Arts + Culture

 Making Yarn Pretty!

Local fiber artisan creates intricate designs from yarn and imagination. Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones When you see Vonda Miller’s yarn art on canvas, you have to take a second look to realize these lovely pieces are actually woven from yarn. Her signature technique intertwines colorful strands into all sorts of scenes. She has been doing this art on canvas for two years. Vonda has been a business administrator for ten years, and now works at KC Care as a Provider...

Arts + Culture

Meet the Artist: Kelly Lightfoot

Creating unique jewelry is her avenue to share with others. Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones Kelly Lightfoot cherishes acting upon her creative, giving spirit! She and her husband Andrew started Matchstick Websites eight years ago. Together they build websites. Kelly launched her own company, Ampersand in 2009, to offer clients branding and graphic design, not long after graduating from UCM and working for a boutique design firm in Kansas City. “Andrew decided to leave his...

Arts + Culture

Linda Paints

Article by Alicia Holecek | Photography by Janie Jones At the age of 73, Linda Lutz started painting, just five years ago. What began as a late start has blossomed into a colorful journey. Linda’s dynamic creations stand as a testament that it is never too late to pursue new adventures and redefine the narrative of aging.  Linda’s introduction to art actually came many years ago. As an elementary school student, Linda says a teacher dismissed her artistic potential, asserting that she was...

Arts + Culture

The Pantless Potter

Article by D. Leon What started as a way to pass the time during the height of the pandemic has now turned into a full-blown successful business for  Shelby Vanbuskirk, owner of the Pantless Potter based in Lee Summit.  It all started after the former elementary art teacher enrolled in a college level ceramics class in Kansas City back in 2019.  Vanbuskirk was teaching elementary art in Raytown at the time, and her college class was a way for her to expand on her degree.  “I absolutely fell...

Home Services

A Family Affair

Locally-owned, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, has deep Lee's Summit ties Article by Judy Goppert Matt and Alicia Rodick brought COLLEGE HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving® Lee's Summit to our hometown in 2021, and since then have been helping customers move, remove junk from their homes and so much more! Matt explained that College Hunks offers moving, junk hauling, labor and delivery services. Whether that move takes you across town or across the country, they can get the job done for you.  ...

Life + Culture

The Cabin at Big Creek

Getaway to Greener Pastures at this New Luxury Log Cabin in Pleasant Hill Article by Mindy Hargesheimer If you’re dreaming about your next getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, you’re not alone. But maybe you’re not exactly feeling inclined to hop on a highway or plane and deal with the stress that comes with a long roadtrip or packed flight. So what’s the next best thing? A local getaway that offers a quiet escape, acres of nature, serene views, and a cozy log cabin retreat that will...

Sports + Recreation

Kansas City’s Best Kept Sports Secret

Lamar Hunt Jr. Expands KC’s Impressive Sports Team Roster With His Investment in the Kansas City Mavericks  Article by Mindy Hargesheimer | Photography by Janie Jones You know by now Kansas City is a Midwest sports mecca, but little did you know that one of our best-kept secrets takes place at an indoor ice hockey arena and offers a wealth of unique crowd experiences inclusive for the whole family! Meet the Mavericks and their incredibly talented team on AND off the ice!  Believe it or not...

Life + Culture

Jump In

The Water’s Fine! Article by Judy Goppert The family that plunges together stays together. That’s how Jeremy and Tara Baker and Morgan Martin see it. They put their heads together in 2021 and decided to organize a polar plunge for their friends and family at Lake Lotawana. It has now become a New Year’s Day tradition.   “I'm from Vancouver, Canada, and they have had a polar swim on January 1st for more than 100 years,” Jeremy explained. “I believe it started in 1920. As a kid, I have fond...

Food + Beverage

Summer Moon

Photography by Janie Jones In January 2021, Shelly Graham and her daughter, Kiersten, brought a taste of Texas to Overland Park by opening the first Summer Moon Coffee location outside the Lone Star State. Their venture has been a hit, and the duo recently celebrated the grand opening of their second store in Lee's Summit, located across from Summit Fair Shopping Center.     The journey for Shelly and Kiersten began with their shared passion for coffee. Regulars at various coffee shops, they...

Travel

Recharging Your Soul in Mexico

Food, fun, and frolic await everyone in Cancún: an adventurer's paradise! Article and Photography by Sean O'Keefe Cancún is known around the world as one of Mexico’s finest tourist destinations. Steeped in the rich history of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún offers visitors the best that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer. Whether you are coming for the all-inclusive resort experience or are looking to enjoy the seemingly never-ending gorgeous beaches, Cancún has it all. Unbelievably fresh and...