News Happenings Around Town
A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
Mayor's Message
It's officially spring! And with that comes warmer weather (hopefully), greener grass and more outdoor activities... and also, greater possibilities of severe weather. Please be weather aware, prepared, and have at least two methods of emergency notifications. The City of Blue Springs along with the Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (CJCEMA) tests outdoor warning sirens the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. as long as there is not an actual weather threat. But remember, storm sirens are outdoor warning systems only and not meant to be heard indoors.

In March, I was finally able to deliver my 14th Annual State of the City Address where we celebrated the successes of 2021 and I shared some exciting things on the horizon for Blue Springs in 2022 and beyond. Please take a few minutes to watch my full speech through the video link below.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and for more City news, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and sign up for text or email notifications.

Out and About
2021 State of the City Addres
Mayor Carson Ross delivered his 14th consecutive State of the City Address at the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Thursday March 17.
The theme of the 2021 State of the City Address is “We Celebrate our Past While excited about our Future.” Mayor Ross reflected on the past year, celebrated the many successes the City has achieved and shared key priorities and initiatives for the future.

Check it out below!
The State of the City address is also re-broadcast on the City’s government access channel, Comcast Channel 7 or AT&T Channel 99. And available on the City’s YouTube Channel and on the City’s website.
Sheryl Morgan Named Outstanding City Clerk
Congratulations to Sheryl Morgan! Sheryl was named Outstanding City Clerk from the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association.

Sheryl has been an invaluable member of our staff and has implemented numerous new processes and procedures to increase the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency at City Hall. Congratulations Sheryl, this is much deserved.

Pictured: Sheryl Morgan (center) with (L-R) Councilmembers Susan Culpepper, Galen Ericson and Jerry Kaylor at the Missouri City Clerk's and Finance Officers Association Awards Banquet.

Parade of Hearts Comes to Blue Springs
The HeARTs are here! Blue Springs is the proud home of two hearts in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts.

"Connected Heart" By Shelly Pinto is displayed at the corner of 10th and Main streets in front of City Hall and "Flowers in Remembrance" by Sara Engman-Slaughter is displayed at Pink Hill Park, 2715 NW Park Dr.

The Parade of Hearts is a regional Public Art experience with a mission to set a national example of unification, showing the country KC is truly the heartland and embracing Kansas City's place as the "Heart of America."

154 hearts, designed by local and regional artists were placed throughout the Kansas City Metro.
Celebrating Chamber President Lara Vermillion's 20 years in the Chamber Industry
Congratulations to Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce President, Lara Vermillion for 20 years in the Chamber of Commerce industry. She has served the Blue Springs business community with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce since March 2009.
Rally for a Reason
Mayor Carson Ross along with Councilmembers Kent Edmondson and Jerry Kaylor, and members of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce gathered March 26 at Dell's Powersports to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of Missouri and Kansas with a Road Rally.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Officer Litz!

Blue Springs Police Officer Jordan Litz of the Traffic Unit has been with the Blue Springs Police Department for 4 years.

City News
City Conducts Community Needs and Housing Survey

The City of Blue Springs is currently conducting a Community Needs and Housing Survey to assist us in developing the City's 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Fair Housing Assessment required as an entitlement community under the Community Development...

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www.bluespringsgov.com
2021 Citizen Survey Results Presented to Council

The findings of the 2021 Blue Springs Citizen's Satisfaction Survey, conducted in the fall of 2021, were presented to the Blue Springs City Council on March 7, 2022. The survey was conducted by ETC Institute, headquartered in Olathe, Kan., which...

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www.bluespringsgov.com
New Business - Hawaiian Bros
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, 800 NE Coronado Drive, in the former Kneaders space held its grand opening on March 7.
Parks Maintenance Projects
The gazebo at Rotary Park is being remodeled as part of the Parks Sales Tax maintenance and improvement projects. A new steel-structured gazebo will be going in the same spot.
The steel material will help reinforce the structure, creating less maintenance over time.
Municipal Election: April 5, 2022
There are three council seats up for re-election on the April 5, 2022 ballot. Go to the Jackson County Election Board website for more information on what else is on your ballot.
Rental Assistance available through Community Services League
Community Services League and United Way of Greater KC are again partnering with Jackson County, Missouri to help administer an additional $25 MM in grant dollars awarded to the county from the most recent congressional COVID relief package. 

Resident Tips and Tricks
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Volunteer to serve on a City Board or Commission
The City is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to serve on various Boards and Commissions.
Go to our website to learn more about each of the Boards and Commissions and what they do and fill out an application today.


What's Happening in Blue Springs
April 8 - Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Hop on over and participate in our Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt! Help find over 2,000 eggs with your flashlight. Fee includes a bag full of candy, hot dog and soda, and eggs that are filled with candy and local coupons. Deadline: March 16th

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www.bluespringsgov.com
April 9 - Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Join us for this year's Easter Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 9! This FREE event will go from 9AM-11AM, and pre-registration is not required. Vendors, yard games, and the Easter Bunny will be onsite

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www.bluespringsgov.com
April 23 - Get Outdoors!

Join Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Jackson County Parks + Rec for an outdoor family event like no other. We will have outdoor education, fishing, yoga, archery,...

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www.bluespringsgov.com
Contact Your City Councilmember:
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Carson Ross, Mayor 
City of Blue Springs