Independence City Guide 2011

With you.

Every step.

24 Branch Locations and ATM’s Throughout Missouri Independence 252.5000 17430 E. 39th St. 220 W. White Oak Lee’s Summit 347.8100 300 SW Longview Blvd. www.HawthornBank.com

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The Examiner

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

VISITORS WELCOME

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.

Monday–Friday......9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday..................10 a.m.–4 p.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.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

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.

ORGAN DEMONSTRATION RECITALS

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.

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.

We invite you to tour the Temple and Auditorium and join us for the Prayer for Peace.

GUIDED TOURS

Daily................1–1:15 p.m.

June–Aug......3–3:30 p.m. Daily Sept–May......3–3:30 p.m. Sunday

C HILDREN’S PEACE PAVILION

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

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2011

Independence City Guide 3

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2011

WELCOME Demographics • By the numbers – 4

History

• Portraits of the Past – 5

Government

• City Council – 6 • Mayor, city manager– 7 • Voter registration – 8 • Boards and commissions – 10 • Q&A with Robert Heacock – 11 • Jackson County – 12 • State officials – 15 • State delegation –15 • Federal delegation – 16

Community

• Licenses – 17 • Utilities – 18 • Trash/recycling – 19 • Santa-Cali-Gon – 20 • Good neighbors – 20 • Bus routes – 22

Health

• Hospitals – 23 • Women’s health – 24 • Public health – 24 • Community Blood Center – 25 • Comprehensive Mental Health – 25 • Cancer Action – 25

Public safety

• Courts – 34 • Police, sheriff, Highway Patrol – 35

Things to Do

• Sermon Center – 36 • Palmer Center – 36 • Fairmount Community Center – 36 • Arts organizations – 38 • Events Center – 40 • City parks – 46 • Tourism – 46 • Youth sports – 47 • Recreational facilities – 50 • Outdoors recreation – 53 • County Parks – 75

Business • ICED – 55 • Chamber – 55

Helping hands

• Disabled services – 54 • Salvation Army – 56 • Hope House – 56 • Hillcrest Ministries – 56 • Community Services League – 58

The Examiner

DEMOGRAPHICS

The Examiner

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Independence grew 8.21 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 Steve Curd

Independence by the numbers

816-350-6311 • steve.curd@examiner.net

Executive Editor Sheila Davis

816-350-6365 sheila.davis@examiner.net 816-350-6326 dave.lammers@examiner.net

Marketing Director Sharon Dankenbring

816-350-6341 sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net

100,00

Production Manager Matt Goodspeed

90,000

Business Manager Deneane Hyde

80,000

816-350-6353 matt.goodspeed@examiner.net 816-350-6342 deneane.hyde@examiner.net

Circulation Director Peggy Paul

70,000

IT Director Joe Boothe

60,000

New Media Emilee Bilyeu

50,000

816-350-6346 peggy.paul@examiner.net 816-350-6358 joe.boothe@examiner.net 816-350-6372 emilee.bilyeu@examiner.net

Managing Editor Karl Zinke

Travel time to work 24.1 minutes

The Examiner, (USPS 260-540) established in 1898, is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. It is published daily Tuesday through Saturday except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Periodical postage paid, Independence, Mo. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051-0459.

$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

816-350-6316 karl.zinke@examiner.net

HOME DELIVERY RATES

Figures based on 2010 Census data

110,00

Advertising Director David T. Lammers

$25,632 Per Capita income

Median family income

$52,132 Median household income

Median home value

MAIL RATES

ONE YEAR $132.00 SIX MONTHS $67.00 THREE MONTHS $36.00 ONE MONTH $12.00 AUTO PAY $8.75 Subscription includes Sunday Kansas City Star

JACKSON COUNTY OUT OF COUNTY OUT OF STATE

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Home delivery rates include separate delivery charge of 16¢ per day and local and state tax

examiner.net

410 S. Liberty St. • P.O. Box 459 Independence, MO 64051 816-254-8600 • Fax: 816-836-3805

For subscription information, or delivery issues call

816-350-6302

• Truman Heartland Community Foundation – 58 • Drumm Farm – 59 • Mother’s Refuge – 59 • Midwest Foster Care – 59 • Boys and Girls Club – 60 • Community Medication Center – 60 • Red Cross – 60

Education

• School Districts – 62 • Libraries – 67 • School programs – 68 • MCC-Blue River – 70 • Colleges – 70 • Assessment testing – 71 • YouthFriends – 71 • Home schooling – 71 • Sunshine Center – 74

The Examiner • Your daily news – 74

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

The Examiner

2011

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.

Independence City Guide 5

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The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• City Council

They’re elected to serve you

Jim Page

4th District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-365-0880 Fax: 816-325-7012 ssaxton@indepmo.org

Lucy Young

Independence City Council Districts District 1

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7

District 2 Truman Rd.

Truman Rd.

eR

.

23rd St.

Lit tle

District 4

District 3 291 39th St.

39th St. 70

Blu

78

40

At-Large member and mayor pro tem City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-365-1552 Fax: 816-325-7012 jschultz@indepmo.org

291

24

35th St.

Jim Schultz

At-Large member City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-365-1158 Fax: 816-325-7012 Lucy.Listens@gmail.com

Dickinson Rd.

3rd District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-204-5002 or 816-373-1143 Fax: 816-325-7012 mparis@indepmo.org

Lee's Summit

Myron Paris

Noland

2nd District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-352-5400 Fax: 816-325-7012 wswoffer@indepmo.org

Crysler

Will Swoffer

Sterling

1st District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-365-1292 Fax: 816-325-7012 mgragg@indepmo.org

Hardy

Marcie Gragg

70 40

1

7

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 7

2011

GOVERNMENT

• Welcome to Independence

Mayor, city manager oversee city

Independence mayor Don Reimal 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.

Founded in 1827, the city of Independence was incorporated in 1849. Residents changed the city’s government to 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 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, 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 Mayor Don Reimal

speaking about a topic for a second time receive three minutes.

Security at council meetings includes the presence of two armed police officers and several other undisclosed security 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, Reimal was first elected as mayor in April 2006. He previously served as a District 1 council member. Marcie Gragg, Reimal’s successor on the council, was elected to finish Reimal’s term in 2006 and was elected to a full four-year term in

April 2008.

District 3 Council Member Myron Paris was elected in April 2008. District 4 Council Member Jim Page and District 2 Council Member Will Swoffer were also re-elected in April 2008 to four-year terms.

At-Large council members Jim Schultz and Lucy Young were re-elected to additional fouryear terms in April 2010.

Contact 816325-7022 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

City Manager Robert Heacock

BISCUITS ARE GOOD. BIG BISCUITS ARE BETTER.

• Black Angus Burgers • Tenderloins • Big Salads • Breakfast Served All Day Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sun. 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Blue Springs 530 N. 7 Hwy. 816-229-3108

Independence 16506 East 40 Hwy., 816-478-6958

•

•

•

•

Improving safety by installing emergency phones, improving side walks, and installing GIS trailmarkers Promoting physical activity by updating trail guides and installing new cardio equipment at the Sermon Center Promoting healthy food choices by implementing point-of-sale nutrition labeling and introducing a new Farmer’s Market location Reducing tobacco use with increased awareness and supporting smoking cessation. www.independencemo.org/health

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The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Voter registration

Exercise your rights As residents move from one county or voting jurisdiction to another, they must register to vote. Residents must be registered at their current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to an election to be eligible to vote.

Citizens who relocate within the county must notify the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners in writing to be eligible for voting in future elections.

The Election Board main office is at 215 N. Liberty St. Its hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information call 325-4600 or visit jceb.co.jackson, mo.us.

Residents may register at the main office or at the following Independence locations: u Independence City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Phone: 816-325-7000

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday u Independence Health Department 515 S. Liberty St. Phone: 816-325-7182 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 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; 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. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9

$10 Off Hour 1Facial

(Reg. $27.50) • Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/31/12.

Services provided by students under supervision of licensed instructors.

Gift Certificates Available

Independence College of Cosmetology 815 W. 23rd Street, Independence, MO

816-252-HAIR (4247) www.hair-skin-nails.com

p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 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; 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. Monday-Friday u Family Services 201 E. Partridge Ave. 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: 816-604-6500

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday 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. second Monday of every month. u Missouri Division of Employment Security 15301 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-325-5890 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday u Upcoming election DATES Aug. 2, 2011, special election Nov. 8, 2011 special election The deadline for the Aug. 2 special election, the deadline is July 6, and the deadline for the Nov. 8 special election is Oct. 12.

– Jeff Martin

• City website

Get city information online

In April, the city launched a redesign of its award-winning website, www.independencemo.org, playing on the theme “An American Original.”

The site’s top new features include a redesigned home page, quicker access to pages with fewer clicks and a version formatted for use on a mobile phone.

At the website, residents may pay their utility bills, download maps, read agendas and minutes from past city meetings, check out job opportunities with the city and much more. The “online services” tab, among other things, allows residents to watch City Council meetings, find a pet available for adop-

tion and check the status of an Action Center request.

Residents also may watch City Council meetings live through the website. The city started a “power outage 24/7” map in 2009 (iplmap.indepmo. org/). The link allows residents to view a “real-time update” of those areas experiencing power outages.

Also in 2009, the city launched a redesign of its Tourism Department Web link, www.visitindependence.com, where feature links highlight “things to do,” “shopping,” “dining” and “places to stay.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

• Contact information Barking Dogs 816-325-7213 Crime Stoppers Tips 816-474-8477 Drop Off Trash 816-325-7623 Drugs 816-325-6272 Graffiti 816-325-7824

Neighborhood Watch 816-325-7643 Potholes 816-325-7624 Report Power Outage 816-325-7550 Street Lights 816-325-7535 Storm Water Pollution 816-325-7727

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2011

Independence City Guide 9

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The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Boards and commissions

Citizens help shape direction of city

The mayor of Independence and the City Council appoint civic-minded residents from a list of applicants to serve on a variety of 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 816-3257015 for more information about board and commissions opportunities or apply in person at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. u Audit and Finance Committee (Council members only) 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 of Directors u Enhanced Enterprise Zone West Board of Directors u Heritage Commission u Housing Authority Commissioners u Human Relations Commission u Independence Advisory Board of Health u Independence Economic Development Council (Council members only) u Independence 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, vice chairman u Karen DeLuccie u Kelvin Fisher u Lori Harp u Jerry Kacheroski u Lyn Westfall

TIF Commission

The Tax Increment Financing Comission 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 position.

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.

Current members are: u Ira Anders, Independence School District u Ron Bruch, Independence u Vaughn Cornish, Independence u Bill Cowling, Blue Springs School District u Larry Ewing, Fort Osage School District u Dale Falck, Blue Springs School District u Steve Knabe, Raytown School District u Martin Kuny, Independence, vice chairman

u Ferdinand Niemann, Jackson County u Robert Phillips, Raytown School District u Blake Roberson, Indep. School District u John Ruddy, Fort Osage School District u Anthony Sexton, Independence u Sue Shirk, Independence, chairwoman u Debbie Siragusa, KC Public Library u The Rev. Bob Spradling, Independence u Shelley Temple-Kneuvean, Jackson Co. 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 u Cody Fann u Tim Grove, vice chairman u Jean Kimball, chairwoman u James C. Legge 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 Charles “Gene” McClellan u Robert Joe Miller, vice chairman u Marvin Sturgeon u Edward J. Van Compernolle 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 and vice chairwoman 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 Jerry Dowell u John Hedden, vice chairman u Donna Pittman u Tom Weir, chairman u Ron Yale u Jonathan Zerr – Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 11

2011

GOVERNMENT

• Robert Heacock

Q&A questions

answers

Independence City Manager

1

What are some of the most significant amenity changes you’ve seen take place in Independence since you moved to the city 13 years ago?

Community initiatives have enhanced the overall quality of life in Independence. Infrastructure maintenance has been a top priority, including streets, water lines and stormwater control structures. The Palmer Senior Center, a renovated Truman Memorial Building, Adventure Oasis WaterPark, the

Independence Athletic Complex and Waterfall Park have enhanced the park system.

Police and fire facilities and equipment have been significantly upgraded. The Independence Events Center and the Little Blue Parkway also provide future opportunities.

2

How does Independence try to remain competitive among other Kansas City area suburbs while still maintaining a small-town feeling and atmosphere?

It is probably more about matching our efforts with the goals of the community than about competition. By listening and pursuing initiatives that will make Independence a better place to live and work, we will maintain the partnerships necessary to continue to move things in the right direction. The positive atmosphere is due in part to the desire of people to volunteer and help others. The city can – and does help – in that regard.

3

How is upper management at City Hall continuing to make public safety services a top priority in Independence?

The goal for all city services is to achieve a standard of excellence as efficiently as possible.

From a budgeting standpoint, the general fund share of the police and fire departments has increased from 53 percent in 2008-09 to approximately 56

percent in the proposed 2011-12 budget. Equally important is how effectively those resources are utilized, and the city has prioritized expenditures and revamped procedures. Pursuing partnerships with the school districts and other agencies is also critical.

What are some improvements you’d still like to see take place citywide, and how can residents get involved?

Successful communities are able to project a positive vision that balances existing amenities and needs with future development and opportunities. Independence has benefited from good strategic visioning efforts, including the comprehensive park and open space master planning, the strategic tourism plan and various public infrastructure needs analyses. This year, Independence is continuing the

4

process of updating the city’s comprehensive plan. That is an excellent opportunity for people to articulate their future goals for Independence.

5

What do you hope residents who are new to the Independence area will take away from living here?

Hopefully, Independence residents, either long-standing or new to the area, will find the city accessible and responsive to their needs. Independence employees are professional and dedicated to the community and want to help make the experience of living, working or visiting here as positive as possible. Ideally, Independence would be viewed as the type of place that, because of its unique sense of neighborhood and community, encourages people to continue to make this their home.

– Adrianne DeWeese

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12 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Jackson County

County led by executive, legislature 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 a division of powers similar to that used at the state and federal levels, with executive, legislative and judicial branches. The county executive runs the county day to day, although the county prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive.

Jackson The voters adopted the current charter in 1972 and County made some revisions in August 2010.

Executive Mike The county is responsible for many roads, mostly in Sanders unincorporated 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.

Legislators, the executive, the sheriff and the prosecutor all serve four years. Mike Sanders has served as the county executive since 2006. He was re-elected in April after running unopposed.

The County Legislature has nine members. Six are elected from specific districts. Three others are elected from larger districts but are elected by all county voters. In the spring of 2011, a committee created new districts, which will be in effect in time for the 2014 elections.

The county’s website is at www.jacksongov.org.

u 1ST District – Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. The 1st District is represented by Burnett of 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 Tindall of Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-881-3163.

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 Tarwater of 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 Spence of 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 of the district is Wyatt Road.

Greg Grounds

Bob Spence

At-large districts:

THE LEGISLATURE The six districts: u 3RD District – Dennis Waits, D-Independence. The 3rd District is represented by Waits of 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.

James Tindall

Dennis Waits

u 5th District – Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs.

The 5th District is represented by Grounds of 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.

Theresa Garza Ruiz

u 1st District at large – Theresa Garza Ruiz, DBlue Springs. The 1st District at large, represented by Ruiz of Blue Springs, includes Independence. Ruiz 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 Williams of 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 Arbanas of Lee’s Summit, a Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer. He can be reached at 816-881-4477.

The district includes Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana.

– Jeff Fox

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 13

2011

GOVERNMENT

• Missouri

Executives, legislatures run state

mid-May and again in late summer From Independence to Iberia, to considering acting on any bills from St. Joseph to Ste. Genevieve, the governor may have vetoed. The Missouri is home to almost 6 milgovernor also can call a special seslion people. sion to deal with specific issues.

Jefferson City has been the To pass a law, legislation is first capital city since 1826 – just five years after statehood – because of introduced in either the House or its central location. the Senate. Once it is introduced, The state government is orgait is moved to a committee. If a bill nized in a way similar to the fedgets committee review and approval, it goes back to the floor of eral government, with a supreme the house where it was introduced. court, governor and legislature.

If the legislation passes, it moves The General Assembly has two to the other legislative body and it parts. The House of Representagoes through the same process. tives has 163 members, each If it is passed in the second elected to two-year terms. The Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon house, it moves to a conference Senate has 34 members, elected committee, which is made up of members of both for four-year terms. The lieutenant governor is presihouses. The committee compromises to come up dent and presiding officer of the Senate. The General with the final bill that is then approved or rejected by Assembly meets each year from January through

the House and Senate. After this process is completed, the governor receives the bill and can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to go into effect without his signature. Most new laws go into effect in late August.

For more information, visit www.missouri.gov.

The General Assembly Web site is at www.moga. mo.gov. u Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573-751-3222, www.gov.mo.gov u Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, 573-7514727, www.ltgov.mo.gov u Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573-7514936, www.sos.mo.gov u State Auditor Thomas A. Schweich, 573-7514824, www.auditor.mo.gov u State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, 573-751-2441, www.treasurer.mo.gov u Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-751-3222, www.ago.mo.gov – Jeff Fox

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14 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Independence state delegation State Rep. Tom McDonald

Democrat, Independence District 49: This district covers much of western Independence and Raytown. It includes the area south of Truman Road between Sterling Avenue and Lexington, south of 23rd Street generally between Hardy and Tom Noland Road, then a wide area along 35th Street from Blue Ridge Cut-Off to McDonald Noland. The corridor between Norfleet and Sterling then goes from Independence into Raytown, and then widens to cover an area from Norfleet west to Raytown Road.

Committees: Fiscal Review; Transportation; General Laws; and Transportation Funding and Public Institution.

Contact him: u Email: Tom.McDonald@house.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-9851 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 135AB Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

State Rep. Ira Anders

Democrat, Independence District 51: This district includes northern Independene, Sugar Creek and part of the East Bottoms in Kansas City. The district is generally bounded by the Missouri River, Interstate 435 Ira and 23rd Street. The eastern Anders boundary a jagged line east of Noland Road, then along Independence Avenue and Missouri 291.

Committees: Small Business; Retirement; Utilities; Tourism and Natural Resources; Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement; and Joint Committee on Education.

Contact him: u Email: Ira.Anders@house.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-5701 u District phone: 816-254-5865 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 109G Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

State Rep. Noel Torpey

Republican, Independence District 52: This district is roughly a rectangle running from Independence south to Unity Villiage. In Independence, it generally includes the area south of 23rd Street between Noland Road and Missouri 291 but also goes east of M-291 near the Noel old Medical Center of Independence site.

Torpey Farther south, the district takes in such areas as Country Meadows, the western edge of Lakewood, Knobtown and Unity Village.

Committees: Torpey is vice chair of the Small Business Committee. He also serves on these committees: Gaming and Wagering (a joint committee); Fiscal Review; Downsizing State Government; and Appropriations – Public Safety and Corrections.

Contact him: u Email: Noel.Torpey@house.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-3623 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 415B Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

State Rep. Brent Lasater State Rep. Jeanie Lauer

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Republican, Independence District 53: This district covers the northeast portion of Jackson County. In Independence, it’s the area east of Missouri 291 and north of 23rd Street, between Lake City and the Missouri River, Brent including Buckner, Sib- Lasater ley and Levasy.

Committees: Lasater is vice chair of the Transportation Funding and Public Institutions Committee. He also serves on these committees: Tourism and Natural Resources, Crime Prevention and Public Safety, and Appropriations – Public Safety and Corrections.

Contact him: u Email: Brent.Lasater@house. mo.gov u District phone: 816-783-7885 u Capitol phone: 573-751-3674 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 115I Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

Republican, Blue Springs District 54: This district is roughly a rectangle running on the north of Interstate 70 from Missouri 291 in southeast Independence to the Lafayette County line.

It includes Blue Springs north of I-70 and much Jeanie of the city south of I-70 Lauer and west of Missouri 7. It includes unincorporated parts of Jackson County north of Grain Valley and Oak Grove.

Committees: Local Government, Small Business, Tax Reform, Economic Development, the Special Standing Committee on Disability Services.

Contact her: u Email: Jeanie.Lauer@house.mo.gov u District phone: 816-228-9152 u Capitol phone: 573-751-1487 u Capitol fax: 573-526-2619 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 415A Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

The Examiner

2011

GOVERNMENT

• Independence state delegation State Sen. Victor Callahan

Democrat, Independence District 11: This district includes Sugar Creek, Raytown and most of Indepednence.

Victor (The areas of IndepenCallahan dence not included in the district are south and east of U.S. 40 and Lee’s Summit Road and generaly north and east of Kentucky Road and Missouri 291.)

Committees: Callahan is the minority floor leader in the House and the chairman of the Progress and Development Committee. He also serves on these committees: Administration; Agriculture, Food Production & Outdoor Resources; Gubernatorial Appointments; Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government; Small Business, Insurance and Industry; Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering; Joint Committee on Government Accountability; Senate Select Committee on Redistricting Contact him: u Email: use www.senate.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-3074 u Capitol fax: 573-751-4551 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 333 Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

State Sen. Will Kraus

Republican, Lee’s Summit District 8: This district includes most of Eastern Jackson County, including Blue Will Springs, Grain Valley, Kraus Oak Grove, Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Buckner, Levasy, Sibley and the area generally east of Sugar Creek between the Missouri River and U.S. 24.

Committees: Kraus is vice chair of the Ways and Means and Fiscal Oversight Committee. He also serves on these committees: Appropriations; Government Accountability; Judiciary and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence; Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections.

Contact him: u Email: use www.senate.mo.gov u Capitol phone: 573-751-1464 u Capitol office: Missouri House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 220 Jefferson City, Mo. 65101

Vacancy in 41st District There has been a vacancy in the 41st District since state Rep. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls was elected to the state Senate this spring.

The district is primarly in Kansas City but also includes a section of southwest Independence. That area is east of Interstate 435, south of 23rd Street, west of Hardy Avenue and north of a line along 31st Street west of Hardy, then along Hunter to the south, and then west along U.S. 40.

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Independence City Guide 15

16 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

GOVERNMENT

• Federal delegation u Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who lives in St. Louis.

Her Washington office is at 717 Hart Building. Phone: 202-2246154.

Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 101.

Phone: 816-421-1639.

Website: http://mccaskill.senate.gov/ Her term ends in 2013.

Claire McCaskill

u Sen. Roy blunt, a Republican from Strafford, Mo. His Washington office is at 260 Russell Senate Office Building.

Phone: 202-224-5721.

His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., Suite 2224. Phone: 816-471-7141.

Website: http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ His term ends in 2017.

Roy Blunt

u U.S. REP. SAM GRAVES, a Republican from Tarkio, Mo., represents Missouri’s 6th District. The district includes 26 counties, mostly in northwestern Missouri but also parts of Jackson County, including parts of eastern Independence.

His Washington office is at 1415 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-7041. Website: www.house.gov/graves/ His office in Liberty is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, suite 100. Phone: 816-792-3976.

His mobile office makes periodic stops in Eastern Jackson County. His term ends in 2013.

Sam Graves

u U.S. REP. VICKY HARTZLER, a Republican from Harrisonville, Mo., represents Missouri’s 4th District. The district includes much of western and central Missouri, including Oak Grove south of Interstate 70.

Her Washington office is at 1023 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-0148 Her Harrisonville office is at 1909 N. Commercial St. Phone: 816-884-3411 Website: http://hartzler.house.gov/ Her term ends in 2013.

Vicky Hartzler

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The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 17

COMMUNITY

• Licenses

Do you have a license for that?

DRIVER’S LICENSES Missouri driver’s licenses are available from the Department of Revenue at several area locations.

The Independence office is located at 16643 E. 23rd St. 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 816-252-7557.

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 816-8369191 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 816-325-6177 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, paycheck, 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/vehicle-registration 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., Room 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.

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 must give permission if the applicant is age 15 to 17. 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 and need Social Security numbers and proper identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver’s license, Missouri ID, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa or U.S. entry stamp, military ID, certified 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 816-881-1577.

PET LICENSES

Independence does not charge a pet licensing fee, but dogs and cats must wear a collar and rabies tags at all times.

Rabies tags are available from your pet’s veterinarian. The cost depends on the veterinarian, and some veterinarians 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 clin-

ics each year. One-year rabies vaccines are available for $5. Pet microchips are $10. There are two upcoming clinics: u Aug. 13, 2011, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Independence Animal Shelter, 875 Vista Drive, Independence. u Sept. 6, 2011, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Adventure Oasis Water Park, 2100 S. Hub Drive, Independence.

For more information, 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 Deeds Office, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Suite 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.

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 $33.25 to the Missouri State Highway 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 of the 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.

– Elle Moxley

18 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Utilities, TV & Internet

Learn how, where to get connected

TV/PHONE/INTERNET providers

u Century Link A high-speed Internet and unlimited calling bundle is available for $49.95 each month. Visit www.centurylink. com or call 866-948-6133 or 800366-8201 for more information. u AT&T The following numbers are for residential phone service: sales, service and billing, 800-288-2020; information line, 888-294-8433; and repair service, 800-246-8464.

Visit www.att.com for contact information on Internet, digital TV and wireless services. AT&T also offers bundle packages with television and wireless. u KCnet KCnet Inc. is a full-service Internet service provider that offers high-speed Internet, digital phone and TV bundles for about $95 a month.

The sales and technical support staff may be contacted at 816-221-4658 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 on-demand TV, high-speed Internet and home phone service bundle is available for $99 per month for 12 months. Visit www.comcast.com or call 800-266-2278 for all service-related issues. u AT&T U-verse Visit www.att.com/u-verse for more information. U-verse TV is alldigital with access to more than 150 high-definition channels 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 at $29.99 per month. u Dish Network Visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-823-4929 for more information.

Packages start at $24.99 per month for 12 months with a 24-month agreement.

ELECTRICITY AND 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 may 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.

The city recommends that residents call at least five days in advance to schedule the start of their 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. Connec-

tions 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. Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 816-650-5537 for more information.

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.

On a house with an existing water main and meter, there is no fee to start service. On a property without a water connection, the cost is $3,000 to establish service. u Raytown Water Co. The Raytown Water Co. serves Raytown and a small area of Independence and Kansas City. 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 and is closed on all federal holidays.

Payments may be made in person at 9820 E. 63rd St. in Raytown or online at www.raytownwater.net. Call 816356-0333 for more information.

NATURAL GAS

u Missouri Gas Energy Call the customer service department in the Kansas City area at 816756-5252 or 800-582-1234 if located elsewhere 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.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 19

COMMUNITY

• Trash/recycling

Find a trash service, recycling center

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

In early 2011, the city of Independence initiated a new plan to encourage more area residents to utilize recycling services and for more trash collection services to provide curb-side recycling collection.

The new initiative, called the “80/23” plan, sets the goal of recycling or reusing 80 percent of city waste by 2023.

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 dropoff 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. Saturdays. 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 In 2009, Deffenbaugh Industries partnered 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.

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 Drop-Off 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.

– Mikayla McLean

20 Independence City Guide

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The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Santa-Cali-Gon Days

• Good Neighbors

Celebrate city’s heritage City codes protect citizens

The 2010 Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival drew record crowds of more than 250,000 people, but as always, the Independence Chamber of Commerce staff members say they are focused on making the annual Labor Day event all about community.

Rick Hemmingsen, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer, also called the 2010 Santa-Cali-Gon Days “the best financially in 38 years for the chamber.” Several changes are planned for the 39th annual festival in 2011, including the addition of recycling bins within the fairgrounds and a Junior Service League-sponsored bingo tent near the former Community Services League headquarters at Maple Avenue and Osage Street.

Staff members at the chamber, as well as a volunteer-based chamber fair board, work all year in preparation 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 2011 festival will take place starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 (carnival only); from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 2; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 3 and 4; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5 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. Visit www. santacaligon.com or call 816-2524745 for more information as the festival date gets closer.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Turn your scrap metal into

CASH Accepting: CANS COPPER BRASS STEEL IRON JUNK CARS AND BATTERIES NEW HOURS: M-F 9AM TO 6PM • SAT. 8AM TO 3PM

TOP METAL BUYERS, INC.

1212B West US Hwy. 24, Indep,, MO 64050 816-833-3189 After Hours # 816-482-6944

Doing our part to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment.

The Independence City Code aims to protect public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards and requirements. Owners, operators and occupants are responsible for following the ordinances and regulations.

Visit http://www.ci.independence. mo.us/citycode.aspx for a generalized version of the City Code. The officially published version is available through the city clerk’s office on the third floor of City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. Call 816325-7010 for more information.

FENCES:

(Chapter 14, Article 4) In residential areas, fences or walls may not exceed 8 feet in height. Chainlink fences must be installed with their barbs turned down. Bright colors, such as orange, yellow or red, are not allowed for permanent fences. Up to two different types of materials may be used in the construction of a fence.

All fences must be kept in reasonable condition and in a vertical position. Any missing or deteriorated slats, pickets or other fencing material, along with structural elements, must be replaced in a timely manner with the same quality of material and workmanship.

ANIMALS AND FOWL:

(Chapter 3) The legal limit for Independence is any combination of four dogs or cats that are older than 6 months.

In October 2010, the city amended its code to adapt to a nationwide trend of urban farming. More than 20 fowl may be kept for any purpose in a fenced space with at least a 6-foot setback from the property line and at least a 200-foot setback from other residences.

Chicken structures in a yard must not include an offensive or obnoxious odor that would injure, annoy or prove inconvenient for neighborhood residents. Read section 3.02.006 for more information on the operation and maintenance of places for keeping small animals and fowl.

It is unlawful for anyone to own a dog that causes annoyance to other people by loud and frequent barking, howling, yelping, growling or any other noise.

Residents may call 816-325-7213 to report barking dog violations.

All animals must be restrained at all times by a securely fenced yard or on a chain or leash. Dogs must have rabies vaccination tags on their collar. No one is allowed to own or to have on any Independence property a dog that demonstrates the behavior of a dangerous dog, as defined in the City Code.

Pit bulls are only allowed in the city limits if they were registered before Aug. 28, 2006. No new pit bulls are allowed to register, though owners who did register before this date also must re-register annually. It is unlawful for anyone to own, possess, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport or sell a pit bull anywhere in Independence.

Call 816-325-7852 during regular business hours for issues about animals running loose, animal bites, dangerous animals and to report an unrestrained pit bull.

WEEDS:

(Chapter 4) The city expects a certain level of yard maintenance. Weeds, weed cuttings, cut or fallen trees and shrubs, overgrown vegetation and noxious weeds must be less than 12 inches in height, except for healthy trees, shrubs or plants grown in a tended garden. Residents are expected to keep a minimum cleared space or buffer of at least 25 feet along property lines, except those property lines where the adjoining property is an active agricultural use.

NOISE:

(Chapter 7) Different noise regulations exist for certain parts of Independence. Noise that bothers someone else and is unnecessary or excessive is considered disturbing the peace and is a violation.

Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets that is plainly audible between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a violation. Exemptions from the sound level restrictions include authorized emergency vehicles, snow blowers and routine lawn care and maintenance between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

MORE ON PAGE 22

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 21

22 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

COMMUNITY

• Public transit

Bus service unchanged

Despite a tough year of citywide budget cuts, bus services in Independence will go unaffected in 2011-12.

The city of Independence’s annual contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority includes two routes for intercity bus service (routes 24 and 24X) and seven routes for intracity bus service (Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Purple and Silver routes).

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 brick shelters and lighted poles.

The MetroCenter also is easily accessible to Community Services League’s new headquarters at 404 N. Noland Road.

In early 2011, the Independence MetroCenter also received grant-funded radiant heaters to provide additional comfort for passengers.

Visit www.kcata.org for specific details on what areas the Independence routes incorporate, as well as their hours and days of operation. Bus passes also may be purchased online, and the KCATA offers a “starter kit” for those new to the bus riding experience.

Day passes are available for $3 on a Metro bus, and they offer unlimited rides for one day. Riders who board the bus at least three times in one day will

save instead of paying cash as they go.

The Day Pass is good on all Metro and MAX routes except for the Lee’s Summit-Raytown, Blue Springs and Liberty Express routes.

Residents 65 and older, riders with disabilities and children ages 12-18 may qualify for reduced bus fares.

Visit www.kcata.org/fares/reduced_fares/ or call 816-221-0660 to request an application for reduced farecards. A completed application, proof of eligibility and $1 in cash or money order must be submitted.

The KCATA online store (http://store. kcata.org) offers information on how to purchase monthly bus passes and threeday visitor passes. A Tranz It pass also is available for teenagers ages 12-18 during summer months.

Pass outlet locations in Independence and in eastern Kansas City include Independence City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave.; Independence Utilities Customer Service Center, 11610 E. Truman Road; Kansas City Credit Union, 5110 Ararat Drive; and Thriftway Supermarket, 5402 E. Truman Road.

Passes also are available for purchase at the two Blue Springs Price Chopper sites, 1100 S. Missouri 7 and 1305 N. Missouri 7.

– Adrianne DeWeese

GOOD NEIGHBORS: FROM PAGE 20

VEHICLES:

(Chapter 14) Up to 40 percent of the front yard area in residential areas may be paved or used for vehicle use. On corner lots, up to 20 percent of the exterior side yard area may be paved or used for vehicle use. No person, firm or corporation may occupy any recreational vehicle as a living space located outside of an approved RV park.

Vehicles parked in the front yard must be parked on a paved surface. The vehicle must be properly licensed and operable. RVs may be parked temporarily on a residential street for up to 48 hours to load or unload the vehicles

only.

WASTE:

(Chapter 4) The outside and inside of property should be free from the accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Outdoor storage containers should be made of material designed for refuse. Yard waste may be stored in paper or plastic containers that are closed and intact. Residents may use a garbage container of up to a 90-gallon capacity.

Refuse containers may be placed at a curb up to 16 hours prior to the time of the scheduled collection and removed the same day.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

HEALTH

• Hospitals & emergency care

Health centers offer more

CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER

Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, is the only hospital in Independence. As part of the HCA Midwest Health System, Centerpoint is a 221-bed acute care hospital.

The hospital features a Level II trauma center with around-the-clock emergency services; an accredited chest pain center and cardiovascular services; orthopedic services, including total joints and sports medicine; an accredited cancer program and a state-of-the-art breast center; neuroscience services for the treatment of injuries and brain and spine disorders; women’s services and a variety of outpatient services.

Visit www.centerpointmedical.com or call 816-698-7000 for information.

ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER

Now in its 30th year, St. Mary’s Medical Center is at 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road in Blue Springs. The acute care hospital is part of the Carondelet Health system. That system is a part of Ascension Health, the largest Catholic nonprofit health system in the United States.

The 146-bed hospital includes the Carondelet Heart Institute, a 24-hour emergency department, the Women’s Health Institute, a birthing center, a breast cancer center, radiation oncology, a rehabilitation center, outpatient therapy, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, a pain center and a stroke center. St. Mary’s has 351 physicians on staff who represent 34 medical specialties.

Visit www.carondelethealth.org or call 816-228-5900 for information.

TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS

Truman Medical Centers oversee management of the Jackson County Health Department and a number of primary care practices in Eastern Jackson County.

More than one-fourth of TMC’s patients are uninsured. A counselor visits patients admitted to TMC during their stay to determine eligibility for financial programs.

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood is in southern Kansas City near Lee’s Summit at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road.

The hospital includes full health care services, ranging from dental care to addiction recovery.

Visit www.trumed.org or call 816404-7000 for more information.

ADULT QUICK CARE

Adult Quick Care, 19000 E. Eastland Center Court, Suite 300, in Independence, provides adults and children age 14 and older with quality and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems.

Appointments are not necessary.

The facility includes X-ray and other basic ancillary testing for diagnosis and treatment. The staff physicians are experienced in treating adult and adolescent acute injuries and illnesses.

Adult Quick Care is not equipped to provide care for children younger than 14, life- or limb-threatening emergencies or complications in pregnancy.

Major emergencies should be taken to the nearest emergency room. Visit www.adultquickcare.com or call 816373-9200 for more information.

Emergent care plus

Emergent Care Plus is at 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit. Walkins are welcome. Services available include urgent care for mild to moderate illness and injury, occupational medicine, physicals, drug screening, prescriptions, lab work and digital Xrays. All ages are welcome.

It is open from 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 for more information, including a convenient online check-in, or call 816-554-2600.

urgent CARE

Urgent Care of Kansas City at 4741 S. Arrowhead Drive in Independence is open from 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 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Independence City Guide 23

24 Independence City Guide

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HEALTH

• Public health

• Women’s health

Free health services offered Health care choices available CITY OF INDEPENDENCE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Led by director Larry Jones, the department’s administrative offices are at 515 S. Liberty St. The divisions include health promotion, food and institution, animal control and code compliance. The administrative office telephone number is 816-325-7182.

Health promotion activities include asthma, nutrition, lead poisoning and child safety education; flu clinics; worksite wellness activities; smoking cessation education; and communicable disease prevention. Call 816325-7185 for more information.

The Food and Institution Division includes routine inspections, complaint investigations and continuous training in food/drink establishments, retail grocery, child day care facilities, lodging, massage therapy, tattoo parlors, taxi cabs and commercial swimming pools,

as well as mosquito control. Call 816325-7194 for more information.

Animal Services runs the shelter off of Vista Drive and provides animal control services. Call 816-325-7205 for more information.

The Code Compliance Division works with residents, neighborhood associations, public service agencies and other city departments to address environmental health hazards, including weeds, trash and nonoperational vehicles. Call 816-3257193 for more information.

Visit www.indepmo.org/Health for more information.

JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Jackson County Health Department, at 313 S. Liberty St., is managed and operated by Truman Medical Centers and is led by director MORE ON PAGE 35

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Planned Parenthood, 815 N. Noland Road, Suite 6, which is operated by Planned Parenthood of Kansas and MidMissouri, provides sexual and reproductive health care services for women.

Sexual health services include birth control, emergency contraception, HIV testing, HPV and hepatitis vaccines, patient education, pregnancy testing and STD testing and treatment. Women’s health services include problem checkups, breast exams, cancer screenings, mammogram referrals, pap smears and testing and treatment for urinary tract and vaginal infections.

Language interpretation is available over the phone. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. There are no appointments on Wednesday, only pill pickup. Emergency contraception is available on a walk-in basis when the clinic is open. Walk-ins are accom-

modated between scheduled appointments. Call 816-252-3800 or visit www.plannedparenthood.org.

WOMEN’S CLINIC OF KC

The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City, 815 N. Noland Road, Suites 4 and 5, has served Jackson County since 2004. The nonprofit is run by a board of directors and a medical advisory board.

Free 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 counseling, pregnancy resources and alternatives to abortion, abstinence education programs and Bible studies.

Walk-ins are welcome. Call 816-8369000 to make an appointment. For more information, visit www.thewomensclinic.net.

– Elle Moxley www.entofgkc.com

• • •

Even after years of smoking, quitting can improve health significantly.

Quitting at any time gives your body a chance to heal the damage caused by smoking Studies show that having a plan, joining a quit program and using nicotine replacement can greatly increase your chance of quitting.

Visit us at www.independencemo.org/health or join the free, Freedom From Smoking program online at www.ffsonline.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW

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

(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

Steven T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. Stephanie Hutchison, FNP

The Examiner

2011

HEALTH

• Community Blood Center

Places to give blood nearby More than 70 local hospitals in Missouri and Kansas rely on the Community Blood Center to provide plasma, red cells and platelets. It takes 580 donors a day to keep local supplies sufficient.

The center opened at its current location, 4040 Main St., in Kansas City in 1958 and has seven satellite locations to serve the community. The Blue Springs Center, 1124 W. U.S. 40, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org to make an appointment.

It takes about an hour to donate blood, and whole blood can be donated every 56 days. The center also operates local blood drives operated by volunteers at schools, churches, organizations and businesses. For more information about organizing a blood drive, call the donor recruitment office at 913-363-6803.

In addition to donating blood and organizing drives, volunteers are needed to help staff mobile blood drives and neighborhood donation centers. For more information about how to help, contact volunteer services at 816-968-4079.

– Elle Moxley

• Comprehensive Mental Health

Services promote wellness Now in its fourth decade of operation, “Strength for today, hope for tomorrow” is the motto for Comprehensive Mental Health Services.

Services include outpatient care, addiction recovery, community support, family support groups, crisis services and those geared toward family, children and the elderly. Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, case managers and nurses.

The community mental health center’s main location is at 17844 E. 23rd St. in Independence. The Carole Roper Vaughan Building, 17886 E. 23rd St., provides outpatient services, a medication clinic, adult community support services, school services staff and Club House.

The Sunrise House, 17830 E. 23rd St., provides U.S. Department of Hous-

ing and Urban Development-based housing for those with mental illness.

Visit www.thecmhs.com or call 816254-3652 for more information.

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood also provides behavioral health services at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. Most communities in Jackson County include crisis intervention teams, which have specially trained police officers to respond to persons with mental illness.

The Missouri Access Crisis Intervention toll-free, around-the-clock number is 888-279-8188. Qualified staff members are available to talk about the crisis and determine what assistance is needed. All calls are confidential.

Military veterans are encouraged to contact the Kansas City VA Medical Center at 816-861-4700.

– Adrianne DeWeese

• Cancer Action

Support available for cancer patients

Cancer Action provides support and services to people living with cancer.

The nonprofit’s Independence office, 4010 S. Lynn Court, opened in 1997.

Services are provided to anyone living with cancer in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. To register

and receive services, call 816-350-8881.

To volunteer, contact Leslie Berning, 913-642-8885 or leslieb@canceractionkc.org.

More information about Cancer Action is available at www.canceractionkc.org.

– Elle Moxley

Independence City Guide 25

26 Independence City Guide

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MEDICALDIRECTORY

auDiology Hearing Associates

Bary E. Williams, Au.D. Blue Ridge Bank Building Towers 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com

Hearing Associates

Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS Blue Ridge Bank Building Towers 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

Dentistry My Dentist

Emily Handley, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.

Dentistry

Continued

My Dentist

David Moyer, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.

Family meDiCine Family Medicine, Inc.

Larry Legler, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Family Medicine, Inc.

Gregory Markway, M.D. Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Family Medicine, Inc.

Marvin P. Steiner, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

Family Medicine, Inc.

Johnna Bodenstab, FNP, BC Family Nurse Practitioner 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 27

2011

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

Grain Valley Family Medicine Deb Bersano, R.N., Nurse Midwife 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Steve T. Gialde, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Bryan Hughes, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Family medicine Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Debra A. Ahern, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Anne M. Arey, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Angela Barnett, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Joyce Peterson, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

Oak Grove Medical Clinic Elaine Akin, F.N.P. 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

Continued

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 Beth E. Rosemergey, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

28 Independence City Guide

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The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY GastroenteroloGy 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 12 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

2011

Independence City Guide 29

MEDICALDIRECTORY

GastrOenterOlOGy

Continued

Gastroenterology - TMC Lakewood Osama Yousef, M.D. 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/GynecOlOGyC

ontinued

Health Care For Women

Terry V. Morris, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Leanna M. Mosher, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy Health Care For Women

Kenneth A. Adams, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Stephanie J. Carpino, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Thomas R. Dowd, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Nathan T. Wegner, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Kimberly Negrete, C.N.M. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

Health Care For Women

Karla Wilmot, C.N.P. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com

30 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

ontinued

Alisa R. Ash, M.D. Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com

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.iwc.yourmd.com

ontinued

Michelle R. Lemberger, 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.iwc.yourmd.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Syble Cretzmeyer, RN, WHNP Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. 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.iwc.yourmd.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.iwc.yourmd.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.iwc.yourmd.com

Debra K. Sims, RN, WHNP Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.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.iwc.yourmd.com

Obstetrics - TMC Lakewood Kristin Kruse, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

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Independence City Guide 31

2011

MEDICALDIRECTORY 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

OptOmetry Blue Springs Family Eye Care, Inc. Member American Optometric Association Joyclyn R. Westfall, O.D. 900 Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 224-EYES (3937) Dr. Westfall graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry and has been in practice in Blue Springs for over 20 years. She enjoys providing full eye care for all ages. Special services include medical and fitting, specialty contact lenses for astigmation and presbyopia. I am a member of the AOA, and AOA Contact Lens Section.

Blue Springs Optical Dana Krause, O.D. 1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020

Blue Springs Optical Richard C. Wilson, O.D., F.A.A.O. 1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020

OptOmetry

Continued

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

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

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 (816) 229-1245

32 Independence City Guide

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The Examiner

MEDICALDIRECTORY

OrthOPedic surgery 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

Pediatrics

Continued

Blue Springs Pediatrics

Camille Lucito, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

Pediatrics - Grain Valley Family Medicine Suzanne M. Hestwood, M.D. 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

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

Pediatrics Blue Springs Pediatrics

Cynthia M. Dean, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

Blue Springs Pediatrics

Kelly R. Fritz, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com

PharMacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy Becky Culbertson, R.Ph 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

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2011

Independence City Guide 33

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

Surgery - general Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Lynn Happel, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Mark Reintjes, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

34 Independence City Guide

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PUBLIC SAFETY

• Courts

Justice served on many levels 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 JUDICIAL 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

Independence crime statistics IPD Crime Homicide Violent crime Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated Assaults Burglary Larceny/theft Motor vehicle theft

2009 3 749 51 167 528 1,328 5,134 703

2010 % Change 8 +63 484 – 35 43 – 16 123 – 26 310 – 41 1,246 –6 5,242 +2 735 +4

– Information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

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Independence City Guide 35

2011

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Law enforcement

Agencies protect citizens

INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Independence Police Department has approximately 206 sworn officers.

Twelve patrol officers patrol the town in each shift. Police patrol more than 78 square miles.

The department is led by police chief Tom Dailey, Lt. Col. John Main and six majors. It has a special operations division comprised of a traffic safety unit and special response team. The criminal investigations division has a special victim’s unit, crime scene unit and a records unit.

A gang unit is relatively new to the department, comprised of three detectives and two full-time civilian crime analysts.

Call the department at 816-3257300. In case of emergency, dial 911.

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 Troop A office phone number is 816-622-0800.

– Jeff Martin

Free health care available at local facilities PUBLIC HEALTH: FROM PAGE 24 R. James Kelly.

The department offers disease prevention and testing, including communicable disease surveillance, epidemiology, confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis case management.

Health education and screening services include CPR and first aid training, child care provider education, preventative health screenings and smoking cessation.

Adult, childhood and travel immunization services also are available.

Other services include adult head/ traumatic brain injury, emergency preparedness, HIV/AIDS case management, lead risk assessment, maternal child health programs and Show Me Health Women/WiseWomen programs.

Birth certificates are available for yourself or any family member (except a cousin) if you were born anywhere in Missouri after 1920. Birth certificates are $15 each by cash, check or money

order payment only.

Death certificates are available if the person died anywhere in Missouri after 1980. The fee is $13 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies. Cash, check or money order are the only accepted payments.

The Independence site is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.jacohd.org or call 816404-6416 for more information.

“Dedicated to Caring for Our Community” The Facility • • • • •

Spacious Private and Semi-Private Rooms Available Nestled In A Beautiful Hillside Handicap Accessible Single Level Floor Plan Beautifully Landscaped and Enclosed Courtyard Family Oriented and Managed

Care & Medical Services • • • • •

Licensed Nurses on Duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week RN Weekend Manager on Duty Medication Management On Site Physicians On Site Dental, Podiatry, Optometry and Psychiatry Support Services

Services provided on a Non-Discriminatory Basis

Skilled Nursing Facility • Exceptional Therapy Department • Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies Provided by Aegis, Inc. Featuring “Freedom through Functionality” Exercise Equipment • Restorative Nursing Care • All Beds Dually Certified and Licensed by Medicare & Medicaid • Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Coventry Insurance Accepted • Federal VA Inpatient Contract • Beauty/Barber Services On Site

Meals & Activities • Selective Meal Services Including Ala Carte Items • Meals Planned by Registered Dieticians and Director of Nutrition • Large and Small Dining Areas Providing a Comfortable and Social Dining Experience Chapel and religious services

SHARED CARE FREE CLINIC OF JACKSON COUNTY

Now in its 11th year, the clinic offers assistance to uninsured adults with chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes and asthma. A new hypertension clinic provides specialized care in high blood pressure and kidney disease.

At 17611 E. U.S. 24, Suite 103, the clinic is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Its message line is 816-404-6455.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Beautiful Landscaped Enclosed Courtyard

Offering Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

4600 Little Blue Pkwy • Independence, MO 64057 816-795-7888

36 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

• Sermon Center • Palmer Center

Specializing in Women’s Health Complete women’s healthCare… …for all stages of your life.

We invite you to schedule your appointment today!

Thomas F. Green, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Center focuses on senior health

The Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion Ave., named for a former mayor, is the site of many social activities and community events.

The city-run recreation center offers exercise facilities and room rental.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The center is closed on Sundays.

Residents can purchase an annual Sermon Center membership for $15 ($25 for non-residents). Family memberships are available for $45, and discounts are available for seniors.

Members can use the weight room, game room and gymnasium.

The center can host both small groups and large receptions up to 500 people.

For rates, visit www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/Sermon.aspx.

Three local troupes call the center’s Powerhouse Theatre home – Encore, City Theatre and Children’s Performing Theatre. Visit www.powerhousetheater.org for information about performances, auditions and special events.

For more information about the Sermon Center, call 816-325-7370.

– Elle Moxley

The Palmer Center is geared toward adults who are age 50 and older in the Independence community.

The center opened in 2004 on the south side of the former Palmer Junior High School, 218A N. Pleasant St. It offers a gymnasium, fitness room, game/ craft room, dining hall, small meeting room, outdoor patio, low vision center and computer lab. The center also offers many services to community members, including lunches, social events and holiday parties, classes in a variety of subject areas, tours and activities.

The gymnasium is available for rental and includes a walking track around the perimeter. A membership to the fitness room, which includes treadmills, an elliptical trainer and weights, is $50 for Independence residents and $65 for non-residents.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.

Volunteers and instructors are welcome to teach new classes, host activities and deliver and serve meals.

For more information about the Palmer Center, call 816-325-6200.

– Kelly Evenson

• Fairmount Community Center

Youth, senior programs offered

816.478.0220 Visit us on the web: www.iwc.yourmd.com

City runs center for community

Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Amy L. Trout, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Alisa Ash, M.D.

Debra Sims, WHNP

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP

19550 E. 39th Street Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057

The Fairmount Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave., is home to the NorthWest Communities Development Corporation and a variety of programs for active seniors.

The community center moved to its current location in 2009, and about 100 seniors participate in activities, which range from recreational events to the nutrition program, in any given week. A fundraising campaign in early 2011 to buy a bus to transport seniors to and from the center caught the attention of Charlie Shields, chief operating officer of Truman Medical CenterLakewood, who donated one of the hospital’s older vehicles to Fairmount.

Activities include dance classes, workout programs, knitting circles, book clubs, bingo and more. Fairmount provides free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, typically on the last Friday of the month.

Volunteers run a 3,000-book lending library out of the community center. Magazines, records, CDs, movies, music and puzzles also are available to check out.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for a suggested donation of $3 for seniors, $4 for everyone else. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information or reservations, call 816-254-8334.

– Elle Moxley

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Independence City Guide 37

2011

skilled nursing & rehabilitation Golden Living Center of Independence is a warm environment that offers dedicated staff to our residents and their families. Please stop by and see all of the state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment and other amenities:

• 21 private rehab to home suites, with hardwood floors and flat screen TVs!!

• State of the art therapy with Nautilus® equipment, designed especially for geriatrics • • • • •

Outpatient therapy services available A gorgeous private dining room for rehab to home residents A redesigned shared dining room with chef inspired cuisine A newly designed hair studio Assisted living apartments located on complex

17451 E. Medical Center Parkway • Independence, Missouri 64057 • 816.373.7795 Please refer questions to our Clinical Liaison, Victoria Pike • 816-213-0589

38 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

• Fine arts organizations

Many chances to enjoy theatre, music

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE CONCERT BAND The band is the cultural arts partner with Metropolitan Community CollegeBlue 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 MCCBlue 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 816-7970521.

INDEPENDENCE MESSIAH CHOIR

The Independence Messiah Choir joins with the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus to continue its 95-year tradition of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” performance. The performance dates are 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, and 2 p.m., Dec. 4, in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

All seats are reserved and available through the Kansas City Symphony at 816-471-0400.

For more information on the Mes-

siah Choir, call Pam Robison at 816833-1000, ext. 2324 or send email to probison@cofchrist.org.

CITY THEATRE OF INDEPENDENCE

Beginning its 32nd season this fall, this volunteer group presents five productions a season in 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 55 and older, and musical show prices are $12 for adults, and $11 for seniors. Dinner theater performances are $23, $16 for season ticket holders. Season tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors.

For tickets or audition information, 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.

The group performs three times a year, twice as an audition performance and once as a learning experience.

Membership is open to all children ages 5-15. 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 seniors and $3 for

children 10 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370. For tickets, call 816325-7367.

ENCORE THEATRE

This is a thespian group for adults age 50 and older, who enjoy fun-loving drama and specialize in melodrama.

The members perform at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center.

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 Friday of each month.

The shows are open seating and are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 12 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370. For season tickets, call 816-325-7367.

PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE

Nancy Clark 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 puppet head and create their own finger puppet. 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 and $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.

MORE ON PAGE 40

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Independence City Guide 39

2011

Renew at Carmel Hills A truly innovative concept in post-acute care, designed especially for women, doesn’t just meet the needs of those recovering from an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease process.

Renew also offers services to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your spirit with a facial or massage in our Spa. Renew is located in a separate area with a private entrance, and equipped with state of the art equipment and furnishings that are geared towards enhancing each step of your recovery.

Carmel Hills Long Term Care

Sunset Place at Carmel Hills

Our long term care services are designed for individuals who need 24 hour nursing care. Theses residents may be chronically ill, frail, or experiencing a very slow recovery from an illness or injury. Our long term care units offer private and semi-private rooms including room furnishings, multiple common areas and dining lounges. We offer respite care or vacation care that allows families an opportunity to take a brief break from the demands of roundthe- clock care giving.

The dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit offers dedicated, caring and compassionate staff well trained to assist residents in living their lives to the fullest. We offer structured activities designed to maximize interaction with each resident. Personalized behavioral management designed to encourage participation in a calm environment. We provide semi private and private rooms, complimentary cable television, nutritionally balanced meals and rehabilitation services.

810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO

816.461.9600

For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with patient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes. Our nursing team is support by licensed therapists who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

This dedicated team works together to design individualized care plans tailored to each patients specific needs. We believe our best results are achieved when we work together

40 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

Students can train in performing arts at Bingham Academy FINE ARTS ORGANIZATIONS: FROM PAGE 38

GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, now in its 15th year, has an ambitious goal: to combine all creative arts, while focusing on individual disciplines. The office is located at 1010 S. Pearl St. Students from approximately 18 to 20 high schools and home-schooled students take part in the annual five-week summer academy, named after famed 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 816-729-7097.

MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE

For almost 33 years, the institute has offered instruction in all classical orchestral instruments, voice, piano/organ, classical guitar, harp and percus-

sion. Advanced ensembles are offered in classical harp, world percussion and Suzuki Strings.

The children’s choir, Young MAIsters Singers, has 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 Shakespeare 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 1-15 for the coming year.

For an enrollment appointment or for more information, call 816-836-1998 or visit www.musicartsinstitute.org.

JACOMO CHORALE

Jacomo Chorale is Eastern Jackson County’s original community choir, founded in 1983.

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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 816-224-2839.

HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC

Celebrating its 67th 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 2011-12 season under the direction of James Murray III. This season includes three regular concerts and a traditional holiday concert. As all of the concerts are free admission, community support is welcomed and vital. Donations can be made to the Heritage Philharmonic, P.O. Box 2276, Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64063.

For concert dates and additional information, visit www.heritagephilharmonic.org.

– Jillayne Ritchie

• Independence Events Center

Arena home to concerts, teams The Independence Events Center underwent significant management changes in its first year, but city staff say the arena is still going strong.

In October 2010, the city, which owns the building, and Global Entertainment Corp. mutually ended their agreement, less than one year after the facility’s opening in November 2009.

The nonprofit organization Independence Events Center Management Corporation was formed in early April, and the general manager, Mike Young, is the corporation’s executive director.

The corporation’s board of directors is composed of city staff members, and its meetings are open to the public.

The $68 million, 182,100-square-foot 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. On average, more than 5,400 people attend the Mavericks’ home games.

Events Center staff are projecting more than 135 events in its third oper-

ating year, an increase from 130 events last year and 78 events in its first year.

In 2010, the facility also added a digital marquee sign, parking spaces and a second major tenant, the Missouri Comets, a Major Indoor Soccer League team that averaged 4,017 fans per game.

The Events Center features an arena with 5,800 fixed seats, 25 luxury suites and a second ice rink, the Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice Facility. A total of 7,500 people may be seated for entertainment events.

Parking is free for all center events.

Events Center tickets are now sold through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. The Events Center box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Tickets also may be purchased by phone at 800745-3000 or at 866-448-7849. Visit www.independenceeventscenter. com or call 816-795-7577 for more information about upcoming events or ticket information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

Independence

SQUARE

2011

Independence City Guide 41

42 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

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The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 43

44 Independence City Guide

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The Examiner

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46 Independence City Guide

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THINGS TO DO Independence city parks 291

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24 7 Truman

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• Tourism

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Explore the city’s sites

HARRY S. TRUMAN SITES

Lee's Summit

Noland

Crysler

Sterling

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Sk a Sw te P a Sp imm rk ra in At yg g P h r In leticoun ool do f d Pl or ield a f Pi ygro acili c u t Re nic t nd y s a Pi troo bles cn m At ic ss h Ru letic helte n W nin cou r alk g rts BB in wa Q g tr ter gr ai ills l

Hardy

u Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24.

R.D. Mize 34 22 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through 9 291 35th 29 Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday (May 19 38 40 39th 36 39th through September only); Noon to 5 p.m.

8 23 70 Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas 45 48 70 40 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 24-hour information line, 800-833Facility information 1225.

Park 27th and Cherokee • • 12 Beckett •• u Truman Home, 219 N. Delaware St. Park Hayward and Crane • • • • • • • 3 Benton The president’s home underwent an Bingham-Waggoner Mansion 313 W. Pacific • • Blackburn School Park 17302 E.R.D. Mize 4 extensive restoration project in 2009-10 and • • 5 Brady Park Delaware and Charles • is reopened for guided tours. Wallpaper conPark Bundschu and Jackson Dr. • 67 Bund-Jack •• servation work continues in several rooms, Bundschu Park Ninth and Scott • • • • • • 8 Carriage Hills Park though. Visit the National Park Service’s 16841 E. 41st St. South • 9 Cassell Park 31st and Hardy visitor center, 223 N. Main St., to purchase • • • Charles Long Park Truman and Brookside tickets first.

• 10 Choplin-Hood Park 15919 E Cogan Lane • • •• • 11 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a Cler-Mont Park 19009 Susquehanna Dr. • • • • • • • 12 week.

The Truman Home is open seven days Country Club Park 2930 S. Norton • • • 13 •• Crysler Stadium 23rd and Crysler a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 14 • • • • • • 15 Curtis Park East Lexington Bridge It is closed on Mondays from Labor Day to • • 16 Davis Park Arlington and Scarritt • • 17 Dickinson Park 1710 Dickinson • Memorial Day. •• •• Admission: $4, adult; children 15 years and Fairmount Park Norledge and Home 18 • 19 Firehouse Park 11305 E. 35th St. S •• •• younger, free. Tickets are sold on a first-come, 20 French Acres Park Truman Rd. and Rogers first-serve basis. Tours are limited to eight • George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck • • • • • • • 21 people at a time. This fee also permits visitaGlendale Park 31st and Lee's Summit Rd. • • • 22 •• • tion to the Truman Farm Home in Grandview.

23 High Ridge 40th and Highridge Contact 816-461-5550 for group tour res24 Hink Park Southwest of Sterling and U.S. 24 Hiram Young Noland and Lexington 25 ervations of either of the Truman homes.

• • 26 Little Blue Park 21101 E. Missouri 78 u Truman Courthouse on the McCoy Park 800 N. Bess Truman Parkway • • • • • • • • • • 27 Square.

Creek Park 1717 N. River 28 • • • • • • • • • 29 Mill The courthouse is closed for renovations.

Pitcher 35th Terrace and U.S. 40 • • 30 Polly’s Pop Park Maple and River Contact 816-252-7454 for more information.

Randall School Park 509 N. Jennings Road u Truman Memorial Building, 416 • • • 31 Roberts Park Blue Ridge Cutoff and Blue Ridge Blvd.

• • 32 • • W. Maple Ave. Rotary Park 24th and Hedges • • 33 •• •• Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Santa Fe Park 2731 S. Santa Fe Road.

• • • • • • • • 34 • Sermon Center Truman and Noland Rd. Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

35 • •• •• Sycamore Hills Park 15208 E. 39th The building is open extended hours for • 36 •• 37 Truman Memorial Bldg. 416 W. Maple • •• • rentals and special events. Contact 816-325Van Hook Park M-291 and Shrank • •• •• • 38 7843 for more information.

Woodlawn Park Sea and Hocker 39 u Truman Depot, 1111 W. Pacific Ave. Young Park 400 N. Dodgion Ave. 40 • •• St. Clair Park U.S. 24 and Farley 41 The Depot is an Amtrak stop and is home • • •• Hill Park 23rd St. and Maywood • • • 42 to the Jackson County Genealogical Soci•• • 43 Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 Hub Drive (fee) •• •• • ety. It was the final stop in Truman’s 1948 Independence Athletic Complex 17800 E. Salisbury Rd. • • • • • • • • 44 Whistlestop Campaign and was where 8,500 Waterfall Park 4501 S. Bass Pro Drive 45 • • • • • • • 46 Rock Creek Trail 23rd and Rock Creek people welcomed him home to Indepen• 47 Clothier Park 17203 E. 23rd dence after leaving the presidential office.

• • Missouri Mavericks Hockey, Public Ice Skating, Concerts, Special Events. 48 Independence Events Center 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy. u Truman Farm, 12301 Blue Ridge 46

1

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.

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. 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 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Call 816-833-2046 for more information.

PIONEERS AND TRAILS

u National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 12:30 through 4:30 p.m.

Sunday.

Admission: $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 6-17; free, children 5 and younger. 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.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Saturday; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. It also may be opened by appointment.

Call 816-325-7955 for more information.

MORE ON PAGE 48

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 47

2011

THINGS TO DO

• Youth sports

Many sports activities to choose for children

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 816-796-8702 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 Association 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 816-292-2800. 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 Association and Missouri Youth Soccer Association.

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 2011 season are June 27, July 8 and July 23 at the Sermon Center. Signups for the spring season are in January.

For more information, 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@igsasofball.com or visit http://igsasoftball.com. u QUEEN CITY ATHLETIC

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ASSOCIATION Queen City Athletic Association is a youth baseball organization with teams ranging from T-ball to 14-yearold 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 816-796-4003. 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.

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MORE ON PAGE 49

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48 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

Explore Independence’s history at these popular attractions TOURISM: FROM PAGE 46 u Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The estate is open from April through October.

Admission: $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 6-16; free, ages 6 and younger. 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.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, ages 6-16; free, ages 6 and younger.

Call 816-461-1897 for more information.

u 1827 Log Courthouse, 107 W. Kansas Ave. Hours: 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 Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during April through October. Admission is free. Contact 816-325-7111 for more information. u Wagon rides on the Square Take a ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures. The wagon picks up at 217 N. MORE ON PAGE 49

Experience

ENGLEWOOD Home Sweet Home Bakery & Coffeehouse

11109 East Winner Rd. • Independence, MO Open 9am-2pm Sunday

• Closed Monday • Open 7am-6pm Tuesday ~ Saturday

A unique bakery located in the Englewood Business District.

Serving baked goods, sweets, hot and cold beverages

11205 E. Winner Road • Independence, Mo 64052 “In Englewood” Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum ~ Special Exhibits Monthly Puppet Shows ~ Workshops Birthday Parties ~ Puppet Research Library Gifts and Puppet Parts For Sale Puppet - Repair, Restringing & Appraisal

816-833-9777

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Puppet Shows $5/person Museum Tour: Adults-$3.00 • Children under 16 - $1.50 www.hazelle.org

S h o p p i n g ◆ D i n i n g 816-886-1359 www.homesweethomebakery.net hshbakery@yahoo.com

◆ E n t e r t a i n m e n t

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 49

2011

THINGS TO DO

Independence provides plenty of opportunities for children to play, learn TOURISM: FROM PAGE 48 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.

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 of Lexington and Crysler avenues.

CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS

u Adventure Oasis Water Park, 2100 Hub Drive (off of 23rd Street and west of the Missouri 291 intersection).

Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer holidays.

Admission: Daily prices for Independence residents are $6, children younger than 13 and adults older than 65; $8, adults; and $22, family of four.

Non-resident 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. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday for small groups of five children or fewer. Tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only, and Girl or Boy Scouts tours are available by appointment only on Saturday.

Admission is free. Visit www.kidpeace.org or call 816-521-3033 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. Call 816-325-6110 for more information. u Cool Crest Family Fun Center, 10735 E. U.S. 40.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The hours of activities, including go-carts, are subject to change without notice because of weather. Call 816-3580088 for more information.

HISTORIC HOMES

u Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Easter, Mother’s Day, November and January through March. Special holiday tours are available between Thanksgiving and Dec. 30.

Admission: $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, children and students; and $4.50, group rates.

Visit www.vailemansion.org or call 816-325-7111 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 self-guided audio tour also is available.

Hours: April through October, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday; and closed on Sunday.

Guided tours and the Temple museum are closed on Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving and from Dec. 24 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 Latterday 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.

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is free. Call 816-836-3466 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

Youth sports organizations offer options for wrestling, swimming YOUTH SPORTS: FROM PAGE 47 independenceyouthwrestling.org or contact president Chuck Rodgers at 816-572-3463 or coach Bill Jones at 816-305-2928. u PREDATOR YOUTH WRESTLING CLUB Predator Youth Wrestling Club of Eastern Jackson County is a youth wrestling group for ages 5-14. For more information, call 816-373-8756 or send email to gahner01@yahoo.com. u FORT OSAGE MAT CLUB Fort Osage Mat Club is a youth wrestling club for ages 5-19. For more information, Contact coach Jeff Cutbirth at 816-714-9866 or send email to fomatclub@yahoo.com.

u CRUSADER WRESTLING CLUB Crusader is a youth wrestling club for ages 6-23. For more information, call 816-228-5274 or send email to tcampbell@tri-city.org. u TSUNAMI SWIM TEAM OF KANSAS CITY 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 evaluated, send an e-mail 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 816781-7946. 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 info 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 618. Includes USA Track and Field membership. For more information, contact Chris Earley at 816-847-0252. 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.

Many youth participation and competitive league and team situations are available year round. Check The Examiner’s “What’s Happening” section each Saturday or visit http:// www.examiner.net/sports/sports_ calendar for a complete list weekly.

50 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

THINGS TO DO

• Recreation opportunities

Get fit, stay active

MULTISPORT FACILITIES

u KC SPORTS LODGE 19310 E. 50th Terrace, Independence 816-795-7171 With 70,000 square feet of indoor playing fields and courts, KC Sports Lodge offers youth and adult indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and flag football. It also offers baseball and softball lessons from former Kansas City Royals player Rod Myers.

KC Sports Lodge has 60x25-yardfields, a 40x30-yard practice area, one walled field and one field with no walls with FieldTurf playing surfaces.

The facility also offers a homeschool physical education class for home-schooled children ages 41â „2 to 18 each Friday at 2 p.m. It also has facilities for dances, parties and concerts.

For more information, visit www. kcsportslodge.com. u INDEPENDENCE ATHLETIC COMPLEX 17800 Salisbury Road, Independence 816-325-7210 Opened in 2007, The Independence Athletic Complex features eight soccer fields, two of which are lighted, three lighted softball fields, two lighted baseball fields, six practice football areas, one lighted, two restroom/concession buildings, one shelter for 100 people, one playground, one amphitheatre with space for 1,000 people and 1.5 miles of trails. The complex lies on 165 acres.

For more information call the Independence Parks and Recreation Department at number above or visit http://www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/AthleticComplex.aspx u SPORTSCITY 425 N.E. Mock Ave, Blue Springs 816-229-1314 Offering 76,000 square feet of playing fields and courts, SportsCity caters to all kinds of adult and youth sports enthusiasts. SportsCity is an indoor, climate-controlled complex containing two full-sized soccer fields, a basket-

ball and volleyball gym, four batting cages and other amenities.

SportsCity features league sports and open play. The facility also contains accommodations for lock-ins, school dances, birthday parties, and field trips.

Summer hours are 10 a.m. until the last game ends Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until the last game ends and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. or until the last game ends.

For more information, visit www. sportscitykc.com. u INDEPENDENCE FAMILY YMCA 14001 E. 32nd St. South.

816-254-9622 The Independence Family YMCA offers many summer sports and activity options. However, the summer league registration periods have ended.

Registration for fall sports will be in September.

Sports and programs offered (at varying times of the year) include the following: baseball (T-ball, coach pitch, kid pitch); pop flys; golf; volleyball; bitty baseball; tennis; basketball; flag football; karate; soccer; and tumbling.

The YMCA also offers the B.A.R.N. program year-round for ages 9-12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Through various activities, including fitness-related ones, B.A.R.N. helps youngsters build their confidence and develop their social skills. The program is free for YMCA members and $5 for community members.

In addition, the YMCA provides child watch free with a household membership for ages 3 months-8 years.

For up to two hours, your child will be engaged in active play while you are in the facility. Because safety is important, sign-in and sign-out procedures are always practiced.

Child Watch hours are as follows: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.noon Saturdays.

MORE ON PAGE 51

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2011

Independence City Guide 51

THINGS TO DO

Independence offers many swimming facilities, golf courses RECREATION: FROM PAGE 50 Other child-related programs include Kids Night Out, which allows youngsters to enjoy catered food and fun theme-related activities 5-9 p.m. Program dates vary. The next scheduled event will be June 25. Kids Night Out costs $15 for YMCA members and $25 for community members.

The exercise and pool schedule will offer a class or option for every speed.

Walk, Talk and Tone; Silver Sneakers; resistance training; Burn n Turn; zumba; and tai chi are among the classes the YMCA offers. Other activities include Silver Splash, open swimming, lap swimming and swimming lessons.

Financial assistance for membership and classes through the YMCA may be available to those who qualify.

Hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The Independence YMCA pool offers a variety of aquatic classes such as swim lessons, first aid/CPR/AED certification, and American Red Cross lifeguarding. The YMCA also provides Swim Club for kids to develop their skills in the competitive strokes.

Membership is required to use the facility. Membership rates vary.

The pool is open from 5:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays.

For more information on classes, fees, membership and financial assistance, call or visit www.kansascityymca.org.

TENNIS

u INDEPENDENCE TENNIS CLUB Independence Tennis Club offers a friendly game of tennis year round, weather permitting.

Play is 9 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Santa Fe Trail Park Tennis Complex’s upper courts.

Contact Bob Alumbaugh at 816254-1186 for more information.

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. 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 3 and under are admitted free. A one year family pass is $300. Other membership 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 Independence. The 7,121yard, 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.

“The Ticket” includes monthly instruction clinic, special tee time and cart rates, unlimited driving range balls and more for $65 per month. Contact the pro shop for more information.

Tee times are $39 Monday through Thursday. $30 for twilight and $28 for super-twilight. Weekend rates are $49.

For more information visit www. drummfarmgolfclub.com.

22415 E. 39th Street, Independence 816-228-3333 The only Greg Norman Signature Design course in Missouri, Stone Canyon Golf Club opened May 15, 2009, and has recently become a public facility.

Tee times are $45 on weekdays, $55 on weekends. Junior, senior and twilight rates, after 1:50 p.m. are $35.

Super-twilight rate is $29 after 5 p.m.

For more information visit www. stonecanyongolfclub.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.

Rates have been reduced for 2011.

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. and $49 after 11 a.m.

For more information visit www. winterstonegolf.com.

BOWLING

u ROCKWOOD GOLF CLUB 2400 S. Maywood, Independence 816-252-2000 Rockwood Golf Course is an 18-hole, public, daily fee golf course in Independence that once featured Harry Truman as a member.

Rates with cart are $29 weekdays, $34 weekend. Twilight rate is $20 weekdays and $23 weekends. Junior and senior rates are also available.

There are also daily specials.

A fire destroyed the clubhouse in November, but the new clubhouse is scheduled to open this summer. A temporary facility is open in the meantime.

For more information visit www. rockwoodgolfclub.com.

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. “Think of it as a restaurant with bowling,” boasts the website.

For more information on prices, leagues and hours, visit www.diamond-bowl.com.

u STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB

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.

For more information on prices, leagues and hours, 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.

For more information on prices, leagues and hours, visit www.amf. com/independencelanes.

u STERLING LANES 11216 E. U.S. 24, Sugar Creek.

816-252-2111 Sterling Lanes features open bowling, leagues, parties, a pro-shop, “Cash-ORama,” “Rock ‘n’ Bowl” and more.

For more information on prices, leagues and hours, visit www.sterlingbowl.com.

– Matt Mitchell, Shawn Roney

52 Independence City Guide

2011

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 Ser- tified professionals can be found at vice Excellence (ASE). every type of repair facility, from ASE tests and certifies autodealerships, service stations, motive professionals in all and franchises to parts major technical areas stores, independent of repair and service. garages, and even With some 420,000 municipal fleets. currently certified professionals, Certification Benthe ASE program is efits Motorists national in scope and ASE certifies the has industry-wide acceptechnical competence of tance and recognition. ASE-cerindividual 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, ASE-certified 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.

BLUE SPRINGS Cable Dahmer Chevrolet Greg’s Tire Center Barr’s Auto Service FORD 220 W. 23rd St. • Independence 1834 S. Noland Rd. • Independence 1837 S. Noland • Independence 3200 S. Outer Rd. • Blue Springs 224-0076 Service

254-3860

254-3388

833-1348

Serving Eastern Jackson County for over 30 Years.

We have 20 ASE Certified Mechanics

We have ASE Certified Mechanics

We have ASE Master and Certified Technicians

We employ only ASE Certified Technicians

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 53

THINGS TO DO

• Outdoors recreation

Facilities offer chances to fish, hunt, hike, etc.

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, two shelter houses, an overnight camping area for organized groups and nearly 4 miles of hiking trails.

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 is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 6 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. 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

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, 800392-4115. 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. park in eastern Independence, 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.

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 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. 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 1 through Sept. 15, and noon to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 16 through April 30. The range is open Wednesday through Sunday and special deer viewing hours are provided around deer season.

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 816-6556250 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:// mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/ lake-city-shooting-range. u BURR OAK WOODS CONSERVATION NATURE CENTER 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center features multiple hiking trails, 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 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 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. The trails are open 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and MORE ON PAGE 54

54 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Disabled services

Companies help meet several needs

IBS INDUSTRIES

IBS Industries is a not-for-profit organization that provides workplace services and employment opportunities for disabled individuals.

Established in 1969, IBS industries works to create encouraging and safe work environments for their employees. They specialize in providing careers in document destruction, custodial services, mailroom services and administrative services.

IBS Industries also provides opportunities to work in the private sector, including jobs in foodservice, janitorial duties, clerical data entry and reception work.

IBS Industries take pride in the dependability, motivation and focus of their employees. They strive to provide opportunities that are rewarding for their employees and solutions to the needs of their clients.

For more information on their services call 816-796-7571 or visit their website at www.ibsindustries.com.

NAGEL’S VISUAL AID SYSTEMS

Nagel’s Visual Aid Systems gives

visually impaired individuals the tools and information needed to become more visually independent. Nagel’s is the authorized, independent distributor or Telesensory Low Vision Products for the state of Missouri.

Nagel’s Visual Aid Systems join with Humanware, MagniSight and Telesensory CCTVs to provide individuals with a higher quality of life and a greater sense of independence.

Their inventory includes Telesensory, MagniSight and Humanware CCTVs, portable viewing devices, lighted magnifiers and specialized lamps, as well as previously owned equipment at a reduced price.

Nagel’s Low Vision Resource Center is located at 2400 Lee’s Summit Road.

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; closed Sunday and Monday; open by appointment only Saturdays and evenings.

For more information call 816-8332444 or visit their website at www. nagelsvisualaids.com.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

Established in 1993 in downtown Kansas City, Developing Potential, Inc. is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit

organization dedicated to providing service and support to adults with developmental disabilities.

Developing Potential divides its services into two main categories – day habilitation and community integration.

Day habilitation uses individualized programs to encourage participants to recognize and achieve personal goals.

The programs include generalized services such as personal hygiene, physical fitness, sign language and general communication skills, household and financial skills, social skills and anger management.

Community integration programs offer participants with the opportunity to use newly-acquired skills to interact with their community. The most popular community activities include volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program, working with animal shelters, or preparing a meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The program also includes social activities such as glazing pottery, visiting the local IMAX theater, touring a museum or shopping.

Developing Potential, Inc. is located at 120 West Walnut. For more informa-

tion call 816-252-0086 or visit their website at www.developingpotential. org.

BLUE HILLS REST HOME

Blue Hills Rest Home is an assisted living facility that seeks to provide residents with quality care in a relaxed, peaceful environment.

Blue Hills is located on 2.5 acres in rural Independence. Their staff is devoted to providing the highest level of personalized care with dignity and respect.

Licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Blue Hills provides numerous services for their residents. Private and semi-private rooms are available, with special accommodations for married couples. The facility provides 24hour continuous care, rehabilitation therapy, hospice services, recreational programs and nutritious home-cooked meals.

The Blue Hills Rest Home is located at 2207 North Blue Mills Road. For more information call 816-796-3378 or visit their website at www.bluehillsresthome.com.

– Mikayla McLean

Fleming Park encompasses both Blue Springs Lake, Lake Jacomo OUTDOORS: FROM PAGE 53 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight time.

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 motorized vehicles are restricted to paved roads.

For more information call 816-2283766 or visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/burroak/. 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 is open from 7 a.m. to sunset each day.

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 sunset 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. Call 816-795-8888 for prices and times.

Numerous recreational events are offered during the summer. The local favorite, Lake Fest, runs each June.

Lake Fest features games, rides, contests, food, and a fireworks show.

For more information call 816-7958888.

– Matt Mitchell

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 55

BUSINESS

• Independence Economic Development Council

EDC has new business park in works

The Independence Economic Development Council works to support its investors and bring new development and jobs to Independence.

The organization was the first occupant of the Independence Regional Ennovation Center at the site of the old Independence Regional Health Center at Truman Road and Forest Avenue in western Independence. The site now has a business incubator, with wet labs, industrial kitchen space and business space for entrepreneurs.

The EDC runs several programs, such as Learn @ Lunch, which includes seminars on business-related topics.

The group has supported the Independence Manufacturer’s Council, and each year it presents the Impact Awards to local companies and other organizations that have added employees or make significant capital investments.

The EDC also has been promoting plans for a new business park as the Little Blue River valley opens up for

• Chamber of Commerce

UCM joins chamber offices The Independence Chamber of Commerce, which has represented local businesses for 90 years, in 2011 has added more services with the addition of University of Central Missouri offices at the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

“We have people – feet on the ground – who can come out and work with your business,” UCM President Charles Ambrose said when the office opened this spring.

UCM has about a dozen people in a wing at the chamber’s Free Enterprise Center, 210 W. Truman Road just north of the Square.

The university works through its Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development, which offers consulting, training and research. Its focus is on technical support for technology businesses, entrepreneurs, small businesses and high-growth companies. The university also will carry out its Kansas City Initiative through the College of Education. Workforce Central @ UCM offers certificate programs and other offerings.

The enrollment office will encourage people to “Choose Red.” UCM officials have said they are eager to work with businesses and the feedback they get from businesses can help them tailor their curriculum to current needs.

Still, the Chamber of Commerce

is better known for its sponsorship of Santa-Cali-Gon Days, held every Labor Day weekend on the Square.

Hundreds of vendors in booths and tents sell food, crafts and other items.

The weekend is also full of music and other entertainment, and it attracts an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Other chamber event include: u The city’s Halloween parade. u Monthly member luncheons. u Monthly legislative briefings when the General Assembly is in session. u The Business Expo each March, during which vendors to showcase their goods and services. u An annual banquet in January.

The chamber also runs the L.E.A.D. – Leadership, Education, Action and Development – program. It is an eightmonth program designed to provide what the chamber calls “a network of informed leaders with a commitment to the continued growth and development of Independence.” Each class decides what local issues it will study. Past classes have discussed education, health care, business development and community needs such as streets and parks.

The application deadline for the 2010-11 class is July 16. Call 816-252-4745 or visit www.independencechamber.org.

– Jeff Fox

development in the years ahead.

The 360-acre Independence Business Park will be at Missouri 78 and Missouri 7, in east Independence across M-7 from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. It will straddle M-78 and could include industrial, office and even retail space. Officials involved say it will take years to fully develop, and so far no tenants have been announced.

Tom Lesnak, president of the EDC, says the city needs this “economic

development infrastructure.” The Little Blue Expressway is to be completed in the spring of 2012, and officials have long said that road is crucial to the development of the valley.

Also, the EDC in 2010 underwent what Lesnak called a “comprehensive rebranding,” changing its name from the old Independence Council for Economic Development.

Reach the EDC at www.inedc.biz/ or 816-252-5777.

– Jeff Fox

56 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Salvation Army

Services for the homeless

The Salvation Army has a strong presence in Independence. Its thrift store, 1535 E. 23rd St., is one of the biggest in the Kansas City area. The Independence thrift store branch opened eight years ago and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to accept donations. It accepts an array of items such as clothes, household items, washing machines, fridges, furniture and automobiles. For more information, call 816833-8881.

The Salvation Army also runs a family homeless shelter, Crossroads, at 14700 E. Truman Road. The 50-bed shelter provides long-term and temporary shelter and meals.

People in the long-term shelter residency program can stay up to 60 days. A case manager helps them find housing and

work and come up with a life plan. The shelter also provides classes for things such as parenting, women’s issues and GED preparation. People can only be in the residency program once a year.

The temporary emergency overnight program allows people to stay at the shelter one night a month, with allowances made during inclement weather.

Crossroads has eight family rooms and two separate dormitories for single men and women. Because it’s the only emergency shelter in Eastern Jackson County, it has to turn away almost 200 families a month. It usually helps them find alternative shelter elsewhere. To qualify for shelter at Crossroads, people must be homeless, drug-free and

alcohol-free and willing to look for a job and housing in the casework program.

The thrift store raises money for the Adult Rehab Center at 1351 E. 10th St. in Kansas City, which costs several million dollars to run each year.

The center feeds and houses 100 men with addictions for six months and provides classes designed to help them get sober.

The Salvation Army center also offers an after-school care program, a bread and community food pantry and emergency assistance to help pay utilities, medications, eyeglasses and lodging. The center also needs volunteers.

To donate, seek assistance The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER or get more information call 816-252-3200.

Burch Sokup mans the Salvation Army station outside of the – Staff reports Wal-Mart Supercenter in Independence.

• Hillcrest Ministries

• Hope House

Program helps families in need get back on track

Program helps families escape domestic abuse

Hillcrest Transitional Housing provides displaced families with 90-day temporary housing to aid in making the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Although Hillcrest provides its services in a supportive Christian environment, it makes no religious requirements of residents. Hillcrest Transitional Housing has a 95 percent success rate for transitioning families to selfsufficiency.

In exchange for rent- and utility-free housing, residents are required to sign a written

agreement to work full-time, obey program guidelines and attend classes in life skills, employment, community living and budgeting.

Hillcrest Ministries also provides auto repair and donations, a food pantry, medical and dental assistance, GED classes, haircuts, glasses, school clothes and work uniforms.

The Hillcrest Transitional Housing facility is located at 401 North Spring. For more information call 816-461-0468 or visit their website at www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org.

– Mikayla McLean

Hope House provides a safety net for more than 10,000 metro-area victims of abuse each year.

Prevention, education and support services include outreach therapy, court advocacy, a safe visitation center, hospitalbased advocacy and on-call women’s advocates. In April 2011, Hope House provided shelter for 125 women and 88 children and received 282 calls to its domestic violence hot line, 816-461-HOPE or 816-HOTLINE. Secure locations in the area include 52-bed shelters in both Lee’s Summit and Independence. Last year, Truman High School student and member of Boy Scout Troop 437 Justin Madsen rebuilt the playground at the Independence Hope House

as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Hope House volunteers complete an application, complete a short interview and attend a bi-monthly training session. For more information, visit www.hopehouse.net or contact Gretchen, ghicks@hopehouse. net or 816-257-9342. Some volunteers keep regular hours; others are available on an oncall basis.

Funding for Hope House comes primarily from local monetary donations. To donate, visit the organization’s website.

For immediate assistance in escaping domestic violence, call 816-461-4673 or 816-468-5463.

– Elle Moxley

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 57

2011

Auctioneers

COL. CHARLIE ANGEL AUCTION SERVICE 816-353-1277

www.trustanangel.com

Raytown, MO

Since 1965 Providing outstanding auction services for: Business Liquidations – Farm Dispersals – Building Materials Antique Collections – Estates – Real Estate – U.S. Bankruptcy Auctions

www.hertzogauction.com

(816) 537-6187

Chris Demien Cell 816-590-6132

See

The examiner

on Wednesdays for the current

AUCTION BLOCK

58 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

HELPING HANDS

• Community Services League

• Truman Heartland Community Foundation

The Community Services League is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to giving assistance to low income families and individuals in Jackson County. The League provides numerous charity services that provide both long- and shortterm assistance to people in need.

The Community Services League was founded in 1916 by a group of philanthropic women, of which Bess Wallace, the future wife of President Truman, was a member.

The focus of the League was to share resources, such as clothing, food, and fuel, with less fortunate neighbors. The scope of the League grew to include housing assistance, low-income financial counseling, assistance for temporary shelter, and assistance with medical costs. Even as the League grew and changed, its mission remained the same: to assist the less fortunate and to provde immediate aid to those who need it most.

Throughout its history, the League has provided assistance to families and individuals in Jackson County through numerous aid services. The services of the Community Services League are provided through donations from churches, schools, and community organizations throughout the Jackson County area. The League depends on the assistance of the community, through donations as well as through volunteers, to continue its services. In addition to private donations, the League receives funding from government grants and fundraisers. On average, the League assists more than 13,000 families and individuals every year, and is one of the leading providers of emergency assistance in the area.

The services of the Community Services League continue to expand. In order to meet the rising demand, the League has relocated

Foundation helps manage charitable interests

CSL aids needy

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

School supplies sit ready to be loaded into backpacks at the Community Services League’s Central Resources Building. Supplying backpacks for needy students is one of the many services provided by CSL. to a larger facility at 404 North Noland Road, and celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony June 17.

The League also is celebrating its 95th anniversary this summer.

The Community Services League bases its services on a mission of “Helping People Help Themselves.”

The League works not only to provide emergency aid to those in need but also to give them the confidence and resources needed to ensure long-term financial security.

Donations to the League can be delivered to any of its seven area locations. It is accepting food pantry and clothing donations, as well as school supplies for the upcoming school year. Those interested in volunteering should contact their local branch; the League is always looking for volunteers and welcomes anyone willing to donate their time.

To learn more about the Community Services League, call 816-2544100 or visit its website at www. cslcares.org. If you wish to donate

to the League or are in need of assistance, stop by any of the local offices: u Independence (main office) – 404 N. Noland Road., 816-2544100. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. u 39th Street – 14500 E. 39th St., 816-254-8209. Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. u Fairmount – 800 S. Hardy Ave., 816-254-0446. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. u Blue Springs – 200 SW 10th St., 816-229-0033. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. u Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley, 816249-5820. Wednesdays 8 a.m. to noon. u Grain Valley – Walnut & Capelle St., 816-229-5890. Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. u Oak Grove – 1408 SE Austin St., 816-690-8213. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

– Mikayla McLean

Private giving, public good.

That is the mission of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, which is entering its 29th year of service in Eastern Jackson County. The foundation’s assets total more than $28 million in more than 500 donor funds, and the annual grants reached $2.8 million in 2010. More than 1,000 area donors serve as the driving force behind the foundation and its success.

The establishment of a donor-advised fund can be done in three simple steps, the foundation says. First, identify the types of causes you are passionate about supporting. Next determine the type of gift you will make at a minimum value of $5,000. The gift may be cash, stocks or a harder-to-value asset.

Lastly, decide on a name for the fund, and determine which colleagues or family members you’d like to involve in giving, either as successor advisers or additional advisers.

The THCF lists many benefits in giving through a community foundation, including personalized service, professional advisers, tax advantages, endowment funds and working with a community leader. The foundation has three locations – North Office/Operation Center, Commerce Bank, 300 N. Osage St., Independence; East Office/Conference Center, Blue Ridge Bank Financial Center, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 550, Independence; and South Office/Conference Center, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, 1812 Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit.

Visit www.thcf.org or call 816-8368189 for more information.

– Adrianne DeWeese

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 59

HELPING HANDS

• Drumm Farm

Home fosters family ties

The Andrew Drumm Institute, also known as Drumm Farm, was founded in 1929. The goal remains the same: to offer a long term, stable home for children whose parents cannot take care of them.

The initial funding for the institute was provided by Major Andrew Drumm, who left funds for the purpose after he died in 1919. The institute now is home to more than 30 children in foster care, including allowing sibling groups to remain together.

Boys and girls younger than 18 qualify for admission by being in the custody of the Department of Social Services for foster care, have the ability to be successful in public schools and have a willingness to participate in program.

Children who live at Drumm Farm attend the Independence School District.

Changes in 2011 include saying good-bye to longtime director Rufus

Little, who retired after 19 years. He is replaced by Brad Smith, who served almost 16 years in the Independence School District, most recently as the director of the Family Services Department.

Restoration and renovation projects are still ongoing at Swinney Hall, the original home for orphaned boys at Drumm Farm. Built in 1881, it was purchased along with the rest of the original 370 acres. In the last two years, the roof and windows have been replaced, the exterior bricks repaired and the three exterior porches reconstructed.

The second phase includes four apartments on the third floor, which will be available to young men who are outgrowing the foster care system.

Drumm Farm partners with the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association and helps to operate a center for the association. Services are available for free to association families, mostly

through private funding.

Through the Our Friends of Drumm Campaign, community members can make monetary donations that will help in a variety of ways such as providing school supplies, counseling sessions, after school activities or clothing for the children served at Drumm Farm.

For more information on Drumm Farm, visit its website at www. drummfarm.org or by calling 816373-3434.

– Kelly Evenson

• Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association

Support for foster, adoptive families The Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association emerged out of a small support group for foster kids and families. A decade later, the organization serves more than 800 families and assists thousands of kids annually.

Located on the Drumm Farm campus, 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road, MFCAA supports and advocates for abused and neglected children and families caring for them. One program assists grandparents who have custody of their grandkids – there’s about 4,000 of them in the state of Missouri – transition back into the role of caregiver.

MFCAA mostly helps families in the Kansas City metro area, but they won’t turn away anyone who needs

assistance. The center often gets calls from elsewhere in Missouri and Kansas and even out of state.

Services range from training, educating and mentoring foster families to providing food and clothing for foster children. The organization is always looking for donations to its food pantry and clothes closet, as well as volunteers to sort and organize incoming items. Diapers, clean underwear and socks are always in high demand. Over the summer, MFCAA holds a school supply drive for the upcoming school year.

Volunteers are also needed to help around the office and staff various events, like meet-ups between local foster families.

In addition to donations from

groups like Rotary of Independence, the Healthcare Foundation, the Kemper Foundation and the Truman Heartland Heritage Foundation, MFCAA holds a number of fundraising events each year. The 2011 Forever Families gala is Aug. 20 at the InterContinental, 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City.

An annual conference connects foster families and provides resources for helping transition children from an abusive or neglectful environment to a loving home. This year’s conference is Nov. 29-30 at the Westin Crown Center, 1 Pershing Road, Kansas City.

For more information about MFCAA, including how to help or how to receive services, call 816-350-0215 or visit www.mfcaa.org.

– Elle Moxley

• Mother’s Refuge

Local center is stepping stone for teen moms More than 1,000 young women and babies have called Mother’s Refuge, a nonprofit that provides shelter and education for pregnant, homeless teens, home since 1987.

Located at 3721 Delridge Road, Mother’s Refuge assists expecting teens who have nowhere else to go.

It is the only shelter in Kansas City that accepts teen mothers and their infants for longterm care. Residents of the facility may stay for up to one year after giving birth but have to continue their education, attend weekly church services and meet a variety of other strict criteria. Girls learn money management and work with a social worker to develop an individualized plan for the future. A transition program assists young women after they leave the house.

In addition to shelter, Mother’s Refuge provides clothing, food, medical care, education, parenting classes and life-skills lessons.

The maternity home is always in need of donations, especially baby and household items as well as groceries. Some used items – car seats, cribs, stuffed animals and toys – cannot be accepted due to state regulations. For a full list of needs, or to make a donation, call 816-353-8070 or visit www.mothersrefuge.org.

Gift cards or monetary donations are also welcome. Mother’s Refuge is funded through contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, civic clubs, churchs and other groups.

Donations of $100 or more may qualify for a 50 percent Missouri Tax Credit.

Volunteers are needed to help with the care and upkeep of the maternity home as well as to mentor the young women. Mentors must be 21 years or older. Contact Megan Morrison at 816-356-4797 ext. 4 for more information.

– Elle Moxley

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HELPING HANDS

• American Red Cross

Red Cross offers emergency, health, safety services

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Jackson, Johnson, Cass, Clay, Platte and 10 other Missouri counties, as well as Johnson County, Kan. Irving R. Kirkwood, daughter of newspaper maven William Rockhill Nelson, established the local chapter in 1914, shortly after the start of World War I. Today, the Red Cross serves more than 1.3 million people in the metro area.

The emergency services de-

partment responds to house fires, floods, winter storms and tornados, providing warm meals, dry clothing and safe shelters. In addition to local disasters, the chapter can be called to regional and even national large-scale disasters.

Red Cross health and safety programs provide training in first aid, CPR, swimming, lifeguarding, caregiving and babysitting. Register online for classes at www.kcredcross. org or call 816-931-8400.

Volunteers are needed to provide disaster asistance, educate the community in emergency preparedness and teach health and safety. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit the organization’s website. Volunteers must complete an application and attend an orientation meeting.

The Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood and blood products nationwide.

To donate blood, visit www. redcrossblood.org/donat-

ing-blood to set up and an appointment. There’s also information about organizing a blood drive.

Funding for the Red Cross comes from grants and donations. It does not receive government funding. The Greater Kansas City Chapter has 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.

To give to the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, visit the organization’s website and click the donate tab. There, you can chose where your money goes – to the local chapter, to disaster relief, to military members and their families or wherever need is greatest.

The Kansas City office is at 211 W. Armor Blvd., Kansas City.

– Elle Moxley

• Community Mediation Center

• Boys & Girls Club

Center helps resolve local issues

Club gives school-age children place to play, develop

The Community Mediation Center has helped 2,000 Eastern Jackson County residents each year resolve their disputes and learn to live peacefully for many years.

With a small paid staff and about 10 volunteers, the privately operated center conducts 250 mediations each year for 500 people. A trained mediator from the center gets two disputing parties together and helps identify the problem and find a solution both sides can agree with. The parties then sign an agreement to keep the issue resolved. Eighty-five percent of people who seek help resolve their issues.

The center also has a program in Clay County called the Victim Offender Dialogue for juveniles who have committed crimes for the first time. The offender talks to victims about what they did wrong, and the victims then tell how it has affected them.

They work out how to relieve the situation. Ninetyfive percent of children in the program don’t reoffend.

The mediation center also serves kids in the Independence School District.

The program Talk It Out sends mediators to area elementary schools and teaches children how to control their anger. They also have anger management classes for high school students with behavioral issues and those who are on the verge of getting suspended.

It also teaches mediation to families, community groups, churches, businesses, and even teach mediation classes at Park University as well as at Truman High School and Nowlin Middle School.

The center costs $150,000 each year to operate.

The Examiner/ADRIANNE DeWEESE

Diane Kyser has served as executive director of the Community Mediation Center in Independence since its beginning more than 10 years ago.

Grants, donations, fundraisers, the United Way and contracts contribute to the funding.

The fee for mediation services is based on income, but the center is willing to work with customers, and usually only about 10 percent of people pay anything.

The center moved into a new space at 1212 Truman Road last July.

For more information call 816-461-TALK (8255) or 816-833-4300, ext. 215.

– Elle Moxley

The Leslie Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City is located at 315 S. Leslie St. in Independence.

It is open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for elementary age kids and the 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday for teens.

The Boys and Girls club provides a safe environment to learn and play for youth ages 5 to 18. The fee per child is $15 per school year.

There is a summer program for $225. It is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for elementary age kids and noon to 7 p.m. for teens.

The club offers programs in five core areas including character development; education/ technology and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation.

The Club can tailor a volunteer program to individual needs and interests, including arts, games life-coaching and more.

For more information about joining or volunteering, call 816-361-3600 ext. 237 or send email to volunteer@helpKCkids.org.

– Matt Mitchell

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 61

LEGALSERVICES ADAMS LAW OFFICES

Nell Adams • Attorney at Law

COCHRAN, OSWALD & ROAM, LLC

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES Since 1985 • Bankruptcy •Family Law •Criminal • Probate/Wills • Traffic • Mediation Services • Other Legal Service

“A full service law firm serving Eastern Jackson County for over 44 years” •Corporate •Real Estate •Family Law •Personal Injury •DWI/Traffic •Social Security & Employee Rights •Wills & Estate Planning

2307 NW South Outer Road Suite 202 • Prudential Building Blue Springs, MO

(816) 229-8121

(816) 228-1776 adamslawoffices.com

BARTON, HALL & SCHNIEDERS, PC Accident & Injury

Probate - Real Estate Auto Accidents - On-the-Job Injuries Medical Malpractice - Personal Injury Defective Products - Civil Litigation Criminal Law - Bankruptcy Workers Compensation - Wrongful Death

1117 South Broadway Oak Grove, MO

(816) 690-4111

601 NW Jefferson Street Blue Springs, MO www.cochranoswaldlaw.com

K. MARTIN KUNY, P.C. Attorney-at-Law

Family Law/Divorce • Traffic Personal Injury Small Business

114 South Main Independence, MO 64050

(816) 254-0535 www.lawyers.com/kunylaw

TYREE, ESKEW & ROBERTS Attorneys at Law

Personal Injury • Workers' Compensation Bankruptcy • Family Law Criminal and Traffic Defense Probate and Estate Planning • Real Estate

George A. Tyree J. Brand Eskew Mark Roberts Erica L. Briscoe Heartland Financial Building 1600 NE Coronado, Suite 242 Blue Springs, MO 64014

(816) 228-6400 www.terlaw.com

Fax: (816) 625-7204 Clay Barton • Jim Hall Bob Schnieders

BREDEHOFT LAW FIRM MICHAEL BREDEHOFT, Attorney at Law Licensed in MO & KS Since 1998 Free Initial Consultation Bankruptcy/Criminal/Family Law/Mediation DWI/Traffic/Wills-Probate

1200 S. Outer Road, Suite 109 Blue Springs, MO

(816) 229-8533 www.bredehoftlaw.com

LAW OFFICE OF

JAMES H. YOUNG AND ASSOCIATES, LLC

DEDICATED TO THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY LAW 3300 NE Ralph Powell Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 246-9981 Fax: (816) 246-9987

JAMES H. YOUNG MICHELLE E. JAKOBE ABRAHAM D. KUHL akuhl@jameshyoung.com

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EDUCATION

• Local school districts

Four districts serve Independence

Independence School District

1. Truman High School, 3301 S. Noland Road, 816-521-5350, Kristel Barr, principal – 1,674 students.

2. Van Horn High School, 1109 S. Arlington Ave., 816-521-5360, Greg Netzer, principal – 675 students.

3. William Chrisman High School, 1223 N. Noland Road, 816-521-5355, Mike Becker, principal – 1,509 students.

4. Independence Academy, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., 816-521-5505, Chad Bruton, principal.

5. Clifford H. Nowlin Middle

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School, 2800 S. Hardy Ave., 816-5215380, Jean Carton, principal – 638 students.

6. George Caleb Bingham Middle School, 1716 S. Speck Road, 816-5215490, Corey Willich, principal – 609 students.

7. James Bridger Middle School, 18200 E. Missouri 78, 816-521-5375, Belinda Woodson, principal – 884 students.

8. Pioneer Ridge Middle School, 1656 S. Speck Road, 816-521-5385, Michael Weishaar, principal – 841 students.

9. Thomas Hart Benton Elementary, 429 S. Leslie, 816-521-5390, Leslie Hochsprung, principal – 425 students.

10. Blackburn Elementary, 17302

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Hardy

www.ourindependenceschools. org Independence students in the district: 13,815 Tax levy: $5.43 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Ken Johnston, president; Ann Franklin, vice-president; Jana Waits, treasurer; Blake Roberson, Matt Mallinson, Jill Esry and Denise Fears.

Administrators: Jim Hinson, superintendent; Dred Scott, deputy superintendent; Dale Herl, deputy superintendent; Jason Dial, assistant superintendent for high school education; Beth Savidge, assistant superintendent of instruction/professional development; Gary Hogue, 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; Brad Smith, director of family services and Caring Communities; Gloria Stephenson, executive director of technology; Michele Crumbaugh, director of nutrition services; John Davies, director of transportation; and Bob Robinson, director of facilities services.

The administrative office phone number is 816-521-5300.

Student numbers are for the 2010-11 school year.

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E. R.D. Mize Road, 816-521-5395, Laura LaCroix, principal – 636 students.

11. Bryant Elementary, 827 W. College, 816-521-5400, Jonathan Pye, principal – 256 students.

12. Fairmount Elementary, 120 N. Cedar Ave., 816-521-5405, Jeff Anger, principal – 365 students.

13. Glendale Elementary, 2611 S. Lee’s Summit Road, 816-521-5510, Todd Siebert, principal – 485 students.

14. John W. Luff Elementary, 3700 S. Delaware Ave., 816-521-5415, Toni Kilgore, principal – 448 students.

15. Mill Creek Elementary, 2601 N. Liberty St., 816-521-5420, Kathy Butler, principal – 313 students.

16. Korte Elementary, 2437 S. Hardy Ave., 816-521-5430, R.D. Mallams, principal – 624 students.

17. Christian Ott Elementary, 1525 N. Noland Road, 816-521-5435, Ronnee Laughlin, principal – 472 students.

18. Procter Elementary, 1403 W. Linden Ave., 816-521-5440, Deborah L. Marlowe, principal – 281 students.

19. Randall Elementary, 509 Jennings Road, 816-521-5445, Cynthia Grant, principal – 299 students.

20. Santa Fe Trail Elementary, 1301 S. Windsor Ave., 816-521-5450, Janet Gibbs, principal – 375 students.

21. Spring Branch Elementary, 20404 E. Truman Road, 816-521-5455, Janet Richards, principal – 359 students.

22. Sugar Creek Elementary, 11424 Gill St., 816-521-5460, Sharon Byrd, principal – 224 students.

MORE ON PAGE 63

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EDUCATION

Four public districts, several private schools serve city SCHOOL DISTRICTS: FROM PAGE 62 23. Sycamore Hills Elementary, 15208 E. 39th St. S., 816-521-5465, Ann Pye, principal – 508 students.

24. Three Trails Elementary, 11801 E. 32nd St. S., 816-521-5470, Robert Streich, principal – 378 students.

25. William Southern Elementary, 4300 S. Phelps Road, 816-5215475, Barbara Allinder, principal – 537 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: Carol Marcks, president; David Shrout, vice-president; Gary Thompson, Sharon Dankenbring; Kirk Stobart; Diana Rice and Ben Schloman.

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.

26. Fort Osage High School, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7063, Jason Snodgrass, principal – 1,410 students.

27. Career and Technology Center, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-6507180, Mike Pantleo, director.

28. Osage Trail Middle School, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7151, John Schuler, principal – 713 students.

29. Fire Prairie Middle School, 24810 E. U.S. 24, 816-650-7158, Tim Gallagher, principal – 729 students.

30. Blue Hills Elementary, 1911 Blue Mills Road, 816-650-7440, Monica Shane, principal – 399 students.

u Buckner Elementary, 13 S. Sibley, 816-650-7300, Patrick Farnan, principal – 350 students.

31. Cler-Mont Elementary, 19009 Susquehanna Ridge, 816-650-7350, Julie Stout, principal – 390 students.

32. Elm Grove Elementary, 18000 Kentucky Road, 816-650-7400, Pam Fore, principal – 334 students.

33. Indian Trails Elementary, 24200 E. Bundschu, 816-650-7645, Emily Cross, principal – 346 students.

Blue Springs School District

www.bluesprings-schools.net Independence school-aged population: Approximately 1,500 Tax levy: $5.53 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Rhonda Gilstrap, president; Dale Walkup, vicepresident; Dale Falck, treasurer; Jim Coen; Kent Bradford; Dave Wright and Jennifer Casey.

Administrators: Paul Kinder, superintendent; Annette Seago, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Jim Finley, assistant superintendent for administration; Nancy Stonner, assistant superintendent; Bill Cowling, assistant superintendent of management services; Will Cumberford, director of buildings and grounds; Patrick Crowe, 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 Leslie Evans, director of public relations.

The administrative office number is 816-224-1300.

Student numbers are based on the 2010-11 school year. u Blue Springs High School, 2000 N.W. Ashton Dr., 816-229-3459, Dave Adams, principal – 1,809 students. u Blue Springs South High School, 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy

Parkway, 816-224-1315, Randy Dowell, principal – 1,379 students. u Valley View High School, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-224-4388, Charlie Weber, principal. u Blue Springs Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., 816-224-1325, Dan Anderson, principal – 1,078 students. u Brittany Hill Middle School, 2701 N.W. 1st St., 816-224-1700, Dallas Truex, principal – 808 students. u Delta Woods Middle School, 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way, 816-7955830, Steve Cook, principal – 752 students.

34. Sunny Vale Middle School, 3930 South R.D. Mize Road, 816-2241330, Steve Goddard, principal – 745 students. u James Lewis Elementary, 717 N.W. Park Road, 816-224-1345, Jennie Alderman, principal – 477 students. u John Nowlin Elementary, 5020 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-224-1355, Debbie Curtis, principal – 433 students.

35. Sunny Pointe Elementary, 3920 South R.D. Mize Road, 816224-7800, Nick Goos, principal – 483 students.

36. William Yates Elementary, 3600 Davidson Road, 816-224-1350, Ramona Dunn, principal – 372 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, executive director for human resources; Lynda Shrader, executive director of elementary education;

Steve Shelton, executive director for secondary education; and Cathy Allie, community relations coordinator.

The administrative office number is 816-268-7000.

Student numbers are based on the 2008-09 school year. u Raytown High School, 6019 Blue Ridge Blvd., 816-268-7300, Brian Huff, principal – 1,455 students. u Joe Herndon Career Center, 11501 E. Missouri 350, 816-268-7140, David Ruhman, director. u Raytown Middle School, 4900 Pittman Road, 816-268-7360, Georgetta May, principal – 781 students. u Fleetridge Elementary, 13001 E. 55th St., 816-268-7220, Debbie Kingrey, principal, 452 students. u Northwood Elementary, 4400 Sterling Ave., 816-268-7250, Rex Perry, principal.

OTHER SCHOOLS for independence students

37. St. Mary’s High School, 622 N. Main St., 816-252-8733, Jeff Lynch, principal.

38. Center Place Restoration School, 819 W. Waldo Ave., 816-2521715, Richard F. Neill, principal.

39. Tri-City Christian School, 4500 Little Blue Parkway, 816-7951088, Carl Herbster, principal.

40. Schoolhouse, 14709 E. 35th St., 816-373-5938, Mary Childers, principal.

41. Ozanam, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., 816-508-3600, Deborah Briggs, principal.

42. Nativity of Mary School, 10021 E. 36th Terr., 816-353-0284.

Elizabeth Baker, principal.

43. Messiah Lutheran, 613 S. Main St., 816-254-9409, Ann Arndt, principal. u Schools attended by Independence students but not in the city limits – Kelly Evenson

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NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH A Mission Congregation of LCMC

Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ Bible-based, Traditional Lutheran Confessions

An Alternative to the ELCA Synods Worship Sunday 10am, Adult Bible Study 11am 14500 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055 Ph: 816-805-2198

www.newhope-foryou.com

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Trinity Church of the Nazarene

19800 E. Truman Rd., Independence, MO 64056 * (816) 796-2750

‘Jesus For Your Journey’ Sunday Schedule: Worship 8:30am, 11:00am & 6:00pm Sunday School 9:45am Wednesday’s @ 7:00pm: Adult, Youth & Children’s Ministries Relevant Worship – Exciting Programs – Mission Minded – Lasting Relationships

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church NW Corner I-70 & Lee’s Summit Road

4000 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence 373-5333 www.St.MichaelsChurch.org Time: Sundays - 10 a.m.

Web: www.lscckc.com Pastor: Dan Roye

Location: Grain Valley High School Address: 551 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley Phone: 816.228.1404

“ You also, as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5)

Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School

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 Crosswalk & 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

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Sunday 8am & 10:30am Christian Education 9:30am

Wednesday 12:15pm & 6:30pm

All are Welcome!

Come Feel Christ’s Love.

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2011

Sunday Worship Times 8:30; 9:45; 11:00 Bible study for all ages 9:45am

Wednesday Evenings 6:30pm

4505 S. Noland Road Independence, MO 64055

816.373.0106 • 373.PRAY (Prayer Line) www.nolandroadbaptist.org

Independence City Guide 65

First Presbyterian Church

Building on the Past • Celebrating the Present • Preparing for the Future

9:30 a.m. Worship (Traditional) 10:50 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Worship (Contemporary) Nursery Provided • Comfortable attire

100 North Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050 816-252-6662 • www.fpcindep.org

The REMNANT CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints Blue Springs Congregation

Center Congregation

5555 Valley View Drive Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3336 Presiding Elder – High Priest Austin Purvis

709 W. Maple Independence, MO 64050 816-836-6883 Presiding Elder – High Priest Bill Derr

First Congregation

Woods Chapel Congregation

2820 South 291 Highway – Outer Road Independence, MO 64055 816-373-3560 Presiding Elder – High Priest Mike Hogan

Headquarters:

700 W. Lexington Avenue Independence, MO 64050 816-461-7215 816-461-7278 FAX

501 NW Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-885-6356 Presiding Elder – High Priest David Scott

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

www.theremnantchurch.com

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been called into renewal to preach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen, and to prepare and gather a righteous people for the building of the Kingdom of God on earth, Zion.

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MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH (LCMS)

613 S. Main Street, Independence, MO 64050

816-254-9405

(1/2 Block West of Noland Rd. and Pacific)

Traditional Worship Service: 8:00 a.m.

Blended Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes 9:30 a.m.

College/Young Adults/20 Somethings: Find us on www.facebook.com

Web Site: www.Messiahlcms.net

Join our Family!

Sunday Morning Services: 9:00 a.m. – Bible Study 10:00 a.m. – Fellowship 10:30 a.m. – Worship

500 W. Truman Rd. • 816-252-3377 www.fbcindep.org

Stone Church Congregation Presiding Pastor: Terry Snapp Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. — Eat and Greet (Foyer) 9:00 a.m. — Church School (All Ages) 10:20 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children's Church (4-12 years old) 1012 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64050

816/254-2211

www.stone-church.org

Wednesday Services: Youth Events 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 67

2011

EDUCATION

• Public libraries

Libraries offer many services, amenities

The Mid-Continent Public Library system consists of 29 branches and the Midwest Genealogy Center. The library collection holds more than 3 million materials, including books, audio books, films, magazines, and reference materials. Independence is home to two branches – the North Independence Branch and the South Independence Branch. Local tax dollars fund the Mid-Continent branches.

Anyone who lives, works, owns property or goes to school in the Mid-Continent Public Library districts (Clay, Platte and Jackson counties, excluding the Kansas City, Mo., School District and the municipality of North Kansas City) is eligible for a library card.

All Mid-Continent branches have free Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as computers available for public use.

Mid-Continent libraries play host to numerous programs geared toward adults, families and teenagers. From May 23 to July 30, families can sign up for the Summer Reading Program, where children from birth to 12th grade can earn prizes for reading during the summer. This year, the theme of the children’s Summer Reading Program is “One World, Many Stories.”

The theme for the teen program is “You Are Here.”

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, or any other library services, visit one of the Independence branches or the library website at www.mymcpl.org.

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY

u North Independence Branch, 317 W. U.S. 24.

Phone: 816-252-0950 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The North Independence Branch recently underwent extensive renovations. It is now the largest branch in the Mid-Continent system and features new study rooms, a computer lab and meeting space and new wings for

historical figures throughout the world. u Digital Sanborn Maps – A collection of fire insurance maps created between 1867 and 1970. Search through maps for more than 12,000 American cities and towns. u HeritageQuest Online – Thousands of family and local history books and the complete U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1930. They can be searched by name, place of birth, age, ethnicity, and more. It also includes Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank, and the PERSI periodical index. u ProQuest Obituaries – More than 10 million obituaries and death notices in full image format from national newspapers dating back to 1851.

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

The North Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library recently underwent an extensive renovation. children and teens. The changes also brought a new drive-through window, where patrons can return materials or pick up holds.

In addition to these changes, the North Independence branch also features Novella’s Bistro, a small café that serves soups, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. u SOUTH Independence Branch, 13700 E. 35th St. Phone: 816-461-2050 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. u MIDWEST GENEALOGY CENTER, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road Phone: 816-252-7228 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday.

The Midwest Genealogy Center opened in 2008 and is one of the largest genealogy resources in the country. Its collection holds more than 96,000 circulating and reference titles, as well as periodicals, newspapers, microforms and maps.

The following online databases are available through the Genealogy Center: u America’s GenealogyBank – Includes historical newspapers, books, documents, obituaries and the Social Security Death Index. 1937-present, with some newspapers and books dating back to the 1600s. u America’s Obituaries & Death Notices – Newspaper obituaries and death notices published since 1980.

The database is available for searches by name, date range or specific text. u Ancestry Library Edition (library use only) – An enhanced library version of Ancestry.com that searches the U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1930. Also search immigration, vital, military, court, church and ethnic records. u Archive Finder – Search for information from thousands of archival collections from the U.S., U.K., and Ireland. u Biography and Genealogy Master Index – A comprehensive index to more than 13 million biographical sketches from both contemporary and

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Kansas City Public Library has 10 locations in the Kansas City area.

Two branches, the Trails West Branch and the Sugar Creek Branch, are in the Independence area. The Kansas City Public Library receives funding from property taxes, fees and fines, state and federal funding and grants.

The Kansas City Public Library also hosts a Summer Reading Program for kids and teens, birth to 12th grade.

The theme for the children’s program is “One World, Many Stories” and the theme for the teen program is “You Are Here.” The program runs from June 1 to Aug. 6.

Website: kclibrary.org u TRAILS WEST Branch, 11401 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-701-3483 Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. u SUGAR creek Branch, 102 S. Sterling Ave. Phone: 816-701-3489 Hours: noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

– Mikayla McLean

68 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• School programs

Special services aid local students

Students in Independence are served by not one, but 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.

EARLY EDUCATION

u Independence – Every elementary school as well as the Sunshine Center in the Independence School District provides early education/preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds. 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 preschool 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. 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 816-2241360. 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 816-2687430.

BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL 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 816-6507000. 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 816-2241300. u Raytown – The Raytown School

District offers a before- and afterschool 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 816-2687000.

GIFTED STUDENTS

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 Independence 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 ASSOCIATIONS

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. 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 816-6507000. 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 816-2244388. 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 A-plus designated. They are Truman, William Chrisman, Fort Osage, Van Horn, MORE ON PAGE 69

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 69

EDUCATION

Districts offer many programs to help students succeed PROGRAMS: FROM PAGE 68 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.

health centers

u Independence – Independence residents can go to the Swope Health Independence, 1638 W. U.S. 24, 816-627-2000 or the Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County, 17611 E. U.S. 24, Suite 103, 816-404-6455. 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 816-2241300. 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 816-2687000.

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.

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 1012 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 816-6507000. 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 816-2687180.

VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

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 816-6507180.

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 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 child-

hood, health services, networking systems, advertising and diesel mechanics.

For more information, call 816-2687140.

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.

For more information on specific disabilities and special education services, contact the school district in which you live.

OZANAM

Ozanam is a day program for children with emotional, behavioral and educational problems. The main components are therapy and special education.

Each student has an individualized plan designed to serve his or her emotional, behavioral and academic needs.

Ozanam offers its main day treatment center at its main campus in south Kansas City. It also operates programs in cooperation with the Independence, Liberty and Belton school districts. Each program services children kindergarten through 12th grades.

For more information, call 816-5083600.

DRUG 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

70 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Colleges

• MCC-Blue River

Area offers other local higher educational options

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’s, 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 or visit www.ccis. edu/nationwide/main.asp?kansascity.

Graceland University The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

Enrollment at Metropolitan Community College’s Blue River campus in Independence was up 489 students in the 2010-11 school year.

A college close to home Independence residents have a nearby option for post-secondary education – MCC-Blue River.

The local campus of the Metropolitan Community College opened in 1997.

More than 3,500 students now attend MCC-Blue River, 20301 E. Missouri 78, each semester.

Classes are available in both day and night sessions as well as online, and all applicants are accepted. A variety of programs are offered by the college’s academic divisions of business technology, mathematics, public safety, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

Students have two choices – 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 the associate’s degrees, which can be earned in everything from arts, teaching and computer science to applied science, certificates are available to students. Certificates are earned in career and technical programs such as biotechnology or automotive.

Among its many activities, Blue River

is the home of the Trail Blazers soccer team 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 academies at the Public Safety Institute. The academies include hands-on, real-world type situations and at the Precision Driving Track, located not far from the college’s main campus. Although most students take classes during the day, night classes are available in both programs.

If becoming a full-time student is not an option, MCC-Blue River also offers a large community and continuing education program with online courses as well as skills-based, short-time programs.

Certificate programs in business are available through this option as well as classes purely for fun.

For more information about MCC-Blue River, visit the website at www.mcckc.edu/ blueriver or by calling 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 as one of the university’s flagship locations.

Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in a variety of programs including medical assisting, paralegal studies and health care management.

In addition, NAU’s Zona Rosa campus offers a nursing and pharmacy technician program. 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.

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.

– Kelly Evenson

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 71

2011

EDUCATION

• Assessment testing

Tests help area students MAP out their future

Every year, students throughout the state of Missouri spend two weeks testing their academic knowledge.

If they are in elementary or middle school, they take the Missouri Assessment Program exam. At the high school level, students take end-ofcourse 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

• Home Schooling

Tools available for parents to teach children at home There are times when parents want a different choice in education for their children other than public, private or parochial schools. The choice they turn to is home schooling.

An estimated 2 million families home school their children in the United States. But before the decision is made to home school, families must know the law and what is expected of them.

A resource for families is Families for Home Education. Created more than 25 years ago, the Kansas City-based organization serves as a resource for homeschooling families in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area. FHE provides an information packet, First Things First, which includes everything on how to begin a home schooling

program.

One of the first things to understand is the state law on home education, RSMO 167.031.

Under state law, a home school’s primary purpose is to provide a private or religious-based education. Students should be between the ages of 7 and 16, and there should be no tuition, fees or other form of payment.

In addition, parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction with at least 600 in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science or other core academic areas.

These requirements do not apply to students over the age of 16.

Parents must maintain records that include a plan book, diary or other written record that shows what subjects are being taught, a portfolio

of samples of the child’s academic work and a record of evaluations.

Parents who make the decision to home school should provide a signed written declaration to the child’s home school district that states the intent to home school.

This letter should include the name and age of the child as well as the address and phone number of the home school. Other information needed is the name of each person teaching.

The letter should be submitted within 30 days of establishing a home school and by Sept. 1 the following years.

For more information about support groups, speech and theater clubs, co-op classes, field trips and other activities, contact FHE at 877-6966343 or visit its website at www.fhe-mo.org.

– Kelly Evenson

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 Secondary Education’s website at

www.dese.mo.gov. To view MAP or end-of-course 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 drop-down menu.

Then choose the school district name for the selection menu.

– Kelly Evenson

• YouthFriends Be a mentor for a local student Beginning 16 years ago as a pilot program in the Independence School District and five other metro school districts, YouthFriends now serves more than 70 school districts in Missouri and Kansas.

More than 20,000 volunteer mentors have been screened and trained and then have served 270,000 young people either one on one or in small groups. Most adults in the program serve a mentors, often meeting with students as lunch buddies. Others

tutor students or work with small groups, such as reading to them.

The program serves grades K-12 and typically places mentors and their students together for one hour a week.

There also is a YouthFriends Corps program in which high school students can mentor elementary students.

Learn more – volunteers are always needed – at www.youthfriends.org/ – Jeff Fox

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72 Independence City Guide

2011

“Touching Lives for Christ”

Timothy Lutheran Church and School 425 NW R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014 Located next to St. Mary's Hospital off of Highway 7 and R.D. Mize Rd.

816-228-5300 •

301 SW WYATT ROAD BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015

Join us!

RD Mize Site Worship Saturday, 6 pm Sunday, 8, 9:15 and 11 am Education Hour Sunday, 9:15 am

301 SW Wyatt Rd Site Contemporary Worship Sunday, 9:30 am Education Hour Sunday, 10:45 am

Timothy Lutheran School For grades K-8 • Monday-Friday

www.timothylutheran.com

E-mail: info@timothyluthEran.com

The Examiner

LCMS

Messiah Lutheran Day Care

Messiah Lutheran School 613 S. Main • independence, MO • 254-9409

254-9990

now enrolling p/K - Grade 8 Quality Christian Education Fully Accredited

613 S. Main Independence, MO 64050

Ages 2-14 • Day Care and Extended Care Open 12 months a year, Monday-Friday 6 am - 6 pm

Quality childcare in a Christian environment OPEN ENROLLMENT KINDERGARTEN - 6TH GRADE

41

The school’s philosophy, programs, and physical arrangement are centered upon the individual child. The Schoolhouse meets all state and local requirements and accepts students of elementary school age, regardless of race, creed, or religion. The Schoolhouse employs qualified and experienced teachers who are concerned about children. The 12-to-1 pupil-teacher ratio provides ample opportunity for individualized instruction and interaction.

an independent elementary school 14709 E. 35th St., Independence, MO 64055 (816)373-5938

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS

Sports program and band also offered.

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR Plaza Heights Christian Academy and Little Lions Preschool Age 3 years - 12th Grade 1500 SW Clark, Blue Springs, MO 64015

816.228.0670 www.plazaheights.org

The Examiner

2011

Independence City Guide 73

74 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner

EDUCATION

• Sunshine Center

Center helps kids get head start

The Sunshine Center, 18400 E. Salisbury Road, is part of the Independence School District and provides early childhood education services.

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 a licensed child care provider with a capacity of 190. The center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parents pay for services on a sliding scale.

Programs 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.

The Sunshine Center has an enrollment campaign every summer and also enrolls students year-round as slots open in individual programs. Call 816-5215526 to schedule an enrollment appointment with an early education specialist.

The Sunshine Center is a 2011 Project Shine site. Interested community members can contact Lori Worth, 816-804-0679, or visit www4.indep.k12. mo.us/project_shine/ index.html for more information on how they can help clean up local The Examiner/ADRIANNE DeWEESE schools on July 16.

Supporters of Studio 3-V Dance Center in Independence wave from their float during this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on the Square. The parade is one of many fundraisers that benefit the Sun– Elle Moxley shine Center.

THE EXAMINER

Bringing you the hometown news The Examiner was founded in 1898

by Colonel William Southern and continues to emphasize local news – focusing on sports, city, education and business news that readers won’t find anywhere else.

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– Tuesday through Saturday – and offers the voice of many local columnists. Daily special pages include: Tuesday – Business, Health section Wednesday – Storytellers, Law & Order, Pets, Food & Fashion Saturday – Business, Outdoors, Crossroads, Religion and Reader News.

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The Examiner is a locally managed division of GateHouse Media Inc., based in Fairport, N.Y. Contact The Examiner: Publisher Steve Curd: 350-6311 Executive Editor Sheila Davis: 350-

6365 Managing Editor Karl Zinke: 3506316 Advertising Director David Lammers: 350-6326 Marketing Director Sharon Dankenbring: 350-6341 Production Manager Matt Goodspeed: 350-6353 Circulation Director Peggy Paul: 350-6346 – Staff reports

The Examiner

Independence City Guide 75

2011

THINGS TO DO R.

Jackson County parks and historical sites

Li ttl eB

lu e

6 7

ou

ri

R.

14

iss

291

24

M

15

435

7

Truman Rd.

16

Truman Rd.

23rd St.

R.D.

18 70

17

Buckner- Tarsney Rd.

24

9

Mize Rd.

1

71

10 R.

19

291

5

50

ue Bl

4

70

435

12

Colbern Rd.

470

The Examiner/KELLY EVENSON

Dogs and their owners at the annual Dogtober Fest event at Fleming Park.

13

40

3

11

7

2

Air fiel Arc d (m he ode Bas ry l) eb Bik all ep Boa ath tl Boa aunc t r hin Cam ental g p Cam ing (m p o Can ing tor) oe Cro ing ss Dri -coun nki try Exe ng w skiin rc ate g Fis ise tr r hin ail Gol g f Gym n Hik asium ing His tor Hor ic site se Ma ridin rin g Mu a seu Nat m ur Pic e area nic Pla area yg Rac round qu Ran etbal ge l She r sta lte tio Soc r n ce Sw r imm Tar ing ge Toi t rang lets e Wa ter ski ing

50

Facility information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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)

76 Independence City Guide

2011

The Examiner