And if you look to the right, you’ll see City Hall. | Photo by @kansascityinphotos
It’s time to hit the polls. A special election is just around the corner, giving Jackson County voters a chance to weigh in on some big local decisions. From school board shake-ups to public safety funding, here’s everything you need to know before you cast your vote on Tuesday, April 8.
What’s on the ballot?
This election is packed with key decisions that will impact Kansas City for years to come. Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake:
School Board Elections — Seats are up for grabs in KCPS school board sub-districts one, three, five + an at-large director spot. Voters in Hickman Mills, Raytown, and Lee’s Summit will also elect new school board members.
Bond Measures & Taxes — You’ll say “yes” or “no” to key funding proposals, including a...
Capital Improvements Sales Tax, a renewal (not a new tax) that would help fund a new municipal jail + rehabilitation center.
Park Property measure, would transfer 3.42 acres of Longfellow Park to a nonprofit looking to expand its nearby campus (ahem, Ronald McDonald House Charities).
Kansas City Public Schools bond, funding for major repairs, two new campuses, a middle school inside the vacant Southwest High building, and additional support for partner charter schools.
Lee’s Summit School District bond, focused on renovations, new elementary schools, and general improvements with no tax rate increase.
Check out the Jackson County Election Board’s sample ballot for an official sneak peek of what you’ll see day-of.
Divine Sisterhood | 7-8 p.m. | Dear Society | $15 | Find your path to spiritual “success” by tapping into the magic of play and cultivating lasting friendships with like-minded women.
Thursday, April 3
Rumble Mouth | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City | $15 | It’s pro-wrestling inspired comedy battles with performers battling on-stage with words, instead of steel chairs (but maybe also steel chairs).
Friday, April 4
8th Annual Inspiration Breakfast | 8-10 a.m. | Matt Ross Community Center, Overland Park | $30+ | Gather with community members and hear from Jackson County’s new prosecutor Melesa Johnson over coffee + breakfast — plus, all proceeds benefit Veterans Community Project.
Paws For Progress | 6-8 p.m. | Museum at Prairie Fire, Overland Park | $40 | An evening of appetizers, drinks, and a silent auction benefiting KC Urban Advantage and Great Plains SPCA — snacks are great and all, but we’re here for the adorable adoptable dogs.
Saturday, April 5
The Perfect Blend: Coffee + Yoga | 12-2 p.m. | The Roasterie Factory Cafe | $25 | This 45-minute all-levels yoga class is followed by complimentary coffee and snacks provided by The Roasterie.
Sunday, April 6
10th Annual Noah’s Bandage Run 5K | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 9401 Indian Creek Pkwy, Overland Park | $30 | Donate fun, colorful bandages and raise money for pediatric cancer research with this family-friendly 5K.
One win on the field, another two in the rankings. Kauffman Stadium earned top spots on two USA Today “10 Best” lists — No. 10 best MLB stadium and No. 5 best baseball stadium food. We plan to celebrate at Friday’s home game against the Orioles, hot dog in hand.(Kansas City Star)
Trending
Don’t believe everything you see online. April Fools’ Day brought some wild (fake) announcements, like City Barrel’s Hot Dog Water and a Jack Stack-inspired burnt ends brew at The Roasterie. Don’t worry, those are not real... though we’re not above an investigative taste test.
Plan Ahead
Tune in for a new offering from KCUR — Family Dinner. The inaugural farm-to-fork fundraising event will feature chefs from The Town Company, Taco Naco KC, and The Restaurant at 1900 on Saturday, April 26. Support public radio and secure a spot at the table with a ticket starting at $100.
Home
Kick your feet up, because the resident experts at Knotty Rug Co. have your back. The long-time State Line Road biz specializes in high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces and shared its best tips and tricks for upping your rug game. (IN Kansas City)
Eat
The winner of our coffeeshop bracket contest (and the newest resident at Morningside Shops) has teamed up with Illicit to create soft THC caramels with flavors like vanilla espresso, horchata, and dulce de leche. Want to try it without the cannabis? Find its non-THC version at Café Corazón checkout counters.
Shop
Meet KartWheel, a Kansas City-made gadget designed to keep runaway shopping carts in check. Inventor + native Kristen Rock Chouinard said the product was inspired by her own scary experience as a new mom, intending it to help parents and shoppers unload safely without the dreaded cart escape. (Startland News)
Announced
Lime scooters + e-bikes are out in Overland Park, following Bird’s exit less than a year and a half ago. The pilot program — intended to replace its predecessor — reported ~8,000 rides in its first year, but no reason was given for the departure. (Johnson County Post)
Try This
Picture your next event being promoted to our thousands of subscribers in this text ad. Our self-service ad portal can get your ad live in just two days.
The Buy
The Buy
Your favorite spring decor piece to add light and cheer into your living space:
While we won’t have THC caramels at our wedding, my fiancé and I plan to cater a selection of Café Corazón’s alfajores for our dessert table. Its dulce de leche-filled coconut version is my favorite, especially dipped in a hot café bombón while I “work from home” — aka, people-watch from the window bench at its Westport spot.
Answered
Answered
Which ingredient is NOT traditionally in a KC-style sauce?
39%. That’s how many of you spotted the imposter (mustard) in our most sizzling question yet. This was a nod to South Carolina’s tangy traditions rather than the rich, molasses-kissed goodness we know and love here.
Vinegar (34%)? That’s a debate for another day. But mustard? That’s just plain wrong — no matter what secret ingredient your grandma swears by.
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