Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

🍫 One sweet century

KC Made: KC-based Russell Stover celebrating 100 years of chocolate

Big decisions happen here at HQ — like caramel, or nougat? | Photo by KCtoday

Russell Stover, famous for its copper foil design + assorted boxes, is turning 100 years old this year. Within this century of confectionery creativity lies the story of how these gourmet chocolates are rooted in the Midwest — and more recently, Kansas City.

Sugar, you are my candy girl

Clara Stover is credited for starting the company out of her Denver bungalow. Indeed, the business was originally named Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow Candies when it started in 1923. However, both she and her husband, Russell (hint hint), had a hand in the candy bowl.

Russell worked for multiple Midwest candy companies before striking it big in Omaha with Eskimo Pies. With a year of collegiate chemistry under his belt, the budding food scientist and business man was ready to start his own company.

Meanwhile, Clara was cooking up her own experimental concoctions at home — it seems the whole family had a sweet tooth.

Growth and innovation

When the company opened, it employed seven people. A year later, there were five stores across Denver, Kansas City, Lincoln, Omaha, and St. Louis. To keep up with demand, Russell and Clara opened their first factory in 1928 in Kansas City. They moved their headquarters there in 1932.

Photo of Russell Stover's KC location in 1930 — Russell Stover (then called “Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow”) circa 1930 — at 1120 E. Linwood Blvd.
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Photo via Kansas City Public Library

Russell also patented special dipping tables + a manufacturing process called “Zephyr Freeze.” The company’s growth and innovation resulted in national prestige.

100-year celebration

With a reported annual revenue of $500+ million and a 60% share of all boxed chocolate sales in the US, this big company is planning to celebrate its centennial in a big way.

World record: See the the world’s largest box of chocolates (parts were auctioned to raise money for Feed the Children) built in the Kauffman Center.
Selfie Spot: Corporate headquarters — at 4900 Oak St., KCMO — will set up a hometown hub for pictures and giveaways (stay tuned).
Tour: Representatives are hitting the road this fall with pieces from the record-breaking box.

Photo of workers building the worlds largest box of chocolates — Each piece weighed 10-45 pounds.
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Photo by KCtoday

Events

Monday, May 1

The Chief Comedy Tour | Monday, May. 1 | 7 p.m. | The Rino, 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | $15 | Get your giggle on at this 18+ comedy show.
Wilder Woods | Monday, May. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | The Madrid Theatre | $31-$56 | Rock out with this alternative indie band and “The Fever / Sky Tour.”

Tuesday, May 2

Les Miserables | Tuesday, May 2-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $36-$116 | Come see this classic Broadway musical as it tours in a historic KC venue.
Janet Jackson: Together Again | Tuesday, May. 2 | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $15-$640 | Jam with this pop icon to songs like “Rhythm Nation” and “That’s The Way Love Goes.”

Wednesday, May 3

Touch-A-Truck | Wednesday, May. 3 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade St., Leavenworth, KS | Free | Check out the working big rigs of the City and surrounding communities.
Jam Night | Wednesday, May 3 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Jerry’s Bait Shop, 13412 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa, KS | $0+ | Bring your whole band, go solo, or just sit back and listen to this open jam night.

Friday, May 5

Fiesta de Mayo: Cinco de Mayo Party | Friday, May. 5 | 7 p.m. | Kansas City! Live, 13 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at KC Live! with a live performance by Pablo Sanhueza and Los Subtropicales.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Arts

Everything to expect from The Friends of Chamber Music’s 2023-2024 season

Presented by a KCtoday Partner

Seven musicians wearing all black stand in front of a wall

The Friends recently revamped their education and community programming to include masterclasses, school visits, community concerts, and more to better serve Kansas City. | Photo by Friends of Chamber Music

They’re back and better than ever for their next season. Recently, The Friends of Chamber Music announced its 2023-2024 season, its first under the artistic direction of Dmitri Atapine and Hyeyeon Park.

This season, entitled “Brilliance,” will include everything Kansas Citians know and love about the Friends, plus expanded education and community programming opportunities.

Here’s what to mark your calendars for:

The International Chamber Music Series (starting September 2023): Five performances featuring guest musicians and quartets from around the world
The Early Music Series (starting October 2023): Four concerts featuring 2023 Grammy nominees VOCES8, Le Consort, Quicksilver, and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
The Master Pianist Series (starting November 2023): Three one-night-only performances featuring Sir András Schiff, Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung, and Jeremy Denk

Bonus: Never seen live chamber music before? It’s an experience everyone can enjoy — take City Editor Travis’s word for it.

For the best seats available, purchase a season or series subscriptions online. Single tickets will be on sale in August. 🎻 *

See the full performance schedule

News Notes

Number

312,000. That’s how many people reportedly showed up for the 2023 NFL Draft. That number slightly exceeded the expectations of the KC Sports Commission + Visit KC, which estimated 300,000. See the sea of red here. (Kansas City Star)

Development

An empty lot on Kansas City’s East Side is the target for a proposed 100-unit apartment building. The project — at Linwood Boulevard + Troost Avenue (next to the MLK Jr. mural) — joins another plan slated for a lot across the street by the same developer. (CityScene KC)

Cause

A KC nonprofit that provides services for people in the foster care system is asking for food pantry donations. FosterAdopt Connect — at 18600 E. 37th Ter., Independence, MO — accepts drop-offs at its site or online donations. (FOX4)

Shop

You’re sitting in the airport, thinking, “Wow, I’d love to have some of this gate seating in my living room.” We’ve all been there. Well, now you can — KCI is auctioning tons of furniture from the old terminal, including luggage carousels and deli refrigerators. (Kansas City Star)

Concert

Tickets are now on sale for two nights of Billy Strings at Cabel Dahmer Arena — Friday, October 13 + Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician recently released a new single, “California Sober (Feat. Willie Nelson).”

Watch

Want to relive (or perhaps experience for the first time) the NFL Draft in Kansas City? We took (probably too many) videos of some of our favorite moments, like kicking a field goal, the flyover on the first day, and fireworks at Union Station. Enjoy.

Health

Did you know one-third of premature deaths from cancer could potentially be avoided through screening? Specialists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center share age-appropriate screening recommendations for Kansan Citians to consider discussing with their primary healthcare provider.*

Active

May is Bike Month, and we’re celebrating all things pedal power. Riding your bike saves gas, keeps our air clean, improves your health, and is just a plain ol’ good time. Find events and resources to get out there (like the Regional Trails + Bikeways Map) online.*

Number

14 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

Job

Passionate about storytelling, news, and Kansas City? We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.

Sports

🏈 The picks are in

These are the Chiefs’ 2024 NFL Draft picks

Photo of Draft stage decked out in Chiefs colors

Chiefs Kingdom, you’re on the clock. | Photo by KCtoday

The NFL Draft is done, and the picks are in. Here’s who the Chiefs selected:

Xavier Worthy

Round 1, No. 28 overall | Xavier Worthy is a wide receiver from the University of Texas at Austin. The fastest prospect available, Worthy set a new all-time record of 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL combine.

Kingsley Suamataia

Round 2, No. 63 overall | Kingsley Suamataia is an offensive tackle from Brigham Young University.

Jared Wiley

Round 4, No. 131 overall | Jared Wiley is a tight end from Texas Christian University.

Jaden Hicks

Round 4, No. 133 overall | Jaden Hicks is a safety from Washington State.

Hunter Nourzad

Round 5, No. 159 overall | Hunter Nourzad is a center from Penn State.

Kamal Hadden

Round 6, No. 211 overall | Kamal Hadden is a cornerback from the University of Tennessee.

C.J. Hanson

Round 7, No. 248 overall | C.J. Hanson is an offensive lineman from Holy Cross.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Travis

From the editor

Who else is pooped after a weekend of Draft activities? We’re giving our legs a break (shoutout to the giant hill up to Entry 1) and our brains a mental reset. What’s next, KC?

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Check out five fun facts you probably didn’t know about the Draft.

Missed yesterday's newsletter?

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