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By Michael Downing, on October 31st, 2012 During their varsity game on October 23, the Raytown High School boys’ soccer team announced that they raised $350 for cancer research.
The players, along with parents, friends, high school staff, and community members, celebrated their efforts and honored loves ones affected by cancer during the halftime show by releasing a pink balloon on which they wrote the name of the loved one. The balloons were then released into the air. The release symbolized how their thoughts, hopes, research, and prayers, lift up their loved ones.
When asked about the fundraiser, Coach Jeff Dierking said, “I was extremely proud of the entire soccer program and the Raytown family that supports us. Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible through their generosity and support!”
By Michael Downing, on October 31st, 2012 There was a low water preasure alert today covering the area of Hardesty Ave to Blue Ridge Cutoff and 47th St. to Gregory Blvd.
By Michael Downing, on October 29th, 2012  Youth tennis lessons start November 8th for the Thursday evening class 6-7pm, and November 10th, for the Saturday morning class 8-9am. The classes will run for five weeks and cost $45. All participants must bring a can of balls, a few loaner rackets are available. Lessons will be at Hilltop Racquet Club at 6600 E 87th St.
The Adult fall tennis classes will run on Monday nights for six weeks, starting November 5st, also at Hilltop Racquet Club, and cost $54 for the session.
Register for the classes at the Raytown Parks office, 5912 Lane Ave, or call for more information about the Raytown tennis program at 358-4100.
By Michael Downing, on October 29th, 2012  Mosha Clyma a talented Sophomore at RaytownHigh School will play three (3) fairytale creatures, part of the gang of fairy tale misfits in The Coterie Theatre’s production of SHREK The Musical.
The students perform in a 100-performance run as part of The Coterie’s professional acting apprentice program, where students gain experience acting alongside professional Equity actors.
Mosha has been acting for 8 years and her past credits include “The Music Man” (Amaryliss) with the Kansas City Symphony, “Alladin” (featured ensemble) with the Kauffman Center/Starlight Theatre Children’s Theatre, “Tommy” (featured ensemble) with Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, “Madeline’s Christmas” (Anne/Daphne) and “the Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (Beth) with Theatre for Young America. Mosha was also inRaytownHigh School’s production of “Into the Woods” in which she portrayed Cinderella.
SHREK The Musical, will be performed at The Coterie Theatre this holiday season. The Coterie Theatre is located in Crown Center (2450 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri ). Performances are at 10 am & noon Monday through Thursday, 10 am, noon & 7pm on Fridays and 2pm & 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The show will run October 30 through December 30, 2012. For more information about tickets, show times or prices, please visit www.coterietheatre.org or 816-474-6552.
By Michael Downing, on October 29th, 2012 “I am pleased to announce the appointment of John Benson as the new Community Development Director. John assumed the position of interim director while we reviewed the direction of the department. As interim, John gained the experience he needed to assume the director position,” said City Administrator, Mahesh Sharma. “John has shown not only technical skills, but also the creativity and the vision to lead the department into the future.”
Mr. Benson’s promotion will be effective November 1, 2012.
Mr. Benson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Regional and Community Planning from Iowa State University. He is currently working on his Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He is certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners.
“Raytown is a great City and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue working with the community, Aldermen, Planning Commission, and City staff as we build on the City’s past successes to a great future.” said John Benson. “My time working with the community and as interim director has afforded me the opportunity to obtain knowledge of Raytown and its possibilities.”
John previously was a director of community planning with HNTB offering architecture, engineering, planning and construction services. He was a senior planner for Bucher, Willis & Ratliff Corporation. He was a Director of Planning with Platte County and a planner with the City of Clive, Iowa.
By Michael Downing, on October 29th, 2012
By Michael Downing, on October 28th, 2012 Proposition A returns local control of the St. Louis Police. Raytown Online takes no position on this, as it does not impact Raytown directly. For the readers who want to learn more, here are two links to sites that are FOR and AGAINST Proposition A.
UPDATE
Further investigation by RaytownOnline.com has discovered that the main source of funds in the forces backing Proposition A is St. Louis billionaire Rex Sinquefield. On a local level he has funneled at least $75,000 through Safer Missouri Citizens Coalition. Safer has in turn funneled it to a local political action committee called Integrity in Law Enforcement. It was then distributed to various political consultants, a printing company owned by Raytown residents, and local political organizations.
The opposition to Proposition A seems to be lead by the ACLU, the NAACP and various other social justice organizations. Their main complaint is that it would close off all disciplinary records from the public.
By Michael Downing, on October 28th, 2012
Precinct |
Location |
Address |
1 |
Raytown Library |
6131 Raytown Rd |
2 |
St Matthew’s Episcopal Church |
9349 E 65th St |
3 |
Our Lady of Lourdes Church |
7045 Blue Ridge Blvd |
4,8 |
First Baptist Church of Raytown-1 |
10500 E State Route 350 |
5 |
Raytown Central Middle School |
10601 E 59th St |
6,10 |
Raytown City Hall |
10000 E 59th St |
7 |
River Christian Fellowship Community |
6400 Woodson Rd Campus |
9 |
First United Methodist Church-Raytown |
5413 Blue Ridge Cut Off |
11,15 |
Faith Presbyterian Church |
8301 James A Reed Rd |
12 |
Spring Valley Baptist Church |
8801 E 79th St |
13 |
First Baptist Church of Raytown-2 |
10500 E State Route 350 |
14,16 |
Southwood United Church of Christ-1 |
7904 Raytown Rd |
17 |
Southwood United Church of Christ-2 |
7904 Raytown Rd |
18 |
Raytown South High-1 |
8211 Sterling Ave |
19 |
Raytown South High-2 |
8211 Sterling Ave |
By Michael Downing, on October 28th, 2012
By Michael Downing, on October 27th, 2012 The Raytown South Cardinals make it to the second round of district playoffs. Next up is Bolivar at Bolivar. This should be a tough game for the Cardinals, but maybe not as tough a game as Fort Osage will be for the Bluejays.
By Michael Downing, on October 26th, 2012

City Administrator’s Report
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator
Finance
ALERT—– Raytown County Satellite Temporarily Closed—– ALERT
Starting October 22 through November 6, the satellite county office in Raytown will be closed while the county updates their software system. You can still take care of your tax needs at the two main offices in Independence and Downtown. If you have any questions please feel free to call – 816-881-3232.
Community Development
The first round of Community Workshops for MARC’s Rock Island Corridor Study was held at Raytown City Hall on Monday, October 22nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Approximately 75 persons from Raytown, Kansas City and Lee’s Summit attended the work shop. The corridor study focuses on the future of the Rock Island corridor and how it can be utilized for bicyclists, pedestrians and possible future transit use in a manner that can benefit downtown Raytown, Knob Town in Kansas City, and the View High Drive / I-470 interchange area in Lee’s Summit. Another community work shop was also held this week focusing on the Rock Island corridor through Greenwood to Pleasant Hill. This corridor has been identified in previous regional studies as the preferred alignment to link the Kansas City metro area with the KATY Trail State Park as well as for possible future transit use. The next community work shop will be held in early 2013 and will build upon the input that was received at the work shop this past Monday. Further information on the study is available at http://www.marc.org/sustainableplaces/corridor-RockIsland.htm.
Human Resources
New Hires for the month of October are Jocelyn Logan (Finance), Tommy Whitaker (Public Works) and Dave Hartman (Public Works).
Public Works
The clock in the downtown pocket park was struck by a vehicle this week and damaged beyond repair. Public Works has contacted the manufacturer and is in the process of ordering a replacement clock. Delivery of the new clock will take from 4 to 6 weeks and may not be in place before the holiday lighting ceremony.
Public Works will be practicing the snow routes next week. There are several employees that are new to public works since the last snow season and this will provide an opportunity to learn the assigned areas. The drivers will be able to identify hazards such as sharp turns, narrow roads and high manhole lids before the first snow fall.
There has been a significant reduction in fuel cost in the recent weeks. The current cost of unleaded fuel is $2.86/gallon and the current cost of diesel fuel is $3.56/gallon. This current reduction in prices brings the cost of fuel at or below the budgeted cost per gallon.
The National Weather Service has just issued an updated prediction for the upcoming winter season. The winter outlook can be found on the home page of the National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov and currently predicts a warmer and drier than average winter for the Kansas City area. Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center stated “This is one of the most challenging outlooks we’ve produced in recent years…” so don’t be surprised if the prediction turns out to be wrong.
Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events
October 30 – Sales Tax Oversight Committee, 5:30 p.m.
By Michael Downing, on October 26th, 2012
Photos Courtesy of Jerome Barnes
By Michael Downing, on October 26th, 2012  The game was never close, with Raytown putting 21 points on the board and holding the Chrisman Bears scoreless until well into the 3rd quarter. Raytown’s Nate Dixon had an exceptional game with 3 touchdowns and 270 yards in 25 carries.
Next for the Bluejays, Fort Osage at Fort Osage on Wednesday, October 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Raytown South will play Pleasant Hill tonight, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Chittwood Stadium. RaytownOnline picks the Cardinals by 12.
By Michael Downing, on October 26th, 2012 Little Blue Elementary raised over $4,000 for the Raytown School District’s annual United Way Campaign. Little Blue started their campaign with a goal of $3,857.88, a 10% increase from last year’s donation of $3,507.10. The students alone raise over $1,900.00.
With their goal in sight, students voted on what they wanted to see happen to Principal Anna McGraw and Administrative Intern, Tara Baker. Sliming their administrators won over taping them to a wall and the ever popular pie in the face.
“Little Blue had a tough goal of raising close to $4000 for United Way,” said Principal Anna McGraw. “I am so proud of students, staff, and families for the excitement and dedication for such a good cause. Being slimed is a small sacrifice to help support families in our community.”
Students from the top donating classes were chosen to do the honors. One student was chosen by his teacher because he brought extra money to school to give to one his classmates who wanted to participate in treat day.
The district is still tabulating the final results of the campaign. The overall goal for the district is $25,280.00 up 10% from last year’s donation of $22,980.
By Michael Downing, on October 25th, 2012 In monthly safety training in the Raytown School District, Building and Grounds employees are learning CPR. The training is being provided by Mike Clemons from the Building and Grounds department, shown here with fellow employee Richard Cusick, demonstrating technique for staff.
By Michael Downing, on October 24th, 2012 The Raytown High School Talking Blue Jays Debate squad attended the Northland Fall Classic at Park Hill and Oak Park High Schools on October 19 and 20.
Top finishers were Claire Robinson who advanced to Supersession of Student Congress, Paige Keeton, 4th in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, and Claire Robinson with Jackson Bonifield, 4th in Policy Debate.
Top Novice finishers for RHS were Zach Kujath with Katelyn McAlister, 2nd in Policy Debate.
 Zach Kujath
 Katelyn McAlister
Bluejays are coached by Mark Harris.
By Michael Downing, on October 24th, 2012 Raytown Police were called to the area of 78 th Street and Irwin in the early morning hours on Wednesday (10-24-2012) to investigate the report of a car prowler. When Police arrived they found a man in his teen’s with a large amount of stolen items that were taken from several vehicles. He was taken into custody and is being held on bail for charges of stealing
By Michael Downing, on October 24th, 2012 Raytown Police were called to the area of 57th terrace and Blue ridge Boulevard in the early evening hours on Tuesday (10-23-2012) to investigate the report of a shooting. When Police arrived they found a man in his early 40’s with a gunshot wound to his arm. He was treated at a local hospital and released a short time later. The man told police he exchanged gun fire with another driver who had been aggressive with him on the road while driving. The shooting is an ongoing investigation and is being investigated by Raytown detectives.
By Michael Downing, on October 23rd, 2012 Raytown and Raytown South High Schools’ football teams will both be in playoff action this week as District play begins.
Raytown High defeated University Academy on October 19 and finished 3rd in their 5A seeding, but were bumped to 4th due to head to head competition with North Kansas City. The Bluejays, 4-5 on the season, will face William Chrisman, 3-6 on the season, on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Chittwood Stadium.
If the Jays advance, they will face Fort Osage at Fort Osage on Wednesday, October 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Raytown South High lost to Platte County on October 19 and finished 3rd in their 4A seeding. The Cardinals, 5-4 on the season, will play Pleasant Hill, 3-6 on the season, on Friday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Chittwood Stadium.
If the Cards advance, they will face Bolivar at Bolivar at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31.
For the first round of District play, District Athletic Passes will be honored. Otherwise, admission price is $5 for adults and $4 for students ($3 for students with student i.d.’s). Seniors 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
For the second round of District play at Fort Osage and Bolivar, and for games beyond that in the playoff bracket, the cost will be $6, and since it is a Missouri State High School Activities sanctioned post-season event, no passes will be accepted. Seniors 65 and over will retain free admission throughout the playoffs.
By Michael Downing, on October 23rd, 2012
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Persons with depression and related mental health conditions. Their families and significant others, as well as care providers may attend. The community and health-care professionals are also welcome.
Empower your life and change your destiny
Achieve a heightened self-awareness
Change old habits
Accept and love who you are.
Andrea Spears-Downing, LPC
Thurs., November 1, 2012; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 9349 E. 65th St., Raytown, MO
Mental Health America of the Heartland is dedicated to promoting the mental health of the community, and improving the lives of persons with mental illness, through advocacy, education and support.
By Michael Downing, on October 22nd, 2012 Absentee voting in person is available through the day before the election.
You MUST have one of the following reasons for voting absentee:
- Absence from your voting jurisdiction on election day
- You are incapacitated due to illness, injury or physical disability or you assist someone with illness, injury or disability
- Religious belief or practice
- Employment by an election authority
Locations to vote absentee in person.
Jackson County if you are not a resident of Kansas City Missouri
Office Hours for Absentee Voting
Monday – Friday, through Monday, November 5: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Absentee Voting Office – 208 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050
Kansas City Missouri Voters
Absentee Satellites-November 6, 2012 General Election
Five absentee satellite polls will open October 15-November 5 at the following locations:
Brush Creek Community Center
3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64130
Hillcrest Community Center
10401 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO 64134
Wornall Road Baptist Church
400 W. Meyer Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64113
North-East Library
6000 Wilson Road
Kansas City, MO 64123
Center High School
8715 Holmes Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
Hours of operation will be:
Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11/3, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Election Board Office Only; other locations will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Mail-in Absentee Voting Deadlines for the 2012 Presidential Election Cycle
DEADLINES General Election
November 6, 2012
Registration October 10, 2012
Ballot Request October 31, 2012
Ballot Return 7 p.m., November 6, 2012
In-Person Absentee Voting Deadlines for the 2012 Presidential Election Cycle
DEADLINES General Election
November 6, 2012
Registration October 10, 2012
Ballot Request October 31, 2012
Voting Ends 5 p.m., November 5, 2012
By Michael Downing, on October 22nd, 2012  Youth tennis lessons start November 8 th for the Thursday evening class 6-7pm, and November 10th, for the Saturday morning class 8-9am. The classes will run for five weeks and cost $45. All participants must bring a can of balls, a few loaner rackets are available. Lessons will be at Hilltop Racquet Club at 6600 E 87 thSt.
The Adult fall tennis classes will run on Monday nights for six weeks, starting November 5th, also at Hilltop Racquet Club, and cost $54 for the session.
Register for the classes at the Raytown Parks office, 5912 Lane Ave, or call for more information about the Raytown tennis program at 358-4100.
By Michael Downing, on October 22nd, 2012
By Michael Downing, on October 22nd, 2012
By Michael Downing, on October 21st, 2012
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