The changing of the calendar to a new year is typically seen as a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.

For Blue Springs, 2012 will be the year in which we see visible progress on the Missouri Innovation Park on Adams Dairy Parkway. As the University of Missouri prepares to break ground at its permanent location in Blue Springs, its involvement and commitment will raise the visibility and viability of MIP to the world’s animal-health-related companies, along with other entities and organizations.

It will take time, but we anticipate the demand for locations within the MIP will result in new, high-quality jobs for Blue Springs residents and those in the surrounding areas.

This year will also see the installation of the new digital radio system for our Police Department. This system, paid for by the public safety tax that Blue Springs voters approved last year, will substantially improve our Police Department’s communication ability and will help make our city safer. The improvements to the public safety building will enhance downtown and provide an improved workplace for our police officers.

Hopefully, 2012 will see progress on the regional transit proposal, which could bring even more activity to our downtown in the coming years.

The redevelopment of Woods Chapel Road continues, and residents will see utilities relocated this spring in preparation for the widening and resurfacing from Duncan Road on the north all the way south to Walnut Street. Right-of-way acquisition is under way, and we should see work on the road begin this year, with scheduled completion scheduled for 2013. The new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 70 will improve the flow of traffic, especially during rush hour, and the signalized intersection at Duncan Road will make that area safer and less congested.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation for the many cards, notes, copies of the newspaper and kind words regarding the story of the Christmas ornaments from my birth mother. To Martin Augustine of KMBC Channel 9 News and Lee Hill Kavanaugh of The Kansas City Star, thank you for telling the story in such a wonderful and compassionate manner. The response has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. For those who missed the stories, they can be viewed at http://bit.ly/QuibellOrnaments and http://bit.ly/AnnChristmas.
Happy new year, everyone! I look forward to another year of sharing with you all of the great things happening in Blue Springs!

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.

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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.

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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.

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The following are upcoming BSPD crime prevention activities; please let us know of any questions.

8/27/11 - Waterfield North @ 2125 NE Springbrook
4 p.m., contact Carrie Rothove 679-4573

8/28/11 - Willow Brook HOA @ Baumgardner Park
4 pm.  Personal safety & neighborhood watch - Bob Williams is the contact, 665-8701

8/30/11 - Waterfield North HOA @ 2513 NE Adams Dairy Rd
7 p.m. - Neighborhood Watch, contact is Tosha Grotenhuis @ 674-8831, 201-4148 or 228-1445.

9/10/11; WCE @ 601 NW 39th St
3 p.m., Neighborhood Watch community party Officer Friendly & Bike Safety, contact is Maureen Johnson @ 868-0480 or 220-5554;

9/12/11, Willowbrook HOA @ 817 NW 19th St,
7 p.m. - Site survey & neighborhood watch, contact Bob Williams @ 665-8701 or 224-3241

9/14/11, First night of 10^th BSPD Citizen Academy at CYOU training room (generally every Wednesday with exceptions)
6:00 p.m.

9/21/11, Block Captain kickoff meeting in the multi purpose room
6:30 pm. 

10/01/2011, @ Home Depot, contact Alice Raisback, 229-2902,
10 am to 2 pm for Child ID

10-25-11 @ 1st Baptist Church on Main Street
10:30 a.m. for 20-30 minutes per class with two classes, Officer Friendly for Mothers Day Out, Mattie Prawl is the contact at 896-6184

10/29/11 @ First Bible Baptist Church, 1441 SE ADP
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., DARE car, contact is Dawn Pratt @ 220-2337 or 813-2526

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Tentative Future Dates:

November 2, 2011 for graduation of 10^th BSPD Citizen Academy, 8 p.m.

November 5, 2011 for the “Shop With a Blue Springs Cop” Spaghetti Dinner

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Due to the excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service, the National Night Out Against Crime event in downtown Blue this evening has been canceled.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation where heat illnesses are likely. We regret any inconvenience this will cause, but the safety of all participants is of primary concern.

This event has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA ADVISORY

1100 SW Smith Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 | P: 816.228.0150 | F: 816.228.0147 | www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 27, 2011

CONTACT: Allen Kintz, Blue Springs Police Department

Phone: (816) 228-0178

Email: akintz@bluespringsgov.com, or

Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: (816) 655-0497

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Residents, Police Step Out to Stop Crime

13^th Annual National Night Out in Blue Springs, Free Food, Games and Safety Information

Blue Springs, Mo. – The Blue Springs Police Department’s Community and Youth Outreach Unit are sponsoring its twelfth annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at 11^th and Smith Street in downtown Blue Springs. This free family event brings together residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials for an evening focused on crime prevention and safety.

Among the participating organizations are: Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, Lee’s Summit Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CodeRED, Let’s Move! Blue Springs and many more.

Councilman Dale Carter, Blue Springs native and morning show co-host for Country 94.1, KFKF will emcee the event’s main stage. Entertainment includes a magic exhibition by former Mayor Steve Steiner, a musical performance by the Holy Hill Baptist Church Youth Choir and dancers from TaJazz School of Dance.

“National Night Out is an important outreach event that allows our officers to personally interact with our community,” says National Night Out Coordinator Sgt. Allen Kintz of the Blue Springs Police Department. “It’s the perfect family outing, with information about crime prevention, health and safety, as well as free food, games, prizes, live entertainment featuring local performers, and much more.”

Mayor Ross encourages residents to take part in this year’s National Night Out activities saying they are, “an important step to strengthening the crime prevention partnership between police, residents and the community at large.”

“National Night Out is a free event that gives residents the opportunity to meet Blue Springs officers and civilians working to keep our community safe. By stepping out on a unified front, we’re sending a message to criminals letting them know that Blue Springs’ neighborhoods are organized and fighting back to prevent crime in our community.”

Blue Springs National Night Out sponsors include: Target, UMB Bank, Price Chopper, Sonic, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers, 3 Suns Cruise and Tours, Kleinschmidt’s Western Store, Blue Springs Fitness, China One, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse, Rancho Grande, Family YMCA Blue Springs, Union Station, 1^st Bible Baptist Church, The Cake Pan and Lamar’s Donuts.

For additional information about the Blue Springs National Night Out Against Crime event including scheduled vendors and performances, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/nno or call (816) 228-0178.

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National Night Out was created by the National Association of Town Watch to spotlight the role of the community in crime

and drug prevention. The first event took place 27 years ago. Last year, an estimated 34 million people attended National

Night Out events in more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases

worldwide. For more information about National Night Out and the National Association of Town Watch, visit

www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.

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: June 23, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Public Information Officer

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

“Be a Good Neighbor” Fireworks Education Campaign Launches Today –

Emphasizes Increased Law Enforcement and Fireworks Safety for Independence Holiday

Blue Springs, Mo. – The City of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs Police Department want to help keep families safe this Independence Holiday. To do this, the City will continue its “Be a Good Neighbor” Fireworks Education Campaign for the 2011 fireworks season.

The campaign is designed to help build resident awareness for fireworks safety and to educate community members about City rules and regulations regarding fireworks. Additionally, a primary goal for the 2011 “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign is to emphasize the assertive police enforcement that will take place prior to and during the 4^th of July holiday.

“Our goal this year is to make sure citizens are not only enjoying the liberty of discharging fireworks in Blue Springs, but are doing so in consideration for others and within the limitations of City law,” said Police Chief Wayne McCoy.

This year’s campaign once again, focuses on three major components, Be Legal, Think Safe and Play Smart, reminding citizens about the need to exercise good decision making when participating in fireworks activities.

Be Legal encourages residents to observe the days and hours fireworks are legally allowed to be discharged within Blue Springs City limits. This year, these dates and times are July 1-3, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on July 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. to Midnight. Police Officers will also exercise increased street patrol and law enforcement measures during these times to make sure residents are complying with the regulations provisioned by the City’s Fireworks Ordinance. To report fireworks violations, call (816) 228-0151 or Text-A-Tip; text BSPD plus your message, including the location of the violation to Crimes (274637).

Think Safe reminds citizens to use City-approved fireworks only. These fireworks include those sold by 18 licensed nonprofit organizations in Blue Springs only. The discharge of bottle rockets is prohibited by the City. A list of these organizations can be obtained from the Blue Springs Tax Department at City Hall or on the City’s website at www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks.

Play Smart encourages citizens and their family members to have fun, but be safe when discharging or detonating fireworks. “An adult should be present when fireworks are discharged, and people should avoid discharging fireworks in dry areas and around or near pets and animals” said Chief McCoy.

Residents are also asked to be mindful of neighbors, surrounding buildings or structures, to dispose of all debris after discharging fireworks, and to use proper first aid or burn care in case of an emergency. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.

The “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign launched this week, distributing more than 20,000 postcards from Mayor Carson Ross to every household in Blue Springs. The Mayor’s letter represents the official declaration of this year’s campaign in which he asks for residents’ help to “keep the Blue Springs community operating as a safe, clean and enjoyable place to live and celebrate.”

Additional fliers will be distributed to approved fireworks retailers, City libraries, neighboring businesses and patrons of City Hall. For additional information about the campaign or fireworks safety visit www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks.

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I'm sure you are well informed about the potential flooding along the Missouri River in the near future. KCP&L is preparing to protect our facilities and to support our communities and customers that may be impacted.  The safety and well-being of the community and our employees is our top priority.  Because electrical current travels through water, flooding can create specific electrical safety concerns.

KCP&L’s intent is to take every reasonable step to avoid interrupting service to customers in and around flood areas. However, safety of our customers and employees is critical. KCP&L will make every effort to notify customers in affected areas when rising water indicates that a hazard may occur or when local or state officials mandate that service disconnections are necessary.

Listed below are some preparedness activities and important safety information for the public. Please feel free to use them in any newsletters or communications you do. 

KCP&L’s monitoring and preparedness efforts are comprehensive. They include:

• Coordinating with emergency management agencies.
• Protecting facilities near the river by building water-tight, concrete-block walls and sandbagging.
• Staging replacement equipment such as back-up transformers near potential flood-zone areas so it is available if needed.
• Helicopter patrols of transmission line infrastructure near the river to ensure floating debris remains clear of power poles.
• Double-checking routine maintenance and tuning of equipment throughout our service area.

Customers in flooded areas should exercise caution.

• Stay away from power lines and pad-mounted transformers in flooded areas.
• Do not walk in standing water or venture into areas of debris, since energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
• Do not ride watercraft near power poles and power lines, as they too can be energized and deadly.

More detailed information is available on our flood information section of www.kcpl.com/flood.

I will keep you informed of any noteworthy events.  Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. 

Carol Baker

Community Business Manager

KCP&L

PO Box 418679

Kansas City, MO 64141-9679

816-556-2809 - office 

816-810-7370 - cell

carol.baker@kcpl.com

I’m resending this per request….my opinion THE BEST Severe weather web page is http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/

Book mark this….It’s the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill. Do NOT rely on AccuWeather, Yahoo, etc…..  Click on the link now…you will see in red…the current tornado warnings.  Click on the Red Polygon….once the forecast comes up…look for the Red Text “Tornado Warning” above the written out forecast.  Click on “Tornado Warning” and you can read all the current info. regarding that specific tornado. Even listing towns/cities in its path.. 

Pete Grigsby

www.BSSDTV.net

www.BSSDRadio.net

www.JagTVnews.net

Paul Consiglio Education Center

1501 NW Jefferson Street

Blue Springs, MO  64015

816-224-1740  X-314