The New Man Running In The Raytown School Board Election
At first glance, the long beard of Thomas Estlund may make you take a second glance. But after just a few words, you find that the man behind this beard is a fatherly-figure, wise beyond his years. Thomas Estlund is running for his first term on the Board of Education for Raytown Schools. Estlund and wife, Bibi, have chosen to make Raytown their permanent home. They have 4 small children that will attend Raytown Schools, so Estlund has a vested interest in improving the educational experience of all Raytown students.
Estlund has been an upper elementary school teacher in the Greater Kansas City area since graduating from Truman State University in Kirksville with a Bachelors in English, and his Master’s in Education. Estlund’s experience in education includes being named Team Leader and Mentor Teacher, as well as speaking at state and national conferences.
Prior to his current position as a 4th grade teacher at Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology in Kansas City, Estlund taught 5th grade for three years and 1st grade for a year in Raytown. In addition he taught in Kirksville for five years after graduation. Corina Mann, parent of one of Estlund’s Raytown students said, “I found Mr. Estlund to be exciting and engaging. He enjoys opening young minds to new experiences and encourages students to explore and question the world around them.”
New experiences that could be explored if Estlund is elected include a stronger sense of community. Estlund plans to propose activities such as opening the gym for community use for an evening. Another is allowing area residents to make use of the computer labs in our schools. Estlund states, “The unfortunate consequence of streamlining processes within the social services of our government, is that those without computer access are left without the ability to communicate with those that can assist them. Computers that are unused more than half of our typical daylight hours should open previously untapped opportunities to those that pay the taxes to provide them.”
Estlund’s first priority in office would be digging into district requirements regarding preparation for tests. He would like to evaluate and then limit the amount of time dedicated to mandatory assessment preparation. His experience in the classroom has taught him that a teacher who can focus time on building relationships with students and invests in instruction has the most success engaging the students.
The differences in the population of Raytown demand that teachers be culturally responsive in order to address the needs of each student on an individual basis. Estlund is a lifelong learner and believes that teachers who lack cultural skills should be provided with the training needed to become the best teacher they can be.
Estlund fears that, “In our nation, as a whole, schools are becoming places where students are stifled, creativity is limited and there is no time for students to try things out with the freedom to be unsuccessful their first time.” Thomas Edison is well known for believing that failure is a necessary part of learning, although he may not be the author of the following quote on the subject, it still rings true. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Estlund is certain that childhood is the time to learn lessons like these that shape who an individual becomes.
Mann also has this to say about Estlund’s run at the school board election, “He has a unique way of addressing an issue so that it can be viewed from multiple positions which encourages thoughtful discussion. As a teacher, Mr. Estlund has experienced firsthand the successes and challenges of our school district and I believe that he will use the knowledge gained from those experiences to bridge the gap between the classroom and the board room.”
The quintessential educator, Estlund is known for using Facebook to assign essays to his friends. He feels that “the district should also be using the very latest in technology and social media to communicate with Raytown.” You can check into Estlund’s Facebook page, Estlund for Raytown School Board, to learn more about him and his plans for the Raytown School District.
Mrs. Clarica Tulli, Westridge Elementary is the Raytown Schools District Teacher of the Year.
Seventeen teachers were recently honored by the Raytown School District as Building Teachers of the Year. Front row from left to right, Peggy Caton, New Trails; Cecilia Lopz, Southwood; Rachel Hufferd, Laurel Hills; Kelly Schoolcraft, Norfleet; District Teacher of the Year, Clarica Tulli, Westridge; Heather Reardon, Raytown South Middle; Angelique Hanning, Little Blue; Candance Lindley, Spring Valley; and Michelle Gowans, Eastwood. Back row, left to right, Marie Tracy, Northwood; Geri Ricciardi, Raytown Middle; Blaine Lewis, Raytown High School; Hilary Roark, Robinson; Brent Martin, Raytown South High; Geno Ostermeier, Raytown Central Middle; Tina Loman, Blue Ridge; and Kim Nelson Fleetridge.
The Raytown School District is pleased to announce Clarica Tulli as the 2015-2016 District Teacher of the Year. Tulli teaches Kindergarten at Westridge Elementary.
Tulli earned her teaching credentials from Graceland University and has taught for four years in Raytown.
Tulli is a Teacher Leader in her building, a Mentor Teacher for new staff, and curriculum writer for the district. Westridge principal Suzanne Brennaman calls her a “Reflective instructor” who is outstanding at collaborating with colleagues.
Dr. Sandra K. Hamar, Tulli’s college professor said, “Teaching is truly Clarica’s calling in life, and she fulfills it masterfully.” Tulli will be a featured speaker at the District’s annual Convocation in August and will represent Raytown as a candidate for Missouri Teacher of the Year.
Other building candidates were Peggy Caton, New Trails Early Learning Center; Michelle Gowans, Eastwood Hills; Angelique Hanning, Little Blue; Rachel Hufferd, Laurel Hills; Blaine Lewis, Raytown High; Candance Lindley, Spring Valley; Tina Loman, Blue Ridge; Cecilia Lopez, Southwood; Brent Martin, Raytown South High; Kimberlee Nelson, Fleetridge; Geno Ostermeier, Raytown Central Middle; Heather Reardon, Raytown South Middle; Geri Ricciardi, Raytown Middle; Hillary Roark, Robinson; Kelly Schoolcraft, Norfleet; and Marie Tracy, Northwood School.
Having made the decision not to run again for Raytown Alderman of Ward 3, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the support I have received the past 16 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed and been honored to represent the residents of Ward 3 and the City of Raytown. I have learned so much from Raytown residents and City staff on some many issues and topics and appreciate the time taken to answers all of my questions. I sincerely appreciate all those who have contacted me over the years with their gratitude or issues that needed resolve.
My hope when I started my first term in 1999 was to make a difference. It was with that determination that I made sure that I read every piece of information that came before me, prepared for each meeting with my highlighters, sticky notes and asked the questions that would get to the core of the issue and thus having the information available for me to make for the best decision for our community.
In this upcoming election, I would like to express my support for Ryan Myers who is running for Ward 3 Alderman as he grew up in Raytown and returned as a young professional to make Raytown his home. His expertise in economics and real estate will be a welcomed addition to the Board of Aldermen and his enthusiasm contagious.
I also support Pat Ertz and his bid for Raytown Mayor. Pat has not only the expertise but also the leadership and experience which will benefit our city in the coming months and assist to continue the progress in the opportunities that are coming our way. I have seen Pat’s dedication on the Board of Aldermen since 2007 and in many organizations such as the Raytown Chamber of Commerce and Raytown Summer Lunch Ministry Board. Pat is a very devoted and involved member of our community.
Lastly, I was honored to be elected to serve on the Raytown Charter Commission, as I wanted to make sure the commission followed the rules and maintained a reasonable budget. After 10 months of work, I could not sign my name to the final document as I felt that it did not ‘mirror’ the current city government and will cause extensive expenses if passed. It is not the clear, concise document I hoped would be finalized. I would ask all the voters to read it very carefully as confusion will be prevalent in any attempt to put it in reality.
The City of Raytown has certainly changed over the past 16 years and I sincerely appreciated the opportunity I had to serve as a representative for our great community.
I have trust in the voters of Raytown and know they will make the right decision so that we can continue the progress that has been made and continue forth in the great opportunities we have on the horizon.
The Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor with the League of Women Voters of Kansas City/Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties, a Mayoral Candidate Forum and a Raytown Alderman Candidate Meet and Greet.
The Forum and Meet and Greet will be held at Raytown City Hall in the Council Chambers on March 31, 2015 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
The Mayoral Candidate Forum will be first on the agenda running from 6:30 to 7:15 pm. Each Mayoral Candidate will answer questions submitted in writing from the audience and will also give a closing statement
In the Meet and Greet, each alderman candidate will have five minutes to introduce him or herself and then answer this question: What would you like to achieve in a 4 year term as an Alderman for the City of Raytown? Candidates will be called up by ward and placement on the ballot. Following the presentations, the audience is invited to meet the candidates individually.
The forum is free and open to the public. We encourage you to attend and take this opportunity to become an educated voter.
Questions? Contact Vicki Turnbow, Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce at 816-353-8500.
Social Studies Teacher at Raytown High School for 30 Years
Head District Boys Swimming Coach for Raytown Schools
16 Years as an Alderman for the City of Raytown
Jim has been at the center of the Board of Alderman during a time when the Board ended a long period of fighting and ineffective policies. During the past eight years the old First Baptist Church was town down, and we have seen remarkable economic redevelopment in downtown and 350 Highway. Bridges have been rebuilt, snow removal has become excellent, and the law suits that we experienced during the previous administrations disappeared.
Represents continuity on the Board if a huge change takes place on April 7.
He has worked hard to revitalize the City of Raytown by launching an, effort to bring a new brewery to Raytown, and established a committee to build a community center.
Jim focuses hard on meeting the needs of his constituents in Ward 2. While many of the Alderman have put business interest first, Jim stays in touch with citizens. He knows the people want a nice restraint, a lower crime rate, a smoke free environment in public establishments, and a new community center. His leadership can make those things possible.
Recently Police Chief Lynch submitted a letter to RaytownOnline.com. It met our standards and was published. In some ways it was cryptic, as it was in response to an article in the Raytown Times, that was not published on RaytownOnline.com. The Raytown Times has given permission to reprint their piece on the matter of the Raytown Police Pension Fund.
Raytown is indebted to the Police Pension Fund to the tune of $7.5 million and it could be 20 to 30 years, or more, before that debt is retired, depending on market fluctuations.
A third party hired by the Police Pension Board indicated the fund would have to show a 20 percent return annually to be fully funded, leading city officials to believe that the fund could no longer be sustained. Police Chief Jim Lynch disagreed with that assumption, holding that stock market gains would grow assets and require less contribution from the city.
In January 2014 the Board of Aldermen moved all current sworn officers of the police department into the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) with other city employees. Officers who were vested with at least 10 years of service at the time of the change will continue to draw part of their pensions from the Police Pension Fund and part from LAGERS. The change will have no affect on retired officers, or widows, already drawing pensions.
The Police Pension Fund has been in existence since 1966. The city’s contribution to the fund grew through the years and remained 100 percent funded until 2000. The unfunded liability grew from about $74,000 in 2000 to more than 3.3 million in 2005. It ballooned to $7.5 million by 2014. In that six-year period, 2000-2005, the city ‘s contribution to the fund rose from $110,000 annually, or 6.7 percent of payroll, to nearly $420,000, or 17.8 percent of payroll. By December 2010 the city’s contribution to the pension fund grew to $747,643, or 25.1 percent of payroll, and city officials became worried about its sustainability.
Police officers contributed 3 percent of their pay to the pension fund up until 1999. The Board of Aldermen ended the practice that year, prompted by new rules from the Internal Revenue Service that prevented pension funds from piling up surpluses.
In 2004, a study showed that Raytown police salaries were the lowest of all surrounding departments and a 5.5 percent salary adjustment was enacted. For the next six years the salaries were raised annually by 5.5 percent, thus annually increasing the city’s contribution to police pensions. Those increases put the department into a competitive position among suburban departments.
There is discrepancy in how those raises were enacted, however. Lynch maintains the pay plan was approved by the Board of Aldermen in 2004. Approval by the city could not be found in city records.
The stock market collapse in 2008 immediately reduced the pension fund assets by $1.5 million, thus increasing the city’s contributions even more. Facing a budget bind, the city froze all city employee salaries in 2009, bringing an end to the annual 5.5 percent increases for police. All employees received a 3 percent increase in November 20 14, the first since the recession hit.
Normal retirement for police officers is 55 years of age with 20 years of service. The police department provided the Times a spread sheet showing a range of retiree pensions and the percentages of their pay at the time of retirement. Pension amounts range from $14,376 annually (22 percent of final compensation) to $79,800 (112 percent of final compensation). The lowest was a patrolman who retired early at the age of 46; the highest was a sergeant who worked nine years beyond his retirement age of 55. Pension benefits grow substantially when officers work over 20 years and past the age of 55.
In summary, city leaders felt strongly that the Police Pension Fund could not be sustained while police officials believed it could with improving market conditions. The two sides finally agreed to move police officers to the LAGERS plan, but philosophical differences between the two remain. It is important to realize that during the period from 2000 to 2014, the political landscape changed with new administrators and new elected leaders. All were factors in creating “The Perfect Storm” of controversy over the Police Pension Fund.
Two men connected by Johnson County, Kan., police to an armed robbery and murder of a gun shop owner there earlier this year have now been charged in connection with two Raytown robberies and an assault, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.
Londro Patterson III, 20, of New Century, KS, faces Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.*
In addition, Hakeem Malik, 18, of New Century, KS, faces Robbery 1st Degree.*
According to court records, Patterson’s charges relate to the robbery and assault of a store employee at the Whiskey Barrel liquor store on Raytown Road in January. During that robbery, one employee was shot. Malik’s charges relate to the robbery in late December 2014 of the Kwik Auto Finance business on Blue Ridge Blvd in Raytown.
Both defendants remain in custody in Johnson County, Kan.
Raytown Police are asking the public’s help in identifying a man that stole a car at a gas station in the 8700 block of East 63 Street, Friday morning, 03-20-15. The man was seen entering and driving away in the vehicle, a gray 2008 Nissan Maxima, which was parked in front of the store. The theft happened at about 7:34 AM, while there were several customers in and around the store. The car has not been located.
The man was wearing a black Carhartt-style jacket, yellow shirt, yellow gloves, and a black backpack.
Images of the thief were obtained and released by the police in an effort to identify the man.
Anyone with information about the man, or this crime, is asked to call the TIPS Hotline, at (816) 474-TIPS (8477).
Raytown South High boys’ basketball team beat Grandview 69 to 68 to win the Class 4 District 14 Championship. The game was played at Grain Valley High School on Friday March 6, 2015, where #34 Tyrone Gibbs senior led the team with 47 Points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks. He hit the game winning free throw and was named player of the game. They advanced to the Class 4 Sectional where they were beat by Bolivar High School in the first round. Raytown South finished the season with 17 wins and 11 losses.
Raytown High School was the Suburban Mid-Seven 2014-2015 Conference Champions but lost to Lee Summit High School in the Class 5 District 14 Championship Game. Raytown finished the season with 19 wins and 9 losses.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Board meeting was less than calm on Monday night. Steve Guenther and Jason Greene attended the meeting to discuss the proposed Charter for Raytown. Parks Board members were not happy to find out that under the proposed Charter, they would no longer have the same control over hiring, salaries, and facilities use. Judge Michael Hannah is reported to have ask Jason Greene, what did we ever do to make them write a charter like this. Alderman Greene did not or was not able to answer that question.
From Alderman Aziere who was at the meeting…
I attended the Raytown Park Board Meeting last night because they had questions about the proposed charter and the section on the Park Department. They did not understand why the Park Board had not been personally invited to the meetings when changes in the Park Department were being discussed.
Discussions involving the Park Department requires that the Board of Alderman inform the Park Director. The Charter Commission did not do that.
Jason Green wrote the section on the Park Department. He was questioned why the Park Department was not informed or invited. literally, every member of the Park Board were angered when they were told that it was their job to follow the proceedings of the Commission.
The provision allowing the Alderman to override Park Board Decisions incited more anger. They did not understand what the Park Board had done so badly to cause the commissioners to strip them of their power to run the Park and Recreation Department.
There are two provisions in the Charter outside the section on Park Department that seal control of that department under the power of the Board of Alderman. I am planning to explain that to the Board of Alderman tonight early in the evening.
My name is Ryan Myers, and I am running for Ward 3 Alderman. I have been a part of the Raytown community for 26 years and I am a third-generation graduate of Raytown High School.
Raytown is a great community with great schools that make it a wonderful place to live. I graduated in 2007 from Raytown High School, and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Kansas State University. I currently work at Shaner Appraisals, a local commercial real estate appraising firm, in which I consult and value commercial real estate. I would like to use my professional background to help revitalize parts of Ward 3, along with the entirety of Raytown. I look forward to implementing a plan for new infrastructure coupled with rejuvenation of existing infrastructure systems within the community.
The average age of Ward 3 voters is 64. Family and community are big parts of my life, and I would like to focus on helping older adults in Raytown by providing transportation and activities for those who may not have any family in the area. I have been blessed to have a very close family that supports me. My grandparents, Paul and Naomi Houk and Robert and Dorotha Myers, have lived six houses apart since the early 1960s in Raytown. Given the aging Raytown population, I believe that the support of our older adults should be coupled with positioning the city to appeal to young professionals and young families to facilitate redevelopment within the community.
I would appreciate your support on April 7th to serve the community of Raytown. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the Raytown community, or if you would like to know more about myself, feel free to contact me at Ryan.Myers816@gmail.com , or at (816) 215-8847. Thank you in advance for your support, as together we can look forward to a brighter future for Raytown.
The Raytown High School Robotics Team’s robot and tool were stolen from a van parked in the driveway of one of the team’s coaches in Independence on the morning of Monday, March 9th, 2015. A computer and toolbox were also stolen from the van. Thieves gained access by breaking out the back window.
The Raytown Democratic Association for Feb. 2015 featured a variety of Candidates for local office.
In the order they appeared.
Thomas Granger Estlund – School Baord
Mary Jane Van Buskirk – Alderman Ward 4
Steve Meyers – Alderman Ward 4
Ryan Myers – Alderman Ward 3
Eric Teeman – Alderman Ward 5
Greg Walters – Alderman Ward 1
Michael McDonough – Mayor
The Raytown School District is proud to announce building-level Teachers of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. The selected teachers were chosen by their peers and have the opportunity to interview for Raytown School District Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at the annual breakfast held on Friday, March 27 where each teacher will be recognized by their principal, peers, and District administration.
Building representatives are as follows: Tina Loman, Blue Ridge Elementary; Michelle Gowans, Eastwood Hills Elementary; Kimberlee Nelson, Fleetridge Elementary; Rachel Hufferd, Laurel Hills Elementary; Angelique Hanning, Little Blue Elementary; Peggy Caton, New Trails Early Learning Center; Kelly Schoolcraft, Norfleet Elementary; Marie Tracy, Northwood School; Geno Ostermeier, Raytown Central Middle School; Blaine Lewis, Raytown High School; Jeri Ricciardi, Raytown Middle School; Brent Martin, Raytown South High School; Heather Reardon, Raytown South Middle School; Hilary Roark, Robinson Elementary; Cecilia Lopez, Southwood Elementary; Candance Lindley, Spring Valley Elementary; and Clarica Tulli, Westridge Elementary.
Stephen H. Mayhew, 41, Kansas City, MO passed away unexpectedly Feb. 27, 2015. A memorial service will begin at 1 pm, Sat., March 7 at the First United Methodist Church of Independence, 400 West Maple Avenue, Independence, MO 64050 followed by a Celebration of Life Party in the Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions made out to: Stephen Mayhew Memorial. Please mail to CACU, 1800 S. Outer Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015 Attn: Joanne Slone. Stephen was born Dec. 6, 1973 in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Raytown High School in the Class of 1992. He was very active in school with Drama, Theater, Cross Country, Track, Boys State, Honors Society and Key Club. He worked many years for Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions. He had a passion for cooking and entertaining, but most all he loved his daughter Makayla. As an Eagle Scout, he was a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and his name was “Brother of Mighty Swift-Flying Bald Eagle.” Stephen was an organ donor which gave many others a second chance to live. He is survived by his daughter Makayla Mayhew; his parents Roger and Claretta Mayhew; brother Rick Mayhew and wife Dawne, all of Kansas City, MO; grandmother Zetta Tannahill; aunt Sue Snow, both of Independence, MO; uncle Allan Tannahill and wife Brenda, Normal, IL and many other family members. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com
Raytown Chief of Police Jim Lynch has announced many successful events and achievements accomplished by the Raytown Police Department, and Department members, over the course of 2014.
During the year 2014, the Raytown Police Department continued in its efforts to enhance its service to the residents of Raytown. Events, programs, and initiatives were held to enhance communication and cooperation with our residents.
Early in 2014, Sergeant Michelle Rogers was promoted to the rank of Captain, making her the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Captain in the Department’s history. Captain Rogers has 25 years of law enforcement experience.
The Raytown Police activated the H.E.A.R. Program in March of 2014, in response to the extremely cold temperature. H.E.A.R. is the Health Emergency Assistance Registry, with the purpose of providing assistance to at-risk residents, who are registered in the program, during times of weather emergencies (including extreme temperatures, hot or cold, and storms.) The service is free to qualifying Raytown residents, which could include the disabled, elderly and frail, or those relying on a health device powered by electricity.
On the night of April 11th, 2014, the Raytown Police Department hosted a virtual ride along, or “tweet-along,” on its Twitter account, @RaytownPD. Viewers “patrolled” with one of Raytown Police’s “Night Squads.” Tweet-alongs offer an opportunity for everyone to get a glimpse into police work. Tweet-alongs are convenient alternatives for those that are unable, or do not wish, to actually ride with an officer.
Twice in 2014, the Police Department hosted Drug Take Back Days, which helped prevent pill abuse and theft by collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for proper disposal.
In April, the Raytown Police Department presented information about Financial Scams and Fraud, and how residents can better identify it. The presentation was given by Cpl. Mike Boessen, a former financial crimes investigator. The free presentation helpedattendees recognize and understand financial scams, how they work, and what people should do if they believe that they have been the victim of a financial scam.
The presentation was held at the Raytown Mid-Continent Public Library.
On May 23rd, 2014, Raytown Police Officers participated in the 2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics. The 7.20 mile route began at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50, 10032 E. 63 Street, Raytown, and ended at the Kansas City Police Department South Patrol Campus, 9701 Marion Park Drive, Kansas City, Missouri. Over the last 30 years, Missouri Law Enforcement agencies have participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which supports Special Olympics Missouri.
On June 3rd, 2014, 20 people graduated from the Raytown Community Emergency Response Team training, and joined others to form a CERT Team in Raytown. The CERT Program teaches volunteer citizens disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the area in which they live. The training includes basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
The Raytown Police Department hosted a National Night Out event in the summer of 2014. The event generated support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts, as well as strengthened neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The evening was dedicated to crime prevention and awareness within the community. Theevent allow the public to get an up-close and personal look at Police Cars, Fire Trucks, Ambulances, and Public Works trucks. The event was held at Kenagy Park.
Raytown Police Sergeant Gilbert Anderson completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Crisis Negotiation Course, held at the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia, on September 19th, 2014. The two week, intensive, course, which included hostage, kidnapping, barricade and suicide situations, was presented by the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit. Sgt. Anderson was one of only two domestic officers invited to attend the specialized training, along with international officers and FBI Agents.
Raytown Police Sergeant Michael McDonough, now retired, and a Raytown resident, was the recipient of a 2014 Truman Heartland Community Foundation Outstanding Citizen Award at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Toast To Our Towns Gala on September 6th, 2014, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Outstanding Citizen Award honored area citizens in our communities who, thanks to their service and charitable support, have made significant contributions to the places where we live and work.
Raytown Police Sergeant Michael McDonough (retired) and Detective Shawn Didde were recognized in November of 2014 at the 8th annual “Heroes for Heartland” Law Enforcement banquet, hosted by the Heartland Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, MADD. Det. Didde was recognized for his Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) enforcement work in 2013. While serving in the Uniformed Patrol Division in 2013, as a Patrol Officer, he made over 30 DWI arrests, making the roadways safer for the citizens of Raytown. Sgt. McDonough was recognized for his DWI enforcement work during his 39-year long career serving the citizens of Raytown. Sgt. McDonough served as a Sergeant of the Traffic Unit, and coordinated various traffic-safety initiatives, including sobriety checkpoints, hazardous and aggressive driving grants, and traffic-related training for his fellow officers.
The Raytown Police Department announced the launch of its new website, http://www.raytownpolice.org, in November of 2014. The new website is used to enhance communication, and create partnerships, with the citizens and businesses of Raytown. The website provides information for police and public partnering opportunities, including Citizen Police Academies and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Career and volunteer opportunities will also be posted as they become available. The website was the result of work by a small group of Department members from different divisions and units of the Department. That small group had a vision to provide a means to quickly and easily exchange important information with Raytown citizens, then turned that vision into a website aimed at improved service. They saved Raytown taxpayers money by developing and building the website themselves, and tailoring it to fit the goals of the Department and to serve its citizens.
The Raytown Police Department is committed to providing and maintaining a safe community by developing strong community partnerships and serving with professionalism, trust, and integrity, in 2015 and beyond.
The Raytown School District is proud to announce building-level Teachers of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. The selected teachers were chosen by their peers and have the opportunity to interview for Raytown School District Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at the annual breakfast held on Friday, March 27 where each teacher will be recognized by their principal, peers, and District administration.
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