News Happenings Around Town |
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council |
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Hello Blue Springs! I hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits as we continue through the month of October.
In this issue, you will see there is a lot going on around town these days. Be sure to check out the community events section toward the bottom of the newsletter for information on Drug Take Back Day, a COVID-friendly Halloween event and our annual Public Safety Citizens' Advisory Board Public Forum next month. This year's topic is Animal Control and everything you need to know about animal laws in Blue Springs.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition of News Happenings Around Town. As always, stay healthy, stay safe and stay strong.
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Truman Heartland Community Foundation Citizen of the Year |
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I had the priveledge of honoring James L. May as the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Blue Springs Citizen of the Year at the annual (virtual) gala on September 26.
James (Jim) L. May has been making a difference in the Blue Springs community for more than 35 years. He is a Navy veteran and leader in the Blue Springs business community.
In 2008, Jim became the first African American to serve on the City’s Planning Commission, appointed by Mayor Ross and the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Council. Since then Jim has held many civic positions in Blue Springs, including an interim term on the City Council and as a planner in Out of the Blue, Into the Future citizen visioning process.
Jim is a graduate of the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy and a member of the Blue Springs Citizens Academy Alumni Association. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board for Blue Springs Land Bank and has served as a member for the Blue Springs Board of Adjustment. Congratulations Jim!
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Blue Springs vs Grain Valley Census Showdown |
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Hey Blue Springs, The City of Grain Valley challenged us to a Census showdown. Our City's response rate has been neck and neck with theirs, so now is the time for the final push before the deadline, October 15. As of October 12, we're trailing by .5%. Go to www.2020Census.gov to fill out yours today!
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Ribbon Cutting - Southside Nutrition |
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District 1 Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Kaylor along with District 3 Councilmember Susan Culpepper and members of the the Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Southside Nutrition located at 3100 MO-7 Suite J, Blue Springs on September 29. |
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Congratulations to a well-deserved
former employee
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Former City of Blue Springs Assistant to the City Administrator and Communications Director, Kim Nakahodo received the Richard R. Noll Outstanding Assistant Award from the Missouri City Management Association on Tuesday, October 6.
Blue Springs City Administrator, Eric Johnson had the honor of presenting the award to her virtually through Zoom during the North Kansas City Council meeting October 5 at 7:15 pm.
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Community Unity Week benefitting
Community Services League
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Community Services League - Blue Springs Office provides emergency assistance to local individuals and families. Due to the pandemic, they are serving 4x their usual numbers, despite essential food drives being cancelled.
Read more
www.facebook.com
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COVID-19 and Blue Springs |
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CITY HALL
Closed to the public until further notice. During this time, the City of Blue Springs will continue to provide vital City Services via our website, telephone and email.
City phones are still active and we encourage residents to call 816-228-0110 or use our website www.bluespringsgov.com to determine the appropriate email or phone number to contact each department directly.
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BUILDING INSPECTIONS AND LAND USE PERMITS: The City is expanding its efforts to help protect residents from the spread of COVID-19 and has temporarily suspended in person services at all City Hall facilities. Building permits and land use applications can now be submitted electronically, via mail, or dropped off at City Hall. Please follow the instructions to assist you in submitting your proposal or for resubmitting documents. You may also submit select permits and license applications by visiting our Citizens Self Service Portal.
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Jackson County updates Phase 2.5, revises restrictions on large gatherings |
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The Jackson County Health Department has filed an amended order that took effect October 9, 2020 to align both indoor and outdoor gatherings by stating all gatherings should not exceed 100 people unless social distancing, mask wearing, and proper protocols are in place to limit potential transmission of COVID-19. At gatherings with less than 100 people, masks are still required to be worn at all times indoors (except private residences) and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Additionally, the new health order requires all gatherings exceeding 100 people to submit a Gathering Protocol at least 72 business hours in advance of the event. The Gathering Protocol must be approved by Jackson County and easily accessible to all attendees.
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City of Blue Springs News |
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Blue Springs Point of View |
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Missouri Secretary of State visits Blue Springs, talks voting options for November 3 election |
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- Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft visited Blue Springs City Hall on September 22 to promote the safety of in-person voting and the new 2020 absentee and mail-in voting options in Missouri.
Important Dates:
- Last day to request, by mail, an absentee or mail-in ballot be sent to you by your local election official: Oct. 21
- Last day to vote by absentee in person at your local election office: close of business Nov. 2
- Last day for your local election official to receive your ballot: 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3
More information, flyers, absentee and mail-in ballot applications and contact the Jackson County Election Board at https://jcebmo.org.
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October 24: Drug Take Back Day |
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On Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Blue Springs Police Department and both Blue Springs Price Chopper locations will give residents an opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous unused, expired and unwanted...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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Haunted Candy Cruise: October 30 |
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Friday, October 30 2020 | 6-8 p.m. -- Drive around Pink Hill Park and enjoy Halloween scenes, trick-or-treating with local vendors, snacks and more! All from the comfort and safety of your car!
FREE!
Pre-registration is not necessary
Read more
www.facebook.com
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November 24: Spotlight on Animal Control Public Forum |
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Join the Public Safety Citizens' Advisory Board for a community forum featuring the Blue Springs Animal Control and our City's Code of Ordinances relating to animals in Blue Springs. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24 in...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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COVID Testing locations and dates |
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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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