Lee's Summit Lowdown

Welcome to the Lowdown! I am so glad you’re here!

Happy Sunday, Lee’s Summit!

I made it out to Downtown Days yesterday with my boyfriend, and we did the responsible adult thing, which is to say we ate our weight in fair food and pretended the calories didn’t count. There’s something about a corn dog eaten while leaning against a curb in the middle of downtown that just hits different in June. I came home smelling faintly of funnel cake, hair slightly wavy from the humidity, and weirdly proud of it. We stayed for the music, the people watching, and the part where neither of us wanted to be the first to say “okay, let’s go.”

The kids are out of school. The grill is calling. This week is packed. Let’s get into it.

🏅 LS ATHLETES SHOW OUT AT STATE TRACK

This past weekend, Lee’s Summit students delivered at the MSHSAA Class 5 State Track and Field Championships and we have some serious bragging rights.

Lee’s Summit North brought home the Class 5 boys team championship. Lee’s Summit West wasn’t far behind, finishing 2nd overall and the West 4×200 relay team didn’t just win, they made history, setting a state meet record of 1:23.32. West’s own Harrison Perkins claimed an individual state title in the 200m with a blazing 20.69. Two schools. One finish line. All Lee’s Summit.

But the moment I keep coming back to is this one.

If you’ve been reading the Lowdown since February, you already know Jeremiah Mangels. Born with spina bifida, adopted from China at age six, and a multi-time champion who treats the podium like a regular stop. Jeremiah is the kind of athlete that makes you want to pay closer attention to what’s happening in your own backyard. We put him on Olympic Watch earlier this year, and he just keeps delivering. This weekend, he took 1st in the para 100m at state.

Alongside him, Isaac Murdock of Lee’s Summit West earned 3rd in the para 100m, his own moment on that stage, his own story being written.

These two being on that track together, representing two different LS schools, is the kind of thing that doesn’t show up in the headlines but absolutely should. We see you both. 👏

⚽ FUTBOL FRIDAYS ARE HERE AND LS IS READY

Futbol Fridays: Champions of the Heartland | Starting June 12 | Green Street | 6–10 PM | Free

Lee’s Summit is leaning into World Cup energy in a big way this summer. Starting June 12, Downtown LS is launching Futbol Fridays and the kickoff theme is “Champions of the Heartland.” Rep your KC gear, bring the stadium energy, and expect live music, kids’ games, local food trucks, big-screen match watch parties, and official Futbol Friday merch. Free to attend.

Why the timing? Kansas City is hosting six FIFA World Cup matches this summer and since Arrowhead is about 20 miles from here, Lee’s Summit is officially positioning itself as a World Cup fan base camp through the “Goal Lee’s Summit” campaign.

Kansas City match dates to know:

• June 16 — Argentina vs. Algeria

• June 20 — Ecuador vs. Curaçao

• June 25 — Tunisia vs. Netherlands

• June 27 — Algeria vs. Austria

• July 3 — Round of 32

• July 11 — Quarterfinal

If you own a local business or just love seeing this city shine, this is your summer. The world is literally coming to our backyard.

🍔 FOOD + BUSINESS

🥙 Meddys Is Taking Over Mod Pizza

In a bittersweet slice of local food news, Mod Pizza has officially left the building but a fan-favorite is rolling in to replace it. Meddys, the highly anticipated Mediterranean fast-casual chain, is taking over the former Mod Pizza location. Think premium shawarma, hummus, and those addictive pita chips, right here in the neighborhood.

🍔 New Business: Small’s Sliders | Ribbon Cutting: June 12

A new slider spot is joining the LS food scene, and the Chamber is hosting the ribbon cutting on June 12, same night as the first Futbol Friday. Show up, grab a slider, watch some soccer. That’s a Friday worth having.

🐾 New Business: Woof’s Play & Stay | Ribbon Cutting: June 16 | 9–10 AM

Dog people, this one is for you. Woof’s Play & Stay is opening in Lee’s Summit and cutting the ribbon on June 16. As someone who once spent an entire weekend doing frantic tick-check jigs on myself and my dogs, I deeply appreciate any business that’s all in on our four-legged family members. 🐶

🏌️ Craft Putt Has Closed

In some bittersweet local news, Craft Putt has officially closed its doors. Owner AJ shared the news directly on Facebook this week with a heartfelt message: “What started as a crazy idea turned into something that created a lot of memories and brought a lot of people together, and I will always be proud of that.”

It’s always a tough one when a local spot calls it, and Craft Putt was a genuinely fun addition to downtown LS – a staple for date nights, friend groups, and anyone who wanted something a little different to do on a Friday night. Thanks for the memories, AJ. Wishing you and your family all the best on whatever comes next. 🤞

🏢 LEE’S SUMMIT’S NEW JOINT OPERATIONS FACILITY IS OPEN

Here’s something worth knowing about: the voter-approved $30 million Joint Operations Facility is officially open at 1001 NW Main St, and it’s a bigger deal than it might sound.

The building brings fire and police dispatchers together under one roof for the first time, replacing a communications center that had literally outgrown its basement. It’s packed with upgraded technology, built to withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph, and houses everything from EMS training rooms to a 988 crisis lifeline call center. And here’s the part that ties neatly into everything else happening this summer: city leaders specifically cited the World Cup as one of the large-scale events this facility was designed to handle.

⏪ THE LS LOOP

Meetings that happened while you were living your life last week.

🏛️ City Council | Watch the full meeting recap

🏎️ The Rush Funplex Is Speeding Into Town

Parents, get ready. The City Council unanimously approved the preliminary development plan for The Rush Funplex, a massive 76,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex coming to 900 NW Ward Road. We’re talking neon glow-in-the-dark go-karts, a massive arcade, and foam pits. Developers are targeting a Thanksgiving 2027 opening. Black Friday just got a lot more competitive.

💰 The $502 Million Budget and the “Deli Platter” Debate

The council officially approved the $502 million city budget for Fiscal Year 2027 but balancing the books required some tough calls. To close a $13 million funding gap, the city is implementing a hiring freeze on 31 vacant administrative and support roles. The city manager was clear: zero active layoffs. They’re just hitting pause on filling empty desks.

Now, here’s the moment that made me chuckle. During public comments, a resident called out the council for allegedly spending over $30,000 a year on catered meeting dinners from local spots like Jack Stack and Iron Horse. His suggestion for city leadership? “Go to Hy-Vee. Get a deli platter.” As someone who has never once turned down a Hy-Vee deli platter, I am fully on his side.

This newsletter is not sponsored by Hy-Vee. But Hy-Vee, if you’re reading this, you know where to find us. 😄

🏡 Short-Term Rentals and World Cup Prep

With Kansas City hosting six FIFA World Cup matches this summer and Lee’s Summit positioning itself as a fan base camp, the city is hustling to get tourist-ready. But there’s a wrinkle: the council flagged a major spike in neighborhood complaints about wild parties at short-term rentals. City leaders are planning to revisit and tighten up the short-term rental ordinance before the global crowds arrive.

🍎 LSR-7 School Board — No meeting this week.

🎸 LIVE & LOCAL

Where the music is this week.

Wednesday, June 10

Mountains in the Sea — Filling Station BBQ (333 SE Douglas St) | 6–9 PM | Free, all ages. Live music plus a short message from Pastor Nathan. A great combo of community and good food.

Thursday, June 11

Thomas Pender — The Fillmore Café | 5–8 PM | Jazz & Blues

Soul Fundamentals — The 1909 Club | 7–10 PM | Funk, R&B, and Soul

Brody Buster — Iron Horse Bar & Grill | 7:30–10:30 PM | Blues. When Brody was 7 years old, he picked up one of his mother’s old harmonicas and taught himself to play. He is often cited as one of the best harmonica players working today. Don’t sleep on this one.

Open Mic / Jam Night — Jack Ray Post 5789, VFW | 7 PM

Friday, June 12

Jackie Myers Organ Trio — The 1909 Club | 7–10 PM

Shaun Munday — Jazzy B’s | 7–10 PM | Soul-drenched vocals and show-stopping bass

Micah Burdick — Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House | 8–11 PM

Lindsay Blacksher (solo) — Llywelyn’s Pub LS | 8 PM to midnight

Saturday, June 13

Chris Hazelton Quartet — The 1909 Club | 7–10 PM | Jazz

Up from the Coop — Jack Ray Post 5789, VFW | 7–10:30 PM | Classic Rock

Cocoa Marie — Iron Horse Bar & Grill | 7:45–11 PM | Blues & Soul

Smokin’ J’s — Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House | 8–11 PM

📅 THE WEEKLY LINEUP

Monday, June 8

Storytime for Toddlers — Colbern Road Library | 10:00 AM

Food Preservation Basics — East Lee’s Summit Community Room | 10:00 AM

Mindful Pattern Making for Teens — Colbern Road Library | 6:30 PM

Wednesday, June 10

Raised Bed Gardening — Lee’s Summit Community Room | 6:30 PM

✨ Thursday Spotlight: Ladies Night Out — Passport to Paradise

Thursday, June 11 | Downtown Lee’s Summit | 5–8 PM

Downtown is going global this Thursday. Each participating boutique transforms into a travel destination (think boozy sips, flavors, and vibes from Aruba to Athens) while you shop your way through downtown LS. Pick up your BINGO passport at the start, collect stamps with every purchase, and compete for prizes. Over 20 local shops are participating, including Local Foundery, INSPO by KHL Design Studio, Embers Candle Bar, Team Cocktail, and more. Grab your people and make a night of it.

Friday, June 12

Futbol Fridays: Champions of the Heartland — Green Street | 6–10 PM | Free ⚽ (see feature above)

Small’s Sliders Ribbon Cutting — Details via LS Chamber

Storytime for Families — East Lee’s Summit Community Room | 10:00 AM

Early Literacy Music and Movement — Lee’s Summit Community Room | 10:00 AM

Saturday, June 13

Cardboard Boat Race — Longview Community Center | Registration 9:30–10:30 AM, Race 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM | $12/person | Ages 8+. Build your boat at home using only cardboard and duct tape, then race it for glory. Prizes for farthest distance, fastest boat, best floater, and best sinker.

Aqua Glow Zumba — Summit Waves | 9–10 PM | $15/person. Latin rhythms, glow vibes, and cardio in the water. A true “feel happy” workout.

🤔 LEE’S SUMMIT TRIVIA

Did you know Lee’s Summit has four public library branches? The system includes locations on Colbern Road, East Lee’s Summit, the main branch on SW 3rd Street, and the Blue Parkway branch, so no matter what corner of the city you’re in, there’s a library nearby.

With Storytime for Toddlers, Food Preservation Basics, and Mindful Pattern Making all on the calendar this week, it’s a good reminder that your library card is basically an unlimited activity pass. If you haven’t visited lately, this week is a great excuse.

ONE LAST THING

You know what I love about summer in Lee’s Summit? It slows down just enough to let you actually notice where you live.

The school year is loud and fast and full of carpools and deadlines. But June? June has this quality of… oh, right. This is the place. You drive past the park and see families out. You walk into a local coffee shop and there’s no rush. You end up at a festival on a Saturday afternoon and run into three people you haven’t seen since December.

I started the Lowdown because I wanted to make sure nobody missed the good stuff happening right outside their door. Weeks like this (Futbol Fridays kicking off, new businesses cutting ribbons, a literal World Cup coming to our backyard) remind me there is always something worth sharing..

Thanks for being here. Hit reply and tell me: what are you most excited about this summer in LS? I genuinely want to know.

Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew!

– Jen

 Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown

P.S. The main stage at Downtown Days felt really disconnected from the vendor area and the rides. You couldn’t hear the music while you were shopping, which felt like a missed opportunity for everyone. Was this a longtime layout issue, or just a this-year thing? Hit reply and tell me.

P.P.S. By now you’ve probably seen the social posts about the teen crowd that gathered later in the evening. This is at least the second year in a row it’s happened, and it’s worth a real conversation about how the city handles it. I’d genuinely love your take, especially from anyone who’s been on either side of it.

How did we do in this edition?

• 🏆 State Champ Worthy: Best issue yet.

• 🎶 Fourth Friday Energy: Really solid week.

• 🌳 Nice Walk in Legacy Park: Pleasant, no complaints.

• 🚗 Stuck on 291 at 5pm: Got here eventually.

• 🦌 Hit a Deer on Douglas: Let’s not repeat this.