Kansas City Hyper Local News Because Vlad Didn't Invade Your Backyard . . . Yet!!!

After reading through all of them just now and approving dozens of guest comments, there has been some FASCINATING discussion of international politics.

Clearly, there are very smart people who read this blog.

THANK YOU.

Nevertheless . . .

Our aspirations aren't so haughty as to influence the world.

In fact, we're a local blog and we're running behind.

Still, we don't dare give up our roots & traditions . . . Even in the midst of war. So, in this post we compile a great many local news links that might prove useful to readers who care about the world directly outside their windows.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Repairs made to expansion joint on Kit Bond Bridge, all lanes back open

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- UPDATE: MoDOT says that the necessary repairs have been made and all lanes are already back open. "Thank you for your patience," MoDOT tweeted. Previous coverage is below. The Missouri Department of Transportation - Kansas City is saying the Kit Bond Bridge needs emergency repairs and a lane has been closed.

GO KC: City schedules online public meetings for sidewalk repair

Kansas City dedicates $5 million per year to sidewalk repair and maintenance as a part of the $800 million GO KC capital improvement program approved by voters in 2017. City staff will host four virtual public meetings next month to identify the biggest priorities and focus areas for the program as we work to improve and rebuild sidewalks in all neighborhoods.

Massive concrete slab moved, KC highway reopens

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A busy Kansas City highway reopened more than two hours after crews were forced to close it Wednesday afternoon. A tractor trailer hauling supplies lost a 50,000-pound concrete slab in the northbound lanes of 169 Highway at the 9 Highway exit. The highway was closed around 12:45 p.m.

Parade Park residents call for community support in securing funds

The entrance to Parade Park. Parade Park Homes, a community of about 500 residences near 18th and Vine, was created in 1963 when Black families in Kansas City were pushed out of their homes due to segregation and redlining. Back then, the neighborhood was owned by four landlords.

'Art heals': Parade of Hearts project hopes to bring awareness to KC homeless situation

Kansas City is the City of Fountains, but next month, it'll also be the City of Hearts.The Parade of Hearts is a public art project that will appear in every corner of the metro. Each masterpiece comes with its own important message."I believe art heals," said Angie Ayrault, with Ayrualt Art.

KC woman freezing in apartment with no heat, complex can't fix furnace

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City woman has dished out hundred of dollars to buy space heaters for her own home. Eleanor Good, who lives at Bridgeport Apartments, said her furnace hasn't been working properly. One heater cost her $250, another heater cost about $150, and she has a third heater in her bedroom.

Local ranchers continue to struggle with rising feed costs, dwindling profits

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Despite high beef prices at the grocery store, cattle farmers are struggling to turn profits. Beef prices rose around 20% over the last year, largely due to supply chain disruptions and premiums charged by large meatpackers. Cattle prices have increased by a similar margin from Jan.

Fire guts abandoned 6th and Gladstone property - again

By Michael Bushnell Just after 9 p.m. on Saturday evening, firefighters responded to a two alarm blaze at a long-abandoned house near Sixth and Gladstone. The house was fully involved on the upper two stories of the house with flames roughly 20 feet high shooting through the roof and windows.

Kansas City Zoo to host hiring event for guest services positions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Zoo will host a hiring event on Wednesday, March 2, for available positions in their Guest Services department. People who apply during the event will be considered for positions in admissions, retail or rides. "Have you ever wanted to drive the Zoo train?

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead puts out call for new employees

The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park, Kansas, is in need of extra staff in 2022.The local attraction tweeted out a call for new employees on Thursday. "We are in jeopardy of being short-staffed this season, which means some of your favorite activities might not be able to open in 2022," The Overland Park farm said on Twitter.

Are community jobs the solution for Missouri's sheltered workshops?

Delivered every Tuesday and Thursday morning A donation to The Beacon goes beyond the newsroom. We amplify community voices, share resources and investigate systems, not just symptoms. The Beacon in your inbox. In-depth reporting delivered every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Robert Petrie takes pride in his job.

Farmers concerned Russia-Ukraine crisis could impact costs

The conflict brewing overseas between Ukraine and Russia could be fertile ground to drive inflation higher for U.S. farmers. That's why producers such as Scott Spohn are paying close attention to the crisis. "We know that the Ukraine thing has been driving up fuel prices," Spohn said.Spohn farms 6,000 acres near Friend, Nebraska, about 90 minutes outside Omaha.

Missouri WIC receives formula waiver from USDA

New options available for WIC participants impacted by formula recall JEFFERSON CITY, MO - Missouri WIC announced Friday the proactive, voluntary recall of some powdered Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare formulas manufactured by Abbott.

For the president of KC's Sickle Cell association, the pursuit of a cure is personal

Kevin Wake will never forget when he and his mother went to a doctor's appointment, and his mother asked the physician what she should start doing to prepare Kevin and his younger brother John for college. The doctor responded by telling the pair most patients with Sickle Cell Anemia don't live longer than 25 years.

Westside tortilleria's from-scratch corn creations earn prestigious James Beard nod

A husband-and-wife tortilla-making duo in Kansas City's Westside neighborhood are among semifinalists for one of the world's most-prestigious accolades for restaurants and chefs: a James Beard Award. Marissa and Mark Gencarelli, co-founders of Yoli Tortilleria, were announced Wednesday as semifinalists for the James Beard "Outstanding Baker" honor.

Nelson's Flavorades 'pops up' in Hy-Vee

MISSION, Kan. - It's easy to remember Nelson McConnell, the young Kansas City, Kansas, entrepreneur who created Nelson's Flavorades. He's done several pop-ups since starting his business in 2018, received statewide recognition, and now he's popping up in a popular grocery store. "I am standing in Hy-Vee," McConnell said with a smile.

Drumm Farmm starts work on fresh new fishing wharf

Renovations being made at Drumm Pond. // Photo by Annie Crawford The Drumm Farm Center for Children is planning a major facelift for its facilities, including a fishing wharf and an array of programs for youth within the community. The first major steps for renovations have been recently completed.

Kansas City woman starts company, works to help others

Kansas City police call her "the woman with a heart of gold."Shetara Sims, a single mother is working to prevent crime, reduce homelessness, and provide jobs one person at a time.Sims started a box truck company six months ago using money raised online for her by Kansas City police."A lot of these young men out here are shooting and killing each other because they have nothing else to do," said Sims, owner of Prestige Hauling and Delivery.This all began in 2012 when Sims lost her daughter to homicide.

Mattie Rhodes Center Community Outreach Program Update

Meet Alea Surender, Director of Public Health Services at the Northeast-based Mattie Rhodes Center. Alea is responsible for Mattie Rhodes public health initiatives, along with rent and utility assistance work. As spring approaches, our team here at the Mattie Rhodes Center is continuing to focus on the health and wellness of the community that we serve here in the Historic Northeast.

Kansas City writer, performer creates new musical

For a Kansas City writer and stage performer, it is about never giving up. Krista Eyler's new musical is called "The Sparkletones."Eyler writes, she sings, she can play just about any instrument, she composes music and she dances. It's all because she loves the stage."I feel home there," Eyler said.Nearly three years ago.

Bridge Exclusive: The Elders - 'Old Man Dan' Song Premiere

We've got the exclusive on The Elders' latest single, "Old Man Dan," from their upcoming album, "Well Alright Then."

Hopefully, more to come . . .