KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City leaders are worried Costco could be planning some big changes for its Midtown store on Linwood Boulevard.

The changes could lead to popular prepared foods and services going away if the wholesaler opts to cater more to restaurants and businesses.

Mayor Quinton Lucas and Council Member Melissa Patterson Hazley drafted a resolution for Thursday’s agenda in response to concerns Costco is considering converting the Linwood Boulevard warehouse to a business center. Costco Wholesale Corp could not be reached for questions about whether a possible change in focus for the current store is in consideration.

Monday marked 25 years in business for Kansas City’s Costco at Midtown Market Place. The store’s warehouse lets shoppers stock up on hundreds of dry goods and paper products, but also offers other quick grab options and services including a food court, pharmacy and tire center.

Now as there are plans for Costco to add a sixth store to the Metro in Lee’s Summit, city leaders are responding to concerns Costco may change their business model in Midtown.

“I have received many phone calls from my constituents about the possibility of converting midtown Costco to a business center. That would significantly impact shoppers from all across the district.”

According to Costco, business centers have different items like office supplies and restaurant equipment. Other food items found at traditional Costco Warehouses may only be available by the pallet or truckload. They don’t generally have food courts, pharmacies and tire centers.

“We already go to Costco and it is nice. I don’t need things to get bigger. I use the food court, I use the bakery, I use the rotisserie chickens. If you are going to get rid of all of that I’d be less inclined to go.”

The resolution introduced Thursday directs the city manager to work with economic development agencies to negotiate with Costco to keep the store in Midtown, with similar or better services.

“Obviously the Costco has been a core central part of Midtown for generations. It has been vital, a whole of people use it. This is a direction particularly to our economic development corporation to make sure we retain it in its current style, that we work with corporate to let them know that they are welcome and to make sure the store stays in the manner of operation that it exists now,” Lucas said.

THOMAS COUNTY—Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating six suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug enforcement investigation.

On Tuesday, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office concluded a six-month investigation into the trafficking and distribution of narcotics in Thomas County, according to Sheriff Joel Nickols.

As part of this investigation, deputies executed a total of five residential search warrants within Thomas County during December 2025. As the investigation progressed, the Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

On January 13, 2026, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office executed two additional search warrants in Colby, Kansas. Deputies served a search warrant on multiple storage units located within the city limits of Colby, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation simultaneously executed a search warrant at a residence also located in Colby.

As a result of these investigations, multiple pounds of controlled substances were seized. Items recovered included large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, THC products, psilocybin mushrooms, Suboxone, and other illicit opiates and stimulants.

A total of six suspects have been arrested in connection with these cases. The sheriff office did not release the names of the suspects or possible charges in the case.

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) – The Sunflower State will receive more than $2 million to expand job training and education programs for formerly incarcerated residents.

The Kansas Department of Corrections announced on Wednesday, Jan. 14, that it has joined a 4-year national initiative aimed at breaking barriers that prevent those with criminal records from finding work.

“Kansas has long recognized the profound impact education and workforce programs have on our incarcerated population, and our state’s selection for the Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks is true recognition of the strides we have made,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

Kansas is 1 of 4 states chosen for Jobs for the Future’s Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks. The state beat out 30 other applicants.

What Kansas Will Receive

Over the next four years, state leaders said Kansas will receive:

• Up to $2.1 million in funding
• $1.8 million in technical assistance
• Access to a secure data-sharing platform
• Participation in a national learning network

Officials indicated that Maine, North Carolina and Oregon also joined the program.

Why it Matters

State leaders noted that more than 70 million Americans have records of arrest, conviction or incarceration. Many face discriminatory hiring practices and legal restrictions that limit job opportunities.

“States play a critical role in creating education and workforce systems that open doors to opportunity,” said Molly Lasagna, Senior Strategy Officer at Ascendium Education Group. “When leaders align policy, funding, and data around a shared commitment to economic mobility, they can build pathways that work for learners and employers alike—especially for individuals with histories of incarceration that have been traditionally excluded from those opportunities.”

Kansas officials said connecting formerly incarcerated residents to education and employment reduces recidivism and address workforce shortages.

“Connecting returning citizens to training, education, and employment opportunities sets them up for success upon their release and reduces recidivism,” Gov. Kelly noted. “Our efforts are rooted in the core belief that when we invest in people, we create safer communities, a thriving workforce, and a stronger state for all.”

How Kansas Will Use the Funding

The state plans to:

• Strengthen collaboration among state agencies
• Improve reentry metrics and tracking
• Expand employer engagement
• Connect education programs during incarceration to job opportunities after release

“As Kansas experiences significant economic growth and workforce demand, state leaders are showing interest in how fair chance employment can contribute to the state’s future‚” said Rebecca Villarreal, Senior Director at JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement.

Get Involved

State leaders said they are forming a 5-person advisory board of people directly impacted by incarceration. Applications are now open.

“We are excited to collaborate with the bipartisan, inter-agency leaders from across Kansas who are committed to strengthening the state’s workforce, supporting businesses, and creating pathways to quality jobs for learners with histories of incarceration,” Villarreal said.

According to KDOC, the Coleridge Initiative, a nonprofit focused on data-driven public policy, will provide technical support. Mathematica will evaluate the program.

Jobs for the Future launched the initiative in 2024 with support from Ascendium Education Group.

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