Paseo Bridge construction to start in two weeks

Officials today from kcICON and the Missouri Deaprtment of Transportation announced that construction on the new Christopher S. Bond bridge will begin on Monday April 21.

So far, officials said, work has been mostly of a research nature as crews look for utilities and do soil samples.

Starting next week as work officials begins, drivers will notice several exits and highway on/off ramps will be closed — including the Interstate 70 westbound on ramp in Columbus Park off Independence Ave.

Traffic will also be reduced to one lane during off-peak hours on the bridge. Motorists who use the bridge and surrounding exits are encouraged to find an alternate route.

Officials are planning a ground breaking ceremony on April 18. For more information on the project check The Northeast News on Wednesday or go to kcICON's Web site at www.kcicon.com

Bus tax opponents were "lying scumbags"

Mayor Mark Funkhouser took aim at opponents of the city's recently approved bus tax.

Funkhouser, during a press conference this morning, call the group that opposed the 15 year sales tax "lying scumbags."

Funkhouser also compared the group, which remained anonymous, to the political action groups that ran attack advertisements against him during his own mayoral election.

The Vote No group spent more than $100,000 on advertisements, both print and television, claiming that the city was misusing the bus tax and could not be trusted with a 15 year extension.

Funkhouser also hinted that the group's fundraising and ad campaign may have been illegal.

The tax on Tuesday passed with an overwhelming majority.

After the press conference today, Funkhouser admitted, "I probably shouldn't have said that."