Friday Greetings,

• Welcome to our newest team members! On Friday, May 15, Grace Heath joined the Library as a part-time staff member. On Monday, May 18, Alexis David started as our summer Administration intern, Grahm Cichello joined us as our Parks & Recreation intern, and Hayden Kerr began with Public Works Building & Grounds. On Tuesday, May 19, Katie Oellien joined the Library staff, and Eric Hess-Utility will join the team on Tuesday, May 26, as a Maintenance Worker. Welcome aboard, everyone!

   

• Congratulations to several staff members on their recent accomplishments! Please join us in congratulating Lisa Larkins on her promotion to Accountant and Calvin Stewart on his promotion to Municipal Services Superintendent. We are also proud to celebrate Braeden Beymer for becoming a Certified Arborist and Becky Taylor for earning her Certified Court Administrator designation. Great work, everyone!

   

• Last week, members of the NKC Police Department attended National Police Week in Washington, D.C., joining law enforcement officers, families, and agencies from across the country to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  Established in 1962, National Police Week serves as a time to remember fallen officers, support their families and survivors, and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who continue to protect their communities each day.  For departments across the nation, including our own, these memorial events serve as a reminder that behind every name etched in stone lies a life, a family, and a legacy that endures. We are honored to stand alongside others in paying tribute to those who gave everything in service to others, and to ensure they are never forgotten.

   

• Last week, Municipal Services installed new stop signs at 32nd Avenue and Howell Street. The updated traffic pattern now includes a stop sign for northbound traffic on Howell Street. All three stop signs are equipped with red flashing LED lights, along with signage alerting drivers to the new traffic pattern ahead.

   

• Nathaniel Greer was sentenced in Clay County Court on Wednesday, May 20, for his involvement in the March 2024 shooting outside of North Kansas City High School. Greer received a total sentence of 12 years, including 7 years for Assault in the 1st Degree, 3 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 2 years for Armed Criminal Action.

   

• The late notices mailed out this week for Water Services customers included an incorrect cutoff date. The correct cutoff date for this billing cycle is Monday, June 8, not April 6.  We apologize for the confusion and appreciate your understanding.

• The NKC Road District will begin mill and overlay operations next week as part of this year’s street maintenance program. The work will take place in four separate sections throughout the community. Residents and motorists are encouraged to exercise caution in work zones and to expect occasional traffic impacts during construction. All work schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.

   

• The City is excited to introduce Northtown Now, our new all-in-one civic engagement app designed to keep residents informed and connected. With Northtown Now, citizens can quickly report concerns such as potholes, streetlight outages, code issues, and more directly to City staff. The app also provides important City news, updates, notifications, and emergency alerts — all in one convenient place.  Download Northtown Now today in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and help us build a stronger, safer, and more responsive community together.  Don’t want the app? Choose these additional ways to stay connected:
  • SMS Texts — Text “Join” to (816) 203-3750
  • Voice Calls — Call (816) 203-3750 to opt in for voice call notifications. Please note: these are automated voice notifications, not live phone calls.

     

• Summer is here! Weather permitting, the splash pad at Dagg Park will open this Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m.! Please be aware that the temperature outside or the water must be 72 degrees to be turned on.

   

• City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend as we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

• There will be a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m.

   

• The next Northtown Supper will be a community picnic on Saturday, May 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Macken Park! We will bring the hamburgers and hot dogs; you bring sides for your family.  Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!  Northtown Supper is a welcoming community meal for North Kansas City residents. Whether you’re new to the community or have lived here for years, this is a chance to connect, build relationships, and enjoy a community meal in a relaxed, friendly setting. All residents are invited and encouraged to come as they are—pull up a chair and build a stronger, more connected Northtown. Kids are welcome and encouraged!

   

• Northtown2040 is moving forward after a successful Visioning Workshop with the Steering Committee. The collected ideas and data are being digested and processed to fully understand where the community sees issues that need to be addressed, as well as where North Kansas City is succeeding. Sign up for the Steering Committee at northtown2040.com to join the planning process and share your thoughts for the future of Northtown.

   

• Looking for a volunteer opportunity? NKC Parks & Recreation is looking for volunteers to help out with Arts in the Park! Volunteer for a few hours, get some cool swag, and enjoy the arts! To sign up for a shift, visit  tinyurl.com/aitpvolunteer. 

   

• Check out all the fun events happening in NKC this Summer! See the full schedule in the photos below. 

   

• The 10^th annual Arts in the Park festival is only a month away! Art, music, food, brews, and more to enjoy right in North Kansas City's backyard in Macken Park. Friday, June 12, from 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. You won't want to miss the celebration this year! See more details at www.artsinthepark.org. 

   

• Save the Date!  We will be cutting the ribbon on River Forest Park on Thursday, June 18, at 4 p.m.!  More information is coming soon, but we hope to see you there!

   

• NKC Residents can purchase discounted passes for the Gorman Pool at City Hall.  (Proof of residency required.)  Located at 1101 NE 47th Street, the Gorman Pool features a 50-meter outdoor pool perfect for recreation and lap swimming.  For more information, visit www.nkc.org/our-city/community-resources/anita-gorman-pool-pass-program.

   

• Current City job openings are listed below.  To apply, please visit www.nkc.org/jobs.

• Maintenance Worker – Buildings & Grounds
• Maintenance Worker – Facilities & Buildings
• Planning Internship – HEATSMART Project

Upcoming Meetings and Events:  

• Dagg Splash Park Opens – Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. (weather pending)
• Memorial Day – City Facilities Closed – Monday, May 25
• Special City Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 26, 6 p.m.
• Northtown Supper Picnic – Saturday, May 30, 5:30-8 p.m., Macken Park
• Northtown2040 Visioning Workshop - City Council & Planning Commission Joint Session – Tuesday, June 2, 6 p.m.
• Planning Commission – Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – June 5, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Community Enrichment Advisory Committee – Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m.
• Arts in the Park – Friday, June 12, 5-10 p.m., Macken Park
• Arts in the Park – Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Macken Park
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 16, 6 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – June 19, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Movies at Macken – Hoppers – Friday, June 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – June 26, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park