Meet The Star’s new Northland reporter covering Platte and Clay counties

Hi everyone, I’m Jenna Ebbers, The Star’s new Northland reporter.

I’m new to The Star and to Kansas City, and I’m so excited to be here.

The Northland is new ground for me, but tight-knit communities like those in Clay and Platte counties are far from foreign.

I grew up in a small town in the southwestern corner of Nebraska. It is a place where everyone knows everyone, where people cheered you on in triumph and lifted you up in the face of hardship. It’s where I took my first steps, learned to read, and later in life, where I developed a deep love for writing, storytelling and journalism.

Needless to say, the importance of community is far from lost on me. I saw it in my hometown, and I see it now in the unique communities nestled north of the Missouri River.

Now, I’m so glad to get to call Kansas City home, too.

I come to The Star following a stint covering all things K-12 education and early childhood for the Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska’s Capital City. Before that, I was a journalism student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (proud lifelong Husker fan, here).

Even in just my first few weeks, the ways people care about and show up for their Northland neighbors have been apparent.

When an accident temporarily shuttered a beloved In-A-Tub’s doors and injured the owner, dedicated customers showed their support for the restaurant known for its neon-orange powdered cheese by dining at its sister location across town and donating to a GoFundMe for the owner.

After dozens of complaints filed against an unruly neighbor over the course of eight years resulted in fatal gunfire, Northland residents showed their support for the Maple Woods Estates neighborhood by placing flowers at a small memorial and wearing Chiefs gear at a candlelight vigil.

Students at Liberty High School even organized a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to give a voice to their fellow classmates in the wake of ongoing discussions of an ICE detention center potentially coming to the Kansas City area.

What I’ve learned in my short time at The Star so far is that Northlanders stick up for and stand alongside each other, especially as their communities keep growing and changing. There’s a lot of pride north of the river.

And I know there are a plethora of stories left untold in Clay and Platte counties. From school bond issues to Royals stadium deals, new businesses and property tax debates, the Northland is full of vibrant, complex stories.

As I settle into my new role, I hope to expand The Star’s coverage of this area and gain the trust of our dedicated readers, especially those who live and work in Clay and Platte counties.

I’m beyond excited to continue sharing the stories of the Northland and meet as many people in these communities as possible. Your stories, opinions and experiences matter to me, and to The Star. I plan to share them all with a great amount of care and attention to detail.

Please, never hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, thoughts or story ideas. My line is always open. You can reach me at jenna.ebbers@kcstar.com.

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 6:30 AM.

Jenna Ebbers

The Kansas City Star

Jenna Ebbers covers Clay and Platte counties in Kansas City’s Northland. Before joining The Star in January 2026, she reported on K-12 education and early childhood at the Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska. She is a Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.