KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Early Friday, as Major League Baseball officially resumed with what it’s calling “Summer Camp,” Royals manager Mike Matheny considered the “giddy” vibe of the last few days as players reported and informal workouts were conducted at Kauffman Stadium.

DEMO DERBY POSTPONED

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas saw a better-than-predicted close to Fiscal Year 2020. In June, the state’s total tax collections were up by $135.6 million or 22.3% more than estimated with $744.4 million collected. Compared to the same month last fiscal year, June tax collections were down by 4.8%. For FY 2020, total tax collections were up by $163.7 million or 2.4% more than estimated with collections of $7.0 billion; a 5.7% decrease from last year.

Artists, are you ready? The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center is opening to the public this next week. With that opening, comes art classes. Both Rick Bushnell and Steve Greenwall are returning as instructors. Bushnell’s first class is on the second Monday of the month; Greenwall’s Pen and Ink class begins the third Monday. The museum’s COVID-19 policy and practices will be in effect.

On Monday, July 6, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) Coffeyville will begin offering Walk-In Care services seven days a week, from 7 AM to 7 PM. The health center is located at 801 West 8th Street.

PARSONS, KANSAS – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has selected Labette Health as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

AND SO IT BEGINS — The City of Independence started off its 150th Anniversary on a high note with the annual fireworks extravaganza at Riverside Park on Saturday, July 4. The 150th celebration will continue throughout the year. Joshua Meadows

Beginning Saturday, July 4, 2020, CRMC will launch their new “Honoring Our Veterans” program. This special recognition program is a way for CRMC to say “thank you” and honor all of our country’s Veterans for their remarkable selfless and brave service. CRMC is 'humbled by their commitment to country and respect all of the sacrifices they have made to keep our citizens, land and world a safer place to live. We are forever grateful to our Veterans.'