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By Michael Downing, on November 30th, 2011  Raytown High School Senior Emily Newman is the winner of the Missouri PTA Student Safety Award. The honor is given each year to an outstanding student who contributes to the safety of another person. The award was presented to Emily at a Raytown PTA Council meeting.
Emily works as a lifeguard at the Raytown YMCA, and she has two confirmed “saves” in the pool. In addition to her work as a lifeguard, Emily helped her mother while she was a hospice patient dealing with cancer. Emily’s counselor describes her as a “hero” in many people’s lives.
Emily has plans to be a paramedic after graduation
By Michael Downing, on November 30th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 28th, 2011 150 students (75 from each Raytown high school) were tested for drug use recently and only 2 tests came back positive, or as some like to phrase it, non-negative. Non-negative may be more appropriate, since there is a chance that even these 2 tests may not indicate illegal drug usage. There are cases where either mistakes are made, or legal drugs or foods can result in a ‘false’ positive. While a 1.33% rate is not perfect, it is well below the feared 23% the administration cited for surveyed sophomores. If this rate holds up, Raytown students deserve an A+ for good sense life decisions.
For more on this story click HERE to read the Kansas City Star article.
By Michael Downing, on November 27th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 27th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 27th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 27th, 2011  The Raytown South and Raytown High School Debate teams competed at the North Kansas City Varsity and Park Hill South Novice Tournaments on November 18-19, 2011.
For the Raytown South varsity, Garrett Poorman placed 1st in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Bryson Kenworthy placed 1st in Humorous Interpretation, Joseph Bennett and Joseph Summers, placed 2nd in Public Forum Debate, DaeShawn Webb placed 4th in Prose, and Ethan Wilkins placed 5th in Dramatic Interpretation. Bennett also placed 4th in Humorous Interpretation and 5th in International Extemporaneous Speaking, and Summers placed 6th in Varsity United States Extemporaneous Speaking.
In the Novice tournament for Raytown South, Michael Keightley and Jared Novack, placed 3rd in Novice Policy Debate.
For the Raytown varsity, Claire Robinson placed 9th in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Josh Ethridge placed 7th in Student Congress.
In the Novice tournament for Raytown, Matthew Maynard in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Sarah Holloway with Mikayla Gustin in Public Forum Debate, all finished with 2-2 records.
Raytown South is coached by Matt Good and Raytown High School is coached by Mark Harris.
By Michael Downing, on November 23rd, 2011 Raytown’s EMS Director, Matt Cushman resigned last Friday. Matt would be the one person I would most like to see if I was in need of emergency care. It will be a challenging task to find a replacement to match Matt’s skill as a first responder.
By Michael Downing, on November 23rd, 2011
City Administrator’s Report
11-18-2011
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator
Administration
City Hall will be closed on November 24th & 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Human Resources
The City’s annual Anniversary Luncheon was held on Friday, November 18th; those employees being recognized and honored for their service to the City of Raytown were;
5 YEARS: Carol Foland, James Taylor, Diana Burge, Elizabeth Bennett, James Forristal, Megan
Cunningham, Chad Dillinger, and Joshua Gantt
10 YEARS: John Benson, Bronna Durgan, Rosalie McNamara, Loutreces Thurman, Christopher Shrout, Lora Shireman, Chief Jim Lynch, Janet Pell, and Keith Schouten
15 YEARS: Candice Schwarz and Craig Shafar
25 YEARS: David Berry
30 YEARS: Theodore Bowman
35 YEARS: Deborah Pisciotta
Public Works
Wiedenmann & Godfrey, the sanitary and storm water infrastructure contractor, has completed underground work on the sanitary repair at the 86th Terrace and Evanston project and has placed several of the driveways that were removed as part of the project. The contractor will continue restoration work in the area next.
The street sweeper has been busy in areas with significant amounts of leaves to make sure the street is clean and the leaves stay out of the storm sewer system.
The cost of fuel takes another twist; the cost of diesel is increasing and the cost of unleaded is decreasing. The current cost of fuel is $2.92 per gallon for Unleaded and $3.58 per gallon for Diesel. The FY 2011-2012 fuel budget for all departments was established with the assumption fuel would average $3.50 per gallon.
Crews have worked all week on roadway repairs on Arlington just north of 53rd Street with 15 tons of asphalt being set in place this week.
Crews corrected a sidewalk trip hazard on 54th Street after staff was notified of the condition.
Staff assisted in the demolition of the Amoco station by locating the sanitary sewer connection to facilitate the proper removal of the connection. The proper removal of the connection is one step staff takes to minimize inflow and infiltration of storm water into the sanitary sewer system. Minimizing inflow and infiltration is a key factor in reducing system overloading, backups and treatment fees.
Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events
November 21 – Police Pension Review Committee Meeting; Mayor’s Office, 7:00pm
November 21 – Park Board Meeting; Park Office, 7:00pm
By Michael Downing, on November 22nd, 2011 
Blotter for 11/21/2011
Blotter for 11/22/2011
Blotter for 11/23/2011
No reports have been release for the 24th and 25th. The Monday report should be huge.
By Michael Downing, on November 20th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 19th, 2011 Jackson County Judge W. Brent Powell sentenced Phillip D. Martin, 20, to 30 years in the Missouri penitentiary today for murder in March 2010 of Gurpreet “Tony” Singh in a Kansas City convenience store.
Martin was sentenced to 30 years on the Murder 2nd Degree Charge and 30 years on Armed Criminal Action. He also was sentenced to 20 years on Robbery 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. All sentences are to run concurrently.
Martin shot Singh, a store clerk in a 7-Eleven Store in the 8100 block of East Bannister Road early on March 17, 2010. Singh handed over the money demanded, then Martin shot him in the stomach. Singh died of those injuries later in the hospital.
By Michael Downing, on November 16th, 2011
Do you need a break?
 If you have a loved one age 55 or older that you care for, we can help. Every Monday there is a “Breaktime” Program that takes care of your loved one. This program keeps them safe, provides social interaction and gives them a nutritious meal. This is a program at no cost, but donations to the church are accepted. For more information call Dianne Morris, Director at 353-3155 or the Shepherd Center of Raytown at 356-9000.
Do you need information regarding care of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s? There is a Caregiver’s meeting on the second Monday of the month at the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church at 50th ad Blue Ridge. For more information please call Diane Morris at353-3155 or the Shepherd Center of Raytown Office at 356-9000.
By Michael Downing, on November 15th, 2011 Raytown Police were dispatch to the 6900 block of Raytown Road on a residential robbery. The victim told the officers that at approximately 11:00 pm there was a loud bang on the door of the house. The victim’s son opened the door and two men brandishing guns demanded that they be let into the home. Once inside the two men told the victims to lie on the floor. The two men then proceeded to remove various items from the home. The victim’s described the first intruder as a black male, about 6 foot tall, wearing a black hoodie and in his twenties. The first intruder brandished a long gun. The second intruder was described as a white male, 6 foot tall, thin build, wearing a thick brown coat and was carrying a handgun.
If you have any information on this or any other crime please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (474-8 477)
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011 On Sunday morning (11/13/2011) at 12:25 am Raytown officers were called to the 9800 block of E. 61st Street to speak to a pizza delivery employee who had just been carjacked. The victim told the officer that he was making a delivery when a young black man ran up, hit him in the face and demanded that he give him his car. The young man then proceeded to leave the area in the victim’s car east bound on 61st street. The victim said the subject was wearing a dark hoodie, baggy pants, possibly had a “buzz cut” and appeared to be very young. The victim’s injuries did not require medical attention. The victim’s vehicle was recovered in the Kansas City area later that day.
Anyone having any information that might help solve this, or any other crime, is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS (474-8477)
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011 Fleetridge Elementary in the Raytown School District is one of ten elementary school finalists in the Battle of the Brains competition sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, where student teams submitted ideas for an actual future Science City exhibit. If Fleetridge is announced as the winner, the school will earn a $50,000 grant to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education at the school, and students will see their design constructed in Science City at Union Station during 2012.
Two runners up will earn $5,000 each, and 14 honorable mention schools will earn $1,000 each. The winner is 70% determined by the judge’s rankings, and 30% by an online public vote. Those wishing to support Fleetridge may do so by linking to www.battleofthebrainskc.com and voting once a day from their computer beginning November 11 through November 18 at 5:00 p.m.
“The idea that we are a top ten finalist from all 560 entries submitted from 456 teams is so exciting. We need help with voting!” Fleetridge sponsor and 4th grade teacher Lindsay Sills said.
Fleetridge students’ idea is entitled, “The Tornado Experience,” which aims to reveal more of the science behind tornados. The exhibit would demonstrate the rarity of all tornado variables coming together, with a goal of helping alleviate the fears associated with this phenomenon. The idea is particularly timely, in light of recent occurrences in Joplin, Missouri and surrounding areas.
Winners of the Battle of the Brains KC will be announced on November 21 at 9:30 at an invitation only celebration at Science City at Union Station.
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011  Raytown High School’s theatre arts and music departments will perform the musical “Into the Woods” at the Robert B. Atkin Performing Arts Center on November 17, 18, and 19 at 7:00 each evening.
The musical is a multiple Tony award winner, including the award for Best Book and Best Score, and has played on Broadway since 1987, making it a modern classic.
A baker and his wife go into the woods to find objects they need to break a spell of childlessness that has been cast upon them, and they encounter and become entwined with familiar characters like Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, and Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk become tangled and intertwined with one another as they all pursue their goals. In the darker, more serious second act, viewers see what happens after the end of the stories as they know them and learn that real life is often not as straightforward as “happily ever after.” The themes of parenthood, truth, family significance, accepting responsibility, confronting fears, decision making, and generational family dysfunction are explored.
Thirty one talented actors and singers will take the stage, including Alex Accurso as The Witch, Blake Nodwell as Jack, Audrey Drace as Jack’s Mother, Christina Cunningham as Little Red, Mosha Clyma as Cinderella, Dayton Saling as the Baker, Julia Hamilton as the Baker’s Wife, Andrew Best as Cinderella’s Prince, and Mark Wilkes as the Mysterious Man.
“Into the Woods” is directed by the Cara (Davern) Hampton, an alumnus of the Raytown High School Theatre program.
“I am setting the bar really high for these students, and they are reaching it. I fully expect this production to be one that rises above the level of quality one might expect from actors so young,” Hampton said.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $9 at the door. To reserve tickets, call 268-7300, or e-mail Hampton at cara.hampton@raytownschools.org
By Michael Downing, on November 14th, 2011 Former Raytown South student Anthony Hubbard just turned 21 last month and this month (Nov. 2nd) he graduated from Miami Dade County Police Academy. Anthony is looking forward to a working in a police career in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Area.
Anthony after graduation with his mother Lauren Fox
By Michael Downing, on November 13th, 2011
By Michael Downing, on November 12th, 2011
City Administrator’s Report
11-11-2011
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator
Community Development
The Jackson County Commuter Corridors Alternatives Analysis (JCCCAA) is developing and reviewing alternative transit options for the Rock Island Rail corridor through Raytown as well as a corridor that will extend through Independence and Blue Springs. The JCCCAA is considering different corridor alignments and transit options that will be presented at the public meeting for your review and comment. The ultimate purpose of the JCCCAA is to review the alternative transit options for the two corridors and then adopt a regionally preferred alternative for the Kansas City region. Adoption of the alternative will then position the Kansas City region to submit applications to the Federal government for funding of transit design and construction for these corridors. A public meeting is set for Tuesday, November 29th, at the Gamber Center (4 SE Independence Ave, Lee’s Summit) from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Finance
Staff is working with our credit card company to begin taking checks over the internet and phone. This should be active within a few weeks of testing and training. Please, direct all inquiries going forward to Briana Burrichter after today until further notice.
Fiscal Year Budget 2011–2012 is posted on the City’s website and printed copies will be available next week.
Public Works
Vance Brothers, the LWA seal program contractor, has completed the final sweeping to remove loose aggregate. Crews will continue to monitor the area(s) after the contractor has completed work and will sweep if necessary.
Wiedenmann & Godfrey, the sanitary and storm water infrastructure contractor, has completed work on the sanitary repair at the 86th Terrace and Evanston project and has replaced several of the driveways that were removed as part of the project. The contractor will continue restoration work in the area next week.
Staff attended a public meeting for the proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail Thursday, discussing the project with business owners and interested residents. The next step is to establish a preferred alignment with the consultant and start on detailed design of the project.
Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events
November 15 – Fire Board Meeting; Station 1, 9:00am
November 17 – Council on Aging; Conference Room, 4:15pm
November 17 – Human Relations Commission; Council Chambers, 6:00pm
November 17 – TIF Commission Hearing; Council Chambers, 7:00pm
By Michael Downing, on November 10th, 2011 
Several Raytown High School band students were selected for the All-District Band All-District Jazz Band and All-District Orchestra on November 5.
Logan Anderson was selected 2nd chair trumpet; Jordan Jamerson, 5th chair tuba; and Michael Frojd, 1st alternate for percussion for the All-District Band. Anderson was also selected 2nd chair split lead trumpet for All-District Jazz Band and will join Crista Pinkston who was chosen as 2nd alternate tenor sax.
Band students selected will be auditioning at the state level on December 3rd.
Larry Hernandez and Hannah Scheerer were selected into the KC Metro District #3 All-District Orchestra. The selected group will perform on January 7, 2012 at Lee’s Summit High School.
The bands are directed by Joseph Hill and the orchestra is directed Amy Sadler.
By Michael Downing, on November 9th, 2011 It was a cold and rainy night that featured about an hour and a half lightning delay. The final score was Staley 45 and Raytown South 6. There were a couple highlights for Raytown South by a couple of seniors. Justin Chigbogu gained 43 yards on a faked punt run and after that, Jamaal Cox made a 33 yard run for a touchdown.
All the other highlights were by Staley and RaytownOnline is not interested in reporting those.
By Michael Downing, on November 9th, 2011 Raytown School District’s Norfleet Elementary Knights hosted “A Knight with Brad Sneed” on November 1. Families were invited to attend a chicken dinner and to listen to Brad Sneed, an illustrator from Kansas talk about his childhood and how he developed goals to become an illustrator.
Sneed spoke about the process of illustrating a book and how it can take up to nine months from receiving the text from an author until the book is published and printed. At the end of the presentation, parents and children were invited to ask questions about illustrating and art. All children in attendance went home with an autographed copy of one of Mr. Sneed’s books.
Illustrator Brad Sneed showed examples of his work and how he processes through an illustration from beginning to end, and then Norfleet Elementary families enjoyed dinner.
Norfleet teachers and staff planned the event and served dinner to the families. Sneed’s illustrations can be found in a variety of children’s books, including: Grandpa’s Song, Turkey in the Straw, The Unbeatable Bread, The Pumpkin Runner, The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, and Mr. President Goes to School. Sneed studied illustration at the University of Kansas and is a frequent, gracious visitor to schools.
Norfleet Elementary staff served dinner to families who came to the school to listen to Illustrator and Kansas native Brad Sneed, as he shared his processes for completing an illustration for publication.
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Raytown High School Senior Emily Newman is the winner of the Missouri PTA Student Safety Award. The honor is given each year to an outstanding student who contributes to the safety of another person. The award was presented to Emily at a Raytown PTA Council meeting.
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