Startland News Staff

Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.

Recent Stories by Startland News Staff

Sheila Martinez, A.S.K. Associates, and Neelima Parasker, SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT acquires fellow minority-, woman-owned tech company, expands customer footprint into government solutions

SnapIT Solutions is scaling once again, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of a Lawrence-based tech company with a more-than-40-year legacy.  The Overland Park-based solutions and training company formally completed its purchase of A.S.K. Associates last month, signaling a path of steady and continued growth for SnapIT and the end of an era for the acquired company…

Milad Ghasempour and Jannae Gammage, The Market Base

Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors

More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021, a handful of young businesses recently profiled by the publication for showing their…

Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…

Startland News office at Spark Kansas City

Startland News opens office in Spark Kansas City; move boosts exposure, highlights momentum

A new strategic partnership between Startland News and Spark Kansas City is expected to strengthen the nonprofit newsroom’s brand and storytelling capacity with broader reach and new opportunities for live and virtual programming, said Tommy Felts. “Collaboration sparks greater impact,” said Felts, news director for Startland News. “A key element of our work is exposing…

Travis Kelce and Operation Breakthrough student outside the future Ignition Lab, powered by Eighty-Seven & Running

Sneak peek: See the vision for Travis Kelce’s ‘safe haven’ for Operation Breakthrough teens

When Operation Breakthrough’s new Ignition Lab opens in the fall, the former muffler shop on Troost Avenue is expected to offer hands-on, practical training to young people who have aged out of the early education center’s MakerCity program. Media members were offered a first look at plans for the space — powered by Chiefs Super…

Grant Burcham Ryan Tillman, CyTek Corporation

Former Mobank CEO, Cerner leader acquire, join longstanding KC tech company

A dramatic change at a Kansas City a computer IT support and managed services firm is expected to bring expanded vision and executive direction with the addition of two top tech leaders who also now own the business, the company announced Tuesday. CyTek Corporation, founded in 1998, has been acquired by former Mobank CEO Grant…

KCMO mask order ends noon Friday; Mayor says CDC update makes rules impossible for businesses to follow

Just hours after the CDC issued new guidelines Thursday saying fully vaccinated Americans can stop wearing masks indoors and outdoors, Kansas City’s mayor announced an end to remaining KCMO mask rules — effective noon Friday — saying he won’t force businesses to face continued harassment for enforcing restrictions amid conflicting, unclear guidance. “The challenge for…

World War II veteran experiencing a virtual Honor Flight using Healium and T-Mobile technologies

Healium partners with T-Mobile, transporting veterans to DC memorials via virtual Honor Flight

Veterans living in rural America can experience the sights and sounds of the nation’s war memorials in Washington D.C. thanks to a Kansas City-area startup’s virtual reality technology, powered by T‑Mobile 5G. “We are losing our World War II veterans at a rate of hundreds a day, and sadly many may not live long enough…

Returning to the workplace? You might be surprised how much on your computer is worth stealing

Editor’s note: The following commentary, sponsored by NetStandard, is the first in a two-part series exploring information security. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Scott Minneman is the information security manager for NetStandard, and oversees internal security and SOC 2 compliance. If you walk away from your desk, even for a…

Tommy Felts, Channa Steinmetz, and Austin Barnes, Startland News

Startland News earns nine awards with first entry into Kansas journalism contest

Startland News celebrated its sixth birthday this week with news of its own — announcing nine awards from the Kansas Press Association for reporting and photography in 2020. The honors include four first-place wins for Startland News from among a crop of competitors that range from the Kansas City Business Journal, Kansas City Star, Topeka Capital-Journal…