The Great American Immigration Debate — Minus A Century
FLAT RIVER, Mo. — This old mining town in the southeast Missouri Ozarks once straddled the richest lead deposits in the world. But it no longer exists and the name is all but forgotten — much like the riots here that shocked the nation a century ago this week. As America’s never-ending debate over immigration rages…
Atlas Apartment Project Revives Historic Berlau Paper Co. Building in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison It had been a long time since Boulevard Brewing President Jeff Krum restored his last building, but he couldn’t resist the Romanesque Revival charms of the 115-year-old former Berlau Paper Co. building at 1509 Walnut St. “It’s an incredibly handsome building,” he said, “and one of the few of that quality and…
Swaying to the Music
At happy moments, Jim and Leslie Donigan often find themselves dancing to “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” the Andy Williams hit that has been their song since they first met at a pizza joint in Mission, Kansas, decades ago. One of those dance-worthy occasions took place late last year, at the end of a long…
Willy Wonka & Other Weekend Possibilities
Grab a chocolate bar and head over to Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park’s presentation of Willy Wonka. The free outdoor show is at the Gladstone Amphitheatre (NE 76th Street and N Troost, Gladstone, Missouri) this weekend and it runs through Sunday. The curtain goes up at 8:30 p.m. nightly. The only way to keep your…
Civic Leader Warren Erdman Speaks Out on UMKC Downtown Conservatory Funding Veto: ‘I Played Every Card We Had’
By Kevin Collison Warren Erdman, the leader of the local effort to obtain state money for the proposed UMKC Downtown Conservatory, warned today that any alternative funding plan in response to the Gov. Greitens’ veto last week should not place a “severe” strain on UMKC. “The governor decided not to go in that direction, and…
Sweeping River Market Redevelopment Plan Calls for New City Garage, and Additional Private Apartments and Retail
By Kevin Collison City officials are working with a private developer to make the River Market an even more urban, mixed-use area by replacing three parking lots with a 400-space garage, and two apartment projects totaling more than 160 units. The plan is part of a comprehensive redevelopment strategy that includes introducing paid parking in…
Order Up | Wings Cafe’s Buffalo Wings
Order Up is a regular series that takes a layered look at drinks and eats across Kansas City. Got a dish you think we should feature? Drop us a note below or on Twitter @FlatlandKC.
Building Communities
“Without the library, you have no civilization.” — Ray Bradbury, author Explore this four-part video series, Libraries Out Loud, on Wednesdays in July on flatlandkc.local. Be a part of a live screening and discussion with filmmaker Michael Price, KCPT’s Executive Producer of Public Affairs, Nick Haines, and the four heads of the library systems at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at…
Strange Days Brewing Adding Even More International Flavor to River Market
It’s getting to be a crowded microbrewery field in downtown Kansas City, but Nathan Howard believes his worldly approach to creating new beer flavors will make his new River Market venture, Strange Days, a refreshing retreat from today’s domestic blues. “(Strange Days) is a homage to the world we’re living in,” Howard said. “For us,…
In His Shoes
Eighteen year old Josh Metje has a prestigious scholarship awaiting him at NYU, but to get there, he’s faced his own share of tragedy. After his brother was murdered, Metje struggled with overwhelming grief. He credits his teachers with helping him through the trauma and with his academic success. Follow “Take Note: Our City. Our Schools. Our…








