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🌱 Why Independence reversed course on selling its landmark historic mansions
Independence, Missouri Patch AM: a 5 min readGreetings Independence! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Independence reversed course on selling its landmark historic mansions
- How Independence’s chamber helped launch a late‑night twist on banquets
- Why Truman always came back home to Independence after the White House
Also on today's calendar: Zombie League Championship and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 81, low: 60.
- Sunday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 75 and low of 60 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. After resident outcry, Independence says it won't sell pair of historic mansions (kansascity.com) — Independence leaders now say the city will keep ownership of Vaile Mansion and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, key anchors of the historic district, after strong resident pushback against possible sales. Officials are instead eyeing a future bond issue for major repairs, even as the councilmember sponsoring the resolution, John Perkins, faces a recall effort tied partly to his support for a massive AI data center deal. 
2. A late-night host for Main Street: How Jeff Houghton blends comedy and community (southtexasnews.com) — Independence residents helped inspire comedian Jeff Houghton’s late‑night‑style chamber banquets when a local chamber official in Independence first asked him to host their annual event in talk‑show format. That experiment has since grown into a signature part of his career, now used by chambers in Texas and beyond to mix traditional awards with deeper conversations and comedy.
3. Truman tales told (cassville-democrat.com) — Independence plays a central role in this look at Harry Truman’s life, with the speaker noting he spent most of his years in Independence and is buried at the Truman Library there. A Missouri historical society talk traces his journey from Lamar birthplace to presidency, his simple post‑White House life back in Independence, and the preservation of key Truman sites.
4. HBS Adds Former USDA Chief of Staff Andrew Fisher to Federal Affairs Team (themissouritimes.com) — Independence readers might notice that Missouri Times editor Jake Kroesen, who hails from Independence and loves all things Jackson County, is highlighting a Missouri native’s move into a major federal lobbying role. The piece profiles Andrew Fisher, a former USDA chief of staff with deep agricultural policy experience, as he joins government affairs firm HBS to work on farm programs, crop insurance, and disaster assistance issues in Washington.
📸 Around Independence
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Independence
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Sip and Solder: Dagger Class →
The Story Loft, 10605 E Winner Rd, Independence
5:00 pm
Saturday June 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Zombie League Championship →
Olahrama 28 Family Fun Skate Center, 13903 E S Noland Ct, Independence
9:30 am -
Sunday Worship Services
Independence Chamber-Commerce 17902 North Whitney Road, Independence, MO 64058
9:45 am -
PERSPECTIVES: MICAEL ELROD AND KADESH FLOW →
Lavender Studios KC, 12307 East 47th St S, Independence
2:00 pm -
Conversations With… Bret Kolman →
Ennovation Center Nonprofit Business Incubator, 201 N Forest Ave #120, Independence
7:00 pm -
Elevate Independence Monthly Luncheon
Independence Chamber-Commerce 210 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050
11:30 am -
Public Policy Committee Meeting
Independence Chamber-Commerce Independence Chamber of Commerce 210 W. Truman Road Independence, MO 64050
8:30 am -
Legislative Briefing
Independence Chamber-Commerce Independence Chamber of Commerce offices located 210 W. Truman Road or via Zoom
9:00 am
Sunday June 14
Tuesday June 16
Wednesday June 17
Friday June 19
📣 Independence Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
-
Fun Fridays Networking Event →
Independence Chamber-Commerce The Niche Space 3620 Arrowhead Ave Independence, MO 64057
8:30 am -
Crystal Lake →
Pinot's Palette, 483 NE Coronado Dr, Blue Springs
7:00 pm -
Galaxy Glow →
Pinot's Palette, 483 NE Coronado Dr, Blue Springs
7:00 pm -
Movies in the Park - Rocky IV
Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Rotary Park - 600 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs MO 64015
9:15 pm
Friday June 12
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Independence PatchAM possible:
- StumbleRump
Shop StumbleRump.com For Funny T-Shirts!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
FOUND on June 10, 2026 in Blue Springs, MO 64015 near Near hidden valley sports complex Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Tomasha Village) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Little T was LOST on June 7, 2026 in Kansas City, MO 64129 near Stark ave and 23 rd st Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Fairland Heights)
- Carmax Corporation posted a job opening for Inventory Associate - Part Time in Independence. Apply here.
- Burlington Coat Factory posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Independence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Independence here.
Ok Independence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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