Life + Culture

Behind Every Foster Family:

A Community That Cares Article by Alicia Holechek | Photography by Janie Jones Most days, Katie Welch juggles swim meets, tutoring sessions and dinner at a crowded kitchen  table. But amid the noise of family life, she’s quietly building something powerful. Three years  ago, Katie launched Foster Light, a nonprofit that offers behind-the-scenes support to foster  families across Kansas City.  Welch, a former inner-city art teacher and now mother to six, knows firsthand the emotional  chaos...

Arts + Culture

Lemon Lane Farm

A treasure with darling animals and flowers galore. Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Janie Jones Derek and Rachel Pace, along with their three kiddos, live on and run Lemon Lane Farm in Raymore. It is a labor of love that began in Rachel’s heart years ago. They moved here in January of 2008 from middle Tennessee.  “In 2010, while pregnant with our first child, I remember being home when a news story came on TV. A local rescue was in a pretty dire situation with being over capacity...

Local Services

Heart of America Humane Society

A Lifeline for Pets in Lee’s Summit Article and Photography by Since 1992, the Heart of America Humane Society (HAHS) has been a dedicated force in animal welfare across the Kansas City metro area. Operating entirely through volunteers and foster homes, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit stands out for its compassion-first model. Without a physical shelter, HAHS focuses its resources on direct animal care and impactful community programs. HAHS partners with the Lee’s Summit Municipal Animal Shelter...

Health + Wellness

Beyond the Smile:

How One Orthodontist Helps Children Born with Cleft Palates Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Adri Guyer For many families, visiting the orthodontist is a milestone toward straight teeth and confident smiles. But for some, especially those whose children are born with cleft lip or palate, it’s much more than that. At Jewell Orthodontics in Lee’s Summit, Dr. Abby Jewell provides expert orthodontic care that starts just days after birth and continues through adolescence, all with the goal...

Entertainment

Downtown’s quantum leap!

Green Street launches with new market, outdoor space in Downtown Lee’s Summit Article by John Beaudoin The mountains of dirt are subsiding. The roof and playground are coming into view. And you can almost taste those late-summer tomatoes and fresh sweet corn from the farmers market.   In what will surely launch Downtown Lee’s Summit into another stratosphere of excellence, city officials have announced the opening of the much-anticipated Green Street market and outdoor performance space...

Food + Beverage

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice-Cream

Article and Photography by When the sun’s out and the days stretch long, few things capture the sweetness of summer like a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Whether you're chasing nostalgia with classic vanilla swirls or diving spoon-first into bold, new flavors, the local ice cream scene has something to delight every palate. We've rounded up the best spots around town—from charming neighborhood parlors to hip artisan shops—each serving up cool treats worth the trip. So bring your appetite, and...

Shopping

Dockside Style:

Lake Decor You’ll Love at A Thyme for Everything Photography by Janie Jones Whether you're planning a cozy dinner party, stocking up on gourmet goodies, or simply looking to refresh your home for the season, A Thyme for Everything is Lee’s Summit’s must-visit shop for all things delicious and delightful. Inside, you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of kitchen essentials perfect for cooking, entertaining, and gifting. From handy gadgets to elegant serveware, every piece is chosen...

Shopping

Stars, Stripes & Style:

Red, White & Blue Looks for the 4th of July Photography by Janie Jones This July, Anchora Bella Boutique brings a new perspective to patriotic style—one that’s chic, wearable, and rooted in the season’s top trends. We’re showcasing three standout looks that celebrate the spirit of summer through subtle nods to red, white, and blue—without leaning into the overly “USA” aesthetic. Think: timeless silhouettes, trending textures, and curated details that make these outfits feel stylishly...

Local Services

Helping Homeowners Love Yards

Elevate Outdoor: Exceptional Spaces, Extraordinary Memories Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson | Photography by Provided “Our message is: ‘Exceptional spaces, extraordinary memories.’ We take care of your property like we own it.” Tony Meyer, chief sales and marketing officer of Elevate Outdoor in St. Louis, says the outdoor design, build and maintenance company wants its clientele to “imagine what their lives could be like. We lay the foundation for families to lead fulfilling lives. The home...

Food + Beverage

Savor Summer in Style: The Outdoor Dining Trends We’re Loving

at Cockrell Mercantile Photography by Janie Jones As the temperatures rise, mealtime naturally drifts outdoors. In Kansas City, where BBQ culture is a way of life and Blackstone griddles are popping up in backyards everywhere, summer is all about gathering under the open sky. It’s no wonder this season’s home decor trends are focused on alfresco dining—think stylish table settings, cozy patio vibes, and everything you need to savor the season, one grilled masterpiece at a time. At Cockrell...