​​Weston • Platte County • Missouri

The live stream will allow the public to witness the early life cycle of bald eagles in real time

The Weston Chronicle

A pair of mated bald eagles, seen sitting near their nest in the photo above, are viewable on the only 24/7 live stream of their species in Missouri. This live camera installation was made possible because of partnerships with the City of Blue Springs, Evergy, Capital Electric Line Builders, Axis Communications and Wild Souls Wildlife Rehabilitation. 

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Michael Deffet with one of the black history banners in Downtown Weston.

Missouri’s only bald eagle camera goes live ​

 The Broken Hope
 by Fiona Wilson

Tears of the weary being buried in the shadow of the gallows, 
crying
to be hiding from the darkened past,
wanting, needing the childhood 
once  filled with life and joy, 
once running through the house filled with laughter,
instead of running from the drunken mad hatter
who had abused, kicked, broken the dreams of the mother who carried the hope of the unborn. 

In addition to watching the eagle triplets in California, you can see a nesting bald eagle pair right here in the Kansas City area.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) along with its partners the City of Blue Springs, Evergy, Capital Electric Line Builders, Axis Communications, and Wild Souls Wildlife Rehabilitation have installed the only live camera on an eagle nest in the state of Missouri. This spring, Missourians will be able to experience a seldom-seen part of a bald eagle’s life cycle in real-time.
The live feed is active now and can be accessed at www.youtube.com/live/kJylW8gFdTU.  
“The ability to set up the only live stream eagle cam in the state of Missouri is an incredible opportunity to connect our community with nature in a whole new way,” said Blue Springs Mayor Chris Lievsay. “Watching these majestic birds in real-time will be an exciting experience for residents and visitors alike, showcasing the beauty of our local wildlife. This would not be possible with the partnerships and support of agencies like the Missouri Department of Conservation, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation and Evergy.”
Bald eagles have made an impressive comeback in North America after dwindling to only about 3,000 nesting pairs in the 1950s. Today, over 10,000 pairs nest in the United States annually, including about 200 in Missouri. This live stream is a unique opportunity for the public to witness these elusive and important birds in their natural state.
Eagle nests are large, reaching 13 feet deep and eight feet across. Bald eagles typically mate for life, and a pair produces one to three eggs annually, though rarely do all three chicks reach maturity. Young bald eagles acquire adult plumage at about age 5 and can live for up to 30 years. Eagles eat a combination of wild prey and carrion.
“In collaboration with our partners, this live stream will provide folks at home, in schools, and in our communities at large access to view nature in its wildest form,” said MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Chris Cain. “They can see what it is like to grow as a young eagle, as well as what it takes to raise one. It can also help remind the public how little things we do can affect these creatures. The learning benefits of this project are endless.”
Cain said that he hopes the heightened visibility from this live stream inspires people to be more intentional with their choices that affect wildlife. Preserving large, mature trees ensures eagles find strong places to build their nests. Disposing of fishing line prevents eaglets and adult eagles alike from getting tangled. Limiting pesticide use can keep poison from entering eagles’ systems through the rodents they hunt.
Bald eagles are a protected species in the United States. The specific location of this nest will not be disclosed to ensure the safety of the pair and their young. Members of the public should not seek out the nest or bother the birds in any way.
To learn more about bald eagles in Missouri, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.
Inquiries about the bald eagle camera can be directed to eagles@bluespringsgov.com

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. 

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

In English, Mrs. Frazer’s students analyzed Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Students then used these words to create “found” poems for publication. 

In Middle School History, students studied local black history.  They read articles on “Bleeding Kansas,” Lester “Soup” Anderson, daily life from We Too Lived by Carolyn Larson and read short local biographies.  Students visited the Black Heritage banners in downtown Weston provided by the BAAC.

Music students did educational puzzles based on black history, science middle schoolers read articles on Jane C. Wright, the pioneering oncologist  who invented chemotherapy, elementary art students discussed black artists and are now studying women artists. 

The Weston Historical Museum’s recent two-day open house was a decisive success, drawing visitors from as far away as Brazil and as close as a block away. The two-day event offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s exhibits and provided an opportunity for guests to connect with knowledgeable museum volunteers to ask questions and to enjoy light refreshments.

A highlight of the event was the 2025 Digital Photo Project, which invited guests to be photographed as part of an initiative to document present-day Weston for future historians. This project will create a lasting snapshot of museum visitors, the town’s people and contemporary culture.
Throughout the weekend, the museum received praise for its engaging displays, the dedication of its volunteers, and even its spotless presentation. Visitors expressed their appreciation for the museum’s efforts to preserve and share Weston’s rich history in such a welcoming environment.
The event was planned and hosted by the Marketing and Membership Committees, which include Clay Bauske- Museum President, Kim Kirby- Museum Director, Diane McCaffrey, Tracy Taylor Smith, Christy Shafer, Carl Felling, Peg Strickland, and Judy Juergens. 
Additional volunteers who contributed their time and enthusiasm included: Louis Smither, Cyndee and Mike Bohaty, Pat Benner, Francie Stoner, Cheeko Penrod and John Galloway.

The Weston Historical Museum extends its gratitude to everyone who attended, participated, and helped to make the open house a success. For those who missed the event, the museum encourages the community to visit, explore, and get involved in preserving Weston’s history.  
After the annual winter closing, the museum opens on March 12.  New extended hours for 2025 are Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm. 

For more information about the Weston Historical Museum, upcoming events, or how to become a member, please visit www.westonhistoricalmuseum.org or contact director@westonhistoricalmuseum.org.  Join us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, the popular Wednesday posts and a bit of history.

Weston Historical Museum’s Open House​

- West Platte Celebrates Black History Month​

Hope
 by Hosea Smith
I found hope, a way to keep going.
I found happiness, a reason to believe.
I found freedom, the will to keep going.
I found segregation, a reason to help yourself continue.
I found love, a stability in your journey.
I found the trials, a directive during your time.
I found spirit, going even if your mind says no.
I found happiness, freedom, segregation, love, trials, and spirit.
But even with all this one thing stands strong.
Your hope, the way to keep going in your path of life.
And now instead of I, it’s you.
Find your hope.

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