Listen to your favorite music, get BSSD news every hour, up-to-date weather forecasts, and hear LIVE BSSD High School DJs in the late afternoons and early evenings!

BSSD RADIO will also broadcast LIVE sporting events, take music requests, have giveaways and much more!

Music Programming:

Midnight to 3pm – Lite Rock
3pm to 6pm – Top 40!
6pm to 8pm – Tween Time Rock!
8pm – 80s at 8!
9pm to Midnight – Lite Rock

Sundays – Classical Favorites

NOW!

Find us always at www.bssdradio.net

BDDS RADIO is commercial free and all music is screened.  This is just the beginning!  Our programming will grow throughout 2010 as our students become the driving force for this station.

There is a lot of talk around town regarding the Missouri Innovation Park, a development that is sure to change the face of the future of Blue Springs. A “Show Me” attitude is part of the culture in Missouri, and some need to see dirt moving and buildings under construction to truly believe that the Innovation Park, bringing with it the desired growth of quality jobs, is a reality.

Community leaders in Blue Springs laid a path many years ago, putting in place the key components to support the development of the Innovation Park by establishing the vision for Adams Dairy Parkway. As that vision has evolved, we have seen the addition of retail and restaurants, which add another component necessary to the realization of the original vision for Adams Dairy Parkway.

Two and a half years ago, as the first details regarding the park began to emerge, Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation President Brien Starner and I had long conversations about the potential the park brought to our community. It was clear that the stars were aligning for success. A project of this type normally takes, on average, approximately five years to develop the support of all the various organizations necessary for success.

In this instance, the Missouri Innovation Park has the support of the City of Blue Springs, the University of Missouri, the Blue Springs School District, the Central Jackson Country Fire Protection District, the Blue Springs Economic Development Corp., the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Kansas City Area Development Council, Jackson County, the Mid-Continent Public Library system, and many other entities in the region and state in just two short years.

This support by so many public and private organizations is vital to the success of the project and is a direct result of the passion and commitment of current and past mayors and councils, Brien Starner, and the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation members.
Despite the current national economy, the project has continued to move forward. New legislation, referred to as “Jobs for the Future,” has been filed and would enable projects like the Missouri in Innovation Park not only for Blue Springs, but also for progressive communities all over Missouri. This legislation would allow cities more control over their own economic destiny, with the intent of attracting high-quality public and private jobs.

Our city now stands at a precipice of key decisions and actions. As citizens, we need to join with our elected leaders and the leaders of these supporting organizations to see the fulfillment of this vision for our city. In the coming weeks there will be announcements that will show visible progress and the beginning of construction of the Mizzou Innovation Center which will anchor the project and provide the intellectual property that will spur the creation of high-tech jobs in the park. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see this vision come to fruition.

Community Services League

300 West Maple / Independence MO 64051

816.254.4100 (P) / 816.252.9906 (F)

info@cslcares.org / www.cslcares.org

Contact: Michael A. Levine, Director of Development & Marketing

816.254.4100 Ext. 304 / levinem@cslcares.org

November 29, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annual Spirit of Caring Concert to benefit Community Services League

Eastern Jackson County, MO – The 11th Annual Spirit of Caring Holiday Concert, a benefit for Community Services League (CSL) of Blue Springs, will be presented at 2:00 pm on December 6^th at the Blue Springs South High School (1200 Adams Dairy Parkway, Blue Springs). Tickets are $4 per person and will be available at the door.

As in the past, the concert will feature a variety of musical performances by soloists, bands, choirs and ensembles from throughout the Blue Springs community and school district.

CSL is known as a source of food and clothing for families, but sometimes a family needs more than just food. Your charitable contributions to CSL will help provide funds to aid families with utility bill assistance, school supplies for students, Christmas meals and gifts as well as other needed goods and services throughout the year. The Blue Springs community is proud to continue its support for their mission of promoting self-sufficiency and providing resources to those in need.

Mera Vic of Grain Valley will once again donate a decorated Christmas tree to be raffled the day of the concert. Clancy’s Café & Pub (800 South Outer Road, Blue Springs) will display the tree through the day of the concert. Raffle tickets may be purchased at Clancy’s Café & Pub; The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce office; First National Bank of Missouri; Kwik Kopy Printing; or at the Blue Springs office of CSL.

For more information on the concert, to become a sponsor or to purchase raffle tickets please contact CSL at 816.229.0033 or visit www.cslcares.org.

Founded in 1916 by a group of local women including Bess Wallace Truman, CSL is a non-profit organization striving to promote self-sufficiency, and offering emergency assistance, housing counseling, food, clothing and other resources to families in need. CSL is one of the only agencies of its kind, offering this level of comprehensive services, in Eastern Jackson County.

CSL operates seven (7) locations with the main office and two outreach offices in Independence, plus offices in Blue Springs, Buckner, Oak Grove, and Grain Valley.

In 2008, CSL aided more than 45,000 individuals; with escalating food and gas prices, mortgage and housing issues, and an overall increase in the cost-of-living, the number of people in need of aid in 2009 is at an all-time high.

CSL is a United Way Agency and a 501 (c) (3) organization as designated by the IRS.

###

See The Examiner Article at

http://www.examiner.net/education/x1792907282/Golden-Regiment-to-return-to-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-in-2010

As you drive through Blue Springs, there continue to be signs of development. The first phase of Adams Dairy Landing is preparing to open Oct. 11. The McDonald’s that has stood on Missouri 7 for more than 36 years has been demolished and will be rebuilt. The shopping center on Woods Chapel is getting a long needed facelift. The first tenant is getting ready to open in the Southridge Shopping Center. Virtually every part of our city is seeing some kind of development.

Still, much work remains to be done to keep our city moving forward. In a work session last week, the City Council began considering changes to our sign code. This important part of our development code is involved in managing how businesses in our city make us aware they are here and open for business.

During my time in office I heard from many business owners who felt our sign code is too restrictive. If you watch our Planning Commission meetings you will see that time and time again business owners run into obstacles that keep them from getting the signs they want and need to advertise.

The codes are strict to help improve the appearance of our business corridors. Yet if they are too strict, businesses can’t get the signs they need. Parkside Books, behind Einstein Bros. on M-7, is a prime example. Our codes keep them from placing a sign near the highway to let customers know they are there. They have been working with the city for several years to find a way to make their business more visible to no avail.

McDonald’s on M-7 had to limit the length of time for the reconstruction of its store to keep its signature golden arches, which don’t meet our current sign code requirements. Panera Bread had to get special permission for its highway-facing signage because it didn’t meet the requirements of our current sign code. These are just a few examples.

My encouragement to our mayor and council is to listen to the needs of our existing and new businesses and find creative ways to make our city more inviting to the businesses we want and need. I am confident the sign code can be modified to accommodate those needs while keeping our business districts attractive. Be sure to speak with your councilmen and give them your guidance on this important issue for our city!

“Why is the city of Blue Springs so difficult to work with?”

During my time on the City Council, that question came up repeatedly. While there are many answers, an example was seen at the Aug. 3 council meeting.

Over the past several years we have seen significant progress in Blue Springs. Coronado Place, Copperleaf Village, the Mall at Fall Creek and Parker Center are all projects that have addressed blighted areas. Despite opposition from our District 3 council members, each of these projects has improved the visual landscape of our community and enhanced quality of life for our citizens.

One project presented to the council in 2006 was the Village Gardens redevelopment. It had several benefits for our city. It eliminated an aging building, and a beautiful new Village Gardens building was constructed. The old lot was cleaned up and marketing began, with the intention of a new restaurant for the corner. The total project will generate additional revenue for our taxing entities, including the school district, which is the primary reason it supported the project in 2006.

Jump now to the present, and last week’s council meeting. Village Gardens asked for a two-year extension of the deadline of when tax abatement for the corner lot must be activated. The original contract with the city allowed for an extension for reasons beyond the owner’s control. Certainly the current economic downturn constituted reasons beyond the owner’s control. When Council Member Sheila Solon said “... it’s a very bad contract that didn’t serve the citizens,” I have to admit I had a hard time understanding her interpretation.

I find it hard to imagine anyone opposing the elimination of the blight at this location in 2006. Monday evening, Council Members Fowler and Solon attempted to justify that opposition. In my opinion, their poor treatment of a local business owner – one who has invested his own funds in this project – was unnecessary but typical. It illuminates the issue expressed by many business owners and developers of their concern about choosing to do business in our city. As I attended various Chamber of Commerce events last week, the council meeting was a frequent topic of conversation.

On the bright side, Kingsridge Center on Woods Chapel is receiving a facelift. This area is long overdue for attention and redevelopment, and it’s encouraging to see owners investing in their property. As our council members continue to disagree on the best direction for our city, I would encourage you to make your voice heard. Whether you agree or disagree with their statements and actions, let them know your thoughts. And remember, the next City Council election is next April.

All-Star Challenge XVII Slated For June 18

Today’s Date: June 4, 2009

From: Tony Wrisinger, Co Executive Director GKCFCA

The Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association announces the All-Star Challenge XVIII, This year’s High School Football All Star Game featuring teams from Missouri and Kansas will be played on June 18^th at Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium on the campus of Blue Springs South High School in Blue Springs Missouri.

“We are really pleased to have the Blue Springs School District host the game this season,” GKCFCA President and Smithville High Head Coach Greg Smith said. “We have had tremendous support from high school football fans over the years and with this year’s game to be played in a city that is well known for its passion for high school football like Blue Springs, is fantastic.. We expect the event to be outstanding this year.”

The team’s rosters are also attached to this e-mail.

The Kansas squad will be head coached by Shawnee Mission West head Coach Tim Callaghan. The Missouri squad will be head coached by Phil Lascuola of Hogan Prep.

Kansas leads the all-time series 10-6, with one rainout.

Practices begin June 8, and are generally 5:30-8 PM Monday through Friday of that week, and Monday through Wednesday of next week. The Missouri team is practicing at Blue Springs South High School. The Kansas squad is practicing at Shawnee Mission West. Practice is open to the media, but not to the public.

The game will be televised on a tape-delayed by Metro Sports on Friday June 19th at 7 PM and 11 PM, as well as on June 20^th at 7 AM and June 21^st at 7 PM. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students (with student ID). Advance ticket sales are available at Adam’s Dairy Bank in Blue Springs (816-655-3333).

In addition to the game, the McCarthy Auto Group will sponsor one lucky fans field goal kick for a new car at halftime. The GKCFCA will also award the Warren Award and the Dave Bassore Man of the Year Awards.

Contacts: Tony Wrisinger 816-810-6557 Tim Callaghan (Kansas Coach)913-993-7897

Greg Smith (GKCFCA Pres): 816-260-0988 Phil Lascuola (Missouri Coach 816-444-3464

-- end --

The first time I attended the Blue Springs Rotary Car Raffle I had no idea what to expect. What I found was an exciting evening of great food, community fellowship, and an opportunity to win a new car.

The car raffle is Blue Springs Rotary’s premier fund raising event of the year. The money raised goes directly back into the community in the form of grants to Rainbow Center, Hope House, Community Services League, The School of Economics, YMCA, and many other projects and organizations. For example, the club recently donated $6,500 towards the development of the new Disc Golf Park at Young Park. Over the years the club has donated $100,000 towards the development of Rotary Park at Railroad Lake.

If you have ever taken your children to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rotary Park, you will have seen the club members assisting the Easter Bunny putting out eggs and candy for the kids to find. The list goes on and on, suffice it to say that Blue Springs Rotary is an organization that is deeply rooted in Blue Springs and worthy to support.

On April 18, 2009 the Blue Springs Rotary Club will hold its 18^th Annual Car Raffle. The event will be at Adams Dairy Conference Center starting at 6pm. A single ticket comes with dinner for two, a chance to win a car, and costs $120. A second chance at winning the car can be bought for an additional $30, bringing the ticket price to $150.

[It is too late now to purchase your tickets in advance.  Just show up at the door to make your purchase, there are 50 tickets left as of April 18, 2009 at 9am when this article was updated!  Please let them know Jeff Quibell sent you!] 

To buy your ticket to the Raffle contact Jeff Quibell at 816-224-2890 or print the flyer off of my web site at http://tinyurl.com/bsrcarraffle and deliver it along with your check for $150 made out to Blue Springs Rotary, 1200 NW South Outer Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015.

Only 375 tickets will be sold so don’t miss this exciting event. Wanda and I will be there and we look forward to you joining us for all the fun and excitement!

The Heritage Philharmonic will feature Kansas City Symphony Cellist Matt Johnson performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto on Saturday March 21, 2009 at the Blue Springs High School Performing Arts Center starting at 7:30pm.  The video clip below is from one of the orchestra's Christmas concerts.  If you print a copy of this article and bring it with you to the concert you will get two tickets for the price of one.  I hope to see you there on March 21st!