Category: Bonner Springs

Bonner Springs to receive grant to revitalize downtown

Bonner Springs will receive a $75,000 grant to revitalize old downtown buildings, according to a news release from Gov. Laura Kelly.

It was one of 15 projects approved across Kansas communities to receive the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grant.

HEAL was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The first round of HEAL grants resulted in 32 commercial buildings being rehabilitated.

“I have long believed that when you make downtowns attractive, safe places to be, more businesses, better jobs, and greater community follow,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why my administration has worked to bring life back into our town squares by resurrecting the Kansas Main Street program and by pursuing this partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation.”

Interest in the program remains strong. A total of 30 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round.


“Active downtown areas give a sense of place to small communities,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation. “We were happy to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in helping create new opportunities through revitalization.”


The spring 2023 HEAL round will open Feb. 15 and close March 31. An informational webinar will be offered via Zoom at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Register for the webinar and find more information about the spring 2023 HEAL program at kansascommerce.gov/heal.

Bonner Springs schools celebrate ‘Traditions Around the World’

Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)

A new event, Traditions Around the World, was held Dec. 7 by the Bonner Springs High School Diversity Ambassadors.

This was the first event of its kind at Bonner Springs High School and was open to all USD 204 5th and 6th graders. Nearly 80 students from Clark Middle School, Bonner Springs Elementary, Delaware Ridge Elementary and Edwardsville Elementary participated.

Students rotated through different stations highlighting winter holiday celebrations around the world, specifically in eight other countries. The event was organized and led by high school students, and funded partially by a grant from the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Education Foundation.

  • Story and photos from Kaela Williams, communications coordinator, Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Schools
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)
Bonner Springs High School held a new event, Traditions Around the World, on Dec. 7. (Photo from Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District)

Red Cross: Give blood ahead of hectic holidays

The American Red Cross is reminding people to give blood before the hectic holiday season.

Blood donations typically decline during the holidays because of travel, seasonal illnesses and the weather, according to a Red Cross spokesman.

It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year, according to the Red Cross.

Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming Red Cross blood drives in Wyandotte County include:

  • Bonner Springs, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the YMCA, 2251 S. 138th St., Bonner Springs.
  • Kansas City, Kansas, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Cabelas, 10300 Cabela Drive.
  • Kansas City, Kansas, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, South Branch, 3104 Strong Ave.

According to the Red Cross, all who come to give blood through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email from Amazon. Those who come to give blood Dec. 16 to Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.