The effect of flooding

Flooding along the Missouri River and highway improvements have put a little squeeze on Lexington, MO. High water on Historic Byway Hwy. 224 and a bridge replacement on Hwy. 24 has affected traffic routes in getting to the town, at least through mid-August. Highways 224 and 24 were used by folks from Independence, Kansas City and other coming from the west looking to shop in the town's antique and unique shops. For directions on what alternate road to use, go www.VisitLexingtonMo.com.

Leavenworth Main Street Merchants to host downtown Oz-themed street fair

Leavenworth Main Street Merchants will host "Click Your Heels"--a Wizard of Oz-themed event--from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, in downtown Leavenworth, KS.

Visitors can view artists at work, enjoy tastings, meet authors, shop, and play an Oz trivia game. Free game sheets can be picked up at stores displaying "Click Your Heels" posters, Ruby Slippers and red balloons.

The event will kick off the 2011 Kansas Sampler Festival, hosted by Leavenworth County, on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 at Ray Miller Park at the VA Complex.

For more information, visit www.leavenworthmainstreet.com.