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...

Fitness

Adventure Awaits

The Kansas City Climbing Community Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Kate Neuenschwander Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of rock climbing, but its climbing community is thriving and growing stronger every year. Thanks to the Kansas City Climbing Community, locals and visitors alike can find their way onto the wall, whether it’s inside one of the area’s many gyms or outside at nearby crags. “Kansas City Climbing Community recently celebrated...

Arts + Culture

Once an Art Kid, now Creative Soul

Cody Wheelock shares his talent by teaching and amazing pieces. Article by Judy Goppert   With the support of his family at an early age, Cody Wheelock found the spark that lit his imagination by doodling on the margins of worksheets and creating cartoon drawings of friends and illustrating his own stories.   “In 7th grade, I came across a book in the library about how to draw realistic portraits by artist Lee Hammond,” he explained. “I dived in and learned how to approach values, get...

Life + Culture

Beauty Refined, Wellness Redefined



Orchid Aesthetics and Wellness Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Bobbie Nichols with Bobbie Sue Photography Orchid Aesthetics and Wellness in Lee’s Summit believes that true transformation starts from within. Through personalized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), Orchid helps clients reclaim energy, clarity, and confidence by addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalance, all within a professional, physician-led environment. 
Founded by Dr. M. Aaron Mehrer, a...

Sports + Recreation

Inside the Crown

One Man’s Devotion to Royals Baseball Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Nicolette Martin Writer, podcaster, and lifelong fan David Lesky shares the highs, heartbreaks, and magic of the game that raised him.   For David Lesky, baseball isn’t just a sport — it’s the soundtrack of his life. Raised in a home where Royals games were always on the TV or radio, Lesky was destined to fall in love with the game. One moment sealed it: July 4, 1989, when a four-year-old Lesky watched Bo Jackson...

Life + Culture

A Pillar of the Community

The Legacy of Andy Lock Photography by Cody Wheelock Andy Lock’s visionary leadership and passion for hospitality left an indelible mark on Lee’s Summit, and helped transform the local dining scene. Here’s a look at the history and impact of the restaurants he co-founded in the community: Summit Grill – Lee’s Summit (Opened October 2012) Converted a former steakhouse into a chef-driven American restaurant. Its success laid the foundation for expansion across the Kansas City metro area.  ...

Style + Beauty

Where Style Meets Sustainability

Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones For 15 years, Clothes Mentor has been a staple in the Lee’s Summit community, offering high-end fashion at a fraction of retail prices. But under the fresh leadership of a passionate, marketing-savvy owner, the beloved resale boutique fuses fashion-forward thinking with a fierce commitment to sustainability. A seasoned marketer with a background in e-commerce, owner Rachel Dicke, saw more than just a successful resale store. She saw an...

Finance + Legal Services

The Mortgage Queen

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Jill Underwood’s journey in the mortgage industry began long before she ever imagined owning her own company. “I started in the early 1980’s when I was very young. My mother was a realtor, and as a teenager, she taught me about equity, negotiations, and helping people with their home purchases. I quickly fell in love with the mortgage industry, and I have been on the front lines helping people ever since.” Decades of experience led Jill to...