Kansas City Star, August 11, 2002
1729 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64108
(Fax: 816-234-4926 ) (E-Mail: letters@... )
( http://www.kcstar.com/ )
Metro Watch (excerpt; no author credited)
...Favorite Daughter
Atchison touts Amelia Earhart as its own. Russell, Kan. plays
up its status as Bob Dole's hometown. Now comes Leavenworth to boast
of its native star, Melissa Etheridge. The Grammy-winning rocker was
back home Thursday as the city unveiled signs proclaiming Leavenworth
as her hometown. It was in Leavenworth where an 8-year-old Etheridge
got her first guitar. She left years ago for Los Angeles, but
Etheridge said Leavenworth holds special memories.
Her stardom also adds a new perspective to the city's various
claims to fame, said Mayor Larry Dedeke.
"Leavenworth is mostly known for the prisons and military
installation, but Ms. Etheridge's talent presents a new spotlight on
her hometown," he said.