Please excuse our dust. We’re currently working to bring you an even better newsletter. Over the next couple weeks, you may see some things that are still in the works. We’re excited for you to see what we’ve been up to.
🗳 What’s on the ballot?
What’s on Kansas City’s 2023 municipal election ballot?
And if you look to the right, you’ll see City Hall. | Photo by @kansascityinphotos
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 is Election Day in Missouri. This primary municipal election will help decide who makes the decisions at the local level — like development, city budgets, and street resurfacing.
Each city and county will have a different ballot with candidates and questions specific to them. Although we’re going to focus on Kansas City, MO, here are the links to several county election boards where you’ll find things like sample ballots and voter status:
Council candidates include both in-district and at-large positions. In-district is only voted on by the people in that candidate’s district, where at-large is voted on by all voters. Find descriptions of all the candidates running in your district with this resource. For a more in-depth look, The Beacon has extensive interviews with all the candidates.
You can check your district by looking up your voter status with the KC Election Board. By checking your voter status, you can also find your polling place and get a sample ballot, which shows all the candidates + items you will vote on.
Ballot questions
In addition to voting on people, KC voters will also be asked four questions:
Should KCMO add a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales? Funding would go toward the Department of Health, cleanup services, homeless prevention, and violence prevention.
Should KCMO impose a 7.5% tax on short-term rentals that don’t currently have to pay the city’s Convention and Tourism Tax?
Should KCMO increase the fee of an occupied room from $1.50 to $3 on all hotels, motels, and short-term rentals? Funding would go toward convention and tourism activities.
Should Jackson County add a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales? Funding would go toward community + veterans support services.
Poll
Do you belong to a gym?
A. Yes B. No
Congratulations to Linda J. for winning a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main. Did you know you could be our next winner? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to score a gift card!
Sensory Friendly Monday | Monday, Apr. 3 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | $4-$5 | Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment.
King Tuff | Monday, Apr. 3 | 8 p.m. | recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $20 | Enjoy an eclectic soundscape of funk/pop/rock/fusion at this intimate KC performance venue.
Tuesday, April 4
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical | Tuesday, April 4-Tuesday, April 25 | Times vary | Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO | $6-$18 | This book-based comedy musical production features an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers.
Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase 2023 | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Union Station | $10 | Explore and network with some of KC’s best small businesses while partaking in food, drink, and complementary parking.
Wednesday, April 5
Brew Bash 2023 | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington St., North Kansas City, MO | $30 | Enjoy a walking beer tasting event that benefits Feed Northland Kids.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $28-$50 | Vibe out to tunes like “So Good at Being in Trouble” and “Hunnybee” with this psychedelic rock band.
Thursday, April 6
Alive After 5: Art Walk | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Leavenworth, 416 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $15 | Stroll and see local artists’ work while enjoying small bites + sips.
If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.
KCK leaders are trying to attract developers to three key sites. One of them is a lot downtown — at Fouth Street + Minnesota Avenue — that could turn into apartments and retail. Another could become a grocery store in the northern part of the city. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Olathe City Council approved rezoning for a 56-acre multi-use development — southeast of Woodland Road and K-10. Developers hope to build 344 apartments, 20 single-family homes, and a 60-room senior living center. Construction could start next year. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Outdoors
Lenexa’s Black Hoof Park — 9053 Monticello Rd. — has two new disc golf courses: a full 18-hole course and a 9-hole beginner course. The project was 19 years in the making and cost $150,000. Also new to the park this summer? Kayak rentals. (Shawnee Mission Post)
Sports
The Chiefs announced they will return to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph for training camp, extending their contract through 2024. This will be the 13th year at this location. Further camp details will be released in June.
K-State head basketball coach Jerome Tang was named the NCAA men’s coach of the year. The 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith was awarded after the first year head coach defied expectations and led the team to the Elite Eight. It’s the program’s first award of its kind. (FOX4)
Seasonal
Friday, April 14 is Fountain Day — the annual celebration where crews turn the water back on. The City of Fountains Foundations is celebrating 50 years by dying a different fountain blue each month. Tell us your favorite fountain, and we might feature your answer on Fountain Day.
Plan Ahead
Summer is around the corner, and that means the return of Hot Country Nights at Power & Light. PBR Big Sky is hosting a concert lineup reveal party featuring free + discounted beer and premium pass giveaways. Join the fun on Thursday, April 13 starting at 7 p.m.
Wellness
Our tip for a gentle, gradual wake-up: Amazon’s Halo Rise, which uses smart alarm clock technology to simulate a sunrise. Bonus: Turn on the sleep tracking feature to help improve your sleep — no wearable device required.
Pets
🦴 Shopping centers that love your dog
Kansas City’s dog-friendly guide
Dogs are welcome at Scratch Gourmet Kitchen in The Shops of Prairie Village. | Photo via LM Connect
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, gearing up for spring + summer sports, or just out with your friends, these metro shopping centers are pooch compatible (individual stores may vary).
Country Club Plaza, KCMO | Adjacent to Mill Creek Park and Brush Creek, the Plaza provides several options for patio-style relaxation; plus, Three Dog Bakery is a great place to shop for your furry friend.
Zona Rosa, KCMO | Have fun at North Park, dine on a patio, or stop inside stores like Dick’s (known for welcoming dogs).
Legends Outlets, KCK | Chill on the turf lawn or wander the array of shops.
The Shops of Prairie Village | Your pup will be pleased with places like On The Ball, Pet People, and even Scratch Gourmet Kitchen.
Confession: I used to hate roller coasters... and really anything else involving “thrill.” I would always get really scared, but I was always ashamed because other people loved that stuff. Finally, I forced my brothers and cousins to make me go on Sidewinder at Elitch Gardens — and I loved it. Sometimes, it’s about facing your fears (one loopty loop at a time).
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.