Kansas
Chester Owens, civil rights leader, historian and Kansas City, Kansas icon, died August 22 at his KCK home
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chester Owens, Jr., a historic figure in Kansas City, Kansas, whose accomplishments included a prominent role in the civil rights movement, died Thursday at his home.
Owens was 91.
KSHB 41
“It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart to learn of the passing of our beloved community icon, Mr. Chester C. Owens Jr.,” KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner said in a statement Friday night. “As the sorrowful news has become known throughout Wyandotte County, all those that valued the tireless work of Mr. Owens, mourn with his family. Many are also reflecting, championing, and cherishing the profound positive advocacy of equality, peace, and love for all people that he promoted near and far. Mr. Owens will truly be missed, but his legacy of love, leadership, volunteerism, advocacy, mentoring, and commitment to community will live on forever! Sincere condolences and prayers are with his family and all those mourning his transition of life!”
Garner presented a key to the city to Owens in June at a Board of County Commissioner’s meeting.
“He lived a long, fruitful life, serving and he served well,” Karen Owens, his daughter. “We’re very thankful for all the many people who loved my dad and my mom in such a profound way. We will honor his legacy and continue to glean from his wisdom as we go on and live our lives to make he and our mother proud of us.”
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a respected historian.
The Unified Government’s Board of Commissioners also voted unanimously to put up an honorary street sign to recognize Owens and his late wife, Lillie Anne.
Jason Gould
“I was assigned to be the principal of Hawthorne Elementary School,” James White, a KCK resident, said at the time Owens was honored by the city. “Mr. Owens was one of the first community people to show up at my door. He said, ‘Mr. White, I’m gonna show you how to run the school and he did.’”
The KCK Professional Firefighters Association released a statement Friday on the passing of Owens.
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Chester Owens, a pillar of our community for many decades. Chester was not only a true leader in Kansas City, Kansas, but he also possessed a clear vision for what needed to be accomplished to create better neighborhoods and a stronger community. He was unwavering in his commitment to these ideals until the very last days of his life.”
Owens was KCK’s first Black councilman elected in the 20th century and helped bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the city.
“They would have Help Wanted Colored and Help Wanted White and that’s the way that it was and I challenged that,” Owens said.
KCK spent a full weekend celebrating Owens before he was expected to move out of town with his family this summer.
“Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: ‘We can live successfully as brothers and sisters or we can die together as fools,’” Owens said. “Me and my wife tried to do that all of our life, all of our life.”
Kansas
On the road again: Arkansas baseball heads to Kansas after brief stop in Fayetteville | Whole Hog Sports
INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (WIBW) – An early-morning police chase on Wednesday came to an end when the vehicle being pursued crashed out in Montgomery County in southeast Kansas, officials said.
The crash was reported at 2:48 a.m. Wednesday at the south junction of US-75 and US-400 highways. The location was about six miles north of Independence.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2006 Infiniti M35 four-door sedan was headed south on US-75 as it fled from law enforcement officers.
The Infinit’s driver failed to yield at the stop sign at the US-75 and US-400 highway junction and traveled across US-75 at a high rate of speed.
The car then left the roadway to the east, where it struck a signpost and a fence before coming to rest off the east side of the roadway.
The Infiniti’s driver, Darrius B.S. Scott, 26, of Independence, was transported to Wilson Medical Center for treatment of suspected minor injuries. The patrol said Scott was wearing his seat belt.
Additional details weren’t immediately available.
Check wibw.com later for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas, homeowners capitalize on World Cup with streamlined short-term rental licensing process
KSHB 41 reporter Rachel Henderson covers neighborhoods in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties. Share your story idea with Rachel.
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Kansas City, Kansas, is making it easier for homeowners to get short-term rental permits as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches this summer.
The Unified Government loosened its short-term rental requirements ahead of the World Cup and launched a new digital licensing system starting in February.
KCK homeowners capitalize on World Cup with short-term rental licensing process
With three weeks left before the World Cup begins, about 10 applications remain under review out of more than 70 applications for short-term rentals.
Kalin Callewaert is a real estate agent navigating the process for the first time.
She received her special use permit from the Unified Government a week ago.
“The short-term rental situation was outside of my comfort zone,” Callewaert said. “This was just a really good opportunity because it’s supposed to bring more volume.”
Now that her property has been approved, Callewaert can begin marketing it — though she has some uncertainty about demand.
Jason Gould/KSHB 41
“What I’m hearing in the community is that there’s not as much traffic as what they were initially anticipating,” Callewaert said. “So I don’t know, I just have to hope for the best.”
She says that could have an impact on short-term rental pricing, meaning people who rent may pay less.
KCK Mayor Christal Watson, who is also new to her role, sat down with me Tuesday afternoon.
The updated requirements were in the works before her term began, but she supports them.
“I’m still floating the newbie mayor right now,” Watson said jokingly.
Jason Gould/KSHB 41
She emphasized the changes are about efficiency, not weakening oversight.
“Not so much in laxing it so they’re taking advantage of our policies, but just doing it in a manner that expedites the process,” Watson said.
The hosting period goes from May 4, 2026, until July 31, 2026.
Visit the Unified Government’s website to learn more about the steps to obtain a short-term rental license.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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