School may be over, but the cafeteria inside Elm Grove Elementary is packed.

“During the day when they’re at school it works out a lot better because they’ll be in school for breakfast and lunch and you just have to feed them dinner,” said Gilbert Myers, an Independence resident.  “Now this being out of school, you have to feed them breakfast, lunch and dinner.   So, it takes a toll on your food bill.”

But there is help for Myers and the four grand kids he’ll take care of while school’s out. The cost for the family of five to chow down on BBQ sandwiches, tater tots, coleslaw and fruits cups – less than $3.

“I’m grateful for it,” said Myers.  “With the economy the way it is and I’m a disabled grandparent, you know, it helps me out a lot.”

Neither Peggy (Ott) Lathrom nor her brother or sister knew Christian Ott Sr. The Independence pioneer died decades before any of them were born. But Lathrom, a former Independence resident who now lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C., said her great-great-grandfather is never far from any of their minds. Read more...

In a twist on the traditional play, Truman High School is bringing audience members on stage for its latest theater production, “Picnic.” Read more...