Will gates keep the zebra mussels out?
Lakewood, a private lake community in Lee’s Summit, will put up gates next month to control access as one measure to prevent zebra mussels from invading.
Independence looks to expand fitness options after closing of the YMCA
Parks officials hope to expand programming and upgrade area facilities.
School news in brief
Free musical performances: The school’s musical theater students will give free performances of “Herbie and the Good News Garden” at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Around our towns
“Got Talent” is this weekend: Lee’s Summit’s Got Talent will be back June 21 for its third season, featuring performers from across the area competing for a $5,000 cash prize. It’s a fund-raiser for Lee’s Summit CARES.
Belton cuts ties with economic development group
Mayor says it spends $100,000 a year to support the group, with few tangible results. City will establish its own economic development department.
Wal-Mart pulls controversial Raytown proposal
Wal-Mart representatives have informed Raytown city officials Friday that the retail giant was pulling its proposal to build a grocery store in the city’s downtown. The plan had polarized the community, with some arguing that the development would be good for the city and others fearing it would hurt existing businesses.
KC launches new street resurfacing map on its website
About 300 lane-miiles will be resurfaced this summer, and map lets you check on progress.
Laying the foundation: Harrisonville girl’s battle inspires effort to help other families
Despite two neurological disorders, Brooklynn Eastland was like other girls her age, begging to learn to ride her bicycle and playing with her cousins. Then, a few weekss ago, she collapsed suddenly. Her condition had worsened.
Businessman wants to collapse mined land in Lee’s Summit
Planning commission urges the City Council to say no, but public hearing is scheduled July 11.
Lee’s Summit nixes enterprise zone idea
Many Lee’s Summit residents opposed blight designation in the central part of the city, fearing it would erode property values.
Lakewood property owners work to keep invasive mussels out of their lake
A tiny freshwater mussel is causing a little ruckus in the Lakewood subdivision as property owners debate how to keep that invasive species out of their lake.
Disturbing reaction to Cheerios ad takes us back a century
Though we as a nation elected a biracial man to the Whte House, would that have happened if Michelle were white, and their daughters were of the same light brown hue of that little girl in the commercial?.
Grain Valley shields part of historic Sni-A-Bar Farms from development
Grain Valley buys 40 acres of Shorthorn ranch once owned by The Star’s founder, William Rockhill Nelson. Another tract is purchased by a Harrisonville company that produces prairie grasses and wildflowers.
Students headed to New York for acting competition
His role as Sweeney Todd earns Lee’s Summit North grad a coveted ‘Blue Star’ award for outstanding actor in a lead role.
Missouri legislative leaders form interim committees
Medicaid, election laws and deadly deer disease are among study topics.
Community calendar
New Neighbors League Meet & Greet: If you’re looking for new friends and activities, whether you’re new to the area or have more free time, join the meeting. The organization offers day trips, card games, book club and more, 6:30 p.m., Panera’s, 6800 W. 135th St., Overland Park. 913-232-7156 or kcnnl.org
Appeal denied in Waldo rape case
The convictions and life sentences were upheld by a panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals. Bernard Jackson is serving 18 consecutive life sentences for attacks on four women in 1983 and 1984.
Lee’s Summit manager of animal control takes job leading a national association
George Harding began work June 4 at the the National Association of Animal Control in Olathe
African-American pioneer in Kansas City Police Department dies at 93
Lloyd DeGraffenreid Sr. was a pioneering Kansas City police officer who became the first African-American to obtain the rank of detective sergeant during a period when opportunities for minority officers weren’t plentiful.
Stan Salva: Longtime political force in Sugar Creek stood his ground says goodbye
Stan Salva honored at reception after losing mayoral race to Matt Mallinson.
Around our towns
Ambulance service in Creighton will soon be in limbo if residents don’t dig into their pockets to pay for it.
SuperStar list narrows
Twenty-two semi-finalists sing and 10 are chosen to move on.
Community calendar
Forestry Webinar: Experts will discuss urban tree issues, research findings and trends regarding trees on public and private lands, 1-2 p.m., Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City. Free, skip.kincaid@davey.com
Bored this summer? There’s an app camp for that
Sessions designed to spark interest in software engineering, a field where local workers are in short supply.
Settlement reached in explosion death of area woman
The settlement approved in Reno County District Court ended a lawsuit filed after Mary Lou Hemmy’s death in October 2011. The 60-year-old Independence woman was killed when the owner of a home she was visiting turned on an electric furnace, causing an explosion and fire.
