Volunteers needed for Project Shine in Independence

The Independence School District will hold its 9th annual Project Shine event on Saturday, June 25, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

LINC temporarily closes food pantry to reorganize

The Local Investment Commission (LINC) has a food pantry at Northern Boulevard United Methodist Church in Independence, MO. known as Project Suppertime.

LINC and the church have mutually agreed to temporarily close the food pantry to reorganize inventory and train new volunteers.

Those wishing to support Project Suppertime can make contributions directly to either the Local Investment Commission, 3100 Broadway, Suite 1100, Kansas City, MO. or to Northern Boulevard United Methodist Church, 1800 S Northern Blvd, Independence, MO 64052.

For additional information, contact Brent Schondelmeyer, LINC Deputy Director, (816) 410-8350 or bschonde@kclinc.org.

Educare training serves 150+ providers

Over 150 child care providers attended the Educare Large Group Training held on May 7 at Carver Elementary School (Kansas City Public Schools).

Apply now for EPFP 2016-17 fellowship

The Missouri-Kansas Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) is seeking applicants for its 2016-2017 program, which begins in September.

The Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) is a professional development program for individuals whose work record reflects strong leadership abilities and a concern for issues important to children and education.

Two new LINC Commissioners approved

Two individuals have been approved as LINC Commissioners — the governance board for the Local Investment Commission — at the group's April meeting.

The new commissioners are Tom Davis and Ken Powell.

2016 KIDS COUNT data book announced

The Family and Community Trust (FACT) will release the KIDS COUNT 2016 data book on Tuesday, April 5 in Columbia, MO. KIDS COUNT is a national and state-by-state effort to track the well-being of children through high quality data.

PUBLIC NOTICE: LINC applying for 21st Century Learning Center grants

LINC is submitting three applications in response to Missouri’s Department or Elementary & Secondary Education’s most recent round of 21st Century Learning Center grants.

LINC Educare provider named a breastfeeding-friendly center

Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare Center, a longtime LINC Educare provider, was recently selected as the first early learning site in the Greater Kansas City area to receive a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care facility status.

Hickman Mills Town Hall meeting, March 29

On Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m., Hickman Mills School District superintendent Dennis L. Carpenter, Ed.D. will host a Town Hall Meeting at Smith-Hale Middle School.

Troost Caring Communities students receive new backpacks and school supplies

Students in the LINC Before and After-School at Troost Elementary in the Kansas City Public Schools each received a new backpack filled with school supplies.

Two school districts select new superintendents

The North Kansas City and Grandview school districts - two LINC partner school districts - have selected new school superintendents who will start this summer.

Dr. Dan Clemens is the new North Kansas School District superintendent and Kenny Rodrequez is the new Grandview school superintendent. Both were internal candidates.

Kauffman addressing teacher shortage in urban schools

The Kansas City Teacher Residency (KCTR) program, supported by the Kauffman Foundation, is actively recruiting and supporting individuals to become teachers in urban schools and directly address a shortage of teachers.

Urban teacher residency programs adapt the medical residency model to teacher preparation. This is a one-year program for college graduates and professionals who want to become exceptional teachers and help Kansas City kids achieve strong academic outcomes.

Attucks students learn history through theater

Third through fifth grade students from Crispus Attucks Elementary in the Kansas City Public Schools learned about the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 in a special workshop presented by The Coterie.

United Way kicks off tax season with community event

Community groups are planning to kick off the 2016 tax season with a community event on Saturday, Jan. 30, 10 am to 4 pm, at Union Station.

Those attending will have an opportunity to have their taxes completed for free (incomes of $53,000 or below).

The event is sponsored by United Way of Greater Kansas City and Next Step KC.

Wheatley LINC program reaches out to the community

Fifty snowmen have been placed in the community around Wheatley Elementary School in Kansas City Public Schools. "Kindness is COOL" reads the sticker placed on the snowmen to encourage positivityand awareness in the community.

Citizens to explore crime increase in Kansas City during K.C.P.T. Crime Caucus

Kansas City area residents are invited to The Crime Caucus: A Citizen Summit on Crime to explore and discuss issues regarding the increase in crime and how to make neighborhoods safer. Atteendees will also be the first to view extended scenes from the latest K.C.P.T. documentary: Our Divided City.

Maplewood Elementary to receive 250,000 dollars for new sidewalks

The City of Kansas City has appointed 250,000 dollars to create sidewalks around Maplewood Elementary on 52nd Street and Freemont Ave. in the North Kansas City School District. Sidewalks would allow a safer route to and from school for students.

Independence celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. with keynote speaker Frank White

Newly appointed Jackson County Executive and Royals Hall of Fame member Frank White will deliver the keynote address at the annual City of Independence Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 18.

LINC leader Landon Rowland dies

Landon Rowland, who led LINC for 21 years, died Monday, Dec. 28, at his home.

Memorial services are planned for 3 pm Friday, Jan. 8, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64105. A 4 pm reception at the Cathedral will follow.

Rowland was on the initial LINC Commission established in November 1992 and succeeded Bert Berkley (LINC's Founder) as chair in December 1995.

LINC In Photos 2015

We are happy to share this year's LINC in Photos — a visual representation of LINC's impact and presence in the community. LINC in Photos 2015 is dedicated to LINC Chairman Emeritus Landon Rowland, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 28, 2015.