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Wyandotte County Elections | Hickman Mills Superintendent | Collaborative Pandemic Album

By Steve Kraske,
Luke X. Martin, Mackenzie Martin, Chris Young
Published July 16, 2020 at 2:19 PM CDT
Yaw Obeng starts as superintendent in Hickman Mills on July 1. He describes himself as 'a little geeky' and says when his three sons were growing up, he often dragged them to visit school sites on vacation.
Courtesy of the Hickman Mills School District
Prior to becoming superintendent in Hickman Mills on July 1, Yaw Obeng spent five years in the same position at Burlington Public Schools in Vermont. He also oversaw the construction of new schools in a district in his native Canada.

Kristiane Bryant is challenging the incumbent district attorney for Wyandotte County in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary election, hurdles await the new superintendent of Hickman Mills schools, and 25 artists collaborate on a new album to support Kansas City tenants in need.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:28: The assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Missouri, is challenging Wyandotte County, Kansas, District Attorney Mark Dupree.

Citing problems with unequal sentencing, Kristiane Bryant aims to unseat the Wyandotte County district attorney. She said his lack of experience, an increase in plea deals, and a decrease in prosecutions of violent crime were reasons a change is needed.

Segment 2, beginning at 25:51: Hickman Mills welcomes a new superintendent in a time of uncertainty.

Balancing the needs of the south Kansas City community and the safety of students is no easy task, especially while budgets are shrinking and enrollment numbers are dropping. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Missouri, and schools are tasked with preparing to open in just five weeks.

Segment 3, beginning at 43:35: A new album from Kansas City artists showcases a variety of sounds.

Nineteen songs created during quarantine, and compiled on a new album, "Kansas City Syzygy," provide a snapshot of the social and cultural anxieties of 2020. Proceeds from the album's sales will be donated to KC Tenants, an organization which advocates for affordable housing in Kansas City.

Tags
Up To Date Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCKWyandotte Countyschool districtsHickman MillsEducation fundingKansas Elections 2020Local musicMusicCoronavirusMark DupreeTalk ShowKansas City Missouri (KCMO)south Kansas City
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Luke X. Martin
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
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Mackenzie Martin
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
See stories by Mackenzie Martin
Chris Young
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
See stories by Chris Young