20 12 City Guide
Independence The Examiner • Saturday, June 30, 2012
International Headquarters River and Walnut—Independence, Missouri
Bannister Ridge 9801 Blue Ridge Ext Kansas City, MO 64134 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Grain Valley 32901 E Pink Hill Road Grain Valley, MO 64029 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m
Open Arms 1101 W Walnut Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m
Beacon Heights 19402 E Holke Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Grandview 12600 Byars Road Grandview, MO 64030 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Osage Hills 27503 E Blue Mills Road Sibley, MO 64088 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Blue Ridge 3371 Blue Ridge Blvd Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
The Groves 1515 W White Oak Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
Parkview 801 S 19th Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Buckner 1001 S Sibley Buckner, MO 64016 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Gudgell Park 500 Gudgell Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:20 a.m.
Pleasant Heights 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Celebration Ministries 1706 S Northern Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Heritage House 660 N Spring Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.
Raytown 6231 Manning Raytown, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Colbern Road 27507 E Colbern Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Highland Manor 17311 E 40 Highway Independence, MO Sunday Worship 5:30 p.m.
Ridgewood 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m.
June–Aug......3–3:30 p.m. Daily Sept–May......3–3:30 p.m. Sunday
College Park 1021 W College Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Lee’s Summit 1101 NE Independence Avenue Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
South Crysler 3100 S Crysler Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
C HILDREN’S PEACE PAVILION
Colonial Hills 3539 S 7 Highway Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
Liberty Street 416 N Liberty Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.
Special Ministries 1706 S Northern Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 9:20 a.m.
Cornerstone 1316 S Osage Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Mission Woods 2800 Duncan Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Stone Church 1012 W Lexington Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:25 a.m.
East 39th Street 15006 E 39th Street Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
New Hope 220 W Moore Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Summit Grove 411 S Lee’s Summit Road Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
East Alton 2100 RD Mize Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 10:25 a.m.
New Walnut Park 1137 S Pearl Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.
Village Heights 1009 Farview Drive Independence, MO 64056 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
East Independence 823 Elizabeth Street Independence, MO 64056 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Oak Hill 201 Oak Hill Cluster Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.
Walnut Gardens 19201 RD Mize Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
VISITORS WELCOME We invite you to tour the Temple and Auditorium and join us for the Prayer for Peace.
GUIDED TOURS
Monday–Friday......9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday..................10 a.m.–4 p.m.
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Daily................1–1:15 p.m.
ORGAN DEMONSTRATION RECITALS
Visit www.KidPeace.org Call 816.521.3033
We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. www.CofChrist.org • 816.521.3030
Eden Heights 1301 E Sea Avenue Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Woods Chapel 500 NE Woods Chapel Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Central Mission Center office: 500 W Pacific, Independence MO 64050 — (816) 833–4300 www.centralmission.org
The Examiner
WELCOME Demographics • By the numbers – 3
History
• Portraits of the Past – 4
Government
• Mayor – 5 • City Manager – 6 • City Council – 7 • Voter registration – 8 • City phone numbers – 8 • City website – 8 • Boards and commissions – 9 • Jackson County – 10 • State officials – 11 • State delegation –12 • Federal delegation – 16
Community
• Licenses – 15-16 • Utilities/TV/Internet – 17 • Trash/recycling – 18 • Tourism/historic sites – 19-20 • Santa-Cali-Gon – 20 • Public transit – 21
Health
• Hospitals/emergency care – 23 • Public health – 24 • Women’s health – 25 • Community support – 26-27 • Medical directory – 28-34
Public safety • Courts – 35 • Law enforcement – 36
Things to Do
DEMOGRAPHICS
The Examiner
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Independence grew 2.8 percent from 2000 to a total of 116,830. That is a 12.74 percent increase from 1990. The forecasted population change by 2014 is 3.44 percent. The population density is 1,089.40 people per square mile.
Independence • Blue Springs • Grain Valley
Publisher Stephen Wade
Independence by the numbers
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816-350-6365 sheila.davis@examiner.net
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Business
• Local school districts – 62-63 • Assessment testing – 64 • Home schooling – 64 • School programs – 66-68 • LINC – 68 • Libraries – 67 • MCC-Blue River – 70 • Local colleges – 70
• Community Services League – 58 • Hope House – 58
Travel time to work 24.1 minutes
60,000
Education
$114,830
$62,452
30,000 20,000
Racial makeup White 88.7% Hispanic 5.7% Afr. American 3.2% Asian 1.5% Native American .6% Pacific Islander .7% Other 5.4%
Average age 37.5
40,000
• Salvation Army – 59 • Midwest Foster Care – 59 • Boys and Girls Clubs – 60 • Community Mediation Center – 60 • American Red Cross – 60 • Truman Heartland Community Foundation – 61 • Drumm Farm – 61 • Mother’s Refuge – 61 • Hillcrest Ministries – 61
Helping hands
Figures based on 2010 Census data
70,000 50,000
• Independence Events Center – 37 • Sermon Center – 37 • Palmer Center – 38 • Fairmount Community Center – 38 • Missouri Comets – 43 • Missouri Mavericks – 44 • Fine arts organizations – 46 & 49 • Recreation – 50 • Youth sports – 51 • City parks – 51 • Outdoors recreation – 53-54 • County Parks – 55 • IEC – 56 • Chamber of Commerce – 56
Independence City Guide
2012
$25,632 Per Capita income
Median family income
$52,132 Median household income
Median home value
Community breakdown u Population: 116,830 – according to 2010 U.S. Census u Average household size: 2.93 people u Male: 59,741, 48.5 percent u Female: 63,118, 51.5 percent u Median age: 37.8 years u Younger than 5 years old: 10,560 residents, 8.6 percent u 18 years and older: 86,240 residents, 76.1 percent u 65 years and older: 17,594 residents, 15.5 percent u High school graduate or higher: 63,482, 82.9 percent u Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11,663, 15.2 percent u Civilian veterans: 13,727 residents, 15.9 percent u Disability status: 21,843 u Foreign born: 5,239, 5 percent u In labor force (age 16 and older): 58,378, 65.4 percent u Employed (age 16 and older): 53,262 u Unemployed (age 16 and older): 5,312, 9.1 percent u Mean travel time to work: 24.1 minutes u Families below poverty level: 1,971, 6.4 percent u Individuals below poverty level: 9,689, 8.6 percent u Total housing units: 50,313 u Owner-occupied housing units: 36,050 u Renter-occupied housing units: 11,205 u Average annual temperature: 53.6 degrees u Average annual rainfall/snow fall: 38 inches/20 inches u Percentage of possible sunshine: 61 percent – Source: U.S. Census Bureau, clrsearch.com, americantowns.com
Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
HISTORY
Journeys put Independence on trail to becoming key city Shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s famous voyage up the Missouri River, the entire country turned and faced west. Thus began the largest voluntary migration of people in the history of the world, and Independence became the launching pad for the “Opening of the West.” The names of Independence and Jackson County are torch lights on the towers of history. According to W.L. Webb in his 1927 “Centennial History of Independence,” both the county and the county seat were named for Gen. Andrew Jackson. The county was given his name by a bunch of dashing heroes and hero worshipers, and the county seat was named for Jackson’s chief quality, Independence of character. These monumental names were conferred in honor of the victor of New Orleans, before he became our seventh president, and hence were complimentary to General Jackson, not President Jackson. Immediately after the names were conferred on our neighborhood, Andrew Jackson was elected chief executive. The new county and the new county seat rejoiced in being ahead of the world in their identification by name with the new president. The hilltop chosen for Independence boasted 16 major fresh water springs and was covered with tall timber. The log house would become the pioneer’s mode of architecture. The woodsman came with his ax and cut away the forest of the town site and the logs were assembled for the first county building. All dwellings were constructed of logs, all homes and schoolhouses, churches and the first college building. The pioneers’ lowly log house was the forerunner of our mansions of today, of churches and cathedrals, of marble depots and business blocks, of our magnificent federal, state, county and municipal structures. Jackson County’s log courthouse is yet standing and may be seen on the old city hall campus, a treasured reminiscence of an honored bygone generation. Around the primitive county courthouse clustered other log dwellings,
Portraits of the past Ted Stillwell stores, hotels, and blacksmith shops, set in among the trees or in small clearings. The pioneers were of the Jacksonian type – hardy, brave and undaunted. With the ax in one hand and a rifle in the other, they were at once prepared to hew or slay, and they did a great deal of both. This little log settlement in the heart of the wilderness was the newest thing on the map, a rising metropolis on the outer edge of civilization, on a peak of a cape projecting into the West. Intense business activity and the bustle of explorers and travelers and the voices of movers rang through the primeval woods. Roads were opened and trails were established. From here set out the wagon trains, scouts on horseback, armies and cavalcades; and home seekers; people were coming and going and there were fur traders and trappers and hunters and Indians, and Indian fighters. From here commonwealth builders set forth to the west, and northwest, the south and southwest; Missouri, with Independence in the vanguard, was the founder and the mother of Texas and of Oregon and of New Mexico and of Kansas and California – and all other states to the west and the south, except Arkansas. Missouri is not responsible for Arkansas. Tradition vouches for only one Missourian who ever went to Arkansas and he taught the natives the correct use of the fiddle and bow. He is immortalized as the “Arkansas Traveler.” But, I must state on behalf of Arkansas that no other state ever built up such an admirable commonwealth with such slight help from Missouri as the world witnessed in Arkansas. Reference: “The Centennial History of Independence” By W.L. Webb.
The Examiner
Independence City Guide
2012
GOVERNMENT
• Welcome to Independence
New faces and old on City Council
Following the spring 2012 Independence City Council election, the council district seats consist of two familiar and two brand-new faces. Founded in 1827, the city of Independence was incorporated in 1849. Residents adopted the city charter-form of government it has today in 1961. The council-appointed city manager – Robert Heacock – runs the day-to-day operations of the city, while the charter directs the mayor, the City Council and the city manager to oversee public funds and implement policy. The City Council meets Mayor Don Reimal
four times monthly at 6 p.m. Mondays in the council chambers of City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. The council votes on a consent agenda, ordinances and resolutions on the first and third Mondays of each month. Study sessions take place on the second and fourth Mondays, where department directors, the city manager, citizen-led oversight committees or consultants update the city on issues. No meeting takes place on the fifth Monday in a month. Residents may speak at council meetings by calling the city clerk’s office at 816-325-7010. Individuals speaking for the first time on an issue may speak for five minutes, while those speaking about a topic for a second time receive three minutes. Security at council meetings includes the presence of at least one armed po-
lice officer and other improvements. The City Charter calls for seven council members – four representing districts and two at-large members. The mayor serves as a regular council member and votes on all matters the council votes on. The mayor does not break tie votes and cannot veto a council vote. Now in his second term, Independence Mayor Don Reimal was first elected in April 2006. He made history during the April 2010 election as it was the first time in at least three decades that an incumbent mayor had run unopposed. Reimal previously served as a District 1 council member and was first elected in 1994. Marcie Gragg, Reimal’s successor on the council, was elected to finish Reimal’s term in 2006 and was elected to her full four-year term in April 2008. Gragg, along with District 3 Council
Member Myron Paris, ran unopposed in the April 2012 election. Paris was first elected in April 2008. District 4 Council Member Eileen Weir was elected in April after Jim Page decided to not seek a third four-year term. Former District 2 Council Member Will Swoffer died of cancer in June 2011, leaving a vacancy on the council. The remaining council members elected Jim Engelman in August 2011 to serve District 2. Engelman sought a full four-year term in April but was defeated by now-District 2 Council Member Curt Dougherty. At-Large council members Jim Schultz and Lucy Young were re-elected to additional four-year terms in April 2010. Contact 816-325-7022 for more information.
– Adrianne DeWeese
Convenient. Affordable.
www.speakschapel.com
CARSON-SPEAKS
SPEAKS
SPEAKS
MIDTOWN CHAPEL
SUBURBAN CHAPEL
BUCKNER CHAPEL
(816)252-7900
(816)373-3600
(816)650-5555
1501 W. Lexington Avenue
39th St. at 291 Hwy.
300 Adams St.
Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT
• Robert Heacock
Q&A questions
answers
Independence City Manager
1
In keeping with the Tourism Department’s “Celebrate Independence!” campaign this summer, what do you think are some of the top reasons to celebrate the city? Independence provides a unique “one-stop” opportunity to experience modern shopping and entertainment amenities, along with a large number of heritage attractions that were essential in shaping our
country. From President Truman to pioneer trails and puppetry arts, there is no shortage of interesting and affordable family-friendly activities in Independence.
2
What are some of the big, exciting changes citywide in the past 12 months? Change is not always sudden and dramatic in nature. It is frequently the culmination of a long process. There is
an example of progress and optimism with the creation of the Englewood Arts District, and the sidewalk enhancement project and other improvements under way in that area of Independence. The excitement is a sign of a journey well under way, which has captured the creative and entrepreneurial energy of area business owners and residents alike.
3
What are several of the “best-kept secrets” about living in Independence? Independence is an incredibly friendly place to visit and to live. There is a level of human compassion and a volunteer spirit that is unique. The quality of life and neighborhood amenities are high, but people who call Independence home are generally defined more by
a desire to help and serve others than by the pursuit of their own material gain. Faith organizations and service clubs are strong both in number and variety.
4
How can residents give back of their time in making Independence a better place to live, work and play? Independence has a seemingly endless list of opportunities to volunteer and help others, anywhere from a couple of hours a year at specific types of events to a regular schedule of monthly or daily volunteering, which can last a lifetime. Historic sites, the animal shelter, park and stream cleanup and emergency weather response efforts represent just a few of the many options folks can consider.
5
What do you hope residents who are new to Independence will gain from living here? Independence continues to receive recognition for excellence – it might be for producing the third best tasting water in the world, for running the nationally accredited Palmer Senior Center, for utilizing technology to enhance efficiency and service to the public or some other distinction. Employees of the city of Independence are dedicated to public service and have pride in what they do. It is hoped that the city services, in concert with the area schools and businesses, work together in a way to support a high quality of life for both existing and new residents. – Adrianne DeWeese
The Examiner
Independence City Guide
2012
GOVERNMENT
• City Council
Six members represent city
Marcie Gragg 1st District Phone: 816-365-1292 Fax: 816-325-7012 mgragg@indepmo.org
CURT DOUGHERTY
Myron Paris 3rd District Phone: 816-204-5002 Fax: 816-325-7012 mparis@indepmo.org
2nd District Phone: 816-269-2565 Fax: 816-325-7012 cdougherty@indepmo.org
EILEEN WEIR
4th District Phone: 816-365-0880 Fax: 816-325-7012 eweir@indepmo.org
Lucy Young
At-Large member Phone: 816-365-1158 Fax: 816-325-7012 lyoung@indepmo.org
Jim Schultz
At-Large member and mayor pro tem Phone: 816-365-1552 Fax: 816-325-7012 jschultz@indepmo.org
Messages may be left for any City Council member at the Office of the City Council, 816-325-7022. The Mayor’s Office telephone number is 816-325-7027.
Independence City Council Districts Dickinson Rd.
24
District 1
291
24
Truman Rd.
Truman Rd.
Blu eR
.
23rd St.
40
Crysler
Lit tle
Lee's Summit
Sterling
Hardy
District 4
Noland
78
35th St.
7
District 2
District 3 291 39th St.
39th St. 70
70 40
1
7
Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT
• Voter registration
Raise your voice
As residents move from one county or one voting jurisdiction to another, they must re-register to vote. For voter eligibility in an election, residents must be registered at their current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to an election. Citizens who relocate within the county must notify the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners in writing for eligibility in voting in future elections. The Election Board’s main office is at 215 N. Liberty St. Its hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.jcebmo. org or call 816-325-4600 for more information. Residents can register at the main office or at the following Independence locations: u INDEPENDENCE CITY HALL 111 E. Maple Ave.
Phone: 816-325-7221 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday u INDEPENDENCE HEALTH DEPARTMENT 515 S. Liberty St. Phone: 816-325-7182 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday u MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY: NORTH BRANCH U.S. 24 and Spring Street Phone: 816-252-0950 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday u MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY: SOUTH BRANCH 13700 E. 35th St. Phone: 816-461-2050 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-
• City website
u TRAILS WEST BRANCH, KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY 11401 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-701-3483 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayWednesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday u INDEPENDENCE LICENSE BUREAU 16643 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-252-7557 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday u FAMILY SERVICES 201 Partridge St. Phone: 816-325-5807 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. MondayFriday u METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BLUE RIVER CAMPUS LIBRARY 20301 E. Missouri 78
Phone: 816-220-6648 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday u JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 313 S. Liberty St. Phone: 816-404-6416 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the second Monday each month u MISSOURI DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY 15301 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-325-5890 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondayFriday u UPCOMING ELECTION DATES Aug. 7, 2012, primary election (Voter registration deadline is July 11.) Nov. 6, 2012, general election (Voter registration deadline is Oct. 10.) Feb. 5, 2013, special election (Voter registration deadline is Jan. 9, 2013.) – Adrianne DeWeese
• Important city numbers
New, improved web access In late May, the city of Independence rolled out the latest feature of its website, www.indepmo.org. With a link available across the main page, myIndependence “is a site-wide sign-on for the city’s website, which allows convenient, personalized access to a growing number of online city services,” its description states. With a user name and password, residents can access their online utilities account, as well as use the city’s action center. They also can view utility usage going back two years, receive paperless bills by email and pay their utility bills with a debit or credit card or a checking account. myIndependence also allows users to add links to their favorite departments and links throughout the city’s website. More features will be added in the up-
Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
coming months, according to the city. Residents can watch City Council meetings live through the website by clicking the “video” tab in the lower left-hand corner. Copies of regular council meetings and study sessions are posted online the day after the meeting and remain archived for 18 months. You may also download free audio podcasts of each meeting. Other online city features include a “power outage 24/7” map (iplmap.indepmo.org/) that allows residents to view a real-time update of those areas experiencing power outages across Independence. The Tourism Department’s webpage, www.visitindependence.com, includes feature links on “things to do,” “shopping,” “dining” and “places to stay.” – Adrianne DeWeese
Main city line . . . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7000 (Follow voice prompts)
Power outages. . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7550 Streetlight out. . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7535
Independence Health Department, code compliance. . . . . . . . 816-325-7193 Utilities customer service representative. . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7930 Automated account information line. . . . . . . . . 816-325-7378 Animal Services (shelter adoption). . . . . . . . 816-325-7207
Tourism Department. . . . . 816-325-7111 Police Department (general information, available from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.). . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7300 Neighborhood Watch Office. . . . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7643 Crime Stoppers. . . 816-474-TIPS (8477)
Animal Services (dead or stray animal). . . . 816-325-7205
Building permits and inspections. . . . . . . . . 816-325-7401
Barking dog line . . . . . . . . 816-325-7213 Pothole hotline . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7624
Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7109
Trash line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816-325-7623
– Adrianne DeWeese
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide
GOVERNMENT
• Boards and commissions
Volunteers handle much city work
The mayor of Independence and City Council appoint residents to serve on boards and commissions. The boards fulfill many duties, including a handful of committees that oversee the use of public funds from special sales taxes. Contact the city clerk’s office at 816-325-7015 for more information or apply in person at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. u Board of Adjustment u Board of Building and Engineering Appeals u Board of Ethics u Citizen Advisory Committee on Solid Waste Management u Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board u City Beautification Commission u City Judicial Commission u City Planning Commission u Council/Landlord Technical Committee u Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board u Enhanced Enterprise Zone West Board u Heritage Commission u Housing Authority Commissioners u Human Relations Commission u Independence Advisory Board of Health u Harry S Truman Award Commission u Independence Park Commission u Industrial Development Authority u Jackson County Board of Equalization u Japanese Sister City Committee u License Surcharge Annual Review Committee u Personnel Board u Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee u Public Utilities Advisory Board u Storm Water Control Oversight Committee u Street Improvement Oversight Committee u Tax Increment Financing Commission u Tourism Advisory Board u Tree Commission u Truman Memorial Scholarship Fund Candidate Selection Committee u University of Missouri Extension Council
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission duties include preparing and recommending to the City Council a master plan for physical development, regulations governing the subdivision and zoning plan or ordinances; making recommendations to the council on approval or disapproval of plats; and submitting to the
city manager a list of recommended public improvements. The City Council appoints seven members, each to a four-year term that expires on July 1. The mayor and city manager also serve as ex-officio members in a liaison capacity. Current members are: u Les Boatright, chairman u Pat Campbell u Karen DeLuccie u Kelvin Fisher u Lori Harp u Jerry Kacheroski u Lyn Westfall
TIF Commission
The Tax Increment Financing Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council under Missouri statute to keep records and minutes; to meet at least annually and report annually to the council; to adopt rules and regulations for operation; and to designate a chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer and secretary for one-year terms. Members remain on the TIF Commission until the school district or taxing jurisdiction notifies the city otherwise, even if they are no longer with their respective titles. The mayor, with the council’s consent, appoints six permanent members to four-year overlapping terms that expire on Nov. 16. Jackson County appoints two additional, temporary members. Other taxing jurisdictions appoint an additional, temporary member. Each school district affected by any plan or redevelopment project appoints two additional members. Even if current members are no longer with their respective titles under the TIF Commission, they remain a member until the school district/taxing jurisdiction otherwise notifies the city clerk’s office. Current members are: u Ron Bruch, Independence u Vaughn Cornish, Independence u Bill Cowling, Blue Springs School District u Mark Enderle, Fort Osage School District u Dale Falck, Blue Springs School District u Greg Finke, Independence School District u Steve Knabe, Raytown School District u Martin Kuny, Independence, vice chairman u Matt Mallinson, Independence School District u Ferdinand Niemann, Jackson County u Robert Phillips, Raytown School District u John Ruddy, Fort Osage School District u Anthony Sexton, Independence
u Sue Shirk, Independence, chairwoman u Debbie Siragusa, Kansas City Public Library u The Rev. Bob Spradling, Independence u Shelley Temple-Kneuvean, Jackson County u Richard Wilding, Mid-Continent Public Library
Heritage Commission
The Heritage Commission’s duties are to initiate, review and recommend properties for designation as a landmark, historic district or conservation district. The commission makes its recommendations to the Planning Commission and to the City Council. Current members are: u Michael Calvert, chairman u Audrey Elder u Cody Fann u Tim Grove u Jean Kimball u R. Duane Stephens u Liana Twente u Sam Rushay, Truman Library, ex-officio member u Larry Villalva, National Park Service, ex-officio member
Public Utilities Advisory Board
The Public Utilities Advisory Board advises the council and the city manager on Power & Light, Sanitary Sewer and Water Department matters. Current members are: u Jack Looney u Charles “Gene” McClellan u Robert Joe Miller u Marvin Sturgeon u Randy Vest u Blair Wildermuth, chairman
Park Commission
The Independence Park Commission acts as an adviser to the City Council on park programs and recommends designation for park funds, including the status of projects funded through the parks improvement sales tax. Current members are: u Nina Anders u Eric Ashbaugh, chairman u Frank Benson III u John W. Eppert u Ronald J. Kroeger u Clifford B. McCormick u Gail Price u Judge Jack Gant, ex-officio member
u Roger Hershey, ex-officio member
Street Improvement Oversight Committee
The Street Improvement Oversight Committee meets quarterly to advise the council on street projects and on the use of the street sales tax fund. Current members are: u Doug Ault u Bill Baker u Erin Boatright u Paul Newberry u Katy Peterson u Gloria Smith u Tim Watkins
Advisory Board of Health
The Advisory Board of Health serves as the adviser to the city manager, Health Department and City Council on matters related to public health. The board also may make investigations and studies in the public health field. Current members are: u Kathleen Bennett, licensed medical practitioner u Dr. Howard H. Braby, licensed medical practitioner and chairman u Caryl Goodyear-Bruch, registered nurse, lay member u Dana Posey, lay member u Dr. Donald Potts, licensed medical practitioner u Dr. Ralph K. Ruckman, dentist u Dr. Rick Schrock, veterinarian u Dr. Christopher Sullivan, licensed medical practitioner u Beth Gaskill Webb, lay member u Jason White, lay member
Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee
The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee oversees the approved sales tax that benefits capital improvements in the police and fire departments. Current members are: u Lloyd Briggs u Donald DeBoard u Jerry Dowell u Donna Pittman u Ron Yale u Jonathan Zerr – Adrianne DeWeese
10 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT
• Jackson County
County a mix of urban and rural
Jackson County, with a 2010 population of 674,158, is home to four of the largest cities in the state. Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city with 459,787 residents (many in Platte and Clay counties), followed by No. 4 Independence at 116,830, No. 6 Lee’s Summit at 91,364 (some in Cass County) and No. 10 Blue Springs at 52,575. Overall, about half of the county’s residents live in Kansas City and about half live in Eastern Jackson County. The county operates with executive, legislative and judicial branches. The executive runs the county day to day, although the prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive. Legislators, the executive, the sheriff and the prosecutor all serve four years. Jackson The voters adopted the current charter in 1972 and made County some revisions in August 2010. Executive Mike The county is responsible for many roads, mostly in uninSanders corporated parts of Eastern Jackson County, and it has an extensive system of parks. It also operates a jail in downtown Kansas City. It owns Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders was elected to a second term in 2010. He can be reached at 816-881-3333. Sheriff Mike Sharp was elected in 2008 and is seeking a second term this year. He can be reached at 816-524-4302. County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker was appointed the position in 2010 and is running unopposed for a full term this year. She can be reached at 816881-3555. The County Legislature has nine members. Six are elected from specific districts, three others from larger districts but are elected by all county voters. (New districts go into effect with elections of 2014.)
u 1ST District – Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. The 1st District is represented by Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3076. The district is in Kansas City, basically the area west of Troost to the state line plus the area north of Truman Road to the Missouri River. u 2ND District – James D. Tindall, D-Kansas City. The 2nd District is represented by James D. Tindall, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813163. That district is in Kansas City, roughly a rectangle bounded by Blue Ridge Cut-off, I-470 and I-435, Troost and Truman Road. Scott Burnett
u 4TH District – Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. The 4th District is represented by Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3362. That district includes the western edge of Kansas City basically south of Gregory; the Grandview area; the area south, west and north of Longview Lake; and much of Raytown as far north as 79th Street. Dan Tarwater
u 6TH District – Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. The 6th District is represented by Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-881-4423. The district includes the southeast corner of the county, with Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Greenwood, Unity Village, much of Raytown. It includes the Lakewood area and much of the area east and south of Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake. To the east, the northern edge is Wyatt Road.
The three at-large districts:
THE LEGISLATURE The six districts: u 3RD District – Dennis Waits, D-Independence. The 3rd District is represented by Dennis Waits, D-Independence. He can be reached at 816-881-4441. The district includes most of Independence north of 35th Street, as well as Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, and it goes a little into east Kansas City, as far west as Topping.
Greg Grounds
Dennis Waits
u 5th District – Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs. The 5th District is represented by Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs. He can be reached at 816-881-4476. The district runs east to west across the middle of the county, from Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs – the area from Burgess Road to the north and Wyatt Road to the south – and reaches into Independence and a Raytown north of 59th Street. The area of Independence is roughly from the southern city limits to 35th Street, but that northern boundary also jogs north on Lee’s Summit Road and then takes R.D. Mize Road east to the Little Blue River.
James Tindall
Theresa Garza Ruiz
Bob Spence
u 1st District at large – Theresa Garza Ruiz, D-Blue Springs. The 1st District at large is represented by Theresa Garza Ruiz, D-Blue Springs. She can be reached at 816-881-3132. The district is roughly the northern third of the county, taking in a slice of northeast Kansas City, Independence, Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs. It’s mostly north of U.S. 40, but to the east drops as far south at Major Road.
u 2ND District AT LARGE – Crystal Williams, D-Kansas City. The 2nd District at large is represented by Crystal Williams, D-Kansas City. She can be reached at 816-881-3464. The district is in Kansas City, bounded by Red Bridge Road to the south, the state line to the west, the river to the north and, generally, Interstate 435 to the east. Crystal
Fred Arbanas
u 3RD District AT LARGE – Fred Arbanas, Williams D-Lee’s Summit. The 3rd District at large is represented by Fred Arbanas, D-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-881-4477. The district includes Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana. The county’s website is at www.jacksongov.org – Jeff Fox
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 11
2012
GOVERNMENT
• Missouri
It’s a state election year
It’s not official yet, but Missouri is likely to soon cross the 6 million mark in population if it hasn’t already. The 2010 census put the state at 5.88 million, and the officials project a population of 6.18 million in 2015. Those more or less 6 million Missourians are represented by 197 state legislators and served by six statewide officeholders in state government, including the governor. State government in Missouri is organized in a way similar to the federal government, with a supreme court, governor and legislature. The General Assembly has two parts. The House of Representatives has 163 members, each elected to two-year terms. The Senate has 34 members, elected for four-year
terms. The lieutenant governor is president and presiding officer of the Senate. The General Assembly meets each year from January through midMay and again in late summer to consider acting on any bills the governor may have vetoed. The governor also can call a special session to deal with specific issues. Legislation is first introduced in either the House or the Senate. Once it is introduced, it is moved to a committee. If a bill gets committee review and approval, it goes back to the floor of the house where it was introduced. If the legislation passes, it moves to the other legislative body and it goes through the same process. If it is passed in the second house, it moves to a conference committee,
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made up of members of both houses. The committee compromises to come up with the final bill that is then approved or rejected by the House and Senate. After this, the governor can sign it, veto it or allow it to go into effect without his signature. Most new laws go into effect in late August. The General Assembly meets in Jefferson City, which has been the capital since 1826, just five years after Missouri became a state. Five of the six constitutional officers are elected to four years at the same time as presidential elections, so voters this November will choose a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer. The state auditor is elected to a four-year term as well. That’s in
even-numbered, non-presidential years. For more information, visit www. mo.gov. The General Assembly website is at www.moga.mo.gov. u Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573-751-3222, www.gov.mo.gov u Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, 573751-4727, www.ltgov.mo.gov u Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573-751-4936, www.sos. mo.gov u Auditor Thomas A. Schweich, 573-751-4824, www.auditor.mo.gov u Treasurer Clint Zweifel, 573751-2441, www.treasurer.mo.gov u Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-751-3222, www.ago.mo.gov – Jeff Fox
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12 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT
• Redistricting
Process shakes up the legislative map of Missouri New districts in the Missouri General Assembly take effect with the elections of 2012, and that has redrawn political map somewhat in Independence. Lines are redrawn every 10 years following the federal census. There are 163 districts in the Missouri House, and the lines are shifted to reflect changes in the state’s population. In this area, new districts also will be labeled with different numbers. In Independence, those will be: u The 21st District, running from west of the Independence Square to well east of Missouri 291. State Rep. Ira Anders, Democrat, of the current 51st District, is running there, as is Republican Vicki Riley. u The 20th District, from Buckner west to the Susquehanna area to roughly the area of the Truman Library. It’s much like the current 53rd District but takes in more of northern Independence. Republican Brent Lasater of Independence represents the 53rd and is running in the 20th, as is
Democrat John Mayfield of Independence. u The 29th District runs roughly from 23rd Street in central Independence south into parts of Kansas City. Republican Noel Torpey of Independence, who represents the current 51st, is running there, as is Democrat John Sutton of Independence. u The 30th District, from the commercial center of southeast Independence to Lakewood to Unity Village. Republican Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, who currently represents the 56th District, is running, as is Democrat Shere Alam of Kansas City. u The 19th District is a roughly U-shaped area of the far northwest corner of Independence and some of northeast Kansas City. That area is currently represented by John Rizzo of Kansas City. u The 22nd District, has I-435 running right down the middle, so it’s about half Kansas City and about half of western Independence, generally south of Truman Road. The filed candidates there are both Democrats, Henry Carner and Brandon
Ellington, both of Kansas City. Also, a couple of representatives known to Independence voters are in new districts outside the city. The 28th District is in Raytown and Kansas City. Democrat Tom McDonald of Independence, who currently represents the 49th District, is running in the new 28th, as are Republican Jim Aziere of Raytown and Democrat Patrick Riehle of Raytown. The old 54th District was mostly Blue Springs but included parts of eastern Independence. That’s represented by Republican Jeanie Lauer of Blue Springs. Her new district shifts to the east, leaving out Independence. It’s simpler in the Senate. The new lines put all of Independence in the 11th District. All of Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit fall in the 8th. Democrat Victor Callahan has represented the 11th District and is leaving after 2012 because of term limits. Former state Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, is running unopposed to replace Callahan. – Jeff Fox
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 13
GOVERNMENT
• Federal delegation u Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who lives in St. Louis, was elected in 2006. She is seeking a second six-year term this year. McCaskill sits on these committees: Special Committee on Aging; Armed Services; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Washington office: Suite 506 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Phone: 202-224-6154. Web: http://mccaskill.senate. gov/ Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., suite 101. Phone: 816-421-1639 u Sen. Roy Blunt, a Republican from Strafford, Mo., was elected to a six-year term in 2010. Blunt sits on these committees: Appropriations (ranking member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development subcommittee); Select Committee on Intelligence; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Rules and Administration. Washington office: 260 Russell Building. Phone: 202-2245721. Web: http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., suite 2224. Phone: 816-471-7141. His term ends in 2017.
Claire McCaskill
Roy Blunt
u Sam Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, Mo., represents Missouri’s 6th District. He was first elected in 2000. The district includes northwest and north-central Missouri but also includes a section Eastern Jackson County, including the Oak Grove area north of I-70. He is Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. Washington office: 1415 Longworth Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-225-7041. His Liberty office is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100, Liberty, Mo., 64068. Phone: 816-792-3976
Sam Graves
u Emanuel Cleaver II, a Democrat from Kansas City, represents Missouri’s 5th District. He was first elected in 2004. The district includes most of Independence, most of Kansas City and Lee’s Summit and parts of Cass County. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and serves on the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee and the Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee. Emanuel Washington office: 1433 Longworth House Office Building, Cleaver II Washington, D.C., 20515. Phone: 202-225-4335. Fax: 202-2254403. His Independence office is at 211 W. Maple Ave. on the Square. Phone: 816-833-4545. Fax: 816-833-2991.
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14 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 15
COMMUNITY
• Licenses
Make sure you have a license
DRIVER’S LICENSES
Missouri driver’s licenses are available from through the Department of Revenue at several area locations. The Independence office is at 16643 E. 23rd St., Independence. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call 816252-7557. There is also an office in Sugar Creek, 521 S. Sterling Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call 816-836-9191 for more information. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts road tests for new driver’s license applicants. The nearest testing location is 16647 E. 23rd St., Independence. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 816-3256177 for more information. Missouri drivers are eligible for a license at age 16. Drivers under the age of 18 are subject to the state’s graduated driver’s license laws. For more information, visit http://dor.mo.gov/ drivers/teens/gradlaw.php. Acceptable forms of identification include U.S. birth certificate with embossed, raised seal; U.S. passport; U.S. certificate of citizenship, naturalization or live birth; U.S. military ID card; or immigration documents. Name changes are recognized with certified marriage certificate or divorce decree, certified court order, certified adoption papers or amended birth certificate, U.S. passport or Social Security card. Applicants should know their Social Security number or have their Social Security card. New applicants must also prove Missouri residency. Acceptable documents include utility bill, pay check, government check, mortgage document, voter registration card, property tax receipt, housing rental contract or bank statement.
Driver’s licenses typically expire on your birthday and must be renewed in person unless the applicant is active duty military personnel. To renew, bring expiring license, acceptable form of ID and any applicable name change documentation. Renewal applicants must pass a vision test and a road sign test. Visit http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/ for more information and list of fees.
VEHICLE LICENSES
Vehicles must be registered with the Department of Revenue whether purchased new or used, from a dealer or an individual, to be driven in the state of Missouri. Initial registration must be done in person. There is an office in Independence, 16643 E. 23rd St., and one in Sugar Creek, 521 S. Sterling Ave. Renewals can be done in person, online or by mail. To register a vehicle for the first time, bring lien release or manufacturer’s statement of origin; notarized lien release; odometer disclosure statement; personal property tax receipt or statement of non-assessment; vehicle inspection; and proof of insurance. You’ll also need to fill out a form. If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you’ll need to bring the original title. Non-resident active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and full-time, out-of-state college students attending a Missouri school are not required to register their vehicle in the state. Effective Jan. 1, 2010, vehicles do not need a safety inspection for the first five years after manufacture. Not all forms to title a vehicle can be downloaded. Some must be requested from your local license office or ordered online. Visit http://www. dmv.com/mo/missouri/vehicleregistration for more information.
Temporary permits are issued for 30 days. Registration must be renewed annually. The Department of Revenue notifies vehicle owners by mail when their registration is about to expire. Renew online at http://plates.mo.gov or at your local license office. Alternatively, send renewal form and payment to Motor Vehicle Bureau, 301 W. High St., Rm. 370, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. Drivers need a safety inspection for older vehicles, a paid personal property tax receipt, insurance card, the correct license fee and a registration fee of $3.50 for one year or $7 for two years. New, enhanced anti-theft tabs now include the vehicle’s license number on the sticker itself. If your tabs are still stolen, submit a police report, application for replacement tabs and a processing fee. Visit http://www.dmv.com/mo/ missouri/vehicle-registration-renewal for more information.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Couples can obtain a marriage license at the Courthouse Annex Recorder of Deeds Office, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Ste. 104, Independence. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though applicants are asked to apply prior to 4:30 p.m. to allow time for processing. Applicants must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent. A custodial parent may give permission if the applicant is 15 to 17 years of age. The parent should bring proper identification – a driver’s license is acceptable – and a birth certificate for the child showing the parent’s name. Couples must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds office. They will need their Social Security numbers and proper identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a
valid driver’s license, Missouri ID, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa or U.S. entry stamp, military ID, certifified copy of U.S. birth certificate with photo ID or government ID card. Divorced or widowed applicants must provide the month/year the last marriage ended. The cost is $50 and may be paid with cash, credit or debit. American Express cards are not accepted. Certified copies of the marriage license are available for $10 and may be required by the Driver’s License Bureau and Social Security Administration to effect a name change. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days following the date of issue and must be returned to the Recorder of Deeds. For more information, call 816881-1577.
PET LICENSES
The City of Independence does not charge a pet licensing fee, but dogs and cats must wear at collar and rabies tags at all times. Rabies tags are available from your pet’s veterinarian. The cost depends on the veterinarian, and some veternarians charge an additional examination fee before administering vaccines. Most rabies vaccines last one year, though some veterinarians offer three-year vaccines. Independence Animal Services offers several low-cost rabies vaccination clinics each year. For more information about current fees and clinic times and places, call Animal Services, 816-325-7207.
CIVIL UNIONS
Neither the State of Missouri nor Jackson County recognizes civil unions, but individuals who wish to register their private union may do so at the Courthouse Annex Recorder of CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
16 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
COMMUNITY
• Licenses CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Deeds Office, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Ste. 104, Independence. The registry provides public recognition of a relationship and may be required to fill health insurance eligibility requirements. There is no fee to register a civil union.
Hunting/fishing licenses
Missouri residents need permits for most hunting and fishing in the state. Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must also complete an approved hunter education program to hunt with a firearm unless they qualify for an exemption. Children under the age of 15 do not need to complete a hunter education program if they are under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter. Hunt-
ers should carry their hunter education card with them while hunting with a firearm or have their certification verified at the vendor’s computer terminal. Fishing permits are required unless the angler is fishing on privately stocked waters or qualifies as disabled under an exemption. Visit mdc. mo.gov/permits/fishing-permit-information to learn more. Tags may be purchased for a day, year or lifetime. Trout tags must be purchased seperately. Different permits are available depending on the season and animal. An online system, https://www. mo.wildlifelicense.com/, allows hunters to pick and choose permits depending on what kind of game they will be hunting. Most permits cost less than $20. There is a $1 convenience fee for purchasing permits online. Permits can be printed at home.
There is a $2 convenience fee for purchasing permits over the phone, 800-392-4115. Allow 10 days for delivery. Permits can also be purchased at the Kansas City regional conservation office, 12405 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit, or at any authorized vendor. For more information, visit www. mdc.mo.gov
CONCEALED WEAPONS
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issues concealed weapons permits at headquarters, 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive, Lee’s Summit. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., though applicants are advised to arrive by 3 p.m. to allow adequate processing time. Permits cost $100, payable by personal check or money order as $30.50 to the Missouri State High-
way Patrol and $66.75 to the Jackson County Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Applicants must be residents of Jackson County. Bring valid driver’s license, a non-driver’s license or military identification with orders showing assignment in Missouri to prove eligibility. Applicants will also need a copy their firearms safety training course certification, which should be provided by the instructor. Permits are issued for three years. Renewals cost $50, payable to the Jackson County Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Bring proof of residency. Delinquent renewals – applied for after the original permit lapses – will be charged a $10 per month penalty fee. After six months, a new permit must be issued. Call 816-524-4302 for more information. – Jeff Martin
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 17
COMMUNITY
• Utilities, TV & Internet
Connections you can’t do without
TV, PHONE, INTERNET
u Century Link A high-speed Internet and unlimited calling bundle is available for $49.95 each month, and plans as low at $15 per month. Visit www.centurylink.com or call 866-948-6133 or 800-366-8201 for more information. u AT&T –The following numbers are for residential phone service: sales, service and billing, 800-2882020; information line, 888-2948433; and repair service, 800-2468464. Visit www.att.com for contact information on Internet, digital TV and wireless services. AT&T also offers bundle packages. u KCnet – KCnet Inc. is a full-service Internet Service Provider that offers high-speed Internet, digital
phone and TV bundles. The sales and technical support staff can be contacted at 816-2214658 within the Kansas City area or toll-free at 800-447-9817. KCnet’s office hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. u Comcast – Comcast provides high-speed Internet, digital cable TV and home phone services. An ondemand TV, high-speed Internet and home phone service bundle. Visit www.comcast.com or call 800-2662278 around-the-clock for all servicerelated issues. u AT&T U-verse – Visit www.att. com/u-verse for more information. U-verse TV is all-digital with access to more than 150 high-definition chan-
nels and a DVR that allows the recording of four shows at once. Local channels are included in all packages, and packages with DVR start at $54 per month. u DIRECTV – Visit www.directstartv.com for more information or call 877-512-6348. Packages start as low as $39.99 per month. u Dish Network – Visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-823-4929 for more information. Packages start as low as $24.99 per month for 12 months with a 24-month agreement.
NATURAL GAS
u Missouri Gas Energy – Call the customer service at 816-756-5252 or 800-582-1234 to start or to transfer service from another location. The customer service department is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call at least five days in advance to schedule the start of the natural gas service. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your house immediately, and do not turn any lights or appliances on or off. Call 800-582-0000 from a neighbor’s phone to report the suspected leak. Visit www.missourigasenergy.com for more information.
ELECTRICITY/WATER
u Independence Power and Light and Independence Water Department –The city’s utility customer service center is at 11610 E. Truman Road. Bill payments can be dropped off at the center from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 816-325-7930 for more information. Call 816-325-7378 to make automated phone payments. Call the department or visit the office to transfer, establish or cancel service. Deposits are required for all customers or applicants who are unable to establish an acceptable credit rating. Visit www.ci.independence. mo.us/pl and www.indepmo.org/ water/ for more information. Call
816-325-7550 to report power outages or down power lines. u KCP&L – Visit www.kcpl.com or contact customer service at 816-471-5275 for more information. Cash deposits or guarantees may be required from customers who are disconnected for non-payment or who have insufficient credit or a history of past-due payments. Contact KCP&L online or by phone if you are planning a move and have the following information available: the name on the account, the current address or account number, the moving date, the new address and date wanted for service or the address for mailing the final bill, a phone number for home and work, your employer and your Social Security number. Connections and disconnections take place every weekday except holidays. Call 888-544-4852 to report power outages. u Jackson County Public Water Supply District No. 16 – The district site is 100 Buckner Tarsney Road in Sibley, Mo. Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Water Supply District No. 16 serves the unincorporated areas of Jackson County south of the Missouri River, north of Interstate 70, west of the Lafayette County line and east of Missouri 7. Call 816-650-5537 for more information about water connection fees for properties without a line and other service related issues. u Raytown Water Co. – The Raytown Water Co. serves a small area of Independence. The application for service must include a rental or lease agreement or a proof of purchase, such as a deed. The company is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications received by noon might receive connection that afternoon. Pay in person at 9820 E. 63rd St. in Raytown or online at www.raytownwater.net. Call 816-356-0333 for more information. – Jeff Martin
18 Independence City Guide
2012
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Patio style apartments – all one level Individual private porches Open floor plans Breakfast bar Washer/dryer connections in each apartment Thermal windows Huge closets Water/sewer/trash paid by management resident pay gas/electric/cable/phone Individually controlled heating/air conditioning Pets welcome (restrictions apply) Section 8 vouchers accepted 2 minutes south of Belton community center Major shopping minutes away
3 Bedroom available (1054 sq ft)
$700.00 per month
Huge closets Pets welcome (restrictions apply) 1 bdrm $533.00 (730 sq ft) 2 bdrm $652.00 (960 sq ft) 3 bdrm $700.00 (1054 sq ft) (current rental prices as of 6/1/12) Tax credit income restricted Max gross income: 1 person $31,080.00 2 people $35,520.00 3 people $39,960.00 (as of 6/1/12)
The Examiner
COMMUNITY
• Trash/recycling
Private haulers, drop-off sites TRASH HAULERS
The city of Independence does not provide public trash collection. However, there are seven private licensed trash haulers: u AAA Disposal Service: 816-6503180. u Allied/BFI: 816-254-1470. u Deffenbaugh Disposal Service: 913-631-3300. u EnviroStar Waste Service: 816220-3227. u Stewart Hauling: 816-231-6904. u Ted’s Trash Service: 816-252-1594. u Compost Connection: 816-7618300 (licensed yard waste hauler).
LANDFILLS
There are no landfills in Independence. The nearest landfills are: u Courtney Ridge Recycling & Disposal Facility, Sugar Creek Phone: 816-257-7999 u Lee’s Summit Resource Recovery Park, Lee’s Summit Phone: 816-969-1980.
RECYCLING CENTERS
Three of the city’s licensed trash collectors – Allied Waste Services, AAA Disposal Service and Ted’s Trash Service – now provide co-mingled or curbside recycling options. Ted’s Trash Service has opened a recycling drop-off center at 10900 E. Truman Road. The city provides recycling centers at two locations. Office paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, paperboard, steel and aluminum cans, plastic, glass, batteries and toner and ink cartridges are accepted at each. u Vista Avenue Recycling Center 875 Vista Avenue. East of 291 on Truman Road. Phone: 816-325-7174 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; 8
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. u 35th Street Recycling Center 13600 E. 35th Street Phone: 816-325-7623 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. u Recycling at Schools Deffenbaugh Industries partners with the Independence School District to provide outdoor recycling bins at every school and administration building in the district. These bins collect paper, aluminum and plastic (Nos. 1-7). No styrofoam, plastic bags or glass. Bins are emptied every other week, and the materials do not need to be separated. A portion of the money goes to the schools. u Glass Ripple Glass collects glass only, with locations at the Vista Avenue and 35th Street recycling centers, as well as at both McKeever’s Price Choppers, 4201 S. Noland Road and 11611 E. 23rd St.
DROP-OFFS
u Drop-Off Depot 875 Vista Ave. Phone: 816-325-7623 Hours: Second Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March through November. Trash and brush are accepted. Fees are charged for certain items. The city also holds an annual electronics recycling drop-off in April. For more information on the electronics recycling event, fees for DropOff Depot, trash disposal, recycling, or the disposal of materials like car batteries, tires and plastic bags visit: http://www.ci.independence. mo.us/PublicWorks/Default.aspx. – Jeff Martin
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 19
COMMUNITY
• Tourism and historic sites
Be a tourist in your own town
HARRY S. TRUMAN SITES
u Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday (May through September only); Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day Admission: $8, adults; $7, adults 65 years and older; $3, children ages 6 to 15; free, children 5 years and younger. There is no admission to enter the museum store. Call the 24hour information line, 800-833-1225. u Truman Home, 219 N. Delaware St. Visit the National Park Service’s visitor center, 223 N. Main St., to purchase tickets first. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Truman Home is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Nov. 1. No tours take place on Mondays from Nov. 1 through Memorial Day. The park is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cost: $4, adults; children 15 years and younger, free. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tours are limited to eight people at a time. The Truman Farm Home in Grandview is open for tours from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Contact 816-254-9929 for group tour reservations. u Truman Courthouse on the Square The courthouse is closed for renovations. Contact 816-252-7454 for more information. u Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday.
The building is open extended hours for rentals and special events. Contact 816-325-7843 for more information. u Truman Depot, 1111 W. Pacific Ave. The Depot is an Amtrak stop and is home to the Jackson County Genealogical Society. It was the final stop in Truman’s 1948 Whistlestop Campaign and was where 8,500 people welcomed him home to Independence after leaving the presidential office. u Truman Farm, 12301 Blue Ridge Blvd., Grandview, Mo., about a half mile west of U.S. 71 The farm grounds are open from dawn to dusk all year for self-guided tours. The farm home is closed from September through April. Tours start every half hour, last 30 minutes and are limited to six people, including children. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m., and the last tour starts at 4 p.m. Only a few tickets are issued each day. Tours take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $4, and children ages 15 and younger are free. Contact the National Park Service at 816-254-2720 for more information. u Clinton’s Soda Fountain, 100 W. Maple Ave. on the Square Truman worked his first job at Crown Drug Store in the building that now houses Clinton’s. The newly renovated business includes phosphates, ice cream, candy, pastries, coffee and gift items. Clinton’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Call 816-8332046 for more information.
PIONEERS AND TRAILS
u National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30 through 4:30 p.m.
Sunday. The Merrill J. Mattes Research Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only. Admission is $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 6 through 17; free, children younger than age 6. The museum offers a AAA discount. Contact 816-325-7575 for more information. u Wagon swales and walking trail, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Wagon swales believed to have been made by Santa Fe Trail wagons remain evident on the south side of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. A pedestrian bridge and a walking trail loop around the features. Visit the National Frontier Trails Museum or the Bingham-Waggoner Estate for a brochure on this walking trail. u Chicago and Alton Depot, 318 W. Pacific Ave. The depot is open from April through October, and donations are suggested. Its hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. It also may be opened by appointment. Call 816-325-7955 for more information. u Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. The estate is open from April through October. Its hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The estate also is open for the Christmas season from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 and is closed on Dec. 23, 24 and 25. Admission is $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 6 through 16; free, ages 6 and younger. Group rates are $5. Call 816-461-3491 for more information. u 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home &
Museum, 217 N. Main St. The 1859 Jackson County Jail is open from April through October. Its hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 5 through 15; free, ages 5 and younger. Student field trip and adult group tours also are available. Call 816-252-1892 for more information. u 1827 Log Courthouse, 107 W. Kansas Ave. The courthouse is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during April through October. It is closed all major holidays and is open after 2 p.m. by appointment only. Admission is free. Contact 816-325-7111 for more information. u Pioneer Spring Cabin, southeast corner of Noland and Truman roads The cabin is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during April through October. Admission is free. Contact 816-325-7111 for more information.
CIVIL WAR MARKERS
A self-guided tour of the 1864 Battle of Independence is available at the following locations: A. North of U.S. 24, east of the Little Blue River B. Jackson County Park at Little Blue River C. Northeast corner of U.S. 24 and Blue Mills Road D. Northwest corner of Main Street and Truman Road E. Southeast corner of River Boulevard and Lexington Avenue F. Corner Lexington and Crysler avenues
CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
u Adventure Oasis Water Park, MORE ON PAGE 20
20 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
COMMUNITY
• Tourism and historic sites CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 2100 Hub Drive (off of 23rd Street and west of the Missouri 291 intersection) The pool is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer holidays. Daily admission prices for Independence residents are $6, children younger than 13 and adults older than 65; $8, adults; and $22, family of four. Non-residential prices are $7, children younger than 13 and adults older than 65; $9, adults; and $25, family of four. Water Park passes also are available at the Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave., and at Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion Ave., and range from $24 to $250. Call 816-325-7843 for more information or to purchase passes. u Children’s Peace Pavilion, 1001 W. Walnut St. During the summer months, from June 4 through Aug. 10, the pavilion observes the following hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, open admission for small groups of 1 to 5 people from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, prearranged tours only for groups of 6 to 40 people; closed on Saturdays and Sundays. During the school year, from Aug. 11 through June 3, the pavilion observes the following hours of operation: Sunday and Monday, closed; Tuesday and Thursday, prearranged tours only for groups of 6 to 40 people; Wednesday and Friday, open admission for small groups of 1 to 5 people from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, Scout tours by appointment only. The pavilion is closed on Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and from Christmas Eve through Jan. 1. Admission is free, but suggested donations of $1 per child or adult are greatly appreciated. Visit www. kidpeace.org or call 816-521-3033 for more information.
u George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road (north of the East 23rd Street and Speck Road intersection) The park’s summer hours (May through August) are from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 816-325-7115 for more information. u Independence Center, intersection of Interstate 70 and Missouri 291 The Independence Center mall offers a carousel, train, Mall Jump and children’s play area on its ground floor. Regular mall hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 816-325-6110 for more information. u Wagon rides on the Square Take a ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures. The wagon picks up at 217 N. Main St. in front of the 1859 Jail. Contact the reservation and event coordinator at 816-254-2466 and the wagon master at 816-456-4991. u Cool Crest Family Fun Center, 10735 E. U.S. 40 The center is open from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The hours of activities, including miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages, are subject to change without notice because of weather. Call 816358-0088 for more information.
HISTORIC HOMES
u Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St. The mansion is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, from April through October. It is closed for decorating from Nov. 1 through Thanksgiving. Holiday tours are available the day after Thanksgiving through Dec. 30, except for Dec. 23, 24 and 25. Admission is $6, adults; $5, seniors and groups; and $3, children and students. Visit www.vailemansion. org or call 816-325-7430 for more information.
RELIGIOUS SITES
u Community of Christ International Headquarters (Temple and Auditorium), 1001 W. Walnut St. Guided tours begin at the Temple and last about 30 minutes. A selfguided audio tour also is available. The April through October hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The November through March hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday; and closed on Sunday. Guided tours and the Temple museum are closed on Presidents Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving and from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.
Everyone is invited to participate in the daily prayer for peace at 1 p.m., 365 days a year. Contact visitor services at 816-833-1000, ext. 2030, for more information. u The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Visitors’ Center, 937 W. Walnut St. The center honors the past and present with exhibits depicting the experiences of Mormon settlers in Missouri from 1831 through 1839. It also includes exhibits about the importance of families, the Book of Mormon and messages from modern prophets. The visitors’ center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Call 816-836-3466 for more information. – Adrianne DeWeese
• Santa-Cali-Gon Days
Annual Labor Day event marking a milestone Santa-Cali-Gon Days is turning 40 this year. While the crowds at the Independence festival may have fallen short in 2011 with their attempt to make the record books with the Macarena, they’ll try again this year with the dance taking place at 1 p.m. on Labor Day. Santa-Cali-Gon Days also had its own mobile application for the first time in 2011. Other additions planned for the 40th annual festival include an “ITown Showdown” volleyball match between William Chrisman and Truman high schools at 11 a.m. Labor Day at the Community Stage area. Festival organizers also normally just sell T-shirts to the public, but this year, they’ll also sell Santa-Cali-Gonthemed hats. Staff members at the chamber, as well as a volunteer-based chamber fair board, work all year in prepara-
tion for the four-day festival. The festival takes its name from the three historic trails that shared an outfitting spot in Independence: Santa Fe, California and Oregon. The 2012 festival will take place starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 (carnival only); from noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 31; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 3 on the historic Square (from Osage Street to Memorial Drive, between Truman Road and Walnut Street). All activities, excluding the carnival, are free. Many craft vendors from across the United States will have items for sale. Disability-accessible parking is available, and free disability-accessible shuttles also are provided. A new website will go live in July. Visit www.santacaligon.com or call 816-252-4745 for more information as the festival date gets closer. – Adrianne DeWeese
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 21
COMMUNITY
• Public transit
Major changes begin with IndeBus More places. More hours. Better service. That’s the motto for IndeBus, Independence’s brand-new local transit system that begins service on July 2. Through an agreement with First Transit, the new system will provide a 30 percent increase both in service territory and in service hours, city officials say. The weekday buses start at 6:30 a.m. and run until about 6:30 p.m. The Saturday buses run from 8:15 a.m. until about 6 p.m. A complete schedule, the operating hours for each route and maps are available at
www.independencemo.org/indebus. Bus schedules also are available at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave.; Utilities Customer Service facility, 11610 E. Truman Road; the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion Ave.; Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St.; and the Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Bus passes will be available in the future at City Hall and at the Utilities Customer Service facility. The monthly full fare bus passes will eventually be available at the two Independence Hy-Vee and the two Independence Price Chopper locations. The regular single ride fare for IndeBus is $1.50. The reduced single
ride fare is 75 cents. To qualify for reduced rates, riders must show a Medicare card or must be 65 or older. IndeAccess Plus riders also qualify for reduced rates. Students ages 6 to 18 can ride for 75 cents. A 31-day pass is $50, and reduced 31-day passes are $25. Daily passes are $3, and a 10-ride pass is $12. IndeBus will be based out of the MetroCenter. The Independence MetroCenter is off of Truman and Noland roads near the Square. It includes a park-and-ride for 18 automobiles, two bike racks, partially covered rustic brick shelters, a granite globe in the center with artwork, a fountain and
lighted poles. The MetroCenter also is easily accessible to Community Services League’s headquarters at 404 N. Noland Road. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority will continue to operate its two intercity routes in Independence – 24 and 24X, which will soon change its name to 15X. Visit www. kcata.org for specific details on what areas the Independence routes incorporate, as well as their hours and days of operation. Call 816-461-IBUS (4287) for more information. – Adrianne DeWeese
22 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 23
HEALTH
• Hospitals & emergency care
Full-line hospitals and walk-in clinics CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER
Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, is a part of the HCA Midwest Health System. The 221-bed, acute care hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center in Eastern Jackson County. The hospital has an accredited Chest Pain Center and other cardiovascular services; has an accredited Cancer Program and a state-of-theart Breast Center; offers orthopedic services that include total joints and sports medicine; has Women’s Services, including the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Eastern Jackson County and offers neuroscience services. Outpatient services include a surgery center, advanced wound care center, sleep disorders center, imaging and rehab. For more information, visit Centerpoint Medical Center’s website at www.centerpointmedical.com or call 816-698-7000.
Children’s Mercy East
Children’s Mercy East, at the southeast corner of Interstate 70 and Little Blue Parkway, began construction in June 2011 and is expected to be completed this fall. It will serve children who live in Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding region, granting the same access as Children’s Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City. It will offer urgent care services as well as select specialty services. Outpatient clinics will include cardiology; ear, nose and throat; endocrinology, orthopedics, neurology, hearing and speech and gastroenterology. The Edward G. and Kathryn E. Mader Urgent Care Center will offer after hour urgent care services. Lab and radiology services will also be available. For more information, visit Children’s Mercy’s website at www. childrensmercy.org.
ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road in Blue Springs, is part of the Carondelet Health system. The system is part of Ascension health, which is the largest Catholic nonprofit health system in the United States. The medical center is a 146bed facility. In addition to the 24-hour emergency room, St. Mary’s offers the Center for Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine, a birthing center, the Carondelet Heart Institute, the Joint and Spine Institute, the Endovascular Center, surgical services, the Women’s Health Institute and Well*Life. For more information, visit St. Mary’s Medical Center’s website at www.carondelethealth.org or call 816-228-5900.
TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS
Truman Medical Centers oversees the management of the Jackson County Health Department as well as a number of primary care practices in Eastern Jackson County. Truman Medical Center-Lakewood, 7900 Lee’s Summit Road, is in Kansas City near Lee’s Summit. The services include dental, chiropractic, emergency medicine, counseling, podiatry, sports medicine, rehabilitation services and addiction recovery. It is also is the home to the Lakewood Family Birthplace, the Eye Care Center and the Family Medicine Center. The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Community and Family Medicine Residency Program is also based out of TMC-Lakewood. For more information, visit the Truman Medical Centers website at www. trumed.org or call 816-404-7000.
ADULT QUICK CARE
Adult Quick Care, 19000 E. Eastland Center Court, Suite 300, in Independence, is designed for those
14 and older. It provides quick and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems. This includes common illnesses and injuries such as basic X-ray services, EKG testing, hearing testing and lab services. It is not equipped to care for life threatening situations or complications due to pregnancy. Visit www.adultquickcare.com or call 816-373-9200.
Emergent care plus
Emergent Care Plus, 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit, is an urgent care facility that offers services ranging from physicals to vaccinations. Treatment is available in areas related to eyes, ear, nose and throat, gastrointestinal; orthopedic, respira-
tory, dermatology and neurologic. Walk-ins are welcome. Laboratory and X-ray services are also available. Hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Visit www.emergentcareplus.com or call 816-554-2600.
urgent CARE
Urgent Care of Kansas City, 4741 S. Arrowhead Drive in Independence, provides urgent care services to patients of all ages. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday and holidays, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call 816-795-6000. – Kelly Evenson
24 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
HEALTH
• Public health
City of Independence Health Department
Address: 515 S. Liberty, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-325-7182 Website: www.ci.independence. mo.us/health/ Social media: www.facebook.com/pages/Independence-Missouri-Health-Department/172552466122971 Role in the community: The health department works to make life better by protecting the public’s health, preventing disease and injury and promoting health care services to the entire Independence community. More about the department: The divisions within the health department include asthma, nutrition, lead position and child safety education, flu clinics, worksite well-
ness activities, smoking and cessation education and communicable disease prevention. The Food and Institution Division includes routine inspections; complaint investigations; training for food/drink establishment, child care facilities, tattoo parlors, taxi cabs, commercial swimming pools and massage therapy. Animal Services and the Code Compliance Division also operate out of the health department. Funding: The city of Independence’s General Fund, grants, some permits and Animal Shelter fees and services. Contacts: Contact the city of Independence Health Department at 816-325-7182. – Kelly Evenson
Jackson County Health Department Address: 313 Liberty St., Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-404-6415 Website: www.jacohd.org/ Part of the community for more than 80 years Role in the community: The Jackson County Health Department is operated by Truman Medical Centers. It offers disease prevention and testing, confidential testing and treatment for STDs as well as tuberculosis case management. Adult, childhood and travel immunization services are also available. More about the department: Other services at the Jackson County Health Department include health education and screening services, CPR and First Aid training, child care provider education, preventative health screenings, smoking cessation, emergency preparedness,
HIV/AIDS case management and the Show Me Health Women and WiseWomen programs. Birth certificates are also available if born in Missouri after 1920, and death certificates are available if the person died in Missouri after 1980. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Funding: The health department receives funds from Jackson County as well as from the state of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and fees collected from patients. It also received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 that focuses on creating healthier communities. Contacts: Contact the Jackson County Health Department at 816404-6415. – Kelly Evenson
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 25
2012
HEALTH
• Women’s health
Planned Parenthood
Address: 815 N. Noland Road, Suite 6, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-252-3800 Website: www.plannedparenthood.org Social media: www.facebook. com/#!/PlannedParenthood Role in the community: Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri provides sexual and reproductive health care services for women. Emergency contraception is available on a walk-in basis and language interpretation is available over the telephone. Appointments available. More about Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood provides birth control, emergency contraception, HIV testing, HPV and hepatitis vaccines, patient education, preg-
nancy testing and STD testing and treatment. Women’s health services include breast exams, check-ups, cancer screenings, mammogram referrals, pap smears and testing and treatment for vaginal infections and pap smears. Hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Funding: Planned Parenthood receives a majority of its funding from the federal government and from federal grant programs. It also receives funding from private donations and bequests as well as revenue from the local clinics. Contacts: Contact the Independence location at 816-252-3800. – Kelly Evenson
The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City Address: 815 N. Noland Road, Suites 4 and 5, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-836-9000 Website: www.thewomensclinic. net Social media: www.facebook. com/#!/pages/The-Womens-Clinicof-Kansas-City/255745340412 Part of the community since 2004 Role in the community: The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City offers services to women facing unplanned pregnancies or other issues that relate to sexuality and parenting. Services are free, confidential and available to anyone who needs them. More about the clinic: Medical services include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds for at-risk pregnancies, low-cost STD testing, referrals and professional counseling. The clinic also offers education services, including fetal development and parenting classes, abortion coun-
seling, pregnancy resources and alternatives to abortion, abstinence education programs and Bible studies. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Funding: Funded through private donations and fundraising events. Major fundraisers: Run/Walk for Life 5K is held each fall. This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 29 at the corner of Maple and Liberty Streets in Independence. All proceeds go to The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City. Contact TWC director of development Cindy Isabel at 816-836-9000 for more information. TWC also as an annual benefit dinner each year to raise additional money for services. Contacts: Contact the 24/7 Hotline and Clinic Main Phone Number at 816-836-9000 or text “PREGNANT” to 72727 for help. – Kelly Evenson
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26 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
HEALTH
• Support in the community
Community Blood Center Area hospitals need blood every day, and one person’s donation can make a difference for several others. There is one fixed location in Eastern Jackson County to give blood, the Community Blood Center office at 1124 W. U.S. 40 in Blue Springs. It has recently reduced its hours and stopped collecting platelets, but donations of whole blood are still taken. Call 816-224-0728 or 816-7534040 to make an appointment. Hours are: u Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. u Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. u Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations, including platelets, also are taken at the CBC’s office at 4040 Main St., Kansas City. It’s open seven days a week. Call 816-753-4040. The American Red Cross also holds blood drives at various loca-
tions, including several in Eastern Jackson County. To find a blood drive, go to http://www.redcrossblood. org/ and type in your ZIP code. The Red Cross says four types of transfusable products can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of those are produced from a pint of donated whole blood. The process of donating specific blood components – red cells, plasma or platelets – is apheresis. Blood is drawn and passed through a cell-separating machine that collects the platelets, and the rest is returned to the donor, with some saline. Platelets often are needed by patients undergoing chemotherapy, who have had an organ transplant or who have weakened immune systems. – Jeff Fox
Swope Health Independence Address: 1638 W. U.S. 24, Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-627-2000 Website: www.swopehealth.org/ Social media: www.facebook. com/#!/SwopeHealth Part of the community since 2002 Role in the community: To provide quality health care to residents of Independence, regardless of their ability to pay. More about Swope: Swope Health Independence provides family medicine and dental services. This includes physical exams for adults and children, pregnancy testing, well-baby checkups, family planning, immunizations, lab services, behavioral services and acute care.
Funding: Swope Health receives funds from a variety of local, state and federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Primary Care for primary care services and COMBAT, Jackson County’s community Backed Anti-Drug Tax for substance abuse programs. Grants are another major funding mechanism. Swope Health recently received a $2 million grant to construct a brand-new clinic in Independence. Contacts: For more information on services Swope Health Independence provides, contact 816-6272000. – Kelly Evenson
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 27
2012
HEALTH
• Support in the community
Cancer Action Address: 4010 S. Lynn Court. Phone number: 816-350-8881. Part of the Independence community since 1997, nonprofit for 52 years in the Kansas City area. Role in the community: Services and support for cancer patients and their families throughout the Kansas City area. More about Cancer Action: Can help with financial assistance for medications, nutritional and medical supplies, emotional help, wigs and
such, transportation. Funding: Nonprofit, individual donations, foundation grants, United Way. Fundraisers: Fundraising breakfast in the fall. Third-party events. Contacts: Call the office at 816350-8881 to be registered for assistance or to volunteer. Volunteers make comfort supplies for patients, provide transportation and more. – Sheila Davis
Comprehensive Mental Health Services Addresses: 17844 E. 23rd St (Main); 17886 E. 23rd St. (Carol Roper Vaughan outpatient building); 17421 Medical Center Parkway (Parkway Addiction Center). Phone number: 816-254-3652 Part of the community since 1969. Role in the community: To provide community mental health and substance abuse treatment services. It provides education, outpatient programming, community support services, medication clinic and more.
Need a new love
More about Comprehensive Mental Health: CMHS is certified by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Commission on Accreditation and Rehabilitation Facilities. Funding: United Way, Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund, COMBAT and other public and private sources. Contacts: Call the main number at 816-254-3652. – Sheila Davis
Address: 17611 E. U.S. 24, Suite 103, Independence, Mo. 64056 Phone: 816-404-6455 Website: sharedcarefree.org/ Part of the community for 12 years Role in the community: The clinic serves low-income, uninsured adults with chronic illness so that they can continue to work, raise families and be productive members of the community. More about the clinic: The clinic provides health care and medications to uninsured adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cho-
lesterol and asthma. There is also a hypertension clinic that provides care in the areas of high blood pressure and kidney disease. Funding: The clinic is funded through private donations and grants. Major fundraisers: Scopes for Hope is an annual benefit for the Shared Care Free Clinic. This year’s event is Nov. 9. Contacts: Appointment line is 816-404-6455. – Kelly Evenson
www.entofgkc.com
4880 NE Goodview Circle Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
William B. Mangum, MD, FACS ❏
205 W. R.D. Mize Road, Suite 208 Blue Springs, MO 64014
Andrew S. Pavlovich, MD, FACS ❏
John C. Ellis, MD, FACS ❏ Kelvin L. Walls, MD ❏ Mark O. Covington, MD ❏
Phone: 816-478-4200 Fax: 816-875-2597
Check out Adopt-A-Pet on Wednesday
in your life?
Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County
and Saturday in…
(816) 690-6566 1900 Broadway • Oak Grove • Full-Spectrum Quality Family Healthcare for Over 30 Years • Most Same-Day Appointments Accommodated • New Patients Welcome! • X-Rays and Lab Draws Done In-House
Steve T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. • Matthew John, M.D. Stephanie Hutchison, FNP
28 Independence City Guide
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The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY audiology
Family mediCine
Hearing Associates
Family Medicine, Inc.
Hearing Associates
Family Medicine, Inc.
Bary E. Williams, Au.D. New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com
ChiropraCtiC Balanced Body Chiropractic Center, P.C.
Britton Batchelor, D.C. Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, Healthcare for all Ages 19301 E. 40 Hwy., Suite B (at Little Blue Pkwy) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 254-0606 Fax: (816) 254-1895 www.drbritt.net
Family mediCine
Marvin P. Steiner, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Johnna Bodenstab, FNP, BC Family Nurse Practitioner 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Grain Valley Family Medicine Deb Bersano, R.N., Nurse Midwife 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785
Grain Valley Family Medicine
Michelle Hirsch, RN, Nurse Practitioner 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785
Family Medicine, Inc.
Independence Family Medicine
Larry Legler, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Randy Cramer, D.O. 10010 Truman Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 404-6785
Family Medicine, Inc.
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
Gregory Markway, M.D. Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Steve T. Gialde, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 29
2012
MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine
Continued
Family medicine
Continued
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
GastroenteroloGy
Bryan Hughes, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Matthew John, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Oak Grove Medical Clinic Stephanie Hutchison, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Edwin Kraemer, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Wael Mourad, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Kathleen Tang-Beltran TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Deb Bersano, RN, Nurse midwife TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C. R. Wade McCullough, D.O. Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com
Dr. McCullough completed his medical school at the University of Health Sciences, now KCUMB. He went on to complete the Internal Medicine Residency program and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been in private practice since graduating his fellowship. Dr. McCullough is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American College of Gastroenterology.
Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C.
Mark K. Taormina M.D. FASGE, AGAF, FACG, FACP Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com Dr. Taormina is a Kansas City native. He graduated from the University of Missouri. Dr. Taormina’s postgraduate training in Gastroenterology was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He continued as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps until 1991. Dr. Taormina is triple Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialties of internal medicine, gastroenterology and geriatric medicine. He has attained Fellowship status in the American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is currently on the active staff of Centerpoint Medical Center, Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgery Center, Midwest Physicians Surgery Center and St. Luke's Northland Hospital. He is active in clinical research and serves as the medical director for the Midwest Center for Clinical Research.
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The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY GastroenteroloGy
Continued
Summit Gastroenterology
Kit Bartalos, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Bartalos was born and raised in Kansas City. He received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and went on to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences for his medical degree. Completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri and finished his fellowship in Gastroenterology. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and board eligible for Gastroenterology. His area of special interest is an inflammatory bowel disease. He enjoys having opportunities to teach medical students and residents at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and to mentor others in their medical career. Hobbies include hunting, fishing, horseback riding and most importantly, time with his family.
Summit Gastroenterology Richard D. Lozoff, M.D., F.A.C.G. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lozoff was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. From there he went to the University of Bologna in Italy before transferring to the Rush University Medical College in Chicago, in Internal Medicine, where he became the Chief Medical Resident. This was followed with a Fellowship in Gasteroenterology at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, after which he became Board Certified. Dr. Lozoff is Board Certified Gastroentererologist and Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow in the American College of Gastroenterology, member of the American Gastroenterological Association and The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has been in private practice in Kansas City since 1983. He also has a degree in Culinary Arts and enjoys cooking, traveling, and cycling.
Summit Gastroenterology Mary Lynne Lucido, M.D. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lucido was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She completed the BA/MD program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City obtaining both her undergraduate and medical degrees in six years. She then moved to Minneapolis to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She was the Chief Medical Resident at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center and then completed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota. During her fellowship, she spent a year performing research and training in Endoscopic Ultrasound. Dr. Lucido is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
GastroenteroloGy
Continued
Summit Gastroenterology
Jeffrey L. Schlachter, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Schlachter is a native of New York and a graduate of Brooklyn College. He earned his medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, as well as a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Barnes Hospital, Washingto University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Schlachter is an Associate Professer of Medicine at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He has been in private practice in the Kansas City area since 1989. He is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association, Metropolitan Medical Society and the American College of Osteophathic Interest. Dr. Schlachter's hobbies include fishing, collecting antique watches, as well as classic automobiles. He has recently celebrated 36 years of marriage with his wife, Linda. His daughter Julie, is in the advertising and promotion business. His son Andrew, is in his medical residency and plans on following in his father's footsteps.
Summit Gastroenterology
Frank Totta, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Totta was born and raised in the Kansas City area and graduatedfrom Bishop O'Hara High School in 1987. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology at the University of Central Missouri, he entered Medical School at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. Following Medical School, he trained at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Internal Medicine, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident from 1998-1999. This was followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center - University of Phoenix Medical Center combined Fellowship program in Arizona. Dr. Totta is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterology Association. He has been in practice in the Kansas City area, since 2002. He is married and enjoys spending time with his three children.
Summit Gastroenterology
Amy Waller, A.P.R.N., B.C., A.N.P. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Amy Waller was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She received her undergraduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with honors and her masters degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with honors. Amy has over 14 years of GI experience and is certified as a Clinical Specialist by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. She emphasizes wellness and selfcare by giving patients the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions. Amy and her husband reside in Lee's Summit with their two children. She enjoys exercising, yoga, shopping and spending time with her family.
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 31
MEDICALDIRECTORY GynecOlOGy Gynecology - TMC Lakewood Peter Greenspan, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
HearinG aid specialist Rita's Hearing Center & Repairs Rita Harman, Mo-Lic. BC-HIS Locally owned & operated 1914 N. Plymouth Road Independence, MO 64058 (816) 796-8165
Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy
Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy
Continued
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Thomas F. Green, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Alisa R. Ash, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D. Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP-BC Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
32 Independence City Guide
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The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC
ontinued
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Debra K. Sims, WHNP-BC Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Amy Trout, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com
Obstetrics Obstetrics - TMC Lakewood Kristin Kruse, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Marcia E. Bray, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com
Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Cara A. Vander Wilt, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com
Oral & maxillOfacial surGery Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists Christopher J. Haggerty, D.D.S., M.D. 3600 NE Ralph Powell Road, Suite D Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-554-8300 www.LakewoodOMFS.com
Dr. Haggerty founded Lakewood Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists on the premise of combining modern surgical practices and outstanding patient care with state of the art facilities. Dr. Haggerty specializes in surgeries of the mouth, jaws and face to include wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement and facial reconstructive surgery.
OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com
OrthOdOntics David E. Dykhouse, D.D.S.
Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 33
2012
MEDICALDIRECTORY OrthOdOnticS
Continued
Vance J. Dykhouse, D.D.S., M.S.
Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com
James B. Indiveri, D.M.D.
Specialist in Orthodontics Board Certified – American Board of Orthodontics 300 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.indiveriortho.com (816) 229-1245
OrthOPedic Surgery Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Akin Cil, M.D. TMC Lakewood Specialty Annex 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-0031
Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Tom McCormack, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Pain ManageMent Rockhill Pain Specialists
Dan Hancock, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine
Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at
(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com
Rockhill Pain Specialists
Daniel Kloster, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology
Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at
(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com
PharMacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy 211 W. Lexington Independence, MO (816) 461-6546
Lowe Drug at Centerpoint Mike Hefley, R.Ph Centerpoint Medical Building 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 120 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 795-0086
Marr’s Pharmacy Larry Link, R.Ph 205 N.W. R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 104 Blue Springs, MO 64014 St. Mary's Professional Bldg. (816) 229-7755
34 Independence City Guide
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The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY podiatry Heartland Podiatry, P.C. Arthur Weisman, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338)
Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.
Heartland Podiatry, P.C. Ryan Frank, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338) Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.
SportS Medicine Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood Margaret Gibson, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025
Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood George Harris, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025
SportS Medicine
Continued
Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood Russell D. White, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025
The Examiner
2012
PUBLIC SAFETY
• Courts
Who’s who on the bench
MUNICIPAL COURT
The municipal court structure in Jackson County is for people who are issued a general ordinance summons issued by police for misdemeanor violations like speeding, fighting or illegal parking. Also, people can be charged for general Jackson County ordinance violations that are heard in municipal court. They are handled at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. Cases are heard at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Garry L. Helm is the presiding judge and Susan Watkins is an associate judge.
CIRCUIT COURT – 16TH DISTRICT
The 16th Judicial District of Jackson County hears criminal and civil cases. Criminal defendants are charged by the Jackson County Prosecutor with either felonies or misdemeanors. There are 28 judges and eight commissioners. There are two courthouses. The main courthouse is in downtown Kansas City and an annex courthouse is in Independence. Both are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Judges at the Independence Courthouse Annex include: u Michael Manners, Div. 2, second floor at 816-881-4402 u John Torrence, Div. 14, second floor at 816-881-3614 u Robert Schieber, Div. 15, second
floor at 816-881-3615. u Jack Grate, Div. 17, second floor at 816-881-4417 u Vernon Scoville, Div. 28, Suite 001 at 816-881-4606 u Twila K. Rigby, Div. 30, third floor at 816-881-4506 u Robert Trout, Div. 32, third floor at 816-881-4514 u Jeffrey Bushur, Div. 33, ground floor at 816-881-1783. u Commissioner Sherill L. Rosen, Div. 42, second floor at 816-881-4602
FEDERAL
Defendants charged by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office in the Western District of Missouri go to court at the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in downtown Kansas City. The 12-story courthouse includes 16 courtrooms, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, judge’s chambers, U.S. Marshals Office and other court-related agencies. The criminal division of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office charges people with fraud, corruption, computer crimes and child exploitation, narcotics, violent crime and forfeiture cases. The courthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
COUNTY PROSECUTOR
The Jackson County Prosecutor is Jean Peters-Baker at 308 W. Kansas Ave., No. 302, 816-881-4488. – Jeff Martin
IPD Crime Homicide Violent crimes Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated assaults Burglary Larceny/theft Motor vehicle theft
2010 8 484 43 123 310 1,246 5,242 735
2011 % Change 2 -75 500 + 3.3 40 –6 110 – 30 342 + 10 1,178 – 22 4,785 – 8.7 728 –1
– Information from the FBI
Independence crime statistics
Independence City Guide 35
36 Independence City Guide
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The Examiner
PUBLIC SAFETY
• Law enforcement
Strategies for keeping the community safe
INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Led by Police Chief Tom Dailey, Lt. Col. John Main and six majors, the department has refigured itself through the years to fit growing concerns and needs of the community. During 2011 and into 2012, the department has attempted to fashion itself as a more DAILEY citizen-driven department, specifically in the way Dailey wants his department to be more receptive to public input. In a presentation made before the City Council, Dailey said the department is focused on reducing crime and disorder and improving its relationship with the community. He echoed that statement again recently. “We concentrate a lot on violent crime because you can’t replace people like you can replace things,” Dailey said. “But like the mayor told me once – it’s the little stuff that concerns people the most: the burglaries, the property damage, the barking dogs and matters like that.” In 2011, Independence had the highest property crime rate in the metropolitian area. In most cases, these types of crimes can be prevented, Dailey said, but getting the message out and ensuring that people do more to become like police themselves is a challenge. “We all have to get in the crime prevention effort,” Dailey said. Some of the solutions are in place, or are near to being implemented, including increased correspondence with apartment complexes, parks, hotel/motel districts, neighborhood block watches and business areas. But techniques to help with preventable crimes, such as thefts from and of motor vehicles, property
crimes and other offenses, may be on the horizon, Dailey said. Those techniques include additional signage throughout the city. “They would be put up at parks, places like that, reminding people to lock their vehicles,” Dailey said. “Little reminders.” The department, which covers 78 square miles, has a special operations division comprised of a traffic safety unit and special response team. The criminal investigations division has a special victims unit, crime scene unit and a records unit. A gang unit is comprised of three detectives and two full-time civilian crime analysts. Call the department at 816-3257300.
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The sheriff’s office is at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit. It is responsible for enforcing laws in unincorporated areas of Jackson County and assisting local police departments. The office is led by Sheriff Mike Sharp and Col. Ben Kenney and Col. Hugh Mills. Divisions include patrol, investigations, communications and courthouse security. Within the patrol division, the office has an ATV unit, K-9, motorcycle and an emergency response team. Call the office at 816-524-4302.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A is stationed in Lee’s Summit. Coverage responsibilities include Jackson, Bates, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Platte, Ray and Saline counties. The phone number is 816-6220800. – Jeff Martin
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2012
THINGS TO DO
Independence Events Center In Eastern Jackson County, just one place exists where Grammy-winning musicians perform, college graduations take place and Missouri fire chiefs gather for a conference: the Independence Events Center. The $68 million, 182,100-squarefoot facility opened near the corner of interstates 70 and 470 in November 2009 with the Missouri Mavericks, a Central Hockey League team, as its primary tenant. In 2010, it added the Missouri Comets soccer team. In September, the Events Center will play host to one of its biggest concerts to date when Kelly Clarkson and The Fray perform. The nonprofit organization Independence Events Center Management Corporation manages the facility, and the Events Center’s general manager, Mike Young, is the corporation’s executive director. The city owns the building. In addition to sporting events and concerts, the Events Center hosts trade shows.
The Events Center features an arena with 5,800 fixed seats, 25 luxury suites, a bar and grill and a second sheet of ice for community events, such as figure-skating programs and youth hockey leagues, at the Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice facility. A total of 7,500 people can be seated for entertainment events. Parking is free for all center events. Events Center tickets are sold through Ticketmaster at www. ticketmaster.com and through area Ticketmaster outlets, including one at Independence Center mall. The Silverstein Eye Centers Box Office at the Events Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets also can be purchased by phone at 800-745-3000 or at 866448-7849, which is an automatedonly, self-service line. Visit www. independenceeventscenter.com or call 816-795-7577 for more information about upcoming events or ticket information. – Adrianne DeWeese
Roger T. Sermon Community Center Address: 201 N. Dodgion Ave., at the corner of Truman and Noland roads Phone: 816-325-7370 Website: www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/Sermon.aspx Social media: Facebook, www.facebook.com/#!/IndependenceParksandRecreation Part of the community since the early 1980s. Role in community: Social activities and health-related opportunities. More about Sermon Center: $15 annual fitness membership to the Sermon Center. Through the Building a Healthier Independence initiative, the center has added more cardio equipment and a wellness center featuring health check-ups and massage plans. It features rental space, meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a weight room and a greenhouse. Several clubs meet at the facility, and the Powerhouse
Theatre is home to three theatrical groups. The center plays host to annual events like the Best Little Arts & Crafts Show, the Cherry Blossom Festival and a Depression-era glassware show, among others. Funding: The city’s general fund; parks sales tax; some grants. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday. Check the daily schedule for gymnasium information. The weight and game rooms close 15 minutes prior to the facility’s closing. Memberships are available for residents and non-residents (individual and family rates) beginning at age 13. Only members 16 and older are allowed to use the cardio equipment and weight room, and those ages 16 and 17 must have parental permission to use those facilities. – Adrianne DeWeese
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4600 Little Blue Pkwy • Independence, MO 64057 816-795-7888
38 Independence City Guide
2012
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THINGS TO DO
Fairmount Community Center Address: 217 S. Cedar Ave. Phone: 816-254-8334 Website: http://www.nwcdcmo.org/ Social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/Fairmount-Community-Center/142114859193890 Role in community: A “home” for nearly 100 seniors in northwestern Independence. More about Fairmount: The NorthWest Communities Development Corporation and Fairmount Community Center relocated their facilities to the renovated St. Ann’s building in the spring of 2009. The community center provides transportation three days a week for senior residents to and from the center, as well as for field trips. Fairmount provides a recreational events, including exercise and dancing classes, and a nutrition lunch pro-
gram at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Walk to the Beat takes place daily at 8 a.m., and an exercise class also is offered at 9 a.m. Mondays are always Hat Day. A dinner and musical show event featuring the Metro Pops Chorale Group also is commonplace at Fairmount. A complete calendar of activities and events is available on the NWCDC’s website. Meetings spaces are available in the center, and health care screenings through HCA Midwest take place regularly for area senior residents. Funding: Grants; Jackson County Legislature health levy; United Way agency; Community Development Block Grant funds; regular spaghetti dinner fundraisers and other fundraisers; new partnership with Meals on Wheels for Independence. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday – Adrianne DeWeese
Palmer Center Address: 218A N. Pleasant St. Phone: 816-325-6200 Website: www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/Palmer.aspx Social media: Facebook, www. facebook.com/#!/IndependenceParksandRecreation Part of the community since the spring of 2004 Role in community: To improve the overall health of adults ages 50 and older in the community. More about Palmer Center: Facilities and services include a gymnasium, fitness room, game/craft room, the Catherine J.A. Curtis Dining Hall, a full-service kitchen, a small meeting room, an outdoor patio, a low-vision center and a computer lab. It offers nutritious lunches, social events, holiday gatherings, fitness opportunities and classes and many other services for senior residents. Rental space is available for special events.
In 2011, the Palmer Center received accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers. Palmer and Vesper Hall in Blue Springs are the only two senior centers in Missouri to reach the highest national achievement level for senior centers. Funding: The city’s general fund; parks sales tax; some grants. In conjunction with the Mid-America Regional Council, hot lunches are served at the Palmer Center. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday. Volunteer instructors teach classes on crafts, art, computers, health, fun and games, fitness and other topics. Volunteers help package home-delivered meals and serve the meals at the daily nutrition site. Call 816-325-6200 for more information. – Adrianne DeWeese
Golden Living Center of Independence is a warm
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 39
Independence
SQUARE
images provided courtesy of The Examiner and Freeland Photography
40 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 41
elena’s
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42 Independence City Guide
2012
Independence Square Events Calendar 2012 June - December
Third Fridays Art Walk
June thru Mid August
FREE Moonlight Movies
July
FREE Thursday Concerts
August
Camaro’s on the Square Car Show
August 31-September 3 Santa-Cali-Gon Days October
Friday Ghost Tours
October 4
Girls Night Out
October 27
Halloween Parade
November 17
Holiday Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Open House
Independence
SQUARE All images provided courtesy of Freeland Photography
The Examiner
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Independence City Guide 43
2012
THINGS TO DO
• Missouri Comets
MISL team calls Events Center home
The Missouri Comets came within an eyelash of reaching the MISL championship game in just their second year, and that gives coach Kim Roentved and team president Brian Budzinski plenty to build on for the upcoming season. “It was so much fun watching the boys come together last year and get stronger as the season went on,” said Roentved, a MISL legend who played in Wichita and with the 1980s version of the Kansas City Comets. “We’ve had the league MVP each of the past two seasons and we’re developing good, young players who are excited about playing in Independence.” Three players – defenders Leo Gibson and Brian Harris and midfielder Vahid Assadpour – like Eastern Jack-
son County so much they are calling it home on a year-round basis. “We’re fired up for Year 3,” Budzinski said. “We’re going to have some camps this summer to keep the Comets in the public eye.” The Comets will host summer camps from 10 a.m. to noon, July 23-27 at the Independence Athletic Complex. “And we’re giving our fans the opportunity to witness something special when we bring the MISL Combine to the Events Center on Sept. 29,” Budzinski added, “when representatives from every MISL team will come to watch the top 100 young athletes display their skills as they attempt to make an MISL club. “We’re expecting a total of 250 some people coming to Indepen-
Vahid Assadpour
dence and they will be staying in the Drury Inn, so it could make quite an economic impact on Jackson County.” The Comets will also host their Fan Fest that day, with details coming at a later date. Budzinski is busy signing players for the upcoming season, and is eager to get goalkeeper Danny Waltman’s name on the dotted line. “I talk with Danny on a weekly basis,” Budzinski said. “We’re going to work something out with him unless something just comes from out of the blue. Danny loves it here and we love Danny. “He had signed a two-year deal that was through last season. Right now, Brian Harris has a two-year deal that will make him a member of the team through 2014. “We want to take care of our top players.” Byron Alvarez, who won the league MVP award the Comets’ first season, and Geison, his protege who won the honor last season, are both excited about 2012.
“I have been on many teams,” Alvarez said, “and I haven’t seen many come together like our team did last year. At the end of the season, I think we were among the best teams in the league. That’s why it was so disappointing that we did not make the championship game.” Geison said that disappointment will add fuel to the team’s competitive fire this upcoming season. “For many players, this will be our third year together, and we think good things are going to happen,” Geison said. “We can’t wait to get back to the Events Center.” Roentved recently returned from a scouting trip to Denmark, and Budzinski said that big things loom on the horizon for the team. “We can’t say anything now, but we have the chance to bring some exciting new players to the Comets,” the team president said. “Kim has respect from players around the world and they are all excited about the opportunity to play for him.” The 2012-13 season will run from Nov. 2, 2012, to March 3, 2013, and two games have been added to the schedule. The Comets will play 13 games at home and 13 on the road. The Independence Events Center is located at 19100 East Valley View Parkway in Independence. Individual ticket prices range from $15 to $45 and season tickets, which offer a considerable discount, range from $146/$165 to $438/$497 – depending on your payment plan. Tickets are available at the Independence Events Center box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number for the Comets office is 855-522-7362 (KC-ARENA, as they share offices with the Arena Football League’s Kansas City Command). – Bill Althaus
44 Independence City Guide
2012
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THINGS TO DO
• Missouri Mavericks
Team quickly became fan favorites
Three years ago, a community-wide love affair began at the Independence Events Center. It caught everyone off guard, even one of the men responsible for bringing the Central Hockey League’s Missouri Mavericks to Harry Truman’s hometown. “We didn’t know what to expect when we built the Events Center and brought in the Mavericks,” Independence Mayor Don Reimal said. “Now, all the weekend games are sold out. The fans love the team and the team loves the fans. When I talk to people about the Mavericks, I tell them that you have to go see a game to really appreciate what the atmosphere is like at the Events Center. “It’s special. And a lot of fun.”
A weekend home contest is more than a game – it’s an event. But it wasn’t always that way, as the Mavericks were not an instant hit in Independence. “Gosh, it seems like such a long time ago,” Mavericks coach Scott Hillman said when asked about the early days of the team. “We didn’t have a player, a name or team colors. We were at every Little League Baseball game, every grocery store, ribbon cutting – we wanted to get our name out there.” And it worked. “This is home for me and my family,” said Hillman, who recently signed a new two-year contract. “We love it here.” The Mavericks won over the heart
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and soul of Eastern Jackson County as they reached the playoffs in their first season and won a now-defunct entry series. The team has made the playoffs each of its three years and this past season took eventual league champion Fort Wayne to a seventh game in their bestof-seven Turner Conference finals series. The Mavericks led the CHL with 19 sellKris Hogg (41) of the Missouri Mavericks tries to get outs and were named the puck past Nick Boucher (33) of the Fort Wayne the CHL Franchise of Komets. the Year for the second tive of the Year (Patrick Armstrong) year in a row. and Thiessen was named the winner They’re doing something right, and of the Brad Treliving Executive of the it all starts with the man in the corner Year award. office – team president and general “We don’t win any of those awards manager Brent Thiessen, the Brad without great teamwork from everyTreliving CHL Executive of the Year. one on our staff and the support of “We wanted to get Independence our fans,” Thiessen said. “We do our and the surrounding area excited best to make each upcoming seaabout hockey,” Thiessen said. “We son more special than the previous wanted to make the Events Center a season and right now, we’re looking special place for our players and our for quality players to fill a few areas fans. on the roster and we can promise our “And every player we talk to about fans that many of their favorite playcoming to join our team mentions ers from last season will be back for the great atmosphere in the Events the 2012-13 season.” Center and the passion of our fans.” The Independence Events Center The Mavericks recently won eight is located at 19100 East Valley View of the top 15 awards at the 17th anParkway in Independence. The Mavnual Central Hockey League Spring ericks office phone number is 816Conference in Las Vegas. 252-7825 (PUCK). Last season, the Mavs captured six Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 awards, giving them repeat honors in per game and season tickets range the categories of Group Ticket Sales from $350 to $975, with a significant Franchise of the Year, Merchandisdiscount over purchasing tickets on a ing Franchise of the Year, Ticketing game-by-game basis. Executive of the Year (Ben Gaul) and The Events Center box office is Communications Executive of the open Monday through Friday from Year, to go along with their back-to10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and individual game back top franchise nod. tickets can be purchased at www. The Mavericks were also named ticketmaster.com the Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, CHL Communications Execu– Bill Althaus
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Independence City Guide 45
2012
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810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO
816.461.9600
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46 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO
• Fine arts organizations ENGLEWOOD STATION ARTS DISTRICT
Englewood, one of the original suburban shopping districts in the area, now offers a wide variety of art in the multiple galleries and businesses on Winner Road from Sterling to Ralston avenues. The galleries are open anytime during regular business hours and house an ever-changing selection of artisan works. A rotating collection of more than four dozen local and regional artists display their works for sale from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each month during the Third Friday Art Walk. They are usually on-site for meet and greet. In addition to art, this family-friendly event includes street performers, music, food, fashion and more. New 17-foot-wide sidewalks are planned to improve pedestrian travel. For more information, visit www. englewoodstation.com or call
Appleton Avenue Arts at 816-2521945.
MyARTS
MyARTS program provides a direct service to low- and moderate-income, at-risk youth. Youth ages 15 through 19 begin the program in a 72-hour unpaid apprenticeship, and once completed, they may interview into a studio of their choice where they become paid, part-time artists. According to its website, this program serves as “a haven” for atrisk teenagers from all parts of the Kansas City area. MyARTS has three goals: a safe place where they are able to build positive mentoring relationships; an opportunity to have a voice through working with MyARTS clientele and through their personal art shows, and the responsibility of paid employment that promotes their own economic development and acts
as a springboard to post-secondary opportunities. The building will feature visual arts, screen printing, ceramics, photo darkroom and graphic design studios. It will also feature a retail outlet for student art, a gallery and office space. The Jackson County, COMBATfunded program opened in May 2006 and is now located at 1522 Holmes St. in Kansas City. The Independence site at 315 N. Main St. will expand the program to include performing arts. For more information, call 816-4610201, ext. 313 or info@myartskc. org.
SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE CONCERT BAND
The band is the cultural arts partner with Metropolitan Community College-Blue River campus.
Danny Lane, the conductor and music director, has taught music in Missouri for more than 30 years. His major instrument is the trumpet. The band has 60-plus members and rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at MCC-Blue River. Students from the college may participate in the band for college credit. The band performs many free concerts throughout the year, including a Fourth of July performance outside the Mormon Visitors Center, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion, all in Independence. The band is always looking for new members. For more information, additional dates of performances and how to join, call Laura Browning at 816-797-0521. You may follow them on Facebook at Spirit of Independence Band. MORE ON PAGE 49
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 47
2012
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48 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive repair technicians. Consumers can find ASE-Certified Technicians at repair facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence.
ASE: Certifying The Automotive Professional Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to a national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 420,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even munici-
pal fleets. Certification Benefits Motorists ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASEcertified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.
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254-3388
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 49
THINGS TO DO
• Fine arts organizations FROM PAGE 46
INDEPENDENCE MESSIAH CHOIR
The Independence Messiah Choir joins with the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus to continue its 96-year tradition of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” performance. The performance dates are 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Tickets range from $20 to $50. All seats are reserved and available through the Kansas City Symphony at 816-471-0400. For more information on the Messiah Choir, call Pam Robison at 816-833-1000, ext. 2324 or email probison@cofchrist.org.
CITY THEATRE OF INDEPENDENCE
Beginning its 33rd season this fall, this volunteer group presents five productions a season at the Powerhouse Theater inside the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, at the corner of Truman and Noland roads. Auditions are open to the public. The Powerhouse Foundation, which includes CTI, Encore Theatre and the Children’s Performing Theatre, also presents the Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park, a nonscary Halloween event. Tickets for shows are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and musical show prices are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors. Dinner theater performances for the first Saturday performance of each production for a non-musical are $23, $25 for a musical. Season tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors. For tickets, call 816-325-7367 or visit www.citytheatreofindependence.org.
CHILDREN’S PERFORMING THEATRE This group focuses on children as actors and actresses, and performances are in the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads.
They perform three times a year, twice as an audition performance and once as a learning experience. Membership is open to all children 5 to 15 years old. Every child must audition. Rehearsals are six to eight weeks before each performance, and performances are Friday, Saturday and Sundays for two weeks. The Summer Fantasy workshop is for beginners and advanced actors to gain confidence and experience to perform. This class lasts a few weeks and ends in a showcase for parents to enjoy. Tickets for the shows are $7 for adults, $6 for adults 62 and older, and $3 for children 10 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, and for tickets, call 816-325-7367.
ENCORE THEATRE
This is a thespian group for adults age 50 and older, who enjoy fun-loving drama, that specializes in melodrama. The members perform at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. The group also divides into smaller traveling troupes. The group invites anyone 50 and older to audition or volunteer for backstage work. Meetings are 1:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays. The shows are open seating and are $7 for adults, $6 for adults 62 and older, and $3 for ages 12 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, and for season tickets, call 816-325-7367.
PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE
Diane Houk is director of the Puppetry Arts Institute at 11025 E. Winner Road. The institute is also the home of Kansas City’s Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum. An entire room is devoted to the Rollins marionettes. The museum also has a collection of marionettes from the late Robert Smith. After tours, children may paint a Hazelle hand puppet for $6. Hours of the museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday. The institute is open year-round. Many groups tour the facility, including senior citizens, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and church groups, plus birthday parties may also be held at the institute. Museum admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children younger than 16. The institute hosts a puppet show once a month and the cost is $5 per person. For more information, call 816-8339777 or visit www.hazelle.org.
GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, in its 16th year, has the goal to combine all creative arts, while focusing on individual disciplines. Students from 18 to 20 high schools and home-schooled students take part in the five-week summer academy, named after artist George Caleb Bingham. Students must display their talents to be chosen for the academy, which includes the visual arts, dance, theater, music and creative writing. The student must have completed their freshman year in high school. The students conclude the academy with a graduation ceremony, followed by a free public performance. For more information, call 816-7297097. The office is at 1010 S. Pearl St.
MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE
For almost 34 years, the institute has offered instruction in all classical orchestral instruments, voice, piano/organ, classical guitar, harp and percussion. Advanced ensembles are offered in classical harp, world percussion and Suzuki Strings. The children’s choir, Young MAIsters Singers, have performed numerous times with the Kansas City Symphony. MAI cooperates with the George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts. There are several summer camps, including a two-week Shake-
speare camp, taught by members of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. This not-for-profit community school of performing arts is open to people of all ages. All teachers are professional musicians. The institute presents student and faculty recitals, as well as an adjudicated music festival in the spring. The institute offers classes and private lessons. Enrollment begins in August for the academic year. Scholarships may be applied for May 1 through 15. For more information, call 816-8361998 or visit www.musicartsinstitute.org.
JACOMO CHORALE
Jacomo Chorale is Eastern Jackson County’s original community choir, founded in 1983. The chorus performs all genres of music, and the group asks that members be 18 or older. Rehearsals are weekly at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 N.W. Duncan Road, Blue Springs. The group relies on donations and ticket sales to fund activities. For more information, or to get involved, call Nancy White, manager, at 816-355-0114 or visit www.jacomochorale.org.
HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC
Celebrating its 68th season, the Heritage Philharmonic is one of the oldest community orchestras in the United States. Members are professional and non-professional musicians. The 60-member orchestra performs the 2012-13 season under the direction of James Murray III. This season includes three regular concerts and a traditional holiday concert. As concerts are free, community support is vital. Donations can be made to the Heritage Philharmonic, P.O. Box 2276, Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64063. Website, www.heritagephilharmonic.org. – Jillayne Ritchie
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THINGS TO DO
• Recreation opportunities
Get fit, have fun or just enjoy free time
SWIMMING
u ADVENTURE OASIS WATER PARK 2100 S. Hub Drive, Independence. 816-325-SWIM (7946) Adventure Oasis Water Park offers swimming lessons, water exercise programs, water slides, children’s activities, a 25-yard lap pool and more. Daily admission prices for Independence residents are $8 for adults, $6 for youth (under 13) and seniors (over 65) and $22 for family of four. For non-residents, daily admission is $9 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors and $25 for families. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays during open season. Season passes are also available for Independence residents only. A residential family season pass is $250, while youth and senior passes are $75 and adult passes $105. There are also 5-punch passes available for individuals and families. Prices vary. For more information visit http:// indepmo.org/parksandrec/advenoasis.aspx. u HENLEY AQUATIC CENTER (At James Bridger Middle School) 18200 E Missouri 78, Independence 816-521-5377 The Henley Aquatic Center offers swimming lessons, water aerobics, open swimming, lap swimming, birthday parties and more. Summer open swim hours are 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Hours vary by season. The cost is $3 per person. Children 3under are admitted free. A one-year family pass is $300. Other member-
ship packages are also available. For more information visit www4. indep.k12.mo.us/henley/index. html.
GOLF
u DRUMM FARM GOLF CLUB 15400 E. 34th St., Independence 816-350-9900 Drumm Farm Golf Club was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan. It was built on approximately 280 acres of preserved farmland on the Andrew Drumm Farm in Independence. The 7,121-yard, par-72 championship course is designed around creeks and rolling fairways. The course features zoysia fairways, bentgrass greens and five sets of tees for golfers of all skill levels. There is also a nine-hole executive course, driving range and more. Tee times for rounds with carts are $39 Monday through Thursday ($34 for juniors and seniors) and weekend twilight, $30 for twilight (after 2 p.m.) and $28 for super-twilight (after 5 p.m.). Weekend rates are $49. “The Ticket” includes monthly instruction clinic, free cart with paid greens fees, free executive course greens fees and unlimited driving range balls for $75 per month. Contact the pro shop for more information. For more information visit www. drummfarmgolfclub.com. u WINTERSTONE GOLF COURSE 17101 E Kentucky Road, Independence 816-257-5755 WinterStone promotes itself as “The only golf course in America that sits above an active mine.” “Thunder Time” is every afternoon around 3 p.m., when golfers on the public golf course hear and feel a
rumbling as miners blast the limestone from a quarry underneath the course. Designer Craig Schreiner created a course that takes advantage of the hilly, wooded terrain, with many uphill and downhill holes that demand strategic shot-making. Weekday tee times with carts are $44 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. $39 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $35 after 3 p.m. Weekend rates are $52 before 11 a.m., $49 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $42 after 3 p.m. Rates for juniors (17-under) and seniors (55-older) have varied reductions. For more information visit www. winterstonegolf.com. u STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB 22415 E. 39th Street, Independence 816-228-3333 The only Greg Norman Signature Design course in Missouri, Stone Canyon Golf Club opened May 2009, and is a public facility. It is part of a development project on the east edge of Independence and bills itself as a model for landfill reclamation. Tee times are $45 on weekdays, $55 on weekends. Senior and twilight rates, after 1:50 p.m. are $35. Super-twilight rate is $30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and evening twilight is $25. Weekend senior and twilight rates range from $45 to $30. For more information visit www. stonecanyongolfclub.com.
BOWLING
u AMF STRIKE ’N SPARE 13001 E U.S. 40, Independence 816-356-1900 Featuring 32 lanes, concessions, a bar and a game room, AMF Strike ’N Spare offers leagues, open play and Xtreme Bowling events. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m to 1 a.m. Friday,
10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday. For more information on prices and leagues, visit www.amf.com/ strikensparelanesindependencemo. u AMF INDEPENDENCE LANES 3701 S. Ponca St., Independence 816-795-8630 AMF Independence Lanes features 32 lanes, a snack bar, a billiards room, a game room and a lounge. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. For more information on prices and leagues, visit www.amf.com/ independencelanes. u DIAMOND BOWL 218 N. Osage St., Independence 816-252-8003 Diamond Bowl is an eight-lane bowling alley featuring lunch and dinner menus and a full bar. It is “not your Grandpa’s bowling alley,” boasts the website. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to close Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information on prices and leagues, visit www.diamondbowl.com. u STERLING LANES 11216 E. U.S. 24, Sugar Creek. 816-252-2111 Sterling Lanes features 24 lanes, open bowling, leagues, parties, a pro shop, “Cash-O-Rama,” “Rock ’N Bowl” and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. For more information on prices and leagues, visit www.sterlingbowl.com.
THINGS TO DO
Independence city parks 291
Center. Signups for the spring season are in January. For more informtion, send email to President Josh Crawford at president@ saisoccer.org or visit http://saisoccer. org. u INDEPENDENCE GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION The Independence Girls Softball Association offers T-ball, machine pitch and recreational softball leagues as well as periodic softball clinics. Games are played at Adair Park and Independence Athletic Complex. For more information, send email to the association’s president at president@igsasoftball.com or visit http:// igsasoftball.com. u QUEEN CITY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Queen City Athletic Association is a youth baseball organization with teams ranging from T-ball to 14-year-old competitive leagues. Games are played at Mill Creek Park or Santa Fe Trail Park in Independence. Registration is $20 per person plus required fundraising. Competitive leagues cost $1,200 per team, but fundraising is available. For more information, visit www. eteamz.com/qcba or call 816-7964003. u INDEPENDENCE WRESTLING CLUB Independence Youth Wrestling Club practices at the William Chrisman High School wrestling room. Ages 5-14 are eligible. Practices begin in November and schedule usually runs January through the end of March. For more information, visit www. independenceyouthwrestling.org or contact President Chuck Rodgers at 816572-3463 or coach Bill Jones at 816-3052928. u TSUNAMI SWIM TEAM OF KANSAS CITY MORE ON PAGE 53
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u BLUE VALLEY ACTIVITY CENTER Founded in 1966, Blue Valley Activity Center is a family-friendly organization providing sports and activities for youth. A leg of the Ministry of Central Mission, Community of Christ, BVAC is a nonprofit organization offering youth baseball, basketball, soccer and volleyball. Kickball and volleyball are also available for adults. The cost per participant varies by sport. For more information, visit http://bvacsports.org or call 816796-8702 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. u HEART OF AMERICA POP WARNER YOUTH FOOTBALL Heart of America is the oldest and biggest Pop Warner organization in Missouri. Heart of America offers football, cheerleading and dance programs for youth in Eastern Jackson County. For more information, visit http:// heartofamericapopwarner.com or call 816-820-2160. u FORT OSAGE INDIANS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Fort Osage Indians Athletic Assocaition is a USSSA Baseball organization featuring machine pitch, T-ball, coaches pitch, bantam, midget, junior and senior divisions for ages 4-16. For more information, visit www. eteamz.com/foiaa or call 816-2922800. u SOCCER ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENCE The Soccer Association of Independence is dedicated to teaching, advancing and promoting the game of soccer to youth. SAI is a member of the United States Soccer Federation, United States Youth Soccer Assocaition and Missouri Youth Soccer Assocation. Games are played at the Independence Athletic Complex. Fees are $60 for children ages 6-14 and $75 for high school. Signups for the fall 2012 season are June 23 and July 7 at the Sermon
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Facility information
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Beckett Park 27th and Cherokee Benton Park Hayward and Crane Bingham-Waggoner Mansion 313 W. Pacific Blackburn School Park 17302 E.R.D. Mize Brady Park Delaware and Charles Bund-Jack Park Bundschu and Jackson Dr. Bundschu Park Ninth and Scott Carriage Hills Park 16841 E. 41st St. South Cassell Park 31st and Hardy Charles Long Park Truman and Brookside Choplin-Hood Park 15919 E Cogan Lane Cler-Mont Park 19009 Susquehanna Dr. Country Club Park 2930 S. Norton Crysler Stadium 23rd and Crysler Curtis Park East Lexington Bridge Davis Park Arlington and Scarritt Dickinson Park 1710 Dickinson Fairmount Park Norledge and Home Firehouse Park 11305 E. 35th St. S French Acres Park Truman Rd. and Rogers George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Glendale Park 31st and Lee's Summit Rd. High Ridge 40th and Highridge Hink Park Southwest of Sterling and U.S. 24 Hiram Young Noland and Lexington Little Blue Park 21101 E. Missouri 78 McCoy Park 800 N. Bess Truman Parkway Mill Creek Park 1717 N. River Pitcher 35th Terrace and U.S. 40 Polly’s Pop Park Maple and River Randall School Park 509 N. Jennings Road Roberts Park Blue Ridge Cutoff and Blue Ridge Blvd. Rotary Park 24th and Hedges Santa Fe Park 2731 S. Santa Fe Road. Sermon Center Truman and Noland Rd. Sycamore Hills Park 15208 E. 39th Truman Memorial Bldg. 416 W. Maple Van Hook Park M-291 and Shrank Woodlawn Park Sea and Hocker Young Park 400 N. Dodgion Ave. St. Clair Park U.S. 24 and Farley Hill Park 23rd St. and Maywood Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 Hub Drive (fee) Independence Athletic Complex 17800 E. Salisbury Rd. Waterfall Park 4501 S. Bass Pro Drive Rock Creek Trail 23rd and Rock Creek Clothier Park 17203 E. 23rd Independence Events Center 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.
52 Independence City Guide
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 53
THINGS TO DO
• Outdoors recreation
Go where the trails and your mood lead you
u George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Road., Independence 816-325-7115 The George Owens Nature Park in eastern Independence provides plenty of entertainment for the nature lover. The 86-acre, city-owned park is open year round and has two fishing lakes, a familiy picnic area, a nature center, an overnight camping area for organized groups and five hiking trails, including one paved trail. Overnight camping facilities can be reserved in advance. Air-conditioned shelters are available for rent. Some of the activities visitors enjoy are fishing, hiking, bird watching, picnicking and nature photography. Fish commonly caught in the two lakes are bluegill, channel catfish and bass. Fishing rules are posted at the park. The park hours May through August are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The park is closed on Mondays. The park is off Speck Road, across from Pioneer Ridge Middle School about a mile east of Missouri 291 and north of 23rd Street. For park information visit www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/owens.aspx. u LITTLE BLUE TRACE TRAIL 39th and Little Blue Parkway, Independence 816-795-8200 Jackson County Parks and Recreation provides this 1,856-acre nature preserve with a biking and walking trail that follows the Little Blue River. Access entrances to the trail at Blue Mills Road, Ripley Junction, Bundschu, Missouri 78 shelter just west of Missouri 7, Necessary Road at R.D. Mize Road, and Little Blue Parkway in the Hartman Heritage Center and Longview Lake. The trail includes a softball field, 30 picnic tables and four shelters. For more information visit www.
jacksongov.org/parks/#LittleBlue. u Landahl Park Located 2 miles east of Missouri 7 on Truman Road. Landahl Park is a 1,397-acre county park in eastern Independence near Blue Springs, east of Missouri 7 and south of Truman Road. The former Lake City Park Reserve was renamed William L. Landahl Park Reserve in honor of the former Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department director. The park includes miles of trails for mountain biking. The park also includes horseback riding trails, soccer fields, a softball field, a picnic shelter and many picnic tables, camping, hiking, and cross country skiing in the winter. The newest facility is an archery range complex with static targets and three walking courses. For more information, contact Jackson County Parks and Recreation at 816-503-4805 or visit http://www. jacksongov.org/parks/#Landahl. u Crossfire Recreational Center 21200 E. Truman Road, Independence 816-796-0023 Crossfire Recreational Center LLC is an indoor firing range for pistol and archery practice. The range offers 10 firearm-shooting lanes for users to hone their shooting skills. The firearm lanes can accommodate most pistol cartridges, .22 caliber rifles, and carbine type rifles shooting pistol ammunition. National Rifle Association training classes are available in basic pistol shooting, shooting fundamentals and marksmanship. Instructional and conceal and carry classes are available Memberships are available for $50 for one person or $85 for two people. Members shoot for $6 per day. Nonmembers can shoot for $8.50 per hour or $11.50 for two people per
hour. Crossfire is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www. crossfirerec.com/ for more information. u Lake City Range and Training Center 28505 East Truman Road, Buckner The Lake City Public Range and Training Center offers a number of training options. Whether it is shooting clay pigeons or targets on the rifle and pistol ranges, Lake City has amenities for any skill level. The center offers 20 covered firing positions. Targets on the rifle and pistol ranges cost $3 per hour, and the trap shooting houses run for $3 per shooter per round (25), but trap shooters must provide their own clay pigeons. Hours are noon to 6 p.m., May 2
through Sept. 16, and noon to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 19 through April 30. The range is open Wednesday through Sunday and special deer-sighting hours are available 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 through Nov. 11, except Mondays, Tuesdays and all state and federal holidays. Groups wanting to use the range must schedule times in advance by contacting the training center supervisor at 816-249-3194. Group reservations are only available when the center is closed. The center offers one-day hunter education classes on the second Saturday of each month. Call 816655-6250 to register. To get the Lake City Range take Missouri 7 north 4 miles from Interstate 70 to Highway FF (Old Truman Road.) Turn right on FF and follow it for 2 miles. For more information, visit http:// MORE ON PAGE 54
• Youth sports FROM PAGE 51 Tsunami Swim Team is a USA Swimming club team that practices at eight sites in the Kansas City area, including Henley Aquatic Center at Bridger Middle School in Independence. New members are asked to come in for an evaluation. To be avaluated, send an email to info@tsunamiswimteam.com with the following information: swimmer’s name, age and birthdate, parents’ names, previous swimming experience, contact phone number and preferred location between Independence, Liberty or Kansas. For more information, visit http:// tsunamiswimteamkc.org or call 816-781-7946. u TEAM DOLPHINS SWIMMING Team Dolphins is a nonprofit USA Swimming club team based at
Centennial Pool-Plex in Blue Springs. Team Dolphins offers varying skill levels. Fees vary. Team is year-round but also offers a summer-league squad. For more information, visit www. teamdolphins.com or send email to general manager Rob Sturman at rsturman@hotmail.com or rsturman@bssd.net. u EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY TRACK CLUB Youth track and field club for ages 6-18. Includes USA Track and Field membership. For more information, visit www.ejcrunnerstrackclub.com or contact Chris Earley at 816-8470252. u FORT OSAGE YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Youth volleyball league for girls in grades 4-7 in Fort Osage and Independence school districts. Contact Lyn Adams at 816-650-6294.
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THINGS TO DO
• Outdoors recreation FROM PAGE 53 mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/ lake-city-shooting-range. u BURR OAK WOODS CONSERVATION AREA 1401 N.W. Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area features six designatred hiking trails (including on disabled-access trail), a Nature Center, a 167-seat auditorium, a live animal display, a bird-viewing area and a 3,000-gallon aquarium containing native fish. The Missouri Department of Conservation facility, around since 1977, is in a 1,071-acre forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as well as fields, ponds, glades, creeks and limestone outcroppings. Several times a week the nature center offers special events and classes for adults and children. The center’s website is updated frequently. Some events require preregistration. Burr Oak also features two picnic areas. The trails are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and all Monday state holidays. Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the area. Mushroom collecting is permitted for personal use. Bicycles and
HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES
Missouri residents need permits for most hunting and fishing in the state. Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must also complete an approved hunter education program to hunt with a firearm unless they qualify for an exemption. Children under the age of 15 do not need to complete a hunter education program if they are under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter. Hunters should carry their hunter education card with them while hunting with a firearm or have their certification verified at the vendor’s computer terminal. Fishing permits are required unless the angler is fishing on privately stocked waters or qualifies as disabled under an exemption. Visit mdc. mo.gov/permits/fishing-permit-information to learn more. Tags may be purchased for a day, year or lifetime. Trout tags must be purchased separately. Different permits are available depending on the season and animal. An online system, https://www.mo.wildlifelicense.com/, allows hunters to pick and choose permits depending on what kind of game they will be hunting. Most permits cost less than $20. There is a $1 convenience fee for purchasing permits online. Permits can be printed at home. There is a $2 convenience fee for purchasing permits over the phone, 800-392-4115. Allow 10 days for delivery. Permits can also be purchased at the Kansas City regional conservation office, 12405 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit , or at any authorized vendor. For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov. motorized vehicles are restricted to paved roads. For more information call 816-2283766 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/ regions/kansas-city/burr-oakwoods-nature-center u FLEMING PARK Located 2 miles east of I-470/Missouri 291 on Woods Chapel Road, Fleming Park encompasses both Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake, and it covers more than 7,800 acres. There are campsites at both lakes that are open April 1 through Oct. 31.
The prices are $27 for a full hookup. To reserve a site, call 816-503-4805. Credit cards only. The park also includes the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure, where visitors can see elk and bison. Blue Springs Lake: Blue Springs Lake covers 720 acres and offers numerous activities including jet skiing, power boating, tubing, swimming, water skiing and fishing. Boating and motor permits are required. Available services at the marina include boat rental, lakeside gasoline pumps, concessions, fishing supplies, fishing
licenses, boat ramps, bait and overnight slip rental. The marina, at 1700 N.E. Bowlin Road, is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day (weather permitting). Dock fishing closes at 7 p.m. A fish-cleaning station is provided for fishermen wanting to clean and filet their catch. Fish species include hybrid striped bass, bluegill, catfish, carp and largemouth bass. The beach, at 1500 N.E. Bowlin Road in Lee’s Summit, is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Entrance costs are $3 for children 15 and younger and $5 for adults. Group rates and season passes are also available. For more information call 816-503-4876. Lake Jacomo: This lake covers 970 acres and offers activities such as windsurfing, sailing, boat rentals and fishing. The marina, at 7401 W. Park Road in Blue Springs, offers fishing supplies, fuel and a convenience store. The marina is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Lake Jacomo has a limited-horsepower regulation, which keeps the lake still for sailboat and paddleboat use. Fish in the lake include crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, hybrid striped bass and carp. Dock fishing is also offered. Lake Jacomo also offers cruise tours every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Call 816-795-8888 for prices and times. Numerous recreational events are offered during the summer. For more information call 816-7958888. – Karl Zinke
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Jackson County parks and historical sites
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Dogs and their owners at the annual Dogtober Fest event at Fleming Park.
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Adair Park Blue and Gray Reserve Blue River Parkway Fleming Park (Blue Springs Lake) Fleming Park (Lake Jacomo) Fort Osage Park Hayes Park Landahl Park Reserve Little Blue Trace Reserve Longview Lake Missouri Town 1855 Monkey Mountain Reserve River Bluff Reserve Salem Park Truman Courtroom Truman Sports Park Vest Pocket Parks William Klein (Cave Springs)
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BUSINESS
• Independence Economic Development
Encouraging investment Independence Economic Development is a private organization promoting new commercial and industrial businesses in the city. Local businesses invested in the organization, which also is supported by the city of Independence and the Independence School District. The organization runs the Independence Ennovation Center, 201 N. Forest Ave., which serves as a business incubator. It’s in the old Independence Regional Medical Center, and much of that space has been renovated for young and growing businesses. For example, the kitchen
space is rented out, by the hour, to several local startup food companies. The hospital’s old surgical suites have been converted to lab space. The Ennovation Center also is where Independence Economic Development has its own offices, on the first floor. The organization also has quarterly investor luncheon and offers a variety of classes and seminar on business development, social media and other topics. Phone: 816-252-5777 Web: http://www.inedc.biz/ – Jeff Fox
• Chamber of Commerce
Leading local business
The Independence Chamber of Commerce represents hundreds of local businesses and promotes a variety of community interests. The chamber is best known in the community for conducting the annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival each Labor Day weekend on the Square. The event includes vendors selling food and a wide variety of crafts. There are also musical shows, and there’s a carnival. The chamber says about 200,000 attend the event every year. The chamber also holds a monthly luncheon, with a speaker addressing an issue of community interest, at
Ophelia’s restaurant on the Square. L.E.A.D. is a year-long program that connects community leaders, and there is a Youth L.E.A.D. program as well. The chamber also holds an annual banquet in January and a business expo in March. It holds ribbon cuttings for new businesses when they open. The chamber, founded in 1920, is at 210 W. Truman Road, just off the Square. Phone: 816-252-4745. Web: http://independencechamber.org/ – Jeff Fox
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The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 57
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58 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
HELPING HANDS
• Community Services League
In a new home
Address: 404 N. Noland Road, Central Headquarters; 800 S. Hardy Avenue, Fairmount site; 14506 E. 39th St. South, 39th Street site Phone: 816-254-4100 (main); 816-254-0446 (Fairmount); 816-2548209 (39th Street) Website: www.cslcares.org Social media: Twitter, @cslcares; Facebook, www.facebook. com/pages/Community-ServicesLeague/100641951530 Part of the community since 1916 Role in community: To empower families to move from poverty to self sufficiency. More about CSL: CSL is the oldest and largest emergency services provider in Eastern Jackson County. In many communities, CSL is the only option residents have for emergency food, clothing, shelter, utility or medical assistance. CSL has three umbrella programs: Work Express (training individuals to re-enter the workforce and helping them gain employment); Emergency Assistance (help with most basic needs of food, clothing, medical services and utility bill assistance); and Housing (assisting the homeless and those at risk of becoming home-
The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER
Supplying backpacks for needy students is one of the many services provided by CSL. Every year children receive the packs in time to start the school year. less through counseling, budgeting, homebuyer education and other efforts). CSL helps clients living at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. u The Central Headquarters on Noland Road serves east of Sterling Avenue and North of 23rd Street,
including the ZIP codes of 64050, 64051, 64056 and 64058. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. u The Fairmount site serves west of Sterling Avenue and north of 23rd Street, including the ZIP codes of 64052, 64053, 64125, 64126 and
64127. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. u The 39th Street site serves east and west of Sterling Avenue and south of 23rd Street, including the ZIP codes of 64052, 64055 and 64057. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Funding: In-kind donations, direct assistance, special events, government contracts, United Way, grants and other contributions. Major fundraiser: Formerly known as Outpouring of Hope, the 2012 Ooh! fundraiser was a food, drink and music extravaganza in May. The fall gala event will take place Nov. 3 at the Independence Hilton Garden Inn. Contact: Bruce Bailey, site manager, Noland Road; Liz and Mac MacLeod, site managers, Fairmount; or Darla and Mike Pummill, site managers, 39th Street. Donations: 816-912-4484; volunteer, 816-254-4100; hire CSL clients, 816-912-4491; advocate, email donate@cslcares.org to arrange a presentation at your church, workplace, school or civic organization. – Adrianne DeWeese
• Hope House
Shelter, programs help fight domestic abuse in area Address: not disclosed Phone: 816-461-4188 Hot lines: 816-461-HOPE (4673); 816-HOTLINE (468-5463) Website: http://www.hopehouse. net/ Part of the community for 29 years Role in the community: Hope House provides a safety net of preventive, educational and sup-
port services for those affected by domestic violence. More about Hope House: Hope House operates two secure shelters in Independence and Lee’s Summit, with early childhood centers, therapy space and community training facilities. It also offers safe visitation, court and legal programs and on-call advocates who work with police.
Funding: Hope House says it receives about 66 percent of its funding from local donations, and those donations stay in the area. Major fundraisers: Several events aid Hope House every year, including Hope and All that Jazz in August and the Links of Hope Charity Golf Tournament in September. Contacts: Any one who needs
help is encouraged to call the hotline number. People who want to donate can call 816-461-4188, ext. 0 for information on how to help. Blog: You can keep up with Hope House issues by reading the blog on their website, www.hopehouse. net/blog – Sheila Davis
The Examiner
Independence City Guide 59
2012
HELPING HANDS
• Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association
Group assists caring homes for kids
Address: 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Building 6, Independence, Mo. 64055 Phone: 816-350-0215 Website: www.mfcaa.org Social media: www.facebook. com/pages/Midwest-FosterCare-and-Adoption-Association/110555265641140 Part of the community for 10 years. Role in the community: MFCAA is the premier children and family charitable solution in the Midwest dedicated to support and advocacy for abused and neglected children and the families caring for them. MFCAA specializes in solving problems for kids and families involved in and affected by the child welfare system in a variety of ways. We are committed to assuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up successful, healthy and happy, despite childhood histories of abuse or neglect. Focused on building long-term relationships founded in experience, expertise and personal service, MFCAA delivers
evidence based solutions, dedicated customer service and personal concern through integrity and transparency. Dedicated to sound fiscal operations, client privacy and ethical, honest partnership, MFCAA strives to exceed expectations for its employees, clients, donors and its community, while providing a positive voice for foster and adoptive families in the broader community. More about MFCAA: It provides services to foster and adoptive homes throughout the state of Missouri and beyond. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Funding: MFCAA is funded through private donations, grants and government funds. Major fundraisers: There are two major fundraisers each year. In late April McGonigle’s Market sponsors Ribs for Kids, and in August is the annual Forever Homes Gala and Auction. Contacts: The office at 816-3500215 or info@mfcaa.org – Kelly Evenson
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• Salvation Army and Crossroads Shelter
Services for the homeless Address: 14700 E. Truman Road, Independence Phone: 816-252-3200 Website: http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_kan. nsf/vw Role in the community: The Salvation Army is a worldwide organization serving those in need. In Independence, the Salvation Army satisfies many needs, including after-school programs, a bread pantry, a community food pantry, and emergency assistance with money for utilities and prescription medications. More about Salvation Army: At the Independence branch, the Crossroads Shelter has 62 beds for those individuals and families that need
them. It is the only one of its kind in Eastern Jackson County. The shelter is open 24/7, 365 days per year. Residents are permitted up to a 90 day stay, and they also have the opportunity to take life skills classes and participate in a required support group. Funding: The Salvation Army operates primarily by donations and fundraising means. Major fundraisers: Several fundraisers are held throughout the year. Contact the Salvation Army directly for more information. Contacts: Captain Butch and Lisa Frost; store staff can be reached at 816-833-8881. – Jeff Martin
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60 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
HELPING HANDS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Address: Hawthorne Unit, 16995 E. Dover Lane; Leslie Unit, 315 S. Leslie Ave. Phone: Hawthorne Unit, 816-2577010; Leslie Unit, 816-461-1422 Website: www.bgc-gkc.org Social media: Facebook, www. facebook.com/helpKCkids The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is celebrating 100 years in 2012. A 2004 merger with Boys & Girls Clubs of Eastern Jackson County added the Leslie and Hawthorne units. Role in community: To provide a fun and safe environment for youth, 5 through 18, to learn, play, meet new friends and grow.
Important to know: Their mission is to promote the development of self-esteem, values and skills for boys and girls with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances. This year, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium, the Leslie Unit will receive significant renovations. Phase I is being done over the summer, and meanwhile, the Leslie Unit members are relocated to the Hawthorne Unit. Hawthorne Unit member Akimmy Wheeler is the Missouri Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of
America, after she was named as the 2012 Youth of the Year for the Kansas City area of five Boys & Girls Clubs. During the next three years, as part of Boys & Girls Clubs 100 years in Kansas City, the Great Futures Campaign will advance innovations to address critical issues facing youth, which includes solving the transportation problem to improve access to the clubs and making improvements to the Leslie Unit. Funding sources: Annual membership fee, $15 per school year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is a United Way of Greater Kansas City agency. Eighty percent of all
funds raised go toward providing youth development programs. Major fundraiser: The 2012 Kids Night Out – Night of a Thousand Stars raised $1.1 million. The Mind Body & Soul Classic 5K Run/Walk takes place June 30 in Overland Park, Kan. The fourth annual Dinner On Ice at the Independence Events Center, featuring dinner served by the players and coaches of the Missouri Mavericks, is in the late fall/early winter. Contact: Tyrone Moore, area director for the Hawthorne and Leslie units; 816-257-7010. To donate, sponsor an event or volunteer, call 816-361-3600. – Adrianne DeWeese
Community Mediation Center
American Red Cross
Address: 1212 W. Truman Road Phone: 816-461-8255 Website: www.communitymediationkc. org Social media: Twitter, @MediationKC; Facebook, www.facebook.com/CommunityMediationCenter; YouTube, mediators6 Part of the community since 2000. Role in community: To empower people to solve conflict in their lives, giving them lifelong tools they need to find peaceful solutions. More about CMC: As a nonprofit organization, the Community Mediation Center The Examiner/ADRIANNE DeWEESE uses a sliding-fee scale, and no one is turned Diane Kyser, executive director of the Comaway for the inability to pay. The center provides “impartial, third-party facilitation for munity Mediation Center, plans to retire at the resolution of disputes” among individuals the end of 2012. and entities across Jackson County, through mediations, training and school programs. Diane Kyser, the center’s founder and co-executive director, received several awards in early 2012 for her work in the community, including the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. award from the Independence Human Relations Commission, as well as the Jackson County InterAgency Council’s Human Service Award. Kyser plans to retire at the end of 2012. Funding: United Way; Community Development Block Grants; other grants; fundraisers; donations, both in-kind and financial. Major fundraiser: In May, the center sponsored its second annual golf tournament at Drumm Farm Golf Club. Plans are under way for the third annual event in 2013. Contact: Call 816-461-8255 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or email info@communitymediationkc.org. The center’s website also offers a “contact us” page where questions and comments may be submitted. – Adrianne DeWeese
Address: 211 W. Armour Blvd., Kansas City Phone: 816-931-8400 Website: www.kcredcross.org Social media: www.facebook.com/arcgkc; Twitter, @ kcredcross Part of the KC area since 1914 Role in community: The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross serves more than 1.3 million people in Jackson, Johnson, Cass, Clay, Platte and 10 other Missouri counties, as well as Johnson County, Kan. More about the Red Cross: The emergency services department responds to house fires, floods, winter storms and tornadoes, providing warm meals, dry clothing and safe shelters. Health and safety programs provide training in first aid, CPR, swimming, lifeguarding, caregiving and babysitting. The Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood and blood products nationwide. To donate blood, visit www. redcrossblood.org/donating-blood to set up and an appointment. There’s also information about organizing a blood drive. Funding: Grants and donations; no government funding. Major fundraisers: Two major fundraising events each year. For more information about the Genevieve Byrne speaker series, visit www.kcredcross.org/speakerseries. For more information about the Red Ball, held each spring, visit www.redballkc.org. Volunteers: Needed to provide disaster assistance, educate the community in emergency preparedness and teach health and safety. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit the organization’s website. – Jeff Martin
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 61
HELPING HANDS
Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Drumm Farm Center for Children
Address: 300 N. Osage St., Independence, Mo. 64050 Phone: 816-836-8189 Website: www.thcf.org Social media: www.facebook.com/messages/17001053#!/pages/Truman-Heartland-Community-Foundation/163242623693408 Part of the community since 1982. Role in the community: The foundation works within the community to promote and serve private giving for the good of the public. The foundation works for each cause, passion and charitable goal of the donor partners to ensure their dreams are realized through charitable funds. This includes providing scholarships, establishing family funds, supporting faith communities, creating international programs, forming new charities or raising support for existing charities. More about the foundation: The Truman Heartland Community Foundation has the National Standards Seal, indicating official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that the foundation has met most of the standards in philanthropy and affirms that the grantmaking process is open and competitive. The foundation has also created the Community for all Ages Coalition, the Shared Care Free Heath Clinic and the Youth Advisory Council to expand its mission from providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and creating young philanthropists. Funding: The foundation receives its funds from donations. Major fundraisers: Toast to Our Town gala is an annual event that honors the foundation’s thousands of donors. Area citizens are also recognized during this event. Contacts: Contact the foundation at 816-836-8189. – Kelly Evenson
Address: 3210 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, Mo. 64055 Phone: 816-373-3434 Website: www.drummforkids.org Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/DrummFarm Part of the community, providing care for kids, since 1929. Role in the community: Drumm’s primary focus is to provide foster care for children ages 5 to 18 who have been removed from their homes by the court due to abuse or neglect. The children live on the Drumm campus in family-style homes with trained, foster parents and attend the Independence School District. A variety of additional support services are also provided for these children as well as other members of the community. More about Drumm: DrummCares provides counseling services, if needed, for current residents as well as for adoptive and birth families living off site. COMPASS provides on-site housing and support services for older boys who have grown too old for foster care. Drumm Farm and Market is a progressive farming operation and roadside market. Fresh produce, free-range eggs and other locally grown fare are available weekly to the community. Funding: Private funding. Major fundraisers: The Drumm Golf Tournament is held each fall. Early spring brings the Drumm Run sponsored by Genesys. The annual benefit dinner on the Drumm campus is held the first Thursday in May. Contact: Executive Director, Brad Smith at 816-373-3434. – Kelly Evenson
Mother’s Refuge Address: 14400 E. 42nd St. South, Suite 220, Independence, Mo. 64055 Phone: 816-353-8070 Website: www.mothersrefuge.org/index Part of the community since 1987. Role in the community: Mother’s Refuge serves pregnant teenagers 19 and younger, who do not have a permanent place to live. Mothers can remain until their baby is 1 year old, but they must continue their education while in the program. Clothing, food, medical care access, infant and parenting classes, practical life skills and education is all provided. The goal is to help mold teenagers into responsible young women. More about Mother’s Refuge: A pregnant teenager can enter the facility at any time during their pregnancy. There are eight adult beds and four cribs within the house. At the end of the residency, they can enter into an Aftercare/Transitional Living Program that continues the support, case management and any follow-up care required. Funding: Mother’s Refuge is a non-profit maternity home. It is not affiliated with any large organizations that underwrites operations. The facility is funded through private, monetary donations as well as supply donations for the mother’s and their babies. Major fundraisers: Mother’s Refuge has an Annual Benefit Sale in June. Contact: Contact the office at 816-353-8070 or the Admissions Office at 816-356-4797, ext. 2. – Kelly Evenson
Hillcrest Ministries Address: 401 N. Spring St, Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-461-0468 Website: http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/ Part of the community since 1998 Role in the community: Hillcrest Ministries is a 90-day transitional housing program that helps a homeless families achieve self-sufficiency through a high accountability budgeting and life skills educational curriculum while living in a fully furnished, rent-free apartment. Families who enter the program have over a 95 percent chance of being self-sufficient upon graduating the program and over an 80 percent chance of remaining self-sufficient after 5 years. More about Hillcrest: There is a Hillcrest case manager typically on site Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Applications for the program can be filled out online on Hillcrest’s website or in person at the Hillcrest office. Funding: Non-profit faith ministry with no governmental funding. Individual, church and business donors, plus civic groups and private foundations provide funding. Major fundraisers: Hillcrest Walk for the Homeless, Hillcrest Gala, Hillcrest Christmas Adoption. Contacts: Volunteers as well as those applying for the program can contact the main office number, 816-461-0468. They can also contact by email; all emails are listed on the Hillcrest website. Those who want to apply to the program can apply online at our website. – Jeff Martin
62 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
EDUCATION
• Local school districts
One city, four school districts
Independence School District
1. Truman High School, 3301 S. Noland Road, 816-521-5350, Kristel Barr, principal – 1,646 students. 2. Van Horn High School, 1109 S. Arlington Ave., 816-521-5360, Greg Netzer, principal – 803 students. 3. William Chrisman High School, 1223 N. Noland Road, 816521-5355, Mike Becker, principal – 1,524 students. 4. Independence Academy, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., 816-521-5505,
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Blue Springs School District
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Chad Bruton, principal. 5. Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School, 2800 S. Hardy Ave., 816-5215380, Jean Carton, principal – 662 students. 6. George Caleb Bingham Middle School, 1716 S. Speck Road, 816-521-5490, Corey Willich, principal – 642 students. 7. James Bridger Middle School, 18200 E. Missouri 78, 816-521-5375, Kirsten Clemons, principal – 912 students. 8. Pioneer Ridge Middle School, 1656 S. Speck Road, 816-521-5385, Michael Weishaar, principal – 835 students. 9. Thomas Hart Benton Elementary, 429 S. Leslie, 816-5215390, Leslie Hochsprung, principal
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www.ourindependenceschools. org Independence students in the district: 14,536 Tax levy: $5.58 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Ann Franklin, president; Matt Mallinson, vicepresident; Jill Esry, treasurer; Greg Finke, Jana Waits, Ken Johnston and Denise Fears. Administrators: Jim Hinson, superintendent; Dred Scott, deputy superintendent; Dale Herl, deputy superintendent; Jason Dial, assistant superintendent for secondary education; Beth Savidge, assistant superintendent of instruction/professional development; Linda Gray-Smith, assistant superintendent of human resources; Nancy Lewis, director of public relations; Patti Simcosky, director of early education/Parents As Teachers; Cindy Konomos, director of special services; John Trammel, director of family services and Caring Communities; Gloria Stephenson, executive director of technology; Michele Crumbaugh, director of nutrition services; Keith Henry, director of transportation and Bob Robinson, director of facilities services. The administrative office phone number is 816-521-5300. Student numbers are for the 201011 school year.
32
– 395 students. 10. Blackburn Elementary, 17302 E. R.D. Mize Road, 816-5215395, Laura LaCroix, principal – 602 students. 11. Bryant Elementary, 827 W. College, 816-521-5400, Jonathan Pye, principal – 287 students. 12. Fairmount Elementary, 120 N. Cedar Ave., 816-521-5405, Jeff Anger, principal – 366 students. 13. Glendale Elementary, 2611 S. Lee’s Summit Road, 816-521-5510, Todd Siebert, principal – 457 students. 14. John W. Luff Elementary, 3700 S. Delaware Ave., 816-521-5415, Toni Kilgore, principal – 424 students. 15. Mill Creek Elementary, 2601 N. Liberty St., 816-521-5420, Kathy
Butler, principal – 268 students. 16. Korte Elementary, 2437 S. Hardy Ave., 816-521-5430, R.D. Mallams, principal – 661 students. 17. Christian Ott Elementary, 1525 N. Noland Road, 816-521-5435, Ronnee Laughlin, principal – 428 students. 18. Procter Elementary, 1403 W. Linden Ave., 816-521-5440, Deborah L. Marlowe, principal – 264 students. 19. Randall Elementary, 509 Jennings Road, 816-521-5445, Cynthia Grant, principal – 275 students. 20. Santa Fe Trail Elementary, 1301 S. Windsor Ave., 816-521-5450, Janet Gibbs, principal – 361 students. 21. Spring Branch Elementary, 20404 E. Truman Road, 816-521MORE ON PAGE 63
The Examiner
2012
Independence City Guide 63
EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICTS: FROM PAGE 62 5455, Janet Richards, principal – 332 students. 22. Little Blue Elementary, 2020 Quail Dr., telephone number not available, Jeff Williams, principal 23. Sugar Creek Elementary, 11424 Gill St., 816-521-5460, Sharon Byrd, principal – 177 students. 24. Unnamed West Elementary School - Under Construction 25. Sycamore Hills Elementary, 15208 E. 39th St. S., 816-521-5465, Ann Pye, principal – 440 students. 26. Three Trails Elementary, 11801 E. 32nd St. S., 816-521-5470, Robert Streich, principal – 400 students. 27. William Southern Elementary, 4300 S. Phelps Road, 816521-5475, Barbara Allinder, principal – 510 students.
Fort Osage School District
www.fortosage.net Independence school-aged population: approximately 3,900 students Tax levy: $5.50 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: David Shrout, president; Diana Rice, vicepresident; Gary Thompson, Carol Marcks, Sharon Dankenbring; Kelly Scott Kirk Stobart and Diana Rice. Administrators: Mark Enderle, superintendent; Maria Fleming, assistant superintendent of educational services; John Ruddy, assistant superintendent of support services; Anissa Gastin, assistant superintendent for human resources; Roxie Lanier, director of student support services; and Stephanie Smith, director of public relations. The administrative office telephone number is 816-650-7000. Student numbers are based on the 2010-11 school year. 28. Fort Osage High School, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7063, Jason Snodgrass, principal – 1,399 students. 29. Career and Technology Center, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-
7180, Mike Pantleo, director. 30. Osage Trail Middle School, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7151, John Schuler, principal – 777 students. 31. Fire Prairie Middle School, 24810 E. U.S. 24, 816-650-7158, Cody Hirschi, principal – 717 students. 32. Blue Hills Elementary, 1911 Blue Mills Road, 816-650-7440, Monica Shane, principal – 366 students. n Buckner Elementary, 13 S. Sibley, 816-650-7300, Patrick Farnan, principal – 374 students. 33. Cler-Mont Elementary, 19009 Susquehanna Ridge, 816-6507350, Julie Stout, principal – 384 students. 34. Elm Grove Elementary, 18000 Kentucky Road, 816-6507400, Pam Fore, principal – 328 students. 35. Indian Trails Elementary, 24200 E. Bundschu, 816-650-7645, Emily Cross, principal – 359 students.
Blue Springs School District
www.bluesprings-schools.net Independence school-aged population: Approximately 1,500 Tax levy: $5.72 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Dale Walkup, president; Dave Wright, vice-president; Kent Bradford, treasurer; Kay Coen; Rhonda Gilstrap; Dale Falck and Jennifer Casey. Administrators: Paul Kinder, superintendent; Annette Seago, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Jim Finley, assistant superintendent for administration; Leslie Evans, assistant superintendent; Bill Cowling, assistant superintendent of management services; Dan Anderson, director of buildings and grounds; Jason Woolf, director of human resources; Kim Brightwell, chief financial officer; Steve Brown, executive director of transportation; Norma Anderson, director of secondary education; David Brouse, director of elementary education; Scott Young, assistant to the superintendent; and Cara Anger, director of public relations.
The administrative office number is 816-224-1300. Student numbers are based on the 2010-11 school year. n Blue Springs High School, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive, 816-2293459, David Adams, principal – 1,789 students. n Blue Springs South High School, 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway, 816-224-1315, Randy Dowell, principal – 1,415 students. n Valley View High School, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-2244388, Charlie Weber, principal. n Blue Springs Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., 816224-1325, Brandon Martin, principal – 1,070 students. n Brittany Hill Middle School, 2701 N.W. 1st St., 816-224-1700, Dallas Truex, principal – 849 students. n Delta Woods Middle School, 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way, 816-7955830, Steve Cook, principal – 769 students. 36. Sunny Vale Middle School, 3930 South R.D. Mize Road, 816-2241330, Steve Goddard, principal – 754 students. n James Lewis Elementary, 717 N.W. Park Road, 816-224-1345, Todd Nurnberg, principal – 499 students. n John Nowlin Elementary, 5020 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-2241355, Kacey Roush, principal – 458 students. 37. Sunny Pointe Elementary, 3920 South R.D. Mize Road, 816224-7800, Nick Goos, principal – 478 students. 38. William Yates Elementary, 3600 Davidson Road, 816-224-1350, Ramona Dunn, principal – 358 students.
Raytown School District
www.raytownschools.org Independence school-aged population: Approximately 450 Tax levy: $6.32 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Rick Moore, president; Amy Tittle, vice-president; Kristie Collins-Delarber; Terry
E. Landers; Jerome Barnes; Bobbie Saulsberry and Rick Thode. Administration: Allan Markley, superintendent; Janie Pyle, assistant superintendent of instruction; Vida Santone, assistant superintendent for human resources; Lynda Shrader, assistant superintendent of elementary education; Steve Shelton, assistant superintendent for secondary education; and Cathy Allie, community relations coordinator. The administrative office number is 816-268-7000. Student numbers are based on the 2010-11 school year. n Raytown High School, 6019 Blue Ridge Blvd., 816-268-7300, Brian Huff, principal – 1,405 students. n Joe Herndon Career Center, 11501 E. Missouri 350, 816-268-7140, David Ruhman, director. n Raytown Middle School, 4900 Pittman Road, 816-268-7360, Georgetta May, principal – 854 students. n Fleetridge Elementary, 13001 E. 55th St., 816-268-7220, Debbie Kingrey, principal, 428 students. n Northwood School, 4400 Sterling Ave., 816-737-6290, Penny Russell, principal.
SCHOOLS ALSO ATTENDED BY CITY RESIDENTS 39. St. Mary’s High School, 622 N. Main St., 816-252-8733, John O’Connor, principal. 40. Center Place Restoration School, 819 W. Waldo Ave., 816-2521715, Richard F. Neill, principal. 41. Tri-City Christian School, 4500 Little Blue Parkway, 816-7951088, Carl Herbster, principal. 42. Schoolhouse, 14709 E. 35th St., 816-373-5938, Mary Childers, principal. 43. Nativity of Mary, 10021 E. 36th Terr., 816-353-0284. Elizabeth Baker, principal. 44. Messiah Lutheran, 613 S. Main St., 816-254-9409, Ann Ardnt, principal. n Schools attended by Independence students but not in the city limits – Kelly Evenson
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EDUCATION
• Assessment testing
MAP testing, end-of-course exams tell the tale
Every year, students throughout Missouri spend two weeks testing their academic knowledge. In elementary or middle school, they take the Missouri Assessment Program exam. At the high school level, students take end-of-course exams. MAP exams test students in third through eighth grades in the areas of communication arts, mathematics and science. Students receive a score that places them in levels of
advanced, proficient, basic or below basic. Those scores are then used to determine if individual schools as well as school districts as a whole meet the Adequate Yearly Progress standards. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, districts must meet certain targets each year. End-of-course exams have replaced the MAP exams at the high school level. The exams are intended to increase students’ motivation to
perform well because a portion of the final grade is based on the results. Assessments are in the areas of Algebra I, biology, English II and government. Additional end-of-course assessments are available at no charge in American history, English I, Algebra II and geometry. For more information on the Missouri Assessment Program or endof-course exams, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Sec-
ondary Education’s Web site at www. dese.mo.gov. To view MAP or end-ofcourse results for individual schools and school districts, visit DESE’s website and select the “Assessment” tab on the right side of the home page. Then select the “Test Results/ Data Analysis” tab, and choose the “Adequate Yearly Progress District Results” from the menu. Then choose the district name. – Kelly Evenson
• Home Schooling
Families for Home Education Address: P.O. Box 742, Grandview, Mo. 64030 Phone: 877-MYMOFHE (696-6343) Website: www.fhe-mo.org Social media: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Families-for-Home-Education/285373759115 Part of the community for 29 years. Role in the community: Statewide home school organization More about Families for Home Education: FHE is Missouri’s original state home school organization, and has maintained a full-time, active, registered lobbyist in Jefferson City. Our purpose is to protect the inalienable right of the parents of Missouri to teach their own children without state regulation or control. Funding: FHE Private donations Contacts: Call 877-MY-MO-FHE or visit us at www.fhe-mo.org or on our Facebook page. – Kelly Evenson
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Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs
Y Sunday School/ Bible Study . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service . 10:45 AM Sunday Evening Worship . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting . 6:00 PM
900 NW 22nd Street
816-228-5540 www.calvarybluesprings.org
Nursery available during services
Office Hours 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday - Friday
VBS annually grades K-6 Gospel Concerts every 5th Sunday at 6:00 PM
Email: cbcbsmo@sbcglobal.net
Serving Blue Springs Community Since 1980 Traditional Southern Baptist Worship Services and Music
Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School Come worship St. Mark's is located 1 mile north of I-70 on Lee's Summit Rd.
with us!
3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 816-373-2600 www.stmarksparish.com
LCMS
425 NW R.D. Mize Road • Blue Springs, MO 64014 (Church) Saturday Evening Worship – 6 pm Sunday Morning Worship – 8 am, 9:15 am, 11 am Education Hour – 9:15 am Wednesday Religion Classes for Youth – Sept/April – 6:30 - 8:00 pm 301 SW Wyatt Rd (School and Church) Contemporary Service of Joy – 9:30 am – Wyatt Rd Education Hour – 10:45 am “Touching Lives for Christ”
816-228-5300
www.timothylutheran.com
66 Independence City Guide
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EDUCATION
• School programs Students in Independence are served by four public school districts. Although the largest portion of the city is within the Independence School District, other parts of the community are in the Blue Springs, Fort Osage and Raytown school districts. Each district offers a wide range of similar programs.
Sunshine Center
The Sunshine Center, 18400 E. Salisbury Road, provides early childhood education services to students in the Independence School District. Sunshine Center programs help prepare children for success in school with a whole child approach that addresses individual developmental needs. The Sunshine Center also works with early education sites at the various elementary schools and Hanthorn Early Education. The Sunshine Center is also a licensed-child care provider, open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parents pay for services on a sliding scale. Programs offered at the Sunshine Center include early Head Start, parent pay classrooms and half-day Head Start. Missouri First Steps providers and therapists are also available to work with students who have special needs. For more information, call 816521-5526 to schedule an enrollment appointment with an early education specialist.
Early education
u Independence – Every elementary school as well as the Sunshine Center in the Independence School District provides early education/pre-school for 3- to 5-yearolds. Transportation is not provided. Locations change during holiday and summer breaks. Ten of these centers are nationally accredited – Randall, Ott, Blackburn, Mill Creek, William Southern, Sycamore Hills, Spring Branch, Glendale, Sunshine Center and Head Start at Hanthorn School. The district also served as one
of 10 Yale University demonstration sites nationwide for the Schools of the 21st Century program for children K-5. Head Start provides a part-day pre-school program for children and families. The part day program is three and half hours a day, four days a week. Early Childhood Special Education provides services for children 3 to 5 years old who have special needs. For more information, call 816-5215300. u Fort Osage – The Fort Osage Early Childhood Center serves qualified children from 3 to 5 years old. Students are also served at Indian Trails Elementary. The goal is to provide a developmentally appropriate education to set the foundation for future learning. Education is based on the Fort Osage early childhood curriculum and transition planning is offered into an elementary school setting. For more information, contact the center at 816-650-7480. u Blue Springs – In Blue Springs, the Liggett Trails Education Center serves students 3 to 21 years old. The center includes education for preschool age children who qualify for Early Childhood Special Education or Title I as well as a Multi-Disabled Special Education program. Emphasis is placed on school/parent communication and developmentally appropriate curriculum. For more information, call 816224-1360. u Raytown – The Raytown School District houses its early education program at the New Trails Early Learning Center, which is next to Blue Ridge Elementary. For more information, call 816268-7000.
Before- and afterschool care
u Independence – Independence offers a before and after school program at every elementary school through Kids’ Safari. These
centers are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and parents pay for services on a sliding fee scale. Full day options are available on early dismissal days. For students at the middle school level, a program called Latitude is available. Clubs as well as tutoring are available through the program. For more information, call 816-5215300. u Fort Osage – The Fort Osage School District offers Fort Discovery, which is a before- and after-school care program for students in kindergarten through sixth grades. Fort Discovery is at each of the five elementary buildings as well as Fire Prairie Middle School. The centers are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. For more information, call 816650-7000. u Blue Springs – Prime Time is the before- and after-school child care program for the Blue Springs School District. It is offered at all 13 elementary schools in the district and is for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. Prime Time is open before and after school during the school year as well as throughout the summer. For more information, call 816224-1300. u Raytown – The Raytown School District offers a before- and after-school child care in preschool and elementary school. Each elementary school in the district has a program, which is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 816268-7000.
Gifted programs
Each district provides programs for students who need to be challenged academically beyond what the regular classroom provides. All districts also give high school students the opportunity to take advanced placement or dual credit courses. u Independence – Independence offers IMPACT, the Indepen-
dence Missouri Program for the Academically and Creatively Talented. It serves students in second through eighth grades. Entrance is based on several factors including I.Q., creativity test scores and achievement test scores. Special instruction is given both in class and during “pull-out” sessions each week. u Fort Osage – Fort Osage offers the talented and gifted program for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Students meet weekly with gifted program teachers. u Blue Springs – Blue Springs offers STRETCH to all students at the elementary and middle school levels who qualify. At the ninth grade level, STRETCH is an advisory program as well as an incentive program for students who meet the district’s gifted education requirements. u Raytown – Raytown offers the Challenge program, an enrichment program for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Students are identified through testing and work with teachers from the Challenge staff.
Parent Teacher Association
Each elementary, middle and high school in all four school districts that serve Independence has either a PTA or PTSA chapter for parents to become involved. The PTA is a volunteer-based, child advocacy organization. The association is for parents, educators, students and community members who are interested in becoming active in their schools and communities. Chapters are available at all levels. For more information, contact the school your child attends. Information can also be found on the National PTA Web site at www.pta.org.
GED
Each school district offers programs to help teenagers and adults study for and receive their General Educational Development certificate. MORE ON PAGE 67
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EDUCATION
• School programs FROM PAGE 66 u Independence – The Independence School District offers GED classes through the Independence Adult Education and Literacy Program at several sites with the option of both day and evening classes. Classes are at times and locations where the need has been determined such as at job sites and employment offices. Workforce skills are also at the core of the curriculum. In addition, there are distance learning options such as GED Connections and Workplace Essential Skills. For more information, call the adult education office at 816-521-5507. u Fort Osage – The Fort Osage School District offers its GED program in the evenings at the Career and Technology Center. For more information, call 816650-7000. u Blue Springs – The Blue Springs School District offers yearround GED courses at Valley View High School and the Hall McCarter Education Center. Day and evening classes are available. For more information, call 816224-4388. u Raytown – The Raytown School District refers students to the Independence School District’s GED programs.
A-plus schools
Eight schools in the area are Aplus designated. They are Truman, William Chrisman, Fort Osage, Van Horn, Raytown, Raytown South, Blue Springs and Blue Springs South high schools. Other schools involved in the statewide program are Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Grain Valley and Oak Grove high schools. Participating students must maintain a high grade point average, have good attendance and participate in community service programs. Specific requirements include having at least a 2.5 grade point average for three years, a 95
percent attendance for four years, 50 hours of mentoring or tutoring and avoiding drugs. Those who graduate under the guidelines of the program are eligible for partial state-funded financial assistance to attend a community college or public vocational technical school in Missouri for two years. Assistance covers the cost of tuition and fees. Participating area colleges include all colleges in the Metropolitan Community College system. Other participating schools include the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center; Cass Career Center in Harrisonville, Mo.; Clinton AVTS in Clinton, Mo.; Excelsior Springs Area Career Center; Herndon Career Center in Raytown and the Northland Career Center in Platte City, Mo. Some area colleges and universities in Missouri such as Northwest Missouri State University and Missouri Western State University also provided A-plus scholarships and financial assistance.
School at the Mall
The Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Independence Center offers career studies to students from the Independence, Blue Springs, Fort Osage, Oak Grove and Grain Valley school districts. Students can earn up to 15 hours of college credit through the program, which is offered by the Simon Youth Foundation. It is administered by the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center. Call 816-795-3305 for more information.
Health Centers
u Independence – Independence residents can go to the Swope Health Independence, 1638 W. U.S. 24, 816-627-2000 or the Jackson County Free Health Clinic, 17421 Medical Center Parkway, 816-4046455. u Blue Springs – Each school in the Blue Springs School District
has a health clinic within the school setting. However, these clinics are not open during the summer unless the school is offering summer classes. For more information, call 816224-1300. u Raytown – Raytown offers the Score 1 for Health program, a partnership between the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and the Deron Cherry Foundation. It provides free health screenings for elementary students K-5. The program is offered during the school year only. For more information, call 816268-7000.
McCune School
The McCune campus is operated by the Jackson County Family Court. The educational programs are run by the Fort Osage School District. Juvenile offenders are expected to participate in programs that include anger management, psychological and psychiatric treatment as well as substance-abuse education. Academic classes are also taught at the school.
Alternative schools Several area school districts offer an alternative to the typical high school environment. The purpose is to offer students a better chance for academic success and social growth. u Independence – Independence Academy, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., serves students in the Independence School District. It is an alternative-high school environment for ninth to 12th grade students who are recommended by district administrators or counselors. For more information, call 816-5215505. u Fort Osage – Lewis and Clark High School serves students in the Fort Osage School District. There are two programs – the K-9 program and the 10-12 programs. Each focuses on changing behaviors that have been obstacles to success. The 10-12 program also offers classes in English,
mathematics, science and history. The goal is to prepare students for a career after high school. For more information, call 816650-7000. u Blue Springs – Valley View High School, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road, is in the Blue Springs School District. Valley View offers expanded hours, including evening classes. It also offers GED Options, a program designed to target students capable of completing graduation requirements, but who are short on credits and at risk of leaving high school. For more information call 816-2244388. u Raytown – The Raytown Success Academy serves students in the Raytown School District, elementary through high school. Students are referred to the program by district staff and handles student needs in a structured, but nurturing environment. For more information, call 816268-7180.
Vocational school
Two vocational technical schools serve the Independence area. The Fort Osage Career and Technology Center is housed on the Fort Osage School District campus, 2101 N. Twyman Road. It serves students from the Fort Osage, Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Oak Grove school districts. Programs offered include accounting, automotive mechanic, automotive body repair, firefighting, horticulture, emergency medical technology, marketing, carpentry, computer installation and repair and diesel engine mechanics among others. For more information, call 816650-7180. The Joe Herndon Career Center was established in 1973 to provide career and technical training to high school and post-secondary students. The east campus is at 11501 E. Missouri 350, and the west campus is at 10322 E. Missouri 350. Both are in MORE ON PAGE 68
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EDUCATION
• School programs FROM PAGE 67 Raytown. Students receive hands-on instruction in laboratories and classrooms. The center serves students throughout the metropolitan area. Classes are offered in a variety of areas such as auto collision, business technology, computer programming, construction, cosmetology, early childhood, health services, networking systems, advertising and diesel mechanics. For more information, call 816268-7140.
Special services
The state requires public school districts to provide free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities whether they attend public, private or parochial schools from age 3 until they turn 21. Disabilities include, but are not limited to learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, speech and language disorders, visual and hearing impairments and other physical handicaps. For more information on specific
• Community support
Local Investment Commission Address: Administrative office, 3100 Broadway, Suite 1100, Kansas City. Phone: 816-889-5050 Website: www.kclinc.org/ Part of the community since 1992. Role in the community: The Local Investment Commission, commonly called LINC, works to improve the efficiency and delivery of services by agencies that serve low-income populations primarily by promoting a neighborhood decision-making process. More about LINC: LINC aims to put an emphasis on preventive services and on getting service providers to collaborate and create a network of assistance for those in need. LINC’s Educare program focuses on educating those who care for children up to the age of starting school. LINC also has programs for seniors and programs that focus on health, education and jobs. Funding: LINC receives 85 percent of its funding from the state. It has been a nonprofit since 1994. Contact: Go to the LINC website to find the LINC Caring Communities site coordinator nearest you. Many of the local schools have a coordinator.
special education services, contact the school district in which you live.
Drug abuse prevention
All school districts offer programs addressing drug abuse prevention. The Independence, Fort Osage and Blue Springs school districts participate in DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and VEGA (Violence Education Gang Awareness). They are organized by local law enforcement agencies.
In Blue Springs, faculty members work on drug abuse prevention through the Choices Program. It is supported by the Community Youth Outreach Unit, a joint effort between the Blue Springs Police Department and the school district. Raytown uses materials from the Here’s Looking at You program, which teaches children methods on how to handle peer pressure. Fort Osage participates in the Second Step program. – Kelly Evenson
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Independence City Guide 69
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70 Independence City Guide
2012
The Examiner
EDUCATION
• Other colleges
Regional colleges plant campuses in our midst
Graceland University
The Examiner/KELLY EVENSON
The Blue River banner leads the 2012 graduating class.
MCC-Blue River MCC-Blue River Community College opened in 1997, and more than 3,500 students now attend the campus at 20301 E. Missouri 78, in Independence, each semester. Classes are available in day, night or online sessions. All applicants are accepted. A variety of programs are offered by the academic divisions of business technology, mathematics, public safety, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Students can choose a transfer program or a career program. The transfer program allows students to transfer credits to a four-year college or university to continue with their education. A career program leads to an associate’s degree. In addition to these degrees, which can be earned in everything from arts, teaching and computer science to engineering and applied science, certificates are available to students. Certificates are earned in career and technical programs such as biotechnology or automotive. Blue River is the home of the Trail Blazers men’s and women’s soccer teams and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. It offers student groups such as the Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Center Place Restoration Campus Ministries,
Student Activities Council, Drama Club, Re-Entry Club and the Organization for the Purpose of Political Discussion. Selective programs are available, such as the police and fire academics at the Public Safety Institute. The academies include time in hands-on, real-world type situations and at the Precision Driving Track. Although most students take classes during the day, night classes are available. There are even options for high school students through the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy. The goal of the two-year program is to put high school students on a fast track to post-secondary success while helping to curb the cost of tuition. Students can earn an associate degree by the time they graduate high school. The reading and English scores from the ACT exam will be used for acceptance into the program. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be able to read and write at a college level. MCC-Blue River also offers a large community and continuing education program with online courses as well as skills-based, short-time programs. For more information, visit the website at www.mcckc.edu/blueriver or call 816-220-6500. – Kelly Evenson
The Independence campus of Graceland University is home to the School of Nursing as well as the Global Campus. Its main campus is in Lamoni, Iowa, which serves around 1,200 undergraduate students each year. Graceland University, 1401 W. Truman Road, has been operating in Independence for more than 30 years. In addition to the nursing program, there are undergraduate and graduate programs in education as well as a graduate studies program in religion. Independence serves as the headquarters for the online programs as well as the Center for the Study of the Korean War and the International Health Center. Through a partnership with MCC-Blue River, a business administration program is offered with at Blue River. For more information, visit Graceland University’s Web site at www.graceland. edu or call 816-833-0524.
National American University
The National American University site in Independence has been serving residents since 1990 and has been considered one of the university’s flagship locations. Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in a variety of programs including medical assisting, paralegal studies and health care management. Those who cannot attend campus classes have the option to take online courses in order to complete their degrees. The NAU campus in Independence is at 3620 Arrowhead Ave. For more information, visit NAU’s Web site at www.national.edu/Locations/Independence or call 816-412-7700.
Columbia College
Columbia College-Kansas City is a branch of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Offering more than 500 online classes and 19 online degree programs in addition to campus classes and degrees, Columbia College is an affordable option for those wanting to continue their education. The college, which is specifically geared for military personnel and working adults, offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The eight-week courses meet once or twice a week, and there are five sessions each year starting in January, March, June, August and October. There is also the flexibility of starting and stopping classes based on work, military and family obligations. The Kansas City campus is in the Blue Ridge Bank Tower at 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd. in Kansas City. For more information, call 816-795-1515.
WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
William Woods University is offering Eastern Jackson County area residents the opportunity to pursue an education degree without quitting work. Programs offered are master of education and a master of education in athletics/activities administration. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university’s Graduate and Adult Studies at 1-800-995-3199 or contact William Woods by email at AdultEd@ WilliamWoods.edu or more information. These programs make it possible for people with full-time jobs to complete a baccalaureate or a graduate degree while remaining employed. The programs are designed to prepare students for career advancement and to enhance their marketability in the job market. – Jeff Martin
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The Examiner
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Independence City Guide 72