Oak Grove City Guide 2012

20 12 City Guide Oak Grove The Examiner • Saturday, May 26, 2012

Hometown

TABLE OF CONtents Hometown

3 History 4 Board of Aldermen

Public safety

5 Police Department 13 Sni Valley Fire

Services

6 Licenses 12 Utilities 13 Voting 13 Post Office 16 Community Services League

Outdoors

Health

14 St. Mary’s advice 15 St. Mary’s Medical Center 17-23 Medical Directory

Schools

24 Board of Education 31 Superintendent of Schools 25 High school 25 Elementaries 25 Middle school 27 Colleges

8 Area Parks 9 City Parks

Neighbors

11 Top employers 13 Chamber of Commerce

30 Jackson County 31 State representatives 31 Federal representatives

28 Neighbor cities

Publisher – Steve Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net 816-350-6311

Crime

2011

2012

Homicide

0

0

–

Executive Editor – Sheila Davis sheila.davis@examiner.net 816-350-6365

Forcible rape

2

0

-200%

Attempted rape

2

0

-200%

Managing Editor – Karl Zinke karl.zinke@examiner.net 816-350-6316

Robbery

1

0

-100%

Aggravated assault

8

0

-800%

Advertising Director – David Lammers david.lammers@examiner.net 816-350-6326 Reporters – Kelly Evenson, Jeff Martin, Adrianne DeWeese, Jeff Fox

Burglary

33

5

-85%

Larceny

145

61

-68%

Photographer – Karl Zinke

Vehicle theft

19

5

-74%

Arson

1

0

-100%

Violent crimes

11

1

-91%

Property crimes

199

71

-64%

Crime index

209

72

-65%

Cover – Kay Sims Design – Karl Zinke/Kay Sims/Sheila Davis

Government

Business

crime statistics

The examiner

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 any where else.

Today The Examiner, owned by GateHouse Media, is delivered to more than 13,000 homes every day with separate editions for Independence and the Blue Springs area and more than 100,000 readers with the website, www.examiner.net.

Growing steadily Twenty-eight miles east of Kansas City is a growing community that still prides itself on a small, rural community atmosphere.

Oak Grove was incorporated as a city in 1881.

110,00 100,00 90,00 80,000

50,000

The latest Census data shows Oak Grove boasts a population of 7,795 reported for 2010, up from 6,852 in 2008. The 2010 Census says there are 2,590 households with an average of 2.86 persons.

2005 6,738

Travel time to work 28 minutes

Average age 32.4

Figures based on 2010 Census data

2004 6,634 2003 6,542 $122,400

40,000 30,000 20,00

2008 6,852 2007 6,828

Oak Grove Growth

Racial makeup White – 92.3 % African American – 1.1 % Asian – 0.7 % Pacific Islands – 0.1 % Native American – 0.8 % Hispanic – 3.7 % Other – 1.8 %

$65,430

$50,279

AVERAGE family income

Median household income

2000 5,608

21,320 Per Capita income

Median home value

2001 5,842

2002 6,472

Change

– Information from Missouri State Highway Patrol Uniform Crime Reports

Oak Grove by the numbers

70,000 60,000

2006 6,826

2010 7,795

oak grove city guide 2012

Oak Grove history

Hometown

3

Oak Grove started out as Lick Skillet With the opening of western Missouri for settlement by the Americans came the pioneers in droves looking for new horizons and new hope in the wilderness.

They were a strange mixture of people, moving along shadowy trails still haunted by figures of Indians and fur trappers.

With their long rifles and covered wagons, they came looking for a homestead.

There were a few New England Yankees with their nasal twang, but mostly they spoke with a Southern drawl, people from Kentucky, Tennessee and the Virginias.

These early pioneers were a hardy bunch, strong, willing and determined to conquer the wilderness.

They settled for the most part along the rivers and wooded country. They needed the timber for construction material as they cleared it away for cultivation. A few tried their luck upon the prairies, but the grass was very thick and taller than a man’s head in most areas.

The Big Blue River, Little Blue and Sni Creek in Sni-a-Bar Township had up until this time been known as having some of

Portraits of the past Ted Stillwell the best beaver streams in the Louisiana Territory. Now it was time for those areas to become the best farmland in the new state of Missouri.

It has been said the original name of “Sni Abar” township was “Slue Abar” which came from a mistaken early French explorer, named Abar, on the Missouri River. When he found the mouth of the creek he thought it to be a slough.

Some early records show the name as “Shnee-a-Bar, shnee being another way of saying the same thing, a channel of water leaving the river and returning to it at another point. You have to remember those

early pioneers had a language all of their own, very peculiar to what we know today. They spoke of things like corn pones and fatback. Kansas City was almost named Possum Trot, and Oak Grove was called Lick Skillet for many years.

At any rate, the Township was organized as Sni-a-Bar on May 5, 1834.

Hard telling who the first settler was on the Sni, but James Welch and William Cox came up from Tennessee in 1828 and set up camp on a branch of the Sni. Others followed, building a log cabin, and then another built a double log cabin.

Somebody started a store, and a new town was born.

For reasons we’re not quite sure of, it was called “Lickskillet.”

One version of the story goes like this.

A stranger arrived on horseback at the double log cabin looking for a bite to eat. A little boy asked for a piece of meat before mealtime, because he was afraid the stranger would eat it all before he got any.

He was promised if that happened he

could “lick the skillet.”

Another story has it that two men after fixing breakfast on the trail set their frying pan aside for the dog to “Lick the Skillet.”

Who knows. Anyway the town carried that handle up until the Civil War. A couple of miles south and east of Lickskillet, another berg arose in a grove of scrub oak trees along Horse Shoe Creek.

It was there, a Methodist preacher named John McKinney became the first postmaster in Sni-a-Bar Township.

McKinney decided to move on to Oregon though, and William Philpott was appointed postmaster.

He moved it a half a mile north and kept the post office for several years. Dr. William E. Frick was appointed postmaster April 9, 1861, and moved the post office into the town of Lickskillet where he practiced medicine from a log cabin.

There was one little problem though: The rules said you could move the post office, but you could not change the name of it. So they simply changed the name of the town to Oak Grove.

4

oak grove city guide 2012

Hometown

Board of Aldermen

The city’s deciders

Hank Melhorn

Ward 1 Melhorn is in his third term as alderman, previously serving on the city’s board of zoning and adjustments and the city’s park board. He was re-elected in April 2009.

Melhorn has lived in Oak Grove since 1969 with his wife, Connie.

Cecelia Morgan

Larry Moore

Ward 1 Morgan was elected in April 2008 for the first time. She was re-elected in April 2010. She taught American history and psychology and was also the guidance counselor at Oak Grove High School before retiring in 1997.

Ward 2 Serving in his third term, the retired truck driver and mechanic is a 25-year member of the International Order of Odd Fellows. He is a lifelong Oak Grove resident and is married to Marsha.

Brad Alexander

Ward 2 Alexander has the longest tenure of any board member, having served more than 12 years. He was re-elected in April 2010. He is a former Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy. He is a native of Oak Grove and has a wife, Sue.

Mike Baxter

Ward 3 Baxter is serving a second term after being re-elected in April 2009.

He is a former employee of Ford Motor Company.

He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masons and the Scottish Rite. His wife’s name is Shirla.

Jim Shrout

Ward 3 Shrout was voted into office in September 2009 by the aldermen after the death of former alderman Mike Johnston. Shrout is a store manager for O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Oak Grove and has a wife, Jill.

He was elected for the first time in April 2010.

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Oak Grove is what Missouri law classifies as a fourth-class city, operating under a city administrator/board of alderman form of government.

The city has a mayor and six aldermen, elected by ward. The mayor presides over Board of Aldermen meetings and votes to break any ties.

The mayor also appoints, with the board’s consent, the city administrator, city clerk, chief of police, city prosecutor, municipal judge and director of parks and recreation.

The Board of Aldermen meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month in the lower level of the Civic Center, 2100 S. Broadway.

City Hall is at 1300 S. Broadway. Phone: 816690-3773. The mayor is Mark Fulks.

oak grove city guide 2012

Police Department

5

Hometown

Oak Grove Police Department keeps crime rates low Things have been quiet in the Oak Grove Police Department.

That’s how Police Chief Bob Muenz wants it.

In the past year, the department has maintained many of its traditional programs, including prescription drug take back event; child car seat inspections; its 10th annual holiday heroes program; a victim’s rights golf tournament and its annual law enforcement memorial service.

At the same time, the department has received several grants to fund specific operations, including funds to provide overtime pay for DWI and traffic enforce-

ment operations. There was also a grant received to purchase new duty holsters and an in-car camera system.

Having provided law enforcement services since Oct. 4, 1999, the department has since grown to 15 officers and one civilian employee. Victim advocates and volunteer chaplains also offer services.

Officers are on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide crime control and order maintenance.

The business office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for lunch from 12

noon to 1 p.m. Non-emergency after hours contact with the officers on duty can be made by calling communications at 816-5244300, and requesting an officer.

Emergency 911 services and communications are provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

The following list is of important numbers to remember: Business office: 690-3773 ext.1100 Mailing address: 1300 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, Mo 64075 Physical address: 1903 S. Broadway – Jeff Martin

OAK GROVE CRIME STATISTICS

Homicide Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated assault Burglary Larceny theft Vehicle theft Arson ---Violent crimes Property crimes Total crime index

2011

0 2 1 8 33 145 19 1

2012 (to mid-May) 0 0 0 0 5 61 5 0

11 199 209

1 71 72

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373-3600

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BUCKNER CHAPEL 300 Adams St.

650-5555

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Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Uniform Crime Reporting

Quietly protecting the city

6

Hometown

Licenses

oak grove city guide 2012

You need a permit for that

Concealed Weapons permit

Jackson County residents may visit Jackson County Sheriff Headquarters, 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit, to get a concealed weapons permit. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, not including holidays. Processing is not ensured for those who arrive after 3 p.m.

Applicants should bring proof of Jackson County residency, including a valid Missouri driver’s license, a non-driver’s license identification or a military identification and orders showing the person is stationed in Missouri.

They also must provide a copy of the certificate of firearms safety training course, which the course instructor will provide.

The cost includes a $30.50 personal check or money order payable to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as well as a $66.75 personal check or money order payable to the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Visit www.jacksongov.org or call 816-524-4302 for more information.

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses may be obtained at the Jackson County Courthouse Annex Recorder of Deeds Office in Independence, 308 W. Kansas Ave., Suite 104. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays.

The cost is $50 at the time of application and may be paid by cash, all credit cards except American Express or a debit card. Both parties must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds office, and they must provide their Social Security numbers and proper identification. Both must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

A marriage license is valid for 30 days following the issue date, and the ceremony must take place in the state of Missouri.

If the bride chooses to change her name after the ceremony, a certified copy of the marriage license may be purchased for an additional $10.

Call 816-881-4608 for more information.

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Blue Springs

Missouri residents may obtain fishing and hunting permits for a fee.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, must complete an approved hunter education program in Missouri or another state to buy a firearms hunting permit. The exception is those who are hunting on a youth deer and turkey hunting permit.

Permits may be purchased over the phone by calling 800392-4115 or by visiting the Blue Springs conservation office at 3424 N.W. Duncan Road.

They also may be purchased online by visiting https:// www1.mo.wildlifelicense.com/start.php. Different permits are required, depending on hunting seasons and animals, and they range in price up to $19.

Daily, annual or lifetime fishing permits are available to Missouri residents, as well. No training course is required before purchase. Missouri residents younger than age 65 and older than age 15 are required to get a fishing permit.

Visit www.mdc.mo.gov for more information on hunting and regulations in Missouri.

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8

Hometown

Area Parks

oak grove city guide 2012

There’s a forest or a lake nearby for relaxing Several state and county parks are enjoyed by residents of Eastern Jackson County.

Burr Oak Woods

Burr Oak Woods State Forest in Blue Springs has a variety of facilities, including a nature center with a 167-seat auditorium, a snake and amphibian display and a 3,000-gallon aquarium with native fish. Outside there are five hiking trails.

The Missouri Department of Conservation facility is in a 1,071-acre forest that is home to a variety of wildlife. There are also fields, ponds, glades, creeks, limestone outcroppings and prairie.

The forest, including the trails, is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Standard Time.

The nature center is open year-round from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. It also is

closed Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The center offers guided hikes and a variety of programs, including films, lectures and events for kids. Go to http:// mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/burr-oakwoods-nature-center for more information. Phone: 816-228-3766 To reach Burr Oak Woods, go 1.1 miles north of Interstate 70 on Missouri 7, then one mile west on Park Road.

Fleming Park

Fleming Park, a Jackson County park, includes Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake and covers more than 7,800 acres.

Lake Jacomo covers 970 acres and is stocked with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye. There is a horsepower limit on boats.

The Lake Jacomo marina is at 7401 W. Park Road. Phone: 816-795-8888. The

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marina offers boat rentals, concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait, and dock fishing. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting.

Blue Springs Lake is just south of U.S. 40 off Woods Chapel Road. It has hybrid striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp and catfish.

The marina has a convenience store, bait and tackle, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, fuel and a fishing-cleaning station. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting.

Fleming Park also includes Missouri Town 1855, a re-creation of frontier life.

It’s at 8010 Park Road. Warm-weather hours – March 1 to Nov. 15 – are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Wintertime hours – Nov. 16 to Feb. 28 – are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 to 13 and $3 for those 62 and older.

There are campgrounds and shelter houses throughout Fleming Park. Call 816-503-4805 to reserve a camping site.

Call 816-503-4800 to reserve a shelter house.

Little Blue Trace Trail

Jackson County’s Little Blue Trace Trail is a hiking-and-biking trail running for 15 miles along the Little Blue River mostly in Independence, from Blue Mills Road south under U.S. 24, past the main Independence power plant, through the commercial area of southeast Independence, under Interstate 470 and southwest to Lee’s Summit Road. There are trailheads and benches at various places along the trail.

The county and Kansas City have an agreement to add another 12.2 miles, running the trail south to the Longview Lake area, and officials would one day like to connect it with a metrowide system of trails and eventually the Katy Trail.

Blue and Gray Park

Seven miles south of Buckner-Tarsney Road and Interstate 70, Blue and Gray Park sits on 1,733 acres in the oak and hickory hardwood timbers of Eastern Jackson County.

The park is popular with horseback riders, hikers and cross-country skiers. The parking lot features a pull-through for two large trailers and includes two shelter houses, six picnic tables and toilets.

Primitive and organized camping opportunities are also available.

A permit is required to use the horse trails and can be purchased at the administrative offices at 22807 Woods Chapel Road in Blue Springs.

Phone: 816-503-4805.

Landahl Park Reserve Landahl Park Reserve is a 1,397-acre county park east of Missouri 7 and south of Truman Road. The park, renamed for Jackson County’s first park director, William L. Landahl, includes hiking trails, mountain bike trails, a softball field, soccer fields, horse trails, fishing, picnic shelters, restrooms, camping sites, and a ski trail during winter months. The Missouri Department of Conservation also operates a shooting range in the park.

Phone: 816-503-4805.

– Jeff Fox

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The Examiner

9

Hometown City Parks

Hit the park

The main ball field at Webb Park.

The Examiner/KARL ZINKE

City’s parks offers versatility There are many places and activities that one can enjoy in Oak Grove. Here are a few locations and facilities located in the city.

Webb Park

Webb Park offers 47 acres of land located on the east side of town.

The park has a lighted pitching machine, ball diamonds, a concessions building, a tee-ball field, tennis and basketball courts and sand volleyball courts, pavilions with picnic tables, restrooms, and large and small playground equipment.

Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Events including Fourth of July celebration and fireworks take place there, as well as adult softball leagues, youth tennis camp, the USSSA basement tournaments and others.

Check the parks department program guide for updated times and event dates.

Caraway Lake

Caraway Lake is stocked annually with crappie, catfish and other game fish. It’s about 8 acres and located on Gillespie Road and North Broadway.

The proper city and state fishing permits must be obtained before fishing at the lake.

Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Frick Park

Frick Park exists on 57 acres of land at Cemetery Road and West 12th Street, offering a

wide range of facilities and activities, including lighted equestrian arenas, a concessions building, athletic fields and playground areas.

Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Check the park’s department program guide for updated times and event dates.

Oak Grove Pool

The public pool is adjacent to the Civic Center, 2100 S. Broadway St. It is open from 1-6 p.m. from late May to Labor Day weekend.

The price for season passes ranges from $20 for a 10-day pass to $125 for a non-resident family. The daily rate is $3 for adults and $2 for adults ages 55 and older. The pool is free for children 3 and younger.

Family night swim from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The cost is $1 per person.

For more information about events and other fees, call 690-4003 X 3

I-29 and Barry Road Boardwalk Square (816) 746-0500

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5

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5

Skate Park

The skate park is behind the Civic Center on a 60-foot by 120-foot concrete pad. It offers patrons several ramps or rails to use while skateboarding.

Features include quarter pipes, grind rails, stairs and hard rails. The city encourages people to wear safety gear.

The park is open from dawn until dusk.

Skate contests are also held at the park.

– Jeff Martin

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10

A glimpse of Oak Grove

Hometown

oak grove city guide 2012

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www.examiner.net

Hometown

11

Major employers in Oak Grove offer job opportunities Oak Grove has a handful of organizations with more than 100 employees.

According to “Eastern Jackson County by the Numbers 2010,” by the Eastern Jackson County Development Alliance and Jackson County, the city’s largest employers are: n The Oak Grove School District – 260. n Wal-Mart – 240.

n Petro Truck Stop – 126. n Oak Nursing and Rehab Inc. – 100. n TravelAmerica truck stop – 60. n Patricia’s Grocery Store – 52. n The city – 49. n Wendy’s – 22. n Walgreen’s – 25.

Figures are from the city in 2009.

Oak Grove R-VI Schools Oak Grove Schools has a proud tradition of providing quality education for the community A Proud "Character Plus" District.

OAK GROVE PRIMARY Grades K-2 500 SE 17th St

816-690-8770

Laura Oyler - Principal

MAPLE ELEMENTARY Grades 3-5 501 SE 12th Street

816-690-4153

Peggy Tiffany - Principal

OAK GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 6-8 401 SE 12th St

816-690-4154

Tracy Kemp - Principal

OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9-12 605 SE 12th St

816-690-4152

Randy McClain - Principal

601 SE 12th Street • Oak Grove, Missouri • (816) 690-4156

Share your photoS Just go to examiner.net and look for the Local Loop section to get started.

12

Hometown

Utilities

Utility services The following is a list of public and private companies offering utility services in Oak Grove

Water and Sewer

Most Oak Grove residents are served by city-owned water and sewer utilities. Call the city at 816-690-3773 for visit City Hall at 2100 S. Broadway to establish service.

The miniumum charge for water service is $16.10 for the first 2,000 gallons. The cost increases based on usage.

The miniumum charge for sewer service is $5, and the rate increases by .0058 for every 100 gallons used.

Gas

Missouri Gas Energy To establish service, call 816-756-5252 To report a gas leak at any time, call 1-800-582-0000 New customers can arrange gas service by phone.

Electricity

Kansas City Power and Light For service, billing, service interruption and other reports, call 816-471-5275.

The website is www.kcpl.com

Telephone

CenturyLink local telephone service Phone: 1-800-366-8201 CenturyLink, formerly Enbarq, serves local telephone customers in Oak Grove and parts of Eastern Jackson County, including Grain Valley, Lake Lotawana, Wellington and Missouri City.

Cable

Comcast Phone: 816-795-1100 Website: www.comcast.com Comcast offers digital and high-definition cable service. The company has several cable option packages available, including internet.

Extra charges apply for taxes, installation, service and reconnections.

– Jeff Martin

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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

Hometown

13

Sni Valley Fire Protection District

Sni Valley has paid and volunteer firefighters

Sni Valley Fire Protection District has seen some significant improvements the past year.

The department opened its new station at 1600 South Broadway, which is directly opposite the former facility. By locating there, the facility has allowed the district to maintain a presence in the heart of the community and in close proximity to the schools.

The district passed a bond levy for its construction in 2008.

The new station features a community room, larger training facilities, additional administration space, and a larger more modern living area for the

duty crews, according to information provided by the district.

The former station was over 30 years old and the district had outgrown its capabilities.

Providing fire and emergency services for the municipalities of Oak Grove, Bates City and the unincorporated areas of Eastern Jackson County and western Lafayette County, the district covers about 78 square miles and 15,000 residents.

There are currently 21 paid firefighters and 10 active volunteers.

– Jeff Martin

Voting

It’s a big year – register As residents move from one county or voting jurisdiction to another county or jurisdiction, they must re-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. Registration closes 14 days prior to each election, and those wishing to vote must be a U.S. citizen, a Missouri resident and at least 18 years of age by the next general election.

Visit www.jcebmo.org/registration for more information. Voter registration forms are available at the following

locations: n Jackson County Election Board, 215 N. Liberty St., Independence.

Phone: 816-325-4600 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n Mid-Continent Public Library, 2320 S. Broadway St., Oak Grove.

Phone: 816-690-3213 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday – Adrianne DeWeese

Post office The U.S. Post Office in Oak Grove is at 1700 S. Broadway.

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday. Phone: 816-690-3500.

– Jeff Fox

14

Hometown

St. Mary’s expert advice

St. Mary’s accredited as chest pain center

By Dr. David Blick, MD, FACC Carondelet Heart Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Blue Springs You wouldn’t know by looking at the outside of St. Mary’s Medical Center, but it has grown a lot in the past year.

A few months ago, St. Mary’s earned Chest Pain Center accreditation, making it one of only 22 hospitals in the state of Missouri with the designation. Accreditation is granted only to those facilities whose processes meet or exceed the criteria established by the Accreditation Dr. David Blick, MD, Committee. Many of FACC these guidelines also coincide with the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Chest pain is the second most common reason people seek emergency care at U.S. hospitals. It accounts for 8 million patient visits and about $8 billion in health care costs each year. Several years ago, the Society of Chest Pain Centers was formed to improve the way hospitals and professionals in cardiac care improve outcomes for their patients.

The accreditation ensures patients coming to the Emergency Department with chest pain or discomfort are given the immediate treatment necessary to avoid as much heart damage as possible. Protocol-based procedures developed by leading experts in cardiac care are part of St. Mary’s overall cardiac care services.

Gaining accreditation through SCPC was a lengthy process, involving not only associates providing direct patient care, but ancillary and management personnel, as well. Going through the process forced us to examine everything we do and why it’s done. Like our Magnet status, and in contrast to more traditional accreditation models, SCPC accreditation is a collaborative venture providing feedback and education. The work helped us address gaps and improve cardiac care processes, resulting in better outcomes, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

There are other benefits that have come from the work done for the accreditation, as well. So many people from different areas working together for a common goal led to the development of a tight-knit team. We enjoy working as a focused unit providing quality chest pain care to our patients. That team extends beyond the hospital walls to include area Emergency Medical Services, as well.

Communication between first responders and the Emergency Room is a critical part of the process. Not only are patients receiving care while en route to the hospital, but information is being shared allowing for the most effective treatment when the patient arrives.

The accreditation proves that St. Mary’s works seamlessly with area Emergency Medical Services to ensure patients in Eastern Jackson County get the treatment they need during the critical early stages of a heart attack.

St. Mary’s is reaching beyond the Jackson County line in caring for the community. Earlier this year, the Carondelet Heart Institute opened an outreach clinic in Sweet Springs, Mo. Twice each month, patients in the Sweet Springs area, who may have difficulty traveling to Blue Springs, can come to the I-70 Medical Center for treatment. Soon, we hope to provide similar service in Odessa, Mo. All this attention to treating heart disease is important because heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of men and women in this country.

You can help provide a healthier community by learning the signs of heart attack: n Chest discomfort-pressure, squeezing, fullness of pain, lasting more than a few minutes or comes and goes; n Discomfort or pain in the upper body, in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; n Shortness of breath; n Cold sweat; n Nausea or lightheadedness.

If you’re having symptoms, do not have someone drive you, or worse yet, drive yourself to a hospital. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment. When emergency help arrives, they can promptly begin treatment and are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped.

Minutes matter. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 911 or your emergency response number. Remember, time is muscle.

Time wasted is muscle lost.

St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Mary’s marks advances in surgery, Chest Pain Center Two major signs of progress – one visible, one through accreditation – took place at St. Mary’s Medical Center in 2011.

In October, St. Mary’s earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, a designation that staff members say shows the hospital’s commitment to quality health care when a patient is experiencing chest pain or discomfort.

Two months later, on Dec. 14, the 30year-old facility celebrated the $3.7 million renovation and expansion of its surgery area, the first of its kind since St. Mary’s opened in 1981.

Both marks of progress took months and extensive staff member collaboration at the Blue Springs hospital.

“The certification is one more notch in our belt because it shows the public that we are dedicated to caring for the community,” said Suzy DePaoli, a registered nurse at St. Mary’s with several certifications. She is the Chest Pain Center coordinator and led the chest pain accreditation work.

With the accreditation, St. Mary’s aims to provide patients in the emergency room with chest pain or discomfort the most immediate treatment to avoid heart damage.

For example, DePaoli said, when patients reach the emergency room door, the goal is to perform an EKG – a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart – within five minutes.

St. Mary’s staff also review the hospital’s STEMI (a type of heart attack) patients in a monthly meeting to see if the provided care needs improvement, DePaoli said.

The hospital also is working to improve its community outreach related to chest conditions, including meetings at Vesper Hall about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what residents should do if those signs and symptoms occur.

“This chest pain certification is just a chance for us to be able to show the community what we have to offer them, which is excellence in care for a patient who

15

Hometown

oak grove city guide 2012

is having a heart attack,” said DePaoli, adding that the certification marked a team effort between the ER and cardiology staffs.

The other major sign of progress at St. Mary’s began 14 months ago, “but it’s been in the works for many years now,” said Aubrey Miller, nurse manager of Surgical Services at St. Mary’s, regarding the renovation of the hospital’s surgery area.

Two operating rooms underwent “a complete overhaul,” Miller said, with the addition of at least one-third of the previous space to each. The rooms received flatscreen LCD high-definition monitors and brand-new LED operating room lights.

With larger operating rooms, Miller said, St. Mary’s medical staff are able to take on cases that require more instruments, such as spinal fusion and total joint replacements in the hips and knees.

The surgery area also received new paint and flooring, a centralized scheduling desk and new locker rooms for staff members.

The pre-operation and recovery area each have seven new bays, complete with new nurses’ stations and access points.

“Before, it was kind of muddled the way we had our patient flow,” Miller said.

“Now, we’re a lot more streamlined. I guess you could say that there have been fewer traffic jams in the hallway.”

A new, sterile storage area is centrally located, allowing staff members easier access for patient supplies.

“We’ve always, at St. Mary’s, had patient care as our No. 1 priority. We’ve been good at providing service and patient care, but now, our environment matches our service,” Miller said. “We are just tickled pink with our new area. We’ve done some really hard work, and it’s paid off – we have some really beautiful things now.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Chief Concerns www.examiner.net/community/blogs COMMUNITY BLOGGER

Stephen Brown is part of the community blog network at The Examiner. If you have expertise in an area, find out how to join out network.

Midwest Genealogy www.examiner.net/community/blogs COMMUNITY BLOGGER

The Midwest Genealogy Center staff is part of the community blog network at The Examiner. If you have expertise in an area, find out how to join out network.

Contact Sheila Davis at sheila.davis@examiner.net

Momonthedge www.examiner.net/community/blogs COMMUNITY BLOG

Kate Beem is now part of the community blog network at The Examiner. If you have expertise in an area or an interesting hobby, find out how to join out network.

Contact Sheila Davis at sheila.davis@examiner.net

16

Hometown

Community Services League

CSL is oldest aid agency in EJC

Specializing in Women’s Health

Organization name: Community Services League Address: Oak Grove site, 1408 S.E. Austin St. Phone number: 816-690-8213 Website: www.cslcares.org Social media links: Twitter, @ cslcares; Facebook, www.facebook. com/pages/Community-ServicesLeague/100641951530

Complete women’s healthCare… …for all stages of your life.

We invite you to schedule your

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.

appointment today!

816.478.0220 Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

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

through counseling, budgeting, homebuyer education and other efforts).

CSL helps clients living at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Its Oak Grove location is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and serves anyone with an Oak Grove address.

Been in community: CSL, since 1916; Oak Grove location only, since the 1960s.

Role in community: To empower families to move from poverty to self sufficiency.

Important to know: CSL is the oldest and largest emergency services provider in Eastern Jackson County. In many of the communities it serves, CSL is the only option residents have for emergency food, clothing, shelter, utility or medical assistance.

CSL provides services through three umbrella programs: Work Express (training individuals to re-enter the workforce and helping them gain employment); Emergency Assistance (help with most basic needs of food, clothing, medical services and utility bill assistance); and Housing (assisting the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless

Funding sources: In-kind donations, direct assistance, special events, government contracts, United Way, grants and other contributions.

Major fundraiser: Formerly known as Outpouring of Hope, the 2012 Ooh! fundraiser was a food, drink and music extravaganza the first Friday in May at the Independence Events Center. The fall gala event will take place Nov. 3 at the Independence Hilton Garden Inn. Contact: Sharon Petkoff, Oak Grove and Buckner site manager, 816-6908213. She is in Oak Grove on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Donations, 816-912-4484; volunteer, 816-254-4100; hire CSL clients, 816-9124491; advocate, email donate@cslcares. org to arrange a presentation at your church, workplace, school or civic organization.

– Adrianne DeWeese

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

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

(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 Alisa Ash, M.D.

Debra Sims, WHNP-BC

Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP-BC

Visit us on the web: www.independencewomensclinic.com

Steve T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. • Matthew John, M.D. Stephanie Hutchison, FNP

MEDICALDIRECTORY audiology

Family mediCine

Hearing Associates

Family Medicine, Inc.

Hearing Associates

Family Medicine, Inc.

Bary E. Williams, Au.D. New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS New Blue Ridge Bank Tower 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 994-2401 www.hearingassociates.com

ChiropraCtiC Balanced Body Chiropractic Center, P.C.

Britton Batchelor, D.C. Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, Healthcare for all Ages 19301 E. 40 Hwy., Suite B (at Little Blue Pkwy) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 254-0606 Fax: (816) 254-1895 www.drbritt.net

Family mediCine

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

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

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

Grain Valley Family Medicine

Michelle Hirsch, RN, Nurse Practitioner 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785

Family Medicine, Inc.

Independence Family Medicine

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

Randy Cramer, D.O. 10010 Truman Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 404-6785

Family Medicine, Inc.

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

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

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

MEDICALDIRECTORY Family medicine

Continued

Family medicine

Continued

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood

Oak Grove Medical Clinic

GastroenteroloGy

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

Matthew John, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566

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

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

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

Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Kathleen Tang-Beltran TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Deb Bersano, RN, Nurse midwife TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C. R. Wade McCullough, D.O. Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com

Dr. McCullough completed his medical school at the University of Health Sciences, now KCUMB. He went on to complete the Internal Medicine Residency program and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has been in private practice since graduating his fellowship. Dr. McCullough is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C.

Mark K. Taormina M.D. FASGE, AGAF, FACG, FACP Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 | Fax: (816) 836-2244 www.MidwestGastro.com Dr. Taormina is a Kansas City native. He graduated from the University of Missouri. Dr. Taormina’s postgraduate training in Gastroenterology was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He continued as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps until 1991. Dr. Taormina is triple Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialties of internal medicine, gastroenterology and geriatric medicine. He has attained Fellowship status in the American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is currently on the active staff of Centerpoint Medical Center, Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgery Center, Midwest Physicians Surgery Center and St. Luke's Northland Hospital. He is active in clinical research and serves as the medical director for the Midwest Center for Clinical Research.

MEDICALDIRECTORY GastroenteroloGy

Continued

Summit Gastroenterology

Kit Bartalos, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Bartalos was born and raised in Kansas City. He received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and went on to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences for his medical degree. Completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri and finished his fellowship in Gastroenterology. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and board eligible for Gastroenterology. His area of special interest is an inflammatory bowel disease. He enjoys having opportunities to teach medical students and residents at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and to mentor others in their medical career. Hobbies include hunting, fishing, horseback riding and most importantly, time with his family.

Summit Gastroenterology Richard D. Lozoff, M.D., F.A.C.G. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lozoff was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. From there he went to the University of Bologna in Italy before transferring to the Rush University Medical College in Chicago, in Internal Medicine, where he became the Chief Medical Resident. This was followed with a Fellowship in Gasteroenterology at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, after which he became Board Certified. Dr. Lozoff is Board Certified Gastroentererologist and Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow in the American College of Gastroenterology, member of the American Gastroenterological Association and The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has been in private practice in Kansas City since 1983. He also has a degree in Culinary Arts and enjoys cooking, traveling, and cycling.

Summit Gastroenterology Mary Lynne Lucido, M.D. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Lucido was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She completed the BA/MD program at the University of Missouri - Kansas City obtaining both her undergraduate and medical degrees in six years. She then moved to Minneapolis to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She was the Chief Medical Resident at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center and then completed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota. During her fellowship, she spent a year performing research and training in Endoscopic Ultrasound. Dr. Lucido is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

GastroenteroloGy

Continued

Summit Gastroenterology

Jeffrey L. Schlachter, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Schlachter is a native of New York and a graduate of Brooklyn College. He earned his medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, as well as a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Barnes Hospital, Washingto University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Schlachter is an Associate Professer of Medicine at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He has been in private practice in the Kansas City area since 1989. He is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association, Metropolitan Medical Society and the American College of Osteophathic Interest. Dr. Schlachter's hobbies include fishing, collecting antique watches, as well as classic automobiles. He has recently celebrated 36 years of marriage with his wife, Linda. His daughter Julie, is in the advertising and promotion business. His son Andrew, is in his medical residency and plans on following in his father's footsteps.

Summit Gastroenterology

Frank Totta, D.O. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Dr. Totta was born and raised in the Kansas City area and graduatedfrom Bishop O'Hara High School in 1987. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology at the University of Central Missouri, he entered Medical School at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. Following Medical School, he trained at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Internal Medicine, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident from 1998-1999. This was followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center - University of Phoenix Medical Center combined Fellowship program in Arizona. Dr. Totta is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterology Association. He has been in practice in the Kansas City area, since 2002. He is married and enjoys spending time with his three children.

Summit Gastroenterology

Amy Waller, A.P.R.N., B.C., A.N.P. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Amy Waller was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She received her undergraduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with honors and her masters degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with honors. Amy has over 14 years of GI experience and is certified as a Clinical Specialist by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. She emphasizes wellness and selfcare by giving patients the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions. Amy and her husband reside in Lee's Summit with their two children. She enjoys exercising, yoga, shopping and spending time with her family.

MEDICALDIRECTORY GynecOlOGy Gynecology - TMC Lakewood Peter Greenspan, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600

HearinG aid specialist Rita's Hearing Center & Repairs Rita Harman, Mo-Lic. BC-HIS Locally owned & operated 1914 N. Plymouth Road Independence, MO 64058 (816) 796-8165

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy

Obstetrics/GynecOlOGy

Continued

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Thomas F. Green, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

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

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

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.

Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

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

MEDICALDIRECTORY Obstetrics/GynecOlOGyC

ontinued

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

Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Amy Trout, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.independencewomensclinic.com

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

OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Marcia E. Bray, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates Cara A. Vander Wilt, O.D. Pediatric & Adult Optometry 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

Oral & maxillOfacial surGery Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists Christopher J. Haggerty, D.D.S., M.D. 3600 NE Ralph Powell Road, Suite D Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-554-8300 www.LakewoodOMFS.com

Dr. Haggerty founded Lakewood Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists on the premise of combining modern surgical practices and outstanding patient care with state of the art facilities. Dr. Haggerty specializes in surgeries of the mouth, jaws and face to include wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement and facial reconstructive surgery.

OphthalmOlOGy - pediatric Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates 16637 E. 23rd St. (The Hub Shopping Center) Independence, MO 64055 (816) 461-6880 www.cibiseyecare.com

OrthOdOntics David E. Dykhouse, D.D.S.

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com

MEDICALDIRECTORY OrthOdOnticS

Continued

Vance J. Dykhouse, D.D.S., M.S.

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com

James B. Indiveri, D.M.D.

Specialist in Orthodontics Board Certified – American Board of Orthodontics 300 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.indiveriortho.com (816) 229-1245

OrthOPedic Surgery Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Akin Cil, M.D. TMC Lakewood Specialty Annex 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-0031

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

Pain ManageMent Rockhill Pain Specialists

Dan Hancock, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at

(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com

Rockhill Pain Specialists

Daniel Kloster, M.D. Board Certified Pain Management, Anesthesiology

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. For an appointment, call our scheduling office at

(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com

PharMacy Fifty Plus Pharmacy 211 W. Lexington Independence, MO (816) 461-6546

Lowe Drug at Centerpoint Mike Hefley, R.Ph Centerpoint Medical Building 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 120 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 795-0086

Marr’s Pharmacy Larry Link, R.Ph 205 N.W. R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 104 Blue Springs, MO 64014 St. Mary's Professional Bldg.

(816) 229-7755

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

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oak grove city guide 2012

Hometown

Board of Education

Seven make school decisions Seven people serve the community on the Oak Grove Board of Education.

The district covers more than

43 square miles and includes not only portions of Jackson, but small parts of Johnson and Lafayette counties.

Board members are elected at large each April, and terms are for three years. Most years, two board members are elected. How-

ever, every third year, three seats are open.

– Kelly Evenson Brian O’Neill

O’Neill was elected to his first term in April 2012. He and his wife have one graduate and two children attending Oak Grove schools.

G.C. Matson

Matson is in his third term on the board of education. He has owned a business in Oak Grove for more than 20 years, specializing in painting and other home repair. He is a longtime resident of Oak Grove and has three children who all attend schools within the school district. In addition, he and his wife are graduates of Oak Grove High School.

Bob glasgow

Glasgow is beginning his third year on the board of education. He is a former wrestling coach and activities director at Oak Grove High School and is currently the activities director for the Raytown School District. A graduate of Blue Springs High School, he and his wife have two sons, who both attended Oak Grove schools.

TROY PAVLICA

Pavlica was elected to his first term on the board in April 2011 and is in his second year. He is a longtime Oak Grove resident, graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1989. He works for APEX Heating and air-conditioning and is involved with Oak Grove Blaze Baseball.

He is married and has four children.

Montie tripp

Tripp is in the third year of his first term on the board. He was previously on the board for 12 years before taken a brief absence. He is president of Garney Construction Co., and he and his wife have three children, all graduates of Oak Grove High School. He also has six grandchildren.

Sue Alexander RICKI LAWLER Alexander is beginning the second year of her second term on the board of education. She is a retired teacher from Oak Grove High School.

Alexander and her husband are longtime residents of the community.

Lawler is beginning her second year on the Oak Grove Board of Education. She is a longtime resident of Oak Grove and has been active throughout the community.

The Oak Grove Board of Education meets at 7 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month in the Board of Education Room at the Charlene Roscher Early Childhood Center, 1205 S. Salem St. | DISTRICT PHONE NO: 816-690-4156/Fax 816-690-3031 | ADDRESS: 601 SE 12th St., Oak Grove, 64075

2012-13 Calendar Aug. 13-15 All staff orientation Aug. 16 Students’ first day Sept. 28 Homecoming Oct. 15 No classes / first quarter ends Oct. 16 No classes/ parent-teacher conferences Nov. 21-23 No classes / Thanksgiving Dec. 21 Early release / second quarter and first semester end Dec. 24-Jan. 7 Winter break / no classes / PDC Jan. 8 Classes resume Jan. 21 No classes / Martin Luther King Day

Feb. 18 No classes / Presidents Day Mar 15 No classes / PDC, third quarter ends Mar 28 Early release day Mar 29-Apr. 3 No classes / Spring break May 3 No classes / PDC May 16, 17 Early release May 17 Second semester ends Make up days May 20-24, April 1, May 3 Source: Oak Grove School District website: www.oakgrove.k12.mo.us

High school

Oak Grove’s Eleesha Finnell leaps past Grain Valley catcher Sydney Fry to home plate to score during the second inning of a game against the Eagles last September.

Oak Grove High offers A-plus program There is one high school in the Oak Grove School District and that is Oak Grove High School.

The facility houses students in ninth through 12th grades.

The high school offers a variety of classes including advanced placement courses and the A-plus program. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn a regular high school diploma or a college preparatory diploma that has a higher grade point average and course requirements.

Another opportunity for juniors and seniors is to take classes at the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center, which is in the Fort Osage School District.

A variety of extra-curricular activities are offered for students at the

school including football, track, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball as well as many others.

Other clubs and activities include academic bowl, marching and concert bands, choir and AFS. The principal is Randy McClain, and the assistant principal is Adam Salmon.

The Examiner/ ADAM VOGLER

ENROLLMENT NUMBERS

The following is contact information for Oak Grove High School. n Oak Grove High School, 605 S.E. 12th St., 816-690-4152 – 669 students.

-– Kelly Evenson

Elementary schools

Middle school

Educating our youngest residents In the Oak Grove School District, the elementary level is divided into two buildings – one that serves the primary grades and another that serves students in third through fifth grades.

OAK GROVE PRIMARY

Oak Grove Primary School serves students in kindergarten, first and second grades.

The school opened in 1993 and has had multiple renovations and additions over the years.

Students at the building are instructed in the four core subject areas – communication arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

The principal is Laura Oyler.

MAPLE ELEMENTARY

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Hometown

oak grove city guide 2012

Maple Elementary School serves students in third, fourth and fifth grades. The school is in the former site of Oak Grove Middle School. When overcrowding became an issue at both the elementary and middle schools, a new middle school was built across the street and Maple students moved into the space vacated by the middle school.

Like at the Primary Building, students are instructed in the four core subject areas and have the opportunity to attend special classes such as music, art, computer/technology and physical education

throughout the week.

In addition, students have the opportunity to enroll in the gifted program if they meet certain requirements.

Peggy Tiffany is principal.

CHARLENE ROSCHER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Before students reach kindergarten, services are available through the early childhood center.

This facility houses the early childhood/special education, Title I and after school programs.

The Parents As Teachers program is also located in the center and board of education meetings are held once a month in the facility.

The principal is Lorri Boydston.

ENROLLMENT NUMBERS

The following is contact information and enrollment numbers for each of the schools. n Oak Grove Early Childhood Center, 1205 S. Salem, 816-690-3762. n Oak Grove Primary Building, 500 S.E. 17th St., 816-690-8770, 429 students. n Maple Elementary, 501 S.E. 12th St., 816-6904153, 423 students.

– Kelly Evenson

Three grades at middle level One middle school serves students in the Oak Grove School District.

Oak Grove Middle School houses students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. It was constructed so that each grade is separated in a wing or house. Students interact only with students in their grade level throughout the day.

The exception is during elective classes such as choir, band, art or technology. The building also features a media center, gymnasium and commons area with a stage.

The core subjects – mathematics, communication arts, science and social studies are taught within each house.

Exploratory classes, or electives, are offered as well as extracurricular activities and sports. With a greater emphasis on extra-curricular activities, there are a wide range of opportunities in middle school.

The middle school was named a Blue Ribbon School in 1999. The national award is given to schools that demonstrate excellence.

Tracy Kemp is the principal, and Tom Huffington is the assistant principal.

ENROLLMENT NUMBERS

Oak Grove Middle School, 401 S.E. 12th St., 816-690-4154, 501 students.

– Kelly Evenson

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs 816-228-5540

Nursery available during services

www.calvarybluesprings.org

Email: cbcbsmo@sbcglobal.net

Y

Sunday School/ Bible Study . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service . 10:45 AM Sunday Evening Worship . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting . 6:00 PM

900 NW 22nd Street

Office Hours 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday - Friday

R

Serving Blue Springs Community Since 1980 Traditional Southern Baptist Worship Services and Music

VBS annually grades K-6 Gospel Concerts every 5th Sunday at 6:00 PM

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 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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Hometown

oak grove city guide 2012

Colleges

MCC-Blue River a quick drive from Oak Grove Oak Grove residents have an option for post-secondary education only a few miles down the road – MCC-Blue River.

The community college opened in 1997.

More than 3,500 students now attend MCCBlue River, 20301 E. Missouri 78, in Independence, each semester.

Classes are available in both day and night sessions as well as online. 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 engineering and 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 academics at the Public Safety Institute. The academies include time in 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.

There are even options for high school students at MCC-Blue River through the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy. The goal of the two-year program is to put high school students on the fast track to post-secondary academic success while helping to curb the cost of tuition at the same time. Students who complete the program will earn an associate’s degree by the time they gradu-

ate high school. The reading and English scores from the ACT exam will be used for acceptance into the program. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be able to read and write at a college level.

If becoming a full-time student is not on 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

Small settings for your big educational goals Columbia College Columbia College-Kansas City is a branch of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. It offers more than 500 online classes and 19 online degree programs in addition to campus classes and degrees.

The college, which is 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.

Graceland University 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. It is home to the nursing program, undergraduate and graduate programs in education and a graduate studies program in religion.

The Independence campus is also the home to Graceland’s first doctoral program, which began in the fall of 2011. Students who complete the program will receive a Doctorate of Nursing. The nursing program started in 1910 with cooperation from the Independence Sani-

tarium, which is now home to the Independence Regional Ennovation Center. In 1968, the Lamoni, Iowa, campus extended to Independence, where it became home to the university’s bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

In addition to its other academic programs, the Graceland University Independence campus serves as the headquarters for 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 website at www.graceland.edu or call 816-833-0524.

National American University The National American University site in Independence has been in the area 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 to complete their degrees.

The NAU campus in Independence is at 3620 Arrowhead Ave. For more information, visit NAU’s website at www.national.edu/Locations/Independence or call 816412-7700.

Park University Park University’s main campus is in Parkville, Mo., but

it offers more than 40 campus centers in the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as online courses.

The Independence campus, 2200 S. Missouri 291, offers undergraduate programs in an accelerated format. Online classes are offered in conjunction with campus classes, and day, weekend and evening programs are also a part of the various programs.

Park University holds the distinction of being the largest provider of online education to the military.

For more information on Park University, visit its website at www.park.edu/indp or call 816-584-6561.

William Woods 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 fulltime 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

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Neighboring cities

Hometown

The city of Independence has experienced a vast history since it was founded in 1827. It borders Blue Springs on its western and northern boundaries.

According to the 2011 U.S. census estimate, Independence has a population of 116,830, making it the fourth largest city in the state ahead of Columbia.

For more information, visit www.indepmo.org or contact Independence Tourism at 816-2357111.

oak grove city guide 2012

Originally named for a considerable amount of grain in the area in 1878, Grain Valley has since grown into a sprawling urban town.

The 2010 U.S. census listed the city’s population at 12,854.

The city is Oak Grove’s nearest neighbor to the west and it includes the East Kansas City Airport.

Lake Tapawingo began as a private lake outside Blue Springs by a group of businessmen who used it for a weekend getaway. It became a city in 1963 to avoid being annexed by Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit or Independence. The city has 730 residents according to the 2010 U.S. census.

Lee’s Summit has 91,364 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. census and is 65 square miles.

For more information about Lee’s Summit visit the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council website at www.leessummit.org

To the south of Blue Springs on Missouri 7 sits Lake Lotawana, a town that surrounds the lake of the same name.

The population is listed at 1,939 in the 2010 U.S. census.

The Lake Lotawana Association is responsible for lake safety and maintenance.

The Blue Springs population is 52,575, according to the 2011 U.S. census estimate. The city has annexed approximately 3,500 acres of land since 1998. For more information on the city, visit www.bluespringsgov.com

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Hometown

oak grove city guide 2012

Jackson County Government Jackson County government 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 Jackson runs the County county day to Executive day, although Mike the county Sanders prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive. Legislators, the executive, the sheriff and the prosecutor all serve four-year terms.

County Executive Mike Sanders was elected to a second four-year term in 2010.

His office is on the second floor of the downtown Courthouse, 415 E. 12th St., Kansas City.

Phone: Can be reached at 816881-3000.

County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was appointed to fill out an unexpired term and this year is running for a full four-year term. Her office is in the downtown Courthouse.

Phone: 816-881-3555.

Sheriff Mike Sharp was elected in 2008 and this year is running for a second four-year term. The Sheriff’s Department office is at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive, just south of Woods Chapel Road in Fleming Park.

Phone: 816-524-4302 The county is responsible for many roads, mostly in 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.

– Jeff Fox

Two represent city of Oak Grove Lowe’s) area on the New Jackson County districts, as of 2014 eastern edge of Kansas City.

The County Legislature has nine members. n The 2nd District is Six are elected from specific districts. Three represented by James others are elected from larger districts but are D. Tindall, D-Kansas elected by all county voters.

City (816-881-3163). The The districts including Oak Grove are: district will continue to n The 5th District, represented by Greg cover much of the cenDistrict 1 Grounds, R-Blue Springs. tral, east and south sides District 3 Grounds can be reached at of Kansas City, from just District 5 816-881-4476. The district east of downtown to just runs east to west across east of the Grandview the middle of the county, Triangle.

District 2 from Oak Grove, Grain n The 3rd District is Valley and Blue Springs represented by Dennis – the area from Burgess Waits, D-Independence Road to the north and Wy(816-881-4441). It will att Road to the south – and cover Sugar Creek and District 6 reaches into Independence Independence north of Greg and Raytown north of Interstate 70, stretching District 4 59th Street. Following the Grounds from Interstate 435 to the 2010 census, a bipartisan Little Blue River. committee redrew district lines, and starting n The 4th District in the 2014 elections, the district will change is represented by Dan significantly. North of Interstate 70, it will Tarwater, D-Kansas City include everything east of the Little Blue (816-881-3362). It remains River, including parts of Independence, plus in the county’s southBuckner, Levasy and Sibley. And south of I-70, west corner – Grandit will include Oak Grove, Grain Valley, Blue view and much of south At-Large District 1 Springs and Independence.

Kansas City. n The 1st District at large, represented n The 6th District

by Theresa Garza Ruiz, is represented by Bob D-Blue Springs. Garza Spence, R-Lee’s Summit At-Large District 2 Ruiz can be reached at (816-881-4423). It will 816-881-3132. The district continue to cover the is roughly the northern southeast part of the third of the county, but that county: Lee’s Summit, also changes in 2014, and Lone Jack, Greenwood, the district will cover Oak Lake Lotawana, the Grove, Grain Valley, IndeLakewood area and At-Large District 3 pendence, Blue Springs, much of Raytown.

Sugar Creek, Buckner, n The 2nd District Theresa Sibley and Levasy, as well at large is represented Garza Ruiz by Crystal Williams, as parts of Kansas City south of U.S. 40 and west of D-Kansas City, (816-881Lee’s Summit Road.

3464). It covers most of Courtesy of Jackson County Kansas City and much the state.

Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city Configurations of the other districts, as of of Raytown. with 459,787 residents (many in Platte and Clay 2014: n The 3rd District, represented by Fred counties), followed by No. 4 Independence at n The 1st District is represented by Scott Arbanas, D-Lee’s Summit (816-881-4477). It will 116,830, No. 6 Lee’s Summit at 91,364 (some in Burnett, D-Kansas City (816-881-3076). The cover roughly the southern one-third of the Cass County) and No. 10 Blue Springs at 52,575. district will be something like an upside down county – Lee’s Summit, Unity Village, GreenOverall, about half of the county’s residents “U,” with the west side of Kansas City and wood, Raytown, Grandview and the western live in Kansas City and about half live in downtown, then running east to I-435 and edge of south Kansas City.

Eastern Jackson County. angling south and west to include the stadiums Jackson County, with a 2010 population of – Jeff Fox and the Blue Ridge Crossing (Wal-Mart and 674,158, is home to four of the largest cities in

By JEFF FOX

jeff.fox@examiner.net

oak grove city guide 2012

Federal, state representatives

Hometown

In Washington n Sen. Roy blunt, a Republican from Strafford, Mo., was elected to a six-year term in 2010.

Blunt sits on these committees: Appropriations (ranking member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development subcommittee); Select Committee on Intelligence; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Rules and Administration.

His Washington office is at 260 Russell Building. Phone: 202-224-5721.

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

Web site: http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ n Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who lives in St. Louis. a Democrat who lives in St. Louis, was elected in 2006.

She is seeking a second six-year term this year.

McCaskill sits on these committees: Special Committee on Aging; Armed Services; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Her Washington office is in Suite 506 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Phone: 202-224-6154.

Her Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., suite 101. Phone: 816-421-1639 Web site: http://mccaskill.senate.gov/ n U.S. REP. vicky hartzler, a Republican from Harrisonville, Mo., represents Missouri’s 4th District. She was first elected in 2010 and is seeking a second term this year. However, due to redistricting following the 2010 census, the 4th District will no longer include portions of Jackson County. Those changes take effect with this year’s elections.

Oak Grove and much of the rest of the easternmost part of Jackson County south of Interstate 70 will now be included in the 5th District, which will continue to include most of Kansas City, most of Independence and most of Lee’s Summit and also take in much of Blue Springs and areas to the east, including several counties east of Jackson County. That district currently is represented by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, DKansas City.

Hartzler is on the Armed Services and Agriculture committees.

Hartzler’s Washington office is at 1023 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-2252876 Her Harrisonville office is at 1909 N. Commercial St. Phone: 816-884-3411. n U.S. REP. Sam Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, Mo., represents Missouri’s 6th District. He was first elected in 2000.

The district includes northwest and north-central Missouri but also includes a section Eastern Jackson County, including the Oak Grove area north of I-70.

He is Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

His Washington office is at 1415 Longworth Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-225-7041.

His Liberty office is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100, Liberty, Mo., 64068. Phone: 816-792-3976

In Jefferson City n State Rep. Jeanie Lauer, R-Blue Springs, represents the 54th District. Following redistricting – which takes effect with this year’s elections – that district changes somewhat and becomes the 32nd District. It will include most of Oak Grove as well as Grain Valley plus Blue Springs north of Interstate 70 and the east part of the city south of I-70.

Lauer, first elected in 2010, is seeking a second two-year term.

She is on the Appropriatons – Education, Local Government, Small Business, Tax Reform and Economic Development committees, as well as the Interim Committee on 911 Access, the Special Standing Committee on Disability Services, and the Special Standing Committee on Governmental Affairs.

Phone: 573-751-1487.

District phone: 816-228-9152.

Email: Jeanie.Lauer@house.mo.gov Her Capitol office is at 201 W. Capitol Ave., room 415A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

The southern edge of Oak Grove will now be included in the newly drawn 33rd District, which includes the southeastern corner of Jackson County and northeastern Cass County. That representative will be elected this fall.

Also, a portion of the city is in Lafayette County, currently in the 122nd District. n State Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, represents the 8th District. After the 2010 census, state Senate lines were redrawn, and the 8th District will continue to include Oak Grove, as well as Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Lone Jack, Lake Tapawingo and Lake Lotawana.

Kraus, elected in 2008, is seeking a second four-year term this fall.

He is vice chairman of the Ways and Means Fiscal Oversight Committe and also serves on the Appropriations, Governmental Accountability, and Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections committees. He also is on the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture and the Senate Interim Committee on Natural Disaster Recovery.

Phone: 573-751-1464.

District phone: 888-711-9278.

Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 220, Jefferson City, MO 65101. n State Sen. Bill Stouffer, a Republican from Napton, Mo., represents the 21st District, which includes the Lafayette County portion of the city. The district covers all of Lafayette, Saline, Howard, Cooper, Macon, Chariton, Carroll and Ray counties and a portion of Clay County. He is completing his second four-year term.

He is chairman of the majority caucus, chairman of Senate Transportation Committee and chairman of the the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight. He also is on the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee, the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, and the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee.

Phone: 866-768-3987 E-mail: bstouffer@senate.mo.gov Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 320, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Office phone: 573-751-1507 Office fax: 573-751-9764

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