Owen Donohoe - Kansas State Representative 39th District

Kudos to these groups and individuals who make an impact on citizens of our district

Photo provided by the Shawnee Dispatch

St. James Academy science teacher exhibits education excellence

St. James Academy science teacher Jeremy Way received an Educating Excellence Award and $1,500 from Shawnee’s Perceptive Software.

Way was recognized for his efforts both in and out of the classroom. Way teaches chemistry and physics, as well as, coaching the school’s Science Olympiad team. Last year, the team won the Kansas state tournament and advanced to the national tournament in Chicago. Parents from the school’s Science Olympiad team nominated Way for the award.

Way has taught at St. James for three years, before which he taught three years at Mill Valley High School in De Soto USD 232. He resigned in 2008 after the school board did not renew his contract. Before that, he taught at schools in Michigan.

Perceptive and Kansas University’s School of Engineering launched the Educating Excellence program in 2010 to recognize outstanding Kansas and Kansas City area high school science, technology, engineering and math teachers.

Kudos to Mr. Jeremy Way — an outstanding Kansas teacher!

Bonner Springs student wins statewide art award

Fifth-grader Claire Walsh of Bonner Springs won an award for her postcard art from the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Claire, along with seven other Kansas student artists, will be recognized on March
18, 2010 at the State Capitol Building in Topeka. More than 630 K-6 students from 22 counties in Kansas entered this year's contest by designing a post card around the theme, "Kansas Crops: Seeds of Understanding." Claire won the fifth-grade award and will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Congratulations, Claire!

Flint Hills Center uncovers ‘buried treasure’ of taxpayer money in state funds

The recent investigation into the morass of state government funds by the Flint Hills Center for Public Policy is outstanding. The Flint Hills researchers have provided exceptional documentation and analysis of information that is critical for Kansas lawmakers and taxpayers.

What they have done in this investigation may well save Kansas agencies and municipalities and will certainly benefit budget considerations in the next legislative session. Kansas taxpayers and public servants should be grateful for the real investigative reporting that Flint Hills provides. On behalf of Kansas taxpayers, kudos to the Flint Hills Center for Public Policy for providing legislators and citizens with reliable and useful information. Learn more >>

Tea parties focus on fiscal responsibility

On April 15, I attended a tax day “tea party” at Johnson County Community College. While the thousands of citizens who gathered there may have been motivated by different factors, they demonstrated a common respect for the expression of ideas and individual rights of American citizens. Whether their chief interest was lower taxes to stimulate the economy, reductions in spending to curb a runaway federal deficit, or the restoration of values such as self-reliance and individual liberty, the tea-party-goers were peaceful, orderly and enthusiastic in the expression of their opinions. Kudos to these folks who share the views of our nation’s founders and gather peacefully to rally around them. As a Champion of the Taxpayer myself, I share their spirit.

Local girls' volleyball team wins gold at the National Junior Olympic Volleyball Tournament

In June, the Asics Mid-America Volleyball Club 12 & under team from Overland Park won the Gold Medal at the National Junior Olympic Volleyball Tournament held in Dallas, Texas. The Asics team prevailed over a tourney field of 48 teams, selected from USA Volleyball's 22,565 teams across America. This is the first time in more than 20 years that a team has won from the Heart of America Region.

Rep. Donohoe's granddaughter, Arianna (third from left in the back row of the photo) was on the team, as well as two other girls from families in the 39th District. Way to go, girls!

The Irish American Club of Shawnee celebrates and

educates our community

Shawnee and surrounding communities enjoy a festive celebration of Irish culture and heritage in the ever-popular St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Irish American Club organizes a wonderful parade and activities for families and friends in our community.

As a 100% Irish legislator in the Kansas House of Representatives and on behalf of his constituents from Shawnee, Basehor, Bonner Springs and Leavenworth, Owen salutes the Irish American Club of Shawnee on a job well done!

Moon Marble Company a successful small business in the 39th District

Owen watches owner Bruce Breslow making marbles at Moon Marble Co. in Bonner Springs.

Owen enjoys a visit with Bruce Breslow, owner of Moon Marble Company, located in Bonner Springs. Bruce has been demonstrating marble making since 1997 at his store on Front Street.

Moon Marble Co. is just one of the small business success stories in our community. Owen will work as an ally for small businesses like Moon Marble Co., which are the backbone of Kansas' 39th District, to help them thrive.

Owen and Bruce agree that small businesses are the solution to Kansas' economic problems.

Learn more about the Moon Marble Company.

Patriot Guard Riders honor local soldier

The Patriot Guard Riders recently honored a fallen soldier from our community.

Last year in Shawnee, citizens of our district paid respects to 2nd Class Navy Petty Officer Christopher Walsh for his service to our country as an EMT and soldier. Walsh, a Shawnee native and Eagle Scout who grew up in our community, was laid to rest at Leavenworth National Cemetery after services at Amos Funeral Home and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The Patriot Guard Riders stepped up to shield the family and friends from interruptions by protesters from Topeka who continually offend families and those who pay respect to the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedoms.

The Patriot Guard Riders attend funeral services for fallen American heroes to show honor, respect and caring for them, their families and their communities. The Riders have two things in common; motorcycles and unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America's freedom and security.

Learn more about the Patriot Guard Riders.