Kansas City's Northeast News

01/28/2025

Jackson County Jury Convicts Second Suspect in 2021 Homicide Involving Gunfire

BREAKING: JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. — On Monday, Jan. 27, defendant Earl Lamar Dunn III went before the Jackson County Circuit Court jury to testify against six charges faced from March 2021 involving a gun battle, which resulted in the homicide of two men inside a vehicle near Monroe and Smart Avenues.

The jury found Dunn guilty on Monday beyond reasonable doubt on all six counts, which included Felony and unclassified charges: Murder first degree and Armed Criminal Action.Dunn was held in the Jackson County Detention Center prior to his trial by jury, according to Northeast News archives, and will remain in custody in advance of his April sentencing hearing.

A Sentencing Assessment Report has been ordered for the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole to prepare and deliver prior to the sentencing hearing court date, which is scheduled for 9 a.m., April 25, according to the court docket.

The April trial “State of Missouri v. Earl Lamar Dunn III” will be held at Jackson County’s 16th Judicial Circuit Court with eight charges against the defendant including Robbery First Degree, in addition to Murder First Degree and Armed Criminal Action.

Vontez G. Howard, the additional suspect in this case, is currently serving a 60-year sentence, which he was convicted of in April 2023 by Jackson County jury — two 25-year sentences for each Second Degree Murder charge and 10 years on four Armed Criminal Action charges, according to Northeast News archives.

For initial coverage on this case, visit the following links:
https://northeastnews.net/pages/two-dead-after-alleged-rolling-gun-battle/

https://northeastnews.net/pages/two-kc-men-charged-in-two-fatal-shootings-in-march-2021/

https://northeastnews.net/pages/murder-suspect-draws-60-years-for-his-role-in-northeast-gun-battle-homicide/

01/24/2025

This week’s Independence Avenue Community Improvement District Four Corner Call was to the former Boulevard Bakery location, 2815 Independence Ave.

Boulevard Bakery — a former Northeast pastry and bakery spot along Independence Avenue — closed its doors in August 2021 after 30 years in operation, according to Northeast News archives.

This business was started in 1991 by Mary Clark and Loretta Peeler, who worked to bake cookies, cakes and various other goods for the community and Kansas City Metro, alike.

After Boulevard Bakery, this storefront served as the pet supply store “Pet Shop Boyz,” until 2024.

Check out next week’s print edition to see where the four corner photo will be held, next Friday!

01/24/2025

Independence Avenue Gas Station Shooting Results in Homicide, Thursday Evening — UPDATE

BREAKING- At around 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) arrived to an Independence Avenue Phillips 66 (4815 Independence Ave.) on a reported shooting call.

Once on the scene, officers located an adult male, who was suffering gunshot wounds, inside the Phillips 66 convenience store. Officers on the scene performed life saving measures before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were requested.

EMS transported the individual to a local hospital upon scene arrival, where he was pronounced deceased, according to KCPD Media Unit. KCPD has identified the victim as 21-year-old Angelo Brayboy.

This incident is currently under homicide investigation by officers and detectives of KCPD. A conducted preliminary investigation revealed prior to gunfire, an altercation had occurred between two people inside the Phillips 66 location. Detectives and investigators are currently surveying on-scene witnesses to obtain additional information including crime-related evidence, according to KCPD Media Unit.

Those with additional information are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

The Northeast News will provide additional information once it becomes available.

01/23/2025

Vehicles overflowed the parking lot Thursday morning, Jan. 23 at Columbus Park’s Garrison Community Center (1124 E. Fifth St.) as Northeast residents, the City of Kansas City and representatives from Google Fiber, Literacy KC and Urban Technology Empowered Communities (TEC), among others gathered to witness the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Garrison’s computer and technology center.

This now accessible, free internet space — located on the second floor of Garrison Community Center — which holds Thinkpad desktop computer equipment as well as headphones for each station, was made possible through partnerships with the City of Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services department, Google Fiber and two local nonprofit organizations, Literacy KC and Urban TEC.

A press conference commenced Thursday’s festivities, with various sandwiches, snacks and a cake courtesy of Thelma’s Kitchen — a community, vegetarian-friendly cafe along Troost Avenue.

Awards were presented by the City of Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department for members of Urban TEC, Literacy KC and Google Fiber for their contributions to the project.

“The neighborhood department’s vision is to provide resources and opportunities for neighborhoods to thrive and grow and just expand and just be the best they can be,” Director for the Neighborhood Services department, Forrest Deckard said in a press conference, Thursday ...

Full story available 💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ and photos 📸 by Julia Williams

01/23/2025

Vehicle Missing from Truman Road Hit and Run Incident, Monday

BREAKING— The Kansas City Police Department’s (KCPD) East Patrol Department along with its Accident Investigation Section (AIS) responded to what has become Kansas City’s fourth vehicle-related fatality of 2025 the evening of Jan. 20 at an intersection of Truman Road and Bennington Avenue within the Blue Valley neighborhood.

Upon preliminary investigation, officers and investigators determined this was a hit and run fatality. A pedestrian, who was crossing the intersection at a crosswalk going North to South, was struck by a vehicle — now discovered to be a white, two-door, 1994 Chevrolet Blazer — traveling eastbound. Following the collision, the vehicle proceeded eastbound from the scene, according to a release from the KCPD Media Unit.

The pedestrian victim — identified as an adult male — was transported to a local hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) who arrived to the scene. He was pronounced deceased following arrival, according to KCPD Media Unit.

KCPD is now in search of the vehicle, which fled the scene Monday evening. The Kansas license plate on the Chevrolet Blazer reads “883 PVD.” A “GMC” logo is additionally present on the front grill of the vehicle, according to the release.

Those with additional information are asked to contact the KCPD Traffic Investigation Section at: 816-949-1524 or the TIPS Hotline at: 816-474-TIPS.

01/22/2025

The Kansas City Fire Department’s (KCFD) Station 23 responded to a vacant structure fire reported at 6:55 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19. This three-story wood frame apartment at 700-702-704 Olive Ave, is part of the Olive Park Village apartment and townhome complex. No injuries were reported.

In a statement released by KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, this structure has suffered multiple fires dating back to May 2024 and as recent as December 2024.

In a search through the Kansas City Parcel Viewer website, the Northeast News discovered this address was declared a dangerous building on June 5, 2024 and subsequent reports to the 311 Action Center listed this address as open and/or operating as an unhoused encampment site. Prior to the initial fire, these addresses had numerous Healthy Homes rental inspection reports, along with other addresses located within this complex, which spans three blocks in the Independence Plaza neighborhood.

As stated in the Dangerous Building report from June, the building had sustained extensive damage to the roof and the north and east exterior walls. The first floor apartment was consumed throughout and its exterior stairways were deemed unsafe.

Full story available 💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ and Photos 📸 by Dorri Partain

01/22/2025

Friends, family and casual acquaintances gathered on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Eleos Coffee House (3401 Independence Ave.) to share memories about lifelong Northeast resident, Tony Sciara.

A familiar face at area churches and businesses, Sciara suffered a medical emergency on Jan. 8 at the intersection of Hardesty and Independence Avenues and was transported to North Kansas City Hospital (2800 Clay Edwards Dr). Acquaintances heard the news — as posted to social media group “The New Northeast” by McDonald’s (5347 Independence Ave.) employee, Michele Crawford — and expressed concern until updates were posted that Sciara had passed away the same day.

Social media comments revealed that Sciara, who didn’t drive, was truly a “man about town” — or at least a man about Northeast — whose daily travels would take him to his favorite stops for coffee and conversation, mostly about sports and scripture.

Fittingly, as Sciara was a daily participant during Eleos’s morning Bible study, owner Dan Smith offered to host this Celebration of Life and assist Sciara’s brother Kevin with final arrangements. During Saturday’s memorial, Smith led attendees in two hymns, which were Sciara’s favorites and noted beforehand Sciara always “sang with great volume” in his distinctive voice that earned him the nickname “Radio Tony.”

Gresia Cabrera of Budd Park Church read Psalm 23 and said she would always remember Sciara for his smile and the little gifts he would offer to children. Members from Grace United shared that Sciara would show up for its hotdog and hamburger cookouts and bring along a jar of pickles to share. An Our Redeemer Lutheran member shared that Sciara would bring a plastic shopping bag to pick up trash and you knew he was there, without looking, when you heard him singing along. Another church leader offered that Sciara was well-known for finishing scripture readings for him, unprompted.

Full story available 💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ by Dorri Partain; Photos 📸 by Bryan Stalder and Dorri Partain

01/22/2025

The third Monday of January — this year’s Jan. 20 — serves as the day to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, which 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed into law in 1983 — just five days after King Jr’s birthday, Jan. 15.

On this holiday, various businesses and educational institutions around the Kansas City Metropolitan area — as well as across the nation — close their doors to pay homage to this Nobel Peace Prize winning, civil rights movement leader who fought for African American equality in a 1950s post-civil war America.

A few of the local businesses and schools closed on Monday included the City of Kansas City offices, Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School (SVN), all Kansas City Public Library locations and Frontier School of Innovation, among others. Area trash and recycling pick-up was additionally delayed one day throughout the week in observance.

However, one 18th and Vine district, 27-year-old rhythmic exhibition — the American Jazz Museum (1616 E. 18th St.) — opened special hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday. This decision was to highlight King Jr’s passion for the jazz genre, according to a release from the museum, and the style’s ties toward unification and freedom — two concepts, which he continued to fight for.

In 1964, King Jr was invited to speak at the first Berlin Jazz Festival — also known as JazzFest Berlin, now in its 60th year, which works to highlight past, present and future trends within the world of jazz — in Berlin, Germany.

Full story available💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ by Julia Williams (); Photo 📸 by Northeast News archives

01/22/2025

Local Cat Adoption:

Looking for a feline friend? A kitten is ready for adoption within Pendleton Height’s Park Avenue community cat colony.

01/21/2025

Another reminder that trash and recycling collection will be delayed due to the Monday holiday.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day trash and recycling will follow a holiday schedule. kcmo.gov/trash

01/18/2025

Inky the Newscat visited our paper box at 715 Jackson, on the porch of the Lykins Neighborhood Center, to remind readers who don’t get home delivery they can get their weekly print copy here. The center is located next to Lykins Square Park.

01/17/2025

This week's Independence Avenue Community Improvement District Four Corner Call was to J. Edward Kendrick and Associates, 4605 Independence Ave.

J. Edward Kendrick has operated out of this location along the Avenue since the 1990s. A family-owned dental practice — originally founded by Dr. John Kendrick in 1952 and located off Independence Avenue and Monroe Westbound.

Around 1975, his son Ed Kendrick joined this practice and they moved their business to its current location, according to Northeast News archives.

J. Edward Kendrick is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. For additional information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/DrEdKendrick/?fref=ts.

Check out next week's issue to see where the four corner call will be held, next Friday!

01/15/2025

Historic Northeast lost another familiar face last week. Tony Sciara suffered a fatal heart attack near the intersection of Hardesty and Independence Avenues and passed away Wednesday, Jan. 8., at North Kansas City Hospital (2800 Clay Edwards Dr).

Sciara, who everyone knew as simply as “Tony,” was featured as a Faces of Northeast in our April 15, 2020 edition: “Chances are you’ve seen Tony walking throughout Northeast.”

Tony is a lifelong Northeast resident who splits his work time between Gary’s car wash at Independence and Van Brunt and the circulation department here at the Northeast News.

Ask Tony what he likes about Northeast and you’ll not be surprised.

“The food establishments,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of great food establishments in the neighborhood.”

Tony has some pretty amazing memory skills, too. The Newshound (Michael Bushnell) asked him who hit the most home runs during the 1971 baseball season.

Without missing a beat, he responded, “Willie Stargill, he hit 48 home runs that season and he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.”

Give Tony a wave next time you see him on a local sidewalk! ...

Full story available 💻 at Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ by Dorri Partain and Northeast News archives; Photo 📸 by Northeast News staff

01/15/2025

New and returning members of the Missouri House of Representatives were sworn in Jan. 8 during a ceremony in the House chambers at the Missouri State Capitol (201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, Mo). Among the electees, was Wick Thomas (D) — who was voted in to represent District 19 during this past November’s General Election.

Thomas was back in Kansas City on Saturday, Jan. 11 for an informal celebration at Sala De Arte (4848 E. Ninth St.). Postponed from the previous week due to weather conditions, Thomas welcomed friends, neighbors and community members to share their excitement and commitment to work with the community as their state representative.

During this event, Thomas presented their first state proclamation, which marked the 90th birthday of Sheffield neighborhood resident, Virginia Morales. Sheffield Neighborhood Association President and Virginia’s son Mark Morales as well as her grandson Robert Morales accepted this proclamation in her absence.

Full story available 💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ by Dorri Partain; Photos 📸 by Clay Jarrett and Dorri Partain

01/15/2025

June 13, 1957 to Jan. 8, 2025

Anthony Joseph “Tony” Sciara, 67, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2025 at North Kansas City Hospital surrounded by immediate family, after suffering a medical emergency on Independence Avenue.

Tony was a fixture in Historic Northeast, usually along Independence Avenue, often stopping at some of his favorite food establishments and gathering places to spread cheer, have a conversation with whoever was within earshot and have a bite to eat.

Tony worked in a number of vocations during his short life including working as a telemarketer selling event tickets for the Fraternal Order of Police for almost twenty years, working at the car wash at Independence Avenue and Van Brunt for 10 years and rebuilding automobile and truck alternators at an automotive shop near Truman Road and Wi******er.

Tuesdays, Tony could usually be found at The Northeast News, where he worked in the circulation department preparing newspapers for residential delivery. Always the eternal optimist, Tony would often offer a comment about an upcoming Royals or Chiefs game in his always recognizable “radio voice” that garnered him the nickname “Radio Tony.”

Sports statistics were something Tony was excellent at remembering. When asked who hit the most home runs during the 1971 baseball season, a question that would have sent any other sports statistician to Google for twenty minutes, Tony, without missing a beat and with a smile, “well Michael,” he chuckled, “I believe that was Willie Stargill and he hit 48 home runs and he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.” For the record, Stargill edged out the great Hank Aaron that year by one home run. Aaron had 47 for the ‘71 season.

Never one for alcohol or drugs, Tony had a strong faith, attending church regularly and participating in the daily bible studies at Eleos Coffee on the Avenue. During Lent, Tony could usually be found splitting his time between the Friday night fish fry dinners at Holy Cross and St. Anthony’s Parishes.

Tony was also a coin collector, often sharing his latest find with whoever was nearby at the time. Tony also loved going to baseball games and enjoying a hot dog or four as part of the experience.

Tony was born on June 13, 1957 to Albert and Joanne Sciara of Kansas City, Mo. He attended grade school at James Elementary, moving on to Northeast Junior High School and graduating from Northeast High School in 1976. Tony was preceded in death by his mother (1975) and father (1972). He is survived by a brother, Kevin Sciara of the home, Jessie Graham, beloved dog Roscoe and numerous cousins from both sides of the family. A Celebration of Tony’s life will be hosted by Eleos Coffee Shop, 3401 Independence Ave., at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Obituary courtesy of Eleos Ministries

01/15/2025

🚧🦺On Dec. 19, an application for a Kansas City Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), which was submitted by Arnold Development Group for its acquired property — Hardesty Self-Storage at 5505 Independence Ave. — went before the City Council of Kansas City for its unanimous approval.

Arnold Development Group — a local real estate development agency dedicated toward creating sustainable, walkable communities, according to its website — headed by founder Jonathan Arnold, acquired what is formerly known as Hardesty Self Storage at the corner of Hardesty and Independence Avenues.

Arnold Development Group submitted an RLF request for this property, which was adopted for a resolution in March 2024 by the Kansas City Brownfields Commission to aid in completion of phase one for its project of what will become “Historic Northeast Lofts” in early 2028 — weather permitting — at this location.

The Brownfields Commission, which supports the RLF, is a Kansas City City Commission composed of 15 members who strive to promote the cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties, a Brownfields team member shared with Northeast News.

Brownfields RLF operates with grant funding, which is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the City to support both public and private redevelopment of Brownfields locations. This funding additionally allows loans, including sub grants or financial awards, for environmental cleanup of said properties, according to the Brownfields team ...

Full story available at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ and photo 📸 by Julia Williams ()

01/10/2025

This week’s Independence Avenue Community Improvement District Four Corner Call was to the former Avenue Dairy Queen location, 2365 Independence Ave.

The structure at this address is currently under construction to become a new restaurant, “The Avenue Eatery,” owned by Shay, who is additionally the co-owner of S*M Gifts N More just next door at 2633 Independence Ave.

The Avenue Eatery plans to serve cuisine including fish, burgers and chicken, among others — with themed offerings including Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday and Fish Friday, Shay shared with Northeast News in a previous interview.

The Northeast News will provide additional information on this location once it becomes available.

Check out next week’s print edition to find out where the four corner photo will be held next Friday!

01/09/2025

BREAKING— The City of Kansas City announced in a release Thursday, Jan. 9 that crews will begin a quad-phase roadway reconstruction of Front Street spanning from Chouteau Trafficway through N. Topping Ave., in March 2025.

This project will involve the repaving of roadways and include the addition of curbs, storm sewers and stormwater infrastructure, a six-foot sidewalk running south on Front Street, medians and accompanying driveway aprons. Area roadways are expected to remain accessible to traffic throughout this construction process, according to the City of Kansas City’s website.

A 10-foot trail is also included as an addition within the project — which will run along the north side of Front Street and the east side of Chateau Trafficway — as well as street lights and traffic signals and various improvements to Chouteau Trafficway’s intersection.

Phase one of this multi-phase project is scheduled to begin in March — focusing on reconstructing the south portion of Front Street. However, additional improvements to this area including replacement of its main water line will occur prior to phase one, according to the City of Kansas City ...

Full story available 💻 at: Northeastnews.net
Article 🖊️ by Julia Williams, photo 📸 courtesy of City of Kansas City