. If the POTMCID is the most corrupt, then the rest of the organizations in Missouri are, by extension, beyond angelic...godlike, in fact. When Kevin Heaton, the owner of the Stone Canyon Pizza Company and board member of the POTMCID, was asked what he thought about the statements in the Birdcage Liner he reportedly said, "I don't read that rag."
Other POTMCID board members, when asked their thoughts, said they had not seen the issue in question and most shrugged it off as meaningless drivel. One board member said it was "just more shit at the bottom of the cage."
We have formally asked the POTMCID District Manager, Carol Kuhns, to put us on the official media notification list of board meetings. She told us that she has recently sent out a blanket email to local, regional and national media informing them that since the POTMCID has not received any previous requests for meeting notifications that each of the emailed organizations should respond in writing or by email to be put on the email notification list. She also told us that even though no local media has previously asked for notification that most that have an interest have seen notices posted elsewhere or have gotten personal (official?) notification from other POTMCID board members.
John Kuhns, the POTMCID Treasurer, has reportedly requested of the Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA) that POTMCID information be posted on the http://www.parkvillemo.org/ web site. The information, reportedly, will include information on how to apply to the POTMCID for grants, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and, yes, meeting notices. Further, the web page will supposidly have PDFs of the official grant application forms that can be downloaded. There will also be a complete list of the POTMCID board members and their contact information.
WAG
Other POTMCID board members, when asked their thoughts, said they had not seen the issue in question and most shrugged it off as meaningless drivel. One board member said it was "just more shit at the bottom of the cage."
We have formally asked the POTMCID District Manager, Carol Kuhns, to put us on the official media notification list of board meetings. She told us that she has recently sent out a blanket email to local, regional and national media informing them that since the POTMCID has not received any previous requests for meeting notifications that each of the emailed organizations should respond in writing or by email to be put on the email notification list. She also told us that even though no local media has previously asked for notification that most that have an interest have seen notices posted elsewhere or have gotten personal (official?) notification from other POTMCID board members.
John Kuhns, the POTMCID Treasurer, has reportedly requested of the Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA) that POTMCID information be posted on the http://www.parkvillemo.org/ web site. The information, reportedly, will include information on how to apply to the POTMCID for grants, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and, yes, meeting notices. Further, the web page will supposidly have PDFs of the official grant application forms that can be downloaded. There will also be a complete list of the POTMCID board members and their contact information.
WAG
Friday, April 10, 2009
Comments are welcomed
What are you hearing around Parkville?
What do you think about the recently enacted smoking ban? Have you eaten at the Iron Horse Bistro yet? Have you ever met a nicer guy than Tom at the Iron Horse? What did you think of the "visioning" session last Thursday morning? Do you think Jahad at the Cedar Cafe will ever get his directional sign? How do you like the latest downtown visitor's map? Have you tried the giant wieners at Tommy T's?
What Parkville restaurants do you recommend to friends and family? Why? What businesses do you recommend? Why? Which retailer has the best customer service? Have you voluenteered for a Main Street Parkville Association event? Which one? What did you think of the Cruise Night? Did you see the 2007 electric Mustang? Did you know its made by a guy right here in Parkville?
Why do you suppose so many retailers close on Mondays? Why do you suppose so many customers complain about stores that close on Mondays? Did you know that a possibly new species of fossil cockroach was found on the Park University campus? Did you know there are stores in Parkville that give discounts to Park U students and faculty? Are you going to the Flair Fashion event that is being hosted by MSPA?
Give us your comments.
WAG
What do you think about the recently enacted smoking ban? Have you eaten at the Iron Horse Bistro yet? Have you ever met a nicer guy than Tom at the Iron Horse? What did you think of the "visioning" session last Thursday morning? Do you think Jahad at the Cedar Cafe will ever get his directional sign? How do you like the latest downtown visitor's map? Have you tried the giant wieners at Tommy T's?
What Parkville restaurants do you recommend to friends and family? Why? What businesses do you recommend? Why? Which retailer has the best customer service? Have you voluenteered for a Main Street Parkville Association event? Which one? What did you think of the Cruise Night? Did you see the 2007 electric Mustang? Did you know its made by a guy right here in Parkville?
Why do you suppose so many retailers close on Mondays? Why do you suppose so many customers complain about stores that close on Mondays? Did you know that a possibly new species of fossil cockroach was found on the Park University campus? Did you know there are stores in Parkville that give discounts to Park U students and faculty? Are you going to the Flair Fashion event that is being hosted by MSPA?
Give us your comments.
WAG
Monday, March 30, 2009
Deborah Butcher - Ward 1 Alderman
Well folks, its election time in Parkville...again. In this election on April 7th Deborah Butcher, the incumbent, is being challenged by the write-in candidacy of Charlie Poole in the town's first ward. Ms. Butcher has been a very active proponent of the goings-on in the the first ward, as well as for the entire town. She has taken a serious interest in everything that happens in the ward she represents and there is hardly a meeting at which she is not present. Her insights and contributions of expertise are always welcomed. She is the type that gets things done.
We know that Ms. Butcher will continue to be a valuable asset to Parkville. We urge the voters in Parkville's Ward 1 to go to the polls a week from tomorrow and cast your votes for Deborah Butcher.
WAG
We know that Ms. Butcher will continue to be a valuable asset to Parkville. We urge the voters in Parkville's Ward 1 to go to the polls a week from tomorrow and cast your votes for Deborah Butcher.
WAG
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Sweet Guy's Karma
I don't really believe in karma, but if it does indeed exist there is no better example of it than the recent problems visited on the Sweet Guy who recently moved from Parkville to the Waldo area of Kansas City. It seems that he was closed down for a period by the Public Health Service due to critical health violations.
The "karma" comes in because of his statements about Parkville. It seems he was quoted as saying something like, "Parkville is off the beaten path." We're still on the path (and always have been), and it seems his new place in Waldo...has a path that has been beaten by the health inspectors...and so soon after his opening!
On another note, Tom Hutsler, who is renovating the old Sweet Guy place for the pared down Tommy T's was seen working in the place cleaning up the accumulated filth left behind when the previous tenant moved out. Ice cream (gellato?) on the light switches?
Here's the link to the story online .
WAG
The "karma" comes in because of his statements about Parkville. It seems he was quoted as saying something like, "Parkville is off the beaten path." We're still on the path (and always have been), and it seems his new place in Waldo...has a path that has been beaten by the health inspectors...and so soon after his opening!
On another note, Tom Hutsler, who is renovating the old Sweet Guy place for the pared down Tommy T's was seen working in the place cleaning up the accumulated filth left behind when the previous tenant moved out. Ice cream (gellato?) on the light switches?
Here's the link to the story online .
WAG
Monday, March 23, 2009
Downtown CID Approves Grants to the MSPA
Last week the Parkville Old Towne Market Community Improvement District (POTMCID) approved the marketing budget submitted from the Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA). MSPA's marketing plan was developed by a marketing committee made up of volunteers from the MSPA membership. Despite some heated discussions and strong objections from Melissa Robbins of Nine Lives and Kevin Heaton of Stone Canyon Pizza Company; the majority of the board voted for the grant's approval. It is interesting to note that the POTMCID bylaws allows the executive committee to approve grants and other such business without a vote of the full board.
The elected offices are Tom Hutsler, Chairman, Ralph Liebetrau, Vice-Chairman and John Kuhns, Treasurer. Carol Kuhns was elected to the position of District Manager, and she handles most of the responsibilities of the POTMCID's business. Ms. Kuhns was also appointed acting secretary (the job having been turned down by Ms. Robbins). Mr. Hutsler, Mr. Leibetrau, Mr. Kuhns and Ms. Kuhns constitute the executive committee.
At a previous meeting of the POTMCID board, its attorney, Charles Renner was present to provide advice and council. Renner was the lawyer who steered the formation of the POTMCID two years ago under the direction of the MSPA. Its purpose is to provide funding for the MSPA's projects and especially marketing. The POTMCID is prevented by its bylaws and establishing city ordinance from assuming any projects that were (are) the responsibility of the city.
WAG
The elected offices are Tom Hutsler, Chairman, Ralph Liebetrau, Vice-Chairman and John Kuhns, Treasurer. Carol Kuhns was elected to the position of District Manager, and she handles most of the responsibilities of the POTMCID's business. Ms. Kuhns was also appointed acting secretary (the job having been turned down by Ms. Robbins). Mr. Hutsler, Mr. Leibetrau, Mr. Kuhns and Ms. Kuhns constitute the executive committee.
At a previous meeting of the POTMCID board, its attorney, Charles Renner was present to provide advice and council. Renner was the lawyer who steered the formation of the POTMCID two years ago under the direction of the MSPA. Its purpose is to provide funding for the MSPA's projects and especially marketing. The POTMCID is prevented by its bylaws and establishing city ordinance from assuming any projects that were (are) the responsibility of the city.
WAG
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ribbon Cutting - The Parkville Scooter Guy
Ribbon Cutting - The Parkville Scooter Guy
DATE: MARCH 26, 2009 (Thursday)
DURATION: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: 101 Mill Street (Downtown Parkville)
DESCRIPTION: Please join the Parkville Chamber of Commerce for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of The Parkville Scooter Guy. The event will take place on Thursday, March 26 @ 5:00 PM. The Parkville Scooter Guy is located at 101 Mill Street, downtown Parkville, Missouri, (816)746-6278.
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