curiousKC | A Year of Living Curiously

At the beginning of every year, a lot of folks look back at the previous year. That’s what we’re doing here at Flatland, too, with our storytelling. 

Members of our team have selected their favorite curiousKC stories from the past year, which you can revisit in case you missed them. 

As the point person for curiousKC, I see the questions readers send us. Through those questions, you give our journalists a glimpse into what makes Kansas Citians tick. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to tell the stories that matter to you. 

In alphabetical order, here are staff picks, and why they were selected:

Catherine Hoffman, culture and community affairs reporter

“I’m going to have to go with the great piece on the forgotten life of Sarah Rector. It’s fascinating. I love anything that makes me say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t know that.’”

Chris Lester, managing editor

“One of the great things about curiousKC is the opportunity it offers to excavate history and bring to the surface untold or forgotten stories that illuminate who we are as a community. This is one of many fine examples.”

Cody Boston, freelance producer

“This story is one of my favorite because it’s a great example of one that allows for a broader conversation. In this case, the imbalance between the perception of crime and crime in reality. Just one curious question is able to engage and start a conversation around a really interesting aspect of our society at large, which can result in greater understanding. “

Clarence Dennis, Flatland contributor/The Bridge social media coordinator

“This curiousKC is one of my favorites for a few reasons. One, the story came to Flatland after a previous curiousKC project inspired the reader to reach out with her own connection to Jac Bowen’s sculptures. And two, it’s an example of how art inspires and is built to last.”

Ieshia Downton, KC PBS social media manager

“The piece was timely during a time of racial distress in our country. It was an interesting dig in history.”  

Jacob Douglas, rural affairs reporter

“Flatland’s food and history content are some of the best on the site, and when they crossover to cover one of the city’s entrepreneurial legends, it’s a recipe for a great story! “

Jirrod Glynn, web developer

“Recycling means a lot to my family, it’s a shame that it’s such a struggle.”

Kliff Kuehl, KCPBS CEO

“My son and I like trains, trolleys, streetcars — and not being from KC — I like learning about the history of this area.” 

Michelle Bacon, content and database manager at The Bridge

“I love food, valuing its cultural importance and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. Stories like this spotlight local communities that are often overlooked in Kansas City’s history.”

Vicky Diaz-Camacho, community reporter

“The beauty of this series is its ability to tap into buried histories that are still connected to or influence the present. This is one example that helps us better understand society with historical context and we see just how history’s imprint is still visible today.”