Janice Phelan
@janice17.bsky.social
Freelance writer. Author of “Hang Tough and Keep the Odds in Your Favor with Ulcerative Colitis - One Patient’s Story” available at https://tinyurl.com/343nwkkm
Roots Seasonal Cuisine of Lee’s Summit is the focus of my latest KC Star story, gifted for nonsubscribers in this link.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Food for every season: Inside elevated restaurant in Lee’s Summit
“We’re trying to be casual but also a nice place to visit with fresh ingredients and fresh food.”
www.kansascity.com
December 27, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Roots Seasonal Cuisine of Lee’s Summit is the focus of my latest KC Star story, gifted for nonsubscribers in this link.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Roots Seasonal Cuisine of Lee’s Summit is the focus of my latest KC Star story, gifted for nonsubscribers in this link.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Food for every season: Inside elevated restaurant in Lee’s Summit
“We’re trying to be casual but also a nice place to visit with fresh ingredients and fresh food.”
www.kansascity.com
December 27, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Roots Seasonal Cuisine of Lee’s Summit is the focus of my latest KC Star story, gifted for nonsubscribers in this link.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
I have great memories of the Boot Block. The fundraiser runs through Saturday at Third & Douglas in case you want to drop by and support LS Social Services. My KC Star story about this Christmas tradition is in the gifted link. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Decades-old holiday tradition helps Lee’s Summit families: ‘Community in action’
Here’s how firefighters and other local residents uplift local families and the area during this week every year.
www.kansascity.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
I have great memories of the Boot Block. The fundraiser runs through Saturday at Third & Douglas in case you want to drop by and support LS Social Services. My KC Star story about this Christmas tradition is in the gifted link. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Wondering about what’s being funded by last April’s Lee’s Summit school bond issue? Check out my story in the KC Star with a gifted link in case you don’t subscribe. Two new school buildings to replace older ones plus the purchase of land for 7 new school sites. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
More schools in Lee’s Summit? Inside major changes fueled by bonds, local growth
Following community pushback, the closing of a historic downtown school is no longer included in the bond projects. But many other plans are in the works.
www.kansascity.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Wondering about what’s being funded by last April’s Lee’s Summit school bond issue? Check out my story in the KC Star with a gifted link in case you don’t subscribe. Two new school buildings to replace older ones plus the purchase of land for 7 new school sites. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
It’s been a long, long time – maybe the previous century – since I wrote a sports story, but I enjoyed working on this article about Lee’s Summit High School’s first-ever football championship and learning about their down-to-the-wire season. www.kansascity.com/sports/high-...
Inside Lee’s Summit High School football’s first-ever state championship win
“We came a long way,” the coach said. “It all came down to the wire with a bunch of tough kids who kept their poise and refused to lose.”
www.kansascity.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:22 PM
It’s been a long, long time – maybe the previous century – since I wrote a sports story, but I enjoyed working on this article about Lee’s Summit High School’s first-ever football championship and learning about their down-to-the-wire season. www.kansascity.com/sports/high-...
Looking for someplace new/relatively new to go in Lee’s Summit? Check out my article in today’s Kansas City Star for info about restaurants and retail spots that opened this past year along with an update on the plans for Lee’s Summit’s first Costco. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
More than a dozen new restaurants & shops opened in Lee’s Summit in 2025
Look back at the ice cream shops, kids’ play spots and global cuisine that came to Lee’s Summit in the last year.
www.kansascity.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Looking for someplace new/relatively new to go in Lee’s Summit? Check out my article in today’s Kansas City Star for info about restaurants and retail spots that opened this past year along with an update on the plans for Lee’s Summit’s first Costco. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
I’ve seen Alyssa's Wishes volunteers at events and even found a few of the rocks around Lee’s Summit. My latest article in the Kansas City Star shares Alyssa’s story and how her mother founded the charitable organization.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Lee’s Summit group promotes kindness and literacy. Their symbol? Painted rocks
Thousands of rocks have spread across the globe, fueled by the memory of this Lee’s Summit woman.
www.kansascity.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:47 PM
I’ve seen Alyssa's Wishes volunteers at events and even found a few of the rocks around Lee’s Summit. My latest article in the Kansas City Star shares Alyssa’s story and how her mother founded the charitable organization.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
To read about Lee’s Summit Officer Cameron Price’s recognition by Jon Stewart in Times Square yesterday, check out my latest KC Star article. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Lee’s Summit police officer honored by Jon Stewart in Times Square ceremony
The local officer was honored for his actions in a 2024 burglary, when he pulled an attacker off a woman who had invaded her home with two young children inside.
www.kansascity.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:18 AM
To read about Lee’s Summit Officer Cameron Price’s recognition by Jon Stewart in Times Square yesterday, check out my latest KC Star article. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
I absolutely loved learning more about the magic behind downtown Lee’s Summit’s Messner Bee Farm Store for this article in the KC Star. Stop by for the honey and stay for the vibe. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
KC area couple turns a love of bees into an award-winning Lee’s Summit store
“When we first got into bees, we didn’t expect them to take over our lives. But we’re grateful that it turned out the way it did.”
www.kansascity.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:45 PM
I absolutely loved learning more about the magic behind downtown Lee’s Summit’s Messner Bee Farm Store for this article in the KC Star. Stop by for the honey and stay for the vibe. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
The KC Star recently started allowing subscribers to gift articles, so even non-subscribers can check out this story about John Knox Village’s new dog park – along with numerous dog photos. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
This KC area retirement village now has dog park for seniors & pets to connect
These John Knox residents love their pets — and sharing them with the community.
www.kansascity.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The KC Star recently started allowing subscribers to gift articles, so even non-subscribers can check out this story about John Knox Village’s new dog park – along with numerous dog photos. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Talking to small business owners is one of the highlights of freelancing for the Star’s Lee’s Summit section. Today’s article is about Farfalle Italian Bistro, a cozy spot located just a few steps from the new Green Street development. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Small Lee’s Summit restaurant infuses homemade Italian dishes with extra charm
There are just 25 seats in the intimate restaurant inspired by family cooking and stories.
www.kansascity.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Talking to small business owners is one of the highlights of freelancing for the Star’s Lee’s Summit section. Today’s article is about Farfalle Italian Bistro, a cozy spot located just a few steps from the new Green Street development. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
My latest Kansas City Star article tells the story of a therapy dog named KC, a local cancer survivor and a caring veterinarian.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
When a therapy dog serving cancer patients needed care, this Lee’s Summit vet was there
“There’s so much good Nina and KC brought to those around them, which is always welcome in a world where hope can feel sparse at times.”
www.kansascity.com
July 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM
My latest Kansas City Star article tells the story of a therapy dog named KC, a local cancer survivor and a caring veterinarian.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
This Lee’s Summit store has a relaxing, natural vibe, & the owners have so much to share about backyard bird watching. My article is at this link. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Have a birdie ‘life list’? Return to Nature offers supplies, gifts and expertise
Since the 2020 pandemic, the popularity of bird watching has increased substantially.
www.kansascity.com
June 18, 2025 at 9:43 PM
This Lee’s Summit store has a relaxing, natural vibe, & the owners have so much to share about backyard bird watching. My article is at this link. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
These women-owned businesses are the focus of my latest article in the Kansas City Star. The Paperback Bakery and SereniTea Boutique combine baked treats, loose teas, essential oils and gifts in one spot.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Two friends, one space makes for great Lee’s Summit business
It’s a place for baked sweets, sipping tea, plant-based healing and shopping.
www.kansascity.com
May 14, 2025 at 6:33 PM
These women-owned businesses are the focus of my latest article in the Kansas City Star. The Paperback Bakery and SereniTea Boutique combine baked treats, loose teas, essential oils and gifts in one spot.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
My latest KC Star article is about Lee’s Summit Meals on Wheels. I remember my mom volunteering there for years, then she was a meal recipient while recovering from an injury, later returning to volunteer again! www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Lee’s Summit Meals on Wheels delivers food with a side of loving care
“When you see them every week, you know their demeanor, you know how they’re feeling and everybody will tell you about their ups and downs.”
www.kansascity.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:06 PM
My latest KC Star article is about Lee’s Summit Meals on Wheels. I remember my mom volunteering there for years, then she was a meal recipient while recovering from an injury, later returning to volunteer again! www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Are you or someone you care about dealing with #ulcerativecolitis? My new book, “Hang Tough and Keep the Odds in Your Favor with Ulcerative Colitis - One Patient’s Story,” offers insights, encouragement and practical, down-to-earth ideas based on nearly 30 years with UC. tinyurl.com/343nwkkm
tinyurl.com
April 1, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Are you or someone you care about dealing with #ulcerativecolitis? My new book, “Hang Tough and Keep the Odds in Your Favor with Ulcerative Colitis - One Patient’s Story,” offers insights, encouragement and practical, down-to-earth ideas based on nearly 30 years with UC. tinyurl.com/343nwkkm
I had the opportunity to write about two of my favorite things – volunteering and older adults staying engaged – in this KC Star article about John Knox Village’s Hobby Hut. Sign up for the Star's Lee's Summit newsletter via link in comments too.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
‘They have time to give back’: ‘Hut’ is a big draw for John Knox Village residents
The well-equipped woodworking shop in Lee’s Summit allows residents and workers to fix things up, donate skills to good cause.
www.kansascity.com
March 26, 2025 at 12:03 PM
I had the opportunity to write about two of my favorite things – volunteering and older adults staying engaged – in this KC Star article about John Knox Village’s Hobby Hut. Sign up for the Star's Lee's Summit newsletter via link in comments too.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
I had fun visiting with LSR7 folks for this KC Star article about girls flag football in Lee's Summit. Historical note: I was on Hickman Mills High School’s so-called powder puff football team many many years ago with the ‘season’ consisting of one game.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
With help from the Chiefs, Lee’s Summit high school girls wave flag for this sport
The NFL team is also providing financial resources.
www.kansascity.com
March 13, 2025 at 1:32 AM
I had fun visiting with LSR7 folks for this KC Star article about girls flag football in Lee's Summit. Historical note: I was on Hickman Mills High School’s so-called powder puff football team many many years ago with the ‘season’ consisting of one game.
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
The sun is shining (somewhat) and the snow is finally melting. My latest Kansas City Star article is about two locally owned children’s boutiques in Downtown Lee’s Summit, one of my favorite places to walk around on a sunny day. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
‘Smiley babies’, ‘cute kids’ make boutique ownership in downtown Lee’s Summit a joy
“My favorite part is being here and seeing the littles all the time,” said Andee Carr.
www.kansascity.com
February 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The sun is shining (somewhat) and the snow is finally melting. My latest Kansas City Star article is about two locally owned children’s boutiques in Downtown Lee’s Summit, one of my favorite places to walk around on a sunny day. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Curious about what's happening near Douglas and Colbern in Lee's Summit? My latest KC Star/LS Journal story about a $1 billion development including retail, office, entertainment and hospitality spaces. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Construction is underway at Discovery Park. Here’s what you’ll find in development
Expect around 3.9 million square feet of retail, office, entertainment and hospitality spaces in Lee’s Summit’s $1 billion mixed-use project
www.kansascity.com
January 30, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Curious about what's happening near Douglas and Colbern in Lee's Summit? My latest KC Star/LS Journal story about a $1 billion development including retail, office, entertainment and hospitality spaces. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
Lee's Summit east siders, ever wonder about the mystery of the vanishing left turn lanes at the Colbern Road library? Check out my latest article in the KC Star/Lee's Summit Journal. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...
No left turn? Flub in road design frustrates library patrons, but a fix is coming
“It wasn’t a big project and no one really communicated with all three entities at the same time.”
www.kansascity.com
January 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Lee's Summit east siders, ever wonder about the mystery of the vanishing left turn lanes at the Colbern Road library? Check out my latest article in the KC Star/Lee's Summit Journal. www.kansascity.com/news/local/c...