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May
20
2013
Globetrotter visited Raytown Middle SchoolPosted by Michael Downing in Raytown School District
His message was clear, “Take the words ‘I can’t’ out of your vocabulary and use it as a challenge to succeed. Tell yourself—YES I CAN—and I am going to prove it.” Mr. Carter explained how he was injured during a varsity football game his junior year of high school. He was told that he may never play sports again. He was told, “You can’t.” During the assembly, Woody demonstrated some traditional Globetrotter moves, including the famous spinning basketball and invited student and faculty volunteers to participate in the assembly. He placed emphasis on reminding students to ask for help when needed and always working hard—”You can play ball, but the books come first.” Woody Carter grew up in Topeka, Kansas. He graduated from TopekaHigh School in 1998 and went on to play basketball on a scholarship to BenedictineCollege. He has been a Harlem Globetrotter for 10 years and wants to inspire people of all ages.
May
20
2013
Police Blotters for the week ending 5/24/2013Posted by Michael Downing in Blotter, Police & Crime
The 2nd meeting of the Raytown Board of Aldermen has a long agenda. Part of the reason is that the public comment at the last meeting (available on RaytownOnlinie.com) ran for almost 2 hours. The result of this was that the meeting lasted till almost 1 am and a lot of agenda items were not taken care of. The upcoming meeting will have the second reading of the Google agreement, the second reading of the proposed zoning changes to allow Wal-Mart to put a store in the Green Space in the manner the want, first readings of changes to licensing of businesses and craftsmen in Raytown (with a staff recommendation that the rules be suspended, which probably means the want voted on at this meeting), the second reading of two conditional use permit, and a discussion on the location of Pawnshops, Short-Term Loan Stores and Tattoo Parlors. The public is expected to turn out in force on the question of altering the zoning regulations to suit Wal-Marts needs/requests. Click on the link below to read the latest version of the agenda.
May
17
2013
Gas Leak Closes Roads along Blue Ridge at Gregory HeightsPosted by Michael Downing in EventsRaytown Police closed the streets around 71st Terrace and Blue Ridge Blvd. in the Gregory Heights neighborhood while Raytown Firefighters began door-to-door evacuations in response to broken gas main. The call to the 911 Center came in at about 1:44 p.m. reporting that someone in the neighborhood had broken through a gas main while trying to work on a sewer pipe. The sound and smell of escaping natural gas filled the air as the first officers arrived at the scene. Workers from the gas company have already arrived to begin work on the leak, while the Fire and Police Departments divert traffic from the area. The cause of the accident has not been determined and the caller’s report to the 911 Center has not yet been confirmed. The roads, including Blue Ridge Blvd., remain closed as of 2:15 p.m.
May
17
2013
Raytown Central Middle School 7th graders qualify for Duke TIp ProgramPosted by Michael Downing in Raytown School DistrictRaytown Central Middle School 7th graders Dylan Finch, Elizabeth Kujath, and Sam Miles qualified for State Recognition in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). Elizabeth Kujath met the requirements to receive Grand Recognition at the annual ceremony at Duke University in North Carolina. To qualify for Grand Recognition, students must receive a composite score of 27 or higher on the ACT or 1850 on the SAT. Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization that provides rigorous and advance resources to academically gifted students. Students as young as 4th grade can apply to participate in the program. Each year, a number of Raytown students are selected to participate in the Duke Tip, and this year nine 7th graders at Raytown Central Middle were selected to participate in the 7th-8th Grade Talent Search.
Elizabeth Kujath
City Administrator’s Report FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator Public Works
The first cleanup coupon was issued Wednesday. The coupons are available for the public to obtain at the Public Works window at City Hall. A resident wishing to obtain a coupon no longer must provide a recent utility bill as the information can be verified at the Public Works window. A picture ID is still required. The coupons will cost $5 and will provide $25 of value at two vendors. One vendor is Material Recovery & Transfer located at 4020 Winchester Avenue which is just west of 435 on Raytown Road. The vendor is a drop-off site only and information about fees and location can be found on the website at www.materialrecoveryandtransferkc.com; the information will also be provided to the resident when obtaining the coupon. The second vendor is Flynn’s Raytown Disposal and is primarily a pick-up service. The resident will have to contact Flynn’s at 816-358-1211 to coordinate services and determine a fee. The fees will vary depending upon the size and weight of the material to be disposed.
The annual concrete repair program has started and the contractor has made great progress. The contractor will be removing and replacing sidewalk, handicap ramps and curbing. The contractor is A&A Concrete Company and the work is expected to be completed in July.
Raytown Water Company has finished 99% of the roadway and sidewalk restoration work in the downtown area as part of the water line replacement project. There are a few sidewalks and curbs that still need repair.
Public Works crews completed two sanitary sewer line point repairs this week. The point repairs were located at 5918 Raytown Road and 6513 Blue Ridge Boulevard; pipe offsets that could cause sewer backups were repaired at both locations.
Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events May 20 – Parks Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 21 – Drive Up/ Drive Thru Car Seat Event – EMS 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
May 21 – Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 22 – Community Blood Drive – EMS 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
May 24 – Raytown Night at the Royals 7:00 p.m.
May 26 – Super Splash Opens for the Memorial Weekend only (May 25-27)
Community Blood Center blood drive to be held at Raytown EMS in the training room, 10020 E. 66th Terr., on Wednesday, May 22nd from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To make an appointment online go to www.savealifenow.org and use Sponsor Code raytownems. You may also contact Kim at (816) 737-6030 with questions or to schedule an appointment. Buy-one-get-one free Schlitterbahn vouchers will be offered to anyone coming in to donate blood. Take the opportunity to help save lives in your community!
May
14
2013
Suspects attempt to strike an Officer with their vehicle leaving the scenePosted by Michael Downing in Police & CrimeSuspects attempt to strike an Officer with their vehicle leaving the scene Officers were called to a larceny in progress in the 5400 block of Blue Ridge Cutoff around 11:00p.m., on Monday, May 13th, 2013. When the first officer arrived and approached the suspect vehicle, the vehicle attempted to strike the Officer as it was fleeing the scene. Shots were fired and the suspect vehicle fled crashing into another vehicle in the area of Sni-a-bar and Blue Ridge Cutoff. At this time police do not believe anyone was struck in the shooting. The suspects are believed to be two black males, and were able to get away on foot. It’s unknown if there were any injuries from the crash at this time. This incident is still under investigation
May
14
2013
Raytown High School Debate and Forensics Squad awardsPosted by Michael Downing in Debate and Forensics, Raytown School DistrictThe Raytown High School Debate and Forensics Squad honored student achievement at their annual awards banquet. Freshman Yermeya Bagunu was awarded Best Newcomer to the squad. Best Novice Debater went to Freshman Katelyn McAlister, and Junior Magdalan Dorsey won Best Novice Forensic Student. Junior Deja Bolton took home both the Most Improved Debater and Most Improved Forensic Student. The highest awards were presented to Junior Paige Keeton for Debater of the Year, Junior Emma Givens for Outstanding Forensic Student, and Senior Antonio Albor was awarded Top Trooper for his overall team contributions. “All of the winners, along with the entire debate and forensics squad, represented Raytown High with pride,” Raytown High Debate Teacher Mark Harris said
May
14
2013
Police Blotter for the week ending 5/17/2013Posted by Michael Downing in Blotter, Police & Crime
May
14
2013
Child Safety Seat free inspectionPosted by Michael Downing in City Government, Raytown EMSIn celebration of EMS Week, Raytown EMS employees will be holding several community service and education events. On May 21st from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m, at the Raytown EMS building, located at 10020 E. 66th Terr., Raytown EMS staff will be hosting a drive-up/drive-thru car seat event. Nationally certified Child Passenger Seat Technicians will be conducting inspections and installations of child safety seats. No appointment is necessary during this event, but it is recommended that caregivers know the weight and height of the children if they are not present. It is also recommended to bring the vehicle manual and child safety seat manual. Questions can also be answered regarding the proper seat for a child’s size and when they are able to use a booster seat or seatbelt only. Please join us to keep our children and community safe!
May
12
2013
Real Estate / Estate Auction (Dave Webb made a huge donation to the Rice-Tremonti House)Posted by Michael Downing in AdsReal Estate / Estate Auction
Patrick & Mary Brown Estate Thursday May 23, 2013 7:00 p.m. 8507 E. 87th Street Raytown, Missouri Spacious Ranch House on nice corner lot, with furniture.
Real Estate: Spacious ranch house with 2,000 plus square feet of living space on a large 20,000 plus square foot corner lot. The house was constructed in the mid 1950’s and has updated vinyl lap siding with brick veneer and new windows. The house contains living room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, family room with built in bookcases, three bedrooms and two baths. Additionally there is a large deck, fenced yard with a storage shed, and a two-car garage. There is a full basement with a bedroom & bath, woodshop, lots of storage with an outside entrance. The house has a combination of hardwood, carpet and vinyl flooring with the original hardwoods covered by carpet. The 2012 property taxes were $ 2,177.92. The house will include kitchen appliances plus washer & dryer downstairs and stackable washer & dryer upstairs, bedroom set, desk, nightstands, dresser & vanity, dining table & chairs, nightstands, and a pool table. Property open house and inspection Sunday May 19th / 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Real Estate Terms: 10% down day of auction balance due upon closing, not to exceed 30 days. Continental Title Company to handle closing. Title insurance cost split 50%/ 50% buyer–seller. Property sells subject to easements, restrictions, and covenants if any of record. Auction is subject to estate confirmation. Auctioneer Webb and Associates are agents of seller only. Property sells as is where is without warranty expressed or implied. Possession is at closing. All information is from sources deemed reliable, however accuracy is not guaranteed. Each bidder is responsible for conducting their own independent due diligence concerning the property. Auctioneers Note: This is a property on a corner lot with great landscaping. This spacious ranch house is furnished and ready for your ownership. Come to the auction and plan to purchase this house. Auction Arranged and Conducted by
May
11
2013
Public comment at the 1st reading on zoning changes for Wal-MartPosted by Michael Downing in City GovernmentThe Board of Aldermen heard the 1st reading of requested zoning changes requested by Wal-Mart. These changes are for a Wal-Mart grocery store to be located North of downtown 63rd Street in an area commonly known are the Green Space. This zoning change comes out of the Planning and Zoning Commission with a 5 to 4 vote recommending to deny the requested changes. Video of the public comments on the request are below. Due to the extensive amount of comments, the video portion is cut short due to exhausted batteries. Photos of the last few members of the public are show with the audio from a separate source overlaid.
City Administrator’s Report FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator Public Works
The cleanup coupons have arrived. The coupons will be available for the public to purchase on Wednesday May 15th at the Public Works window at City Hall. Residents wishing to obtain a coupon must prove residency by providing a utility bill that is no more than two months old and must provide a picture ID that matches the name on the account. The coupons will cost $5 and will provide $25 of value at two vendors. One vendor is Material Recovery & Transfer located at 4020 Winchester Avenue which is just West of I-435 on Raytown Road. The vendor is a drop-off site only and information about fees and location can be found on the website at www.materialrecoveryandtransferkc.com; this information will also be provided to residents when obtaining their coupon. The second vendor is Flynn’s Raytown Disposal and is primarily a pick-up service. The resident will have to contact Flynn’s at 816-358-1211 to coordinate services and determine a fee. The fees will vary depending upon the size and weight of the material to be disposed.
The annual concrete repair program will start with construction next week. The construction will start in the project Area A that is in the Northwest part of the city. The contractor will be removing and replacing sidewalks, handicap ramps and curbing. The contractor is A&A Concrete Company and the work is expected to be completed in July. Public Works storm crew regarded approximately 200 feet of ditch line at Gregory Boulevard and Evanston Avenue. The crew also installed an erosion control mat to prevent erosion and allow the grass a chance to grow. Development & Public Affairs The Development & Public Affairs Department is pleased to announce that June Van Loo joined the department as a Permit Technician. June previously worked for Jackson County Public Works Department dealing with county permitting and environmental health regulations. If you are in City Hall, please stop by to welcome June to the City.
Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events May 13 – Municipal Court 6:00 p.m.
May 13 – Park Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 14 – Fire Board Meeting Station #1 9:00 a.m.
May 15 – Municipal Court 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
May 16 – Council on Aging 4:00 p.m.
May 16 – Human Relations Commission 6:00 p.m.
May 16 – Board of Zoning and Adjustment 6:00 p.m.
MEETING NOTICE Thursday, May 16th, 2013 at 7:00 PM Las Chili’s, 6210 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown Come early at 6:00 PM to dine and make new friends! Our speaker will be Judy Ancel Director of The Institute for Labor Studies Contact President Richard Tush at (816) 356-0003 Vice President Fred Hartwell (816) 353-4431
May
11
2013
One Year Anniversary of Harry Stone’s HomicidePosted by Michael Downing in Police & Crime
One year ago (05-13-2012) this Mother’s Day (05-12-2013) Harry Stone set out for a routine run along the streets of Raytown, however it would turn out to be anything but routine. When Stone turned the corner at 67th Street onto Blue Ridge Boulevard he was struck with gunfire that ultimately resulted in his death. The family and friends of Stone have collected a substantial amount of money ($20,000.00) to offer to anyone who has information leading to the arrest of Stone’s killer. This Saturday (05-11-2013) at 8:00 a.m. Stone’s family and friends will be organizing a gathering at 67th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard to bring awareness to Stone’s murder. They are hoping that their presence may help to empower anyone who knows anything about this homicide to come forward. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at (816) 474-TIPS (8477) . The Raytown Police continue to investigate this case.
May
11
2013
Chiefs Player Brandon Flowers to visit Raytown HighPosted by Michael Downing in Raytown School District, SportsThe Raytown High School Football Team will welcome Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback Brandon Flowers to Chittwood Stadium for Train with a Pro Day to the team’s practice on May 10, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. During the practice Flowers will serve as a coach, rotating through groups to give insight and run drills such as the 40 yard dash and the 3 cone tournament. “I want to make sure that each player gets a chance to learn something from Flowers,” Raytown High Head Coach Kevin Page said. “The players are very excited to train with a professional athlete, and it’s a great way to motivate them to do well in the upcoming season.” In college, Flowers played for Virginia Tech where he earned All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors during his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2008, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round (#35 overall). During his NFL career, he has played in 75 games, accumulating over 300 tackles, 90 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 16 interceptions, and 3 touchdowns.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. (5912 Lane, 358-4100) will be showing a free movie on Friday May 17, ‘The Princess and the Frog’, will show at dusk, for free at Kenagy Park (79th & Raytown Rd). This is a great film for young and old alike and is sure to put a smile on your face. Bring your lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy this event at Raytown Parks. This show is being donated by Players Paradise (9628 E 350Hwy,
May
11
2013
Lugenbeel signs to play volleyball at Cottey CollegePosted by Michael Downing in SportsMadeline (Maddie) Lugenbeel, has recently signed to play volleyball next fall at Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. She is a homeschooled senior. She has also received several scholarships to attend Cottey College including a Fine Arts Theater Scholarship, Cottey Grant, Founder’s Scholarship and P.E.O. State Scholarship. Maddie will be pursing a degree in Theater and Business Management. Maddie has played volleyball since 5th grade for Kansas City East Christian Academy. For the past three years she was varsity team captain and received All American Awards at the National Christian HomeSchool Volleyball Championships in Springfield, Mo. She has also played club volleyball for several clubs in the KC area. This year she played for Summit Volleyball Club. The directors are Eric and Dan Wilson. Maddie’s parents are Frank and Michelle Lugenbeel of Raytown
Pictured left to right: Back Row: Coach Marla Kannady Foreman- Cottey College, Eric Lugenbeel and McKenzie Lugenbeel (siblings), Frank Lugenbeel (father) Front Row: Michelle Lugenbeel (mother), Maddie Lugenbeel
May
10
2013
First reading of an agreement with Google bringing Google Fiber to RaytownPosted by Michael Downing in Business, City GovernmentUpon clarification from our Google tax advisor, he provided the following details on the VSPF:
May
09
2013
Spring Valley Elementary get a new principalPosted by Michael Downing in Raytown School District
Dr. Campbell holds a Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Kansas, a Masters of Arts & Teaching in Varying Exceptionalities/EEL from the University of South Florida, an Education Specialist Degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Doctorate of Science in Education from the University of Missouri. Dr. Campbell most recently served as the Managing Director of Teacher Leadership and Development for The Kansas City division of Teach for America. Prior to that, she served as the principal of Troost Elementary in Kansas City for 4 years.
May
08
2013
Truman Heartland Citizen of the Year for RaytownPosted by Michael Downing in City Government, ServiceThe Mayor announces the Truman Heartland Citizen of the Year for Raytown is Terry Landers.
May
08
2013
Raytown Sandy Playter selected Counselor of the Year.Posted by Michael Downing in Raytown School District
Playter taught pre-school and spent 10 years as a stay-at-home mom before starting her career in counseling. In 1988, Playter began as a counselor at Boone Elementary School in the Center School District. She joined the Raytown School District as a counselor for Raytown Middle School in 1996. In 2008, Playter moved to her alma mater, Raytown Central Middle School (CMS), after it reopened as a middle school. “I attended CMS when it was in junior high school from 6th through 9th grade,” Playter said. “I love to brag that my 9th grade class raised the money for the mural to be painted.” In Playter’s nomination packet, Central Middle Secretary Carmen Sambursky (right) said, “Sandy makes extraordinary contributions daily in her role as School Counselor at Raytown Central Middle School, and she willingly shares her talents and gifts and lets her expertise shine through helping others. She has a strong commitment and dedication to students, parents, and staff.” Playter extends her time and talents beyond counseling. She directs the Spotlight Singers; a group of approximately 20 students who meet twice a week to sing and perform. Each winter and spring she takes the Spotlight Singers to various retirement homes in the area to perform for the senior citizens. Each year, the students are told how much enjoyment their performance brings to the residents. Playter has also been the secretary of the Greater Kansas City School Counselor Association since 2005. “I have had a wonderful career with many amazing colleagues in my buildings and in the Greater Kansas City and State organizations,” Playter said. Though she is nearing the end of her career, Playter believes that she is “beginning to become a good counselor.”
May
08
2013
Doug Jonesi named Director of Emergency Medical ServicesPosted by Michael Downing in City Government
Mahesh Sharma, Raytown City Administrator, has announced the promotion of Doug Jonesi to the position of EMS Director. “Mr. Jonesi has demonstrated an impressive aptitude of leadership in the department. Along with his wealth of emergency medical services experience, his excellent technical skills and dedication I am confident that he is the right person to head this department.” said Mr. Sharma Mr. Jonesi has been with the city for the last 28 years. He began his career in Emergency Medical Services in 1979 in Patterson, California. He has stated that his love for EMS comes from the unique challenges EMS workers face each day.The department consists of a physician medical director, paramedics and EMTs including in-house continuing education, making sure that all staff is always on top of the latest and best methods. Doug has been married to Susan for 23 years. They have one son, who is studying computer science at the University of Missouri before joining the United States Air Force. Outside of work Doug enjoys music and can be found playing blues throughout the metro area. (Text from the City of Raytown website)
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