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, […]
Other News
Wyandot tribe land bank transfer highlights committee meetings
In a potentially historic move, the Unified Government’s Neighborhood and Community Development Committee unanimously approved transferring three parcels of land to the Wyandot Nation of Kansas at its meeting Monday evening, a decision commissioners described as an opportunity to “help make history.” The land transfer, which passed 4-0, will provide […]
Central Avenue celebrates Dia de Muertos with music, color, and community
Central Avenue came alive with a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage on Saturday, with its annual Dia de Muertos festival. The event, organized by the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA), drew thousands to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday focused on honoring departed loved ones. The day-long […]
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]
UG Commission approves Buc-ee’s incentives, reviews beautification effort
The Unified Government commissioners held their regular October meeting on Thursday evening, hearing about community cleanup efforts by UG staff, addressing zoning applications and approving incentives for the highly anticipated Buc-ee’s development next to Kansas Speedway. Community cleanup moves mountains of trash The commission recognized a recent initiative, launched Sep. […]
A new take on a classic favorite at the Music Hall: Beauty and the Beast
In 1991, Disney brought audiences the iconic animated version of “Beauty and the Beast,” and “just as sure as the sun will rise” a Broadway musical and touring production followed, selling out theaters across the land. But…it’s been 25 years since “Beauty” toured. “Ever just the same” doesn’t quite fit […]
UG committee rejects discrimination code changes, tables residency debate
In a lengthy meeting that stretched over four hours Monday night, the Unified Government’s Administration and Human Services standing committee denied a proposal to repeal code sections that enforce local anti-discrimination protections and put off a decision on employee residency requirements to next month’s meeting. Discrimination code proposal defeated The […]
Harmon boys’ soccer captures first league title since 2019
Hawks finish undefeated in league play, break six-year championship drought For the first time since 2019, the Harmon Hawks are league champions. With an impressive 10-0-2 Meadowlark Conference record (13-2-3 overall), the Hawks have reclaimed a place atop the conference standings and are poised for a deep postseason run. “We […]
KCKPD hosts annual Halloween giveaway at Gateway Plaza
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department hosted its third annual Halloween costume giveaway Tuesday evening at the Gateway Plaza housing development, an event that has become a symbol of the dramatic turnaround in community safety at the downtown complex. The Halloween party offered more than 175 costumes to children living […]
KCKPS Marching Festival showcases district’s rich tradition
Five high school bands perform at Wyandotte High School celebration of music and culture The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools hosted its 2025 Marching Festival at Wyandotte High School, bringing together all five district high school marching bands for an afternoon of high-energy performances that highlighted the area’s strong marching […]








