Friday Greetings,

• Trey Anthony joined the team on Thursday as our new water plant operator. We also look forward to welcoming back returning park attendants Ian Cronk (April 1) and Hayden Soehren (April 6), who are returning to the Parks team for another summer. Welcome aboard!

   

• A Message of Gratitude to Our Community:  In the wake of the unexpected loss of Firefighter Benoit Coussement, our department has felt an outpouring of support that has been nothing short of extraordinary.  To our citizens and business community, thank you. Your kind words, gestures, donations, and simple acts of compassion have meant more to our firefighters and their families than we can fully express. During a time of deep loss, you reminded us that we are not alone.  This Department is proud to serve a community that stands beside us not only in times of emergency but also in moments of grief. Your support has helped lift our members, honor Benoit’s memory, and strengthen the bond we share with those we serve.  On behalf of the entire North Kansas City Fire Department, thank you for standing with us.

   

• The Missouri Department of Conservation brought a group of statewide conservationists to Wheel Park to visit a good example of community conservation on their tour on March 31.   The team was particularly interested in the city’s efforts to encourage native plants for residential and public gardens, Parks' pollinator planting and extension, milkweed plantings, and the annual Native Plant Sale.  This year’s Native Plant Sale will be on Sunday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Macken Park!

   

• This week, North Kansas City’s Master Plan took a big step forward when the project website went live at northtown2040.com. The website features information about what the Master Plan is and who it is for, a welcome video from Mayor Jesse Smith, event dates for involvement opportunities, and a link to the community questionnaire. The questionnaire is for residents and nonresidents alike and offers a free raffle entry as a thank you for participating.  The first Pop-Up Event will be at Boneanza tomorrow, April 4, at 10:30 a.m. Join us for fun activities with your pup at Waggin’ Trail Dog Park and stop by the Northtown2040 table to learn more about how your input can help shape the future of North Kansas City.

   

• Due to the election, the City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m.

   

• The City of North Kansas City will hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  Polls will be open at the NKC YMCA from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.  This year’s election is for Councilmembers from Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 (2-year terms).  Last week, the City hosted its annual NKC Candidate Forum, facilitated by NKC High School debate students and featuring candidates for City Council. Candidate Rita Pearce had a prior commitment, and candidate Yvonne Salinas was unable to attend due to illness. If you missed it, you can watch the Forum on the City’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/svI0oVpyFPI?si=dO1tN6NsMITNXrES.  Here is a list of the Candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot:

   

  • Ward 1: Councilmember 2-year term
  • Anthony Saper
  • Rita Pearce
  • Ward 2: Councilmember 2-year term
  • Lyndsey Magrone
  • Ward 3: Councilmember 2-year term
  • Linda Alvarez
  • Ward 4: Councilmember 2-year term
  • Yvonne Salinas
  • Synthia Larson

   

   

• Did someone say Boneanza?  Bring your pups for a little Easter celebration TOMORROW, Saturday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Waggin' Trail Dog Park.  $5 donation (per pup) gets you a goodie bag and admission to the Easter Egg Hunt! There will also be dog-friendly vendors and raffle prizes, so hop on over! 🐰

   

• Join the NKC Library for a hands-on Make Your Own Birdhouse program on Saturday, April 4, from 10-11:30 a.m.! Builders of all ages are invited to assemble and decorate their very own wooden birdhouse to take home. We’ll provide all the supplies you need—just bring your creativity! Registration is required: https://www.nkcpl.org/event/myo-birdhouse-3529

   

• Last call for artists! Deadline to apply for NKC Parks & Recreation's mural benches is this Sunday, April 5, by 11:59 pm. To learn more information or to apply, visit www.nkc.org/muralbenches.

   

• Join the North Kansas City Community Enrichment Advisory Committee (CEAC) for a day of service, snacks, and community on Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to Noon!  Celebrate Earth Day with kid-friendly activities, snacks, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, local eco-organizations, and custom event bandanas. Participants will meet at City Hall, 2010 Howell Street, to receive City-provided equipment (gloves, grabbers, and bags) and then head to designated cleanup locations. For questions about the event, please contact Megan Summers at 816-274-6006 or msummers@nkc.org.

   

• Join us for the City’s annual Shred and Donation Event on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Additional services will include electronic recycling, tire disposal, and the collection of gently used clothing and household items. The event will be from 9 a.m. to Noon at the YMCA overflow lot at 1999 Iron Street. Additional information is in the attached flyer.

• Current City job openings are listed below.  To apply, please visit www.nkc.org/jobs.
• Police Officer
• Maintenance Worker – Buildings & Grounds
• Park Attendant – Seasonal

Upcoming Meetings and Events:  

• Make Your Own Birdhouse– Saturday, April 4, 10-11:30 a.m., Library

• Bonenza – Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. to Noon – Waggin’ Trail Dog Park
• Special City Council Meeting – Monday, April 6, 6 p.m.
• Municipal Election – Tuesday, April 7, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., NKC YMCA
• Community Enrichment Advisory Committee – Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m.
• Earth Day City-Wide Celebration and Clean-up Event – Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, City Hall
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m.
• Community Shred & Recycle Event – Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to Noon, NKC YMCA
• Native Plant Sale – Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Macken Park
• Animal Vaccination Day – Saturday, May 2, 2-4 p.m., City Hall
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 5, 6 p.m.
• Planning Commission – Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.
• Community Enrichment Advisory Committee – Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m.
• Civic Canvas Public Art Dedication & Art Walk – Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m., City Hall
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m.
• Dagg Splash Park Opens – Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.
• Memorial Day – City Facilities Closed – Monday, May 25
• Northtown Supper Potluck – Saturday, May 30, 5:30-8 p.m., Macken Park