If you weren’t at Arrowhead last Sunday, like most of Kansas City, you were likely glued to your television set. For 50 years, this town has waited for another chance to bring home the coveted Lombardi trophy. With Kansas City’s sweetheart Patrick Mahomes at the leading position, we will finally see our Chiefs in the big game.

With the AFC Championship’s Lamar Hunt trophy now in its rightful home, Kansas City is already celebrating. Fans packed local sporting goods retailers, searching for t-shirts, hats, or bobbleheads. A few stores had lines of people who waited upwards of four hours for the championship merchandise. Four hours for a gray t-shirt! And we haven’t even made it to Miami yet.

However, the celebration quickly turned sour late Sunday night. On January 19, at about 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of Noland Rd. on a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located one deceased adult female and one deceased adult male. As the investigation unfolded, at least 15 other victims arrived at area hospitals, with three listed as being in critical condition.

An armed security guard at the business engaged the shooter outside of the establishment. KCPD reported that they believe the shooter is the deceased adult male, and a motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting are unknown. The nightclub, 9ine Ultra Lounge, has seen its share of violence, with police reporting to have been called to the location seven times this month.

“This city will never stand up for this type of gun violence. We will continue to try and stop it before it starts and we will make sure that in any investigation we are bringing folks to justice,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during a press conference held on Monday afternoon. “We’ve got a problem in Kansas City. We’ve said a few times that it is an epidemic of gun violence. We’re losing too many lives. We have too many people shot each year. We remain committed, both at City Hall and at the Police Department, and in every agency in Kansas City in making sure that we stop this problem.”

Kansas City Police Chief Richard Smith said that as part of a proactive approach, police had just left the nightclub prior to the shooting on Sunday.

“Officers had done a check of the parking lot and were less than a minute out when we received our first call,” said Smith.

Less than a minute. It took less than one minute for chaos to ensue, and for a young woman to lose her life. The gunman, it turns out, was just released from probation on a prior felony conviction and should not have had a gun in the first place.

These shootings, which are marring the celebrations of life, are happening all too frequently. Grandview and South Kansas City are feeling the violence, as incidents are occurring right in our own backyards. We do have a problem in Kansas City, like Mayor Lucas said. It’s a serious problem, and it’s one that affects every single one of us. It’s not just here, it’s everywhere.

I’m looking forward to a Chiefs victory in a few Sundays. I’m looking forward to celebrating with the rest of our great city. But, to be brutally honest, I’ll be celebrating this one at home, with my family close, and without the threat of violence and gunfire, hoping that no one rains on this parade.

It's candidate filing time! In the world of local politics, this is just the beginning of the race. Those interested are just now getting their helmets on as they prepare to shift into high gear. It’s where we find out who we can expect to see come April on our ballots, and whether or not there will be any surprises.

I can already tell you, there’s going to be a few. Local politics thrive when there is a little bit of competition. And, selfishly, it makes my job reporting on the elections a little more interesting.

With the window for the available seats still open, as usual, we will have the full list of candidates once filing closes. In the meantime, though, I can tell you a few things that I already know.

In Grandview, Ward 1’s Sandy Kessinger has decided to hang up her Alderman coat for now, opting to not file for reelection. At last check, there were two candidates who have filed for her seat, including former Alderman Debbie Bibbs, who resigned from her position previously due to health reasons.

There were four candidates vying for incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Annette Turnbaugh’s seat, and so far no opposition in Ward 3. On the school board side of things, we’ll hopefully see an election in Grandview (we don’t always see Grandview C-4 on our ballots because of no opposition), Hickman Mills and Center school districts.

On top of all of this excitement (really, I’m excited about it, just call me a political nerd), we’ll be looking at some statewide races, as well. Check out the election notice that appears on page 6 to see what’s in store for those elections.

I’m looking forward to it. I enjoy reading the responses to our questionnaires. I love listening in on forums. And, I have fun getting to know our elected officials and telling our readers who they are. It’s going to be a great election season. Buckle your seat belts, though, as things might get a little bumpy come April!

Auld Lang Syne has been sung. The champagne bottles have been emptied. The Christmas tree has been put away (at least it has in my house). The black-eyed peas have been eaten. The new year has officially begun.
I’m a fan of new years. I’m not necessarily the type to make resolutions, because I know I’m not going to stick to making any real changes. But, I’ve always loved the idea of a fresh slate. The new year brings hope for great things, and that’s something I can definitely get behind.

As we look back on 2019, and look forward to 2020, I am reminded of the good, the bad, and sometimes ugly stories of the past year. Putting together the year in review issue is, for me, a time of reflection. It truly seems like just yesterday that the events on the front page of this week’s paper took place. I remember each of them clearly, and I recall the emotions I felt covering each story.

The new year will bring some new things into my life. Probably the biggest is that my last name will change come Memorial Day. Apart from the changes in my personal life, 2020 will bring a few new ideas and concepts to the Advocate, as well.

In 2020, our readers can expect to see a little more from us. Starting with the Homegrown in the Hometown special section in the first quarter of the year, which will feature some of your favorite family-owned businesses, we will be busy bringing you more content and more of what you like to read.

We will also look at ramping up our services we offer. We’d like for local businesses and individuals to consider us a one-stop-shop for all of their marketing and public relations needs. Think of us when you need newsletters designed, content written, social media help or news coverage at your events. Combined, we have many years of experience in all things news, and we’d love to be put to work to help you tell your stories.

Happy New Year to all of our readers, advertisers, supporters and friends. Without each of you, our work wouldn’t be possible. We thank you for a successful and fun 2019, and we look forward to what the future of 2020 can bring. Cheers to new beginnings and old traditions.