Free complimentary copy August 21, 2015 • Volume 2, No. 43
www.raytowneagle.com • 75¢
Local business’ remodeled facade celebrates Raytown’s history Raytown was a gateway to the west via the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.
A train stopping at the former Raytown train depot that once sat below the wooden Raytown Road Bridge on the Rock Island Corridor.
Photo by Diane Krizek The newly remodeled façade of the Sue Frank State Farm building. By Diane Krizek Sue Frank, owner of State Farm in Raytown, is celebrating Raytown’s history with metal art work and a colorful awning on the front of her newly remodeled office building at 10014 E. 63rd St. in downtown.
“I wanted to create a building with a traditional downtown feel and include something that celebrates our community’s history,” said Frank. The sculptured metal panels chronical history from left to right. The first panel illustrates a Native
American watching the approach of wagon trains heading west and the words Santa Fe, Oregon and California indicate the trails by which the pioneers traveled. Missouri River Outfitters Chapter (MRO) of the Santa Fe Trail
Remodel continued on page 3
Ong Airport in Richards Field now Gregory Heights was the first municipal airport in the Kansas City metro area.
A hood ornament that once advertised State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance in the 40’s prior to the advent of bumper stickers. Metal sculpture photos by Sue Frank
Hospice patient receives personalized artwork Aaron Murphy, a resident of Hidden Lake Care Center in Raytown and a Crossroads Hospice patient, recently met renowned comic book artist Neal Adams at the Kansas City Comic Con. Adams presented 36-year-old Murphy, a lifelong comic book lover and comics artist, with an original piece of art he drew of Murphy with the Green Lantern, his favorite superhero. Crossroads Hospice arranged the meeting and drawing through its Gift of a Day program, which asks patients what their perfect day would be and then staff and volunteers work to make it a reality.
Photos courtesy of Crossroads Hospice Aaron Murphy, left, with Neal Adams at the Kansas City Comic Con.
Aaron Murphy, a resident of Hidden Lake Care Center in Raytown, is depicted (right) next to his favorite superhero the Green Lantern. Murphy was given the drawing by Neal Adams, renowned comic book artists, at Kansas City Comic Con.
City hears green space development proposal By Kris Collins The Raytown Board of Aldermen heard a proposal from nonprofit Shepherd’s Center of Raytown and Yarco Company, Inc., a Kansas City-based development company, Tuesday evening at a board meeting for the development of a 108-unit, 55-and-older residential structure on the green space in downtown Raytown. Kristina Peters, executive director or Shepherd’s Center of Raytown, and Michael Grube, director of development for Yarco Company, told the board they would also like to include in the project some commercial space and office space for Shepherd’s Center. The proposed project development costs is an estimated $18 to $20 million. “What we’re trying to do is provide quality, affordable housing for seniors in Raytown,” Grube said. “We know from looking at simple market data folks are leaving to find senior housing in other cities, so I think there’s a good demand for affordable senior housing.”
Grube said the site was chosen because the area is flat and walkable and it’s close to business destinations within walking distance. The project was proposed in two different phases and, because not all of the land was needed for the residential structure, a park space was also proposed on the north side of the property adjacent to 62nd Street. The board overall was not receptive to the vision Peters and Grube have for the green space. Alderwoman Janet Emerson expressed reservations about transferring the deed to the property at no financial gain to the city, as proposed by the project developers. Alderman Bill VanBuskirk shared a similar view, noting the purpose of purchasing the property was to give the city a developable asset that could expand the city’s tax revenue base. The general consensus among the board was that the project was not right for the property. The proposal was strictly a discussion item and no official votes or decisions were made on the project.
Mayoral Bid Page 3
New officer
Adam Koepke The Raytown Police Department welcomed a new officer in late June, but the officer, Adam Koepke, took his oath at the Raytown Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday and was welcomed by the board and city staff. “From what I understand, you’ve had a few exciting nights out there so far,” Police Chief Jim Lynch said at the meeting. “From what I hear he’s doing a great job.” Koepke, 20, is a Truman High School Graduate and he worked in construction before taking an interest in law enforcement. He graduated the police academy in April and began work with the police department June 29. His first patrol was July 1.
Healthy Meals Page 7
Raytown Sports Page 8