News Happenings Around Town
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
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Hello Blue Springs!
Blue Springs, as I always say, is a City on the move, and on the right track. And the last month has been no different.
The City Council and I appointed our new City Administrator in April and Mike Ekey will be officially joining us on May 31 to lead our City's organization. You can read more about Mr. Ekey and our new City Prosecutor below.
We also recognized some dedicated citizens, saw the opening of Whataburger and had some new public artwork installed.
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.
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Police Department Recognizes Fallen Officers
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At 11 a.m. Tuesday May 10, the Blue Springs Police Department held the annual Police Officer's Memorial with a moment of silence and 21-Gun salute to honor those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2021 across the nation.
This service coincided with National Police Week.
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Whataburger Blue Springs Opened May 9
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Whataburger Blue Springs is open for business! The Texas-based burger company located at 905 Missouri 7 Hwy opened at 11 a.m., Monday May 9. The Blue Springs location is the third location to open in the Kansas City Metro area.
Whataburger has been working with the City and Blue Springs Police Department to help ensure traffic flows on 7 Hwy this week. Vehicles will need to route to R.D. Mize from 7 Hwy as access to Westbound South Outer Road at 7 Hwy will be closed to prevent back-ups.
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Mayor recognizes Council, Staff for Years of Service
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I had the pleasure of recognizing Councilmember Ron Fowler, District 3, for 30 years of service as a City Councilmember. Councilmember Jerry Kaylor, District 1, was recognized for five years of service as a City Councilmember and City Attorney Jackie Sommer for five years of service to the City. Congratulations and job well done to all!
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Carter, Miller recognized for Contribution to Parks
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Pictured (L-R): Delaney Johnson, Cindy Miller, Mayor Carson Ross, Dale Carter, Dennis Dovel.
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Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Dovel presented two prestigious awards from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association at the April 4 City Council meeting.
Residents and volunteers, Dale Carter and Cindy Miller received the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association Citation Award to Dale Carter and Cindy Miller for their work to pass the renewal of the Parks Sales Tax.
And Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Recreation Supervisor Delaney Johnson was named the recipient of the MPRA Sports Section Award for Outstanding New Professional for her work that has led to the increase in program participants in our youth sports programs and the expansion of sports program offerings.
Congratulations to Dale, Cindy and Delaney!
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Councilmembers take Oath of Office
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Susan Culpepper, District 3
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Chris Lievsay and Family, District 2
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At the Monday, April 18 City Council Meeting, Councilmember Susan Culpepper, District 3, and Councilmember Chris Lievsay, District 2, took the Oath of Office following the April 5 election.
Councilmember Galen Ericson, District 1, was unable to attend the Monday, April 18 City Council meeting so he stopped by City Hall later that week to take his Oath of Office in the City Clerk's office following his re-election on April 5.
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Galen Ericson and wife, District 1
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Ross Recognized on Leon M. Jordan Memorial
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I had the honor of being recognized on the memorial monument in Leon M. Jordan Memorial Park in Kansas City, Mo.
The "Monument To Freedom, Justice and Courage," constructed of brick and polished concrete blocks, is located at Leon Jordan Memorial Park at 31st St. & Benton Blvd. in Kansas City.
It contains two sections, each eight feet high and 33 feet long, creating a half-circle around the Leon Jordan statue. Each monument segment contains space for 500 memorial plaques, for a total of 1,000 honorees. Each year for the next 10 years, 100 individuals will be selected to be added to the monument as directed by the Jackson County Freedom Wall Commission, which was established in 2014.
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Meet Shane!
"I manage the day-to-day 'mapping' needs. I design the City Council and Planning Commission maps for developmental projects. Once projects are approved, I input the parcel boundaries, building footprints, street centerlines, and assign addresses for each property."
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City Adds 'Juneteenth' as Official Holiday, Facilities Closed Monday June 20
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As part of the City of Blue Springs broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, Mayor Carson Ross has approved Juneteenth as an official paid holiday for City employees. Because Juneteenth falls on the weekend, City facilities will be closed to the public, Monday, June 20.
Juneteenth is celebrated in communities across the country in the same spirit as the Fourth of July but has often been overlooked outside the Black community. After the end of the Civil War in April 1865 and two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a number of people remained enslaved in the U.S. It was on June 19, 1865 when Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read the statement, “In accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” which finally meant freedom for those still enslaved in Texas. Thus, Juneteenth marks the effective and official end of slavery in the U.S.
Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but also one of opportunity, equity and access. The City of Blue Springs is committed to demonstrating awareness and support for employees’ varied experiences. Observation of Juneteenth is a visible way to demonstrate the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Blue Springs Hires New City Administrator, Prosecutor
The Blue Springs City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of the City's new City Administrator and City Prosecutor at the Monday, April 18, City Council meeting. After a lengthy and diligent nationwide search, Mayor Carson Ross has...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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Public Art Book Now Available
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The Blue Springs Public Art Commission's 20+1 Years of Public Art in Blue Springs commemorative booklet is now available at the Blue Springs Fieldhouse, 425 NE Mock Ave. The PAC is requesting those who wish to take home a book, leave a small donation to help continue bringing Public Art in Blue Springs for the next 20 years.
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New Public Art Exhibit at Colonial Gardens
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The Blue Springs Public Art Commission is pleased to announce a major collaboration with Colonial Gardens for the 2022 Temporary Public Art Installation. Four unique sculptures have been installed at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs. The Regenerate exhibit will be open through March 2023.
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Water Taste Affected by Seasonal Changes,
No Impact on Safety
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We've had several reports of a taste change with our drinking water. Blue Springs gets much of our water supply from the City of Kansas City. They have recently issued the following statement:
"As spring approaches, so do the ever changing weather conditions. These weather conditions can sometimes affect the taste and odor of our tap water but it does not affect water quality or safety. Some KC Water customers may notice a slight change to the taste of their tap water.
Seasonal changes such as rain, temperature, river water levels, and even runoff from melting snow can change the characteristics of the water in the Missouri River, the source of Kansas City’s drinking water. Operational changes made to adjust to changing river conditions can also affect the taste and odor of tap water. KC Water performs continuous monitoring and extensive laboratory testing of the drinking water that is supplied throughout Kansas City to ensure that safe water is delivered to customers."
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Volunteer to serve on a City Board or Commission
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The City is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to serve on various Boards and Commissions.
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What's Happening in Blue Springs
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May 14: 2nd Saturday Downtown Blue Springs Car Cruise
The Blue Springs Downtown Car Cruises are held on the second Saturday Monthly through October, 5 pm until dark. May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug.13 Sept 10, Oct. 8 Bring the family out to view the latest innovations in car restoration from over 100...
Read more
downtownbluesprings.com
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May 19: Celebrate Public Works!
Celebrate Public Works! Join us in celebrating National Public Works Week and learn how we maintain our City! Equipment Displays Demonstrations Free Food Prizes Much more! Join us in celebrating National Public Works Week and learn how we...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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May 21 - Fishing Derby 2022
Join The Sunset Optimist Club of Blue Springs and Lake Lotawana Optimist Club along with Blue Springs Parks and Recreation for the 30th annual Free Blue Springs Fishing Derby for children ages 5 -14.
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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May 29: Summer Concert in the Park - High Fidelity
Join us for a night of Music at the Rotary Park "Concert in the Park Series" Summer Kick Off! This program has been going for over 25 years, and is widely recognized in Blue Springs and surrounding...
Read more
www.facebook.com
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June 18: Corks & Canvas
Join us for our ninth annual Corks & Canvas Art and Wine Walk in the historic downtown district of Blue Springs. Artists and Makers will be displaying their art during this event, and wineries and spirit makers will be offering samples of their...
Read more
downtownbluesprings.com
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Contact Your City Councilmember:
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I hope you have found this issue of "News Happenings Around Town" to be both informative and timely for your City information needs. Is there anything we missed? Do you have questions about any of the articles from this issue? Share your thoughts with me and the City Council by calling City Hall at 816-228-0111 or by sending us an email. Know that we truly value your time and support of our City and hope you join us for the next issue of "News Happenings."
Sincerely,
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Carson Ross, Mayor
City of Blue Springs
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