Because of coronavirus-related cancellations, the Overland Park Convention Center is on target to lose $2.6 million to $2.7 million this year, said Brett Mitchell, the center’s general manager. Mitchell presented a grim semi-annual report to the city council’s Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee last week, saying canceled shows and the center’s complete closure from April to June have meant the center will only be bringing in a small fraction of its normal revenue. The center could typically expect a net annual income of about $500,000, and was on track towards that target before the pandemic hit the Kansas City metro [...]

Lenexa’s inaugural Swingin’ for a Scholarship Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser earlier this month raised $5,010 and drew in nearly 200 pickleball players to participate. Logan Wagler, deputy director of parks and recreation, said that in total, 96 teams and 192 participants joined in the tournament, which took place at the Lenexa Rec Center due to inclement weather. “The turnout was amazing and some great pickleball was on display,” Wagler said. Source: Prairie Village Post

Andrew Eccles and his girlfriend, Breanna Shannon, were fishing on the Kansas River on Aug. 22 when they saw several people in need of help. Eccles, an off-duty Johnson County firefighter, and Shannon ended up saving three lives that day. The Board of County Commissioners last week recognized the couple for their heroism with medals of courage and honor during the commission meeting. Eccles said he’s glad he was there, but he still mourns for the family he helped. While Eccles and Shannon were able to help rescue two children and an adult, a fourth family member, 11-year-old Rebecca drowned. Source: [...]