Gladstone Dispatch

CLAY COUNTY — Crews will conduct various lane and ramp closures at the Interstate 29 and U.S. Route 169 interchange from May 21 until May 22 and May 30 until May 31 for various barrier wall, guardrail, and striping work. All work is weather permitting. The right lane will be closed on Interstate 29 southbound at the US Highway 169 ramp as well as the ramp closed from I-29 southbound to US-169 northbound from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. May 21 through May 22.

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By Kellie Houx KHoux@cherryroad.com CLAY AND PLATTE COUNTIES — A custom-designed 20-foot inflatable soccer ball is going to loom large over the coming Go North KC watch parties. The giant soccer ball was unveiled Tuesday, May 12 at Park University. Clay County Marketing and Tourism Manager Megan Sahlfield and Jennifer Goering, Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau director, stood in front of the inflatable ball.

GLADSTONE — At the April 27 Gladstone City Council meeting, the council presented two proclamations, recognizing May as Older Americans Month and May 11–16 as National Police Week, honoring the contributions of older adults and the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages motorists to give turtles crossing roads a “brake.” Spring rains and warmer weather encourage turtles to emerge from their burrows and begin to search for food and mates. This leads some turtles across roadways – and puts them at risk of being struck, injured, and often killed by motor vehicles. Three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, and common snapping turtles are species often seen crossing roads in Missouri.

NORTH KANSAS CITY — NKC Health earned Silver Milestone Recognition from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for maintaining the echocardiography accreditation for 25 years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to continuously improving patient outcomes and safety, according to a recent press release. Every three years, accredited facilities undergo a reaccreditation assessment, conducted by a panel of medical experts.

GLADSTONE — There are two events taking place this weekend in Gladstone. First up is the spring brush drop-off that runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, May 1 to 3 at the Public Works Facility, 4000 NE 76th St. Gladstone residents may drop off brush and yard waste for free at the Public Works Facility. Proof of Gladstone residency is required at the time of drop-off. This event is for brush and yard waste only; trash and hazardous waste will not be accepted.

KANSAS CITY NORTH — The Mid-Continent Public Library System’s North Oak branch, 8700 N. Oak Trafficway, is currently closed due to water damage related to the recent storms, according to Emily Becker, associate director of communications for the library system. The branch will remain closed until repairs are complete. North Oak Branch patrons are encouraged to visit MCPL’s other 33 branches, including the nearby Antioch Branch, where their holds will be sent during this temporary closure.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation invite both new and experienced birders to join the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge May 1 to 22. Register by April 30. MBC participants will compete alone or on teams in five categories based on age, birding location, or experience.

By Kellie Houx KHoux@cherryroad.com CLAY COUNTY — Western Commissioner Jason Withington pitched the need to create a committee for expanding and improving the Clay County Jail and Justice Center. Withington wants to see a committee formed that will include three county commissioners, Sheriff Will Akin, Prosecutor Zach Thompson, a courts representative and County Administrator Damon Hodges. “It’s time to quit talking about it,” he said.