Plants taller than 10 inches can be classified as a “nuisance violation” in Kansas City, Missouri’s code of ordinances. So planting native and pollinator foods like milkweed could put a property owner at risk of a court date — and maybe a hefty fine.
Wildflowers or weeds? Under Kansas City code, it’s a matter of management
Posted inEducation
What to tell your child about COVID-19 safety at school
We’ve talked to experts and found resources to answer your questions about how to encourage children to stay safe at school.
Posted inLocal Government
Wichita economic development incentives topped $85 million since last September. Here’s how they work.
This summer, bulldozers, excavators and graders filled the sleepy residential North Riverside neighborhood. A once-vacant field at 11th and Amidon is becoming a new development of 40 single-family homes. Developer Jerry Jones said without the $1.7 million tax incentive Wichita offered him in February, the Riverside Housing Redevelopment District wouldn’t be single-family homes. “It definitely would’ve been a […]
Posted inEconomics
‘People are running out of time’: With no eviction moratorium, tenants fear losing their homes
In late August, 66-year-old Jacqueline Young filled out the eviction declaration form from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — thinking it would protect her after briefly falling behind on rent. She’s lived in her trailer at a mobile home park in Independence, Missouri, for four years. Days later, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected […]
Posted inLocal Government
Yes, a recall election could happen in Kansas City. Here’s how it works.
In 2020, there was a push to recall Mayor Quinton Lucas, but it failed to garner enough signatures to be put on the ballot. Now, there’s an ongoing campaign to recall Councilman Eric Bunch, who represents the 4th District.
Posted inWatchdog
Out of detention, into debt: How fines and fees bury young people in Kansas’ justice system
The moment a case is filed in juvenile court, the dollars owed rack up. There’s a $34 docket fee. Sedgwick County can tack on a law library fee up to $14. Kansas does appoint an attorney for free, but for any following casework the attorney can charge a “reasonable fee,” a number not specified in state law. NyKia Watkins said […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
Showing up and speaking out: How to participate in KC’s government process
Want to participate in Kansas City, Missouri’s legislative process, but not sure where to start? The Kansas City Beacon has created this guide to watching, attending and testifying at city government meetings. Where to find government meeting times and locations Past and upcoming meeting dates are published on the city clerk’s calendar. Users can sort […]
Posted inEconomics
Scared of banks? This program helps Kansas Citians open low-cost accounts
A 2019 survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation found that nearly 6% of people in the Kansas City metro area do not have a bank account, limiting their ability to get loans and save for the future. A nationwide effort coming to Kansas City aims to change that. It’s called Bank On, and its […]
Posted inEducation
What to know about mask mandates and schools
Many major districts — such as those in Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Olathe; Shawnee Mission; Blue Valley; North Kansas City; and Lee’s Summit — are requiring masks, but a few area districts have made them optional.
Posted inEducation
How does Wichita Public Schools spend an average $15,000 per student?
Jennifer Owen helps nonverbal students find their voices. The speech pathologist for Wichita Public Schools specializes in augmentative and alternative communications, helping students with trouble speaking, reading or communicating their thoughts to do just that. She does her work with tools, often expensive ones, like tablets that help students with word and image icons. She’s […]