CONTENT DIRECTORY
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BRIAN
SARAH
Chris
COUNCILMEMBERS
DISTRICT
Jerry Kaylor (Mayor Pro Tempore)
Galen Ericson
DISTRICT
Kent Edmondson
Katie Tholen
DISTRICT 3
Nick Brummel
Jeremy Rowan
Embrace the Fall Season in Blue Springs
The leaves are changing, and the air is starting to feel crisp as we dive headlong into the fall season in Blue Springs! This time of year is always a special one in our community with a full calendar of events and activities for all ages to enjoy.
One of our most anticipated fall favorites is Spooky Springs, where Wilbur Young Park transforms into a family-friendly Halloween celebration. This event brings together creative costumes, games and, most importantly, candy. Whether you’re a ghost, ghoul or superhero, Spooky Springs is the perfect way to enjoy the season in a safe and spirited environment.
As we move closer to winter, Blue Springs will begin to sparkle with holiday magic during the North Pole Trail of Lights. This festive trail through Rotary Park invites families to take a walk under twinkling lights, enjoy whimsical holiday displays and experience the joy of the season.
As we embrace everything this season has to offer, we encourage you to take part in these events, explore our parks and trails, and connect with fellow residents. Fall is a time to relish the cooler weather and enjoy the spectacular colors.
SPOOKY SPRINGS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
YOUNG PARK
Ham It Up: Amateur Radio Enthusiasts Keep Blue Springs Connected
We live in a world that sees communications technology change faster than the weather; however, there is still one tried and true means that has stood the test of time.
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a popular hobby and essential service that allows licensed individuals to communicate with each other using various radio frequencies for personal interest, self-training and emergency communication. It’s a diverse hobby that encompasses technical experimentation, emergency preparedness and connecting with people worldwide.
Ham radio is not just about talking. The mission of amateur radio is varied. It encompasses self-training in radio technology, intercommunication and technical experimentation. Beyond personal enrichment, it serves as a crucial public service, particularly in emergency communications and contributes to the advancement of the radio art and international goodwill.
This is where the Blue Springs Amateur Radio Club comes in. Formed in the late 1980s and sponsored by Blue River Metropolitan Community College at the time, Paul
Thomson was the first president. To announce the formation of the club, postcards were sent out locally. The immediate focus for the group was emergency aid to the community.
“We asked our national organization to send us names and addresses of hams in this area,” said Gary White, (call sign N0AOK), founding member and club treasurer. “We then sent out postcards and had about 15 to 20 people show up for our first meeting. Not all of them joined the club, but they probably just wanted to know what was going on. We eventually grew our membership into the 40s, and it’s been pretty stable ever since.”
White also noted that oftentimes, when people hear the word amateur, they think they’re playing with their toys like CB operators did in the 70s. Actually, it’s a legal description by the Federal Communications Commission to separate hams from professionals in that, professionals charge for their services, and amateurs are not allowed to charge at all.
“I’ve always considered, and I think the others in the club may also agree, that amateur radio is kind of two faceted,” said Roger Bogacz, (call sign KC0CGK), emergency communications coordinator for the club. “Some people consider it a hobby, and some people consider it a service.”
It’s actually both.
While some people do it merely to communicate with people across the country or even around the world, the emergency service aspect of it cannot be overstated.
Ham radio plays a vital role in emergencies when other communication systems fail, providing a reliable means of communication for disaster relief and public safety. Hams can communicate using a variety of methods, including voice, Morse code, digital modes, and even sending pictures and video.
“I’m the Emergency Coordinator
for Jackson County and the district Emergency Coordinator for District A which follows the Missouri Highway Patrol,” said Richard Fretwell, (call sign W0KRF), newsletter editor and club secretary. “There are about 330 hams throughout the district, with 55 in our area. It’s geared toward emergency services support to agencies like the American Red Cross or emergency management if they need additional communications capabilities. And again, one of the caveats of ham radio is that we can talk when no one else can, and that’s really the bottom line of our emergency support.”
A few years ago, members of the club ran the communications portion of a mass care exercise at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence. The idea was that an incident along the Madras (New Madrid) fault caused an influx of people coming through the Kansas City area, and communications were set up at various points. Antennas were placed atop the arena, and there were
operators on busses that were taking people to the various shelter sites.
There is a system for amateur radio operators called automatic position radio system. It is built into many radios and can broadcast your location via GPS. These units were placed on the busses and could be tracked to wherever the busses went.
“We can go in as an amateur, set up our equipment, operate on battery or generator, and be able to communicate and provide that service to those agencies that need extra support,” Fretwell said.
Blue Springs Amateur Radio president Merritt Markussen, (call sign WA0LZZ), experienced an actual real-life disaster more than a decade ago while working with the Red Cross.
“About 13 years ago, I was dispatched down to Woodard, Oklahoma,” Markussen said. “A tornado went through Oklahoma, and they needed communications capabilities. The town was damaged
pretty badly. We were able to set up a satellite link and received communication through satellite data. We also provided computers and networking for people to work out of their emergency headquarters.”
Besides emergency use, amateur radio can be used for fun and educational purposes as well. Back in the mid-1990s, Elaine Meadows, a teacher from William Bryant Elementary School, wanted to spur her students into doing something beyond the normal classroom work. Meadows established the “Beyond The Basics” program for gifted and talented students, and this provided the opportunity to do something very unique involving ham radio.
Having an interest in amateur radio, Meadows had contacted White to let him know about a program from NASA called the Educator Astronaut Project, designed to educate students and encourage excitement in science, technology, engineering, math and space exploration. It
replaced the Teacher in Space Project of the 1980s, which NASA canceled after the death of teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Meadows applied for the program, and about six months later was chosen.
Meadows arranged for 12 fifth-grade students to talk to the commander of the space shuttle as it flew over; however, the shuttle never came above the horizon for proper communications, and the students weren’t able to talk to it directly.
NASA arranged for a commercial company to help the kids talk with two meter amateur radio equipment from their library. The students talked to a ham operator who was able to set up a phone patch into the commercial network. That eventually got down to a ham operator on the West Coast of Australia, and that ham then waited for the shuttle to come over the Indian Ocean so that he could talk to it. The kids were able to ask questions about the food they ate and how they take a shower and various other things. All 12 students got to ask their question, and then it was over.
The amateur radio community is vast, with operators in nearly every country, allowing for global communication and the exchange of ideas. And, in many countries, including the U.S., amateur radio operators need to be licensed by a government agency (like the FCC in the U.S.). This involves passing an exam that covers radio theory, regulations and operating practices. Amateur radio operators use a wide range of equipment, from handheld radios to sophisticated base stations, often with custom-built antennas.
“I’ve designed a circuit board and built an amplifier,” said Frank Thies, (call sign KD0MQO) vice president of the club. “I have a small radio that produces a little bit of power that runs through an amplifier to get more range. That amplifier kit was a
lot of fun to build. There are a lot of guys out there, like us, who design the circuits and circuit boards.”
“Back in the early days, we typically used electronic catalogs,” White said. “Like maybe when your parents used a Sears catalog to order from. Now, with the internet, there are all kinds of people out there that are providing ideas and even detailed instructions on how to do various things.”
Studying for an amateur radio license is easier than ever. Free and paid resources are available online, including HamRadioPrep. com and HamStudy. com, as well as books from the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) and Gordon West Radio School. The Morse Code requirement has been removed from the exam process.
(except November and December) at the Mid-Continent Public Library, North 7 Hwy and Hunter Road. For details, contact Jim Arnold (call sign N0SAK) at 816-301-0106.
Exams are no longer given at FCC offices but are instead administered by teams of licensed operators called Volunteer Examiners (VEs). At least three VEs are required to conduct a test, and all exams are closely monitored under FCC guidelines. There are 14 FCC-approved exam groups nationwide, the largest being ARRL-VEC, Laurel-VEC and W5YIVEC. The Blue Springs Amateur Radio Club operates under W5YI-VEC, offering license exams at 10 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month
The Blue Springs Amateur Radio Club participates in various events and services throughout the year, including:
• Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival – Lost child booth and roving patrol
• JC ARES (Jackson County, Mo. Amateur Radio Emergency Services)
• MESN (Missouri Emergency Services Network)
• KC-HEART (Kansas City Region Hospitals Amateur Radio Teams)
• Blue Springs Severe Storm Spotters Group – Reporting to CJCFPD/CJCEMA, KC SKYWARN, JC-ARES and NWS Chat 2.0 (SLACK)
• Annual ARRL Field Day – Held on the last weekend in June. It’s an exercise to test emergency capabilities off the grid. The group operates solely on solar power to run equipment.
• Parks on the Air
Regardless of experience, anyone is welcome to join the Blue Springs Amateur Radio Club. Members meet at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Good Shepherd Christian Church, 111 SW Woods Chapel Road.
The Language of Hams
Amateur radio operators have a whole language they use to not only communicate with each other, but also for the equipment and technology around the hobby. Here’s just a sample of the language of hams:
Amateur operator – A person holding a written authorization to be the control operator of an amateur station.
Antenna – A device that picks up or sends out radio frequency energy.
Bandwidth – Describes the range of frequencies that a radio transmission occupies.
Broadcasting – Transmissions intended to be received by the general public, either direct or relayed.
Call sign – Series of unique letters and numbers assigned to a person who has earned an Amateur Radio license.
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or Moonbounce – A method of communicating with other stations by reflecting radio signals off the Moon’s surface.
Frequency – The number of complete cycles of an alternating current that occur per second.
Ham – An Amateur Radio operator licensed to operate an amateur radio station.
Hertz (Hz) – An alternating-current frequency of one cycle per second. The basic unit of frequency.
High band amateur radio – The VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) portions of the radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators.
Low band amateur radio – Operation on the lowest frequency bands known for their ability to propagate signals over long distances, particularly at night and during favorable ionospheric conditions, making them popular for long-distance communication and emergency communications.
Operator/primary station license – An amateur license actually includes two licenses in one. The operator license is the portion of an Amateur Radio license that gives permission to operate an amateur station. The primary station license is the portion of an Amateur Radio license that authorizes an amateur station at a specific location. The station license also lists the call sign of that station.
Portable device – A radio transmitting device designed to have a transmitting antenna that is generally within 20 centimeters of a human body.
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) – A part of the Amateur Service that provides radio communications for civil preparedness organizations during local, regional or national civil emergencies.
Repeater station – An amateur station that automatically retransmits the signals of other stations.
Tactical call signs – Names used to identify a location or function during local emergency communications.
Transmitter – A device that produces radio-frequency (RF) signals.
Wavelength – Often abbreviated λ. The distance a radio wave travels in one RF cycle. The wavelength relates to frequency. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths.
For more information regarding the language ham radio operators speak, visit https://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-glossary
Blueprint for the Future: Blue Springs Strategic
Blue Springs is growing, changing, and now, it’s looking ahead. With that growth comes the need for a clear and intentional strategy to guide its future, and that’s exactly what the City’s new Strategic Plan delivers. More than just a document, this
plan is a roadmap for how City leadership can work together and deliver results that matter to our residents.
The Strategic Plan helps the Mayor, City Council and City staff focus their time, energy and resources where they will
make the greatest impact. It defines the mission of City government, the vision for our future and the values that guide our work every day. It also lays out strategic priorities, goals and objectives that ensure progress is purposeful and measurable.
The creation of the Strategic Plan was nearly a yearlong effort, led by the City in partnership with consulting firm BerryDunn. The entire process was broken out into three phases.
Phase One
The process began with assembling existing data, building a detailed work plan and scheduling regular check-ins to keep the project on track.
Phase Two
Next came extensive community engagement and analysis. A public engagement strategy was designed to gather ideas from residents, elected officials and community members through interviews, forums and pop-up events. In March 2025, BerryDunn was on site to hear directly from those who care most about Blue Springs. Input from these conversations, combined with census and demographic data, formed a detailed environmental scan of the community’s current state and future needs.
Phase Three
Finally, the City and BerryDunn
Strategic Plan
used this input to create the plan. In May 2025, the Mayor and City Council participated in a two-day session to shape the plan’s strategic direction. Department leaders then refined goals and identified how the plan would guide operations. After thorough review, the draft plan was presented to the Mayor and City Council in June 2025.
The result is a Strategic Plan rooted in community input, informed by data and designed to be a practical tool for building the Blue Springs of tomorrow. The plan included the creation of a set of Core Values and new mission and vision statements to help guide staff in their everyday work in making Blue Springs a great place to live, work and play.
Core Values
• Collaboration & Community Engagement: Working together with residents, departments, and partners to build a stronger, more connected community.
• Integrity & Accountability: Acting ethically, transparently, and responsibly to earn trust.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Being flexible, forward-thinking, and creative in solving challenges.
• Service: Providing high-quality, accessible services with empathy and responsiveness.
• Sustainability: Protecting the environment, infrastructure, and finances for future generations.
Mission
The City provides services that promote a safe and welcoming environment, support sustainable growth, and strengthen the community for today and tomorrow.
Vision
Blue Springs is a growing community with the heart of a small town, driven by big opportunities and a commitment to a high quality of life for all.
With this Strategic Plan in place, Blue Springs has a clear path forward, a plan built from community voices, grounded in shared values and focused on creating a thriving, sustainable future.
Blue Springs Fieldhouse turns 10 Celebrating a Decade of
This fall marks a milestone for one of the City’s most well-loved community spaces: the Blue Springs Fieldhouse. September 2025 was the tenth anniversary of the facility’s opening, offering a moment to reflect on how far it has come and how it continues to support the health, wellness and connection of thousands in the community.
The story of the Fieldhouse began in 2014, when Blue Springs acquired the former Sports City building and set out to create a new kind of recreation hub. In the fall of the following year, the Fieldhouse opened its doors. Designed to serve residents of all ages, the facility features a fitness center, group exercise studios, hard-surface courts and an indoor turf field, along with spaces for youth programs and child watch.
Over the past decade, the Fieldhouse has become a place where neighbors gather for pickleball leagues, families build healthy routines and children have room to play. Fitness instructor Jennifer Tackett, who has been with the Fieldhouse since 2015, has taught Silver Sneakers since the beginning.
“When the Fieldhouse first opened, we had class in the group exercise room. It’s grown so much over the years that we are now on Court 1 averaging over 50 people per class. The program has brought members together to exercise and made lasting friendships over the years.”
Throughout September, the Fieldhouse marked its tenth anniversary with member appreciation activities and giveaways. Justin Stuart, Director of Parks & Recreation, reflected on what the milestone means: “Our goal from
BEFORE
the beginning was to create a place that brought people together and supported healthy, active lifestyles. Ten years later, it’s incredible to see how the Fieldhouse has become a cornerstone for our community. We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and excited to look ahead to the next decade of growth.”
As part of the Carson Ross Community Recreation Complex, which also includes Blue Surf Bay Waterpark, the Fieldhouse remains central to the City’s commitment to accessible, high-quality recreation. The first 10 years have been defined by growth, innovation and community pride. Looking ahead, the Fieldhouse is positioned to keep evolving and to remain a vital resource for a healthier, stronger Blue Springs.
Fitness and Community
Fall Fun & Holiday Magic Await
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation is preparing for two of the most anticipated events of the year! Get ready for the fall fun of Spooky Springs and the holiday magic of North Pole Trail of Lights.
SPOOKY SPRINGS
Spooky Springs returns this October, inviting families to a festive, community-focused way to celebrate Halloween. Kids can trick-or-treat with vendors, play games and explore the Spooky Trail –all free of charge!
A pumpkin patch and decorating station will be available with a new low cost of $5; pre-register online, or pay with cash the day-of. If you don’t fill up on candy, food trucks will be on-site. Be sure to wear your best costume and get ready to enjoy the spirit of the season!
Thank you to Comcast, St. Mary’s Medical Center, McDaniel Family Dental, Legends Sports Photography and Fry Orthodontics for supporting this community event.
Location: Wilbur Young Park, 1100 SE Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, Mo. 64014
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Parking information: Parking will be available at Blue Springs South High School. Public parking will not be available in the lot next to the playground at Young Park.
Await in Blue Springs
NORTH POLE TRAIL OF LIGHTS
Looking ahead to winter, North Pole Trail of Lights promises a magical holiday experience for the whole family! Experience Rotary Park’s transformation into a wonderland of interactive light displays.
Join us as the lights shine for the first time at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 2 and enjoy carols from James Walker Elementary, Daniel Young Elementary and William Yates Elementary students.
Thank you to Comcast and St. Mary’s Medical Center for supporting this event.
Location: Rotary Park, 600 NW Vesper Street, Blue Springs, Mo. 64014
Dates & Times: Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place December 2. A schedule of events will be posted on our website and on Blue Springs Parks & Recreation social media pages.
• North Pole Trail of Lights will follow the tree lighting (Dec. 2) and be on daily through December 30.
• The light displays will be 5-9 p.m., MondayThursday and 5-10 p.m., Friday-Sunday.
• Meet Santa every Friday and Saturday before Christmas from 6-9 p.m.
Parking information: Parking is available at Rotary Park and at Vesper Hall.
Megan Rodgers, Deputy City Clerk, City of Blue Springs
Megan has worked in a customer-facing career for more than 20 years, including retail and banking. She has been with the City since June 8, 2023.
Fall! I love the vibrant colors of autumn, especially in the Ozarks. 1 2 3 4 5
What’s a fun fact your coworkers might now know about you?
I can say the alphabet backwards just as fast as forwards because when I was little my dad told me that to really know something you have to know it forwards and backwards.
What drew you to work for the City of Blue Springs?
I highly value customer service and believe that people matter immensely. What could be a better way to truly demonstrate those values than to serve the community in which I live?
What’s one accomplishment you’re really proud of?
I did not finish my college degree in my twenties. However, I found the courage and ambition to finish it and earned my bachelor’s in creative writing and English Literature in 2023 as a full-time working mother.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always told me, “You have at least one thing in common with everyone you meet.” It has truly shaped my approach to customer service.
Favorite season in Missouri?
Did You Know, Blue Springs...?
D
id you know that the Chicago & Alton Railroad Depot in Blue Springs, Missouri, was moved from its original location off Main Street to Central Park?
The move occurred in 2012, with the onestory structure relocated about a quarter of a mile away to its new home across from the Howard Smith Safety Building. The move was a community effort to save the historic depot from demolition.
The original depot was constructed in 1879 and then burned down in 1923. The City asked the Chicago & Alton Railroad to rebuild the station, and there were several reasons to rebuild it. Blue Springs at that time still was an important transportation center for industry, travelers and livestock. It was then rebuilt as a one-story depot and later restored.
The depot, originally built in 1926, was moved to make way for development and to preserve a piece of Blue Springs history. The Blue Springs Historical Society played a key role in raising funds and organizing the relocation. The depot is now the Blue Springs Railway Express Museum and is located in Central Park near downtown Blue Springs.
After a few delays, the Chicago and Alton Train Depot finally made its move through downtown Blue Springs. Patton Building and House Moving Inc. of Kansas relocated the historic one-story building from its old location off Main Street to Central Park, about a quarter of a mile away. Today, it’s the last one-story, wood and stucco Chicago and Alton train depot still standing in the state of Missouri.
December 2-30
Rotary Park