Kansas City Community Headlines: Local History, Nicer News And Autumn Events

These news links are nicer and represent a glimpse at our community beyond politics, reports of violence or Internets meme culture.

For denizens of the local discourse, we want to share this view of Kansas City that features EXCELLENT local reporting that deserves consideration beyond culture war debate.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Priests of Pallas, Kansas City's original harvest festival

Michael Bushnell Northeast News In the late 1880s, Kansas City was awash with excitement that it too would soon have its own Harvest Festival. The Priests of Pallas, an annual, week-long festival that lasted from 1887 through 1912, was designed to promote Kansas City as the "Athens of the West" and be based loosely on similar celebrations such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Kansas City hospital sees increase in RSV cases among children

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Hospitals across the metro are seeing an increase in RSV cases. The respiratory virus affects children, causing cold-like symptoms including a cough, runny nose, and fever. Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City said it tested 170 children for RSV last week.

The American Royal Association revises its headquarters relocation plan - Kansas City Business Journal

American Royal Association officials are nearing completion of plans for the organization's new headquarters and facility in Kansas City, Kansas. Plans will cut back some elements from previous iterations, but mark important progress for a move first announced six years ago.

Overland Park school crossing guards are closer to getting pay raise

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Overland Park Public Safety Committee voted 6-0 Wednesday night to approve raises for school crossing guards. Guards who work for All City Management Services, the company contracted by the city to provide the crossing guards, will earn $25.01 per hour.

Blue Valley Schools propose $251 million bond

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Early next year people who live within the Blue Valley School District boundary will get a chance to vote on a new bond plan for the district. Monday, the Blue Valley school board approved a resolution calling for a mail-in election in January to decide if the district should issue general obligation bonds.

Country Club Plaza announces $100K grant program to kick off centennial celebration

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Country Club Plaza kicked off its centennial celebration Thursday by announcing a new grant program. The Plaza, which was dedicated in 1922, invites community organizations to apply for its $100,000 Centennial Grant Program, which will award four $25,000 grants to "local nonprofit organizations to provide critical funding for projects within the program's strategic areas of focus: community, education and the arts," according to a release from the Plaza.

Chestnut Trafficway site of targeted clean up by Rockhurst High School Students

KCMO Parks Resident Engagement Coordinator Kelly Jander marshalled roughly sixty Rockhurst High School students on Wednesday morning who teamed with Parks Department crews to clean out the treeline along the Chestnut Avenue Greenway between Cliff Drive and the Guinotte Ramp Wednesday morning.

Lee's Summit R-7 schools struggling with shortage of trip drivers

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - The need for school bus drivers is known, but the Lee's Summit R-7 School District says it needs trip drivers. Trip drivers transport students to field trips or sports activities. The district said they would like to fill at least 10 positions.

The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair @ Zona Rosa

The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair will be at North Park for the Zona Rosa Fall Festival this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crafts, vendors, food trucks, pumpkin decorating and more.

Photos: Roots N Blues festival at Stephens Lake Park

Jackie Venson. // Photo by Erica Little The smell of barbecue drifted down the row of white bar tents, and food stalls lined the dusty path leading from one outdoor stage to the other. Festival attendees set up chairs, spread blankets, and crowded up against railings to watch their favorite artists perform.

Lizzo, the big Bills game and more to do in KC October 13-16

It's another big fall weekend in KC. One of the era's defining acts, Lizzo, comes to town to play the T-Mobile Center while Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills come to Arrowhead for one of the most hotly anticipated regular season football games in memory. Here's that and more to do in KC this weekend.

Blue Springs announces groundbreaking for new aquatics center

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Years of planning will soon become reality when Blue Springs breaks ground on a new aquatics center. Crews plan to break ground on the aquatics center on Nov. 3. The name of the center will be revealed at that time. During an Oct.

Que U takes historic double-victory at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue

535 teams from around the world gather at the Kansas Speedway for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue // Courtesy of the American Royal History was made this weekend at the world's largest barbecue contest, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, which attracts over 500 teams from around the world.

Historic Scarritt Renaissance Homes Open for Tours October 15

It takes one look at Kansas City's skyline and the older neighborhoods nestled nearby to know that there has been a lack of historic preservation over time. Brick structures have been replaced by parking lots and high-rise buildings.

Foundation honors late Avila baseball coach with youth camp

A new foundation honors the legacy of a former Avila baseball coach who died of COVID-19 last year.Daryl Cronk died in December 2021, just days after becoming ill."He loved to teach. He loved to coach. He loved to mentor," said Kristyn SpillerWhen Cronk wasn't playing the guitar, he was teaching and coaching baseball at Avila.

Bishop Miege remembers legendary girls basketball coach Terry English

Legendary Bishop Miege girls basketball head coach Terry English has died at the age of 72.English coached at the school for over 40 years. "He was a true pioneer for girls basketball," said Rick Zych, friend and head coach of Miege Boys Basketball.

Royals Review Radio: The 97-loss wrap-up episode

Max Rieper, Matthew LaMar, and Jeremy Greco wrap up the Royals' 2022 season with a look back on the memorable moments and players. Plus we look to the future with the latest on the managerial search and whether the Royals will spend money on free agents this winter.

Travis Kelce credits Arrowhead crowd for boost in Monday Night Football win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but during his New Heights podcast with his brother Jason, he reflected on the team's big win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.

The Children's Place just went full grown-up

Related video above: Holiday gift buying, sales start earlyLet's admit it: Adults have basically been dressing like kids these past two years - opting for comfy PJs, sweats, joggers, shorts and T-shirts for sleeping, lounging and yes, working.Recognizing that all-day "casual comfort" is now an acceptable sartorial standard, even for

EXPLAINER: What causes leaves, trees to change color during fall in Kansas City?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This weekend could be a prime opportunity to check out the changing colors on trees across the Kansas City area. In the latest Weather Academy, KSHB 41 meteorologist Wes Peery says there are lots of variables that go into each season's changing of the colors such as moisture and temperature.

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