CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

PRESS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 — www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 30, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Police Department Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

Blue Springs Police Chief Wayne McCoy announced today that assessors from the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will conduct a public hearing on February 7, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Jackson County Fire District’s Training Facility, 4715 W. Highway 40. Blue Springs Mo. Public comments will be taken as part of the Blue Springs Police Department’s process to gain national accreditation. Chief Daniel Boring, ret., Virginia Police Department and Lieutenant Thomas Wilkes, Aurora, Colorado Police Department will conduct the on-site assessment.

The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The assessor will review documentation, interview individuals, and visit areas where compliance with CALEA standards can be observed.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the public are invited to offer comments to the assessors by calling (816) 228-0174 on February 7, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. Copies of the standards are available for review at the Blue Springs Police Department at 1100 SW Smith Street, Blue Springs, Mo. You may also Contact Sergeant Linda DeMo at (816) 220-4567.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Blue Springs Missouri Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Gainesville, Va. 20155.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

NEWS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015  —  P: 816.228.0110  —  F: 816.228.7592  —  W: www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:              December 9, 2011

CONTACT:      Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

                        Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651-6449

                        Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Dennis Dovel named as new Director of Parks and Recreation

Blue Springs, Mo. – Dennis Dovel has been named as the new Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Blue Springs effective Tuesday, January 17.  Steve Willman, operations manager, has been serving as interim director since long-time director Roscoe Righter retired in September 2011.

“Dennis is a proven parks and recreation professional with great experience,” said City Administrator Eric Johnson.  “I am confident he will provide the vision and skills necessary to lead the Parks and Recreation Department established by Roscoe into its next chapter of excellence.”

As the director, Dovel will direct, plan and oversee the work of the Parks and Recreation Department, including 19 parks consisting of 816 acres of land and an annual budget of over five million dollars.  In addition to the highly utilized and widely recognized parks system, Dennis will also serve as the liaison to the City’s Public Art Commission.  The Parks & Recreation Department also manages the Buildings & Grounds Divisions for the City.

“I am very excited to be able to serve a vibrant and growing community like Blue Springs,” said Dovel.  “Over the years, Blue Springs has created an excellent parks system and I look forward to working with the City Administrator, City Council, the Park Commission, staff, and many other community stake-holders to continue its tradition of high-quality parks and recreation services.”

Prior to accepting this position, Dovel served as the Director of Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Liberty, Mo.  Over the course of his 23 year parks and recreation career, Dovel has served as the Sports Complex Manager for the City of Liberty, Mo., the Superintendent of Recreation for Jackson County, Mo., and held various recreation program coordinator roles.

Dovel is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism.   He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional by the National Recreation and Park Association and a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association.

###

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

NEWS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 — W: www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 30, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651-6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Paper Recycling Challenge a huge success!

Blue Springs, Mo. – The Blue Springs Solid Waste Management Commission challenged residents to increase their paper recycling between November 2 and November 16 in celebration of America Recycles Day. The goal for the two-week challenge was to recycle 2,800 pounds of cardboard and 4,200 pounds of paper, or a total of 3.5 tons.

Significant participation efforts helped in far surpassing the recycling goals. A total of 16,960 pounds of cardboard and 12,570 pounds of paper were collected at the Pink Hill Park Recycling Center during the two-week challenge.

In comparison, since the recycling center has been open (July 2010) the monthly average weight of cardboard collected is 5,529 pounds and on average 7,773 pounds of paper is collected each month. Cardboard had the highest collection amount to date, exceeding the highest collection month in July 2011 of 11,490 pounds.

Diverting paper and cardboard products from the landfills not only helps the environment, but also provides funding for the operation of the facility. The City earns 50 percent of the income from all paper and cardboard products collected at the center.

“We would like to thank all of those who participated in the recycling challenge and helped divert a tremendous amount of paper and cardboard products from the landfill,” said Alice Fuerst, Solid Waste Management Commission Chair. “While the recycling challenge might be over, I want to encourage residents to continue recycling their waste products.”

The Blue Springs Pink Hill Park Recycling Center located at 2725 NW Park Road is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the winter from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Materials accepted at the center include, paper, newspapers and magazines and shredded paper, cardboard, paperboard, plastics (#1-7), aluminum cans, steel/tin food cans, glass jars and bottles and phone books. Please remove food from containers and covers from bottles prior to disposal. Recycling center attendants are located on-site during regular hours of operation if assistance is needed.

For more information contact Lauren Gowdy in the Community Development Department at 816-220-4504 or visit the City’s website at www.bluespringgov.com/recycling to learn more about the community recycling center.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

MEDIA ADVISORY

903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 — W: www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 29, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651-6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Annual Lighting of Mayor’s Christmas Tree, December 6

Blue Springs, Mo. – All are invited to a free family holiday event, the City of Blue Springs’ 2011 Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place outside City Hall, 903 W. Main Street, in downtown Blue Springs, Missouri.

“This is a special event that draws hundreds of children and families to downtown Blue Springs for this unique holiday experience. It’s a wonderful tradition in our community, and a great way in which to celebrate the closeness and the sprit of giving that exists within our city” said Mayor Carson Ross.

Pete Grigsby, former meteorologist for KMBC Channel 9 and teacher for the Blue Springs School District will join Mayor Ross as Master of Ceremonies. Countdown to the tree lighting will take place live between 6:15 and 6:20 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in an Enchanted Sleigh immediately following the tree lighting. There will hot dogs, cookies, hot chocolate, cider, popcorn and candy canes provided – refreshments were donated by Price Chopper and the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce. Craft activities for children to create will be located inside City Hall – crafts donated by the VFW Post #6603.

This year’s concert is sponsored by the Blue Springs Business Association. Scheduled to perform during the program are: student choirs from William Bryant Elementary Choir and Cordill Mason 4^th & 5^th Grade Extra Curricular Choir; an adult chorus from First Bible Baptist Church Choir; and two local soloists: Michaelah Burns, a junior from Blue Springs High School and Jerry Lewis.

The Blue Springs Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association will be collecting cash donations for their “Shop with a Blue Springs Cop” program and the Community Services League will be collecting non-perishable food donations to be used in their food pantry program.

Calvary 88.5 FM KLJC will be live-broadcasting in the City Hall parking lot from 4-6 p.m. For more information about this year’s lighting event, call (816) 228-0111.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.

BLUE SPRINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

AND THE CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

PRESS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 — www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 22, 2011

CONTACT: Sara Freetly-Grubb, Communications Specialist

Phone: 816.820.0916

Email: sara@justbecandid.com

Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Missouri Innovation Park moves forward in Blue Springs

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – On November 21, 2011 representatives from the City of Blue Springs, the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation (BSEDC) and University of Missouri signed a Letter of Agreement to develop the first phase of the Missouri Innovation Park (MIP), which represents 63 acres and an 80,000 to 90,000 square foot building with MU as the anchor tenant. Once fully developed, the MIP is projected to be home to more than 40 companies employing 3,700 employees with an annual payroll of $190 million.

“The Missouri Innovation Park is a multi-party collaboration and partnership that represents a shared strategy to complement the economic opportunities of the region,” said Brien Starner, Blue Springs EDC President. “With this signed agreement, the first phase of EDC’s partnership with the City and MU will come to life — which is what we’ve all been working toward since 2008.”

With the vision to develop a science and technology park that competitively attracts a knowledge-based workforce to Blue Springs, the MIP will employ the best-in-class business and master planning. The goal of the MIP is to attract firms and employees linked to a scientific, research-based higher education institution with an entrepreneurial spirit.

"The City of Blue Springs and our stakeholders have remained committed to moving the MIP from an economic dream to reality that support's high quality regional growth,” said Mayor Carson Ross.   “Thanks to the signing of this Letter of Agreement, we hope to start construction on the new building by September 2012 and be ready to cut the ribbon by the first quarter of 2014.”

Located at the southeast quadrant of I-70 and Adams Dairy Parkway, Phase I of the MIP represents 63 acres fronting the Parkway and Adams Pointe Golf Course, with additional acres planned for future Phases of development. After all phases of development are complete in 15 to 25 years, the MIP will represent $340 million in capital investment.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

MEDIA ALERT

903 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015  —  P: 816.228.0110  —  F: 816.228.7592  — www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:              November 21, 2011

CONTACT:      Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

                        Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

                        Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Media opportunity – City of Blue Springs and MU announce

major milestone at tonight’s Council Meeting

WHO:              Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross

MU Chancellor Brady Deaton

                        MU Provost Brian Foster

                        MU Vice Provost for Economic Development Steve Wyatt

                        Al Black, Executive Director, MIZZOU Center

                        Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation President Brien Starner

                        Blue Springs City Councilmembers

WHEN:           Today, Monday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:         Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building, Multipurpose Room, 1100 SW Smith Street, Blue Springs, Missouri

WHY:              Chancellor Brady Deaton will be attending the Blue Springs City Council meeting to announce a major milestone in the City’s partnership with MU and the Kansas City region. 

CONTACT:    Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager, (816) 651-6449

###

Kim Nakahodo

Communications Manager

City of Blue Springs, Mo.

903 W. Main Street

Blue Springs, MO 64015

Phone:   (816) 655-0497

             (816) 651-6449

Fax:       (816) 228-7592

Email:    knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

www.bluespringsgov.com

Twitter:  bluespringsgov

www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

PRESS RELEASE

CJCFPD Training Facility, 4175 US 40 HWY, Blue Springs, MO P: 816.229.9118 eoc@cjcfpd.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 4, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Public Information Officer

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

First nationwide test of Emergency Alert System scheduled for Nov. 9

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. – For years, local television and radio stations have periodically tested the Emergency Alert System with familiar tones followed by “This is a test…,” but on Wednesday, Nov. 9, for the first time ever, a nationwide test of the alert system will take place.

While the Emergency Alert System is often used by state and local emergency managers for weather warnings, it has never been used or tested at a national level.

“In a major disaster that affects large areas, such as an earthquake, this system could be used to broadcast life-saving information very quickly,” said Todd Farley, Emergency Manager for the Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency. “This test will ensure that the system will work as intended if a nationwide alert needs to be issued.”

At 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Nov. 9, radio stations, local television stations, wireline video services, and cable and satellite providers in the Kansas City metropolitan area will join other broadcasters across the country for a simultaneous test of the system. Although the test will be similar to the routine monthly tests most of us are familiar with, there are a few key differences:

• The nationwide test will last longer than normal — approximately three minutes.
• While the audio message will include the words “This is a test” and be the same for everyone, the video test may vary due to differing technologies. Viewers should be aware that the video messages may or may not include the words “This is a test” in the background image or scroll at the bottom of the screen.
• The test will be conducted through broadcast media only — it will not include NOAA weather radios, mobile devices or outdoor warning sirens.

The nationwide Emergency Alert System test will be conducted jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission and National Weather Service. These agencies selected the date, Nov. 9, because it is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins. The time (1 p.m. CST) was selected to occur during working hours in time zones across the nation, minimizing disruption by avoiding traffic rush hours.

“The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens,” said Farley. “While the alert system can provide basic instructions during an emergency, we all need to take personal responsibility to make sure we’re ready.”

For more information on how you can prepare your family, visit Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee’s website at www.preparemetrokc.org. This site has preparedness tips for various types of disasters, as well as an online tool for creating a family plan.

For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, visit www.fcc.gov/guides/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test-eas.

The CJCEMA is an emergency management agency consisting of the Central Jackson County Fire

Protection District, the City of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, LakeTapawingo and surrounding unincorporated areas. The EOC is located at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Facility and brings together representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works and Emergency Management agencies.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CJCEMA or become "fans" of our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cjcema.

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

PRESS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 —W: www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 27, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Public Safety Advisory Board

Seeks Resident Input at Public Forum – November 8

Blue Springs, Mo. – On November 8 at 6 p.m., the Blue Springs Police Department and the Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board will host its third annual public forum to discuss a series of issues related to public safety in Blue Springs. The forum will take place at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building, 1100 SW Smith St. and is open to the public.

Advisory Board Chairman Tom Echerd will preside at the forum and encourages any interested persons to attend. “We will be giving a presentation on the status of the implementation of the new radio system approved as part of the Public Safety Sales Tax passed in April. These meetings represent the Board’s ongoing efforts to keep residents informed and engaged in the activities of our Blue Springs Police Department,” said Echerd.

At a recent meeting, the Board established the following topics that are of great interest to the community and will be onthe agenda for the November 9 public forum:

· The Blue Springs Police Department has made a concerted effort to increase the visibility in our neighborhoods and shopping areas. What improvements, if any, have you seen in the past 12-month period? What additional suggestions do you have?

· What changes in coverage or services provided by our Animal Control unit would you like to see?

· What other services related to public safety would you like the Blue Springs Police Department provide or help coordinate?

“I encourage all residents to come and provide any input they may have. It is through the community’s partnership with the Blue Springs Police Department that we will be able to create and maintain the safest community possible,” Blue Springs Police Chief Wayne McCoy said. “We value everyone’s input; by working together we can celebrate our successes while gaining an understanding of those areas where residents feel we can do better.”

About the Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board

The Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board was created by City Ordinance in August 2009 as are commendation of the Mayor-appointed Public Safety Advisory Task Force. The six-member board is comprised of two residents from each City Council District, along with non-voting ex officio members that include representatives from the Blue Springs Police Department, City Council and a student from the Blue Springs School District. The Board has met

monthly since its inaugural meeting in August, 2009.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.

Farmers Market – Saturday, October 22 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 11^th and Main Street.  The market specializes in home grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats and many other items that are grown or made by hand.  For additional information visit www.bluespringsfarmersmarket.com.

Let’s Move! Saturdays! Rotary Park at Railroad Lake – Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Join us at the Shelter # 1 on the northeast side of park near Vesper Hall for an Arbor Walk and/or Kids Fit Class. This event is free and open to kids of all ages.

Centennial Pool – Saturday, October 22 – Aqua-Aerobics from 11 a.m. to noon for $4 and Lap Swimming from 11 a.m. to noon for $3. The pool is located at 2401 NW Ashton Drive.

Adams Pointe Golf Club – 1601 NE RD Mize Road. 18-hole championship course and a practice facility. Call (816) 220-3673 for daily fees and a Tee Time.

For additional information visit www.bluespringsgov.com/parks or call the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department at (816) 228-0137.

Pam Buck

Superintendent of Recreation

Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department

City Hall, 903 West Main Street

Blue Springs, Missouri 64015

Office (816) 228-0238

Mobile (816) 645-0287

www.bluespringsgov.com/parks

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

PRESS RELEASE

903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 — P: 816.228.0110 — F: 816.228.7592 — W: www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 20, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Open House Public Meeting for Woods Chapel Road Improvements

Blue Springs, Mo. – The City of Blue Springs and TranSystems will host an open-house style public meeting on Tuesday, November 15, to share plans for Woods Chapel Road Improvements from NW Castle Dr. to Walnut St. The project team will be on hand to answer questions from 6-9 p.m. at Howard L. Brown Safety Building, Multi-Purpose Room, 1100 SW Smith St., Blue Springs, MO 64015.

The City of Blue Springs and TranSystems encourage anyone who uses this route to stop by, review preliminary plans, share project issues and concerns, and provide written comments at the public meeting. No formal presentations will be made.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (816) 228-0121.

###

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueSpringsGov or become "fans" of the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluespringsgov. Links to both sites can be found by visiting the City’s Web site at www.bluespringsgov.com.