Grab your coat and cocoa!
The Queen City of the Trails is seen extensively throughout the movie. Several re-screenings are scheduled on the Hallmark Channel.
When to Watch Holiday Touchdown
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5 pm
Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5 pm
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 9 am
Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11 pm
Saturday, Jan. 18 at 11 pm
For more details, head over to the Holiday Touchdown page on the Hallmark Channel website.
Historic Independence Square Gets a Refresh
On Monday night, the Independence City Council approved the Independence Square Master Redevelopment plan Speaking of the Historic Independence Square: the above rendering is of the Square's Streetscape Project - which has been in the works for four years
The Square Streetscape project includes sidewalk and lighting improvements, landscaping, and bicycle and pedestrian amenities The first part of the project is expected to start early next year Businesses and citizens will be notified prior to the project's start date, which is heavily weatherdependent
IRIS comes to Independence
Beginning Jan. 1, Independence will implement the IRIS rideshare program to replace most fixed bus route lines in the city.
It will keep the 24 Route into Kansas City and RideKC Freedom paratransit.
More details can be found here: Frequently Asked Questions How to Use IRIS in Independence
Check your pipes!
The City of Independence continues to provide high-quality, award-winning drinking water. But we need your help to meet new regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
You may have received a letter from us about identifying the pipe material of your water service line; that's because we don't know what kind of pipes are in your house Under the updated EPA Lead and Copper Rule, water utilities across the nation must identify and document the materials used in water service lines to help protect against potential lead exposure
Although we have NO lead pipes in our water system (from the main to the meter), we don't know the material of some customer-owned service lines (from the meter to the home) To meet these new standards, we’re asking customers whose service lines are marked “Unknown, Possibly Lead” or “Galvanized Requiring Replacement” to perform a quick check on their line material.
Check your letter for instructions on how to inspect your water service line. Report your findings by visiting the link below.
For more details and resources, visit independencemo.gov/lead-and-copper-rule or call us at 816325-7664
Two Bridges Out on Kentucky Road
Drivers, be aware! Two bridges are out due to safety concerns on Kentucky Road. The one at Rock Creek has been closed for years. The one near Courtney Road closed the week before Thanksgiving for structural concerns.
There is a suggested detour for the most recent closure: take either Liberty or Dickinson Road down to US Highway 24
Crews are working to assess the damage to the bridge near Courtney Road The City Council has allocated money for that project to ensure the safety of motorists and our community Updates to come
Billboards by Fort Osage students go up around Independence
The Independence Health Department used grant money to purchase three billboards around the city. Fort Connect students created messages warning of drug overdose dangers.
The billboards can be seen near 291 and 24 Highway, 24 Highway and Sterling, and by Cable Dahmer Arena off I-70
Two of the students who created the billboards spoke with Fox4
New ER under Construction
Have you noticed the work at 23rd and Lee's Summit Road? It's for a new stand-alone ER for HCA, and will include 3 beds, a walk-in area for the public, and an ambulance bay for transporting patients in and out This will primarily be used to stabilize patients, then transport to hospitals
Construction should wrap up in Summer 2025.
Snow Plow Tracker
Did you enjoy last weekend's 3-5 inches of "a light dusting of snow"? Our snow plow drivers were out in it.
Find out when a plow has gone through your neighborhood with our Snow Plow Tracker, found here on the City website.
City Offices Moving to Jackson Dr.
Remember, most City Government offices will consolidate and move to 20201 Jackson Drive this spring. This is the former Landmark building (or GEHA building) near 70 and Little Blue Parkway.
This move increases efficiency for both the city and its residents: pay your utility bills, obtain permits, and secure food handler’s licenses in one location.
Tell Us How You Really Feel
How should the City of Independence spend our dollars?
We want to know what's important to you when it comes to City spending
Give an animal a Fur-ever home - at a discounted rate!
Through December 15, most adult dogs and puppies will be $50 to adopt, cats will be $25, and kittens will be $125 to adopt
If you are interested in adopting, please view all available animals (updated daily!) and make an appointment by calling 816-325-7207 (ext 2) Some will be at the Square during Living Windows!
Microchip your pet, and keep the contact information up to date. If your pet is not already microchipped, call 816-325-7207 to schedule a $15 microchip appointment.
The shelter also has resources for pet owners, including a pet food pantry. More information can be found on the City website here..
Lights are Shining Bright on the Square
In other festive local news, the Independence Square hosted its annual lighting ceremony last week Citizens gathered to watch performances from carolers, dancers, and musicians before Santa and Missus Claus took the stage and pulled the lever, officially kicking off the holiday season in the historic shopping district
Nutcrackers on display at George Owens Nature Center
Almost 700 people came to the 21st Annual Winter Solstice Torch Lit Hike at George Owens Nature Park Wednesday It was wonderful (though it got cold fast)!
Thank you to all the families and organizations that decorated nutcrackers this year - and for Mr Dealy’s Fort Osage Shop Class for cutting out all the nutcrackers for families and groups to decorate! Proceeds from the purchase of a nutcracker went directly to Habitat for Humanity, benefitting our community during the holiday season
While the Torch Lit Hike is over, the nutcrackers will be on display during regular park hours until Jan 31, 2025
Don't forget to visit Whoville, err City Hall, during Friday night's Living Windows! Our very own holiday wax museum, but with real people!
December 6th from 6 - 8PM on the Independence Square
Do you hear what I hear?
It's the 37th Annual Mayor's Christmas Concert!
Join Mayor Rory Rowland for an afternoon of holiday music, performed by local student choirs and the Spirit of Independence Band. Donations benefit Community Services League.
Sunday December 8th at 2:30 PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM. Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut St.
General Admission seating is FREE!
Don't be an isolated pawn; come queen out with some (check)mates at Pick-Up Chess! [pauseforchessjoke-relatedlaughter]
Players of all levels are welcome to participate at George Owens Nature Park every Thursday from 2:30-4:30 PM This month's Saturday Session will be on December 14th from 1- 4 PM
January's sessions will also be Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 PM. The Saturday Session will be on January 4th from 1-4 PM.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
The Independence City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month and has work sessions the second (and sometimes fourth) Monday of the month. All meetings are in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. More information on City Council can be found on the City website here.
Agendas are posted on the city's website. Meetings are streamed on the city's YouTube Channel and on City7 for Comcast cable subscribers.
District 2 Council Member Brice Stewart
District 3 Council Member Heather Wiley
City Council Member-At-Large Jared Fears
Mayor Rory Rowland
District 1 Council Member John Perkins
City Council Member-At-Large Bridget McCandless
District 4 Council Member Jennie Vaught
Please note: most City offices will be closed Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25th, in observance of Christmas.
Enjoy the holidays!
For more information, please contact communications@indepmo org
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