Christal Watson will be the new mayor/CEO of the Unified Government after Wyandotte County voters went to the polls Tuesday. Three other newcomers will join Watson on the UG commission dais: Jermaine Howard (District 1), Carlos Pacheco III (District 5), and Andrew Kump (At-Large 2). Howard will replace Gayle Townsend, […]
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Health officials warn that whooping cough is on the rise
In the fall of 2025, Wyandotte County Public Health Department has seen an increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis). The Health Department is encouraging community members and healthcare providers to take action to reduce the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses. [Read more]
Public Works crews participate in Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo
The Unified Government Public Works Department joined more than 200 public works professionals from 22 cities for the 2025 Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo, held October 8 to 10. Hosted by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-America Chapter, the annual event featured a range of training sessions, educational opportunities, and […]
UG Parks & Rec awarded $200K in grants to enhance urban tree canopy
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded a total of $200,000 in no-match grants from the Kansas Forest Service. This funding was received through two separate $100,000 grants under the Kansas Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, which […]
KCK barbecue sides to drool over
From Visit KCK: Kansas City is world-famous for its barbecue, and with so many legendary smokehouses to choose from, it’s no wonder food lovers have a hard time picking just one. Ribs, burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork—smoked, seasoned, and sauced to perfection—are the stars of the show. But for true […]
A Kansas City, Kansas, artist recreates iconic paintings with people from his neighborhood
From KCUR arts reporter Julie Denesha Harold Smith’s newest paintings take familiar works of art like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” and Leonardo DaVinci’s “The Last Supper” and reimagines them with people he grew up with. On a recent August morning, the artist Harold Smith […]
Historical Museum’s Fort Conley exhibit starts Saturday
A new art installation at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum commemorates three Native American sisters who barricaded themselves in a tribal burial ground in what is now downtown Kansas City, Kansas. “Trespassers Beware” gives visitors a chance to experience the Conley sisters’ story. [Read more]
KCKPD officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, killed in line of duty
Another Kansas City, Kansas law enforcement officer has lost his life in the line of duty. 26-year old KCKPD officer Hunter Simoncic died Tuesday morning from injuries sustained when he was struck by a stolen truck fleeing from police pursuit. Simoncic was putting down “stop sticks” near 72nd Steet and […]
Groundbreaking for 7th Street Transit Center
On Friday, August 15, 2025, the UG in partnership with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the 7th and Minnesota Transit Center Improvements. This groundbreaking officially celebrates the kick-off of $1.64 million in transit corridor improvements along three major segments along 7th St. [Read more]
Jenkins, Roberson appointed new UG ethics commissioners
The Unified Government has two new ethics commissioners after the Ad Hoc Ethics Commission Appointment Panel selected Martha Jenkins and Adrion C. Roberson to join the Unified Government Ethics Commission. Jenkins and Roberson were sworn in on Aug. 14. The Ethics Commission is charged with reviewing violations of the UG’s […]


