Tech takes active-shooter training beyond paper targets as deadly real-world threats rise

COLUMBIA, Missouri — A startup’s portable target system could transform the way law enforcement agencies train for active-shooter scenarios, said Kris Knutson, a former IT consultant propelled into the govtech market amid a rise in real-world threats. Shot Bot — patented by Knutson in 2019 — provides realistic, adaptable, and comprehensive training experiences, the Missouri…

Read More

‘Big Flour’ can’t recreate this stone-milled secret ingredient: the Kansas-grown artisan wheat in your favorite KC bakeries

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  NEW CAMBRIA, Kansas — Artisan flour sourced from a network of Kansas growers not only takes any batch of baking up a notch, said Ben Mantooth; it makes a better…

Read More

Matt Baysinger: Choir Bar revival is just one note in Swell Spark’s chorus of experiences planned for 2025

Developments from within Kansas City-based entertainment group Swell Spark are coming in a round this winter, said Matt Baysinger, starting with the crescendoing return of its Choir Bar group singalong experience after a five-year hiatus. “We want to create places where people can come together, relax, and try something a little different,” said Baysinger, whose…

Read More