Community happenings

Rep. Kraus returns from trip to Uganda
U.S. Army Reserve Capt. and State Rep. Will Kraus recently returned from a U.S. Army humanitarian mission to Uganda. Kraus volunteered for the month long trip, where he flew troops and equipment to a remote city where the U.S Army rebuilt a school and held a medical clinic that saw more than 1,200 Ugandans.
“This was so different than any other Army exercise I have been on,” said Kraus. “Obviously being in Africa was unusual, but it was also nice knowing that we could help the citizens without danger being right around the corner.”
 Kraus served as the Task Force Aviation Battle Captain for the mission. The unit was based in Entebbe and flew to Kitgum.
In addition to his role in the U.S. Army Reserves, Kraus also serves parts of Lee’s Summit, Kansas City and Raytown in the Missouri House of Representatives. First elected in 2004, Kraus is now serving in his third term in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact Will Kraus at will@willkraus.com or call 816-305-0712.
 
Fall extravaganza Saturday in Sugar Creek
The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America-Tarrara Court 83, Muu Muu Mama’s sixth annual fall extravaganza will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Mike Onka Hall, 11520 Putnam, Sugar Creek.
In addition to the many vendors, there will be $50 Hawaiian money lei chances, hourly drawings and refreshments. There will also be a fashion show at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Muu Muu Mama’s Unit.
For more information, call Sandra Bellew at 816-833-0397.

Lone Jack Oyster Supper is Saturday
The 87th annual Lone Jack Oyster Supper will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lone Jack Civic Club, Hensley Hall, 509 S. Bynum.
In addition to the oysters, brisket dinners, brisket sandwiches, hot dogs and homemade pie will be served.
Proceeds are used to sponsor college scholarships, Project Linus quilts for traumatized kids, Helping Hands Food Pantry and other community needs.
For more information, call 816-697-2143.

Scout chili cook-off in Blue Springs
Pack 205 is planning a Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser for Nov. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Christian Church, 111 S. Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs.
There will be a $50 cash prize for Judges Choice (1 place). The cost to enter is $10, which includes two meal tickets. You must have at least one crockpot of chili checked in by 4 p.m.
Sample all the chili you wish for $5 (if you purchase a ticket by Nov. 9); $7 at the door. Registration deadline to enter your chili is Nov. 9. For more information, call Jeff Dutzel at 816-805-7964.

Swimming lessons in Blue Springs
Blue Springs Parks and Recreation is sponsoring swimming instruction Mondays and Wednesdays Nov. 9 through Dec. 2 at the Blue Springs Centennial Pool-Plex, 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive.
Classes offered: Shrimp (2-3 years) and Sea Horse (3-5 years), 7:05 to 7:35 p.m.; Starfish (4-5 years), Guppy (school-age beginner), Flipper (advanced beginner), Seal (intermediate), Sailfish (advanced), and Barracuda (prerequisite to swim team), 7:05 to 7:50 p.m.
The cost of each eight-class session is $40. To register, call 816-228-0137.

Civil War lecture at Trails Museum
The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum are presenting a lecture on the American Civil War at 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence.
The topic will be “War on the Border II (Missouri 1861-1883).” Historian Jim Howk will share his research, illustrated by photos, cartoons and eyewitness drawings from newspapers and magazines of the Civil War era.
The cost, $5. For reservations, call 816-325-7575.

Veterans Day Tribute planned on Tuesday
The city of Independence will host a Veterans Day Tribute at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, at the Truman Memorial Building, in the Presidential Hall, 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence.
The keynote speaker is Col. Patrick J. McCarthy, who is currently assigned as the commander of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in Kansas City. The Color Guard from “Marine Corps Mobilization Command” will present the colors, and Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Page and Deputy City Manager John Pinch will also speak.
Veterans’ courtyard plaques will be presented by the Independence Pioneers Chapter of National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The invocation will be presented by Chaplain Sergeant Jones from President Truman’s own Battery D 129th Field Artillery Division.
The tribute will include a visit to the Veterans’ Hall and the Veterans’ Video Project, both of which are in the lower level of the Memorial  Building. The Veterans’ Hall, dedicated on Veterans Day in 2006, features computerized interactive kiosks with video interviews recorded by Independence veterans, displays of military memorabilia and a computer link to the national Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
For additional information on the Tribute or the Veterans’ Video Project, call 816-325-7843.

Mad Science Fun Shop in Blue Springs
‘A Mad Science Fun Shop, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 12 through Dec. 17, at Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St.
This five-week science enrichment program provides fun, interactive and educational activities for children 7 to 12 years of age. Each week a new science topic will be presented. Topics include Chem in a flash, dry ice capades, lab works, junior reactors and Ph phactor. Students will create and take home their creations.
The cost is $65. To register, call 816-228-0137.

– Staff reports