With free fares (for now), it’s a cost-effective way to get around the metro. | Photo via RideKC
Dingy windows, overflowing trash, broken benches — KC’s bus stops need some TLC, and you’ve noticed. A few similar queries hit our inbox, but reader Ann A. summed it up well:
“I walk my dog twice a day and regularly pass a bus stop right in front of beautiful Crown Center. Unfortunately, this area is consistently filthy, covered in graffiti, and littered with trash. Is KC Transit responsible for maintaining this stop? What can be done to address this issue?”
Great question, Ann — so who exactly cleans this up?
Here’s who to bug
Text RideKC at (816) 685-854 with the what, where, and when. Problems beyond the bus stop — like flickering streetlights or potholes — can be handled through the myKCMO app, where you can even track updates on your requests.
You don’t have to wait for trash day to clean-up your corner of KC.
If you’re feeling civic-minded, RideKC’s Adopt-A-Stop program lets your community organization, business, or school claim responsibility for weekly cleanups, complete with your very own sign to show off that hard-earned pride.
If you’re not part of an official group, summon your inner Leslie Knope and rally your neighbors with the city’s free Blue Bag program. They provide material, you provide muscle — everyone wins (except Oscar the Grouch).
Have another Kansas City query you’ve been pondering? Let us find the answer.
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but we believe it’s key to building a better, more interconnected community. Click the button to share a question + we’ll report back our findings.
Sip & Shop in Downtown Olathe | 5-8 p.m. | Johnson County Square, Olathe, KS | Free | It’s your first chance of the season to catch this pop-up market featuring local makers, food trucks, live entertainment, and lots of local pride.
Thursday, May 15
Gin Distilling Class | 5:30-9 p.m. | Restless Spirits Distilling Company, North Kansas City | $72 | Explore gin botanicals, formulation techniques, and distillation methods before selecting a blend and distilling your own handcrafted batch to take home.
Roast Battle League | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City | $30+ | Come for the brutal burns and savage comebacks as Kansas City’s finest comedians go head-to-head in four face-offs where no ego is safe.
Caregiver Wellness Workshop | 6:30 p.m. | BioFit Therapy Based Fitness, LLC, Overland Park, KS | $25 | Caregivers for those with physical disabilities will learn safe lifting, strength training, pain management, and injury prevention for their own lifelong health.
Friday, May 16
Friends of the Library Book Sale | Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Indian Creek Library, Olathe, KS | Price of purchase | Shop discounted books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl albums — plus, on Sunday, purchase one sack to fill for $6 or two sacks for $12 and get four more sacks free.
Summer Movie Nights at the Arboretum | 7-11 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Overland Park, KS | $7 | Arrive early to stroll the gardens, play lawn games, and join in on movie trivia before watching “Wicked” under the stars — plus, grab concessions from GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich, Melt Box Ice Cream, and Café Celeste.
Saturday, May 17
Tour the Gardens and Architecture of Historic Rockhill | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $20 | Celebrate this historic district’s Golden Jubilee with a walking tour of 35 architecturally stunning homes and eight lush, intricate gardens.
Woof Fest | Saturday, May 17-Tuesday, May 20 | Times vary | KC Wheel | $30 | Bring up to 2 of your best furry friends for a ride on the KC Wheel, a souvenir photo, and a $10 donation to Great Plains SPCA included in your ticket.
24th Annual Kansas City Crawfish Festival | 6-10 p.m. | St. Pius X Catholic Church, Mission, KS | $93+ | This 21+ all-you-can-eat charity feast includes more than just fresh boiled crawfish on its menu, so load up your plate with barbecue pork, red beans and rice, corn on the cob, and a bevvy of adult bevs.
After nearly five years of sitting empty, a prime Crossroads spot at 20th + Main is finally getting new life. Originally planned as an upscale diner and wine bar, the space in the City Club Apartments will now house a fast-casual concept featuring Martin City Brewing Co. bites — opening as soon as late summer. (Startland News)
Wellness
Take the plunge, literally. Embody, a new contrast therapy spa, is now open in south Overland Park’s Corbin Park. The wellness studio offers private plunge pools + infrared saunas for 25-40 minute sessions, with memberships for those going full Wim Hof. (Johnson County Post)
Finance
Still reeling from the Jackson County property tax spike? Seniors, take note: Those 62+ can apply to freeze their property taxes at 2024 rates — but the deadline is the end of June. Get the full details on the senior tax exemption program. (Kansas City Star)
Trending
Taco Bell. Grandview. A black bear. No, it’s not a Mad Lib — it’s real life. The bear has been spotted multiple times around the metro this week, including a visit to the drive-thru. Officials say: Don’t feed it, don’t follow it, and definitely don’t ask if it wants hot sauce. (Kansas City Star)
Feel Good
Imani Riley-Jones, a teacher at Northeast High School, just scored a free two-year lease at Midland Lofts — part of an annual giveaway honoring standout KCPS educators. Teacher Appreciation Week may be over, but this gift is one that’ll keep giving.
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Here’s my own Kansas City question: what’s the origin story behind the Space Invader-style mosaic art sprinkled around the Crossroads, like this one outside Casual Animal? If you know, let me know.
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