Welcome back to the Lee’s Summit Lowdown! I’m so glad you’re here.

Have you ever caught yourself at a red light on Langsford and wondered, 'Who was Langsford, anyway?' This week, we’re taking a quick trip down memory lane to look at the family behind one of our busiest corridors. But it’s not all history - we’ve also got a major milestone at a downtown favorite, a jam-packed events calendar, and the high-speed recap of what’s happening over at City Hall.
Whether you’re here for the genealogy or the Girly Pop Golf, let's get into it.

Before it was a primary artery for our daily commutes, Langsford Road went by a much grimmer name: Cemetery Road.
In 1877, the Langsford family settled on land that now makes up the modern corridor. Over the decades, they became a fixture of Lee’s Summit life—running a greenhouse and eventually opening the Langsford Funeral Home in 1934. Eventually, the neighbors decided they’d had enough of living on 'Cemetery Road' and petitioned the City to rename it in honor of the family that had served the community for generations.
Next time you’re driving past the modern businesses and homes there, just remember: you have the 19th-century Langsfords (and some very persuasive neighbors) to thank for the name!

What happened while you were living your life last week.

The City Council meeting on Tuesday night covered everything from emotional debates to road closures. Here is the no spin summary of what you need to know.

❤️ "Be Kind" Week Mayor Baird kicked off the night with a proclamation declaring Feb 9–14 as "Take Time to Be Kind Week." The challenge? Perform random acts of goodwill for neighbors and strangers alike. It was a fitting start to a meeting that later saw some heated exchanges between residents and Council regarding developer relationships and potential conflicts of interest,.

💰 Protecting the Taxpayer Wallet In a "boring but important" policy win, Council passed Bill 26-024.

🚧 Traffic Alert: Ward Road is Closed If you drive near Ward Road and Blue Parkway, you may need a new route. The intersection won't reopen until approximately June.

📅 Schedule Note: There is no City Council meeting next week. The Mayor and Council will be in Jefferson City meeting with state legislators.

If you think traffic is a headache now, just wait until the World Cup kicks off! Fortunately the City is already ahead of the game. According to a new report from KCTV5, Lee’s Summit is creating a transit hub for the FIFA World Cup 26.

The Details: A new bus route will connect Lee’s Summit directly to the FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum. Hundreds of thousands of visitors could be passing through our downtown, and the City is planning temporary bus stop additions to handle the crowd.

Why it matters: This isn't just about soccer; it’s about putting LS on the map for 650,000 global visitors. Expect more talk at City Hall about how we’ll manage the park and ride logistics and showcase our local businesses to the world.

Speaking of major logistics and crowds, while the City is figuring out how to bus in thousands of visitors for the World Cup, our community just proved it already knows how to handle a crowd with heart. On Friday night, over 600 volunteers transformed Lee's Summit into a royal ballroom for the Night to Shine prom, hosting 200 guests with special needs. Whether it's planning transit for 2026 or a red carpet for our neighbors today, Lee's Summit definitely knows how to show up.

Keeping it local, one shop at a time.

If you’ve spent any time in Downtown Lee’s Summit, you’ve likely felt the warm, welcoming pull of Xpressions Boutique. This year, they are celebrating an incredible 16 years of keeping our community stylish - but if you ask their regulars, it’s about much more than just the clothes.
At the heart of it all is Dara, who has built a reputation for more than just a keen eye for fashion. She is known for "meeting people where they are." Whether you’re looking for a complete wardrobe overhaul or just a little retail therapy after a long week, Dara has a gift for making every person who walks through her door feel seen, comfortable, and ultimately wonderful.
In a world of fast fashion and giant warehouses, Xpressions reminds us why local matters. It’s about the relationship, the conversation, and that perfect piece that makes you walk a little taller.

Check them out for:
🌿 Organic skincare + clean beauty
💄 Color matching + makeup help (they LOVE finding your perfect shade!)
👗 Women’s fashion + accessories you won’t find everywhere

Just for Lowdown Readers: Stop in this month and mention the LS Lowdown for 20% off a regularly priced item!

If your deep dive into Langsford Road history has you craving something classic and comforting, look no further than the corner of 3rd and Douglas. Llywelyn's Pub is a Lee’s Summit landmark, housed in a beautifully preserved historic building that feels like a perfect extension of our downtown’s heritage.

The Vibe: Authentic Celtic pub vibes with dark wood, cozy booths, and one of the best patios in town for people-watching.

The "Must-Order": While they are famous for their Famous Pub Wings, if you want the full experience, go for the Shepherd’s Pie or the Fish & Chips. It’s the kind of "stick-to-your-ribs" food that makes a February Sunday feel a lot warmer.

My personal favorite: You can’t go wrong with their Famous Reuben. It is piled high, perfectly toasted, and arguably the best version of this sandwich you’ll find in LS.

Where to find the best tunes this week.

Know a local musician I missed? Hit reply and let me know who’s playing next weekend!

Put these on your radar so you don’t miss out.

Sunday, Feb 15

Monday, Feb 16

Tuesday, Feb 17

Wednesday, Feb 18

Thursday, Feb 19

Friday, Feb 20

Saturday, Feb 21

Sunday, Feb 22

Nominations Open: I want to highlight the people you care about. Use our new Community Nomination Form to tell me which local business or neighbor I should feature next!

I’m already looking ahead to our March editions, and I want to make sure I’m covering what you care about most.

Is there a corner of Lee's Summit you’ve always been curious about, or a local mystery you want me to solve? Maybe you want a deep dive into the best hidden patio spots or the history of another local landmark?

Hit reply and tell me what you want to see more of in your inbox. I'm all ears (and usually looking for an excuse to go grab another snack downtown)!

Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew!

- Jen

Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown

P.S. A huge congrats to Dara at Xpressions for 16 years. If you pop in to see her this week, give her a high-five in honor of kindness week and then tell her the Lowdown sent you for a discount! 🛍️

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