THE EXAMINER | June 25, 2010
Independence
| CITY GUIDE 2010 | With you.
Every step.
24 Branch Locations and ATM’s Throughout Missouri Independence 252.5000 17430 E. 39th St. 220 W. White Oak Lee’s Summit 347.8100 300 SW Longview Blvd. www.HawthornBank.com
International Headquarters River and Walnut—Independence, Missouri
Bannister Ridge 9801 Blue Ridge Ext Kansas City, MO 64134 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Grain Valley 32901 E Pink Hill Road Grain Valley, MO 64029 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m
Open Arms 1101 W Walnut Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m
VISITORS WELCOME
Beacon Heights 19402 E Holke Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Grandview 12600 Byars Road Grandview, MO 64030 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Osage Hills 27503 E Blue Mills Road Sibley, MO 64088 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Blue Ridge 3371 Blue Ridge Blvd Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
The Groves 1515 W White Oak Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
Parkview 801 S 19th Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Buckner 1001 S Sibley Buckner, MO 64016 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Gudgell Park 500 Gudgell Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:20 a.m.
Pleasant Heights 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Monday–Friday......9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday..................10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebration Ministries 1706 S Northern Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Heritage House 660 N Spring Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.
Raytown 6231 Manning Raytown, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Colbern Road 27507 E Colbern Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Highland Manor 17311 E 40 Highway Independence, MO Sunday Worship 5:30 p.m.
Ridgewood 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, MO 64133 Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m.
ORGAN DEMONSTRATION RECITALS
College Park 1021 W College Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Lee’s Summit 1101 NE Independence Avenue Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
South Crysler 3100 S Crysler Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Colonial Hills 3539 S 7 Highway Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
Liberty Street 416 N Liberty Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.
Special Ministries 1706 S Northern Independence, MO 64052 Sunday Worship 9:20 a.m.
Cornerstone 1316 S Osage Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Mission Woods 2800 Duncan Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
Stone Church 1012 W Lexington Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:25 a.m.
East 39th Street 15006 E 39th Street Independence, MO 64055 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
New Hope 220 W Moore Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Summit Grove 411 S Lee’s Summit Road Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
East Alton 2100 RD Mize Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 10:25 a.m.
New Walnut Park 1137 S Pearl Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.
Village Heights 1009 Farview Drive Independence, MO 64056 Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
East Independence 823 Elizabeth Street Independence, MO 64056 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Oak Hill 201 Oak Hill Cluster Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.
Walnut Gardens 19201 RD Mize Road Independence, MO 64057 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.
We invite you to tour the Temple and Auditorium and join us for the Prayer for Peace.
GUIDED TOURS
Daily................1–1:15 p.m.
June–Aug......3–3:30 p.m. Daily Sept–May......3–3:30 p.m. Sunday
C HILDREN’S PEACE PAVILION Visit www.KidPeace.org Call 816.521.3033
We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. www.CofChrist.org • 816.521.3030
Eden Heights 1301 E Sea Avenue Independence, MO 64050 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Woods Chapel 500 NE Woods Chapel Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Central Mission Center office: 500 W Pacific, Independence MO 64050 — (816) 833–4300 www.centralmission.org
M
Family Owned And Operated
Meyers Funeral Chapel Blue Springs Location
EYERS
FUNERAL CHAPELS
"How Does Meyers Funeral Chapels serve their communities?" • We are one of the proud sponsors of The Wall That Heals, coming to Blue Springs September 30th October 3rd, 2010. • We offer live webcasting capabilities for families with out-of-town relatives
Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland Location
• In these difficult economic times, we are here to help. We offer discounts and savings, including a special veterans discount. • We offer affordable cremations plans for all incomes. • Our Pre-Arranged trust account is held locally, helping to support our bank.
1600 West Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64105
816.229.3276 The Examiner
• We are a proud supporter of many little league teams and our high school athletic teams. • We are also a proud supporter or our area churches and civic organizations. • Every year we proudly present the Jimmy Meyers Baseball Scholarship.
2010
401 Main Street Parkville, MO 64152
816.741.0251 IIndependence City Guide 3
● WELCOME
HISTORY
Portraits of the Past – 5
DEMOGRAPHICS By the numbers – 6
GOVERNMENT Mayor, city manager– 7 Board of Aldermen – 8 Boards and commissions – 10 Q & A with Don Reimal – 12 Voter registration – 13 Jackson County – 14 State officials – 15 State delegation –15 Federal delegation – 16
COMMUNITY Utilities – 17 Licenses – 18 Bus routes – 19 Santa-Cali-Gon – 21 Good neighbors – 22 Trash/recycling – 23
HEALTH Women’s health – 24 Hospitals – 25 Community Blood Center – 38 Comprehensive Mental Health – 38 Cancer Action – 38 Public health – 39
PUBLIC SAFETY Courts – 40 Police, sheriff, Highway Patrol – 41 Q & A with Sandy Schiess – 41
THINGS TO DO Sermon Center – 42 Palmer Center – 42 Fairmount Community Center – 42 Arts Organizations – 42 City parks – 50 Recrational facilities – 50 Outdoor recreation – 51 Events Center – 55 County Parks – 61 Tourism – 63 Youth sports – 64
BUSINESS ICED – 65 Chamber – 65
HELPING HANDS Drumm Farm – 66 Disabled services – 66 Midwest Foster Care – 66 Mother’s Refuge – 67 Community Services League – 67
4 Independence City Guide
2010
Truman Heartland Community Foundation – 67 Salvation Army – 71 Hope House – 71 Hillcrest Ministries – 71 Boys and Girls Club – 72 Community Medication Center – 72 Red Cross – 72
EDUCATION Libraries – 74 Sunshine Center – 75 School Districts – 77 School programs – 78 Blue River – 79 Colleges – 79 Assessment testing – 81 YouthFriends – 81 Home schooling – 81
THE EXAMINER Your daily news – 82
The Examiner
HISTORY ●
Westward journeys started city Independence started on a spring-filled hill Shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s famous voyage up the Missouri River, the entire country turned and faced west. Thus began the largest voluntary migration of people in the history of the world, and Independence became the launching pad for the “Opening of the West.” The names of Independence and Jackson County are torch lights on the towers of history. According to W.L. Webb in his 1927 “Centennial History of Independence,” both the county and the county seat were named for Gen. Andrew Jackson. The county was given his name by a bunch of dashing heroes and hero worshipers, and the county seat was named for Jackson’s chief quality, Independence of character. These monumental names were conferred in honor of the victor of New Orleans, before he became our seventh president, and hence were complimentary to General Jackson, not
The Examiner
Portraits of the past TED STILLWELL President Jackson. Immediately after the names were conferred on our neighborhood, Andrew Jackson was elected chief magistrate of this nation. The new county and the new county seat rejoiced in being ahead of the world in their identification by name with the new president. The hilltop chosen for Independence boasted 16 major fresh water springs and was covered with tall timber. The log house would become the pioneer’s mode of architecture. The woodsman came with his ax and cut away the forest of the town site and the logs were assembled for the first county building.
2010
All dwellings were constructed of logs, all homes and schoolhouses, churches and the first college building. The pioneers’ lowly log house was the forerunner of our mansions of today, of churches and cathedrals, of marble depots and business blocks, of our magnificent federal, state, county and municipal structures. Jackson County’s log courthouse is yet standing and may be seen on the old city hall campus, a treasured reminiscence of an honored by-gone generation. Around the primitive county courthouse clustered other log dwellings, stores, hotels, and blacksmith shops, set in among the trees or in small clearings. The pioneers were of the Jacksonian type – hardy, brave and undaunted. With the ax in one hand and a rifle in the other, they were at once prepared to hew or slay, and they did a great deal of both. This little log settlement in the heart of the wilderness was the newest thing on the map, a rising metropolis on the outer edge of civilization, on a peak of a cape projecting into the west. Intense business activity and the bustle of explorers and travelers and the voices of mov-
ers rang through the primeval woods. Roads were opened and trails were established. From here set out the wagon trains, scouts on horseback, armies and cavalcades; and home seekers; people were coming and going and there were fur traders and trappers and hunters and Indians, and Indian fighters. From here commonwealth builders set forth to the west, and northwest, the south and southwest; Missouri, with Independence in the vanguard, was the founder and the mother of Texas and of Oregon and of New Mexico and of Kansas and California – and all other states to the west and the south, except Arkansas. Missouri is not responsible for Arkansas. Tradition vouches for only one Missourian who ever went to Arkansas and he taught the natives the correct use of the fiddle and bow. He is immortalized as the “Arkansas Traveler.” But, I must state on behalf of Arkansas that no other state ever built up such an admirable commonwealth with such slight help from Missouri as the world witnessed in Arkansas. Reference: “The Centennial History of Independence” By W.L. Webb.
IIndependence City Guide 5
● DEMOGRAPHICS
By the numbers In fall 2009, the city of Independence won a challenge to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimates. The adjusted July 1, 2008, U.S. Census Bureau estimate now shows that
COMMUNITY BREAK DOWN
Independence is growing instead of declining. All data provided in this information graphic is based on an estimated Independence population of 118,520 residents.
◆ Population (as of 2008): 121,212 – according to the city (state estimate is 110,440) ◆ Average household size: 2.4 people ◆ Male: 57,815, 48.8 percent ◆ Female: 60,705, 51.2 percent ◆ Male, now married, except separated (population 15 years and older): 24,031 residents, 54.7 percent ◆ Female, now married, except separated (population 15 years and older): 22,862 residents, 46.2 percent ◆ Median age: 39.6 years ◆ Younger than 5 years old: 9,698 residents, 8.2 percent ◆ 18 years and older: 89,059 residents, 75.1 percent ◆ 65 years and older: 18,361 residents, 15.5 percent ◆ High school graduate or higher (age 25 years and older): 86.2 percent ◆ Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25 years and older): 17.7 percent ◆ Civilian veterans (population 18 years and older): 11,488 residents, 12.9 percent ◆ Disability status (population 5 years and older): Information not available ◆ In labor force (population 16 years and older): 59,779 residents, 64.9 percent ◆ Mean travel time to work: 23.3 minutes ◆ Families below poverty level: 9.6 percent ◆ Individuals below poverty level: 13.3 percent ◆ Total housing units: 54,551 ◆ Occupied housing units: 48,953 ◆ Owner-occupied housing units: 33,322 ◆ Renter-occupied housing units: 15,631 ◆ Vacant housing units: 5,598 – Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-08 American Community Survey
Independence by the numbers 110,00 100,00 90,00 80,000
RACIAL MAKEUP White – 89.5 % Hispanic – 7.2 % Af. American – 4 % Asian – 1.1 % Native Hawaiian – .2 % Am. Indian – .3% Other – 2.5 %
TRAVEL TIME TO WORK 23.2 minutes
70,000 60,000
AVERAGE AGE
50,000
39.6
Figures based on 2000 Census data
108,700
40,000 30,000
55,679
42,960
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
20,00 22,772 PER CAPITA INCOME
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
YOUR TAKE |
What is one thing you’d like to see happen in Independence?
city if indep ta325755 ASHTON BYRD Independence
RHONDA SHIELDS Independence
LAURA LIEBHART Independence
“I’d like to see more people coming up to the square. There’s a lot of things up here that people don’t know about.”
“When I was little, people walked around the square; Mr. Truman was walking around here. It would be cool if it were like that again.”
“I’d like to see businesses become more involved in the community so it livens it up and makes more people more involved in the city.” – Matt Mitchell
6 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT ● Welcome to Independence
Mayor, city manager oversee city Independence Mayor ment policy. The City Council Don Reimal made history meets four times monthly at during the April 2010 elec6 p.m. Mondays in the council tion as it was the first time chambers of City Hall, 111 E. in at least three decades Maple Ave. that an incumbent mayor The council votes on a conhad run unopposed. sent agenda, ordinances and According to Indepenresolutions on the first and dence City Council memthird Mondays of each month. bers, it’s a sign that all is Study sessions take place well with leadership in on the second and fourth Independence. Mondays, where department Founded in 1827, Indedirectors, the city manager, pendence was incorporated citizen-led oversight commitin 1849. Residents changed tees or consultants update the the city’s government to the city on a variety of issues. No city charter-form of governmeeting takes place on the MAYOR DON REIMAL ment it has today in 1961. fifth Monday in a month. The city manager – RobResidents may speak at ert Heacock – runs the daycouncil meetings by calling to-day operations of the city, while the charter the city clerk’s office at 816-325-7010. Individudirects the mayor, the City Council and the city als speaking for the first time on an issue may manager to oversee public funds and implespeak for five minutes, while those speaking
about a topic for a second to finish Reimal’s term in time receive three minutes. 2006 and was elected to a Security at council meetfull four-year term in April ings includes the presence 2008. of two armed police officers District 3 Council Member and several other undisMyron Paris was elected in closed security improveApril 2008 to fill the seat ments. of former Council Member The City Charter calls Renee Paluka-White, who for seven council members did not seek re-election. Dis– four representing districts trict 4 Council Member Jim and two at-large memPage and District 2 Council bers. The mayor serves as Member Will Swoffer were a regular council member also re-elected in April 2008 and votes on all matters the to four-year terms. council votes on. The mayor At-Large council members does not break tie votes and Jim Schultz and Lucy Young CITY MANAGER cannot veto a council vote. were re-elected to additional ROBERT HEACOCK Now in his second term, four-year terms in the April Reimal was first elected as 2010 election. mayor in April 2006. He previously served as Contact 816-325-7022 for more information. a District 1 council member. Marcie Gragg, Reimal’s successor on the council, was elected – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
Online GRI, LTG, PMN
On the Web The city is planning a redesign of its awardwinning website sometime in 2010. At the website, www.indepmo.org, residents may pay their utility bills, download maps, read agendas and minutes from past city meetings, check out job opportunities with the city and much more. Residents also may watch City Council meetings live and on demand through the website. The city started a “power outage
24/7” map in 2009 at iplmap.indepmo.org/ The link allows residents to view a “real-time update” of those areas experiencing power outages citywide. Also in 2009, the city launched a redesign of its Tourism Department Web link at visitindependence.com, where feature links highlight “things to do,” “shopping,” “dining” and “places to stay.” – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
816.419.1166 816.228-1220 • 816.246.7500
Jill@jillwestlund.com
JEAN ORMSBY Meet a Reece & Nichols Professional . . .
Contact information
Select JEAN ORMSBY to assist you with your Real Estate needs whether buying or selling.
Barking Dogs
816-325-7213
Neighborhood Watch 816-325-7643
Crime Stoppers Tips
816-474-8477
Potholes
Drop-Off Trash
816-325-7623
Report Power Outage 816-325-7550
Drugs
816-325-6272
Street Lights
Graffiti
816-325-7824
Storm Water Pollution 816-325-7727
The Examiner
Opening Doors, Unlocking Dreams Turn to Jill for Trusted, Exceptional Real Estate Service.
• Broker/Salesperson • BSBA University of Central Missouri Degree in Marketing • 27+ Years Experience
816-325-7624
• Member National Association of Realtors • Employee Relocation Council • Top 1% Realtors Nationally
816-325-7535 JEAN ORMSBY GRI, CRS, ABR
816-251-1750 2010
www.jeanormsby.com
Independence City Guide 7
● GOVERNMENT
City Council
They’re elected to serve you
MARCIE GRAGG
WILL SWOFFER
MYRON PARIS
JIM PAGE
LUCY YOUNG
JIM SCHULTZ
1st District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-461-2717 Fax: 816-325-7012 marciegragg@yahoo.com
2nd District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-352-5400 Fax: 816-325-7012 wswoffer@indepmo.org
3rd District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-204-5002 or 816-373-1143 Fax: 816-325-7012 mparis@indepmo.org
4th District City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-252-1198 Fax: 816-325-7012
At-Large member City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-795-8921 Fax: 816-325-7012 Lucy.Listens@gmail.com
At-Large member City Hall 111 E. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-365-1552 Fax: 816-325-7012 jschultz@indepmo.org
Independence City Council Districts Dickinson Rd.
24
District 1
7
District 2 291
24
Truman Rd. R.
Truman Rd.
Lit tle Blu e
23rd St.
Lee's Summit
Sterling
Hardy
District 4
Noland
78
7
District 3 291
40
Crysler
35th St. 39th St.
39th St. 70
70
1 40
8 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 9
● GOVERNMENT
Board and commissions
Make an impact in your city The mayor of Independence and City Council appoint civic-minded residents from a list of applicants to serve on a variety of boards and commissions. The boards fulfill many duties, including a handful of committees that oversee the use of public funds from special sales taxes. Contact the city clerk’s office at 816-325-7015 for more information about board and commissions opportunities or apply in person at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. ◆ Board of Adjustments ◆ Board of Ethics ◆ Judicial Commission ◆ Personnel Board ◆ Planning Commission ◆ Public Utilities Advisory Board ◆ Housing Authority of the City of Independence ◆ Jackson County Board of Equalization ◆ University of Missouri Extension Council
◆ Audit and Finance Committee (Council members only) ◆ Board of Building and Engineering Appeals ◆ Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board ◆ Citizen Advisory Committee on Solid Waste Management ◆ City Beautification Commission ◆ Council/Landlord Technical Committee ◆ Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board of Directors ◆ General Contractor Review Board ◆ Independence Advisory Board of Health ◆ Heritage Commission ◆ Historic Trails City Committee ◆ Human Relations Commission ◆ Independence Council for Economic Development (Council members) ◆ Independence Park Commission ◆ Independence Regional Medical Center Tax Increment Financing Plan Advisory Com-
mittee ◆ Independence Square Advisory Board ◆ Industrial Development Authority ◆ Japanese Sister City Committee ◆ License Surcharge Annual Review Committee ◆ Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee ◆ Street Improvement Oversight Committee ◆ Storm Water Control Oversight Committee ◆ Tax Increment Financing Commission ◆ Tourism Advisory Board ◆ Tree Commission ◆ Harry S Truman Award Commission ◆ Truman Memorial Scholarship Fund Candidate Selection Committee
PLANNING COMMISSION THE PLANNING COMMISSION duties include preparing and recommending to the City Council a master plan for physical development, regulations governing the subdivision and zoning plan or ordinances; making recommendations to the council on approval or disapproval of plats; and submitting to the city manager a list of recommended public improvements. The City Council appoints seven members, each to a four-year term that expires on July 1. The mayor and city manager also serve as exofficio members in a liaison capacity. Current members are: ◆ Les Boatright, chairman ◆ Pat Campbell ◆ Karen DeLuccie ◆ Kelvin Fisher ◆ Lori Harp ◆ Jerry Kacheroski ◆ Lyn Westfall
TIF COMMISSION THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING COMMISSION serves as an advisory body to the City Council under Missouri statute to keep records and minutes; to meet at least annually and report annually to the council; to adopt rules and regulations for operation; and to designate a chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer and secretary for one-year terms. The mayor, with the council’s consent, appoints six permanent members to four-year overlapping terms that expire on Nov. 16. Jackson County appoints two additional, temporary members. Other taxing jurisdictions appoint an additional, temporary member. Each school district affected by any plan or redevelopment project appoint two additional members. Current members are: ◆ Sue Shirk, chairwoman ◆ Ron Bruch, Independence ◆ Vaughn Cornish, Independence ◆ Larry Ewing, Fort Osage School District ◆ Martin Kuny, Independence, vice chairman ◆ John Ruddy, Fort Osage School District ◆ Anthony Sexton, Independence ◆ The Rev. Bob Spradling, Independence ◆ Bill Cowling, Blue Springs School District ◆ Dale Falck, Blue Springs School District ◆ Ira Anders, Independence School District ◆ Blake Roberson, Independence School District ◆ Ferdinand Niemann, Jackson County ◆ Shelley Temple-Kneuvean, Jackson County ◆ Debbie Siragusa, Kansas City Public Library ◆ Richard Wilding, Mid-Continent Public Library ◆ Steve Knabe, Raytown School District ◆ Robert Phillips, Raytown School District
BISCUITS ARE GOOD. BIG BISCUITS ARE BETTER. • Black Angus Burgers • Tenderloins • Big Salads • Breakfast Served All Day Mon.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun. 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. “Your Total Music Store” Since 1966- 44 Years in Business
I-29 and Barry Road Boardwalk Square (816) 746-0500
10 Independence City Guide
Ted & Betty Meyer & Family Family Owned and Operated
Main Store – Blue Springs, 1512 Hwy. 40 (816) 228-5656
Overland Park 119th & 69 Hwy. (913) 491-6636
2010
Blue Springs 530 N. 7 Hwy. 816-229-3108
Independence 16506 EAST 40 HWY., 816-478-6958
The Examiner
GOVERNEMENT ●
Volunteer boards, commissions make important decisions for the community HERITAGE COMMISSION THE HERITAGE COMMISSION’S duties are to initiate, review and recommend properties for designation as a landmark, historic district or conservation district. The commission makes its recommendations to the Planning Commission and to the City Council. Current members are: ◆ Michael Calvert ◆ Tim Grove ◆ Jean Kimball ◆ James C. Legge ◆ Dennis Myers ◆ Jeffery J. Shawhan ◆ R. Duane Stephens ◆ Larry Villalva, National Park Service, ex-officio member ◆ Amy Williams, Harry S. Truman Library, ex-officio member
PUBLIC UTILITIES ADVISORY BOARD THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ADVISORY BOARD advises the council and the city manager on Power & Light, Sanitary Sewer and Water Department matters. Current members are:
◆ Blair Wildermuth, chairman ◆ Robert Joe Miller, vice chairman ◆ Charles “Gene” McClellan ◆ Marvin Sturgeon ◆ Edward J. Van Compernolle ◆ Randy Vest
PARK COMMISSION THE INDEPENDENCE PARK COMMISSION acts as an adviser to the City Council on park programs and recommends designation for park funds, including the status of projects funded through the parks improvement sales tax. Current members are: ◆ Eric Ashbaugh, chairman ◆ Nina Anders ◆ Frank Benson III ◆ John W. Eppert ◆ Ronald J. Kroeger ◆ Clifford B. McCormick ◆ Gail Price ◆ Judge Jack Gant, ex-officio member ◆ Roger Hershey, ex-officio member
STREET IMPROVEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE THE STREET IMPROVEMENT OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE meets quarterly to advise the council on street projects and on the use of the street sales tax fund. Current members are: ◆ Doug Ault ◆ Bill Baker ◆ Erin Boatright ◆ Brooke Erickson ◆ Paul Newberry ◆ Gloria Smith ◆ Tim Watkins
ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH THE ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH serves as the adviser to the city manager, Health Department and City Council on matters related to public health. The board also may make investigations and studies in the public health field. Current members are: ◆ Dr. Howard H. Braby, licensed medical practitioner and chairman ◆ Kathleen Bennett, licensed medical practitioner ◆ Dr. John W. Chapman, licensed medical practitioner ◆ Caryl Goodyear-Bruch, registered nurse,
900 NW Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.rainbow-center.org
RAINBOW CENTER
• Day School for Children ages 3-21 • Therapies (OT/PT/ST) • Before and After School Care • Summer Programs • Certified Teachers and Therapists
lay member ◆ William C. Kendall, lay member ◆ Dana Posey, lay member and vice chairwoman ◆ Dr. Donald Potts, licensed medical practitioner ◆ Dr. Ralph K. Ruckman, dentist ◆ Dr. Rick Schrock, veterinarian Jason White, lay member
PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE THE PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE oversees the approved sales tax that benefits capital improvements in the police and fire departments. Current members are: ◆ Tom Weir, chairman ◆ Lloyd Briggs ◆ Jerry Dowell ◆ John Hedden, vice chairman ◆ Donna Pittman ◆ Ron Yale ◆ Jonathan Zerr, secretary – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
Contact Person: Executive Director: Marilu W. Herrick 816-229-3869/FAX 816-229-4260
RAINBOW OPTIONS
• Day Habilitation for Adults over age 21 • Community Integration • Before and After Program Care • Life Skills Programming • Trained Staff
Disabilities served include: Autism Spectrum Disorders • Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome • Severe Learning Disabilities and other Behavioral and Mental Disabilities
Services are provided without regard to culture, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, age or disability. Serving Metro Kansas City and surrounding area
The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 11
● GOVERNMENT
3
What do you see as the top three priorities citywide, and how do individual residents fit into tackling these priorities? To maintain integrity and openness in city government. To continue our endeavors to make the city a safe and productive place to live and work. Continue the progress to create jobs and sustain our quality of life. To maintain a high quality of education for our young people. It is imperative that our citizens be involved. It is up to the citizens of our city to make sure – through their involvement – that these priorities are accomplished.
Don Reimal
Q&A questions
answers
Independence mayor
1
You’ve lived in Independence since you were 6 months old. What are the significant changes you’ve seen take place in more than six decades? One of the most significant changes that has taken place in the city government has been the adoption of the city charter, which changed the governing body government to a more professional, representative charter form of government with a mayor, city council and city manager. The population and size of the city has expanded to the point that we are the fourth largest city in Missouri. The citizens own the power plant, water company and the water pollution control department. Independence is known worldwide as the hometown of Harry Truman. I would encourage everyone
to take the time to visit the home and library of this remarkable man.
4
2
What do you think sets Independence apart from other cities across the Kansas City metropolitan region? Independence is a little hometown with all the big-city amenities. We still enjoy that small-town flavor where you meet someone you know at a restaurant or the grocery store and talk about your family. We have compassion and caring but still have our eyes focused on progress with regional draws like the arena, Bass Pro, the regional mall and other shopping and restaurants.
How can Independence balance its growth east into the valley while revitalizing older commercial and residential neighborhoods in western Independence? First of all, we are one Independence. We are all one and of one purpose – growth, opportunity and quality of life. The growth in eastern Independence and in the valley will take place as the economy will allow it. Progress will be encouraged by programs available to new growth. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rebirth on the western side of Independence. The council and staff have adopted programs to make sure that the older commercial and residential neighborhoods have the opportunity to realize their potential
through neighborhood revitalization. The 353 program, the facade grant program, the Enterprise Zone and Franchise Incentive program all are there to assist with revitalization. We have dedicated citizens’ groups and staff to oversee this growth and revitalization.
5
What are several recreational activities that you would recommend for newcomers to Independence? What are your favorite hangout spots around town? Independence has a great history to share. I encourage everyone to visit our historic sites, our religious sites, dine in our fantastic restaurants and shop at our many little centers – of course, our malls, too. I am proud to share with our newcomers and visitors about: Adventure Oasis, family ice skating, CHL hockey in the fall, miles of bike and walking trails, a great parks system with great amenities in the parks, Palmer Center for our seniors and Sermon Center for different organizations to use and enjoy. We have so many opportunities that a tourist needs to spend at least three days in our city. I enjoy serving this great community as mayor, the camaraderie of our neighborhood and dining with friends in one of our Independence restaurants. I enjoy time with our family and grandchildren, but most of all, enjoy being at home. – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
At-Large Council Member Jim Schultz is sworn in night as Independence Mayor Don Reimal looks on. Schultz has served as an at-large council member since 2002 and was re-elected on April 6. At-Large Council Member Lucy Young, along with Reimal, also were re-elected.
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The Examiner
GOVERNMENT ●
Voter registration
Exercise your rights As residents move from one county or voting jurisdiction to another, they must reregister to vote. Residents must be registered at their current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to an election to be eligible to vote. Citizens who relocate within the county must notify the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners in writing to be eligible for voting in future elections. The Election Board main office is at 215 N. Liberty St. Its hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 816-325-4600 or visit http://jceb. co.jackson.mo.us/ Residents may register at the main office or at the following Independence locations: ◆ INDEPENDENCE CITY HALL 111 E. Maple Ave. Phone: 816-325-7221 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ INDEPENDENCE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
515 S. Liberty St. Phone: 816-325-7182 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY U.S. 24 and Spring Street (North Branch) Phone: 816-252-0950 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ◆ MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY 13700 E. 35th St. (South Branch) Phone: 816-461-2050 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ◆ TRAILS WEST BRANCH, KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY 11401 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-701-3483 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5
p.m. Sunday. ◆ INDEPENDENCE LICENSE BUREAU 16643 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-252-7557 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ FAMILY SERVICES 201 E. Partridge Ave. Phone: 816-325-5807 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BLUE RIVER CAMPUS LIBRARY 20301 E. Missouri 78 Phone: 816-220-6648 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 313 S. Liberty St.
Phone: 816-404-6416 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. second Monday of every month. ◆ MISSOURI DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY 15301 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-325-5890 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday ◆ UPCOMING ELECTIONS Aug. 3, 2010, primary election Nov. 2, 2010, general election The deadline to register for the Aug. 3 election is July 7 and the last day to register for the Nov. 2 election is Oct. 6. – FROM STAFF REPORTS
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Independence City Guide 13
● GOVERNMENT
Jackson County
County home to state’s largest cities
COUNTY EXECUTIVE MIKE SANDERS
Jackson County, with an estimated population of 668,417 in 2008, is home to four of the largest cities in the state. Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city with 480,129 residents (many in Platte and Clay counties), followed by No. 4 Independence at 110,440 (according to the state’s estimate in 2008), No. 6 Lee’s Summit at 84,208 (some in Cass County) and No. 10 Blue Springs at 55,698. Overall, about half of the county’s residents live in Kansas City and about half live in Eastern Jackson County. The county operates with a division of powers similar to that used at the state and federal levels, with execu-
tive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The county executive runs the county day to day, although the county prosecutor and sheriff also are elected and run their offices independently of the executive. The voters adopted the current charter in 1972 and in August will vote on proposed revisions to the charter. The County Legislature has nine members. Six are elected from specific districts. Three others are elected from larger districts but are elected by all county voters. A voter in Independence, for example, will vote in four races this year: either the 3rd or 5th District, depending on which part of town you live in, and
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The six districts: ◆ THE 3RD DISTRICT is represented by Dennis Waits, D-Independence. He can be reached at 816-881-4441. The district includes most of Independence north of 35th Street, as well as Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, and it goes a little into east Kansas City, as far west as Topping. ◆ THE 5TH DISTRICT is represented by Greg Grounds, R-Blue Springs. He can be reached at 816-881-4476. The district runs east to west across the middle of the county, from Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs – the area from Burgess Road to the north and Wyatt Road to the south – and reaches into Independence and a Raytown north of 59th Street. The area of Independence is roughly from the southern city limits to 35th Street, but that northern boundary also jogs north on Lee’s Summit Road and then takes R.D. Mize Road east to the Little Blue River. ◆ THE 1ST DISTRICT is represented by Scott Burnett, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813076. The district is in Kansas City, basically the area west of Troost to the state
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816-252-HAIR (4247) www.hair-skin-nails.com 14 Independence City Guide
all three at-large races.
2010
line plus the area north of Truman Road to the Missouri River. ◆ THE 2ND DISTRICT is represented by James D. Tindall, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813163. That district is in Kansas City, roughly a rectangle bounded by Blue Ridge Cut-off, I-470 and I-435, Troost and Truman Road. ◆ THE 4TH DISTRICT is represented by Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813362. That district includes the western edge of Kansas City basically south of Gregory; the Grandview area; the area south, west and north of Longview Lake; and much of Raytown as far north as 79th Street. ◆ THE 6TH DISTRICT is represented by Bob Spence, R-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-8814423. The district includes the southeast corner of the county, with Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, Greenwood, Unity Village, much of Raytown. It includes the Lakewood area and much of the area east and south of Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake. To the east, the northern edge of the district
is Wyatt Road. The three at-large districts: ◆ THE 1ST DISTRICT at large is represented by Theresa Garza Ruiz, D-Blue Springs. She can be reached at 816-881-3132. The district is roughly the northern third of the county, taking in a slice of northeast Kansas City, Independence, Sugar Creek, Sibley, Buckner and Levasy, Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Blue Springs. It’s mostly north of U.S. 40, but to the east drops as far south at Major Road. ◆ THE 2ND DISTRICT at large is represented by Henry Rizzo, D-Kansas City. He can be reached at 816-8813464. The district is in Kansas City, bounded by Red Bridge Road to the south, the state line to the west, the river to the north and, generally, Interstate 435 to the east. ◆ THE 3RD DISTRICT at large is represented by Fred Arbanas, D-Lee’s Summit. He can be reached at 816-881-4477. The district includes Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana. The county’s website is at www.jacksongov.org – JEFF FOX
The Examiner
GOVERNMENT ● State officials
Running the state From Independence to Iberia, from St. Joseph to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri is home to almost 6 million people. Jefferson City has been the capital city since 1826 – just five years after statehood – because of its central location. The state government is organized in a way similar to the federal government, with a supreme court, governor and legislaure. The General Assembly has two parts. The House of Representatives has 163 members, each elected to two-year terms. The Senate has 34 members, elected for four-year terms. The lieutenant governor is president and presiding officer of the Senate. The General Assembly meets each year from January through midMay and again in late summer to considering acting on any bills the governor may have vetoed. The governor also can call a special session to deal with specific issues. To pass a law, legislation is first introduced in either the House or the Senate. Once it is introduced, it is moved to a committee. If a bill gets committee review and approval, it goes back to the floor of the house where it was introduced. If the legislation passes, it moves to the other legislative body and it goes through
the same process. If it is passed in the second house, it moves to a conference committee, which is made up of members of both houses. The committee compromises to come up with the final bill that is then approved or rejected by the House and Senate. After this process is completed, the governor receives the bill and can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to go into effect without his signature. Most new laws go into effect in late August. For more information, visit www.missouri. gov. The General Assembly Web site is at www. moga.mo.gov. ◆ Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, 573-7513222, www.gov.mo.gov ◆ Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, 573751-4727, www.ltgov.mo.gov ◆ Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, 573751-4936, www.sos.mo.gov ◆ State Auditor Susan Montee, 573-7514824, www.auditor.mo.gov ◆ State Treasurer Clint Zewifel, 573-7512441, www.treasurer.mo.gov ◆ Attorney General Chris Koster, 573-7513222, www.ago.mo.gov – JEFF FOX
State delegation
Working in Jefferson City Two state senators and six state representatives serve Independence in the Missouri General Assembly. Term limits will change the Independence delegation significantly after 2010. Sen. Victor Callahan has two years remaining on his last term, Rep. Tom McDonald is seeking a second term, and Rep. Shalonn “KiKi” Curls is seeking a third term. ◆ STATE SEN. VICTOR CALLAHAN, a Democrat from Independence, represents the 11th District. Phone: 816-254-9180 Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 333, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573-751-
The Examiner
3074 Office fax: 573-751-4551 E-mail: victor_callahan@senate.state.mo.gov ◆ STATE SEN. MATT BARTLE, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, represents the 8th District, which includes Blue Springs. Phone: 816-305-6288 Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 319, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573751-1464 Office fax: 573-751-8442 E-mail: matt_bartle@senate.state.mo.gov
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Independence City Guide 15
● GOVERNEMENT
Democrats, Republican represent city
STATE REP. SHALONN “KIKI” CURLS, a Democrat from Kansas City, represents the 41st District, which includes part of east Kansas City and part of western Independence. Phone: 816-923-6000 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 101E, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Office phone: 573-751-3158
STATE REP. TOM MCDONALD, a Democrat from Independence, represents the 49th District, which includes portions of Independence, Raytown and Kansas City. Phone: 816-962-9754 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 135BA, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573-751-9851 Office fax: 573-522-8172
STATE REP. RAY SALVA, a Democrat from Sugar Creek, represents the 51st District, which includes Sugar Creek and parts of northwestern Independence. He was first elected in 2002. Phone: 816-252-7337 Jefferson City office address: State Capitol Building, Room 109C, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573-751-5701
STATE REP. PAUL LEVOTA, a Democrat from Independence, represents the 52nd District, which includes southeast Independence, the Lakewood area and parts of Raytown and Kansas City. He was first elected in 2002 and cannot run again. Phone: 816-478-3113 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 204, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573-751-9759
STATE REP. CURT DOUGHERTY, a Democrat from Independence, represents the 53rd District, which includes northeast Independence. He was first elected in 2002 and cannot run again. Phone: 816-833-0916 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 317A, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Office phone: 573-751-6535 Office fax: 573-751-9418
STATE REP. GARY DUSENBERG, a Republican from Blue Springs, represents the 54th District. He is term limited out. Phone: 816-228-6923 Jefferson City office address: 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 235, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Office phone: 573-751-1487 Office fax: 573-526-2619 E-mail: Gary_Dusenberg@ house.mo.govlkj – JEFF FOX
Federal delegation
Working for you in Washington Four people – two Democrats, two Republicans – represent Independence in Congress. ◆ SEN. CHRISTOPHER S. “KIT” BOND, a Republican from Mexico, Mo His Washington office is at 274 Russell Building. Phone: 202-224-5721. His Kansas City office is at 911 Main St., suite 2224. Phone: 816-471-7141. Web site: http://bond.senate.gov/public/ His current term ends in 2011, and he is retiring from Congress, rather than seeking a fifth term. ◆ SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL, a Democrat, lives in St. Louis. Her Washington office is at 717 Hart Building. Phone: 202-224-6154. His Kansas City office is at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., suite 101. Phone: 816-421-1639
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2010
Web site: http://mccaskill.senate.gov/ McCaskill, a former Jackson County legislator and former state auditor, was elected to the Senate in 2006. Her current term ends in 2013. ◆ REP. EMANUEL CLEAVER II, a Democrat, represents Missouri’s 5th District. His Washington office is at 1641 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-2254535. Cleaver’s Independence office is at 211 W. Maple Ave. Phone: 816-833-4545. ◆ SAM GRAVES, A REPUBLICAN, represents Missouri’s 6th District. His Washington office is at 1415 Longworth House Office Building. Phone: 202-225-7041 Graves’ office in Liberty is at 113 Blue Jay Drive, suite 100. Phone: 816-792-3976 – JEFF FOX
The Examiner
COMMUNITY ● Utilities
Get connected NATURAL GAS
◆ Missouri Gas Energy Phone: 816-756-5252 Website: www.missourigasenergy.com To start or transfer service, call the Missouri Gas Energy. To report a gas leak, call 1-800-582-0000
MAJOR TELEPHONE/ LANDLINE PROVIDERS
◆ Century Link Phone: Sales 800-366-8201; customer service 877-290-5458 Website: www.centurylink.com They offer many package deals with internet and TV services. ◆ AT&T Phone: 24-hour information line 1-888-2948433; customer service 1-800-288-2020 Website: www.att.com The company offers several home phone plans starting at $16. Call or visit the website to set up service. ◆ KC net 1828 Swift Ave, Ste 103 North Kansas City, 64116 Phone: 816-221-4658 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday Uses internet connection to send calls via a new technology called voice-over-Internet-protocol.
CABLE TELEVISION
◆ Comcast phone:1-800-266-2278 Website: www.comcast.com Comcast offers digital cable with on-demand. ◆ Time Warner Phone: 816-358-8833 Website: www.timewarnercable.com/kansascity The company offers digital and high definition cable along with internet and phone packages.
SATELLITE TELEVISION/ MAJOR PROVIDERS ◆ Direct TV Phone: 877-565-4428 Website: www.directstartv.com Packages start as low as $29.99/month ◆ Dish Network Phone: 800-823-4929 Website: www.dishnetwork.com
The Examiner
ELECTRICITY AND WATER
◆ Independence Power & Light and Independence Water Department Utility Costumer Service Center, 11610E. Truman Road Phone: 816-325-7930 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Websites: Power and Light - www. ci.independence.mo.us/pl/ Water - www. indepmo.org/water/ Call the department or visit the office to transfer, establish or cancel service. The city recommends residents call five days prior to the start of their service. To establish service, a form of identification, lease or warranty deed and a letter of good credit from the previous applicable utility, either water or electric, is needed. To report power outages, call 816-325-7550. ◆ Kansas City Power and Light 1201 Walnut Street, Kansas City, 64106 Phone: 816-471-5275 To start or transfer service, customers may call or visit the utility’s website. Allow two days for service to begin. A deposit may be required depending on credit. To report power outages, call 888-544-4852. ◆ Jackson County Public Water Supply District No. 16 100 Buckner Tarsney Rd Sibley, MO 64088-9646 Phone: 816-650-5537 Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Water Supply District No. 16 serves the unincorporated areas of Jackson County south of the Missouri River, North of Interstate 70, west of the Lafayette County Line and east of Missouri 7. On a home with an existing water main and meter there is no fee to start service. On property without a water connection, the cost is $3,000 to establish service. ◆ Raytown Water Co. 9820 E. 63rd St. Raytown, 64133 Phone: 816-356-0333 Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday Website: www.raytownwater.net The application for service must be accompanied by a rental/lease agreement or proof of purchase such as a deed. The Raytown Water Co., serves Raytown plus a small area of neighboring Independence and Kansas City. – ANDREA HEWITT
IIndependence City Guide 17
● COMMUNITY
Licenses
Do you have a license for that? MARRIAGE LICENSES Marriage licenses can be obtained in Independence at the Courthouse Annex Record of Deeds Office located at 308 W. Kansas Ave., Suite 104. The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee for obtaining a license is $50 at the time of application and is accepted in cash or credit/debit cards with the exception of American Express. Both parties must be present at the office at the time of application, must provide their social security numbers and identification and must be 18 years old to marry without parental consent. The marriage license is valid for 30 days after it is issued and may only be used in Missouri. A marriage certificate can be purchased for $10 within ten days of the wedding.
VEHICLE LICENSES Missouri license plates must be renewed
during or before the expiration month found on the plate. Drivers may renew their plates either online at www.plates.mo.gov or by visiting the Independence license office located at 16643 E. 23rd Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first and last Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to noon. When renewing, drivers must present a vehicle registration notice, a safety or emissions inspection of no more than 60 days old, a paid personal property tax receipt, insurance card, the correct license plate fee and a registration fee of $3.50 for one year or $7 for two years. Those who still have the old license plate design will receive the new “bluebird” plates when they renew. An additional fee of $1.39 per plate will be required for standard plates and personalized plates will require a fee of $4.25. To replace stolen license plate tabs, the driver must complete an application for
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replacement plates/tabs form, submit a police report and provide a $3.50 processing fee.
PET “LICENSING” The city of Independence requires pet owners to provide their dogs and cats with collars and rabies tags at all times. Rabies tags may be obtained by visiting a veterinarian for a rabies vaccination. Many veterinarian offices will charge only for the vaccination, a cost of about $12.50. However, if the veterinarian charges an office fee in addition to the cost of the vaccination, pet owners could pay upwards of $35. Additionally, many offices now require a working relationship with a pet owner before they can give a vaccination. If that is the case, the veterinarian will be required to give an examination before they will administer the rabies vaccine. Many veterinarian offices will only administer the rabies vaccine once yearly but some may offer a three-year vaccine. For more information about animal services, contact the Independence Health Department at 816-325-7207.
FISHING/HUNTING Missouri residents may obtain fishing and hunting permits for a fee. To buy a firearms hunting permit, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, must complete a hunter education program in Missouri. Children age 15 and under are not required to complete an education class but they are required to hunt with a licensed adult hunter. Daily, annual or lifetime fishing permits are available to Missouri residents as well. No training course is required before purchase. Missouri resident under the age of 65 and over the age of 15 are required to have a fishing
permit. Different permits are required depending on hunting seasons and animals. For Missouri residents prices range from $10-$19. Permits may be purchased over the phone by calling 1-800-392-4115 or by visiting the Kansas City Regional conservation office located in Blue Springs at 3424 N.W. Duncan Road. Permits can also be purchased online at www.wildlifelicense.com/mo. A $2 surcharge will be added to the total cost and payment can only be made by providing credit card information. Before receiving the permit by mail, hunters may print temporary permit information and use it until the permit arrives. For additional information on hunting and regulations in Missouri visit www.mdc.mo.gov.
CONCEALED WEAPONS Residents of Jackson County can visit Jackson County Sheriff Headquarters at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Summit to obtain a concealed weapons permit. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applicants need to bring proof of Jackson County or Missouri residency with a valid Missouri driver’s or non-driver’s license or military identification. Applicants must also provide a copy of the certificate from a completed firearms safety training course, a check or money order payable to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the amount of $33.25 and a check or money order payable to the Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $66.75. Additional information can be obtained by calling 816-524-4302 or visit www.jacksongov. org/content/4847/4853/4869/4929.aspx. -ANDREA HEWITT
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2010
The Examiner
COMMUNITY ● Bus routes
Lou Anne Crook, executive assistant to the Independence city manager, checks out Independence on a granite globe at the Independence MetroCenter.
Hey bus rider The city of Independence has authorized another annual contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide intercity and intracity bus services for 2010-11. With a 12-month contract for bus service totaling more than $900,000, the KCATA contract includes two routes for intercity bus service (routes 24 and 24X) and six routes for intracity bus service (Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green and Purple routes.) The Independence MetroCenter is off of Truman and Noland roads. Visit www.kcata. org for specific details on what areas the routes incorporate, as well as their hours and days of operation. Beginning July 6, Independence’s newest route – the intracity Silver Route – will operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Starting at MetroCenter, the new route will travel east to Lee’s Summit Road and then travel south on Lee’s Summit Road to the Midwest Genealogy Library, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. From the library, the route will travel west on 35th Street to Noland Road, where it will intersect with the Purple Route. The Purple Route runs north and south primarily along Noland Road and includes stops at 35th and 39th streets. While returning east along 39th Street to Lee’s Summit Road, the new route will
The Examiner
go south and will stop at the Social Security Administration office, 4240 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Lastly, the route will stop at Centerpoint Medical Center, where it will intersect with the Green Route. The Green Route runs north and south mostly along Missouri 291. Day passes are available for $3 on a Metro bus; riders who board at least three times in one day will save from paying cash as they go. Senior citizens, youth ages 12 to 18 and riders with disabilities may qualify for reduced bus fares. Businesses throughout the Kansas City region sell Metro bus passes beginning the 25th day of the current month to the 10th of the month the pass is valid. After the 10th, passes may be purchased at the KCATA customer service lobby, 1200 E. 18th St. in Kansas City. Passes also may be purchased online at http://store. kcata.org/ Pass outlet locations in Independence and eastern Kansas City include Independence City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave.; Independence Utilities Customer Service Center, 11610 E. Truman Road; Kansas City Credit Union, 5110 Ararat Drive; and Thriftway Supermarket, 5402 E. Truman Road. They also may be purchased at the two Blue Springs Price Chopper locations at 1100 S. Missouri 7 and 1305 N. Missouri 7. – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
IIndependence City Guide 19
20 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
COMMUNITY ●
Santa-Cali-Gon
Celebrate our city’s heritage More than 100 years ago, three historic trails shared an outfitting spot in Independence. For more than 30 years, a festival attracting hundreds of thousands of people from across the region has taken place on the Independence Square – the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival. Staff members at the Independence Chamber of Commerce work all year in preparation for the four-day festival that takes place annually during Labor Day weekend. The first SantaCali-Gon Days festival actually took place 70 years ago as a celebration of Independence’s special heritage in opening the modern West. A second celebration took place after World War II in 1947, though the event would not take place again until 1973. The 2010 festival will take place starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 2 (carnival only); from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 3 through 5; and from 10 a.m.
The Examiner
to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 on the historic Independence Square (from Osage Street to Memorial Drive, between Truman Road and Walnut Street). All activities, excluding the carnival, are free of charge. Many craft vendors will have items for sale. Disabled-accessible parking is available, and free disabled-accessible shuttles also are provided. The fourth annual 5K and 10K run/walk and kids run also will take place. The festival’s Main Stage has previously provided well-known acts, such as The Dixie Chicks, Josh Gracin, Clint Black, Sawyer Brown, Asleep at the Wheel, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley and others. Visit santacaligon.com for more information as the festival date gets closer. – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
2010
Independence City Guide 21
● COMMUNITY
Good neighbors
Follow the codes
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FENCING: (Chapter 14, Article 4) The city’s current requirements are that no fence or wall in a residential district exceed eight feet in height. Chain-link fences must be installed with their barbs turned down. Bright colors like orange, yellow and red aren’t permitted colors for permanent fences. Fences need to be maintained in a reasonable condition, staying vertical and replacing deteriorating or missing slats in a timely manner.
ANIMALS:
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.
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The Independence City Code exists to protect public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum requirements and standards. Responsibility for following these ordinances and regulations falls on the heads of owners, operators and occupants. The only officially published version of the Independence City Code is in City Hall in the City Clerk’s Office. To contact call 816-325-7010. For a more generalized version of the city code you can visit: http://www.ci.independence. mo.us/citycode.aspx. If you wish to file any complains about these ordinances being broken you can file them online at www.ci.independence.mo.us/ contactus.aspx.
Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Amy L. Trout, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
(Chapter 3) The city expects pets not to negatively impact the lives of those around them. It is unlawful for any person to own a dog that causes disturbances with loud and frequent barking, howling, yelping, growling or any other noise that causes annoyance to other people. To report a barking problem call 816-325-7213. Dogs must be restrained at all times by a fenced-in yard or a leash. They must have rabies tags on their collar. No person is allowed to own or have on any Independence premises a dog that demonstrates the behavior of a dangerous dog. It is unlawful for any person to own, possess, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell a pit bull anywhere within the city. This ban was placed four years ago, and said that current pit bull owners could keep their pit bulls, but the animals had to be registered annually. For more information about the city’s animal rules call 816-325-7205.
The city expects a certain level of yard maintenance. All premises and exterior property is expected to be free of noxious plants, noxious weeds and thickets. Weeds and other growths that exceed 12 inches in height (except healthy trees, shurbus, or plants grown in a tended garden) should be removed. People are expected to maintain a cleared space or buffer no less than 25 feet from their property line.
NOISE: (Chapter 7) There are different noise regulations for certain parts of town, however generally speaking noise that bothers someone else and is unnecessary or excessive is considered disturbing the peace and is thus a violation. Examples of these violations are shouting, amplifiers, vehicle mufflers, and fireworks. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. plainly audible yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing in public streets is a violation. Violation codes do not apply for emergency vehicles.
VEHICLES: (Chapter 14) No more than 20 percent of the exterior side yard area may be paved or used for vehicle use. No more than 40 percent of the front yard may be paved or used for vehicle use. If a vehicle is parked in the front yard it must be parked on a paved surface. The vehicle must be properly licensed and operable. Recreational vehicles are not to be parked or stored in any front or street side yard for more than 48 hours.
WASTE: (Chapter 4) All exterior property and premises should be free from the accumulation of rubbish or garbage and the interior of every structure should be free from and accumulation of garbage. Outdoor storage containers should be made of material designed for refuse. Storage containers should be of sufficient capacity and in sufficient number to accommodate refuse accumulations. No person or single family should use a garbage container in excess of a 90 gallon capacity. Refuse containers should not be placed by the curb ealier than 16 hours prior to the time of scheduled collection.
WEEDS: (Chapter 4) Alisa Ash, M.D.
Debra Sims, WHNP
– MELISSA SHEPHARD
Syble Cretzmeyer, WHNP
22 Independence City Guide
The Examiner
COMMUNITY ● Trash/Recycling Find a trash service, recycling center TRASH HAULERS
Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays
Though there aren’t any public trash collecting services in Independence, there are five private licensed trash haulers: ◆ AAA Disposal Service: (816) 650-3180
◆ 35th Street Recycling Center Location: 13600 E. 35th Street Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays
ANNUAL DROP-OFFS:
◆ Allied/BFI: 254-1470 ◆ Deffenbaugh Disposal Service: 913631-3300 ◆ EnviroStar Waste Service: 816-220-3227 ◆ Stewart Hauling: 816-223-1920 ◆ Ted’s Trash Service: 816-252-1594 ◆ Compost Connection: 816-761-8300 (licensed yard waste hauler)
LANDFILLS There are no landfills in Independence, however, the nearest landfills are: ◆ Courtney Ridge Recycling & Disposal Facility Sugar Creek Phone: 816-257-7999 ◆ Lee’s Summit Resource Recovery Park Lee’s Summit Phone: 816-969-7480
RECYCLING CENTERS ◆ Vista Avenue Recycling Center Location: 875 Vista Avenue. East of 291 on Truman.
◆ Drop-Off Depot Location: 875 Vista Avenue (next to Animal Shelter) Hours: Second Sat. of each month Mar.-Nov., 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ◆ Recycling at Schools: Last year, Deffenbaugh Industries partnered with the Independence School District to provide outdoor recycling bins at every school and administration building in the district. These outdoor bins make it so that anyone can recycle at these facilities at anytime. The bins, called One Earth, One Chance Recycling bins, collect paper, aluminum and plastic (#1-7). They are emptied every other week and provide students with an opportunity to learn more about recycling. A portion of the money made through this recycling program goes to the schools. No styrofoam, plastics bags, or glass are accepted in these bins. For information on disposal of other materials like car batteries, tires, and plastic bags go to: http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/publicworks/DisposalOptions.aspx
– MELISSA SHEPHARD
(816) 690-6566 1900 Broadway • Oak Grove • Full-Spectrum Quality Family Healthcare for Over 30 Years • Most Same-Day Appointments Accommodated • New Patients Welcome! • X-Rays and Lab Draws Done In-House
Steven T. Gialde, D.O. Bryan Hughes, M.D. Joyce Peterson, FNP • Elaine Akin FNP • Stephanie Hutchison, FNP
● HEALTH
Women’s health
Neighbors provide health care for women WOMEN’S CLINIC OF KANSAS CITY The Women’s Clinic of Kansas City, 815 N. Noland Road, Suite 4 & 5 is a pro-life, nonprofit medical clinic serving Jackson County and the greater Kansas City area. They offer me24dical free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds for at risk pregnancies, medical referrals, education on pregnancy, abortion procedures and alternatives, adoption referrals and professional counseling. Their educational services include pregnancy and fetal development classes, parenting classes, post abortion counseling, abstinencebased education programs and mentoring Bible studies. To schedule an appointment call 816-8369000 or stop by the office 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. The clinic also accepts walk-
24 Independence City Guide
2010
ins.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD Planned Parenthood offers women and men reproductive health services with respect to the individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex and family planning. Planned Parenthood’s Independence office, 815 North Noland Road suite 6, operates 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The offered include pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease testing, family planning education, birth control, emergency contraception and abortion and adoption referrals. Planned Parenthood is funded by private donations, government grants and patient fees. To make an appointment, call 816-252-3800. –ANDREA HEWITT
The Examiner
HEALTH ● Hospitals
More than emergency care medical and dental staff of 300 members that represent more than 30 medical specialties. For more information on St. Mary’s, call 816228-5900.
TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS
CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER Centerpoint Medical Center, at 19600 E. 39th St., is the largest hospital in Independence. Centerpoint is a 221-bed, acute care hospital. Services that set Centerpoint apart, according to its website at centerpointmedical.com, include the hospital’s emergency services, a regional trauma center, an accredited chest pain center, women’s services including Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Human Motion Institute, advanced diagnostic imaging, a diabetes center and other acute care specialty services. Centerpoint Medical Center is part of the HCA Midwest Health System. HCA Midwest Health System is the area’s largest health care network. For more information about Centerpoint, call 816-698-7195.
ST. MARY’S MEDICAL
Truman Medical Centers-Lakewood is located in southern Kansas City near Lee’s Summit at 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. It has full health care services, from addiction recovery to dental services. The facility has carefully planned entrances and exits and spacious private rooms and registration areas designed for comfort and privacy, according to its Web site, www. trumed.org. To contact TMC Lakewood, call 816-404-7000.
ADULT QUICK CARES Adult Quick Care, at 19000 E. Eastland Center Court, suite 300, provides adults and children age 14 or older quality and efficient health care for acute and urgent medical problems. Physicians experienced in treating adult or adolescent acute injuries and illnesses make up the staff. The general scope of services includes common illnesses and injuries like ancillary services, basic X-ray, EKG testing, spirometry testing, hearing testing and lab services. Adult Quick Care is not equipped to provide care for children younger than age 14, life- or limbthreatening emergencies or complications in pregnancy. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood or unconsciousness, please obtain emergency care at the nearest emergency room. For more information, call 816-559-6320.
EMERGENT CARE PLUS
CENTER St. Mary’s Medical Center is at 201 N.W. R.D. Mize Road in Blue Springs. It’s an acute care facility of Carondelet Health that also operates the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City. The hospital has two specialty units that include an adult and pediatric and intensive care units. St. Mary’s has 143 beds and is served by a
The Examiner
Another quick care facility is Emergent Care Plus located at 2741 N.E. McBaine Drive in Lee’s Summit.Started by four residency-trained physicians, the doctors offer full-service urgent care and occupational and environmental services and an on-site laboratory and a high-tech radiological suite for imaging and rehabilitation therapies.
URGENT CARE Urgent Care of Kansas City at 4741 S. Arrowhead Drive in Independence offers emergency care services like flu testing, imaging diagnosis and other services. The number is 816-795-6000. – MICHAEL GLOVER
IIndependence City Guide 25
Golden Living Center in Independence has just completed a $1.5 million dollar renovation! It was a fast 8 months and the end result is amazing! A warm hearted thanks goes out to all of the dedicated staff, fantastic residents and families who have stuck with us through the dust and noise! Please stop by and see all of the wonderful new additions:
• • • •
21 private rehab to home suites, with hardwood floors and flat screen TVs!! State of the art therapy with Nautilus® equipment, designed especially for geriatrics Outpatient therapy services available A gorgeous private dining room for rehab to home residents
• A redesigned shared dining room with chef inspired cuisine • A newly designed hair studio • Assisted living apartments located on complex
17451 E. Medical Center Parkway • Independence, Missouri 64057 • 816.373.7795
26 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY CHIROPRACTIC
CARDIOLOGY
CONTINUED
Cardiology Associates, P.C.
Gilkison Family Chiropractic
C. David Akin, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Jennifer L. Gilkison D.C., F.I.C.P.A. Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition & Pediatrics Specializing in personal injury, family care, migraine headaches, back and neck pain. 672 SE Bayberry Lane, Suite 105, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-7246 www.gilkisonchiro.com
Cardiology Associates, P.C. Paul R. Chu, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels
DENTISTRY My Dentist Emily Handley, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com
Cardiology Associates, P.C. Sarat C. Pachalla, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels
General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.
My Dentist
Cardiology Associates, P.C.
David Moyer, D.D.S. Hawthorn Square 14227 Highway 40 East Independence, MO 64136 (816) 398-8410 www.mydentistinc.com
G. William Pogson, M.D., F.A.C.C. 19550 East 39th Street, Suite 220 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 461-6837 Specializing in diseases of the heart and blood vessels
General Dentistry. Same day service, emergencies & walk-ins.
CHIROPRACTIC
EAR, NOSE
Balanced Body Chiropractic Center, P.C.
THROAT
ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, 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
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AND
2010
William B. Mangum, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service. 4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg. Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474 Independence City Guide 27
MEDICALDIRECTORY EAR, NOSE
AND
THROATC
ONTINUED
FAMILY MEDICINE
ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C.
Family Medicine, Inc.
Mark O. Covington, M.D. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service. 4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg. Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474
Larry Legler, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Family Medicine, Inc.
ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. John C. Ellis, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service. 4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg. Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474
Gregory Markway, M.D. Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Family Medicine, Inc. Marvin P. Steiner, M.D., FAAFP Certified American Board of Family Practice 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. Andrew S. Pavlovich, M.D., F.A.C.S. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service. 4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg. Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474
Family Medicine, Inc. Johnna Bodenstab, FNP, BC Family Nurse Practitioner 17611 East 24 Hwy., Suite 200 Independence, Missouri 64056 (816) 257-7787
Garcia Family Medicine & Women's Health ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, P.C. Kelvin L. Walls, M.D. Full range of ENT services including hearing aid fittings, sales and service. 4880 N.E. Goodview Circle St. Mary’s Professional Bldg. Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Suite 208 (816) 478-4200 205 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 229-7474
28 Independence City Guide
Theresa C. (Tess) Garcia, M.D. 1203 N. Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 867-2065 www.garciafamilymed.net Dr. Theresa (Tess) Garcia is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. She served her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Family Practice Residency Program at Truman Medical Center – Lakewood. Dr. Garcia has extensive obstetrics training. She is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians and Family Health Foundation of Missouri. Garcia Family Medicine and Women’s Health is a full scope of care family practice.
2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY FAMILY MEDICINE
CONTINUED
FAMILY MEDICINE
CONTINUED
Grain Valley Family Medicine
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
Kathleen Eubanks-Meng, D.O. 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785
Elaine Akin, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
Grain Valley Family Medicine
Stephanie Hutchison, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Deb Bersano, R.N., Nurse Midwife 1439 Minter Way Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 404-6785
Oak Grove Medical Clinic Joseph DeBlase, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Oak Grove Medical Clinic Steve T. Gialde, D.O. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Debra A. Ahern, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Anne M. Arey, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Oak Grove Medical Clinic
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood
Bryan Hughes, M.D. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
Angela Barnett, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Oak Grove Medical Clinic Joyce Peterson, F.N.P. 1900 Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-6566
The Examiner
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood Wael Mourad, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
2010
Independence City Guide 29
MEDICALDIRECTORY FAMILY MEDICINE
GASTROENTEROLOGY
CONTINUED
Family Practice - TMC Lakewood
Summit Gastroenterology
Beth E. Rosemergey, D.O. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
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
GASTROENTEROLOGY
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.
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 www.MidwestGastro.com
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. 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.
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.
Midwest Gastroenterology Partners, P.C. Mark K. Taormina M.D. FACP, FACG, AGAF, FASGE Specializing in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 836-2200 www.MidwestGastro.com
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. 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 US 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 an active volunteer with the Kansas City Free Health Clinic and MetroCare providing GI specialty services to the uninsured in the Metro area. He serves as the administrative officer for the Medical Reserve Corps of KC and is the current chair of the medical regional advisory committee for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. He is currently on the active staff of Centerpoint Medical Center, Centerpoint Ambulatory Surgery Center, Midwest Physicians Surgery Center and St. Lukes Northland Hospital. He is active in clinical research as serves as the medical director of the Midwest Center for Clinical Research.
30 Independence City Guide
CONTINUED
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.
2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY 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
GASTROENTEROLOGY
CONTINUED
Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood Laura M. Alba, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679
Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood Wendell Clarkston, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679
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
Gastroenterology – TMC Lakewood
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
Owen J. Smith, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7679
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.
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
Summit Gastroenterology Amy Waller, A.P.R.N., B.C., A.N.P. 20 NE Saint Luke's Blvd., Ste. 330, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Lee's Summit Medical Center 2000 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (816) 554-3838 Fax: (816) 554-1634 www.summitgi.com Amy Waller was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She received her undergraduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with honors and her masters degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with honors. Amy has over 12 years of GI experience and is certified as a Clinical Specialist by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. She emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving patients the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions. Amy and her husband reside in Lee's Summit with their two children. She enjoys exercising, yoga, shopping and spending time with her family.
The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 31
MEDICALDIRECTORY OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGYC
Health Care For Women
Health Care For Women
Kenneth A. Adams, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Nathan T. Wegner, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Health Care For Women
Health Care For Women
Stephanie J. Carpino, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Kimberly Negrete, C.N.M. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Health Care For Women
Health Care For Women
Thomas R. Dowd, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Karla Wilmot, C.N.P. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Health Care For Women
ONTINUED
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Terry V. Morris, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com
Alisa R. Ash, M.D. Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
Health Care For Women Leanna M. Mosher, M.D. Hausheer, Braby and Associates 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 310 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 350-1200 • Fax: (816) 350-3502 www.hbahealthcareforwomen.com 32 Independence City Guide
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Robert T. Caffrey, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com 2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGYC
ONTINUED
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGYC
ONTINUED
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Thomas F. Green, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
Debra K. Sims, RN, WHNP Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc.
Richard K. Gutknecht, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
Amy Trout, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Timothy A. Hall, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
OPHTHALMOLOGY Leibsohn Eye Center - Independence Joel M. Leibsohn, M.D. Cataract Surgery Lens Implants, Cosmetic Eyelid and Facial Surgery, LASIK Vision Correction • Glaucoma Care 19101 E. Valley View Pkwy., Suite D Independence, MO 64055 (816) 836-8166 Fax: (816) 836-3160
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Michelle R. Lemberger, M.D., FACOG Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
OPHTHALMOLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Independence Women’s Clinic, Inc. Syble Cretzmeyer, RN, WHNP Specializing in Women’s Health 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 300 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-0220 Fax: (816) 795-3456 www.iwc.yourmd.com
The Examiner
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
2010
Independence City Guide 33
MEDICALDIRECTORY OPTOMETRYC
OPTOMETRY
ONTINUED
Gerhard W. Cibis, M.D., P.C. and Associates
Blue Springs Family Eye Care, Inc.
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
Member American Optometric Association Joyclyn R. Westfall, O.D. 900 Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 224-EYES (3937) Dr. Westfall graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry and has been in practice in Blue Springs for over 20 years. She enjoys providing full eye care for all ages. Special services include medical and fitting, specialty contact lenses for astigmation and presbyopia. I am a member of the AOA, and AOA Contact Lens Section.
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
Blue Springs Family Eye Care, Inc. Member American Optometric Association Julia E. Mills, O.D. 900 Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 224-EYES (3937)
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Dr. Mills graduated from University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry and enjoys practicing complete eyecare for the entire family. Eyecare specialties include medical contact lens fitting including astigmatism and multifocals and children's vision examinations.
Anthony Trakas, D.D.S. 412 N.W. Mock Ave. Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-9225
Blue Springs Optical Dana Krause, O.D. 1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020
Graduate of UMKC Dental School and University of California at Irvine-Oral & Maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Trakas specializes in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery from simple extractions to major jaw surgeries. He, his wife and four children live in Blue Springs.
Blue Springs Optical Richard C. Wilson, O.D., F.A.A.O.
ORTHODONTICS
1116 S.W. 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2020
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
34 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY ORTHODONTICS
CONTINUED
PEDIATRICS
Vance J. Dykhouse, D.D.S., M.S.
Blue Springs Pediatrics
Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics 1300 S. Outer Road Blue Springs, MO (816) 229-0444 www.dykhouseortho.com
Cynthia M. Dean, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
James B. Indiveri, D.M.D. Specialist in Orthodontics Board Certified – American Board of Orthodontics 300 West R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-1245
Blue Springs Pediatrics Lisa B. Joline-Goppert, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Blue Springs Pediatrics Jennifer M. Sauer, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
Orthopedic - TMC Lakewood Tom McCormack, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Rd. Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Blue Springs Pediatrics
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Barbara S. Trites, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
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
Blue Springs Pediatrics
(913) 754-0641 or toll-free at 1-877-234-5846 www.rockhillpain.com
Kelly R. Fritz, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
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
The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 35
MEDICALDIRECTORY PEDIATRICS
PEDIATRICS
CONTINUED
CONTINUED
Blue Springs Pediatrics
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Camille Lucito, PNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 554-6520 www.bluespringspediatrics.com
Mark Mozer, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Annette M. Beck, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 11200 Winner Road Independence, MO 64052 (816) 836-4300
Thomas A. Seck, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Charles F. Cockerell, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Timothy J. Sullivan, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Joseph R. VanBiber, D.O. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Cindy L. Kirby-Diaz, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Amy MacCiush, RN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Michele C. McIntosh, M.D. Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 11200 Winner Rd. 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Independence, MO 64052 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 836-4300 (816) 228-4770 36 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
MEDICALDIRECTORY PEDIATRICS
CONTINUED
PODIATRY
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Heartland Podiatry, P.C.
Deana Raby, RN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 11200 Winner Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014 Independence, MO 64052 (816) 228-4770 (816) 836-4300
Arthur Weisman, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338)
Cockerell & McIntosh Pediatrics, P.C.
Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.
Michelle L. Roach, RN, MSN, CPNP Specializing in infant, child and adolescent care 205 West R.D. Mize Rd., Suite 304 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 228-4770
Heartland Podiatry, P.C. Ryan Frank, D.P.M. 2406 East R.D. Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 (816) 478-FEET (3338)
PHARMACY Specialzing in the treatment of adults and children requiring special attention and reconstructive surgery due to sports injuries, diabetes, or age related problems.
Fifty Plus Pharmacy Becky Culbertson, R.Ph 211 W. Lexington Independence, MO (816) 461-6546
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
Lowe Drug at Centerpoint Mike Hefley, R.Ph Centerpoint Medical Building 19550 E. 39th St., Suite 120 Independence, MO 64057 (816) 795-0086
Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood 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 The Examiner
George Harris, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025
2010
Independence City Guide 37
SPORTS MEDICINE
CONTINUED
Sports Medicine - TMC Lakewood Russell D. White, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-9025
SURGERY - GENERAL Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Lynn Happel, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
Surgery-General - TMC Lakewood Mark Reintjes, M.D. TMC Lakewood Medical Pavilion 7900 Lee's Summit Road Kansas City, MO 64139 (816) 404-7600
WOMEN'S HEALTH Garcia Family Medicine Theresa C. (Tess) Garcia, M.D. 1203 N. Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 867-2065 www.garciafamilymed.net Dr. Theresa (Tess) Garcia is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. She served her residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Family Practice Residency Program at Truman Medical Center – Lakewood. Dr. Garcia has extensive obstetrics training. She is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians and Family Health Foundation of Missouri. Garcia Family Medicine and Women’s Health is a full scope of care family practice.
Community Blood Center
Just a few drops for life The Community Blood Center located at 4040 Main St., Kansas City, serves more than 70 hospitals in more than 70 Missouri and Kansas hospitals. Since opening in 1958, nearly 2 million pints of blood have been collected and 800,000 people have received blood. More than 99 percent of the blood collected stays in the community. There are eight locations in the Kansas City area including one in Blue Springs, 1124 W. 40 Highway. The CBC is always looking for volunteers. Duties include, observing donors for negative reactions, greet donors, provide direction and assistance, assist various offices, assist donors
and staff with various aspect of a special event blood drives, assist with minor repairs and maintenance, pack supplies for mobile drives and call potential blood donors. The CBC conducts approximately 1,000 blood drives annually to meet the 580 donors needed each day to meet hospitals’ needs. For more information about donating or volunteering, call 816-753-4040 or the Blue Springs office at 816-224-0728 or stop by the offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center’s website is savealifenow.org. -ANDREA HEWITT
Comprehensive Mental Health
Find help coping Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Inc. is at 10901 E. Winner Road in Independence. It provides help to individuals and families who suffer from emotional and problems coping with everyday situations along with chronic mental illness. They have psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, case managers and nurses on staff. The company will be relocating into a new facility that is being constructed on 23rd Street and Swope Drive next door to an existing outpatient service building. It will provide ex-
panded room for more in and out patient care. To reach them, call 816-254-3652. Other mental health facilities in Eastern Jackson County include Truman Medical Centers Lakewood hospital oat 7900 Lee’s Summit Road. Most EJC communities have crisis intervention teams where police officers are specifically trained to respond to persons with mental illness in crisis. Missouri’s Access Crisis Intervention number is 1-888-279-2132. – MICHAEL GLOVER
Cancer Action
Support available for cancer patients Cancer Action offers many free services for anyone with a cancer diagnosis in the Kansas City area. They have three locations including one in Independence at 4010 S. Lynn Court. For more information about these services,
call 816-350-8881 or come into the office for a short intake process 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Cancer Action is looking for volunteers. for information on visit www. canceractionkc.org. – ANDREA HEWITT
Independence Health Department Director Larry Jones addresses new trends in health every Tuesday in The Examiner. 38 Independence City Guide
HEALTH
MEDICALDIRECTORY
● HEALTH
The Examiner
HEALTH ● Public health
Free health services offered ◆ THE JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, at 313 S. Liberty St. in Independence, is led by director Jim Kelly. The department offers immunizations for children, flu shots, pregnancy testing, blood pressure checks, vaccines for hepatitis A and B, and tuberculin skin tests. Birth and death certificates are available at the department, with birth certificates for $15 and death certificates for $13. Also, testing and counseling is available for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. To call the health department, call 816-4046416. ◆ SHARED CARE FREE HEALTH CLINIC The Jackson County Free Health Clinic, now called the Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County, offers assistance to uninsured adults with chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes and asthma. To call the free health clinic, call 816-4046455.
39 Independence City Guide
◆ THE CITY OF INDEPENDENCE HEALTH DEPARTMENT is divided into four divisions: health promotion, food and environmental, code compliance, and animal control. The promotions department educates the public on asthma, nutrition, lead poisoning and child safety education, and stop smoking tactics. The Food and Environmental Division inspects area restaurants, ensuring correction of violations. The Code Compliance Division works with residents to address environmental health hazards, focusing on eliminating weeds, trash and non-operational vehicles. The Animal Control Division runs the shelter on Vista Drive and provides animal control services. The Health Department is led by Larry Jones. Call the department at 816-325-7986. – MICHAEL GLOVER
2010
The Examiner
● PUBLIC SAFETY
Courts
Justice served on different levels in Independence, Jackson County HELM
WATKINS
MANNERS
TORRENCE
MUNICIPAL COURT The municipal court structure in Jackson County is for people who are issued a general ordinance summons issued by police for misdemeanor violations like speeding, fighting, or illegal parking. Also, people can be charged for general Jackson County ordinance violations that are heard in municipal court. They are handled at City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave. Cases are heard at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Garry L. Helm is the presiding judge and Susan Watkins is an associate judge.
CIRCUIT COURT – 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT The 16th Judicial District of Jackson County hears criminal
40 Independence City Guide
SCHEIBER
ROLDAN
GRATE
SCOVILLE
and civil cases. Criminal defendants are charged by the Jackson County Prosecutor with either felonies or misdemeanors. There are 28 judges and eight commissioners. There are two courthouses. The main courthouse is in downtown Kansas City and an annex courthouse is in Independence. Both courthouses are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Judges at the Independence Courthouse Annex include: ■ MICHAEL MANNERS, Div. 2, second floor at 816-881-4402. ■ JOHN TORRENCE, Div. 14, third floor at 816-881-3614. ■ ROBERT SCHEIBER, Div. 15, second floor at 816-881-3615 ■ MARCO ROLDAN, Div. 16, third floor at 816-881-4416 ■ JACK GRATE, Div. 17, second floor at 816-881-4417 ■ VERNON SCOVILLE, Div. 28, Suite 001 at 816-881-4606. ■ TWILA K. RIGBY, Div. 30, third floor at 816-881-4506. ■ ROBERT TROUT, Div. 32, third floor at 816-881-4518 ■ JEFFREY BUSHUR, Div. 33, ground floor at 816-881-1783.
2010
RIGBY
TROUT
BUSHUR
ROSEN
■ COMMISSIONER SHERRILL L. ROSEN, Div. 42, second floor at 816-881-4602
FEDERAL Defendants charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Missouri go to court at the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in downtown Kansas City. The courthouse is a 12-story courthouse that includes 16 courtrooms, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, judge’s chambers, U.S. Marshals office and other court-related agencies. The criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office charges people with fraud and corruption, computer crimes and child exploitation, narcotics, violent crime, and forfeiture cases. The courthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding holidays. – MICHAEL GLOVER
The Examiner
PUBLIC SAFEY ●
Police, sheriff, Highway Patrol
Agencies work to protect INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT The Independence Police Department has 87 uniformed patrol officers. Twelve patrol officers patrol the town in each shift. The officers patrol more than 78 square miles and responded to more than 130,000 incidents in 2009. The department is lead by police chief Tom Dailey, Lt. Col. John Main and seven majors. It has a special operations division comprised of a traffic safety unit and special response team. The criminal investigations division has a special victim’s unit, crime scene unit, a records unit. Relatively new units are the gang unit comprised of three detectives and two full-time civilian crime anaylists. The department’s phone number is 816-325-7330.
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE The sheriff’s office is at 3310 N.E. Rennau Drive in Lee’s Sum-
mit. The office is reponsible for enforcing laws in unincorporated areas of Jackson County and assisting local police departments. The office is led by Sheriff Mike Sharp and Colornals Ben Kenney and Hugh Mills. Divisions include patrol, investigations, communications, and courthouse security. Within the patrol division, the office has an ATV unit, K-9, motorcycle and an emergency response team. To reach the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, call 816-5244302.
IPD Crime
2008
Homicide
9
3
-67
Negl. Manslaughter
1
0
–
Forcible rape
52
28
-8
Attempted rape
5
3
- 40
Robbery
163
167
+2
Aggravated Assaults
595
528
- 11
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Burglary
1,413
1,328
-6
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A is stationed in Lee’s Summit. Coverage responsibility includes Jackson, Bates, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Platte, Ray and Saline counties. The phone number is 816-622-0800. – MICHAEL GLOVER
Larceny
5,904 5,135
-13
Motor vehicle theft
779
703
- 10
Arson
27
29
-7
TOTAL
8,948
7,947
- 11
Sandy Schiess
Q&A questions
answers
Independence Fire Department chief
1
What are the expected standards of someone who aspires to enter the Independence Fire Department, and how do you think these standards differentiate the department from other Kansas City-area departments? Every city wants the best firefighters for (its) citizens. Independence has rigorous pre- and post-hiring standards, including having successfully completed Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials and emergency medical technician coursework; passed the nationally recognized candidate physical abilities testing, a written test and a drug and psychological screening. Then during probation, there is an evalation checklist to demonstrate proficiency before gaining regular employment status. Incidentally, due to several retirements, the Independence Fire Department will be starting this hiring process in July.
2
Like many departments across the city of Independence, the Fire Department experienced several tough cuts in the
The Examiner
upcoming 2010-11 budget year. How is the department ensuring that residents will receive the same amount of services despite a reduction in staffing levels? The economy is still precarious, but if the proposed budget for the fire department is maintained, the department will be able to maintain its current level and amount of services by delaying the assignment of a firefighter to prevention activities, and salaried command staff personnel have agreed to work additional hours doing emergency response duties to keep staffing level up without generating overtime.
3
What are your top priorities and goals for the Fire Department in the next several years? Is the department ready for the anticipated residential and commercial growth in eastern Independence? The Fire Department’s call volume has doubled without any increase in staff. These calls for service are concentrated in the western portion of the city. The supervisor or “command” span of control is 14 to 1 in the department’s emergency response division. For safety purposes, the standard is no more than 7 to 1. Public safety education and firefighter training remain high priorities; prevention and being prepared is key to saving lives. Several years ago, the city began putting together funding – which now exists – for a construction of a public safety building in eastern Independence to protect future growth. However, with the economic decline, funding any increase in staff for any of these purposes is not available. The city has established a public safety task force of citizens to examine fire and law enforcement staffing lev-
2010
2009
% Change
els and to make recommendations. The Fire Department and the city will move forward once it has heard from its citizens through the task force and to address any recommendations.
4
What are several simple fire safety tips and prevention methods that residents can incorporate into their everyday lives? Situational awareness is key – knowing what is going on around you in order to prepare and be able to either prevent or respond to whatever might be a threat is everyone’s responsibility. (Recently), the Fire Department responded to several cooking/kitchen fires. Look around before you leave the kitchen – is the stove turned off? Have you cleaned the lint out of your dryer recently? Is your smoke detector working? (Push the test button.) Have you planned and practiced what to do when a fire, weather or medical emergency happens? Do you have an all-hazard emergency notification radio in your home? If you need help with any of these items, call us at 816-325-7123.
5
What is one aspect about firefighting as a career that you would like residents to know? Firefighters have the opportunity to touch many lives while they act to prevent and save. The satisfaction of performing these services is incredible, but it is the respect the community shows for a firefighter’s committment and courage that brings home the tremendous responsibility and makes it an honor to serve. – ADRIANNE DeWEESE
IIndependence City Guide 41
● THINGS TO DO
Sermon Center
Palmer Center
YOUR TAKE |
City runs Center focuses community on senior health center The Roger T. Sermon Center is at 201 N. Dodgion Avenue and is the city-run recreation center for Independence. Prices for residents between 13 and 59 is $15 and for those over 60 it’s $5. Prices for non-residents are $25 for people between 13 and 59 and $10 for those over 60. The facility has a weight room, gymnasium and game room along with rental spaces including four meeting rooms, the gymnasium, lobby area and a theater. The theater is utilized by Encore Theatre, City of Independence Theatre and The Children’s Theatre. The sermon center also offers six week class sessions ranging from $15-40. The classes include yoga, pilates, multi-level aerobics, Zumba and tai chi. The center is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday- Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 816-325-7370 or visit http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/Sermon.aspx. – ANDREA HEWITT
The Palmer center, 218A N. Pleasant St., is the city of Independence’s facility dedicated to improving the health of adults over 50. The center offers nutritious lunches, social events, holiday gatherings, fitness opportunities, educational and leisure activities, escorted tours, social services and volunteer opportunities. The facility has an outdoor patio, gymnasium, fitness room, low vision center, meeting room, game and craft room, library, computer lab, dining hall and a kitchen. A membership to the fitness room costs Independence residents $50 a year and non-residents $65. The center offers classes throughout the week that cost up to $2 that include fitness, stretching, Zumba, tai chi, tap dance and line dancing. The center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayThursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday. The center is looking for volunteers including instructors for new classes including crafts, art, computer, educational, health, fun & games and fitness. For more information, call 816-325-6200 or visit them online at www.ci.independence. mo.us/parksandrec/Palmer.aspx. – ANDREA HEWITT
Youth, senior programs offered by Northwest CDC
42 Independence City Guide
CURTIS GRIGSBY Independence “Going to the Palmer Center and taking dance classes.” SARA WALZ Independence “Eating at Dave’s Deli and The Courthouse Exchange.”
The center is starting a program this summer called Kid’s Cafe that will provide hot lunches to children from noon to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday. The center offers lunch Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $2 for seniors and $3.35 for everyone else. The center is funded through donations, and grants from the city, county, state and federal government. Visit the companies website to make an individual donation. – ANDREA HEWITT
2010
RALPH GOLDSMITH Independence “Taking a covered wagon ride on the California Oregon Trail.”
– MELISSA SHEPARD
Arts organizations
Concerts, puppets, ballet DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE
Fairmount Community Center
Fairmount Community Center offers youth and senior programs and is an affiliate of Northwest Communities Development Corporation. The Corporation offers youth and senior programs, works with local police to address crime and violen, and helps with housing development. They offer classes throughout the week including line dancing, low-impact exercise classes and walking. They also offer an Alzheimer’s Support Group that meets the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m.
CECIL BUCKLES Independence “Eating out on the Square.”
What is your favorite activity to do in Independence?
A desire to sing for fun is what brings this group together. This group was established in 1986. The members perform patriotic, religious and show tunes at churches, nursing homes and other festivities throughout the year. Two performances for the general public are given each year, once in the spring and one at Christmas. The director is Rick Gilpin. Practices are from August through June. Members pay a small amount per month for a practice room and for new music. Anyone in the greater Kansas City area is eligible. For more information, call Rick Gilpin at 816-835-5808.
SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE CONCERT BAND The band is the cultural arts partner with Metropolitan Community College-Blue River campus. Danny Lane is the conductor and music
director. He has taught music in Missouri for more than 30 years. His major instrument is the trumpet. The band has 60-plus members and rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at MCC-Blue River. Students from the college may participate in the band for college credit. The band performs many free concerts throughout the year, including a Fourth of July performance outside the Mormon Visitors Center, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and at the Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion, all in Independence. The band is always looking for new members. For more information, additional dates of performances and how to join, call Laura Browning at 816-650-5081.
INDEPENDENCE MESSIAH CHOIR The Independence Messiah Choir is in its 94th season. The 2010 concert of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” will be held at 8
MORE ON PAGE 48
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Experience A Taste of
Germany! OPEN Sunday & Monday 11:00-2:30 Tues.-Sat. 11:00-9:00
The Rheinland Restaurant 208 N. Main
816.461.5383 www.rheinlandrestaurant.com
44 Independence City Guide
2010
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The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 45
elena’s
fine catering
•Weddings •Rehearsal Dinners •Anniversaries •Birthdays •Corporate Events •Full Service & Drop Off •Carryout Lunches and Delivery (Mon.-Fri.)
816-461-1977 120 South Main Street • Independence, MO 64050 www.elenascatering.com • elenascateringkc@yahoo.com
Since 1949
Storm Doors Carports & Patio Covers Replacement & Storm Windows
Enjoy Shoco’s energy saving products year round 317 W. Maple • 816-252-8130 46 Independence City Guide
2010
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Independence
SQUARE All images provided courtesy of Freeland Photography
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2010
Independence City Guide 47
● THINGS TO DO
Arts organizations
Take in a play, or a concert right here in Independence
FROM PAGE 42 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Community of Christ Auditorium, River Boulevard and Walnut Street, Independence. The Independence Messiah Choir will join with the Kansas City Symphony and the Symphony Chorus to present this seasonal event. Choir rehearsals will begin Tuesday evening, Sept. 21. All seats are reserved and are available through the Kansas City Symphony at 816-4710400. For more information, call 816-833-1000, Ext. 2363 or visit www.cofchrist.org/messiah.
CITY THEATRE OF INDEPENDENCE Beginning its 31st season this fall, this volunteer group presents five productions a season in Powerhouse Theatre inside the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, at the corner of Truman and Noland Roads. Auditions are open to the public. The Powerhouse Foundation, which includes CTI, Encore Theatre and the Children’s Performing Theatre, also presents the Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park, a non-scary Halloween event. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, and musical show prices are $12 for adults, and $9 for seniors. Dinner theater performances are $23, $16 for season ticket holders. Season tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors. For tickets, call 816-325-7367 or visit www.citytheatreofindependence.org.
CHILDREN’S PERFORMING THEATRE This group focuses on children as actors and
48 Independence City Guide
actresses, and performances are the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center. They perform three times a year, twice as an audition performance and once as a learning experience. Membership is open to all children 5 to 15 years old. Every child must audition. Rehearsals are six to eight weeks before each performance, and performances are Friday, Saturday and Sundays for two weeks. The Summer Fantasy workshop is for beginners and advanced actors to gain confidence and experience to perform. This class lasts a few weeks and ends in a showcase for parents to enjoy. Tickets for the shows are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 10 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, and for tickets, call 816-325-7367.
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF INDEPENDENCE
ENCORE THEATRE
GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
This is a thespian group for adults age 50 and older, who enjoy fun loving drama, that specializes in melodrama. The members perform at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Sermon Center. The group also divides into smaller traveling troupes. The group invites anyone 50 and older to audition or volunteer for backstage work. Meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month. Tickets for the shows are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 12 and under. For more information, call the Sermon Center at 816325-7370, and for tickets, call 816-325-7367.
PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE Nancy Clark is director of the Puppetry Arts Institute at 11025 E. Winner Road. The institute is also the home of Kansas City’s Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum. An entire room is devoted to the Rollins marionettes. The museum also has a collection of marionettes from the late Robert Smith. After tours, children may paint a Hazelle
2010
puppet head and create their own finger puppet. Hours of the museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The institute is open year-round. Many groups tour the facility, including senior citizens, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and church groups, plus birthday parties may also be held at the Institute. Museum admission is $3 for adults, and $1.50 for children younger than 16. The institute hosts a puppet show once a month, and the cost is $5 per person.For more information, call 816-833-9777 or visit www.hazelle.org.
The conservatory is led by Ula Ames, artistic director and founder. The ballet company, formed in 1985, is located at 16816 E. U.S. 40. The ballet has the help of the many of parents and welcomes help in all areas. This year’s performance of “The Nutcracker” will be in December at the Liberty Performing Arts Center. The conservatory also boasts the Cotillion Room and Garden, which is a beautiful setting for weddings and other special events, and has the capacity to hold from 150 to 200 people. For more information, call 816-373-3456.
The George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts, now in its 14th year, has an ambitious goal: To combine all creative arts, while focusing on individual disciplines. The office is located at 1010 S. Pearl St. in Independence. Students from approximately 18 to 20 high schools and home-schooled students take part in the annual five-week summer academy, named after famed artist George Caleb Bingham. Students must display their talents to be chosen for the academy, which includes the visual arts, dance, theater, music and creative writing. The student must have completed their freshman year in high school. The students conclude the academy with a graduation ceremony, followed by a free public performance. For more information, call 816-729-7097.
MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTE For almost 35 years, the institute has offered instruction in all classical orchestral instruments, voice, piano/organ, classical guitar and percussion. Advanced ensembles are offered in
classical guitar and world percussion. The children’s choir, Young MAIsters Singers, has performed numerous times with the Kansas City Symphony. MAI cooperates with the George Caleb Bingham Academy of Arts. There are several summer camps, including a twoweek Shakespeare camp, taught by members of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. This not-for-profit community school of performing arts is open to people of all ages. All teachers are professional musicians. The institute presents student and faculty recitals, as well as adjudicated music festivals in the spring. The institute offers classes and private lessons. Enrollment begins in August for the academic year. Scholarship may be applied for May 1 through 15 for the coming year. For enrollment appointment or for more information, call 816-836-1998 or visit www. musicartsinstitute.org.
JACOMO CHORALE Jacomo Chorale is Eastern Jackson County’s original community choir, founded in 1983. The chorus performs all genres of music. Auditions are in August and January, or by appointment, and anyone is welcome to audition. The groups asks that members be 18 or older. Auditions are informal and consist of opportunities to demonstrate your sense of pitch, music-reading abilities and vocal technique. Rehearsals are weekly at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 N.W. Duncan Road, Blue Springs. The group relies on donations and ticket sales to fund activities. For more information, or to get involved, call Nancy White, manager, at 816-224-2839.
HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC Celebrating is 66th season, the Heritage Philharmonic is one of the oldest community orchestras in the United States. Members are professional and non-professional musicians. The 60-member orchestra performs the 201011 season under the direction of James Murray III. This season includes four regular concerts and a traditional holiday concert. In order to keep the symphony, community support is welcomed and needed, not only by purchasing tickets, but with a gift to the endowment fund. Visit www.thcf.org. Openings exists for experienced community players, and anyone interested in auditioning should contact Murray at maestroconcertatore@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.heritagephilharmonic.org. – JILL RITCHIE
The Examiner
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2010
Independence City Guide 49
● THINGS TO DO Independence city parks 12
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Beckett Park 27th and Cherokee Benton Park Hayward and Crane Bingham-Waggoner Mansion 313 W. Pacific Blackburn School Park 17302 E.R.D. Mize Brady Park Delaware and Charles Bund-Jack Park Bundschu and Jackson Dr. Bundschu Park Ninth and Scott Carriage Hills Park 16841 E. 41st St. South Cassell Park 31st and Hardy Charles Long Park Truman and Brookside Choplin-Hood Park 15919 E Cogan Lane Cler-Mont Park 19009 Susquehanna Dr. Country Club Park 2930 S. Norton Crysler Stadium 23rd and Crysler Curtis Park East Lexington Bridge Davis Park Arlington and Scarritt Dickinson Park 1710 Dickinson Fairmount Park Norledge and Home Firehouse Park 11305 E. 35th St. S French Acres Park Truman Rd. and Rogers George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Glendale Park 31st and Lee's Summit Rd. High Ridge 40th and Highridge Hink Park Southwest of Sterling and U.S. 24 Hiram Young Noland and Lexington Little Blue Park 21101 E. Missouri 78 McCoy Park 800 N. Bess Truman Parkway Mill Creek Park 1717 N. River Pitcher 35th Terrace and U.S. 40 Polly’s Pop Park Maple and River Randall School Park 509 N. Jennings Road Roberts Park Blue Ridge Cutoff and Blue Ridge Blvd. Rotary Park 24th and Hedges Santa Fe Park 2731 S. Santa Fe Road. Sermon Center Truman and Noland Rd. Sycamore Hills Park 15208 E. 39th Truman Memorial Bldg. 416 W. Maple Van Hook Park M-291 and Shrank Woodlawn Park Sea and Hocker Young Park 400 N. Dodgion Ave. St. Clair Park U.S. 24 and Farley Hill Park 23rd St. and Maywood Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 Hub Drive (fee) Independence Athletic Complex 17800 E. Salisbury Rd. Waterfall Park 4501 S. Bass Pro Drive Rock Creek Trail 23rd and Rock Creek Clothier Park 17203 E. 23rd Independence Events Center 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.
2010
◆ IBEX CLIMBING GYM 801 NW South Outer Road, Blue Springs 816-228-9988 Completely remodeled in March, IBEX Climbing Gym calls itself “Kansas City’s premier indoor climbing facility.” IBEX features 6,900 square feet of climbing space, including overhang, vertical and slab terrain to provide a challenge to climbers of all skill levels. A required Belay safety class is offered for $25 and includes equipment, climbing and instruction. Participants are shown how to equip a harness, tie in properly and belay correctly. Participants must be 13 years of age to enroll. Classes are offered Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. IBEX is open Mondays and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Day entry is $13, kids 12 and under are $10. Equipment rental is extra. Memberships are also available. For more information visit www.climbibex.com
BMX
◆ BLUE SPRINGS BMX 2715 N.W. Park Drive, Blue Springs 816-392-9901 Blue Springs BMX is an American Bicycle Association sponsored track that allows racers of all ages to participate. Age groups range from 5 and under to 51 and over. Races are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. Racing begins as soon as possible once sign-ups are complete. The fee to race is $9. Racers must be an ABA member to participate. Trial 30-day memberships are available for $25. Full memberships are $45 per year. Racers must wear helmets, enclosed shoes and long pants. All chain guards, kickstands, fenders, and reflector brackets must be removed prior to racing. For more information visit www.bluespringsbmx.com
GYMNASTICS
◆ REBOUND GYMNASTICS 8316 S.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs 816-229-8834 Rebound Gymnastics has offered gymnastics for pre-school boys and girls, and school aged girls. Toddler classes are available for any children who can walk. Girls from five and a half are eligible for the school age classes. Open gym is also available for $5 per child. The yearly registration fee is $40. Classes, hours and programs vary. Parents are welcome to watch practices. For more information visit www.reboundgym.com ◆ GREAT AMERICAN GYMNASTIC EXPRESS 1101 N.W. Jefferson, Blue Springs 816-229-7775 Great American Gymnastics Express promotes its goal to be part of a child’s physical MORE ON PAGE 52
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO ● Outdoor recreation
Be one with nature BURR OAK WOODS CONSERVATION NATURE CENTER 1401 N.W. Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is enjoyable for any outdoorsman, featuring multiple hiking trails, a nature center, a 167-seat auditorium, a live animal display, a bird-viewing area and a 3,000-gallon aquarium containing native fish. The Missouri Department of Conservation facility is in a 1,071acre forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as well as fields, ponds, glades, creeks and limestone outcroppings. The nature center also features varying traveling exhibits. Check in frequently for updated information. Several times a week the nature center offers special events and classes. The center’s website is updated frequently. Some events require preregistration. The hiking trails are the highlight of the park. The trails vary in length and difficulty. The J. Earnest Dunn Jr. Discovery Trail is a half-mile paved parkway for visitors with strollers. The three-quarter-mile Missouri Tree Trail is also paved and disabled accessible. It features many of Missouri’s native trees and includes a bridge over a pond and a large deck overlooking a glade. The Wildlife Habitat Trail is a one and a half mile hiking trail with a short loop option that will allow hikers to see the major features of the trail, which include a pond, prairie and stream crossing. For longer hikes, the Hickory Grove Trail and the Bethany Falls Trail are available. The trails give hikers the opportunity to many animals in their natural habitat. The area has plentiful deer and turkey populations, and is home to many more animals, including dozens of birds. Burr Oak also features two picnic areas. The Nature Center is very kid-friendly and offers many resources for educators interested in a field-trip or in-class nature instruction. An Outdoor Skills Camp is available for children. Preregistration is required. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trails are open 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during standard time and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight time. Burr Oak can be reached by traveling one mile north of Interstate 70 on Missouri 7, then one mile west on Park Road. Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the area. Mushroom collecting is permitted for personal use. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are restricted to paved roads. For more information call 816-228-3766 or visit www.mdc. mo.gov/areas/cnc/burroak/
The Examiner
FLEMING PARK 816-503-4800 Fleming Park in Eastern Jackson County features 1,690 acres of lake area between two lakes, Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake. There are also 7,809 acres of park space. The largest of Jackson County’s parks offers two full-service marinas, boat ramps, fishing pond, fishing docks and more. More than 950 docks are available and the marinas also feature mooring and dry dock services. The three lakes cater to windsurfers, sailors, boaters and swimmers alike. The area also features multiple campgrounds. Blue Springs and Jacomo campgrounds are open April 1 through Oct. 31. Rates vary. Shelter houses are also available. Contact 816-503-4800 for more information. Blue Springs Lake covers 720 acres and is a popular site for fishing, power boating, water skiing, tubing and jet skiing. It also features a beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission for seniors and children is $3 and $5 for adults. Season passes and group rates are also available. Blue Springs Lake also features two hiking trails. Lake Vista Trail is a five-mile loop and North Shore Trail is a 3.5 mile one-way hike. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, including hybrid striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp and catfish. Blue Springs Lake is at 1700 N.E. Bowlin Road. For more information call 816-795-1112. Lake Jacomo is a 970-acre lake in the heart of Fleming Park. Its marina offers boat rental, concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait and dock fishing. The lake has a limited horsepower regulation, which keeps
2010
the waters calm for sailboating and paddleboating. New Cruise Tours are available at Lake Jacomo. Sit back and enjoy a scenic ride aboard a 30-foot pontoon boat. Cruises are every Saturday, Sunday and holiday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call the marina for more information. Fisherman can go for numerous fish species, including crappie, blue gill, largemouth bass, carp catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye. Lake Jacomo features eight nature trails. The highlight of the summer at Lake Jacomo is Lake Fest. The event, an annual kick-off to summer features live music, a water balloon contest and more. The evening is capped off with a fireworks display. Call 816-503-4800 for more information. Missouri Town 1855 is located at 8010 E. Park Road in Fleming Park and features more than 25 buildings dating from 1820 to 1860, period attire, equipment, rare livestock and crop breeds. See what life was like in 19th century Missouri. Admission for adults is $5 and $3 for children and seniors. Missouri Town 1855 is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March 1 through Nov. 15. From Nov. 16 through Feb. 28, the living history museum is open weekends only, from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Also, see bison, elk and white-tailed deer at the native hooved animal enclosure or learn about nature at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center. For more information call Jackson County Parks at 816-5034805 or visit www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/3827/3835.aspx
GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK 1601 S. Speck Road, Indepdendence 816-325-7115 Opened in 1977, George Owens Nature Park in Independence provides families with numerous outdoor activities. The park, open year round, covers 86 acres and includes six hiking trails, one paved, two fishing lakes, campgrounds, family picnic area, a nature center, rain gardens and a pavilion. Many events and programs are offered throughout the summer. Nature Story Time for children is every Thursday in June and July at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Many other programs and events are scheduled. The nature center contains a 150-gallon freshwater aquarium full of indigenous Missouri fish and a 75-gallon turtle enclosure. Overnight camping facilities are available for rent. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays noon to 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays. The park is off Speck Road, across from Pioneer Ridge Middle School, about a mile east of Missouri 291 and north of 23rd Street. For more information visit www.georgeowensnaturepark.org MORE ON 52
Independence City Guide 51
● THINGS TO DO
Lots of outdoor acitivities for families to enjoy in the area
FROM PAGE 51
JAMES A REED MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA 13101 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee’s Summit 816-622-0900 The 3,084-acre area provides visitors an opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can bird watch, fish, hike, ride horses, hunt and partake in many other activities. The area highlights woodlands, old fields, grasslands and wetlands. There are six miles of paved and gravel roads, 13 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and three miles of hiking-only trails. Check with the office to make sure that construction hasn’t closed portions of the trails. The wildlife area also features 12 fishing lakes containing bass, blue gill, crappie and channel catfish. A winter trout program is also available. Check the office for limits and details. Hunting is also available at the Reed Area. Hunters are required to have daily tags. Huntings seasons at James A. Reed are as follows: Dove - Sept. 1 through Nov. 9, noon to sunset, Monday through Friday except Labor Day. Rabbit and Squirrel - Dec. 1 through Feb. 15 Waterfowl - Reservation only. Deer - Managed hunt only. An Archery range is also available at no cost. The area is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. April through Sept. and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. through March. Public contact hours at the area’s office are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving. For more information visit http://mdc.mo.gov/a5501
LAKE CITY SHOOTING RANGE AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER 28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner 816-249-3194 Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is opening its new facility on Truman Road in 2010. The range is a great spot for the avid shooter, offering a variety of ranges for any skill level. The new range offers 20 rifle and 10 pistol stations, an archery range, two trap/skeet overlays and a stand-alone trap range. Prices for the range are $3 per booth per hour, $3 per hour for the archery range and $3 per round of 25 trap/skeet projectiles. Shooters must provide their own required eye protection. Hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through
52 Independence City Guide
Sunday. Expanded hours prior to deer season are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours from June through September are noon to 6 p.m. Groups must schedule at least two weeks in advance by contacting the center. Special fees apply. The center offers one-day hunter education classes the second Saturday of the month July through March. The facility is maintained by the Missouri Conservation Department. For more information visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/ ranges/lakecity
LANDAHL PARK RESERVE Missouri 7 and Truman Road, Blue Springs 816-503-4800 Landahl Park Reserve is a 1,397-acre county park east of Missouri 7 and South of Truman Road. The park, renamed for former Jackson County Parks Director William L. Landahl, includes hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horseback riding trails, soccer fields, picnic shelters, camping sites and cross-country skiing in winter. Newest additions include an archery range and walking courses. For more information visit www.jacksongov.org/parks/ #landahl
LITTLE BLUE TRACE TRAIL 39th and Little Blue Parkway, Independence 816-795-8200 Jackson County Parks and Recreation provides this 1,856-acre nature preserve with a biking and walking trail that follows the Little Blue River. Access entrances to the trail at Blue Mills Road, Ripley Junction, Bundschu, M-78 shelter just west of Missouri 7, Necessary Road at R.D. Mize Road, and Little Blue Parkway in the Hartman Heritage Center. The trail includes three soccer fields, 30 picnic tables and four shelters. For more information visit www.jacksongov.org/parks/ #LittleBlue
LONGVIEW LAKE PARK 11100 View High Drive 816-966-0131 Longview Lake is found in Longview Lake Park. The park offers many amenities including full-service marina, public campground, Fred Arbanas Golf Course, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing pond, bicycle trails, the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, radio controlled model-airplane field and a beach. The park also offers horseback riding, boat rental, nature trails, and much more. Fore more information visit www.jacksongov. org/3279/3827/3836 - MATT MITCHELL
2010
Miniature golf, mixed martial arts available FROM PAGE 50 and mental development. With professionally trained instructors, gymnastic camps and a celebrity status alumni of 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphry and Courtney McCool. Children of all ages will develop self confidence and begin to see fitness as fun. GAGE is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. Birthday party opportunities are available throughout the week. For more information visit www.gagecenter.com
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
◆ FIGHT TO THE FINISH AT WHISKEY TANGO 401 E. Outer Belt Road, Grain Valley Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing full-contact sport today. Two opponents enter a cage with only their specialized skills in American and Brazilian Jujitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, grappling, Muay Thai fighting and other techniques to protect themselves. Whiskey Tango hosts monthly, amateur MMA fights. General admission tickets are free, and ticket buyers can upgrade to table seats for $15 or VIP tickets for $22. Come see Fight to the Finish every first Friday of the month at Whiskey Tango. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information visit www.truefightfan.com or www.whiskeytangokc.com
MINIATURE GOLF/BATTING /GO-CARTS/ SPORTS PARKS
◆ COOL CREST 10735 E. U.S. 40, Independence 816-358-0088 For more than 50 years, Cool Crest has been entertaining families in the Kansas City area. Cool Crest is a popular choice for birthday parties, group events or a night of fun. Cool Crest offers four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 7,000 square foot video game arcade, an indoor soft-play area, Go-Karts, a pizzeria and batting cages. Group events and birthday parties are also available. One round of miniature golf is $6. A second round on the same day is just $2 more. Seniors can golf for $3.50 on Wednesdays. Children three and under play for free with a paid adult. Twelve Buck Tuesday gives access to unlimited golf and video games for $12 all day Tuesdays. GoKarts are $7 for drivers and $3 for passengers. The indoor soft-play area is $4 per person for an all-day pass. Cool Crest is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Miniature golf and batting cages are open from May through October. Hours are subject to change. For more information visit www.coolcrest.com ◆ FAMILY GOLF PARK 1501 N.E. U.S. 40, Lee’s Summit 816-228-1550 Family Golf Park was selected by the Golf Range Association of America as one of the Top 100 Ranges in America 2009. Family Golf Park offers a driving range, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper MORE ON PAGE 57
The Examiner
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2010
Independence City Guide 53
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive repair technicians. Consumers can find ASE-Certified Technicians at repair facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence.
ASE: Certifying The Automotive Professional Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to a national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 420,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national
Greg’s Tire Center 1837 S. Noland • Independence
254-3388
in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.
repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. Certification Benefits Motorists By passing difficult, national tests, ASE certifies the technical com- ASE-certified technicians prove their petence of individual technicians, not technical competence to themselves,
Independence Honda 3151 S. Noland Rd. • Independence
833-4790
to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.
Cable Dahmer Chevrolet Blue Springs Ford McCorkendale Lincoln-Mercury Auto Service 1834 S. Noland Rd. • Independence 254-3860
3200 S. Outer Rd. • Blue Springs 224-0076 Service
5125 S.W. U.S. 40 Hwy. • Blue Springs
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Complete Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair
We have ASE Master and Certified Technicians 54 Independence City Guide
We employ ASE Master and Certified Technicians
We have ASE Certified Mechanics 2010
We have 20 ASE Certified Mechanics
We employ ASE Certified Technicians
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO ● Events Center
Events Center open What do Disney characters, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Palin, a minor league hockey team and some of the Kansas City region’s best dogs share in common? They all performed, played or spoke under the same roof in the first seven months of operation at the Independence Events Center. The $68 million, 182,100-square-foot facility opened in November 2009 with its primary tenant as the Missouri Mavericks, a Central Hockey League team. The franchise signed a 10-year lease with the city of Independence in April 2009 that guarantees at least 30 home games per season. The events center features an arena with 5,800 fixed seats, 25 luxury suites, a bar and grill and a second sheet of ice for community events, such as figure-skating programs and youth hockey leagues, at the Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice. A total of 7,500 people may be seated for entertainment events. Parking is free for all center events. City officials are still looking for a naming sponsor for the Independence Events Center. Last winter, Global Entertainment Corporation, the developer and operator of the events center, was far along with a naming option that later didn’t work out.
According to City Manager Robert Heacock, the naming rights do not include a specific price tag because they also include whether a company wants signage inside the building and on the ice, as well as suite usage. In March, the Independence City Council approved funds for a marquee sign and additional parking spaces at the events center. Visit www.independenceeventscenter.com or call 816-7957577 for more information about upcoming events or ticket information. Tickets may be purchased online at www.GetTix. net or in person at the events center box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 866-443-8849 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to purchase tickets. Tickets also may be purchased through the two Independence Hy-Vee outlet locations – 1525 E. 23rd St. and 4545 Noland Road.
– ADRIANNE DeWEESE
Experience
ENGLEWOOD S h o p p i n g
11205 E. Winner Road • Independence, Mo 64052 “In Englewood” Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum ~ Special Exhibits Monthly Puppet Shows ~ Workshops Birthday Parties ~ Puppet Research Library Gifts and Puppet Parts For Sale Puppet - Repair, Restringing & Appraisal
◆ D i n i n g ◆
816-833-9777
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Museum Tour: Adults-$3.00 Children under 16 - $1.50 www.hazelle.org
E n t e r t a i n m e n t The Examiner
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Independence City Guide 55
Buy One Original Get One…
ORDER CARRY OUT ONLINE AT: www.loscompas.net
18011 E. 24 HIGHWAY Near Richard’s Sunfresh
816-796-0298 Visit us at our Liberty and Raytown locations too! Liberty • 816-415-0244 Raytown • 816-353-4277
HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday thru Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm Friday and Saturday: 11:00am - 10:30pm - CALL ON US FOR DINE-IN OR CARRY-OUT SERVICE -
Visit us on Facebook and become a fan. www.facebook.com/chick-fil-a at independence center Watch for updates on Facebook for clothing drive to help students in the Independence School District.
KIDS UNDER 12 EAT FREE! SUNDAYS ALL DAY! ONE FREE KIDS MEAL PER ADULT ENTREE PURCHASE
Check out our upcoming events tab on www.chickfilaindependence.com
Buy One Dinner and Two Drinks Buy One Lunch and Two Drinks At Regular Price And Get At Regular Price And Get
18785 E. 39th St.
$3.00 OFF $2.00 OFF
in front of Independence Center
Your Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value Limit One Coupon Per Table Must Present Coupon
56 Independence City Guide
2010
FREE
Cheese Dip OR Guacamole Dip OR Bean Dip Your Second Lunch Of Equal Or Lesser Value
With Purchase of $20.00 Or More
Limit One Coupon Per Table Must Present Coupon
Limit One Coupon Per Table Must Present Coupon
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO ●
Enjoy a day of swimming with the family, or hit the links for a little golf FROM PAGE 52 boats, and a nine-hole, par-3 course. Corporate outings and large parties are also available. Family Golf Park will provide staffing for your group event. Family Golf Park is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Miniature golf is $6 for adults on weekdays, $7 for adults on weekends and $5 for children anytime. The par-3 course is $9 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Prices for parties and large group events vary. For more information visit www.familygolfpark.com ◆ INDEPENDENCE ATHLETIC COMPLEX 17800 Salisbury Road, Independence 816-325-7375 Independence Athletic Complex sits on 165 acres of rolling land in Independence and features eight soccer fields, three softball fields, two baseball fields and six practice football areas. Many of the fields are lighted for nighttime use. The complex is can also be made use of by those not playing team sports due to its one and a half miles of trails, playground, shelter for up to 100 people, and amphitheater with space for 1,000 people. Ample parking is available. For more information visit www. ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/AthleticComplex.aspx ◆ PARADISE PARK 1021 N.E. Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit 816-246-5224 Proud winner of the 2008 KC Parent Magazine Best Birthday Party Award for children ages 6-12 and the 2006 Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award, Paradise Park offers a unique mixture of attractions for any family. Paradise Park features an 18-hole miniature golf course, Go-Karts for all ages, batting cages, bumper cars a 25-foot rock-climbing wall, a multiple level foam factory and a game room within their Family Entertainment Center. Their Children’s Edutainment Center is specifically for children 9 years of age and younger offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities where children learn physical and mental development skills. Within the park a cafe and coffeehouse offer food and beverages. Individual attractions are $5.95 and Go-Kart rides are $7.95. Max-Pack ticket packages offer unlimited attractions for $19.95 indoor attractions and $24.95 for indoor and outdoor
The Examiner
attractions. Children under one are admitted free. Special packages and group rates are available for large parties. Paradise Park is open Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. through 8 p.m. with the Children’s Edutainment Center closing at 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the Children’s Edutainment Center closing at 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hours vary by season. For more information visit www.paradisepark.com ◆ SPORTSCITY 425 N.E. Mock Ave, Blue Springs 816-229-1314 Offering 76,000 square feet of playing fields and courts, SportsCity caters to the sports enthusiast in all of us. SportsCity is an indoor, climate-controlled complex containing two full-sized soccer fields, a basketball and volleyball gym, four batting cages, a video arcade, The Post Game Bar and Grill and a nine-hole black light miniature golf course. SportsCity features league sports and open play. The facility also contains accommodations for lock-ins, school dances, birthday parties, and field trips. Summer hours are 2:30 p.m. until the last game ends Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until the last game ends. For more information visit www.sportscitykc. com
seniors. For non-residents, daily admission is $9 for adults and $6 for youth and seniors. Season passes are also available. A residential family season pass is $250. There are also 5-punch passes available for individuals and families. Prices vary. For more information visit http://indepmo. org/parksandrec/advenoasis.aspx ◆ HENLEY AQUATIC CENTER (At James Bridger Middle School) 18200 E Missouri 78, Independence 816-521-5377 The Henley Aquatic Center offers a variety of swimming possibilities such as swimming lessons, water aerobics, open swim, lap swimming, birthday parties and more. Summer open swim hours are 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Hours vary by season. The cost is $3 per person. Children 3 and under are admitted free. A one year family pass is $300. Other membership packages are also available. For more information visit www4.indep.k12. mo.us/henley/index.html ◆ INDEPENDENCE YMCA POOL 1400 E. 32nd Street, Independence 816-254-9622 The Independence YMCA pool offers a variety of aquatic classes such as swim lessons, first aid/CPR/AED certification, and American Red Cross lifeguarding. The YMCA also provides Swim Club for kids to develop their skills in the competitive strokes. Membership is required to use the facility. Membership rates vary. The pool is open from 5:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit www.kansascityymca.org/welcome-to-independence-family. html ◆ BLUE SPRINGS YMCA POOL 1300 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway, Blue Springs 816-224-9620 The Blue Springs YMCA offers many aquatic classes to accommodate entire families. Aquatics include water fitness and swim lessons for all ages, shallow water, deep water and arthritis programs for adults and American Red Cross lifeguard training. The YMCA also provides Swim Club for kids to develop their skills in the competitive strokes. Besides the aquatic center, the YMCA offers a wellness center with cardio and strength equipment, an aerobic center, free child watch for up to two hours and more. Membership to
SWIMMING
◆ ADVENTURE OASIS WATER PARK 2100 S. Hub Drive, Independence. 816-325-6238 Adventure Oasis Water Park offers something for everyone. With swimming lessons, water exercise programs, water slides, children’s activities, a 25-yard lap pool and more, Adventure Oasis is fun for the whole family. Daily admission prices for Independence residents are $8 for adults, $6 for youth and
2010
the facility is required. Membership prices vary. Trial memberships are also available. The center is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit www.kansascityymca.org/welcome-to-blue-springs-familyymca.html ◆ CENTENNIAL POOL-PLEX 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive, Blue Springs 816-228-0188 Recently named as one of five “Excellence in Aquatics” award winners from the National Recreation and Park Association, Blue Springs is proud to offer Centennial Pool Plex to its residents. This year, the Pool Plex features a new roof and a spruced up interior. Centennial Pool Plex is a year-round aquatic center featuring a six-lane 25 yard indoor pool, an eight-lane 50 meter outdoor pool with a set of high-speed water slides and an outdoor wading pool. Centennial Pool Plex offers instructional swimming lessons, wellness classes, competitive swim programs, lap swimming and open swim. Daily admission is $5. Kids 3 and under are free. Lap swimming for adults 18 and older is $3. Season passes are also available. Family passes for Blue Springs residents are $120. Individual passes are $70 for residents. Non-resident family passes are $150 and non-resident individual passes are $95. The facility is open from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Open swim hours vary depending on the day and season. For more information visit www.bluespringsgov.com
GOLF
◆ ADAMS POINTE GOLF CLUB 1601 R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs. Created by noted local course designer Don Sechrest, Adams Pointe Golf Club was declared “A 5-Star Course in Kansas City” by Tee Times Golf Guide. KC Golfer Magazine awarded Adams Point “Best Service” and “Best Greens Among Kansas City Courses.” The 18-hole championship facility is known for its layout and superior conditions. The front nine is skillfully carved out from forest and wetlands and the back nine offers links-style golfing with dramatic changes in elevation. The dress code requires collared shirts with sleeves, pants or bermuda shorts, soft spiked shoes and no denim. Monday through Thursday, tee-times with a GPS cart are $47 from open to noon, $39 MORE ON 58
Independence City Guide 57
● THINGS TO DO
Take in a race at one of three tracks close to Independence FROM PAGE 57 from noon to 3 p.m. $32 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and $24 from 5 p.m. to close. Friday through Sunday, tee-times with a GPS cart are $57 from open to noon, $49 from noon to 3 p.m. $29 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and $24 from 5 p.m. to close. Seniors may golf for $39 Monday through Friday. For more information visit www.adamspointegolfclub.com ◆ BENT OAK GOLF CLUB 1300 S.E. 30th Street, Oak Grove 816-690-3028 Bent Oak Golf Club is an 18-hole, public golf course featuring seven lakes. The course also offers a driving range, clubhouse and a fullservice bar and grill. Bent Oak features Dollar Mondays. All Mondays except holidays golf is $1 per hole, and hot dogs, chips, candy, fountain soda and draft beer are $1 each. Regular rates Tuesday through Thursday are $33. Weekends and holidays are $38. Nine hole rates are $20. Twilight rates start at 1 p.m. daily and are $27. Seniors 60 and older can golf for $29 daily. Season passes are $699 and include $9 green fees on weekdays, $15 green fees on weekends and holidays, 7-day advanced tee times and 15% off all merchandise. Acorn Passes for 18 and under are $300. For more information visit bentoakgolfclub. com ◆ COUNTRY CLUB OF BLUE SPRINGS 1600 N.W. Circle Drive, Blue Springs 816-229-1194 With a challenging 18-hole course for members and their guests, Country Club of Blue Springs calls itself the “best kept secret in the metropolitan area.” The course has been recently renovated to USGA specification greens. The course was built by Colonel John Davis, and the club first organized in 1969. The club also features a club house and swimming pool. Children of members can even join The Sharks, a professionally coached swim team. The Wedding Room and Dining Room are available for weddings, banquets and special occasions. The club offers single, family, junior and social memberships. Membership rates and requirements vary. Contact the club for membership details. For more information visit www.countryclubofbluesprings.net ◆ DRUMM FARM GOLF CLUB 15400 E. 34th St., Independence 816-350-9900 Hand crafted by legendary course designer
58 Independence City Guide
golfclub.com
Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Drumm Farm Golf Club features a par 72 Championship course, a par 30 9-hole Executive course perfect for beginners and a $2 million clubhouse facility. Both courses feature zoysia fairways and bent-grass greens. Prices vary by course and time. The Championship course with cart is $49 Monday through Thursday and $60 Friday through Sunday. That price includes a $10 coupon for food or merchandise. The Executive course with cart is $22. Twilight rates begin at 2 p.m. and supertwilight rates begin at 5 p.m. For more information visit http:// drummfarmgolfclub.com ◆ LAKEWOOD OAKS GOLF CLUB 651 NE St. Andrews Circle, Lee’s Summit 816-373-2505 Created in 1979, Lakewood Oaks Golf Club offers 6,300 yards of Cato Crenshaw Bent Grass greens. New for 2010, members who do not reside in the Lakewood housing development may use the tennis and pool facilities located within the club for an annual fee. For a limited time only, new members can save up to $2,500 with the club’s “Escalating Dues Schedule.” New members taking advantage of the promotion pay half of the initiation fee and 70 percent of the monthly dues for this year. Dues then rise 10 percent per year until they reach 100%. The club also features a full-service restaurant and banquet facility and hosts social events year-round. Membership rates vary. For more information visit www.logc.org ◆ ROCKWOOD GOLF CLUB 2400 S. Maywood, Independence 816-252-2000 Calling itself “Kansas City’s #1 Golf Value,” Rockwood Golf Club is a short but challenging golf course. Harry Truman was once a member of the club. Rates vary by date and time. Green Fees are $30 Monday through Friday and $34 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Prices are reduced for seniors 55 and older and juniors 17 and under. For more information visit www.rockwood-
2010
◆ ROYAL MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 10501 E. 47th St., Kansas City Royal Meadows was completely rebuilt from the ground up in 2002 and features large, undulating greens, contoured bent-grass fairways, zoysia tees and three lakes to add beauty and interest. With four tee boxes, this 18-hole public course is a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Memberships are required to golf. Platinum level memberships are $1,699 per year and include unlimited green and cart fees 7 days a week, 15 percent off clubhouse merchandise, and 7 day advance tee times. Other membership levels are also offered. For more information visit www.royalmeadowsgc.com ◆ SHAMROCK HILLS GOLF CLUB 3161 S. Missouri 291, Lee’s Summit 816-537-6556 Shamrock Hills Golf Club, a family run golf facility in Lee’s Summit, features Men’s and Lady’s association play and a Senior’s league. Opened in 1961, the club offers a family friendly atmosphere and caters to players of all skill levels. Tee times are $33 with cart on weekdays, $39 with cart on weekends and $28 with cart for juniors and seniors. For more information visit www.shamrockhills.com ◆ STONE CANYON GOLF CLUB 3900 N.E. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs. 816-228-3333 Stone Canyon Golf Club is Missouri’s only Greg Norman Signature golf course. The par-72 course features 5 tees, rolling topography, rock outcroppings and dramatic views of downtown Kansas City. Memberships to the private club are $250 per month for an individual, $333 per month for a family of four, and $900 per month for a corporate membership. No initiation fees are charged. Incentives are available. Those who pay 12 months in advance can choose a $500 credit in the golf shop, eight guest passes or a tournament for 12 people. Tee times must be made 10 days in advance. For more information visit www.stonecanyongolfclub.com ◆ WINTERSTONE GOLF COURSE 17101 E. Kentucky Road, Independence 816-257-5755 When Harlan Limpus wanted to wanted to improve the land above his limestone mine, he hired Craig Schreiner Golf Course Architects to
design an 18-hole golf course with a unique feature. Every weekday at 3 p.m. “Thunder Time” excites WinterStone golfers as the miners blast away at the limestone. In addition to “Thunder Time,” the course takes advantage of the hilly, wooded terrain to provide a unique challenge. Tee times with cart are $52 on weekdays and $57 on weekends. “Thunder Time” rates start at 2 p.m. and are $42 on weekdays and $47 on weekends. Special rates available for seniors 55 and older and juniors 17 and under. For more information and to sign up for a free round on your birthday, visit www.winterstonegolf.com
AUTO RACING
◆ I-70 SPEEDWAY 12773 N. Outer Road, Odessa I-70 Speedway announced their grand reopening and a lease agreement with S&G Inc with a press release in February. Since then their Faceook page has been updating frequently. Details are sparse but racing on both the dirt and asphalt tracks are set to resume in June. The historic track closed after the 2008 season and had been trying to sell or lease the track ever since. According to the press release, “S&G Inc. is currently working on assembling staff and putting together operations plans as well as rules packages for the classes. At this time – rules will be similar to the IMCA rules set – but the track will not be sanctioned as such.” Further information will be coming in the near future – a new website, www.i70racing. com is live with a survey for fans. ◆ KC INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY 8201 S Noland Road, Kansas City 816-358-6700 “Your home for NHRA Drag Racing in Kansas City” is Kansas City International Raceway. KCIR offers racing action 4 days a week. Wednesdays are Fun Drags and Fridays feature Friday Night Grudge. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Prices are $20 for racers and $10 for spectators. Events vary on Saturdays and Sundays so check the calendar often. For more information visit www.kcironline. com ◆ KANSAS SPEEDWAY Interstate 70 and Interstate 435, Kansas City, Kan. 913-328-3300 Kansas Speedway offers major racing events such as IZOD Indy Car Series, and NASCAR events including the Camping World Truck Series, Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide MORE ON 59
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THINGS TO DO ●
Lots of bowling alleys to choose from for a day, night of fun FROM PAGE 58 Series. The speedway also offers the Dale Jarret Racing Adventure, Mario Andretti Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience, and NASCAR Racing Experience driving schools. Ticket prices vary. For tickets call 1-866-450-RACE. For more information visit www.kansasspeedway.com ◆ VALLEY SPEEDWAY 348 E Old 40 Hwy, Grain Valley 816-229-2222 Valley Speedway offers an action-packed summer season of dirt-track racing. The onethird mile, banked track offers excitement for the whole family. On Friday nights the action includes sprint cars and vintage racing cars. Gates open at 6 p.m. and hot laps begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays feature modifieds, stock cars and dirt demons. Gates open at 5 p.m. and hot laps begin at 6:30 p.m. Prices for all events are $10 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children age 6 through 12. Children five and under are free. Concessions are available. For more information visit www.valleyspeedway.com
BOWLING
◆ AMF STRIKE ‘N’ SPARE
13001 E U.S. 40, Independence 816-356-1900 Featuring 32 lanes, concessions, a bar and a game room, AMF Strike ‘N’ Spare offers fun for the whole family. Bowling leagues and clubs are available all year. Xtreme Bowling, featuring lights and music, is available at selected times or by planning an Xtreme Bowling event. Lanes are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to midnight. Bowling is $4.75 per game and shoe rental is $4. Leagues and clubs are forming now. For more information visit www.amf.com/ strikensparelanesindependencemo For free bowling for kids visit www.kidsbowlfree.com ◆ AMF INDEPENDENCE LANES 3701 S. Ponca Street, Independence 816-795-8630 AMF Independence Lanes features 32 lanes, a snack bar, a billiards room, a game room and a lounge. Dollar Day Wednesdays offer bowling, shoe rental, popcorn, hot-dogs and a 10 oz beer for $1 each with a $5 cover charge. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all-youcan-eat pizza and two hours of bowling is $14.99.
Bowling is $3.50 before 5 p.m. and $4.75 after 5 p.m. Leagues and clubs are forming now. For more information visit www.amf.com/independencelanes ◆ DIAMOND BOWL 218 N. Osage St., Independence 816-252-8003 Diamond Bowl is an eight-lane bowling alley featuring lunch and dinner menus and a full bar. “Think of it as a restaurant with bowling,” boasts the website. Lanes are open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Sundays noon to 9 p.m. Only those 21 and older are allowed after 10 p.m. Bowling is $5 per game and shoe rental is $2.50 per person. Hourly rates are also available. For more information visit www.diamondbowl.com ◆ BLUE SPRINGS BOWL 1225 S.W. U.S. 40, Blue Springs 816-228-9994 This 12-lane alley features video games, a bar and a snack bar. Open bowling is $4 and shoe rental is $2. The alley is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to midnight.
For more information visit Blue Springs Bowl’s Facebook page. ◆ LUNAR BOWL 2001 N.W. Missouri 7, Blue Springs 816-220-7722 Lunar Bowl features 32 lanes and is a wonderful location for a party. A game room, arcade and pro-shop are also available. Lunar Bowl offers Cosmic Bowling every Friday and Saturday night. The Blue Moon lounge features live music every Friday and Saturday night. Leagues are also available. Prices and hours vary. For more information visit www.lunarbowl. com STERLING LANES 11216 E U.S. 24, Sugar Creek. 816-252-2111 Sterling Lanes features open bowling, leagues, parties, a pro-shop, “Cash-O-Rama,” Rock ‘n’ Bowl” and more. Open bowling hours are all day Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Tuesdays open to 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays open to 8 p.m. All-U-Can-Bowl is $10 Monday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit.www.sterlingbowl.com – MATT MITCHELL
COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
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M-291
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40 Crackerneck Plaza
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Little Blue Pkwy.
19341 E. Highway 40 • Independence, MO (Located in the Crackerneck Plaza)
• “Themed” Gifts
816.795.5335 Hours: Mon. - Thur. 10am - 10pm Fri. & Sat. 10am - 11pm Sun. Noon - 8pm
Christian Brothers Automotive (On U.S. Highway 40, 1/2 mile east of M291 & Bass Pro)
Established 1982
19600 East U.S. Highway 40 Independence, MO 64055 816-795-6811 • www.cbac.com/independence
$25 Off Any Repair Service With This Ad
COL. CHARLIE ANGEL AUCTION SERVICE 816-353-1277
www.trustanangel.com
Raytown, MO
ANSTINE AUCTION LLC Jared Rick 34 Years Experience
Sell The Auction Way! www.wheelermurphy.com • Licensed Auctioneers Need A Sale? Call Us! • We Appreciate Your Business!
Col. Travis Wheeler • (816) 210-7737
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“3” Day Consignment Auctions Memorial Day - 9 a.m. May 29-30-31 Labor Day 9 a.m. ea Day Sept. 4-5-6
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email kingsville@earthlink.net
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See
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AUCTION BLOCK 60 Independence City Guide
2010
The Examiner
Li ttl eB lu eR .
THINGS TO DO â—?
Jackson County parks and historical sites
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Truman Rd.
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24 Truman Rd.
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9 Mize Rd.
70
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40
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Facility information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
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2010
Adair Park Blue and Gray Reserve Blue River Parkway Fleming Park (Blue Springs Lake) Fleming Park (Lake Jacomo) Fort Osage Park Hayes Park Landahl Park Reserve Little Blue Trace Reserve Longview Lake Missouri Town 1855 Monkey Mountain Reserve River Bluff Reserve Salem Park Truman Courtroom Truman Sports Park Vest Pocket Parks William Klein (Cave Springs)
Independence City Guide 61
LEGALSERVICES
Professionals Serving Eastern Jackson ADAMS LAW OFFICES, LC
COCHRAN, OSWALD & ROAM, LLC
NEWHOUSE, BYERS & SWANEY P.C.
Nell Adams • Attorney at Law
“A full service law firm serving Eastern Jackson County for over 43 years” •Corporate •Real Estate •Family Law •Personal Injury •DWI/Traffic •Social Security & Employee Rights •Wills & Estate Planning
Traffic • Family Law • Real Estate Small Business • Computer Law Estate Planning John S. Newhouse, Ronald G. Byers, James O. Swaney, Jr., Daniel T. Jeffers
601 NW Jefferson Street Blue Springs, MO
304 W. Walnut • Suite 210 Independence, MO 64050
(816) 229-8121
(816) 833-3000
www.cochranoswaldlaw.com
mleonard@homeisp.com
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES Since 1985 • Bankruptcy •Family Law •Criminal • Probate/Wills • Traffic • Mediation Services • Other Legal Service
2307 NW South Outer Road Suite 202 • Prudential Building Blue Springs, MO
(816) 228-1776
TYREE, ESKEW & ROBERTS
adamslawoffices.com
BARTON, HALL & SCHNIEDERS, PC Accident & Injury Probate - Real Estate Auto Accidents - On-the-Job Injuries Medical Malpractice - Personal Injury Defective Products - Civil Litigation Criminal Law - Bankruptcy Workers Compensation - Wrongful Death
1117 South Broadway Oak Grove, MO
(816) 690-4111 Fax: (816) 625-7204
TINA PARSLEY HUGHES, LLC Attorney & Counselor at Law Practice area focuses on Tax, Estate and Probate Law FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Tina Parsley Hughes, JD, LLM MBA
515 Main St. • P.O. Box 309 Grain Valley, MO
(816) 295-1253 tina@tphugheslaw.com www.tphugheslaw.com
Clay Barton • Jim Hall Bob Schnieders
BREDEHOFT LAW FIRM MICHAEL BREDEHOFT, Attorney at Law Licensed in MO & KS Since 1998 Free Initial Consultation Bankruptcy/Mediation Traffic/Wills-Probate
1200 S. Outer Road, Suite 109 Blue Springs, MO
Personal Injury • Workers' Compensation Bankruptcy • Family Law Criminal and Traffic Defense Probate and Estate Planning • Real Estate
George A. Tyree J. Brand Eskew Mark Roberts Erica L. Briscoe Heartland Financial Building 1600 NE Coronado, Suite 242 Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 228-6400 www.terlaw.com LAW OFFICE OF
JAMES H. YOUNG K. MARTIN KUNY, P.C.
AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
Attorney-at-Law
DEDICATED TO THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY LAW
Family Law/Divorce • Traffic Personal Injury EAP Referrals Welcome • Small Business
114 South Main Independence, MO 64050
(816) 254-0535 www.lawyers.com/kunylaw
(816) 229-8533 www.bredehoftlaw.com
62 Independence City Guide
Attorneys at Law
2010
3300 NE Ralph Powell Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 246-9981 Fax: (816) 246-9987
JAMES H. YOUNG MICHELLE E. JAKOBE ABRAHAM D. KUHL akuhl@jameshyoung.com
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO ● Tourism
Take a staycation, see the sites HARRY S. TRUMAN SITES ◆ Harry S. Truman Library and Museum 500 W. U.S. 24, 816-268-8200 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat.; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thurs (May - September); Noon - 5 p.m. Sun., Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day Cost: $8 adults, $7 seniors,$3 ages 6-15, under 6 free ◆ Truman Home Now re-opened for tours following an extensive re-construction to restore the “Summer White House” referred to by President Truman while he was in office. 219 N. Delaware Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 7 days/ week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tour of home: 9 a.m. - 5 a.m. (8 people at a time) Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day Cost: $4 adults, ages 15 and under free. ◆ Truman Courthouse and Office Located on Independence Square, 816-2527454 Open: 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tues - Fri Open by advance reservation for groups. Admission: $2 adults; $1 students, under 5 free. ◆ Truman Memorial Building 416 West Maple, 816-325-7843 Open: Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday ◆ Truman Depot 1111 W. Pacific Avenue ◆ Truman Farm 12301 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Grandview, Mo. 816-254-9929 Approximately a half mile west of U.S. 71 Farm home hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat. and Sun., Memorial Day through Labor Day. ◆ Clinton’s Soda Fountain 100 W. Maple Ave., 816-833-2046 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon - Thurs, 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri - Sat, Closed Sunday
The Examiner
318 W. Pacific Ave., 816-325-7955 Open: April - October Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon.,Thurs. - Sat. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun. Other times by appointment.
CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
◆ Bingham-Waggoner Estate 313 W. Pacific, 816-461-3491 Open: April - October Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and 1 - 4 p.m. Sun. Admission: $5 adults; $4.50 srs; $2 ages 6-16; under 6 free
◆ Children’s Peace Pavilion 1001 West Walnut, 816-521-3033 Open: Tues - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free
◆ 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum 217 N. Main, 816-461-1897 Open: April – October 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and 1 - 4 p.m. Sun. Admission: $5 adults; $4.50 seniors; $2 ages 6-16; under 6 free ◆ 1827 Log Courthouse 107 W. Kansas, 816-325-7111 Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon. - Fri. April 1October 31 Closed all major holidays. After 2 p.m. by appointment Admission: Free ◆ Pioneer Spring Cabin SE corner of Noland and Truman Roads, 816325-7111 Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mon. - Fri., April - October Admission: Free
◆ Cell Phone Tour of Truman’s Neighborhood Call (585) 672-2611 on your cell phone and enter the three digit numbers as you walk to each of the designated sites on the map. A narrator talks about stories related to each of the properties. Ticket center 816-254-9929 223 N. Main St.
◆ Historic Independence Square 816-461-0065 www.theindependencesquare.com
CIVIL WAR MARKERS
PIONEERS AND TRAILS
◆ Self-guided tour of 1864 Battle of Independence. A. North of U.S. 24, east of Little Blue River B. Jackson County Park at Little Blue River C. Northeast corner of U.S .24 .and Blue Mills Road. D. Northwest corner of Main Street and Truman Road. E. Southeast corner of River Blvd. and Lexington Ave. F. Corner of Lexington and Crysler Avenues
◆ National Frontier Trails Museum 318 W. Pacific, 816-325-7575 Open: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission: $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3.00 6-17, under 6 free ◆ Wagon Swales and Walking Trail 313 W. Pacific ◆ Chicago and Alton Depot
◆ Adventure Oasis Waterpark 2100 Hub Drive 816-325-7843 Hours: Noon - 8 p.m. Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sat - Sun
◆ Puppetry Arts Institute 11025 E. Winner Road, 816-833-9777 Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tue - Sat Admission: $3 adults; $1.50 under 16 ◆ George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Road, 816-325-7115 Fall & Winter Hours: September 23, 2009 – March 22, 2010 Tues – Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun: Noon – 5 p.m. Mon: Closed Spring & Summer Hours: March 23, 2010 – September Tues – Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun: Noon – 8:30 p.m. Mon: Closed ◆ Independence Center MIssouri 291 & I-70, 816-795-6110 ◆ Wagon Rides Independence Square, 816-456-4991 ◆ Cool Crest Family Fun Center 10735 E. U.S. 40, 816-358-0088 Open: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Mon - Sat, 12:00 noon - 11 p.m. Sun Skate Park Hill Park Location: 23rd Street and Maywood Closes at dusk Independence Events Center 19100 E. Valley View Parkway 816-795-7577 Center for sports and entertainment events including concerts, trade shows, high school sporting events, festivals, community ceremonies, family shows and a community ice rink. www.independenceeventcenter.com.
– NIKKI BOMGARDNER
2010
Independence City Guide 63
● THINGS TO DO
Youth sports
Lots of sports for children to enjoy ◆ BLUE VALLEY ACTIVITY CENTER Founded in 1966, Blue Valley Activity Center is a family-friendly organization providing sports and activities for youth. A leg of the Ministry of Central Mission, Community of Christ, the BVAC is a not-forprofit organization offering youth baseball, basketball soccer and volleyball. Kickball and volleyball are also available for adults. The cost per participant varies by sport. For more information visit http://bvacsports. org or call 816-796-8702 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
many more. Pop Warner is the only youth football organization in which divisions are set up by age and weight rather than by grade to amplify safety and parity. Pop Warner is also the only nationwide youth sports organization with an academic requirement. Registration times for the Independence league are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12, July 10, and July 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 17730 E. 39th Street, Independence. For more information visit http://heartofamericapopwarner.com or call 816-820-2160.
◆ HEART OF AMERICA POP WARNER FOOTBALL Heart of America is the oldest and biggest Pop Warner organization in Missouri. Heart of America offers football, cheerleading and dance programs for youth in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown and
◆ FORT OSAGE INDIANS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Fort Osage Indians Athletic Association is a USSSA Baseball organization featuring Machine Pitch, T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, Bantam, Midget, Junior and Senior baseball leagues. The organization caters to children ages 4-16.
The price ranges from $70 for T-Ball to $100 for Juniors. Siblings are $40. For more information visit www.eteamz. com/foiaa or call 816-292-2800. ◆ SOCCER ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENCE The Soccer Association of Independence is dedicated to teaching, advancing and promoting the game of soccer to youth. It provides different levels of play designed to challenge players, while offering a safe and fun environment encouraging sportsmanship among players. SAI is a member of the United States Soccer Federation, United States Youth Soccer Association and Missouri Youth Soccer Association. Rules and regulations are in accordance with the guidelines provided by these associations. Games are played at the Independence Athletic Complex. Fees are $55 for children age six and under, $65 for children ages seven through 15, and $75 for high school aged children. Sign-ups for the fall season are in late June and early July. Sign-ups for the spring season are in January. For more information call President Jeff Hoffman at 816-510-3975 or visit http://saisoccer.org ◆ INDEPENDENCE GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION The Independence Girls Softball Association’s website says they “develop softball skills, coordination and agility and promote good sportsmanship, cooperation and fun.” The association offers tee-ball, Machine Pitch, and recreational softball leagues as well as periodic softball clinics. Games are played at Adair Park and Independence Athletic Complex. For more information call 816-373-3687, e-mail the association’s president at president@ igsasofball.com or visit http://igsasoftball.com ◆ QUEEN CITY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Queen City Athletic Association is a youth baseball organization with teams ranging from tee-ball to 14-year-old competitive leagues. Games are played at Mill Creek Park or Santa Fe Park in Independence. Registration is $20 plus required fundraising. Competitive leagues cost $1,200 per team, but fundraising is available. For more information visit www.eteamz. com/qcba or call 816-796-4003.
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2010
◆ MO WEST WRESTLING CLUB MO West Wrestling Club offers wrestling programs for the novice as well as for experienced wrestlers. Private instruction is also available. Practices rotate between Blue Springs South and Blue Springs high schools. Sign ups are in October and will be available at www.mowestyouth.com, the club’s soon-tobe finished website. For more information, contact Matt Infranca at mattinfranca@gmail.com or call 816-9852293. ◆ INDEPENDENCE WRESTLING CLUB Independence Youth Wrestling Club practices at the William Chrisman High School wrestling room. Ages 5-14 are eligible. Practices are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. o 8:15 p.m. Tournaments are scheduled for Saturdays at area schools. Novice tournaments for first and second-year wrestlers are Sundays. The cost is $90 per child and $12 to $15 per tournament. For more information, visit www.independenceyouthwrestling.org or contact Chuck Rodgers at 816-254-3716 or Bill Jones at 816305-2928. ◆ PREDATOR YOUTH WRESTLING CLUB Predator Youth Wrestling Club of Eastern Jackson County seeks youth wrestlers ages 5-14. Practices are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the William Chrisman High School wrestling room. For more information contact Dawn Taff at 816-650-3979 or Mike Gempeler at 816-5251244 or mwgempeler@gmail.com. ◆ PRIDE WRESTLING CLUB Pride Wrestling club is a little-league wrestling club for children ages 5-14. Sign ups are in late October through early November The club practices at Blue Springs High School. For more information contact Tyler Hubbard at tyler.hubbard@hotmail.com ◆ YOUTH JAGUAR WRESTLING CLUB Youth Jaguar Wrestling Club, team practices at Blue Springs South High School. For more information, contact Doug Black at dblack@ bssd.net or 816-582-6911. ◆ WESTERN STARS YOUTH WRESTLING CLUB Western Stars Youth Wrestling Club, for ages MORE ON 65
The Examiner
THINGS TO DO/BUSINESS ●
Youth sports organizations teach teamwork early on 4-15. For more information, contact Phil Howk at 816-841-9852 or visit www. westernstars.org. ◆ FORT OSAGE MAT CLUB Fort Osage Mat Club practices 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Fort Osage Multipurpose Building.. Children in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade in the Fort Osage School District are eligible. For more information, Contact Jeff Cutbirth at 816-478-3994 or Bob Luke at 816-650-3516. ◆ LEE’S SUMMIT NORTH BRONCOS WRESTLING CLUB Lee’s Summit Broncos Youth Wrestling Club provides wrestling camps for children of all ages. For more information visit http://lsnhs.leesummit.k12.mo.us/athleticslsn/ wrestlinglsn/ or contact Bill Biggerstaff at 816-986-1499 ext. 8193. ◆ TEAM DOLPHINS SWIMMING Team Dolphins is a nonprofit youth sports organization featuring a professional coaching staff committed to inspiring swimmers of all skill levels to compete at their best and enjoy swimming. Team Dolphins offers three skill levels for children of all ages. Novice skill group is for children who have just gotten out of swim lessons, intermediate skill group is for children who have had approximately nine months in the novice group, and senior skill group is for children of high school age who have qualified for competitive swim meets. Fees vary. For more info visit www.teamdolphins.com or call Coach Rob Kenley at 816-679-2702. ◆ TSUNAMI SWIM TEAM OF KANSAS CITY Tsunami Swim Team of Kansas City is committed to empowering young people to be champions in life through excellence in swimming. Tsunami prides itself in creating elite athletes. They aim to compete at the highest levels of swimming competition. New members are asked to come in for an evaluation. To be evaluated, send an e-mail to info@tsunamiswimteam.com with the following information: Swimmer’s name, age and birthdate, parents name, previous swimming experience, contact phone number preferred location between Liberty, Independence, or Kansas. For more information, visit http://tsunamiswimteamkc.org or call 816-7817946 ◆ KC BLAZERS SWIM TEAM Home of Olympians Nadia Krueger, Mark Dean, Janie Wagstaff, Catherine Fox and Scott Goldblatt, the KC Blazers swim team offers training and personal development of all swimmers who desire to become a world class athlete. For more information visit www.kcblazers.com ◆ CENTERLINE BEACH VOLLEYBALL With a fun and friendly atmosphere, Centerline Beach Volleyball delivers beach volleyball action to the Kansas City area. Centerline offers recreational and competetive beach volleyball leagues. Open volleyball is available Saturdays after 5 p.m. A banquet room and sports bar are also available. Call to reserve the banquet room for private parties. Summer leagues begin June 5, and Fall leagues begin Aug. 16. Price is $240 for a 6 player team and $160 for a four player team. For more information call 816-224-4455 or visit http://centerlinevolleyball. com – MATT MITCHELL
The Examiner
Independence Council for Economic Development
Focus on business The Independence Council for Economic Development has a new location but the same job – supporting its investors and trying to bring new development and jobs to Independence. The organization is the first occupant of the Independence Regional Ennovation Center at the site of the old Independence Regional Health Center at Truman Road and Forest Avenue in western Independence. The hospital closed three years ago, and the site is being renovated for a business incubator, providing wet-lab, kitchen and business space for entrepreneurs. More tenants could be in by the end of the summer. The Ennovation Center is a project of the ICED and the Independence School District, which has issued millions of dollars in bonds to get the work under way. “They’re a great partner to have with us,” ICED President Tom Lesnak said. Among the programs expected to locate at the center is culinary arts training. “The first thing to come on line will be the kitchen and lab space,” Lesnak said. The ICED runs several programs, such as Learn @ Lunch, which includes seminars on business-related topics. The group has supported the year-old Independence Manufacturer’s Council, and it periodically publishes reports on the local economy. Each year it presents the Impact Awards to local companies and other organizations that have added employees or make significant capital investments. This year’s 26 win-
ners ranged from Centerpoint Medical Center to the Mid-Continent Public Library system. The ICED in 2010 also has embarked on what Lesnak has termed a “comprehensive rebranding” that could include a new logo and mission statement. The idea of changing the group’s name has even been kicked around. “Our name doesn’t reflect our mission,” Lesnak said early in the year when outlining the group’s goals. The group late this spring was wrapping up an investment drive that boosted its membership from 70 members at the beginning of the year to more than 85 by mid-spring. Some of the ICED’s work is to help its own members identify business trends and head off the challenges they face. Over the longer term, the ICED would like to see a new industrial park on the east side of the city. There are other possibilities for the city. “One of the things we’re looking at is customer-service service centers – inbound calls,” Lesnak said earlier this year. Rather than telemarketing, those jobs would be something along the lines of computer tech support. “Is our long-term goal to create $10- to $13-an-hour jobs? No,” Lesnak said, but it could be something to build on in areas such as western Independence. “If we get a hundred people working in Independence, we’ve hit a home run,” he said. – JEFF FOX
Chamber of Commerce
Representing business for decades The Independence Chamber of Commerce has represented local businesses for 90 years. The organization is in the Free Enterprise Center, 210 W. Truman Road, just off the Square. It says it has about 700 members. By far, its biggest annual event is the Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival on Labor Day weekend on the Square. Hundreds of vendors in booths and tents sell food, crafts and other items. The weekend is also full of music and other entertainment. Other chamber event include: ◆ The city’s Halloween parade. ◆ Monthy member luncheons. ◆ Monthly legislative briefings when the General Assembly is in session. ◆ The Business Expo each March, during which vendors to showcase their goods and services. ◆ An annual banquet in January. The chamber also runs the L.E.A.D. – Leadership,
2010
Education, Action and Development – program. It is an eight-month program is designed to provide what the chamber calls “a network of informed leaders with a commitment to the continued growth and development of Independence.” Each class decides what local issues it will study. Past classes have discussed education, health care, business development and community needs such as streets and parks. The application deadline for the 2010-11 class is July 16; call 816-252-4745 or visit www.independencechamber.org. The chamber has supported such issues as the city’s streets and parks taxes and the 2007 Kansas City School District boundary change. The chamber also has worked for projects such as the Little Blue Expressway and is currently promoting the next step in that decades-long process, an east-west thoroughfare from Little Blue Expressway to Kansas City. – JEFF FOX
Independence City Guide 65
● HELPING HANDS
Drumm Farm
Disabled services
Building family ties The Andrew Drumm Institute, also known as Drumm Farm, is a home for orphaned children and children in the foster care system that offers more stability and community. The Drumm Institute has been in operation since 1929, being initially funded by Major Andrew Drumm, a wealthy entrepreneur, who left funds to the institute in his will after his death in 1919. Today, the Institute is home to a little more than 30 children. The campus offers a home to foster parents and foster children at three houses. Children and their foster parents live in small homes to provide a nurturing and successful experience. Drumm Farm prides itself with its ability to keep sibling groups together on this campus as well as providing children with a long-term place to call home. Drumm Farm’s mission statement is “to provide family-style homes to foster children and to be a center for services to foster families.” Children on the campus attend Indepen-
dence schools and are also provided with tutoring and counseling if needed. The campus is slowly looking to expand by restoring the Swinney Hall building in a threephase process. The first stage, which was recently completed, included exterior work to the building. The second phase, now in progress, is making a third floor apartment for foster children in transition (somewhere for 18-year-olds to go if they haven’t secured living for themselves yet). The final stage, which is yet to take place, will be making an office and meeting place for training. Drumm Farm partners with the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association and operates as a center for services to the association. Drumm Farm is able to offer their services, free of charge to these families through some public funding, but also requires private funding from donors and the community. If you would like to contribute to Drumm
IBS INDUSTRIES
Farm donations are accepted via donating money, school supplies, clothing, and holiday gifts. You can also participate in Drumm Farm activities like the Drumm Run 5k and 10k, which raised nearly $20,000 for the Institute last March. For more information call 816-373-3434 or visit www.drummfarm.org – MELISSA SHEPHARD
Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association
Support available for foster, adoptive families The Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association seeks to provide foster and adopted children, as well as the foster and adoptive parents, with a nurturing and beneficial environment. They specialize in helping children that were removed from abusive or neglectful households and teaching foster parents how to assist them in their recovery from a detrimental environment. They also provide donations to families that cannot afford to independently support foster children. The organization primarily looks to enhance foster parents child rearing abilities in whatever way possible. The MFCAA is vital, particularly in Missouri, because the state has the third lowest reimbursement rate for foster care and social services families. Missouri has nearly 4,000 foster children living with grandparents, 20 percent of whom are below the poverty line.
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The MFCAA provides these people with furniture, clothing, and other necessary goods for raising children. In addition to this, the MFCAA provides mentoring, licensing, and training to foster parents to help them assist a child who has come from an abusive environment. They also help to hold an annual conference that brings instructors, teachers, therapists, and doctors while providing how-to classes for foster parents. This year’s conference will take place Nov. 17-18 at the Kansas City Convention Center with the assistance of Cornerstones of Care and the University of Missouri Kansas City. Keynote Speakers will include Rita L. Sorenson, the Executive Director of the Dave Thomas foundation. Funding for the MFCAA comes from a variety of sources, including private donors, the Rotary of Independence, the Healthcare
Companies help meet several needs
Foundation, the Kemper Foundation, and Truman Heartland, to name a few. These sources have recently helped MFCAA to build a new clothing closet for foster children. In addition to these sources, the MFCAA also does a number of fundraisers, their most recent of which was Ribs for Kids in early May, an event in which children sold 4,400 slabs of ribs to the public. Approaching, the organization looks to celebrate its 10th anniversary in August during an event called Forever Families where there will be an auction and jazz band performance, amongst other attractions. If you would like to donate to the MFCAA information is available at www.mfcaa.org on what you can do to donate money, volunteer, collect clothing, or become a foster parent. The MFCAA is at 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road. For more information call 816-350-0215. -MELISSA SHEPHARD
2010
IBS Industries provides “integrated employment oriented services for persons who have disabilities.” IBS Industries offers employment positions and partners with local government organizations and individuals to maximize employment opportunities. Established in 1969, its mission is to “create an encouraging working environment that brings out the best in our employees and in turn provides a high quality service to our clients.” Respect, encouragement and commitment are a few of the qualities IBS Industries takes pride in establishing. IBS has multiple facilities offering great flexibility for administrative staff and warehouse employees. For more information on their services call 816-796-7070 or visit the website, www. ibsindustries.com.
NAGLE’S VISUAL AID SYSTEMS Since its inception in 1986, Nagel’s Visual Aid Systems has been to “help people with low vision discover the information, devices and aids that will help them become more visually independent…” The goal is for vision impaired people to lead healthy, happy lives. Their inventory is exclusively for people with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy, and other low vision conditions more viable. They offer reasonable prices on Telesensory, MagniSight and Humanware CCTVs, portable viewing devices, lighted magnifiers, special lamps, and a host of other products and previously owned equipment. Opened in 2001, Nagel’s Low Vision Resource Center is at 2400 Lee’s Summit Road in Independence. Hours of operation: Tuesday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30PM, closed Sunday and Monday, open Saturdays and Evenings by appointment only. For more information call 816- 833-2444 or visit www.nagelsvisualaids.com. – NIKKI BOMGARDNER
The Examiner
Mother’s Refuge
HELPING HANDS ●
Community Services League
A stepping Food, financial help for families stone for teen moms Mother’s Refuge is dedicated to serve pregnant teenagers, 19 years of age and younger, with no permanent place to live. Each year it provides more than 3,500 bed nights to young moms and their babies, 10,000 meals and snacks and more than 12,000 diapers. Besides shelter Mother’s Refuge provides clothing, food, access to medical care, education, infant and parenting classes and practical life-skills. According to Mother’s Refuge’s website, residents are required to continue their education while in the program. They may attend high school, community college or take GED classes. Besides going to church on Sundays, teen moms learn household responsibilities and take turns planning, preparing and cooking the evening meals and cleaning the home. Moms may stay until their baby is 1 year old. A smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drugfree facility, Mother’s Refuge is licensed by the state of Missouri as a maternity home. Mother’s Refuge is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 community based organization that receives contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, civic clubs, churches and various grants. Donations of $100 or more may qualify for an additional 50 percent Missouri Tax Credit, according to the website. Volunteers are a key to Mother’s Refuge. Volunteers may offer their services such as babysitting, tutoring, office help, maintenance, yard work, fundraising and donating funds. Mother’s Refuge is at 11004 E. U.S., Suite 132, in Independence. For more information on the center or how you may donate call 816-353-8070. For more information on how you may become a mentor contact Megan Morrison, Education Coordinator, at 816-356-4797, Ext. 4. – NIKKI BOMGARDNER
The Examiner
The Community Services league focuses on “helping people help themselves.” The CSL does this through a wide variety of charities to the public that provide both long-term and immediate relief to those in need. Their most commonly used services include their food pantry and clothing assistance. The league was founded in 1916 by a group of women, including wife of Harry S. Truman, Bess Truman. The league serves low-income people throughout all of Eastern Jackson County. The league’s wide range of services offered to the public go beyond income and ethnic boundaries to serve a variety of individuals and families. The services it provides include rent and utility assistance, counseling, senior services, providing school supplies, minor home repair, financial assistance for temporary shelter, assistance with prescription medicine, and assisting those in the job search via employment referrals. The league also helps individuals to obtain birth certificates. The league serves thousands and in the last year alone their assistance has nearly doubled. It is for this reason, in addition to others, that the league is relocating in December to the intersection of Truman and Noland. The league also cites the need to get out of an old building and move to a nicer place with more room and a more efficient design as reason for the move. Private donations, government grants, and a number of fundraisers fund the league. If you would like to donate to the Community Services League, it is accepting food pantry donations, particularly lunch items now that school is out. It is, also, accepting school sup-
plies for the coming school year. For those willing to donate time, volunteers are a necessity for this organization, and the league accepts volunteers from all walks of life. To learn more about the Community Services league you can reach it at 816-254-4100 or go online at www.cslcares.org. If you wish to receive assistance from the league you may stop by any of the following local offices: ◆ Independence (main office) – 300 W. Maple, 816-254-4100. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ◆ Fairmount – 800 S.Hardy Ave., 816-2540446. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. ◆ 39th Street – 14500 E. 39th St., 816-2548209, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ◆ Blue Springs – 200 S.W. 10th St., 816-2290033, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ◆ Grain Valley – Walnut and Capelle Street, 816-229-5890, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. n Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley, 816-249-5820, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon. ◆ n Oak Grove – 1408 S.E. Austin St., 816690-8213, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – MELISSA SHEPHARD
Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Start a memorial scholarship, manage donations The mission of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation is to improve area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. Donors are the driving force behind THCF and make the difference in the success of the organization. THCF offers many options for giving. With a minimum of $5,000, donors may chose from the following ways to give: cash, “in memory
2010
of”, appreciated securities, real estate, personal property and planned gifts. Some benefits for charitable donations may include; involvement in an organization the donor cares about, impact based on pooling donations received by others for the same organization, tax savings and investing. THCF has three locations in the area: North office operation center in the Commerce Bank building in Independence, East office confer-
ence center in the Blue Ridge Bank Financial Center at 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Ste. 550 in Independence and the south office at Conference Center in the Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, 1812 Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit. Contact number for THCF is 816-836-8189 or you may reach them on the web at www. thcf.org. – NIKKI BOMGARDNER
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Calvary Baptist Church of Blue Springs 22nd & Ashton • 228-5540 • www.calvarybluesprings.org Jim Millstead, Pastor Sunday Morning Bible Study...............................................9:30 am Morning Service.................................................................10:45 am Evening Worship.................................................................6:00 pm Wednesday Service..............................................................6:00 pm Loving God, Loving People - Matthew 22:37-40
The Church of Christ With The Elijah Message
Welcome!
THE ASSURED WAY OF THE LORD, Inc. Independence Local, Headquarters Offices, and Library
SUNDAY SERVICES
Dynamic Praise and Worship • Caring Children’s Ministry • Practical Bible Teaching • Exciting Teen & Young Adult Ministry • The Link Café • Rock House Bookstore
Sunday School 10:00 A.M. Church Service 11:00 A.M. (SW corner, Indep. Courthouse Square)
SERVICE SCHEDULE: Saturday 5 p.m. • Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. 301 SE ‘AA’ HIGHWAY • BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64014 • (816) 228-1979
Hillcrest Bank Bldg - Suite 100 - 201 West Lexington, Independence, MO 64050 - Phone 816-836-1913
www.johnthebaptist.info | theassuredway.org | ancientofdays.org
www.cornerstonelife.org
Rev. 12:1, Msg. 2:7, Matt. 17:11, Rev. 14:6, Mal. 3:1
Sunday Activities Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship: 6:33 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Activities Youth (7th-12th grd) The Edge: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Children's Choir: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
4901 Lee’s Summit Rd., KC, 373-6445 www.cmbc.net
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The Examiner
First Presbyterian Church
JOIN US ON SUNDAY!
Building on the Past • Celebrating the Present • Preparing for the Future
9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
500 W. Truman Rd. • 816-252-3377 www.fbcindep.org
Time: Sundays - 10 a.m. Web: www.lscckc.com Pastor: Dan Roye
10:00 a.m. Sunday School/ Bible Study
9:30 a.m. Worship (Traditional) 10:50 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Worship (Contemporary) Nursery Care at all services
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
100 North Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050 816-252-6662 • www.fpcindep.org
Location: Grain Valley High School Address: 551 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley Phone: 816.228.1404
“ You also, as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5)
NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH (LCMS)
A Mission Congregation of LCMC
613 S. Main Street, Independence, MO 64050
816-254-9405
Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ Bible-based, Traditional Lutheran Confessions
(1/2 Block West of Noland Rd. and Pacific)
An Alternative to the ELCA Synods
Traditional Worship Services 8:00 & 10:45 AM Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes 9:30 AM
Worship Sunday 10am, Adult Bible Study 11am 14500 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055
College/Young Adults/20 Somethings: Find us on www.facebook.com
Ph: 816-805-2198
Web Site: www.messiahlutheranindependence.org The Examiner
2010
www.newhope-foryou.com
Independence City Guide 69
The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints promotes and defends the original Restoration Gospel message at 4 congregations in the Independence area: Center Congregation at 709 W. Maple Street; First Congregation at 2820 S. M-291 Highway—Outer Rd.; Northeast Mission at 912 N. Atherton Rd., and in Blue Springs, Blue Springs Congregation at 5555 Valley View Rd. For questions or directions call 816-461-7215, M-F, 8:30am-4pm. e-mail: churchoffice@theremnantchurch.com
Stone Church Congregation
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church NW Corner I-70 & Lee’s Summit Road
4000 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence 373-5333 www.St.MichaelsChurch.org
Sunday 8am & 10:30am Christian Education 9:30am
Presiding Pastor: Terry Snapp Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. — Eat and Greet (Foyer) 9:00 a.m. — Church School (All Ages) 10:20 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) Children's Church (4-12 years old)
Come Feel Christ’s Love.
Wednesday 12:15pm & 6:30pm
All are Welcome!
1012 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64050
Timothy Lutheran Ministries and School
LCMS
70 Independence City Guide
www.stone-church.org
Trinity Church of the Nazarene
425 NW R.D. Mize Road • Blue Springs, MO 64014 (Church) Saturday Evening Worship – 6 pm Sunday Morning Worship – 8 am, 9:15 am, 11 am Crosswalk & Education Hour – 9:15 am Wednesday Religion Classes for Youth – Sept/April – 6:30 - 8:00 pm 301 SW Wyatt Rd (School and Church) Contemporary Service of Joy – 9:30 am – Wyatt Rd Education Hour – 10:45 am “Touching Lives for Christ”
816-228-5300
816/254-2211
19800 E. Truman Rd., Independence, MO 64056 * (816) 796-2750
‘Jesus For Your Journey’ Sunday Schedule: Worship 8:30am, 11:00am & 6:00pm Sunday School 9:45am Wednesday’s @ 7:00pm: Adult,Youth & Children’s Ministries
www.timothylutheran.com
2010
Relevant Worship – Exciting Programs – Mission Minded – Lasting Relationships
The Examiner
HELPING HANDS ● Salvation Army
Services for homeless The Salvation Army has a strong presence in Independence. Its thrift store, 1535 E. 23rd St., is one of the biggest in the Kansas City area. The Independence thrift store branch opened seven years ago and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to accept donations. It accepts an array of items such as clothes, household items, washing machines, fridges, furniture and automobiles. For more information, call 816-833-8881. The Salvation Army also runs a family homeless shelter, Crossroads, at 14700 E. Truman Road. It provides long-term and temporary shelter and meals for 50 people.
Hillcrest Ministries
Program helps families in need get back on track Hillcrest Transitional Housing is at 401 N. Spring St. Hillcrest provides housing for families for 90 days after a written agreement is signed by residents where they agree to work full time, obey guidelines and attend volunteertaught classes in life skills, employment, community living and budgeting. Hillcrest also provides auto repair/donation, food pantry, medical assistance, dental work, GED classes, haircuts, glasses, school clothes and work uniforms. For more information, call 816-461-0468 or visit the office on Spring Street.
The Examiner
People in the long-term shelter residency program can stay up to 60 days. A case manager helps them find housing and work and come up with a life plan. The shelter also provides classes for things such as parenting, women’s issues and GED preparation. People can only be in the residency program once a year. The temporary emergency overnight program allows people to stay at the shelter one night a month, with allowances made during inclement weather.
How safe do you feel in Independence?
Offering safety
2010
– TERESA SHEFFIELD
| YOURTAKE |
Hope House
Hope House provides a safety net of prevention, education and support for more than 10,000 victims of abuse every year in the metropolitian area. Hope House offers many services including outreach therapy, court advocacy, a safe visitation center, hospital-based advocacy, on-call women’s advocates who work with area police departments and professional trainings on domestic violence. There are two secure locations in the area, one in Independence and one in Lee’s Summit. Each features a 52-bed shelter, childcare facilities, therapy rooms,
Crossroads has eight family rooms and two separate dormitories for single men and women. Because it’s the only emergency shelter in Eastern Jackson County, it has to turn away almost 200 families a month. It usually helps them find alternative shelter elsewhere. To qualify for shelter at Crossroads, people must be homeless, drugfree and alcohol-free and willing to look for a job and housing in the casework program. The thrift store raises money for the Adult Rehab Center at 1351 E. 10th St. in Kansas City, which costs several million dollars to run each year. The center feeds and houses 100 men with addictions for six months and provides classes designed to help them get sober. The Salvation Army is an international service founded more than 150 years ago. It is primarily funded through private donations. To donate, seek assistance or get more information call 816-2523200.
administration offices and community training facilities. Approximately 66 percent of Hope House’s operating funds come from local monetary donations. They are always looking for clothing donations for adults and children. For information about volunteering, e-mail ghicks@hopehouse.net. For immediate assistance in escaping domestic violence, call 816-461-4673 or 816-468-5463.
BARBARA OVERMAN Independence “Very safe. It’s a wonderful city – sometimes I even forget to lock my back door. I have no concerns.” CHRISTOPHER MORGAN Independence “Fairly safe, I guess. I don’t have any reason not to I don’t think.” GAIL YAW Independence “Very safe. Independence is a small town comfort in the middle of a big city.”
– ANDREA HEWITT
Independence City Guide 71
● HELPING HANDS
Boys and Girls Club
Providing a safe place for children to learn and grow The Leslie Unit of the Boys and Girls club of Greater Kansas City is at 315 S. Leslie St. It is open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday and the club teen hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe environment to learn and play for youth ages 5 to 18. The center strives to provide a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adults, life-enhancing programs, character development and hope. The fee per child is $15 per school year.
Emili Urrutia watches Josiah Carter try to get a shot past Missouri Mavericks mascot Mac while playing stick ball during the Dinner on Ice at the Independence Events Center. The event was a fundraiser for the Girls and Boys Clubs of Greater Kansas City. The Events Caenter, part of Independence Parks and Recreation, sponsors several events like this and features a community ice rink that features a public skating opportunities.
The club offers programs in five core areas including character development, education/ technology and career development, health and life skills, the arts and fitness. The club is looking for volunteers including mentoring a child, providing job shadowing opportunities, training youth on computers, tutoring, teaching digital photography or computer arts and choir/dance class director. For more information about volunteering, call 816-361-3600 x237. -ANDREA HEWITT
Community Mediation Center
Center helps resolve issues The Community Mediation Center has helped 2,000 Eastern Jackson County residents each year resolve their disputes and learn to live peacefully for many years. With a small paid staff and about 10 volunteers, the privately operated center conducts 250 mediations each year for 500 people. A trained mediator from the center gets two disputing parties together and helps identify the problem and find a solution both sides can agree with. The parties then sign an agreement to keep the issue resolved. Eighty-five percent of people who seek help resolve their issues. The center also has a program in Clay County called the Victim Offender Dialogue for juveniles who have committed crimes for the first time. The offender talks to victims about what they did wrong, and the victims then tell how it has affected them. They work out how to relieve the situation. Ninety-five percent of children in the program don’t reoffend. The mediation center also serves kids in the Independence School District. The program Talk It Out sends mediators to area elementary schools and teaches children how to control their anger. They also have anger management classes for high school students with behavioral issues and those who are on the verge of getting suspended. It also teaches mediation to families, community groups, churches, businesses, and even teach mediation classes at Park University as well as at Truman High School and Nowlin Middle school. The center costs $150,000 each year to operate. Grants, donations, fundraisers, the United Way and contracts contribute to the funding.
72 Independence City Guide
Diane Kyser has served as executive director of the Community Mediation Center in Independence since its beginning 10 years ago. The fee for mediation services is based on income, but the center is willing to work with customers, and usually only about 10 percent of people pay anything. The center will move into a new space at 1212 Truman Road on July 1. It is currently located at 500 W. Pacific Ave. For more information call 816-461-TALK (8255) or 816-8334300, ext. 215.
Red Cross Red Cross serves metro area The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Cass, Clay, Platte, Johnson and Jackson counties and provides many services to the Kansas City community. The chapter has an emergency services department that responds to disasters in the region including house fires, floods, winter storms and tornadoes. The chapter responds within 24 hours and provides warm meals, dry clothing and safe shelters for the people affected. The chapter also provides health and safety programs including First Aid, CPR, swimming and lifeguarding, family caregiving and babysitting training. To enroll in a class, call 816-931-8400 and ask for class registration. The American Red Cross supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and provides patients in almost 3,000 hospitals in the United States. The Red Cross holds more than 200,000 blood drives each year. To donate blood visit www. redcrossblood.org/donating-blood to set up an appointment. The Kansas City office is at 211 W. Armour Blvd. -ANDREA HEWITT
Find what you are looking for daily in
– THE EXAMINER STAFF
2010
The Examiner
The Examiner
2010
Independence City Guide 73
● EDUCATION
Libraries
North Branch takes up temporary home in old IRHC The Mid-Continent Public Library area branches offer a summer reading program with incentives for time spent reading for children ages birth through 12th grade. The summer reading program started in May and ends July 31. But it’s not too late to start. For more information on the program contact either Independence branch or visit the library website: http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/ You can even track your reading log online! The North Independence Branch is undergoing renovations and is expected to open in the fall. The north branch is temporarily located at 1509 Truman Road (enter at the corner of Maple and Woodland) at the back of the Independence Regional Ennovation Center campus. According to the library website, the renovated library at U.S. 24 and Spring Street will contain many great features including a children’s library, public meeting space, quiet rooms, a computer lab, a special teen area, a bistro, and more.
Volunteer Precious Dean helps get the rest of the books on the shelves of the new temporary location of the Mid-Continent Public Library on the corner of Maple an Woodland in Independence.
74 Independence City Guide
card if they live or own property in a library district in the Kansas City metropolitan area with which the system has a joint borrowing agreement. Young readers are encouraged to participate in the summer reading program, “Be Creative @ Your Library.” Through Aug. 22, listeners and beginning readers must hear or read 20 picture books. Children in grades third through fifth must read 10 juvenile or juvenile nonfiction books, or they may use a contract to set their own goals. Each branch offers a variety of children’s and family programs. Visit your branch or check the library website at mcpl.lib.mo.us for program listings and registration.
MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY Web site: mcpl.lib.mo.us ■ NORTH INDEPENDENCE BRANCH 317 W. U.S. 24 Phone: 816-252-0950 ■ SOUTH INDEPENDENCE BRANCH 13700 E. 35th St. Phone: 816-461-2050 Hours (North and South branches): 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. ■ MIDWEST GENEALOGY CENTER 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road Phone: 816-252-7228 Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tax dollars finance the Mid-Continent Public Library system, which holds more than 3 million books, as well as a collection of compact discs, video cassettes, audio cassettes, books on cassette, maps, microfilms and feature films. The North Independence Branch moved to its existing location in 1970, with an addition taking place in 1988. In 1996, the genealogy addition was built. The genealogy collection moved to the library’s Midwest Genealogy Center in 2008. The Genealogy Center offers the following online databases: ■ America’s GenealogyBank – Contains historical newspapers, books and documents, as well as obituaries and the Social Security death index from 1937 to present. Some of the newspapers and books included date back to the 1600s. ■ America’s Obituaries & Death Notices – A collection of newspaper obituaries and death notices published since 1980, though exact dates covered may vary by newspaper.
2010
Database will search names, date ranges or specific text. ■ Ancestry Library Edition (library use only) – An enhanced library version of Ancestry.com that contains U.S. Federal Census records from 1790 to 1930, as well as immigration, vital, military, court, church and ethnic records. ■ Archive Finder – Holdings information from thousands of archival collections across the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. ■ Biography and Genealogy Master Index – A comprehensive index to more than 13 million biographical sketches that cover both contemporary and historical figures across the world. ■ Digital Sanborn Maps – A collection of historical fire insurance maps for more than 12,000 American cities and towns that were created between 1867 and 1970. ■ Heritage Quest – An index of thousands of family and local history books, as well as the complete U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1930. Census records can be searched by name, place of birth, age, ethnicity and other criteria. The database also includes Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank and the PERSI periodical index. ■ ProQuest Obituaries – A collection of more than 10 million obituaries and death notices in full-image format from national newspapers dating back to 1851. A free Mid-Continent library card is available for anyone who lives, works, owns property or attends school within the district serving area (Clay, Platte and Jackson counties, excluding the Kansas City School District and the municipality of North Kansas City). Residents also are eligible for a library
KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Web site: kclibrary.org ■ TRAILS WEST BRANCH 11401 E. 23rd St. Phone: 816-701-3483 Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. ■ SUGAR CREEK BRANCH 102 S. Sterling Ave. Phone: 816-701-3489 Hours: noon to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. The Kansas City Public Library system receives its funding from property taxes, fees and fines, state and federal funding and a variety of grants. Trails West Branch contains more than 67,000 items, including books, magazines, audio books in both cassette and CD formats, as well as musical CDs and feature films. Sugar Creek Branch has more than 16,000 items, including fiction and nonfiction books, audio books for adults and children, musical CDs and feature films for adults and children. Both branches also offer public computers that residents can use to access the Internet, type a research paper, play games and other uses. Both branches are offering a summer reading program, “Be Creative,” which runs through Aug. 8. Children through the fifth grade are eligible. “Express Yourself @ Your Library,” a reading program for teenagers, ends Aug. 8. Children in the sixth grade through high school can participate. – THE EXAMINER STAFF
The Examiner
EDUCATION ● Sunshine Center
School District operates Sunshine Center The Sunshine Center is an early education site operated by the Independence School District. The center seeks to provide specialized services to children and their families. The center places regularly developing children along side special needs children in a welcoming and nurturing environment. In operation since 1975, the Center is licensed and NAEYC accredited with the ability to serve 190 children. The center was incorporated into the Independence School District in November 2009. The center provides a setting where children with autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities can participate in an individualized early childhood education. The center is able to provide special needs children with occupational and physical therapy while teaching typically developing students the importance of accepting those with disabilities from an early age.
The Examiner
The center offers a variety of programs including full day parent pay childcare for children six weeks in age to Pre-K, Head Start/Early Head Start (income eligible programs), and services for disabled children from six weeks in age to Pre-K. Fees for services are $200 a week for ages 6 weeks to 2 years and $150 a week for 2 years to Pre-K. The center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The center includes 10 classrooms with teachers and paraprofessionals. They host a variety of volunteers, such as Foster Grandparents, students from Independence Academy, and members of the community. Volunteers are encouraged to help in the classroom or volunteer at any of the center’s fundraising events. The center relies funding from Head Start/ Early Head Start, parent pay, childcare subsidiary, district dollars, and on private donations from individual donors and local businesses
2010
and corporations. The center also does a number of fundraising functions, including the Annual Run to the Sun 5K, Sundance Gala Dinner, Silent Auction, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade. If you would like to donate to the Sunshine Center or learn more about it you can visit them online at www.sunshinecenter. org or call their office at 816-461-0893 or the Independence School District’s central office at 816-521-5300. The Sunshine Center is at 18400 E. Salisbury Road. – MELISSA SHEPHARD D.J. Guy, 6, calls out to his younger sister, Madison, 4, as part of Studio 3-V Dance Center’s float in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the Independence Square. The parade is one of many fundraisers that benefits the Sunshine Center.
Independence City Guide 75
Starshine Preschool
Messiah Lutheran School 613 S. MAIN • INDEPENDENCE, MO • 254-9409
www.starshinepreschool.org
Tues-Thurs 9:30-2:30 Sept.-May Ages 6 weeks-5 years 254-6900 Ext. 108 • Kim Oyler, Director
Independence First United Methodist 400 West Maple • 254-6900 Worship 9 and 11:15 a.m. • Sunday School 10 a.m. www.indepmo-fumc.org Rev. Mitchell Jarvis, Lead Pastor
LUTHERAN SCHOOLS
Now Enrolling P/K - Grade 8 Quality Christian Education Fully Accredited Sports program and band also offered.
Messiah Lutheran Day Care 613 S. Main Independence, MO 64050
254-9990 Ages 2-14 • Day Care and Extended Care Open 12 months a year, Monday-Friday 6 am - 6 pm
Quality childcare in a Christian environment
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR
OPEN ENROLLMENT KINDERGARTEN - 6TH GRADE
Plaza Heights Christian Academy and Little Lions Preschool Age 3 years - 12th Grade
40
1500 SW Clark, Blue Springs, MO 64015
an independent elementary school 14709 E. 35th St., Independence, MO 64055 (816)373-5938
816.228.0670 www.plazaheights.org
Tri-City Christian School
St. John LaLande Catholic School Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st-8th Grades
Enroll Now!
Fully Accredited School of Service Rigorous Academic Standards Parochial League Athletics Daily Prayer and Weekly School Mass
Preschool thru 12th Grade including infant care
801 NW R.D. Mize Road • Blue Springs, MO 64015 816.228.5895 • www.stjohnlalande.com
(816) 795-1088 www.tccrusaders.org 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence, MO 64057
Faith, Service, and Education, for Life. 76 Independence City Guide
The school’s philosophy, programs, and physical arrangement are centered upon the individual child. The Schoolhouse meets all state and local requirements and accepts students of elementary school age, regardless of race, creed, or religion. The Schoolhouse employs qualified and experienced teachers who are concerned about children. The 12-to-1 pupil-teacher ratio provides ample opportunity for individualized instruction and interaction.
2010
The Examiner
EDUCATION ● School Districts
Four school districts serve Independence
1. TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL, 3301 S. Noland Road, 816-521-5350, Kristel Barr, principal – 1,614 students. 2. VAN HORN HIGH SCHOOL, 1109 S. Arlington Ave., 816-521-5360, Greg Netzer, principal – 609 students. 3. WILLIAM CHRISMAN HIGH SCHOOL, 1223 N. Noland Road, 816-521-5355, Mike Becker, principal – 1,595 students. 4. INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., 816-521-5505, Chad Bruton, principal – 36 students. 5. CLIFFORD H. NOWLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2800 S. Hardy Ave., 816-521-5380, Jean Carton, principal – 563 students. 6. GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1716 S. Speck Road, 816-521-5490, Corey Willich, principal – 607 students. 7. JAMES BRIDGER MIDDLE SCHOOL, 18200 E. Missouri 78, 816-521-5375, Belinda Woodson, principal – 878 students. 8. PIONEER RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1656 S. Speck Road, 816-521-5385, Michael Weishaar, principal – 834 students.
The Examiner
FORT OSAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT www.fortosage.net Independence school-aged population: ap-
2010
2729 26 28
30 24
32 33
15
Fort Osage School District
31 22 17
24
Crysler
5
42
35th St.
43
14 40
39th St.
Raytown School District
Truman Rd.
13
78 er
8 6 7
v Ri Blue
9
44 20
7
21
10
Independence School District 1
l Litt
e
16
19
Speck Rd.
18 23rd St.
Noland Rd.
2
291
3 Lee’s Summit Rd.
4 41 24 11 Truman Rd. 38 37
R.D. Mize Rd.
Blue Springs School District
291
40 23
36 70
25 40
proximately 3,900 students Tax levy: $5.38 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Carol Marcks, president; David Shrout, vice-president; Gary Thompson, Sharon Dankenbring; Linda Wessel, Diana Rice and Ben Schloman. Administrators: Mark Enderle, superintendent; Maria Fleming, assistant superintendent of educational services; John Ruddy, assistant superintendent of support services; Anissa Gastin, assistant superintendent for human resources; Kim Gaines, director of curriculum and assessment; Roxie Lanier, director of student support services and Stephanie Smith, director of public relations. The administrative office telephone number is 816-650-7000. Student numbers are based on the 2009-10 school year. 26. FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7063, Jason Snodgrass, principal – 1,478 students. 27. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7180, Mike Pantleo, director. 28. OSAGE TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 816-650-7151, Vernita McLean, principal – 698 students. 29. FIRE PRAIRIE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 24810 E. U.S. 24, 816-650-7158, Tim Gallagher, princi-
Lit tle Bl ue Pk w y
12
Sterling
www.ourindependenceschools.org Independence students in the district: 13,976 Tax levy: $5.28 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Ken Johnston, president; Ann Franklin, vice-president; Jana Waits, treasurer; Blake Roberson, Matt Mallinson, Jill Esry and Denise Fears. Administrators: Jim Hinson, superintendent; Dred Scott, deputy superintendent; Dale Herl, deputy superintendent; Jason Dial, assistant superintendent for high school education/curriculum; Beth Savidge, assistant superintendent for middle school instruction; Gary Hogue, assistant superintendent of human resources, certificated; Nancy Lewis, director of public relations; Patti Simcosky, director of early education/Parents As Teachers; Cindy Konomos, director of special services; Brad Smith, director of family services and Caring Communities; Gloria Stephenson, executive director of technology; Michele Crumbaugh, director of nutrition services; John Davies, director of transportation and Bob Robinson, director of facilities services. The administrative office phone number is 816-521-5300. Student numbers are for the 2009-10 school year.
9. THOMAS HART BENTON ELEMENTARY, 429 S. Leslie, 816-521-5390, Leslie Hochsprung, principal – 465 students. 10. BLACKBURN ELEMENTARY, 17302 E. R.D. Mize Road, 816-521-5395, Laura LaCroix, principal – 619 students. 11. BRYANT ELEMENTARY, 827 W. College, 816-521-5400, Jonathan Pye, principal – 238 students. 12. FAIRMOUNT ELEMENTARY, 120 N. Cedar Ave., 816-521-5405, Jeff Anger, principal – 358 students. 13. GLENDALE ELEMENTARY, 2611 S. Lee’s Summit Road, 816-521-5510, Todd Siebert, principal – 494 students. 14. JOHN W. LUFF ELEMENTARY, 3700 S. Delaware Ave., 816-521-5415, Toni Kilgore, principal – 399 students. 15. MILL CREEK ELEMENTARY, 2601 N. Liberty St., 816-521-5420, Kathy Butler, principal – 313 students. 16. KORTE ELEMENTARY, 2437 S. Hardy Ave., 816-521-5430, R.D. Mallams, principal – 588 students. 17. CHRISTIAN OTT ELEMENTARY, 1525 N. Noland Road, 816-521-5435, Ronnee Laughlin, principal – 484 students. 18. PROCTER ELEMENTARY, 1403 W. Linden Ave., 816-521-5440, Deborah L. Marlowe, principal – 274 students. 19. RANDALL ELEMENTARY, 509 Jennings Road, 816-521-5445, Cynthia Grant, principal – 316 students. 20. SANTA FE TRAIL ELEMENTARY, 1301 S. Windsor Ave., 816-521-5450, Janet Gibbs, principal – 368 students. 21. SPRING BRANCH ELEMENTARY, 20404 E. Truman Road, 816-521-5455, Janet Richards, principal – 391 students. 22. SUGAR CREEK ELEMENTARY, 11424 Gill St., 816-521-5460, Sharon Byrd, principal – 182 students. 23. SYCAMORE HILLS ELEMENTARY, 15208 E. 39th St. S., 816-521-5465, Ann Laudwig, principal – 533 students. 24. THREE TRAILS ELEMENTARY, 11801 E. 32nd St. S., 816-521-5470, Robert Streich, principal – 341 students. 25. WILLIAM SOUTHERN ELEMENTARY, 4300 S. Phelps Road, 816-521-5475, Barbara Allinder, principal – 531 students.
Hardy
INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT
34 35
39
pal – 754 students. 30. BLUE HILLS ELEMENTARY, 1911 Blue Mills Road, 816-650-7440, Monica Shane, principal – 415 students. ◆ BUCKNER ELEMENTARY, 13 S. Sibley, 816-650-7300, Patrick Farnan, principal – 350 students. 31. CLER-MONT ELEMENTARY, 19009 Susquehanna Ridge, 816-650-7350, Julie Stout, principal – 356 students. 32. ELM GROVE ELEMENTARY, 18000 Kentucky Road, 816-650-7400, Pam Fore, principal – 380 students. 33. INDIAN TRAILS ELEMENTARY, 24200 E. Bundschu, 816-650-7645, Emily Cross, principal – 343 students.
BLUE SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT www.bluesprings-schools.net Independence school-aged population: Approximately 1,500 Tax levy: $5.53 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Kent Bradford, president; Rhonda Gilstrap, vice-president; Dale Walkup, treasurer; Jim Coen; Dale Falck; Dave Wright and Jennifer Casey. Administrators: Paul Kinder, superintendent; Annette Seago, deputy superintendent for
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Independence City Guide 77
● EDUCATION
Independence students attend four different school districts FROM PAGE 77 curriculum and instruction; Jim Finley, assistant superintendent for administration; Nancy Stonner, assistant superintendent; Bill Cowling, assistant superintendent of management services; Will Cumberford, director of buildings and grounds; Patrick Crowe, director of human resources; Kim Brightwell, chief financial officer; Glen McMillian, executive director of transportation; Norma Anderson, director of secondary education; David Brouse, director of elementary education; Scott Young, assistant to the superintendent and Leslie Evans, director of public relations. The administrative office number is 816-2241300. Student numbers are based on the 2009-10 school year. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL, 2000 N.W. Ashton Dr., 816-229-3459, David Adams, principal – 1,811 students. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL, 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway, 816-224-1315, Randy Dowell, principal – 1,346 students. ◆ VALLEY VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-224-4388, Tony Henderson, principal. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS FRESHMEN CENTER, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., 816-224-1325, Dan Anderson, principal – 1,072 students. ◆ BRITTANY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2701 N.W. 1st St., 816-224-1700, Dallas Truex, principal – 799 students. ◆ DELTA WOODS MIDDLE SCHOOL, 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way, 816-795-5830, Steve Cook, principal – 715 students. 34. SUNNY VALE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 3930 South R.D. Mize Road, 816-224-1330, Robert C. Jerome III, principal – 717 students. ◆ JAMES LEWIS ELEMENTARY, 717 N.W. Park Road, 816-224-1345, Jennie Alderman, principal – 497 students. ◆ JOHN NOWLIN ELEMENTARY, 5020 N.W. Valley View Road, 816-224-1355, Debbie Curtis, principal – 455 students. 35. SUNNY POINTE ELEMENTARY, 3920 South R.D. Mize Road, 816-224-7800, Stephen Goddard, principal – 513 students. 36. WILLIAM YATES ELEMENTARY, 3600 Davidson Road, 816-224-1350, Rhonda L. Jacoby, principal – 379 students.
RAYTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT www.raytownschools.org Independence school-aged population: Approximately 450
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School programs
Tax levy: $6.19 per $100 of assessed valuation Board of Education: Bobbie Saulsberry, president; Amy Tittle, vice president; Kristie Collins-Delarber; Terry E. Landers; Cathy Mack; Rick Moore and Rick Thode. Administration: Allan Markley, superintendent; Janie Pyle, assistant superintendent of instruction; Vida Santone, executive director for human resources; Lynda Shrader, executive director of elementary education; Steve Shelton, executive director for secondary education and Cathy Allie, community relations coordinator. The administrative office number is 816-2687000. Student numbers are based on the 2008-09 school year. ◆ RAYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, 6019 Blue Ridge Blvd., 816-268-7300, Brian Huff, principal – 1,452 students. ◆ JOE HERNDON CAREER CENTER, 11501 E. Missouri 350, 816-268-7140, Jerry Semsch, director. ◆ RAYTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL, 4900 Pittman Road, 816-268-7360, Georgetta May, principal – 760 students. ◆ FLEETRIDGE ELEMENTARY, 13001 E. 55th St., 816-268-7220, Debbie Kingrey, principal, 533 students. ◆ NORTHWOOD SCHOOL, 4400 Sterling Ave., 816-737-6290, Rex Perry, principal.
OTHER SCHOOLS ATTENDED BY INDEPENDENCE STUDENTS 37. ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOl, 622 N. Main St., 816-252-8733, Jeff Lynch, principal. 38. CENTER PLACE RESTORATION SCHOOL, 819 W. Waldo Ave., 816-252-1715, Richard F. Neill, principal. 39. TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4500 Little Blue Parkway, 816-795-1088, principal TBA. 40. SCHOOLHOUSE, 14709 E. 35th St., 816373-5938, Mary Childers, principal. 41. OZANAM, 600 W. MECHANIC AVE., 816-521-5508, Deborah Briggs, principal. 42. NATIVITY OF MARY, 10021 E. 36th Terr., 816-353-0284. Elizabeth Baker, principal. 43. MESSIAH LUTHERAN, 613 S. Main St., 816-254-9409, Ann Ardnt, principal. ◆ Schools attended by Independence students but not in the city limits - KELLY EVENSON
2010
Programs meet students’ needs Students in Independence area served by not one, but four public school districts. Although the largest portion is within the Independence School District, other parts of the community are in the Blue Springs, Fort Osage and Raytown school districts. Each district offers a wide range of similar programs.
EARLY EDUCATION
◆ INDEPENDENCE – Every elementary school as well as the Sunshine Center in the Independence School District provides early education/pre-school for 3- to 5-year-olds. Transportation is not provided. Locations change during holiday and summer breaks. Ten of these centers are nationally accredited – Randall, Ott, Blackburn, Mill Creek, William Southern, Sycamore Hills, Spring Branch, Glendale, Sunshine Center and Head Start at Hanthorn School. The district also serves as one of 10 Yale University demonstration sites nationwide for the Schools of the 21st Century program for children K-5. Head Start provides a part-day pre-school program for children and families. The part day program is three and half hours a day, four days a week. Early Childhood Special Education provides services for children 3 to 5 years old who have special needs. For more information, call 816-521-5300. ◆ FORT OSAGE – The Fort Osage Early Childhood Center serves qualified children from three to five-years old. The goal is to provide a developmentally appropriate education to set the foundation for future learning. Education is based on the Fort Osage early childhood curriculum and transition planning is offered into an elementary school setting. For more information, contact the center at 650-7480. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS – In Blue Springs, the Liggett Trails Education Center serves students 3 to 21 years old. The center includes education for preschool age children who qualify for Early Childhood Special Education or Title I as well as a Multi-Disabled Special Education program. Emphasis is placed on school/parent communication and developmentally appropriate curriculum. For more information, call 816-224-1360.
◆ RAYTOWN – The Raytown School District houses its early education program at the New Trails Early Learning Center, which is next to Blue Ridge Elementary. For more information, call 816-268-7000.
BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
◆ INDEPENDENCE – Independence offers a before and after school program at every elementary school called Kids’ Safari. These centers are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and parents pay for services on a sliding fee scale. Full day options are available on early dismissal days. For students at the middle school level, a program called Latitude is available. Clubs as well as tutoring are available through the program. For more information, call 816-521-5300. ◆ FORT OSAGE – The Fort Osage School District offers Fort Discovery, which is a before- and after-school care program for students in kindergarten through sixth grades. Fort Discovery is at each of the five elementary buildings as well as Fire Prairie Middle School. The centers are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. For more information, call 816-650-7000. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS – Prime Time is the before- and after-school child care program for the Blue Springs School District. It is offered at all 13 elementary schools in the district and is for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. Prime Time is open before and after school during the school year as well as throughout the summer. For more information, call 816-224-1300. ◆ RAYTOWN – The Raytown School District offers a before- and after-school child care in preschool and elementary school. Each elementary school in the district has a program, which is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 816-268-7000.
GIFTED PROGRAMS Each district provides programs for those students who need to be challenged academically beyond what the regular classroom provides. All districts also give high school
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EDUCATION ● Blue River
Colleges
Get a college education and stay close to home COLUMBIA COLLEGE Columbia College -Kansas City is a branch of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Offering more than 500 online classes and 19 online degree programs in addition to campus classes and degrees, Columbia College is an affordable option for those wanting to continue their education. The college, which is specifically geared for military personnel and working adults, offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The eight-week courses meet once or twice a week, and there are five sessions each year starting in January, March, June, August and October. There is also the flexibility of starting and stopping classes based on work, military and family obligations. The Kansas City campus is in the Blue Ridge Bank Tower at 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd. in Kansas City. For more information, call 816-795-1515.
GRACELAND UNIVERSITY Kyle Hannsen, left, and Ellie Heatherly look through the program before Metropolitan Community College-Blue River’s 2010 Commencement at the Truman Memorial Building.
A college close to you Independence residents have an option close to home for post-secondary education - Metropolitan Community College-Blue River. Opened in 1997, more than 3,500 students attend MCC-Blue River, 20301 E. Missouri 78, 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, which includes more than 70 percent of students at MCC-Blue River, 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 energizing 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 Ath-
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The Independence campus of Graceland University is home to the School of Nursing as well as the Global Campus. It’s main campus is in Lamoni, Iowa, which serves around 1,200 undergraduate students each year. Graceland University, 1401 W. Truman Road, has been operating in Independence for more than 30 years. In addition to the nursing program, there are undergraduate and graduate programs in education as well as a graduate studies program in religion. Independence serves as the headquarters for the online programs as well as the Center for the Study of the Korean War and the International Health Center. Through a partnership with Metropolitan Community College-Blue River, a business administration program is offered with classes held at the Blue River campus. For more information, visit Graceland University’s website at www.graceland.edu or call 816-833-0524.
NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Members of the MCC-Blue River Trailblazers women’s soccer team. letic 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. 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, visit the Web site at www.mcckc.edu/blueriver <http://www.mcckc. edu/blueriver> or call 816-220-6500. – KELLY EVENSON
2010
The National American University site in Independence has been serving residents since 1990 and has been considered as one of the university’s “flagship locations.” Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in a variety of programs including medical assisting, paralegal studies and health care management. In addition, NAU’s Zona Rosa campus offers a nursing and pharmacy technician program. Those who cannot attend campus classes have the option to take online courses in order to complete their degrees. The NAU campus in Independence is at 3620 Arrowhead Ave. For more information, visit NAU’s website at www.national.edu/Locations/Independence or call 816-412-7700.
PARK UNIVERSITY Park University’s main campus is in Parkville, Mo., but 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. – KELLY EVENSON
Independence City Guide 79
● EDUCATION
Districts offer many services to help students succeed FROM PAGE 78 students the opportunity to take advanced placement or dual credit courses. ◆ INDEPENDENCE – Independence offers IMPACT, the Independence Missouri Program for the Academically and Creatively Talented. It serves students in second through eighth grades. Entrance is based on several factors including I.Q., creativity test scores and achievement test scores. Special instruction is given both in class and during “pull-out” sessions each week. ◆ FORT OSAGE – Fort Osage offers the talented and gifted program for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Students meet weekly with gifted program teachers. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS – Blue Springs offers STRETCH to all students at the elementary and middle school levels who qualify. At the ninth grade level, STRETCH is an advisory program as well as an incentive program for students who meet the district’s gifted education requirements. ◆ RAYTOWN – Raytown offers the Challenge program, an enrichment program for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Students are identified through testing and work with teachers from the Challenge staff.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION Each elementary, middle and high school in all four school districts that serve Independence has either a PTA or PTSA chapter for parents to become involved. The PTA is a volunteer-based, child advocacy organization. The association is for parents, educators, students and community members who are interested in becoming active in their schools and communities. Chapters are available at all levels. For more information, contact the school your child attends. Information can also be found on the National PTA Web site at www. pta.org.
GED Each school district offers programs to help teenagers and adults study for and receive their General Educational Development certificate. ◆ INDEPENDENCE – The Independence School District offers GED classes through the Independence Adult Education and Literacy Program at several sites with the option of both day and evening classes. Classes are at times and locations where the need has been
80 Independence City Guide
determined such as at job sites and employment offices. Workforce skills are also at the core of the curriculum. In addition, there are distance learning options such as GED Connections and Workplace Essential Skills. For more information, call the adult education office at 816-521-5507. ◆ FORT OSAGE – The Fort Osage School District offers its GED program in the evenings at the Career and Technology Center. For more information, call 816-650-7000. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS – The Blue Springs School District offers year-round GED courses at Valley View High School and the Hall McCarter Education Center. Day and evening classes are available. For more information, call 816-224-4388. ◆ RAYTOWN – The Raytown School District refers students to the Independence School District’s GED programs.
A-PLUS SCHOOLS Eight schools in the area are A-plus designated. They are Truman, William Chrisman, Fort Osage, Van Horn, Raytown, Raytown South, Blue Springs and Blue Springs South high schools. Other schools involved in the statewide program are Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Grain Valley and Oak Grove high schools. Participating students must maintain a high grade point average, have good attendance and participate in community service programs. Specific requirements include having at least a 2.5 grade point average for three years, a 95 percent attendance for four years, 50 hours of mentoring or tutoring and avoiding drugs. Those who graduate under the guidelines of the program are eligible for partial state-funded financial assistance to attend a community college or public vocational technical school in Missouri for two years. Assistance covers the cost of tuition and fees. Participating area colleges include all colleges in the Metropolitan Community College system. Other participating schools include the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center; Cass Career Center in Harrisonville, Mo.; Clinton AVTS in Clinton, Mo.; Excelsior Springs Area Career Center; Herndon Career Center in Raytown and the Northland Career Center in Platte City, Mo. Some area colleges and universities in Missouri such as Northwest Missouri State University and Missouri Western State University also provided A-plus scholarships and financial assistance.
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HEALTH CENTERS
◆ INDEPENDENCE – Independence residents can go to the Swope Health Independence, 1638 W. U.S. 24, 816-627-2000 or the Jackson County Free Health Clinic, 17421 Medical Center Parkway, 816-404-6455. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS – Each school in the Blue Springs School District has a health clinic within the school setting. However, these clinics are not open during the summer unless the school is offering summer classes. For more information, call 816-224-1300. ◆ RAYTOWN – Raytown offers the Score 1 for Health program, a partnership between the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and the Deron Cherry Foundation. It provides free health screenings for elementary students K-5. The program is offered during the school year only. For more information, call 816-268-7000.
SCHOOL AT THE MALL The Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Independence Center offers career studies to students from the Independence, Blue Springs, Fort Osage, Oak Grove and Grain Valley school districts. Students can earn up to 15 hours of college credit through the program, which is offered by the Simon Youth Foundation. It is administered by the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center. Call 816-795-3305 for more information.
McCUNE SCHOOL The McCune campus is operated by the Jackson County Family Court. The educational programs are run by the Fort Osage School District. Juvenile offenders are expected to participate in programs that include anger management, psychological and psychiatric treatment as well as substance-abuse education. Academic classes are also taught at the school.
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS Several area school districts offer an alternative to the typical high school environment. The purpose is to offer students a better chance for academic success and social growth. ◆ INDEPENDENCE – Independence Academy, 600 W. Mechanic Ave., serves students in the Independence School District. It is an alternative-high school environment for ninth to 12th grade students who are recommended by district administrators or counselors. For more information, call 816-521-5505. ◆ FORT OSAGE – Lewis and Clark High School serves students in the Fort Osage
School District. There are two programs – the K-9 program and the 10-12 programs. Each focuses on changing behaviors that have been obstacles to success. The 10-12 program also offers classes in English, mathematics, science and history. The goal is to prepare students for a career after high school. For more information, call 816-650-7000. ◆ BLUE SPRINGS - Valley View High School, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road, is in the Blue Springs School District. Valley View offers expanded hours, including evening classes. It also offers GED Options, a program designed to target students capable of completing graduation requirements, but who are short on credits and at risk of leaving high school. For more information call 816-224-4388. ◆ RAYTOWN – The Raytown Success Academy serves students in the Raytown School District, elementary through high school. Students are referred to the program by district staff and handles student needs in a structured, but nurturing environment. For more information, call 816-268-7180.
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Two vocational technical schools serve the Independence area. The Fort Osage Career and Technology Center is housed on the Fort Osage School District campus, 2101 N. Twyman Road. It serves students from the Fort Osage, Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Oak Grove school districts. Programs offered include accounting, automotive mechanic, automotive body repair, firefighting, horticulture, emergency medical technology, marketing, carpentry, computer installation and repair and diesel engine mechanics among others. For more information, call 816-650-7180. The Joe Herndon Career Center was established in 1973 to provide career and technical training to high school and post-secondary students. The east campus is at 11501 E. Missouri 350, and the west campus is at 10322 E. Missouri 350. Both are in Raytown. Students receive hands-on instruction in laboratories and classrooms. The center serves students throughout the metropolitan area. Classes are offered in a variety of areas such as auto collision, business technology, computer programming, construction, cosmetology, early childhood, health services, networking systems, advertising and diesel mechanics. For more information, call 816-268-7140.
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EDUCATION ● Assessment testing Programs address many End-of-course exams at high schools student needs FROM PAGE 80
SPECIAL SERVICES The state requires public school districts to provide free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities whether they attend public, private or parochial schools from age 3 until they turn 21. Disabilities include, but are not limited to learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, speech and language disorders, visual and hearing impairments and other physical handicaps. For more information on specific special education services, contact the school district in which you live.
OZANAM Ozanam is a day program for children with emotional, behavioral and educational problems. The main components are therapy and special education. Each student has an individualized plan designed to serve his or her emotional, behavioral and academic needs. Ozanam offers its main day treatment center at its main campus in south Kansas City. It also operates programs in cooperation with the Independence, Liberty and Belton school districts. Each program services children kindergarten through 12th grades. For more information, call 816-508-3600.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION All school districts offer programs addressing drug abuse prevention. The Independence, Fort Osage and Blue Springs school districts participate in DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and VEGA (Violence Education Gang Awareness). They are organized by local law enforcement agencies. In Blue Springs, faculty members work on drug abuse prevention through the Choices Program. It is supported by the Community Youth Outreach Unit, a joint effort between the Blue Springs Police Department and the school district. Raytown uses materials from the Here’s Looking at You program, which teaches children methods on how to handle peer pressure. Fort Osage participates in the Second Step program. – KELLY EVENSON
The Examiner
Every year, students throughout the state of Missouri spend two weeks testing their academic knowledge. If they are in elementary or middle school, they take the Missouri Assessment Program exam. At the high school level, end-of-course exams are on the students’ minds. MAP exams test students in third through eighth grades in the areas of communication arts, mathematics and science. Students receive a score that places them in levels of advanced, proficient, basic or below basic. Those scores are then used to determine if individual schools s well as school districts as
a whole meet the Adequate Yearly Progress standards. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, districts must meet certain targets each year. End-of-course exams have replaced the MAP exams at the high school level. The exams are intended to increase students’ motivation to perform well because a portion of the final grade is based on the results. Assessments are in the areas of Algebra I, Biology, English II and government. Additional end-of-course assessments are available at no charge in American history, English I, algebra II and geometry.
For more information on the Missouri Assessment Program or end-of-course exams, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Web site at www. dese.mo.gov. To view MAP or end-of-course results for individual schools and school districts, visit DESE’s website and select the “School Statistics” tab on the left side of the home page. Then select the “School Data and Statistics” tab. Then choose the school district name for the selection menu.
– KELLY EVENSON
YouthFriends
Be a mentor to a student YouthFriends serves more than 70 school districts throughout Kansas and Missouri. Since the organization’s start in 1995, YouthFriends has placed 39,000 screened and trained mentors into the lives of more than 260,000 students. In Independence, YouthFriends has been led from the outset by Laura Vernon, who retired at the end of the 2009-10 school year. YouthFriends connects students and adult volunteers, in a school setting, in order to build community and promote student success. YouthFriends serves grades K-12 and typically
places mentors and their students together for one hour a week. This volunteer-based program mentors in a variety of ways, including academic mentoring, English as a Second Language mentoring, and the YouthFriends Corps program where high school students can mentor elementary students within their district. You can become a YouthFriend by completing a YouthFriend application, interviewing, and then undergoing the screening, training, and matching processes. Volunteers are quadruple screened to ensure the safety of
the students. To help pay for this screening, donations are necessary and welcome. You can donate online at the organization’s website www.youthfriends.org. or call 816-842-7082. To find out more about how you can become a YouthFriend you can visit YouthFriends online, or call the Independence office at 816-5215320, ext. 3. There are 30 participating schools in the Independence District and there is no participation fee required. Applications can be found on the organization’s website. – MELISSA SHEPHARD
Home schooling
Tools available for parents to teach children from home There are times when parents want a different choice in education for their children other than public, private or parochial schools. The choice they turn to – home schooling. An estimated two million families home school their children in the United States. But before the decision is made to home school, families must know the law and what is expected of them. A resource for families is Families for Home
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Education. Created 25 years ago, the Kansas City-based organization serves as a resource for homeschooling families in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area. FHE provides an information packet, First Things First, which includes everything on how to begin a home schooling program. One of the first things to understand is the state law on home education, RSMO 167.031. Under state law, a home school’s primary purpose is to provide a private or religious-
based education. Students should be between the ages of seven and 16-years-old, and there should be no tuition, fees or other form of payment. In addition, parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction with at least 600 in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science or other core academic areas. These requirements do not apply to students over the age of 16.
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Independence City Guide 81
● THE EXAMINER
Bringing the news to you each morning 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 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 examiner.net. The paper is printed five days a week – Tuesday through Saturday – and offers the voice of many local columnists. Daily special pages: Tuesday – Business, Health section Wednesday – Storytellers, Law & Order, Pets, Food and Fashion Saturday – Business, Outdoors, Life & Times, Milestones, Religion and Reader News.
Activities available for home school FROM PAGE 81 Parents must maintain records that include a plan book, diary or other written record that shows what subjects are being taught, a portfolio of samples of the child’s academic work and a record of evaluations. Parents that make the decision to home school should provide a signed, written declaration to the child’s home school district that states the intent to home school. This letter should include the name and age of the child
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Independence City Guide 83
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