Hey Lee’s Summit! Here’s what’s happening this week!

Welcome to the Lee’s Summit Lowdown! I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out of the house this week, the city has decided to make it very easy for you. We are officially in the post-holiday stretch where cabin fever starts to set in, but between new indoor markets and some very unusual visitors (yes, a fennec fox – the world’s smallest fox with the world’s biggest ears relative to body size), there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve checking the weather app every ten minutes.

The Green Street Glow-Up

Have you checked out the new Green Street space lately? It’s quickly becoming the “living room” of Lee’s Summit. This week alone, they’re hosting everything from Yoga Fusion to an Adult Night Out featuring mini-golf. It’s all part of the city’s push to make our downtown a year-round destination – and a little preview of the LSGoal26 energy we can expect as we get closer to the World Cup festivities.

The Weekly Trivia Challenge

Before you check out the rest of the Lowdown, let’s see if you’re a local history buff:

Lee’s Summit is home to Longview Farm, once dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” In what year was the first structure on the farm completed?  (Answer: 1914. Bonus points if you knew it was the hog manager’s house!)

⏪ The LS Loop

What happened while you were living your life last week.

The Civic Scoop: Jan 6 Council Highlights 🏛️

• SW Persels is Leveling Up: A new Dutch Bros and a complete overhaul of the Casey’s are officially on the way. Council gave the green light for the SW Persels and M-291 intersection, so get ready for a significant upgrade to your morning coffee run.

• East Village Milestone: A massive 50-acre stretch near SE Bailey Rd just cleared a major hurdle. It’s been rezoned for a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and 320 new homes. It is the first step in turning that area into a true neighborhood destination.

• Big Decisions on the Ballot: Mark your calendars for November 2026 – you’ll be deciding on a plan for citywide trash service.

• World Cup Perk: In anticipation of the 2026 World Cup crowds, the city is extending liquor sales until 3 a.m. on specific game dates. We are officially on the global map!

  🎥 Catch the full meeting video here.

LSR-7 Learning Curve: The Board met in a closed session on Jan 8. The public is invited back for the next Regular Board Meeting on Jan 15 at 7:00 PM at the Stansberry Leadership Center.

🍴 Local Eats & Treats

• The MVP: Pot Roast Nachos from Summit Grill.
  January in Missouri calls for serious comfort. These nachos trade standard taco meat for tender, slow-cooked pot roast and cheddar-jack cheese. It’s the ultimate “winter appetizer” that actually eats like a full meal. Check out the menu here.

• Save the Date: A Night at the CH Pub (Jan 12).
  Cooper’s Hawk is hosting a ticketed wine-pairing dinner tomorrow night featuring British classics like Yorkshire Pudding, English Beef Stew, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. More info here.

🎸 Live & Local

Where to find the best tunes this week.

• Jan 13: Karaoke | The Pink Elephant @ 9:00 PM

• Jan 14: Levee Town (Rock/Blues) | 1909 Club @ 7:00 PM

• Jan 15: Live Music Thursdays | Iron Horse Bar & Grill @ 7:30 PM

• Jan 15: “Wine Down” Live Music | Bella’s Italian Restaurant @ 6:00 PM

• Jan 16: Lonny Goodwin | Konrad’s @ 8:00 PM

• Jan 17: Havilah Bruders (Jazz) | 1909 Club @ 7:00 PM

• Jan 17: Southtown | Konrad’s @ 8:00 PM

• Jan 17: The Flying Del Fuego Brothers | VFW Post 5789 @ 7:00 PM (Support our local Vets!)

📝 The Weekly Lineup

Put these on your radar so you don’t miss out.

• Winter Reading Challenge | Ongoing: Read any 5 books by March 15 to earn a limited-edition 2026 mug from MCPL! 📚

• Pajama Storytime | Mon, Jan 12 @ 6:30 PM: PJs, bubbles, and songs at the MCPL East Lee’s Summit Branch.

• Yoga + Pilates Fusion | Tue, Jan 13 @ 6:00 PM: Core work at the new Green Street Market space. 🧘

• Storytime at City Hall | Wed, Jan 14 @ 10:00 AM: For the kiddos (ages 5 & under) at Green Street.

• Pokémon Club | Wed, Jan 14 @ 4:00 PM: Battle and trade at MCPL East Lee’s Summit.

• Critter Chat: Fennec Fox | Thu, Jan 15 @ 6:00 PM: Imagine a fox the size of a kitten with ears the size of radar dishes. These tiny desert animals are fascinating to see in person—perfect for a mid-week family outing! 🦊

• Mayor’s Character Breakfast | Thu, Jan 15 @ 7:30 AM: Celebrating our best neighbors at John Knox Village.

• Adult Night Out: Mini Golf | Fri, Jan 16 @ 7:00 PM: Competitive indoor mini-golf (18+) at Green Street. ⛳

🛍️ Shop LS Spotlight

Keeping it local, one shop at a time.

This Week’s pick: The Living Stone 💎

• The Lowdown: Located at 231 SE Main St, this isn’t just a boutique—it’s a mission. Sherry and her team have created a space where you can find gorgeous home decor and jewelry that supports local families and global causes. It’s the gold standard for “shopping with a purpose.”

  Visit their Facebook page for a peek at their new winter arrivals.

Editor’s note: I don’t get paid to feature these businesses—I just think they make Lee’s Summit a better place to live. If you have a local favorite I should know about, hit reply and let me know!

✍️ Help Me Shape the Lowdown

Hit reply and tell me: Where is your favorite place to get tacos in Lee’s Summit?

If you found this first issue helpful, could you do me a huge favor? Forward this to one neighbor who loves Lee’s Summit as much as we do!

Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew!

— Jen

 Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown

P.S. Seriously though… about the tacos. If I don’t get at least three passionate defenses of a local taco spot, I’m going to assume we’ve all been replaced by fennec foxes. Don’t let the foxes win – hit reply and tell me your favorite! 🌮

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