Welcome to the Lowdown! I am so glad you’re here!
Happy Sunday, Lee’s Summit! ☀️
We had some mild weather swings this week, but my daughter was positive a Canadian cold blast was headed our way. It fizzled out, and I’ll admit, I’m not mad about it, these mild summer days beat winter every time. Bigger news on deck: LSR7 just dropped word of a serious budget shortfall, and if you’re a homeowner here, you’ll want to read on. Plus, Vintage Takeover hits Green Street today, so if you go, let me know what you dig up, I haven’t been myself yet. Let’s get into it! 👇
🏫 Schools
Heads up if you’ve got a student in the district: LSR7 is projecting a $7 to 10 million revenue shortfall for the 2026-27 school year, and the board’s got a decision coming on whether to raise the tax rate or cut staff and programs. Two community town halls are set for Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Tuesday, Sept. 8, both 6:30 to 8pm at the Stansberry Leadership Center, ahead of a Sept. 29 board vote. More on that below in Worth Watching.
In smaller but still notable news, ticket prices for LSR7 high school athletic events are going up for 2026-27: students will pay $5 (up from $3) and adults $7 (up from $5). Folks 55 and up and kids 5 and under still get in free, but students now need to show a school ID at the gate.
And some congratulations are in order: longtime SCA history teacher Greg Finch was named the 2026 Missouri History Teacher of the Year by the Sons of the American Revolution, receiving the honor at the group’s state convention in Springfield. Nice way to kick off the school year, Mr. Finch.
💼 Business
Saint Luke’s has purchased 42 acres next to Saint Luke’s East Hospital, following a recent $52 million expansion at the hospital. The health system says there’s no immediate plan for the land, but it’s a sign they’re thinking long-term about growth here. Translation: they’re not saying what’s coming, but something’s coming.
Also worth a stop this weekend: Kid to Kid Lee’s Summit is celebrating its grand opening through Sunday at 300 NE 291 Hwy, with giveaways and exclusive drops on kids’ gear all weekend long. Bring the kids, or don’t, and enjoy the quiet.
❤️ Good People, Good Stuff
If you’re looking for a way to give back, Teed Up for Teens tees off Monday, Aug. 31 at 8am at Lakewood Oaks Golf Course. It’s Pro Deo Youth Center’s inaugural golf tournament, raising money to support local teens. First year for this one, get in on the ground floor before it’s the hot ticket.
👀 Worth Watching
The LSR7 budget situation is one to watch closely over the next month. With a projected $7 to 10 million shortfall for next year, the district is weighing a tax rate increase against cuts to staff and programs. I’ll be at one of the town halls to hear it firsthand, but I’ll be honest with you: when a district schedules town halls like this, it’s usually because they’ve already got a number in mind and they’re bracing the community for the sticker shock. Property values here have climbed fast, mine’s allegedly worth almost double what I paid for it, and a higher assessed value means a bigger tax bill whether or not I ever see a dime of that “gain.” The board makes its call Sept. 29, after the second town hall on Sept. 8.
⏪ The LS Loop
No city council meeting this week, so nothing to recap there. No new school board meeting either, we already covered last week’s meeting in the previous issue. Quiet week at both. Enjoy the calm before budget season heats things up.
🎸 Live & Local
Thursday, Sept. 3
The McWallace Duo | 7:30 p.m. at Iron Horse Bar & Grill. Smooth vocals and gentle acoustic guitar for a laid-back midweek show.
Jam or Open Mic | 6:00 p.m. at The Fillmore Cafe.
Jam or Open Mic | 7:00 p.m. at Jack Ray Post 5789, VFW.
Friday, Sept. 4
Kevin Church Johnson | 7:00 p.m. at The 1909 Club. Soul, blues, and heartfelt storytelling in an intimate, groove-driven set.
David Olson | 8:00 p.m. at Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House. Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer.
Saturday, Sept. 5
One-Two-Trio | 8:00 p.m. at Iron Horse Bar and Grill. Acoustic covers spanning the ’70s through today.
Haley, Matt, and Jon | 8:00 p.m. at Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House.
Chappel Hill Rebellion | 7:00 p.m. at the VFW. Classic country with a little rock and roll.
Terry Hancock | 7:00 p.m. at The Goat Brewing Co. Solo acoustic sets spanning rock, pop, soul, and country from the ’50s to today.
📅 The Weekly Lineup
Sunday, Aug. 30
Vintage Takeover | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Green Street (209 SE Green St). 40+ vendors selling vintage clothing, trading cards, comics, toys, and records. Free admission.
Monday, Aug. 31
Teed Up for Teens | 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Lakewood Oaks Golf Course. Pro Deo Youth Center’s inaugural golf tournament, benefiting local teens.
Board Game and Puzzle Swap | 6:30 p.m. at Colbern Road Community Room.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
LSR7 Budget Town Hall, Part 1 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Stansberry Leadership Center (301 NE Tudor Road). First of two community town halls on the district’s projected budget shortfall, more in Worth Watching above.
2000’s Music Bingo | 7:30 p.m. at B&B Theatres. Free to play, with prizes for winners.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Green Street Market. Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. Runs Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31.
Friday, Sept. 4
Fall Open House | 10:00 a.m., Downtown Lee’s Summit. A small-business shopping weekend with fall décor, gifts, and more. Runs through Saturday.
Pilates with The Yard Gym | 9:00 a.m. at Green Street.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Fall Open House continues in Downtown Lee’s Summit. (Live music tonight too, see Live & Local above.)
🤔 Lee’s Summit Trivia
Did you know some LSR7 schools aren’t actually in Lee’s Summit, and some non-LSR7 schools are? Greenwood Elementary and Summit Pointe Elementary are part of the LSR7 district, but they sit outside city limits in neighboring towns. Meanwhile, Blue Springs School District runs three schools, Chapel Lakes Elementary, Delta Woods Middle School, and Voy Spears Jr. Elementary, that are technically inside Lee’s Summit. So your neighbor’s kid might go to a “Lee’s Summit” school that isn’t in Lee’s Summit, or a “Blue Springs” school that is. Try explaining that one at back-to-school night.
One Last Thing
This was a concert kind of week for me, a Freddie Mercury tribute show at Legacy Park, then Styx and Chicago at the new Morton Amphitheater. Two very different nights, equally loud, both great. My ears are still recovering. Worth it. On a different note, you’ll notice I lean heavy on LSR7 news most weeks, mostly because that’s the district I know best. But Lee’s Summit is home to SCA, SMA, BSSD, and plenty of other schools doing good things too, like the Missouri History Teacher of the Year mentioned above. If your school, or your kid’s, has news worth sharing, hit reply and tell me about it, or point me toward someone who can. And since Vintage Takeover is happening as you read this, tell me while you’re at it: what’s the best thing you’ve ever scored at a Lee’s Summit garage sale, vintage market, or resale shop? I’m collecting bragging rights material for next issue.
Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew!
– Jen
Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown
P.S. I asked my daughter about her first week of school. School: “fine.” Teachers: “good.” What she’s learned so far: “nothing.” Apparently this is a rite of passage for parents everywhere, so if you got the same three-word debrief from your own kid, you’re in good company.
P.P.S. Apparently Patrick Mahomes and Jake from State Farm filmed a commercial at a house right here in Lee’s Summit this summer. No big deal, just Andy Reid casually hanging out in someone’s living room for four days.
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