Raytown-Brooking Eagle, October 18, 2013

Spooky Halloween Page 7

Walk to school Page 8

Send in the clowns Page 8

Free complimentary copy October 18, 2013 • Volume 1, No. 2

www.raytowneagle.com • 75¢

Cross-town Rivalry Ends In Cardinal Victory

Raytown EMS/Fire Merger Off the Table

By Diane Krizek

Photo by Jordan Murray of Raytown High School

Raytown South Cardinals overcame the Raytown Blue Jays in a 13-6 victory at Ted Chittwood Stadium on Friday, October 11, 2013 in

front of a huge crowd.

The Cardinals took an early lead with 7-0 in the first quarter but the Blue Jays came back in the last minute of the quarter

when Eric Sylvan, #7, maneuvered a 33-yard touchdown. Midway into the fourth quarter, Cardinal quarterback Deallon Walton, #19, pushed

the 7-6 spread to score another touchdown.

The Cardinals did not make the extra point allowing the Blue Jays another chance to win but an interception by

the Cardinals ended the game in a 13-6 victory for Raytown South.

Continued on page 2

Alderman Charlotte Melson announced at the Board of Alderman meeting on Tuesday, October 15, that the EMS/Merger Discussion Committee had “decided that the proposed EMS/ Fire merger is not advantageous to the City of the Raytown and its citizens at this time.” That same evening, Melson emailed a formal letter to notify Fire Board liaisons of the EMS/Fire Merger Committee of her committee’s decision and provided no explanation. The news was a shock to Barb Schlapia, Robert Palmer and Willard Ross, who were not notified of the forthcoming statement prior to making the decision public.

“I thought we had hurdled all the obstacles that were presented to us but apparently not. Somehow they were able to come to this conclusion without being able to sit down and discuss this face to face,” wrote Barb Schlapia, in an email to the media. “So much for transparency.”

Continued on page 8

Dick Smith Ford REAP Benefit Cruise-In Car Show

Dick Smith Ford emptied their huge front apron/parking lot at 9505 E. 350 Highway

so that all makes and models of hot rods, muscle cars, street rods, low riders and classic

cars could cruise in for this benefit car show on Sunday, October 13, 2013.

Visitors were invited to bring a cash or food donation for Raytown Emergency Assistance

Program (REAP) and were treated to free hotdogs, hamburgers, soda and water while

a live DJ played music from all eras.

Continued on page 2

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Friday, October 18, 2013

Dick Smith continued from page 1 1948 Mercury salesman car, of which only 17,000 were in production, was brought in by Dennis Roberts who scoured the country for five years before finding this model that his father once drove

Devoted to providing emergency services while keeping clients’ dignity, self-esteem, and stabilization a priority

816-356-0054 raytownreap.org

1935 Buick Coupe owned

by Robert Lewis was shown just the way he found it after replacing the tires and air breather

Servers: Left to right: Service writer, Ysabell, Rachael and Britney served hotdogs and hamburgers Rivalry continued from page 1 Photos by Jordan Murray of Raytown High School

Connecting Seniors and Caregivers With Information and Resources

http://careconnection.mymcpl.org Care Connection is a free, online directory dedicated to providing seniors and their caregivers with easy access to quality information and resources to maintain one’s independence or provide the best care available.

Services include: • Home Repair and Maintenance • Home Modification • End of Life/Hospice and Palliative Care

• Senior Activities • Respite Care • And Many More

Your Feedback is Invaluable

After you’ve utilized one of the services, please provide feedback on your experience to help others evaluating which service provider might be right for them.

Visit http://careconnection.mymcpl.org to access this valuable resource. The list of service providers is growing, so check back often for newly added resources.

About Care Connection

Care Connection was developed by the Community for All Ages Coalition.

Established by Truman Heartland Community Foundation, the Coalition works to ensure the Eastern Jackson County community is collaboratively and proactively working together to prepare for the challenges and opportunities created by a doubling of the age 65+ population in our community in the next 20 years.

The Care Connection website was developed in partnership with the Mid-Continent Public Library and Shepherd’s Center Central.

Scan this QR code to access Care Connection.

New Season Starts For Talking Blue Jays The Raytown High School Talking Blue Jays opened their speech and debate season with competition at Blue Springs and Blue Springs South High Schools on October 11 and 12.

Top finishers for the novices were: Jordan Atkins with Israel Hanke, 9th in Policy Debate; Michelle Galica-Rodriguez with Angel Johnson,

4th in Policy Debate; and Braden Best, 3rd in Humorous Interpretation.

Top finishers for were Paige Keeton, Semifinals in Student Congress; Yermeya Bagunu, 5th in Storytelling; and Paige Keeton with Claire Robinson, 2nd in the Championship Division of Public Forum Debate. The teams are coached by Mark Harris.

Friday, October 18, 2013

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Parks And Recreation 2013-14 Budget At the October 1, 2013 Board of Aldermen (BOA) meeting, the City 2013–14 budget was approved. The city budget includes the Parks and Recreation budget. The Raytown Parks Board prepares and approves the Parks budget prior to submitting to the City. The BOA passed the budget with 7 ayes. For the record, the seven ayes were by aldermen, Joe Creamer, Pat Ertz, Bill Van Buskirk, Josh Greene, Charlotte Melson, Jim Aziere and Steve Mock. Jason Greene and Janet Emerson abstained from the vote and Michael Lightfoot was absent.

Director of Finance, Mark Loughry, reported “The Parks Fund revenues are projected to be slightly higher than the previous

year’s budget. Sales tax collections are projected to be flat next year, but they are higher than projected for 2013. Expenditures in the Park Fund are budgeted to be approximately $300,000.00 lower than the previous year.”

The budget summary showing 2012-13 and 201314 Total Available Funds as $2,552,631 and $1,859,097 with expenditures of $1,881,481 and $1,595,188 respectively.

It needs to be noted that a cash balance beginning 2012-13 was $1,243,530. The cash balance for the beginning of 2013-14 was $519,996 and the unreserved balance forecasted at the end of 2013-14 is zero.

The Parks revenues are primarily from property tax and sales tax. For 201213 the property tax was budgeted as

$564,500 and sales tax as $200,000. The 2013-14 property tax is budgeted at $611,500 from property tax and $294,000 from sales tax.

The Parks Board has in the past created accounts for major infrastructure replacement and amortized items based on their expected life. This money was set-aside in reserves and was available for unexpected and unbudgeted needs.

That accounting policy is no longer being employed as is apparent with this and the previous year’s budget.

Given that a budget is a forecast and it’s preparation starts at mid-year, there are some items that will appear in both years as indicated in the following table.

This is because of the uncertainty of when projects will be done.

Raytown Police Detectives are attempting to locate a possible witness to the confrontation between an armed man and a Raytown Officer on Friday, October 11th around 8:00 am at 79th Street and Hardy. It was reported that a white

female was jogging on 79th Street when the officer confronted the armed man and may have seen the shooting.

If anyone has any information about the female jogger, they are asked to please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477)

or the Raytown Police Department at 816-7376020.

On October 11, 2013 at 8:00 a.m., police were called to a fast food restaurant in the 9900 block of E. 350 Hwy in regard to an armed robbery. Soon after, an officer located

By Robert Smith

The Budgeted Capital Expenditures for 2012-13 and 2013-14 Parks Budget

2012-13

Super Splash Replace Chaise Lounge Chairs Replace 2 high rate sand filters Repair plumbing & piping Replace 50 meter main recic pump Slide Maintenance Replace log/lily rope nets Replace log/lily rope landing pads Various maintenance/repairs Various maintenance/repairs Service Recirc Pumps Total Super Splash Administration Redesign RPRD website Total Administration

2013-14

$5,000 $60,000 $10,000 $19,000 $20,000 $7,000 $12,000 $5,000

$60,000 $10,000 $10,000

$138,000 $5,000

$5,000 $10,000

$5,000

Program Coleman Scoreboard/Ag-lime Total Program

$8,000

Park Operations Improvements trails &playground Replace 05 Toro Z588 72” gas mower Replace 94 Toro Groundmaster mower Replace Mobile radios for P25 Comp LWCF Coleman Park Tennis Courts Park Improvements – Trails & Playground Replace Bobcat Skid Steer Replace Maint Shop-replace roof & fence Replace Ford 2002 F-150 Trash Truck Total Park Operations BMX Track Improvements Total BMX

$90,000 $12,000 $18,000 $40,000 $165,558

$325,558 $8,800

Total Budgeted Capital Expenditures

$95,000

$8,800

$37,000 $30,000 $60,000 $52,000 $10,500 $22,000

$8,800

$477,358

$8,000

$211,500

$8,800 $323,300

Raytown Detectives Seek Witness to Police Shooting a man matching the description in the 10500 block of E. 79 Street, which was in direction that the suspect was last seen traveling.

The officer attempted to stop the man. The subject produced a gun and the officer shot the man. The man was

transported to a local area hospital.

Police cannot yet confirm if both incidents are related. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, per policy, while the incident is being investigated.

The

man that was shot

by Raytown Police is currently in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at an area hospital.

Raytown Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and will be pursuing charges.

Raytown Board Of Aldermen Meeting, October 15

By Mallory Ragon

The board of aldermen held a regular session on Tuesday, October 15.

Mayor David Bower reminded those present that there will be no regular session on November 5, due to the elections. The board will meet on November 12 and November 19.

The board formally passed an ordinance to move police officers’ pension to LAGERS (The Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System).

“This is the final step in moving toward a more efficient benefits system,” Finance Director Mark Loughry explained. He noted that once approved by

the board of aldermen, the actual transition to LAGERS would begin.

Alderman Pat Ertz made a motion to approve the ordinance, which Alderman Bill Van Buskirk seconded.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Bower praised the hard work of many, and the council’s approval, for achieving this move.

“We reached out in a proactive manner and have come up with a solution,” he said, citing the stories of cities across the country that have been bankrupted by city-run pension plans.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Alyse Stoll noted two upcoming events in the city. On

October 31 at 9:00 a.m., a representative of the police department and a data and security expert will make a presentation at city hall regarding safety for the elderly. Topics will include data and financial safety. On November 10 there will be a Veterans’ Day celebration at Raytown High School. A band

will begin playing patriotic tunes at 1:00 p.m. and a recognition ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. Veterans, or their surviving spouses, will be recognized by name and a color guard with representatives from each of the military services will be present. Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

Super Splash Filters To Be Replaced

By Mallory Ragon Kevin Boji, Raytown Parks and Recreation director, presented a resolution for an agreement with Sterling Construction to replace two pool filters at Super Splash. He described the replacements as a required infrastructure fix in order for two pools at the water park to be operational in 2014.

The project requires an amendment to the

fiscal year 2012-2013 budget for a project cost not to exceed $82,700.00.

One of the filters is for a smaller kids’ pool. The second is a supplemental filter for the 50-meter pool. The supplemental filter was added at the board’s request in the late 1990’s

when attendance at the park was climbing and a second filter was deemed necessary. It now has rust and must be removed. The water park staff will remove the filters themselves in order to lower the cost. The city would be paying for the purchase of the new equipment and its installation.

The Board of Aldermen (BOA) wondered if, with decreased attendance,

the second filter should simply be removed instead of replaced.

Boji said that the Park Board’s opinion and preference was to not cap the second line.

When asked about Sterling and their reputation, Boji said they had performed a background check and requested references, and that they had good reports.

The BOA asked about other alternatives, such

as saltwater or mineral systems, to replace the current chlorine system.

Alderman Jim Aziere suggested that it might be an opportune time to make such a switch.

“This would be the appropriate time, before purchasing the filters, to look at that as an alternative,” he said.

Boji said they had not vetted a mineral system, but that moving to saltwater would not be cost-effective for Super

Splash as they are better suited toward smaller systems. He assured the board that the proposed replacements are the least expensive and most effective option they have found.

Alderman Pat Ertz made a motion to approve the resolution, and Alderman Joe Creamer seconded it.

Alderman Janet Emerson had the only “no” vote; the resolution was passed.

BOA Expands Dangerous Buildings Regulations

By Mallory Ragon

The board of aldermen heard a first reading of an amendment regarding the abatement of dangerous buildings at their Tuesday regular session. John Benson, development and public affairs director, made the presentation to the board. It would provide additional

criteria for determining dangerous buildings, and would remove language that currently limits the abatement regulations to residential structures.

The city is currently unable to properly address some buildings with severe maintenance issues that could be considered hazardous but are still

structurally sound.

There are currently 22 factors for making a determination that a building is dangerous, but they mostly speak only to structural problems.

The proposed amendment will expand that number to 27.

“We felt there was a need to have a broader scope in order to deal with these types of

issues,” Joe Willerth, city attorney for Raytown, said. The process of ownership identification, notices, and hearings to address such problems will remain the same. The amendment applies to buildings that have been vacant for more than 12 months.

Alderman Steve Mock made a motion to modify the timeline to 6

months instead. It was seconded by Alderman Pat Ertz and approved unanimously.

The board raised lots of questions regarding personal property rights, property taxes and back taxes, timelines, and the cost to the city for taking possession of and/or demolishing a structure. Benson stressed that these

rules are to be used for determining dangerous property and does not apply to fixing up property or simply identifying basic maintenance issues.

A second reading of the amendment will take place at the November 12th general session.

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OPINION A Review And Perspective On The Blue Heron Performance At The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception October 12, 2013

I was stunned, to say the least, to have shared this magnificent presentation, with its enchanting, and almost haunting liturgical music, voices above all, in a setting that easily swept, mind, body and soul back to a time and culture that was lost to antiquity. Music hidden from the public for nearly five centuries was excavated, republished and lovingly performed exclusively by the Blue Heron. Hardly mundane old music.

Imagine thirteen singers singing a capella, not in unison as in Gregorian chants, but with the sonorous complexities of polyphonic tenors, baritones and sopranos singing with indescribable beauty.

Unassisted by amplifiers, boosters, mixing stations, speakers, their music soared throughout, filling the sanctuary in surround sound, if you will. Two hours evaporated in seconds, or so it seemed.

Where were the young people, I thought, and later questioned Friends of Chamber Music staff about it and was told that a few students from Parkville showed up. In a metro area the size of Kansas City, it was and is shocking that few take advantage of founder Cynthia Siebert’s longstanding policy of giving tickets to 18 and under.

Where indeed were all the high school and middle school music and voice teachers? What a pity, and what a waste.

Surely, there is more than a tiny gaggle of young people out there with budding talents

and love of the art, open to such glory in music?

If someone threw a handful of gold coins on the floor, do you not think that anyone would not stoop to collect the treasure? Here was a treasure for the many, shared by the few likely because of a lack of curiosity!

One just does not know what they missed.

This writer grew up on Caruso, Gigli, Pinza, Little Richard, The Drifters and Howling Wolf so spare any remarks about my being old and straight laced.

Music is music, and a huge opportunity to bask in the glow and warmth of this performance just passed unnoticed by too many.

Concert Alert: The Pacifica Quartet.

Teachers, parents and students, don’t miss this one, especially the free tickets generously offered by the Friends of Chamber Music for 18 years of age and under.

The Pacifica Quartet is a 19-year old ensemble that hails from Indiana but has been honored worldwide. They were named “Quartet in Residence” at the famed Jacobs School of Music at the University of Indiana and succeeded the famed Guarneri Quartet with the same honors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 2009-2012.

It has been said that Pacifica ranks with the Amadeus Ensemble of longtime supremacy and fame, reigning from 1947 to 1987.

Call 816-561-9999 for tickets.

Eugene Bileski

Emmanual Cleaver

We need to re-open the government. It is that simple. This is ridiculous. I don’t know how to make my position any more clear, and I have been working, negotiating, meeting, discussing, and trying, to do just that.

I know many of you are frustrated, angry, and getting more worried by the day. I join you in those emotions. I have directed the Chief Administrative Officer to withhold my pay until federal workers are back on the job where they should be. I figure that is only right and fair.

There have been many piecemeal proposals put forth to restore funding for politically palatable government agencies, while ignoring many others. I stand firmly against this ad hoc form of governance and believe that Congress should perform its constitutional obligation and fund the entire government.

Quite frankly, we should do our jobs.

Until then, I hope to answer any questions you have about how the government shutdown may affect your day-to-day lives. Below are some answers to the

most common and pressing issues facing Americans in the wake of a government shutdown.

What government services are be stopped during a shutdown?

During a government shutdown, the government stops all “nonessential” services. All federal employees considered “non-essential” will be sent home without pay. All national parks, monuments and federal wildlife refuges will be closed to the public. Many federal departments and agencies, including NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency will almost entirely close.

What government services will continue?

Services considered essential to the continued protection and public health of our country will continue as normal.

These include the armed forces, border protection, air traffic controllers, and police and fire departments. The State Department will continue to process passports and visas and embassies abroad will still provide essential services.

Will Social Security, Veterans, Unemployment or any other federally-funded benefits be affected?

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Unemployment benefits will continue to be distributed as normal and the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to operate at nearly full capacity. Veterans will still receive benefits, have access to hospitals and mental health counseling, and be able

Roy Blunt

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt released the following statement on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, after the Senate voted to re-open the

government, prevent default, and protect the spending reductions in the Budget Control Act: “The federal government spends too much and borrows too much. Those must be the two main targets after today’s vote and until we get our spending under control.

Debate priorities, set priorities, and live within our means; that’s what American families have to do and what our government must do.”

Office

816-313-0202

Fax

w w w. r a y t o w n e a g l e . c o m

T. Eugene Bileski | Associate Editor

816-313-0208

Paul Davidson | Community

Mallory Ragon | Copy Editor/Reporter Calendar Robert Smith | Reporter

David Reed | Production

Dana Woods | Consumer Reports, Health Inspections, Police Blotter

Submit Payment To: Raytown-Brooking Eagle 11780 E 83rd St | Raytown, MO 64138 816-313-0202 | www.raytowneagle.com

to fill prescriptions at VA health clinics.

How about mail delivery?

US Postal Service will continue full mail-delivery as the cost of stamps and other postage covers all delivery costs. While all of these services will continue, many of the federal employees that service these departments continue to work without a guarantee of when they will receive their next paycheck. *All of this is subject to change depending on how long this shutdown goes, but for now, this is where we stand.

What are the policy and economic effects of a shutdown?

Many economists have said that a federal government shutdown is a threat to an already fragile economy. Approximately 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed. In the 5th District of Missouri alone, there are 44,000 federal workers subject to possible furlough, loss of pay or decreased job stability. Furthermore, the shutdown’s effects have begun to bleed into other sectors. State and local governments are reporting a decreased ability to function due to loss of federal funding and many private businesses with governmental contracts have begun to furlough workers due to uncertainty about the future. Programs servicing the poor and vulnerable will be stalled, including the Head Start education program and Meals on Wheels. Finally, many of the federal employ-

ees that continue to work and provide essential services listed above are doing so without any guarantee of when their next paycheck will come.

So what’s the bottom line?

At the end of the day, a government shutdown negatively impacts too many Americans for Congress to allow it to continue. At this point in time, a clean continuing resolution could pass the House of Representatives, the Senate, and be signed into law by President Obama. A small fraction of one branch of the government is holding essential services and functions hostage in exchange for ransom on legislation that has already been passed, implemented and provided life-saving benefits to millions of Americans. I am working daily in a bipartisan manner to reach an agreement that will restore full funding for the federal government in its entirety, but I refuse to go along with plan that takes away health benefits or funds just a few parts of the government. My offices in the Fifth District of Missouri and in Washington, D.C. are continuing to operate fully and I encourage you to contact any one of my offices with your questions or concerns.

Local Offices: Kansas City Office, 101 W 31st St., Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-8424545, Fax: 816-471-5215; Independence Office, 211 West Maple Avenue, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-833-4545, Fax: 816-833-2991.

Senator’s Statements On Bipartisan Senate Deal To Re-Open Government

Diane Krizek | Publisher / Editor editor@raytowneagle.com

64133 and 64138...............................................$30 Outside 64133 / 64138, Jackson County...........$35 Out-of-state........................................................$40

Friday, October 18, 2013

Open The Government

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American Copy Editors Society The Raytown-Brooking Eagle is locally owned and managed by Doozek Ltd. and is published weekly on Fridays. Periodicals Postage Permit pending. Subscriptions are $30.00 per year plus sales tax in Raytown, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Raytown-Brooking Eagle, 11780 E. 83rd St. Raytown, MO 64138 Subscribers will receive a print copy by the U.S. Postal Service.

Claire McCaskill

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill released the following statement on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 in support of a bipartisan Senate agreement that would reopen the federal government and prevent a

catastrophic federal default, after a two-week long government shutdown over continued objections from U.S. House members to the Affordable Care Act of 2010: “Let’s learn from this and do better. I sincerely hope this bipartisan agreement can be a blueprint for future cooperation and compromise.

As we turn the page, I’m anxious to get back to work on the things that really matter to Missouri families-like expanding job opportunities, fixing our roads, and making college more affordable.

But we’re only going to achieve those goals through negotiation, compromise, and moderation.”

City Meeting Schedule

Board Of Alderman raytown.mo.us Monthly: First and Third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m, City Hall, 10000 E 59 St.

Parks Board raytownparks.com Monthly: Third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m., Raytown Parks Office, 5912 Lane Ave.

Board of Education RaytownSchools.org Monthly: Second Monday at 6:30 p.m, 6608 Raytown Road

Tree Board raytowntreeboard.org Monthly: 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm (Sept.-May), Raytown Parks Office, 5912 Lane Ave

Fire Protection District raytownfire.com Monthly: Second and Fourth Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., City Hall, 10000 E 59 St.

City Commission Meetings

Planning & Zoning Commission Council On Aging Monthly: First Thursday Monthly: Third Thursday at 7:00 at 7:00 pm p.m., City Hall, 10000 E 59 St. Many committees, boards and commissions meet on an as needed basis.

The Building Code of Appeals only meets when a resident or business owner has an appeal. The meetings of the following Boards and Task Forces are infrequent but will be posted on the City’s Events Calendar when convened.

Building Code of Appeals • Board of Equalization • Community Health Advisory Committee • Economic Development Advisory Committee Elected Officials Compensation Committee • Industrial Development Authority • Property Maintenance Board • Raytown Community Foundation (Goes through Truman Heartland) • Raytown Safe Routes to Schools

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Friday, October 18, 2013

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Missouri Department Of Insurance Offers Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2013

The Missouri Department of Insurance is encouraging consumers who are eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year’s open enrollment.

To help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs, the department offers assistance through the CLAIM program.

Funded by the department and Medicare, CLAIM provides free, unbiased help to

DIFP

Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration Missourians on Medicare and their caregivers.

During the annual open enrollment period, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, consumers can change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans.

“I encourage all Missouri seniors who have Medicare to take some time during open enrollment to review their plans,” said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. “Prices and plans can change from

year to year. Spending just 30 minutes with a CLAIM counselor could result in better coverage, more savings or both.”

Missouri consumers can ask questions by phone or arrange one-onone counseling by calling 800-390-3330 or visiting missouriclaim.org.

The website also offers a list of free open enrollment events that CLAIM is hosting throughout Missouri during open enrollment.

CLAIM also can assist consumers on limited income determine whether they qualify for federal or state help in paying for prescription drugs.

Medicare offers the Extra Help program, and the state offers the MoRx program.

During open enrollment, Director Huff warns seniors, health care providers and others about unscrupulous sales tactics. Medicare has strict rules on forbidden sales

practices.

Also, remember that Medicare is not part of the federal health insurance marketplace (exchange) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The marketplace is not meant to serve people with Medicare.

Consumers with complaints or questions about insurance can call the Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov.

Food Establishments Cited For County Critical Health Code Violations

Most critical health code violations are corrected at the time of inspection.

DIRTY HARRY’S PUB 3100 SW 7 HWY SUITE K, Blue Springs 10/8/2013-Raw shell eggs were stored over ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods - COR-

RECTED.

RUSSELL STOVER CANDIES 717 N 7 HWY, Blue Springs 10/10/2013-The spray hose at the three-compartment sink was hanging into the sink basin without a back flow prevention device. A plumbing system shall be installed to preclude backflow of a solid,

liquid, or gas contaminant into the water supply system at each point of use at the food establishment, including on a hose bibb if a hose is attached or on a hose bibb if a hose is not attached and back flow prevention is required by law - CORRECTED. CHINA DRAGON 436 SW WARD, Lee’s Summit

1 0 / 8 / 2 0 1 3 - Pe r s o n a l beverage containers without lids or straws were observed in the kitchen CORRECTED by disposing of the drinks.

CHINA DRAGON 436 SW WARD, Lee’s Summit 10/8/2013-Raw pork observed on a shelf above cream cheese - CORRECTED by moving the cream

cheese to an approved location.

MASTER WOK 3757 SW RAINTREE DR, Lee’s Summit 10/7/2013-Cleaners were observed to be stored with stainless steel cooking equipment.

CORRECTED during this inspection.

SUBWAY

909

WOODS CHAPEL, Lee’s Summit 10/10/2013-Buckets used to hold chemical sanitizer and towels were stored directly above food boxes. CORRECTED by moving to a separate area where chemicals could not contaminate food, equipment, or utensils.

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Be a Poll Worker and Earn Extra $$$ - Jackson County Election Board Now Recruiting Poll Workers for 2014. To learn more about Election Worker duties, call 816-325-4600 to inquire.

High School Sports Reporter - wanted to

cover Raytown high school sports events.

Requires good writing skills and good understanding of the rules of the game. Students welcome to apply. Call the Raytown-Brooking Eagle at 816-313-0202.

Delivery driver for weekly route. For details, call the Raytown-Brooking Eagle at 816-313-0202.

Two job opportunities: Wellness and Support Advocate and Residential Manager for Mental Health America of the Heartland. Please refer to website for qualifications, job application and complete instruction. To apply, go online www.mhah.org No phone or emails calls please. EOE. MHAH, 739 Minnesota Ave., KCKS 66101.

BUSINESS

Romie’s Alterations – 39 years of experience, specializing in altering men’s and women’s clothing.9010 E. 350 Highway, Suite B, Raytown. Appointments available. Walk-ins welcome. 816-737-2772 Shafer Computer Service – custom computers and servers, com-

puter and laptop repair, software and networking set up. 9901 E. 66th Terr., Raytown. 816-7375835

Discounts now on trees, shrubs and grape vines and berry bushes. 10001 E. Bannister Rd, Kansas City. 816-763-4664

Sheer Joy Piano Studio, connecting you with your innate musicality.

JuliaScherer.com 816225-2987

Flynn’s Disposal - the only privately and locally owned trash disposal service in Raytown, servicing the industry since 1979, establishing service in Raytown in 1988. 816-358-1211

Bannister Garden Center – Fall mums, pansies and ornamental kale.

A Grate Chimney Sweep – Chimneys cleaned, repaired and caps installed. Lennox dealer, gas logs, inserts and stoves. 816-525-7379 EZ Services – mobile maintenance programs for boat & RV. Mechanical repair, interior & exterior. Don Rosenberger, 816-697-6627

weeklyBLOTTER From Raytown Police Department

Incidents from 10/8/13 to 10/15/13 10/08/2013 08:48:20 CITY, ASSAULTS 6300 block HARRIS AVE 10/08/2013 14:26:05 CITY, STEALING/ FRAUD BY DECEIT PROPERTY OR 6700 block BLUE RIDGE BLVD 10/08/2013 14:26:16 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 10500 block E 350 HWY 10/08/2013 16:01:18 CITY, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA 10800 block E 350 HWY 10/08/2013 16:26:17 FORGERY (F) 6700 block BLUE RIDGE BLVD 10/08/2013 16:51:08 VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER/ ADULT ABUSE (F) 6300 block HARRIS AVE 10/08/2013 18:46:50 CITY, STEALING SHOPLIFT 10300 block E 350 HWY 10/08/2013 23:34:07 TAMPERING 1ST/ AUTO/STOLEN ELSEWHERE & RECOVER. 9000 block E 73 ST 10/09/2013 04:04:31 CITY, ASSAULTS 6600 block HARVARD AVE

10/09/2013 05:26:47 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 9000 block E 74 ST 10/09/2013 09:49:01 CITY, ASSAULTS 6700 block STERLING AVE 10/09/2013 13:32:07 CITY, STEALING ALL OTHER 8200 block E 87TH ST 10/09/2013 16:09:03 CITY, ASSAULTS 350 10/09/2013 17:04:12 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 5800 block NORTHERN AVE 10/09/2013 22:25:10 OUTSIDE WARRANT 9000 block E 85 ST 10/10/2013 12:51:02 BURGLARY 2ND/NO FORCE/RESIDENCE DAY (F) 9000 block E 87 ST 10/10/2013 17:11:40 STEALING/OVER $500/FROM BUILDING 10000 block 59 ST 10/10/2013 17:25:43 STEALING/OVER $500/MOTOR VEHICLE PART ACC (F) 9300 block E 350 HWY 10/10/2013 17:35:14 CITY ASSAULTS

7100 block CRISP AVE 10/10/2013 19:13:33 CITY, TAMPER - NOT JOY RIDING 5300 block RIDGEWAY AVE 10/10/2013 22:31:25 POSSESSION OF HANDGUN BY FELON RAYTOWN 10/10/2013 22:36:39 CITY, STEALING ALL OTHER 9100 block E 63 ST 10/11/2013 08:00:00 CITY, STEALING FM MOTOR VEHICLE 9000 block E 350 HWY 10/11/2013 08:02:31 ROBBERY 1ST/ WITH FIREARM/ COMMERCIAL (F) 9900 block E 350 HWY 10/11/2013 08:05:00 ASSAULT 1ST/POLICE OFFICER WITH FIREARM (F) E 79 ST 10/11/2013 08:55:49 CITY, STEALING FM MOTOR VEHICLE 5800 block FARLEY AVE

10/11/2013 16:18:58 RUNAWAY-PERSONS UNDER 18 9400 block E 70 TR 10/11/2013 16:20:06 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 6100 block BLUE RIDGE CUT OFF 10/11/2013 17:47:05 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 10800 block E 57 ST 10/11/2013 18:00:55 CITY, STEALING FM MOTOR VEHICLE 6000 block KENTUCKY AVE 10/11/2013 19:23:46 SUICIDE ATTEMPT 6700 block RAYTOWN RD 10/11/2013 22:12:40 CITY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION 8400 block LANE DR 10/12/2013 00:54:03 CITY, ASSAULTS 7200 block CRISP AVE

10/11/2013 10:12:57 STEALING/OVER $500/ALL OTHER THEFTS (F) 5400 block WOODSON RD

10/12/2013 10:27:58 PROPERY DAMAGE 1ST DEGREE/ OVER $750 (F) 8300 block WOODSON DR

10/11/2013 15:01:17 STEALING/OVER $500/FROM BUILDING 9000 block E 350 HWY

10/12/2013 13:30:11 OUTSIDE WARRANT 10000 block E 59 ST

10/12/2013 13:58:50 CITY, STEALING OF VEHICLE PARTS/ACC 5400 block BLUE RIDGE CUT OFF 10/12/2013 15:28:13 TAMPERING 1ST / AUTO/ STOLEN & NOT RECOVERED (F) 7500 block RAYTOWN RD 10/12/2013 15:45:37 OUTSIDE WARRANT 6600 block MAYWOOD AVE 10/12/2013 16:35:09 ROBBERY 1ST/ WITH FIREARM/ RESIDENCE (F) 5400 block BLUE RIDGE BLVD 10/12/2013 19:41:59 CITY, ASSAULTS 8400 block GREENWOOD RD 10/12/2013 22:38:33 CITY, ASSAULTS 11300 block E 60 TER 10/13/2013 00:44:20 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 0 block E 53 ST

10/13/2013 16:55:31 CITY, FRAUD USE OF CREDIT CARD 6200 block BLUE RIDGE BLVD 10/13/2013 18:18:13 BURGLARY 2ND/ FORCIBLE ENTRY/ RESID (F) 5600 block WOODSON RD 10/13/2013 21:08:10 BURGLARY 2ND/ FORCIBLE ENTRY/ RESID. (F) 8900 block E 52 TER 10/13/2013 22:03:53 CITY, FALSE REPORTS 0 block RAYTOWN RD 10/13/2013 23:00:35 STEALING/OVER $500/FROM MOTOR VEHICLE (F) E 59 ST 10/14/2013 02:51:38 CITY, STEALING SHOPLIFT 10300 block E 350 HWY 10/14/2013 07:28:37 BURGLARY 2ND/NO FORCE/NON RESID. (F) 12000 block E 350 HWY

10/13/2013 04:01:05 NON-CRIMINAL GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT 9800 block E 61 ST

10/14/2013 15:25:29 BURGLARY 2ND/ FORCIBLE ENTRY/ RESIDENCE DAY (F) 8300 block HUNTER AVE

10/13/2013 16:21:53 BURGLARY 2ND/ FORCIBLE ENTRY/ RESID. (F) 10000 block E 68 ST

10/14/2013 15:50:35 FORGERY (F) 5300 block BLUE RIDGE BLVD

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Friday, October 18, 2013

Raytown Community Calendar EVENTS 5K Walk/ Run for Excellence @ Raytown High School October 19 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am Raytown High School 6019 Blue Ridge Boulevard The Raytown Educational Foundation will host the 14th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Excellence.

The course has been measured and certified and starts and finishes on the track at Raytown High School. The cost is $25 for adults, $15 students up to 12th grade. For entry forms or more information contact Martha Cockerell @ 816-268-7181.

1st Annual Tire and Pink Roses October 19 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Brian’s Car Care, 6331 Raytown Road Brian’s Car Care will host a free tire and vehicle checkup and raffle in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month and Fall Car Care month. All donations from the raffle will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Brian’s will raffle off a free set of Mastercraft tires, a free set of Yohokama tires, wheel alignments and oil changes. Free food and drink and free 30 point courtesy checks.

KC Metro Mens Chorus Concert October 19 @ 3:00 pm Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Boulevard Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus under the direction of Noel Fulkerson, will present a free benefit concert of patriotic, sacred and pop music. All offerings taken at the concert will

support Raytown’s summer lunch program that provides and distributes sack lunches for school children during the summer.

Pumpkins On Parade at Cave Springs @ Cave Spring Park October 19 @ 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm Cave Spring Park 8701 East Gregory Come see the Pumpkins On Parade with Raytown Three Trails Kiwanis Club and Cave Spring Nature Center. Stroll through Cave Spring Park and view hundreds of carved, lighted pumpkins. Children will enjoy fun-filled activities and food vendors will be on site. The Raytown Fire Department will be on hand to promote Fire Safety Month. Open to public and for all ages.

Free Admission Visit http://www.cavespring. org/ to enter carved pumpkins and get on display!

Dogtober Fest @ Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park October 20 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park, 8201 South Jasper Bell Road, Blue Springs Fun for all! Contests and games, AKC Canine Good Citizen certification testing, plus demonstrations and booths for veterinarians and a wide-array of dog related products and services.

Please bring a donation for our DOG FOOD Drive for local animal shelters. More at Dogtober Fest online. Fleming Park is 2 miles east of I-470 and Highway 291 on Woods Chapel Road.

Directions are at jack-

songov.org.

Coleman Park Tennis Court Ribbon Cutting @ Coleman-Livengood Park October 24 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sarah Coleman-Livengood Park, 5912 Lane Avenue Raytown, MO 64133 The Raytown Parks and Recreation Department will open the newly refurbished tennis courts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sarah ColemanLivengood Park at 5912 Lane Ave. City and Parks Board officials, United States Tennis Association (USTA) representatives, and Raytown citizens are invited for this grand opening. Hilltop Racquet Club will also be present to teach a youth tennis lesson after the dedication of the tennis courts.

For questions about the grand opening, call the Raytown Parks office at 816-358-4100.

Police Take Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs @ Raytown City Hall October 26 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Raytown City Hall, 10000 E. 59th St. Apple Market, 7506 Raytown Rd. The Raytown Police Department will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. During this event, officers will be accepting unwanted prescription medications, but will not be accepting hypodermic syringes or other sharps, aerosols, or illegal drugs.

The Affordable Health Care Act How It Affects You

Informative information for all ages 7 PM – 8 PM Tuesday, October 29th Raytown City Hall 10000 E 59th Street Raytown, MO Sponsored by Department of Health and Human Services State Representative Bonnaye Mims State Representative Tom McDonald And The Raytown Democratic Association Specialists will be on sight after the meeting to assist those needing to sign up for Paid for by the Raytown Democratic Association, Judith A. Briggs, Treasurer

health insurance

Howl-O-Ween Party @ Westridge Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center October 30 @ 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm Westridge Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 11901 Jessica Lane Westridge Gardens is hosting their Annual Howl-O-Ween Party. They will have lots of Fun, Candy, Tricks & Treats! Don’t forget to wear your costume!

There will be prizes for the winners of the “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Can You Carry a Tune” contests.

This event is open to the public.

Safeguards for Seniors @ Raytown City Hall October 31 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am Raytown City Hall, 10000 East 59 Street The Raytown Council on Aging has scheduled another informational event for you. Security Safeguards for Seniors will have the Raytown Police Department will be on hand to offer tips and solutions to safety and information and protective measures.

Specialist Karen Earnest will provide valuable information for everyday living. Is your door open to Halloweeners?

Should you leave your car in the drive at night?

Where is your purse when you are shopping, is it on your shoulder or in your cart? Are you harassed by debt collectors, mail and phone solicitations? How can you protect your credit and debit card information?

How can you recognize scams? Come join other seniors at this valuable learning opportunity.

Souper Saturday @ One Spirit United Methodist November 2 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm One Spirit United Methodist 7900 Blue Ridge Boulevard Raytown, MO 64138 What’s better than hot, homemade soup on a brisk November day? You can enjoy this fall treat at One Spirit United Methodist Church in support of the Shepherd’s Center of Raytown. Choose between homemade ham and bean or vegetable beef soup, accompanied by cornbread, crackers, dessert and a beverage, all for $7.00 per person.

Kid’s Meals are $3 with a hot dog instead of soup. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Shepherd’s Center of Raytown Office, 7900 Blue Ridge Blvd., or the day of the event. All proceeds will go to support Shepherd’s Center of Raytown programs and services for older adults.

Rice-Tremonti Fall Soups and Crafts @ Rice-Tremonti Home November 2 – November 3 @ 11 am - 4 pm Rice-Tremonti Home, 8801 East 66th Street Raytown, MO 64133 Enjoy hearty homemade soups, cornbread, pies and other desserts and shop for seasonal hand-made craft items before or after your meal. The front rooms will be devoted to crafts for sale by their makers.

A full meal deal is only $6 for adults. Soups to go will be available. Help support the historic 1844 Rice-Tremonti Home, an all-volunteer, not-forprofit organization. See you at the house!

MONTHLY MEETINGS American Association of University Women Monthly: Second Monday at 7:00 pm Bickford House, 9110 E 63rd St. KIWANIS Club of Raytown Three Trails http://moark4.com/raytown/ For meeting dates and location, call 816-737-9955 Marguerite McNair DAR Chapter http://www.mssdar.org/ mmcnair Monthly:Second Monday at 6:30 pm (Sept.– June) Raytown Amateur Radio Club http://k0gq.com Monthly: Fourth Thursday at 7:30 pm Community of Christ, 6231 Manning Avenue Raytown Artists Association Monthly: Third Thursday at 6:00 pm St. Paul’s Church of the Nazarene Gymnasium, 8500 E 80th Terr. All artists (over 18) welcome.

Raytown Chamber of Commerce http://raytownchamber. com/ 5909 Raytown Trafficway (816) 353-8500 Raytown Democratic Association Monthly: Third Thursday at 7:00pm Come early (at 6:00 pm) to dine and make new friends! Las Chili’s, 6210 Raytown Trfwy

Raytown Adult And Youth Tennis Lessons Start Indoor youth tennis lessons start Saturday, November 2, at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilltop Racquet Club.

The classes will run for six weeks and cost $45 per participant for ages 6-15 years. Register for the class by October 31st at the Raytown Parks

office, 5912 Lane Ave., Raytown, MO. Adult indoor tennis lessons will start at the Hilltop Racquet Club on Wednesday, November 6, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These classes will run for six weeks and cost $54 per person. To register,

contact the Raytown Parks Department by November 4th to lock in your spot with our tennis pros.

For more information about the Raytown Tennis Program, call the Raytown Park Dept. at 816-358-4100.

The Raytown Council on Aging has scheduled another informational event.

“Security Safeguards for Seniors” is scheduled for Friday, October 31 in the City Hall conference room at 9:00 a.m.

Our Raytown Police Department will be on hand to offer tips and solutions to safety

and Information and Protective Services Specialist, Karen Earnest, will provide valuable information for everyday living.

Is your door open to Halloweeners? Should you leave your car in the drive at night? Where is your purse when you are shopping? Is it on your shoulder or in your

cart? Are you harassed by debt collectors, mail and phone solicitations?

How can you protect your credit and debit card information? How can you recognize scams?

Bring your questions.

Come join other seniors at this valuable learning opportunity.

Security Safeguards For Seniors Workshop

Friday, October 18, 2013

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The Rice-Tremonti Home Fall Soup And Craft Days On November 2nd and 3rd, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. you can enjoy hearty home-made soups, cornbread, pies and other desserts and shop for seasonal hand-made craft items before or after your meal. The front rooms of the RiceTremonti Home will be devoted to crafts for sale by their makers including home décor, jewelry, hand knitted items and fresh honey.

A full meal deal is only $6.00 for adults.

Soups to go will also be available. Help support the historic 1844 RiceTremonti Home, an all-

volunteer, not for profit organization, located at 8801 East 66th Street in Raytown. All money raised goes towards the preservation of this historic home.

The oldest standing frame house in Jackson County, Missouri, the Rice-Tremonti Home along with Aunt Sophie’s Cabin have borne witness to the sweep of American history. This

site was settled first in 1836 by Archibald Rice and f a m i l y .

They built the GothicRevival farm house in 1844. With beginnings as a way-point on the Santa Fe Trail and as jumping off point for emigrants to Oregon and California the wooden house endured the ravages of border warfare and the Civil War. With a history spanning 173 years, the Rice-Tremonti Home has an important story to tell. Travel back in time to the days of Archibald and Sallie Rice, E. Coffee

and Kitty Rice, Sophie White, the Roger Lowe family and Dr. Louis

and Gloria Tremonti, all of whom resided here and played parts in the

development of Jackson County, Kansas City and Raytown.

City Administrator’s Report

By Mahesh Sharma City of Raytown L i n a w e a v e r C o n s t r u c t i o n continues working on the White Oak West Sanitary Sewer Line A Construction Project. The pace of

visible construction has increased lately and road closures and traffic detours will start next week.

The construction will impact traffic on 83rd Street west of Raytown Road and 82nd Street north of 83rd Street.

The contractor has to install the sewer pipe across 83rd Street and will have to close the road as they cross. A signed detour will be posted to guide drivers around the closed section of road.

JM Fahey Const-

ruction started the Asphalt Overlay Project this week and has completed most of the asphalt milling. The contractor will begin placing asphalt next week.

Vance Brothers started the Light Weight

Aggregate Seal Coat Project this week with work in the northwest part of the City between 55th and 52nd Terrace west of Raytown Road.

Temporary road closures of up to 2 hours may be necessary to complete

the work; however, the contractor is often able to complete the work without closing the road. The Light Weight Aggregate Seal Coat work will continue next week and the project should be complete in 3 weeks.

Screenland And The Symphony Team Up For A Spooky Halloween Step back in time to experience silent film “Phantom of the Opera” with live organ accompaniment.

For Halloween night, Screenland Theatre and the Symphony are getting into the spooky spirit with a screening of the 1925 classic silent film “Phantom of the Opera” starring actor Lon Chaney. Organist Aaron David Miller will provide the live organ accompaniment on the majestic Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant pipe organ at Helzberg Hall. The film will cast an eerie ambience over concertgoers while

Miller improvises with the full range of scary sounds that the organ has to offer.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Symphony Box Office at (816) 4710400 or visit www. kcsymphony.org. The Symphony offers a range of ticket prices and packages. Group and senior discounts are available. While

Organist Aaron David Miller

Marvel Comic Heroes Fight Breast Cancer In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we have been publishing two of eight Marvel variant comic covers each week through October. This comic cover series launched in October 2012 to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® by showing comics heroes taking on the evil nemesis,

breast cancer, to raise awareness and educate fans in the fight against breast cancer. Avengers, X-Men, Captain America and Wolverine have been shown in previous issues this month. Fantastic Four and Invincible Iron Man will join the whole collection in our last October issue on October 25th.

Be aware of your risk, get screened

a season subscription remains the best value, with discounts and other special subscriber benefits, many concerts start at about $20.

Students 25 and younger with a valid I.D. can purchase a $25 Student Season Pass or purchase a student ticket for one concert for just $10, based on availability.

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Friday, October 18, 2013

Raytown Schools Annual Alumni Hall Of Fame Raytown Schools recently hosted its annual Alumni Hall of Fame Induction weekend.

Inductees

visited both district high schools to talk with current students.

Thomas Brown, 1971 graduate of Raytown South High School and world-renowned pianist, organist, and harpsichord player, spoke with Raytown South juniors and seniors about his career path and the influence his alma mater had in his career. Brown was the youngest ever staff organist for the RLDS Auditorium in Independence.

Kristofer Turnbow, 1970 graduate of Raytown South High School and law enforcement officer and counterterrorism expert, spoke with students at Raytown High School about his career of “service.” Turnbow is the former Raytown and Raymore, Missouri Chiefs of Police, and was called into service after the attacks of September 11.

Walk To School Day At Spring Valley Elementary Was Great Fun

By Michele Sipes Spring Valley PTA Spring Valley Elementary celebrated International Walk to School Day on Tuesday, Oct 2, with over 150 students, parents, siblings and teachers walking to school. This event promotes healthy living, pedestrian safety and community awareness.

The Spring Valley PTA has been a growing this program since 2007.

Before the event, fliers are EMS continued from page 1 Fire Marshall, Matt Mace, issued a press release Wednesday stating that the “Fire District continues to believe that fire based EMS in our community would provide better value to our citizens and improve service delivery.” In May of 2013, the Fire District presented a detailed proposal that was developed with the cooperation of the City of Raytown. The City

sent home with students that include pedestrian safety guidelines and games to play on their walk to school.

Teachers participated by walking groups of students from planned locations to school.

Families who live too far from the school to walk safely drove to designated locations to park and walk. Once they arrived at school, participants received an “I walked to school” sticker and refreshments. They got

their picture taken and were entered in a drawing for prizes, such as pedometers, fun shoelaces and reflective gear for future safe walking.

Special thanks to Spring Valley Teachers, parents and grandparents for collaborating on this event sponsored by the Spring Valley Parent Teacher Association.

Want to see more events like this one at your school? Join your PTA!

provided the audited financial information required to fully develop the consolidation proposal.

In July of 2013, the city’s Fire/EMS Merger Discussion committee chaired by Melson held a public meeting to discuss the proposal but Fire Marshall Matt Mace claims the Fire District was discouraged from participating. He also complains that city officials have avoided any discussion with the

Fire District regarding the details of the proposal.

Consolidation of EMS and fire protection services is not a new concept and has been adopted by many municipalities to conserve resources while improving service. Six agencies in the metro have merged EMS and Fire: City of Gladstone, City of Lee’s Summit, City of Liberty, City of North Kansas City, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District and South Metro Fire

Protection District.

After being asked to explain, Melson made this statement regarding the Merger Discussion Committee’s decision: “One of the concerns was the recent move of the dispatch service from the Raytown Police Dispatch to Kansas City Missouri Fire Department.

This change has resulted in many documented issues that have not been resolved. The Raytown Fire Department now

uses automatic aid which means their trucks can be sent anywhere in the Kansas City metro area.

Our ambulance service was established to provide service to Raytown residents only.

Our response rates are excellent and our team of service providers is top-notch.

We do not see a need to change and risk a decline in service.

We had heard from our Raytown EMS employees that they were worried

about job security and the morale was being affected by the possibility of the move. This prompted the committee to work quickly to allay their fears.”

Fire Board president, Robert Palmer expressed hope that “Mayor Bower and the other aldermen will intervene and bring this issue in front of the full board for a vote”. But if city officials haven’t been talking to the Fire District before now, what should prompt them to start now?

Clowning Around

Raytown Emergency Medical Services Pass State Audit

Ararat Shrine circus clowns were found Saturday, October 12, in front of the Raytown Firestone store, 9841 Missouri 350, promoting the upcoming Shriner’s Circus that runs from November 14 to 17, 2013. Happy and Red (left to right) will be getting married in a clown wedding during the November 16, 2:30 p.m. matinee show.

On Tuesday, October 8, the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services performed their midterm audit and the Department passed with no corrective actions specified.

The audit reviews compliance with regulations applicable to licensed

ambulance services, and is conducted at approximately thirty month intervals.

These audits are performed by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services of the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Raytown EMS is an advanced life support ambulance service

dedicated to the City of Raytown.

The service has been in operation since July 4, 1976. The ambulance fleet consists of two vehicles staffed and equipped to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day; a third ambulance can be staffed in the event of disaster, or for

special events. Each ambulance is equipped with Opticom technology making responses to incidents safer and faster. This technology and all three ambulances were improvements made possible by the Capital Sales Tax.