Free complimentary copy December 18, 2015 • Volume 3, No. 8
www.raytowneagle.com • 50¢
Raytown Schools Wellness Center to open Jan. 4 By Kris Collins More than two years after the closing of the YMCA on Missouri 350, the building will be open to the public Jan. 4 as the Raytown C-II School District opens its highly anticipated Raytown Schools Wellness Center. The wellness center has been open to school district staff and faculty since late October, early November. Danielle Nixon, assistant director of communications and community relations for the school district, said the reception has been well so far. “We have people who on their lunch break go over and walk,” she said. “I was there the other evening and there were people using cardio equipment, people using the track, people coming in just to get information. The numbers are definitely increasing. There’s a handful of people in there pretty
Wellness continued on page 2
Photo by Kris Collins The Raytown Schools Wellness Center will open Jan. 4 to serve those living or working in the Raytown C-II School District.
Public-private partnership puts roof over Kansas City man, daughters
Photo courtesy of Jackson County Department of Communications Artis Rollins, left, with one of his twin daughters, receives the key to his new home from Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders, center, and Chief of Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Calvin Williford.
Through a Jackson County program and a partnership with nonprofit Connections to Success, a Kansas City man and his twin 5-year-old daughters now have a roof over their heads. On Tuesday morning at the Marlborough Community Center, Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders and Jackson County Legislator Alfred Jordan revealed to Artis Rollins, 52, and his daughters their three-bedroom house, which was remodeled through Constructing Futures, a Jackson County program that was created in 2008 to address homelessness, the plight vacant houses on neighborhoods, and the need to provide on-the-job training for individuals struggling to find stable employment. “This and the six other times we’ve given a home to a family through Constructing Futures are among the most emotional days I have experienced in public service,” Sanders said. After losing a house to foreclosure in Minnesota, Rollins returned to his hometown for a fresh start. When he was spotted living in his
Say goodbye to Nikita the polar bear
Nikita, the Kansas City Zoo’s 8-year-old male polar bear, is headed to the North Carolina Zoo for breeding. Berlin will be taking the role of the top polar bear when Nikita leaves. To say goodbye, the zoo is throwing a party and sleepover this Saturday, Dec. 19. The going-away party includes polar-rific crafts and activities from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Zookeepers will share their favorite moments working with him at 11:30 a.m., and at 1:30 p.m. Nikita will receive a very special enrichment item that was made from all the cards and letters his fans have given to the zoo. A night of games, exploration stations, an animal ambassador visit and a night hike will be dedicated to Nikita and Berlin. The
sleepover will begin at 7 p.m. and the overnight will end at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. Sleepovers are held in the Polar Bear Passage viewing building and Zoo Learning Center. The overnight costs $30 per person with a 10 percent discount for Friends of the Zoo members. A minimum of 20 participants is required for overnights, and rescheduling will happen if the minimum is not met. It is recommended to eat dinner before arrival, with snacks and a continental breakfast provided. Minimum age for participants is 6 years old. One adult chaperone per 10 children under 18 is required. To learn more, visit www.kansascityzoo.org.
Missouri Youth Senator Page 2
car, he received assistance from the local nonprofit homeless agency reStart. Rollins, who has full custody of his two daughters, now works two jobs to support his family — one with Woodley Building Maintenance, the other with Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Several families who’ve struggled with homelessness are considered for each Constructing Futures home. “This year, one story—one family—stood out,” Sanders said. “It is the story of someone who, despite some life struggles, is committed to making good choices. It is a story of overcoming obstacles, even the extreme obstacle of homelessness. It is a story that shows hard work can pay off, and, ultimately, it is the story of a man who is very dedicated to his daughters.” Connections to Success provided the workers for each Constructing Futures home. The nonprofit helps individuals who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking to secure a steady job after being incar-
Roof continued on page 5
Raytown South High School on lockdown after bomb threat Tuesday By Kris Collins Raytown South High School was on lock down for approximately one hour Tuesday morning after the Kansas City Police Department informed the school district and the Raytown Police Department it had received a bomb threat on the high school on a 911 call at approximately 11:15 a.m.
Bomb continued on page 7
Natural Holiday Decorations Page 2
Perfect Cocktail Party Page 9