Kansas City Passages: Service & Inspiration

Nicer news doesn't really belong on this blog but that doesn't stop us from trying and sharing some of the inspiring stories that we've stumbled upon which don't really fit anywhere else amid the political chatter, criticism and debate.

Also, for close readers, we wanted to take a pause and thank everyone who left a nice comment on our 4th of July post.

Accordingly . . . 

To finish Sunday, we take note of locals doing impressive, wonderful and often selfless good deeds in our community if only because so many other digital news outlets often skip over volunteers & thoughtful souls doing their best for Kansas City. 

There are also just a few stories we thought were fun thrown in there as well.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

KCFD reports busy Fourth of July weekend, fewer injuries than expected

The Fourth of July is meant to be a time for celebration, but it also brings real risks with fireworks. KCFD shares how busy first responders were this holiday.

We the People: Stories of service and sacrifice from the World War I Museum and Memorial

KCTV5 will bring you stories of the moments that shaped our history and the significant role Kansas City played in building our nation.

Revamped Prairie Bike Park opens in Shawnee Mission Park

Prairie Bike Park is more than just a trail; it's one piece of a dedicated trail-building effort across Johnson County, Kansas.

Parkville Author and Octogenarian Says Joy Is Contagious

Parkville Author and Octogenarian, Sieglinde Othmer, Says Joy Is Contagious. Check out her new book, Joyous Longevity: The A-Z Field Guide.

Sporting Spotlight: Khiry Shelton | Sporting Kansas City

In contrast to the world of soccer that's electric, loud and demands attention, Khiry Shelton moves differently. Thoughtful. Grounded. Curious. The kind of guy who won't just say something to fill space but when he does speak, you lean in, knowing there's depth behind the words. Shelton, a seasoned player

Bobby Witt Jr. and Kris Bubic make All-Star Game

The arts come alive in Downtown Grandview

Art House 808 hosts a jazz guitar workshop, local art gallery and quirky family events this July

"Jazz KC Portraits by Dan White," Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum - KC STUDIO

If there is a genre of music that best embodies the nuances of the human experience, it may very well be jazz.

More than 600 cyclists raise $83K for brain cancer research in Kansas City

It's been more than two decades since "Head for the Cure" was founded. And since then, more than $30 million has been raised for brain cancer research at 5Ks all across the countr...

Martin City CID thanks Debbie Van Noy for years of service

Business owner and community advocate was behind many longstanding improvements to the area

Kansas songwriter Willi Carlisle blends the absurd and the sentimental on 'Winged Victory'

On "Winged Victory," the Ozarks-based musician employs more than half a dozen instruments, addresses issues of class and pulls from both childhood memories as well as Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

See where Gin Blossoms, Wynonna, Flo Rida rank on our list of Missouri State Fair concerts

Where do Gin Blossoms, Wynonna Judd, Flo Rida and rising country stars rank on our list of upcoming Missouri State Fair concerts? Find out here.

Northeast Teens Assist with New Library Mural, June 28 - Northeast News

The North-East Branch (6000 Wilson Ave.) of the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) hosted a painting party on Saturday, June 28 for area youngsters willing to add colorful strokes of paint to the outdoor mural gracing a circular retaining wall in the library's parking lot.

Developing . . .