Aug. 4, 2011 Gladstone Dispatch

Send your news to [email protected]

July 28, 2011Volume 1 • Issue 36

75 cents

Name: ___________________________________________________Phone: ___________________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________City: _____________________________________________________State: _________________________ Zip: _______________________

Email address: ____________________________________________Mail or drop off this entry form for FREE Josh Thompson tickets at the

104 N. MainLiberty, MO 64068

816.454.9660

Simply fi ll out the entry form below and drop off or mail to Gladstone Dispatch. Entries must be received by NOON on Thursday, August 11th.Winners will be determined through a drawing and winners will be notifi ed Friday, August 12th. Entries received after deadline will not be eligible for drawing. Advance tickets are also available at KearneyAmphitheater.com or Kearney City Hall for only $15.00.*Winners names and photos may be used in future publications.

w and drop off or mail to Gladsto

WINTWO FREETICKETS!

Special Guest KC’s own Noe Palma

KEARNEY AMPHITHEATERSponsored by

ST. MICHAEL’SKNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

COUNCIL #8915

Sat., Aug. 20TH

7:00 PM

DISCOUNTS AT THIS STORE ONLYKANSAS CITY

7100 NW Prairie View Rd

ALL SALES FINAL, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE. OPEN DAILY REGULAR HOURS. WE ACCEPT VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS AND SEARS CARD. WE ACCEPT SEARS GIFT CARDS. DISCOUNTS DO NOT APPLY TO PREPAID GIFT CARDS.

INVENTORY IS LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND. THIS EVENT EXCLUDES ELECTROLUX. THIS STORE IS NOT PARTICIPATING IN CURRENT SEARS CIRCULARS.

SHOP OUR OTHER AREA STORES FOR GREAT BRANDS AND GREAT VALUES THAT ARE HERE TO STAY.CALL 1-800-469-4663 OR VISIT SEARS.COM TO LOCATE YOUR NEAREST SEARS STORE.

WE NEED TO MAKE ROOM FOR Kmart’s RETURN TO KANSAS CITY!

WHILE WEREMODELWHILE WEREMODEL

WATCH FOR THE NEW

FRI-SATFRI-SAT 4040––7575WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

ALL CLEARANCETHURSDAYTHURSDAY 3030––

%% 7070WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

%%

LAST 4 DAYS!LAST 4 DAYS!

SUNDAYLAST DAY!SUNDAYLAST DAY!

OFFOFF& MORE& MORE

OFFOFF& MORE& MORE

ALL CLEARANCE

ALL CLEARANCEALL CLEARANCE%% %%

20

ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS MUSTBE SOLD TO THE BARE WALLS!ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS MUST

BE SOLD TO THE BARE WALLS!WE STILL HAVE WASHERS/DRYERS,

REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS, OVENS AND MORE

LIMITED TO QUANTITIES ON HAND • EXCLUDING ELECTROLUX

All Clearance Must Be Sold

ALL CLEARANCE WILL BE SOLD!ALL CLEARANCE WILL BE SOLD!

All Clearance

PRICED TO SELL TO THE

BARE WALLS!

All Clearance

PRICED TO SELL TO THE

BARE WALLS!

8/7

William “Bill” Garnos has been selected for appointment to the Glad-stone City Council.

Garnos, when appointed in August, will fulfill the unexpired term of former Coun-cilman Les Smith, who retired at the end of June.

“Mr. Garnos has demonstrated his leadership ability in recent years with his activity in the community and through his sup-port of community initiatives,” Mayor Barry McCullough said in a press release. “We look forward to working with him on the City Council.”

A successful businessman in a nation-

ally recognized planning and con-sulting business, Garnos brings many

assets to this position, the release said.

He has been a Glad-stone resident for more than 20 years and active in city initiatives for a number of years. He has served two years as the vice chair of the Plan-ning Commission and most recently as the commission chair. He also was actively engaged in the public safety sales tax initiative, the water/sewer bond issue and the road improvement bond issues in 2010.

Garnos is also a 2011 graduate of the Future Leaders Academy. He comes to the council

with more than seven years experience in state government in South Dakota.

By Angie Anaya Borgedalen

This fall, property own-ers in at least four Clay County cities will not get tax bills from their city governments, but they’ll still have to pay their taxes. Instead the bills for the first time will be sent from the county collector of rev-enue’s office.

Clay County has agreed to collect city real estate and personal property taxes for Kearney, North Kansas City, Avondale and Birmingham in what Col-lector Lydia McEvoy hopes is the beginning of a new partnership between the county and its cities.

Contracts with the first four cities were unanimous-ly approved by the Clay County Commission at its meeting July 11. The coun-

ty will send out tax bills for the four cities beginning in early November. Smithville has also expressed interest in the county collecting its taxes, McEvoy said.

McEvoy said the county would incur some expenses to upgrade computer soft-ware this year to imple-ment the new program but it should recoup its invest-ment over the next few years. As more cities take advantage of the opportu-nity it could save taxpayers money, get funds distribut-ed to taxing entities faster and decrease duplication, she said. The cities current-ly get their tax information from the county assessor’s office and send out and process their own bills.

McEvoy said she was excited about the opportu-nity to provide this service to the cities and taxpay-

ers. The cities will pay the county a fee to collect their taxes. The county currently collects taxes for a number of taxing entities, includ-ing school districts.

“There are 25 munici-palities that are contained either entirely or partly within Clay County,” McE-voy said. “We would be happy to collect for all of them.”

She said Liberty, Glad-stone and Kansas City were also considering having the county collect their taxes beginning in 2012. By starting the process with smaller cities, McE-voy said it would give the county the opportunity to work out any bugs with the collection system.

Liberty Assistant City Administrator Dan Estes

Garnos to join City Council

Bill Garnos

Clay County to begin collecting city taxesGladstone not yet part of joint venture

TAXES/Page A5

BOW HUNTING OPPORTUNITY

COMING NEXT WEEK ...Mother of 3 finished degree despite adversity AUG. 11

COUNTY GOVERNMENTAuditor William Norris under fire but says he

will not resign PAGE A3

Managed archery hunt targets white-tailed deer

population PAGE A13

AnnouncementsGladstone Dispatch charges a fee for engagement, wed-ding, anniversary, birth and death announcements. Call 454-9660 for rates and submission guidelines. The dead-line for these announcements is 10 a.m. Monday the week of publication.

Community submissionsGladstone Dispatch publishes many community submissions free of charge. Information and photos are published on a space-available basis at the sole discretion of the editor. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Friday to be consid-ered for the following week’s newspaper. All non-paid content should be sent to [email protected] or Gladstone Dispatch, 104 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 64068.

Letters to the editorGladstone Dispatch accepts and publishes letters to the editor on a space-available basis at the sole discretion of the editor. Letters should be no more than 300 words. Mate-rial deemed libelous in nature will not be published. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit any letter submit-ted for clarity, grammar and overall length. All letters must be signed and have a phone number for verification. Name and city location will be published with letters. Letters pub-lished do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Gladstone Dispatch or its staff.

454-9660Call for classified and display advertising

[email protected] community news and photos

Display advertising deadline noon Monday

Classified advertising deadline 4 p.m. Tuesday

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preferences, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limita-tions or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings adver-tised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Gladstone Dispatch is published weekly by NPG Newspapers, Inc.

104 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 64068

Gladstone Dispatch uses

recycled paper, plates and ink.

781-4942Call for delivery

1250 Burlington, North Kansas City, MO • 816.221.12506264 Lewis Drive, #100A, Parkville, MO • 816.746.510011006 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS • 913.721.3208

Stop by any of our 3 locations for more informationor call 816-221-1250 for a consultation:

Wedding Cakes• Tiered cakes only• $150.00 minimum order• Maximum amount on coupon is $150.00.

Special

25%OFFEXPIRES 8/31/11

KearneyAmphitheater.com

SEASON SPONSORS:NKC Beverage

Big V Country MartFirst Missouri National Bank

Remax AdvantageKearney Chamber of Commerce

Stables GrillKearney Trust Company

Kent Mohler ExteriorsKCB Bank

St. Michaels Knights of Columbus Council #8915

Justin Moorewith Special Guest

RICKIE LEE TANNER��

Advance T��

Sponsored byLA FUENTE

MEXICAN RESTAURANT& McDONALDS OF KEARNEY

Come see what our vendors have to offer:Goose Hollow Gardens, Maysville, MO: Food grown naturally for great taste and good health

Morning Dew Acres, Plattsburg, MO: Earth friendly produce

Kathy’s Sweet Shoppe, KCMO: Homemade jams, jellies, pickles, pasta sauce and salsa

Tom’s Green Thumb, KCMO: Homemade dog treats, tomatoes

S&J Herbs & Heirlooms, Liberty, MO: The ugly “mater” & the French legume

Sellers Baked Goods, Trenton, MO: Tasty bread, pies, cinnamon rolls & cookies

Nature’s Window, Gladstone, MO: Specialty pies, breads & farm fresh eggs

KAT Tracks, Gladstone, MO: Hand-dyed wearables, linens, jewelry & bottle lights

Genie Jewelry, Lee’s Summit, MO: Recycled, repurposed jewelry

Juice Plus+, Gladstone, MO: Whole food nutrition in a capsule

Latin Culinary Center, Gladstone, MO: Gladstone’s own tamales, salsa, plus fresh baked sweets

Long Livestock, Co, KCMO: All natural beef, bison and pork

Mark McGinnis, Hardin, MO: Greenhouse grown produce

Publisher Matt Daugherty [email protected]

Ad Sales Linda Petty [email protected]

Circulation Manager Stephanie Cates [email protected]

Managing Editor Amy Neal [email protected]

Aug. 4, 2011Volume 1 • Issue 37

A2 Gladstone Dispatch Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011

Warrior women

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Northland business women Kathryn Clark, Sophie Fraysier, Kristi Soligo and Goldie Arnold try on their helmets before the 9:30 a.m. wave of the Warrior Dash Kansas City on Sunday, July 31. The four women work at Reece & Nichols, and trained to participate in the race. After the race and its wacky obstacles, they were covered in mud. Arnold placed third in her age category with a time of 1:05:05. More than 15,000 competitors participated in the two-day event. Sunday wave times were cancelled after 1:30 p.m. because of extreme heat.

The Oak Park High School Alumni Board of Directors has announced the names of three to be inducted as newest members of the Oak Park Alumni Hall of Fame.

This year’s honorees are Pamela Mackender-Blech-inger, class of 1979; Bill Hankins, class of 1968; and Dianna Pfaff, class of 1977.

They will be induct-ed Friday, Sept. 9, dur-ing the school’s fall homecoming festivities. To be considered for the Oak Park High School Alumni Hall of Fame, can-didates must have gradu-ated from Oak Park; have worked in the private or public sector for at least 10 years; and must exem-plify the values, tradi-

tions and successes of Oak Park High School. In so doing, candidates should inspire and encourage current students to excel in their chosen fields of endeavor.

Those considered must achieve distinction in academics, athletics, busi-ness, community service, public service, or in arts and sciences.

Oak Park Hall of Famers announced by alumni board

Celebrating the vitality in all of usPublished the second week of every month.

CMKM-D9464-SunPublications-10.25x20-4C-8.1

All phones require new 2-yr. activation. While supplies last.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAYWorld’s first Android™ smartphone that’s PlayStation® Certified

$9999 $149.99 2-yr. price – $50 mail-in rebate debit card. Requires data pak.

��

Limited-Time Offer 3 MONTHS FREE

NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTION with purchase of Revolution by LG($7.99/month thereafter; data charges may apply for use).*

New 2-yr. activation & data pak required.

NEW! Revolution™ by LGPreloaded with Netflix

$19999No rebate required. Requires data pak.

*Netflix offer: Valid on LG Revolution purchases between 7/22/11-8/28/11; after 3 months, $7.99/mo (plus other charges) applies unless you cancel earlier. Activation fee/line: $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Cust. Agmt, Calling Plan, rebate form & credit approval. Up to $350 early termination fee/line & add’l charges for extra minutes, data sent/received & device capabilities. Offers & coverage, varying

by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. Speeds may be reduced for top 5% of users for up to 60 days when in congested networks areas. Limited-time offer. Restocking fee may apply. Rebate debit card takes up to 6 wks & expires in 12 months. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE is available in 55 metros & 80 major airports in the U.S. DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license. © 2011 Verizon Wireless. KDRSM

DROID X2 by MOTOROLA��BUY ONEGET ONE FREE $19999 Data pak required per device.

SAVE $50 WITH A NEW MOBILE HOTSPOT AND CONNECT UP TO 5 WI-FI–ENABLED DEVICES.New 2-yr. activation on a 4G Mobile Broadband plan req’d.

Limited-Time OfferNEW! Verizon 4G LTE

Mobile Hotspot MiFi™ 4510L ��

$4999$99.99 2-yr. price – $50 mail-in rebate debit card.

CONQUER THE CLASSROOM.Get the latest back to school technology powered by America’s ��

CALL NOW!� SAVE Your Gas! We Come to You!��FREE Professional Measuring and

Consultation... ONE VISIT!��

Installers!�� Hunter Douglas

Galleries ��

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies & Decor

Shawnee12611 W 62nd Terr

913-631-0088

Overland Park7200 W 135th St

913-378-0888Northland

9002 NW Skyview816-468-4433

Lee’s Summit1174 NE Douglas Blvd

816-347-0885

www.onestopdecorating.com

Beat the Heat

This Summer!

Get the free mobile app athttp:/ /gettag.mobi

Blinds, Shades, Shutters and Custom Draperies

FREEInstallation

with this ad!

Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers & previous sales.

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 Gladstone Dispatch A3


In the wake of growing allegations of wrongdoing, momentum appears to be growing to convince Clay County Auditor William Norris to resign.

Andrew Palmer, who is on the board of directors of the Clay County Pachy-derms and maintains a conservative political blog, ClayCoMoPolitics, said he was getting a lot of traf-fic on his blog critical of Norris.

“He needs to resign,” Palmer said. “The moral and correct thing for this gentleman to do is to leave office.”

Norris said that is not going to happen.

“Absolutely not,” Norris said by email when asked directly if he planned to resign from office.

Ben Wierzbicki, chair-man of the Clay County Republican Central Com-mittee, said he considered calling a special meeting to discuss the allegations raised in an investigation by Channel 41 reporter Russ Ptacek that Norris, 28, is a convicted felon, that he misused county computers, stalked women and lied about his qualifications.

Wierzbicki said the com-mittee would likely discuss the matter at its regular monthly session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, in the Clay County Administration Building on the Liberty Square.

“He’s welcome to come to the meeting,” Wierz-bicki said, referring to Nor-ris. “It’s open to the public.

We have nothing to hide.”In an unusual move, the

Central Committee voted unanimously before the 2010 November general elec-tion not to endorse Norris.

“We voted not to endorse him because he was not up front about his education and credentials,” Wierz-bicki said.

During the campaign, Norris claimed to be a graduate of William Jewell College and a certified pub-lic accountant. According to college and state offi-cials, Norris was neither. Nonetheless, Norris beat Democrat incumbent audi-tor Sheila Ernzen in an election that saw all Dem-ocrat county officeholders on the ballot swept out of office by Republican oppo-nents.

Norris said he was fulfill-ing the duties of his office and accused the “liberal media of ragging on the Republicans.” He said he was doing the job voters elected him to do.

“I’ve broken no laws and I continue to work hard for the citizens of Clay Coun-ty,” he said in an email.

Acknowledging that he did try to dodge Ptacek for weeks while the reporter was gathering information, Norris, however, said he had not missed work and often showed up after hours. He said an annual outside audit of the county’s books had been completed and he planned to hire some-one to replace Cherie War-ren, an accountant in his office whose employment

was terminated July 22. Warren was arrested and

charged in June in Johnson County, Kan., on posses-sion of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia and criminal damage, but Norris said Warren’s legal problems had nothing to do with her departure.

Possible outcomesA spokesman for Clay

County Prosecutor Dan White’s office said they could neither confirm nor deny if there was an inves-tigation going on into the Norris allegations. White

has several options, includ-ing calling for a special prosecutor, requesting assistance from the state attorney general or taking the matter before a grand jury, whose deliberations are secret.

In 2008, when former Auditor Vic Hurlbert was under fire by the County Commission for abusing his office, a circuit judge at White’s behest appointed a special prosecutor to look into the allegations. Under a negotiated arrangement, Hurlbert agreed to resign but did not do so until

after newly elected Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, took office in early 2009. As a result, the GOP was denied the appointment. Nixon appointed Ernzen, a CPA and former county treasurer, to fill Hurlbert’s unexpired term.

If it was determined Nor-ris had been convicted or pleaded guilty to a felony and lied on the candidate declaration form that he signed on March 29, 2010, he could be ineligible to remain in office.

David Reinhart, election board co-director, said the

office had not been pre-sented with any evidence that Norris’ signed declara-tion was not true.

“If someone was going to contest his qualifications, they should have gone to the courts before the elec-tion,” Reinhart said. “After the election is over and cer-tified, we’re done. We’re not an investigatory agency.”

If Norris were to resign or be ousted from office, Nixon would again get an opportunity to appoint someone to fill the audi-tor’s unexpired term.

The county auditor is paid $65,560 a year plus benefits and currently has a budget of $234,608.

County auditor under fireWilliam Norris says he will not resign despite pressure

Church Directory

33Hw

y.

69 Hwy.

210291

Liberty

196

20 115 18

10

15

8 3

9

4

1

23

291

35

7

THE HARMONY VINEYARD600 NE 46th Street

Kansas City, MO 64116

Sunday Service ..............8:30am-10:00am ............................... 10:30am-12:15pm Wednesday Service ....Meal begins at 6:15pm .........................Classes start at 7:00pm

(Children’s Ministry Provided)Call About Home Groups

587-8898John Brown, Pastor19

Non-Denominational

Assembly Of God

LIBERTY FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD

101 N. Forest Ave.Liberty, MO 64068

[email protected]. (816) 781-6633

Jeff Davidson, PastorSchedule:

Sunday School ................... 9:30 am AM Worship .....................10:30 am Sunday Evening ................. 6:00 pm

11

NORTHLAND CATHEDRAL101 NW 99th St. (99th & N. Oak)

Kansas City, MO 64155455-2555

J. Lowell Harrup, Senior Pastor Sunday School ............... 9:15 & 10:45 am Morning Worship ............ 9:15 & 10:45 am Sunday Evening ....................... 6:00 pm Wed. Learning Center ................ 6:30 pm

15

Christian Disciples of Christ

Christian Disciples of Christ

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH520 S. Hwy.

www.graceepiscopalliberty.org781-6262

Holy Eucharist (Rite I) ................ 8:00 am Education Hour ........................ 9:00 am Holy Eucharist (Rite II) ..............10:15 am

The Rev. Susan McCann, Rector

3

LIBERTY CHRISTIAN CHURCH(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

427 East Kansas781-3621

www.lccdoc.orgRev. David Culver

New Traditions Worship ... 8:30 am Sunday School .............. 9:30 am Traditional Worship .......10:50 am Youth Groups ....Sun,Tues, Wed, Thurs

Alfa Y Omega Iglesia Cristiana Discipulos de Cristo Servicio los

Domingos a las 5:00 pm Handicap Accessible

10

Christian Science

Episcopal

TENTH CHURCH OF CHRIST,SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY

3400 NE 82nd St. • KCMO 64119Sunday Services ......................10:30 amSunday School ........................10:30 amWed Evening Testimonial Meeting .. 7:00 pm

Reading Room open to the public Call for hours and location ..........455-0443

8

FIRST PRESBYTERIANCHURCH OF LIBERTY

Landon Whitsitt138 Main

Sunday School .......................9-9:45 am Traditional Worship ..................10:00 am

Nursery Provided • 781-6528

18

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OFNORTH KANSAS CITY

8:30 am .......................Traditional Service 10:00 am ...............Sunday School-All Ages 11:00 am .... Praise & Worship-Contemporary

2018 Gentry St. NKCMO 64116(816) 842-2341

www.loveourchurch.org

7

LIBERTY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH1001 Sunset Ave.781-4554Dr. Mark Turnbough, PastorScott Beard, Assoc. Pastor

Traditional Service ..................8:30 & 11:00 am Contemporary Service ..............9:00 & 10:30 am Sunday School ................9:00, 9:45 & 10:30 am

Youth Meeting Sunday Evenings 6:30Nursery Provided At All Services

5

Methodist

GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

9555 N. Oak Traffi cwayKansas City, MO 64155

(816) 734-2216 ext. 204At the corner of N. Oak and 96th Street

Sunday Worship ..............8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Children’s Sunday School .................9:30 & 11:00 am

www.gswired.org

Childcare Provided. Casual DressThe coffee’s hot, the music rocks and the

message is real.

9

Presbyterian United Church of Christ

BETHEL UNITEDCHURCH OF CHRIST

4900 NE Parvin Rd., KCMO816-453-2628

www.bethelucckc.com Sunday Worship ....................... 9:30 am Sunday School ........................10:40 am

Rev. Karen Aitkens, PastorCommunion the First Sunday of Each Month

Nursery ProvidedGod is Still Speaking, We are Still Listening

4

newsongkc.orgNew SongAn Open & Affi rming Church

Worship & Children’s Activities:Sunday mornings at 8:30 & 10:30

8600 NE Sam Ray RoadKansas City, MO(816) 407-7756 20

NORTHMINSTERPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1441 NE Englewood Rd. Sunday Service ....................... 10:30 am Sunday School ..........................9:15 am

Rev. Seth WheelerChildcare Available

www.northminsterkc.org 453-2545

6

MEADOWBROOK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2800 NE 64 Street, Gladstone, MO 64119453-5735

Trevor Dancer, Pastor Morning Worshiip ..................... 9:30 am Sunday School ............... 8:30 & 10:30 am

www.meadowbrookumc.org

1

Offi ce Products, Inc.Dot Lybarger

WBE CERTIFIED NATIONAL COUNCIL, WASH. D.C. (WBENC)WBE CERTIFIED...KCMO - MISSOURI - KANSAS

Phone: (816) 221-8292FAX: (816) 221-8262

Email: dot@dotsoffi ce.comhttp://www.dotsoffi ce.com

1010 E. 18th Ave. No. Kansas City, MO 64116

CompleteAutomotive Repair – Foreign & Domestic

6300 N.W. Bell Road, Parkville, MO 64152Phone: (816) 587-6094

FAX: (816) 587-6358chucksparkvillegarage.com

Friendly, CaringExcellent Dentistry

5708 N. Broadway • Gladstone www.robertgmarxdds.com• Gladstone www robertgmarxdds co

ROBERT G. MARX, D.D.S.And AssociatesGeneral Dentistry

452-2000NEW PATIENTS

ALWAYS WELCOME!


T O D AY, A U G . 4LIBRARY: The all-ages

program Bubba and Trixie will be presented at 10 a.m. at the Gladstone branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut. This pro-gram is based on the book by local Missouri author Lisa Campbell Ernst. Bubba is a “nervous Nelly” caterpil-lar afraid to leave his leaf. He meets Trixie, a crimped-winged ladybug who knows no fear. Join their adventures as Trixie helps Bubba learn to enjoy life and be happy with what he is and what he becomes. Registration is required. For more informa-tion, call 454-1306 or visit www.mymcpl.org.

KOSMOS SINGLES: Kosmos Singles is a social group for adults 50 and older. The next mixer will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in raised area near the patio at Nick & Jake’s, 6325 Lewis, Parkville. A dollar donation is requested. For more informa-tion on other activities, visit www.kosmossingles.com.

BIBLE CAFE: Bible Café will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in North Kansas City in the DCC room of the church. Please enter the church through the doors by the large mailbox. Pastor Carla Hillyer will be leading discussion on the book of John, so be sure to bring your Bible if you have one. Participants also are encour-aged to bring their own snacks and beverages. Child care will be provided.

CHOIR: The Northland Sweet Adelines meet at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Antioch Community Church, 4805 N.E. Antioch Road, Kansas City North. For more informa-

tion, contact Peg Simmons at 452-4302 or by email at [email protected], or visit www.northlandchorus.org.

SENIOR SOFTBALL: Players 50 and older play softball from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday at Macken Park in North Kansas City. There is no cost to play, and teams are chosen at random each day — no league and no pressure. For more infor-mation, call 786-7232.

JOY: Just Older Youth will meet at noon for lunch and a program at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1441 N.E. Englewood Road. The program following lunch will feature Nick Artz, vocal-ist and Jennifer Howerton pianist. For information, visit www.northminsterkc.org or call 453-2545.

BUBBA AND TRIXIE: Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Antioch branch of Mid-Con-tinent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut, Gladstone, a program based on the book “Bubba and Trixie” by Mis-souri author Lisa Campbell Ernst will be given. The event is open to all ages, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 454-1306.

ANTIOCH GARDEN-ERS: From 2 to 3:30 at the Antioch branch of Mid-Con-tinent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut in Gladstone, Antioch Gardeners will meet to share gardening tips and tricks. The event is for adults, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 454-1306.

ART LEAGUE: The North-land Art League will meet at 7 p.m. at Fairview Christian

Church, 1800 N.E. 65th St in Gladstone. There will be a presentation by photogra-pher Kenneth Keith on High Dynamic Range Photography.

F R I D AY, A U G . 5THEATRE IN THE PARK:

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., Gladstone Theatre in the Park will present “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Oak Grove Park, 76th and Troost. The performance is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 423-4085. In case of inclement weather, call 437-2489 or visit www.gladstone.mo.us.

NARFE: The National Active & Retired Federal Employee’s Association Platte/Clay Chapter 2256 will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. at Wexford Place, 6500 N. Cosby. All current or retired federal employees are invited to attend. Lunch will be available at Wexford Place after the meeting. For more information, call Ethlyn McCleave at 454-3491.

S AT U R D AY, A U G . 6THEATRE IN THE PARK:

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., Gladstone Theatre in the Park will present “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Oak Grove Park, 76th and Troost. The performance is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 423-4085. In case of inclement weather, call 437-2489 or visit www.gladstone.mo.us.

S U N D AY, A U G . 7THEATRE IN THE PARK:

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., Gladstone Theatre in the Park will present “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Oak Grove Park, 76th and Troost. The

performance is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 423-4085. In case of inclement weather, call 437-2489 or visit www.gladstone.mo.us.

M O N D AY, A U G . 8QUILTERS AND STITCH-

ERS: From 10 a.m. to noon at the Antioch branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut in Glad-stone, the Antioch Library Quilters and Stitchers will share their projects. All beginning and experienced quilters and stitchers are invited. The event is for adults, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 454-1306.

MOVIE NIGHT: Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Antioch branch of Mid-Continent Pub-lic Library, 6060 N. Chestnut in Gladstone, an anime movie will be shown and goodies provided. The event is for teens, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 454-1306

TUESDAY, AUG. 9ACADEMIC SEARCH:

Beginning at 7 p.m. at the North Oak Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 8700 N. Oak Trafficway, Kan-sas City, a demonstration will be given to show how to use the Academic Search Premier research database to access more than 3,000 scholarly and professional journals. The event is for adults, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 436-4385.

LEARNINGEXPRESS: Beginning at 2 p.m. at the Antioch branch of Mid-Con-tinent Public Library, 6060

N. Chestnut, Gladstone, a demonstration will be given showing how to access LearningExpress Library and its key features. The event is for adults, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us or call 454-1306.

LIBRARY: The program Blue Ribbons at the County Fair will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Gladstone branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut, for ages 3 and older. Who grew the biggest pumpkin? Who raised the grandest pig? Who made the cleverest scarecrow? These answers and more in a whoopee-filled day at the county fair. Young listeners learn to do their “blue rib-bon best” in these festival fall yarns. Registration is required. For more informa-tion, call 454-1306 or visit www.mymcpl.org.

W E D N E S D AY, A U G . 1 0

FARMERS MARKET: The Gladstone Farmers Market is open each Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. in the paved lot at 70th Street and N. Locust. For more informa-tion, call 436-2200.

ALL ABOUT JAPAN: Japanese Culture Night will begin at 6 p.m. at the Glad-stone branch of Mid-Conti-nent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut. The program is for ages 15 and older. Join Eulaula Jennings and learn conversational Japanese. Each session covers conver-sational phrases and read-ing. Music, movement, and visual materials are used to enhance your learning experi-ence. Open to beginners and advanced speakers. Regis-tration is required. For more

information, call 454-1306 or visit www.mymcpl.org.

T H U R S D AY, A U G . 1 1KOSMOS SINGLES:

Kosmos Singles is a social group for adults 50 and older. A mixer will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the bar area at Abuelo’s in Zona Rosa. A dollar donation is requested. For more informa-tion on other activities, visit www.kosmossingles.com.

F R I D AY, A U G . 1 2LIBRARY: The program

Internet 101 for adults will be presented at 10 a.m. at the Gladstone branch of Mid-Con-tinent Public Library, 6060 N. Chestnut. This session will fea-ture an online demonstration of basic Web browsing. Join the program and learn about interesting sites and tips on how you can become an online surfer. Registration is required. For more information, call 454-1306 or visit www.mymcpl.org.

S AT U R D AY, A U G . 1 3BACK TO SCHOOL

BASH: The Back to School Bash will take place at 5 p.m. at Oak Grove Park, 76th and N. Troost. For more information, call 423-4085. In case if inclement weather, call 816-437-2489 or visit www.gladstone.mo.us.

STORYTELLLING: From 2 to 4 p.m. River and Prairie Storyweavers will hold its monthly Northland meeting at the First Bank of Missouri Community Room, 5959 N.E. Antioch Road, Gladstone. Northland storytellers Steve Otto and Gary Kuntz will be there to tell stories, talk about the art of storytelling and help anyone who needs to stand up in front of a group and speak.

Community Calendar

Who knew gold could

High gas prices cramping your style? Then bring your gold, silver, fine watches and antique jewelry to me for fast relief! I’ll give you top dollar PLUS something you won’t get from the other gold buyers…a healthy dose of respect. (Seriously, do you really want to sell your family heirlooms to a bunch of used car dealers turned jewelers?)

Jewelry By Morgan is now paying premium prices for 1-15 carat diamonds, antique jewelry, collectibles, flatware, coins, watches, silver and unwanted jewelry.

So make sure you get the most money and the most respect for your used jewelry. Bring it into Jewelry By Morgan for a free assessment today.

The Shops at Boardwalk8640 Boardwalk Ave.816-587-6020

or shop online at www.jewelrybymorgan.com

Become a fan on FACEBOOK for great, special offers.

RELIEVE GAS PAINS?

TOP � FOR GOLD AND SILVER

Kansas City, MO 64154816-587-6020

DISCOVER HIGHER EDUCATION GOLD!Register for Fall '11 classes at

Missouri Western State UniversityTUESDAY, AUGUST 23

First Floor, Eder HallCome anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Classes start August 29

MWSU is an equal opportunity institution.

Missouri Western State University4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO

www.missouriwestern.edu816-271-4266 or 800-662-7041

For class schedules, go towww.missouriwestern.edu/schedule

and click on “Fall 2011.”

Check out our many online classes -http://online.missouriwestern.edu

Gladstone Dispatch A5Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011

Clay County Collector Lydia McEvoy responded to the following ques-tions about collecting taxes for cities.

What cities will you collect taxes for this year?

“We are still in ongo-ing negotiations with several municipalities, but we have signed, approved contracts with North Kansas City, Kearney, Avondale and B i r m i ng h a m. S e ve r a l other municipalities have approached us to begin collections in 2012, and we plan to bring on every municipality that we can in 2012.”

Will you be collecting both real and personal property taxes?

“Yes, as long as the cit-ies want us to.”

Will there be a letter of explanation going out with the bills?

“We plan an educa-tion campaign for city staff, newspaper adver-tisements, an informa-tional brochure at our tax payment locations and inserts in the tax bills themselves.”

When will the tax bills start going out?

“Tax bills gener-ally go out in early November. One of my goals as collector is to eventually get the bills out a little sooner, but this year, they will prob-ably still go out at the beginning of Novem-ber.”

The county will collect the money and disburse it to the cities, right?

“Yes, just like we do for all the other taxing jurisdictions. The money will be disbursed elec-tronically in most cases, on a monthly basis.”

Will you also collect for Kansas City, Liberty and Gladstone sometime in the near future?

“We hope to collect for all three of these cities in 2012 if that is what they want. Kansas City’s contract will be differ-ent from the other cities because of their special collections needs, but we have had excellent dis-cussions with city staff regarding collecting for them in 2012. Gladstone and Liberty are consider-ing using our services in 2012 as well.”

Will you need to hire additional staff?

“Not at this time. Much of the complex-ity of collecting for the cities is handled by our software. Our software will have to go through extensive upgrades, and we will need to use con-sultants from our soft-ware company to walk us through the setup process. However, these are one-time expenses. After setup is complete, the software should be able to handle collections from year to year with-out the need for addi-tional staff. The burden on our phone bank will

be extensive this year as well, as many taxpay-ers will have questions about their bills. Howev-er, our phone bank is staffed with temporary personnel, so again, we do not anticipate having a need for permanent, additional staff.”

How much will the cities pay the county for this service?

“The cities/villages will pay Clay County 1 percent of the total amount col-lected, will pay the asses-sor’s office 0.625 percent of the total amount col-lected, and will pay the collector’s office 1 per-cent of the total amount collected. Once a city is set up in our system, in the second and subse-quent years, that city will only pay the collector’s office 0.625 percent of the total amount collected. If a city has particular com-plex special assessments, the collector’s office may need to charge more, but we haven’t had to do that yet with the cities we have contracted with. We will re-examine the fee structure once the cities are set up and collections are running smoothly to ensure that it is fair for all parties. Also, the city of Kansas City will have a different fee structure (none has been discussed) because their collections needs are unique.”

In what way will this benefit the cities/county?

“The cities will benefit by taking advantage of

the county’s 96 percent collection rate for per-sonal property taxes, and 98 to 99 percent collec-tion rate for real estate taxes. City taxpayers will also benefit from hav-ing all the same payment options that are currently available for county bills (partial payments, online payments, etc.). There will also be some cost savings to the cities of amounts they previously paid to have bills printed, for postage and stationery and for staff time to pur-sue payment.

“The county will bene-fit from the revenue com-ing to the county, but also from an improved relationship with the cities served by Clay County. There are many municipalities that have been waiting for Clay County to reach out to them with this service. As collector, I look forward to working with these cit-ies as one team to bring them their much needed tax revenue.”

Where can taxpayers go to find out more information?

“As we get all of the software upgraded, and the data input, more and more information will be available on the county’s general website (www.claycountymo.gov) and at the collector’s office website (collector.clay-countymo.gov). The col-lector’s office will also try to get as much informa-tion out in written form as possible or resident can call 407-3202.”

Ready, willing and able TAXES: Juvenile justice building

has ties to outlawContinued from Page A1

said they were continu-ing discussions with McE-voy. He said Liberty had a high collection rate simi-lar to the county, with 94 percent collection of per-sonal property taxes and a 99 percent collection of real estate taxes. He said the county proposed charging an initial fee of 2 percent for collecting the city’s taxes and would then drop the fee to 1.625 percent the next year of the amount collected.

“Working all the num-bers, we did not see a large enough increase in revenue or drop in inter-nal costs to offset the pro-posed collection charges,” Estes said. However, he said, “beyond the num-bers, we do see enhanced services having the county collect local taxes and are committed to discussing

the potential in 2012.”Kearney City Adminis-

trator Jim Eldridge said his city anticipated saving about $6,000 on postage and increasing tax collec-tions by another $6,000.

In other businessThe county commission

agreed to spend $500 a month for utilities for a building at 9 S. Leonard St. that formerly housed the Liberty Area Cham-ber of Commerce and will now be turned over to the juvenile justice depart-ment to use for its transi-tions program.

The building, adjacent to the juvenile deten-tion center, was built in 1842 as the first Method-ist Church west of the Mississippi River. It was also the Clay Seminary for Ladies where Zerelda James, Jesse James’ wife, was once a student.

Savannah L. Peter-son, daughter of Matt and Angela Peterson of Kansas City, has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Acad-emy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.

The six-week, two-phased orientation pro-gram must be success-fully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year.

The training prepares men and women to meet the mental and physi-cal challenges experi-enced by new cadets.

Phase one involves per-sonal in-processing, ori-entation, and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet train-ees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures, drill and ceremony, marching and living quarters standards.

During phase two, cadets train outdoors liv-ing in tents while learn-ing to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice team work, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding sit-uations. They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault and leadership reaction courses and par-ticipate in a rescue mis-sion termed Operation Warrior.

Peterson graduated in 2011 from Oak Park High School.

Service Notes

North Kansas City Schools has announced its revised free and reduced-price lunch policy under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

To be eligible for free lunches, a family of four’s annual salary must be less than $29,055, and to be eligi-ble for reduced-price lunches, the annual salary for a fam-ily of four must be less than $41,348. The exception to this is foster children, who may be eligible no matter what the family income.

To apply, fill out a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application from the school’s office and return it there. The information pro-vided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of deter-mining eligibility. Applica-

tions may be submitted any time during the school year.

A complete application includes:

• household income from all sources or Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance case number;

• names of all household members;

• the signature and last four digits of the Social Secu-rity number of the adult household member signing the application.

The director of Food and Nutrition Services will review the applications and determine eligibility.

If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling, they may make a request either orally or in writing to the Executive Director, Support Staff, 2000 N.E. 46th St., Kansas City, MO 64116.

Free, reduced-price lunch applications available

Brag Book

Henry Mojica of Glad-stone, son of Abel and Dyan Mojica, graduated from Space 201 of Kan-sas Adventures in Outer Space June 24 at the Kan-sas Cosmosphere and Space Center.

Henry will be entering eighth grade at St James Catholic School this fall.

KAOS Space 201 incor-porates aspects of astro-

naut training with advanced courses in space shuttle systems, space sci-ence and physiology and microgravity science.

The camp capstone was a simulated space shuttle mission in the Cosmos-phere’s Falcon III, during which Mojica and fellow campers captured and repaired the Hubble Space Telescope.

NorthCare Hospice is affiliated with North Kansas City Hospital

Visit NorthCareHospice.orgor call

(816) 691-5119

NORTHCARE HOSPICE

• NorthCare Hospice House, the only dedicated facility in the Northland for inpatient hospice care

• State of the Art End-of-Life Care

• Specialized Cardiac and ALS Programs

• Complementary Therapies:Music, Pet and Massage Therapy

• Grief Support Groups NorthCare Hospice House

Thank Youfor Voting Us

One of the Best in the

Northland

“There Is a Difference!”At NorthCare Hospice, we provide thekind of care that you would expect foryour loved ones. Our services include…

Burns Dental CareGENERAL DENTISTRY

By Appointment Only

David R. Burns, D.D.S.8600 NW 64TH ST., SUITE 201

(Tom Watson Pkwy. & 9 Hwy.)

PARKVILLE, MO 64152816-741-7477www.burnsdentalcare.com

Park Lawn offers a complete funeral service and beautiful, quality metal casket for only

$5,495.00Save Hundreds of Dollars –

60 months, interest free.Easy budget plan freezes the price. Protect your

insurance, savings and investments.

Services Include:All Professional Services

Use of Motor Equipment Professional Staff Skilled Attendants

Serving All Cemeteries

Beautiful Facilities, Convenient Location,

Ample Off-Street Parking, Uncompromised Service.

On Call 24 Hours Per Day.

Call Don Brassfi eld for an appointment

816-781-8228

Park Lawn Northland Chapel“Family owned since 1922”

I-35 & M291 Highway

Check out whyMetabolic Research

CenterCen ehas been votedone of the Bestof the Northland2 years in a row!

h b

emetabolic.com

©

Independently owned and operated

Your Personalized MRC Program

� Lose 2-5 Lbs. Per Week!� NO Calorie Counting!� NO Strenuous Exercise!� One-on-one Support!

Lose up to 30 lbs. in 6 weeks*

$100off** Results vary person to person.

ƒ

1-888-487-7778Liberty, Lee’s Summit, Lawrence

Leawood, Topeka

Call NOW for a FREE Consultation!

*Individual results vary


In Our View

Recent allegations that have come to light about Clay

County Auditor William Norris are a clear example of why voting strictly along party lines can be dangerous.

Prior to the November 2010 election, the Gladstone Dispatch’s sister newspapers in the county reported that Republican candidate Wil-liam Norris’ credentials were dubious and printed an editorial warning voters to choose another candidate. The Kansas City Star had similar coverage.

In an unusual move, the Clay County Repub-lican Central Committee voted unanimously not to endorse Norris because he falsely claimed he was a certified public accountant and a graduate of William Jewell College.

Angry voters, though, thought it was time for a change even if that meant

voting strictly Republican, despite the fact partisan politics do not come into play for county offices, and warnings from the news media and party officials.

Nonetheless, Norris beat his GOP primary oppo-nent Jay Jones, a CPA, and beat incumbent Democrat-ic auditor Sheila Ernzen, also a CPA, in the Novem-ber general election.

Ironically, Norris’ embel-lishment of his education-al background and creden-tials was not necessary. There are no requirements that the county auditor be a college graduate or a CPA. All that is required is that the person running be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county, at least 21 years old and have a rudimenta-ry knowledge of account-

ing practices. Norris meets those criteria. And the vot-ers have spoken, whether we agree with them or not. Removing someone from office should not and cannot be taken lightly.

However, there are seri-ous allegations floating around that Norris out-right lied to election offi-cials in his declaration of candidacy, claiming that he had not been convicted of or found guilty of, or pleaded guilty to a felony under state law.

Norris acknowledges that he was placed on probation for reportedly stalking his former girlfriend and violat-ing an order of protection. Norris claims he is not a felon. An investigation by NBC’s Kansas City affiliate also uncovered a number of women who claim Nor-ris posted nude photos of

them on the Internet, that Norris apparently used his county computer to visit dating and gambling sites, and that he had not been showing up for work dur-ing business hours. None of these allegations may be enough to removed Norris from office.

This whole matter, though, needs to be sorted out. Either Norris is a con-victed felon or he is not. It is up to the prosecutor’s office to determine wheth-er Norris is eligible to hold the office.

Prosecutor Dan White has the option of inves-tigating this matter on his own, taking it before a grand jury, requesting a special prosecutor be appointed or calling on the state attorney general for assistance. Just because White is a Democrat, we

don’t think critics will claim that this is politi-cally motivated. After all, many of those clamoring for Norris to resign from office are Republicans.

If Norris is forced to resign or is ousted after going through proper legal procedures, Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, will appoint Norris’ successor, who would serve until the next general election. We have every reason to believe Nixon would appoint a Democrat if given the chance, and vot-ers would again be given the opportunity to pick the next county auditor.

Norris is the poster boy for why voters should be informed and not vote so blindly, even if they are furious with Washington politicians. So pay atten-tion and do your home-work before going to the polls. Good government depends on it.

Allegations about auditor need full airingGood government starts with an informed electorate

We think it’s a good idea for Clay County to collect

taxes for as many munici-palities as it is feasible to do, especially smaller cities that have limited resources and limited ability to go after scofflaws who refuse to pay their taxes.

Generally any time governments can cooper-ate, consolidate services and avoid duplication, it could benefit taxpayers.

After all, the county currently collects more than $300 million annu-ally for 32 taxing enti-ties, including school districts. For example, the county last year col-

lected $49.6 million for Liberty Public Schools and charged the school district approximately 1.8 percent of the amount collected to pay for the service. As taxes are paid, the county disburses the funds to the schools monthly, with the bulk distributed in January.

The collector recently agreed to collect real estate and personal prop-erty taxes under a four-year contract for North Kansas City and under one-year contracts for Kearney, Avondale and Birmingham. Smithville has also expressed inter-est in having the county

collect its taxes. The collector is also

discussing the option with Kansas City, Glad-stone and Liberty. According to Collector Lydia McEvoy, there are 25 cities in the county, all of which collect their own taxes right now, and they all get the informa-tion needed to send out their tax bills from the county assessor.

With the exception of Kansas City, which is in three counties and pres-ents a more complicated scenario, it seems the collector could just add another line on the tax bills for the city it is col-

lecting for, much as it does for the library, dis-abilities board or roads.

Since the county is already the provider to the taxing entities of this information, it makes perfect sense for the county to do the collect-ing for cities if they are interested. However, they must go into the arrange-ment knowing full well that if a new collector is elected, that person could discontinue the ser-vice, leaving the cities to scramble to set up a tax collection system again. This happened to Liberty a number of years ago when a former collector

refused to continue col-lecting taxes for the city.

The county has a high rate of collection at 98 to 99 percent for property taxes and 96 percent for personal property taxes, according to McEvoy. Since vehicle owners need a tax receipt to get license plates, it behooves them to pay their county personal property taxes. They have no such incen-tive to pay city property taxes, and some don’t do it.

For a small fee, cities could see costs for post-age and supplies decrease and collections increase. It’s worth a try.

Tax collection arrangement could benefit cities

Folks tend to think that spring is for begin-nings. Sure, everything is

fresh and green, and the fawns come out

to terrorize permit driv-ers like myself, but I have to disagree.

For myself and my peers, the real new beginnings are in the fall.

At school we get to define ourselves, and for some of us it’s the first time we really have the opportunity to do so.

That opportunity, that choice we all get to make is the best. It’s what makes going back to school so exciting and

Oak Park High some-thing I can’t help but adore.

Clubs, sports, classes — they all tell us about ourselves now and who we’re going to be later. And if we don’t like what we’re doing or even who we’ve become, we can always just try some-thing different in the fall.

Unless it’s math. I’m still trying to figure out how to get my counselor to let me out of that one.

OK, so maybe I’m not always thrilled about waking up in the morn-ing and crawling into a dress for school, but for the first few days of a new school year there’s nothing better.

That first month or so after summer break are the very best days of the year because we get to be whoever we need to. That’s something we can mull over all summer long as we prepare for fall.

Who we are from year to year is a choice, and we’ve been choosing this through internships, sport conditioning, camps, relaxation and everything else we’ve been up to during these past few months.

Now, according to teen flicks, high school is supposed to be about figuring everything out, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ll gladly take a new beginning each

fall. After all, we won’t have the same shot when we’re out of high school and in the “real world.”

That seems to be where the rest of our lives is just one long, seamless stretch and, generally speaking, who we are needs to be pretty set.

Out there, if we’re not confident in who we are, then it looks like we’re out of luck. For now, I’d much rather start fresh in the fall.

Supposedly there’s no such thing as a stu-pid question in school, although I’d have to argue with that phrase of encouragement. But who we are, that’s the big-gest and most important question of the fall.

It’s scary, but I have to admit I like the sound of that better than “Would you like to register for the ACT now or later?”

But hey, on the bright side, new beginning means new outfit, yeah? Maybe not, but I’ll still try it.

Aggie Rieger will be a junior at Oak Park High School in

the fall. She spent most of her summer as an Editorial Department intern with the

Gladstone Dispatch.

Community Voices

Another new beginning to look forward to with start of school

AGGIE RIEGER

Transportation director Shirley Patrick honored

The Missouri Associa-tion for Pupil Transpor-tation honored Shirley Patrick, director of North Kansas City Schools’ Transportation Depart-ment, with the 2011 Distinguished Service Award.

She was one of three named during the 46th annual MAPT conven-tion.

Patrick, who has worked in transportation for 37 years, began in 1974 as a school bus driver.

Since then, she has acted as a certified driver trainer, as activities trip coordinator and dispatch-er, as assistant director and for the past seven years, as director.

Patrick won first place as a rookie driver in the state Road-E-O safety competition.

Later she was a member of a first-place team of drivers for the same com-petition.

While she is pleased with the many initiatives begun during her tenure as director of transporta-tion — including cam-eras on all buses and the addition of the ZPass that tracks ridership, Patrick is most enthused about her involvement in the first bus safety program implemented in schools during the 1980s.

Patrick, along with Joan Goldsberry, led some of the first school bus safety assemblies.

As they were develop-ing the safety program nearly three decades ago, Patrick knew they needed a visual — something to capture the attention of the younger K-5 students.

She later found that inspiration in the aisles of a local grocery store.

Patrick and Goldsber-ry used a cardboard bus on wheels for five years during safety assemblies until Dennis Essary, then director of transporta-tion, had the department purchase Buster Bus.

Buster was used annu-ally until about two years ago when the robotic bus was replaced with the fully animated Barney the School Bus.

School Brief

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA

JOHN DEBNEYMUSICBY“THE CHANGE-UP” LESLIE MANN OLIVIA WILDE AND ALAN ARKIN

AN ORIGINAL FILM/BIG KID PICTURES PRODUCTION A DAVID DOBKIN FILM JASON BATEMANRYAN REYNOLDS

JEFF KLEEMAN JONATHON KOMACK MARTINORI MARMUREXECUTIVEPRODUCERS JOE CARACCIOLO, JR.

DAVID DOBKIN NEAL H. MORITZPRODUCEDBY DAVID DOBKINDIRECTED

BYJON LUCAS & SCOTT MOOREWRITTENBY

A UNIVERSAL PICTURE© 2011 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text CHANGEUP with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)!

STARTS FRIDAYCHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Jenkins & JamesInsurance Agency

• Do you have enough coverage to protect you?

• Is your insurance too expensive?

• Do you deserve better service?

Please give us a call for yourno-obligation insurance review.

816-453-8555 Proudly representing

5814 N OakGladstone, MO 64118

www.jenkinsandjames.com

~Italian Deli & Pasta ~

6100 NE Antioch Rd. • Gladstone, MO 64119(816) 459-9500 Fax (816) 459-7029

BUY ONE MEATBALL SUBWITH A MEDIUM DRINK

GET ONE FREEExpires 8-31-11

Perform Live August 6th, 6-10 pm

Located atLittle Platte Marina

2825 NE 180th St., Smithville873-3140

Sun11:30-8:30

Thurs (Karaoke)11:30-10:00

Fri-Sat11:30-Midnight

Mon-WedClosed

LITE

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 Gladstone Dispatch A7

Gladfest seeks sponsors for October event

Businesses are invited to become a Gladfest sponsor. The 32nd annu-al festival will take place Friday to Sunday, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

Six levels of sponsor-ship are available, start-ing at $150. At this level, Patron Sponsors will have signage at the festival and be listed in public-ity materials. Additional benefits and recognition come with higher levels of sponsorship.

Exclusive Event Title Sponsors donate $3,000 and have exclusive name recognition for a chosen event, will be acknowl-edged 12 times from Cen-ter Stage throughout the festival, receive one “mar-ketplace” booth space, one parade entry, two seats to view the parade and four VIP parking passes. Their logos will be displayed on a banner at the festival area, printed on all festi-val event materials and on the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Other sponsorship lev-els include:

• Premier Sponsors donate $2,000.

• Major Sponsors donate $1,000.

• Merit Sponsors donate $600.

• Benefactor Sponsors donate $300

For more information, call 436-4523 or visit www.gladstonechamber.com.

2 new election board members appointed

The Clay County Board of Election Commission-ers has welcomed two new members to the board.

Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed, and the state Senate has confirmed, Anthony Bologna, Demo-crat, as chairman of the board, filling the unex-pired term of the late Ger-ald Randall. Bologna is a former assistant Clay County prosecutor and is currently in private prac-tice in Liberty. His term will expire in June 2013.

Nixon also appoint-ed and the Senate con-firmed Thelma Crawford, Democrat, to the board. Crawford is a local busi-ness owner and former executive director of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Own-ers, and current chair of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce. Crawford replaced Susan Jones, and her term expires in June 2015.

The board is comprised of two Democrats and two Republicans. The Republican members are Jim Chappell and Angela Beshears. Board members are paid about $5,000 a year to serve.

Emergency preparedness topic on Aug. 11

Gladstone Emergency Management Agency will host a town hall meet-ing to discuss how GEMA benefits residents and the city. The public meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Gladstone Community Center.

The Emergency Opera-tions Plan, storm readi-ness, disaster prepared-ness and other issues will be discussed.

Agencies from across the Northland also will be on hand to discuss how they work together to protect communities north of the river.

Equipment and person-nel will be on display from Gladstone Public Safety, Gladstone Emer-gency Management Agen-cy, Northland CERT, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Platte County Sher-iff’s Office.

June housing permit activity increases

Monthly permit activ-ity for single-family units increased 14 percent in June over May, and Clay County was among the top five permitting coun-ties, according to a press release from the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City.

With 262 single-family units in the metro area, the year to date total for the six months ending June 30 lagged behind the same period in 2010.

Independence led the list of top-permitting cit-ies with 66 followed by Kansas City, Mo., with 32; Olathe, Kan., with 29; Overland Park, Kan., with 24; and Lenexa, Kan., with 13.

By county, Jackson County ranked first with 102; followed by John-son County, Kan., with 82; Clay County with 36; Platte County with 17; Cass County with 13; and Leavenworth County, Kan., with 10.

No counties reported multi-family permit activ-ity in June, according to the press release.

“All in all, we believe these are encouraging numbers and we are see-ing a significant portion

of permit activity in an affordable range for buy-ers,” said HBA Executive Officer Sara Corless. “And the activity indicates that builders have found tar-geted areas where there is demand again — geo-graphically speaking.”

County accepts grave marker for Pharis

Clay County has accept-ed the military grave marker of the late Donald Pharis. The marker, which shows Pharis served at a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I, had been unclaimed at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick since Pharis was cremated in 1992.

When the funeral home closed recently, the mark-er was discovered and an effort was launched to find a relative. According to Clay County officials, some-one at the funeral home remembered that Pharis had donated his farm to the county as a park.

Beth Beckett, county supervisor of historic sites, said the marker would be placed on display at the Pharis Farm alongside Pha-ris’ Army uniform.

— Angie Anaya Borgedalen

Dry conditions increase wildlife danger

Wildfire danger is rising as excessive heat dries out grasses and trees, so Mis-souri residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and be careful when operating machinery.

Moisture levels have dropped to 4 percent in grasses, low enough for them to burn even though they are green, said Mark Nelson, regional forestry supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conserva-tion.

Moisture levels in trees and shrubs are also drop-ping.

“Things will burn now, and they will burn hot,” Nelson said.

With low moisture levels, a wildfire could be ignited by a careless toss of a lit cigarette butt, sparks from farm machinery or embers from a barbecue grill. The extreme heat also makes battling blazes more dif-ficult and dangerous for firefighters.

Fire dangers will per-sist until significant rains occur, Nelson said.

— Missouri Department of Conservation

News in Brief

J U LY 2 1■ NW 72ND ST AND N

BALTIMORE AV/TRAFFIC ARREST

■ 2700 BLOCK NE 67TH PL/DEATH INVESTIGATION DOA

■ 7500 BLOCK N ANTIOCH RD/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

■ 5200 BLOCK N OLD PIKE RD/AUTO THEFT

■ NE 72ND ST AND N M1 HWY/VEHICULAR NONINJURY

■ 1125 LOCUST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 651 MULBERRY/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 7000 BLOCK N OLIVE ST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 1600 BLOCK NE 75TH TER/STEALING MISDEMEANOR

■ 6700 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

■ 6000 BLOCK N WOODLAND AV/INFORMATION REPORT

■ 7200 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/VEHICULAR NONINJURY

■ NE 72ND ST AND N OLIVE ST/VEHICULAR NONINJURY

■ 100 BLOCK NW 74TH TER/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 7200 BLOCK N INDIANA AV/BURGLARY 2ND DEGREE

■ 6000 BLOCK N BIRCAIN PL/ASSAULT 3RD DEGREE DV

■ 7500 BLOCK N M1 HWY/VEHICULAR NONINJURY

■ 7200 BLOCK N M1 HWY/STEALING MISDEMEANOR

■ 5600 BLOCK N BROOKLYN AV/BURGLARY SECOND DEGREE

■ 6900 BLOCK N OLIVE ST/ASSAULT SECOND DEGREE

■ NE 72ND ST AND N WOODLAND AV/DUI

J U LY 2 2■ 7010 N HOLMES ST/

WARRANT SERVICE■ 3000 BLOCK NE 56TH

TER/WARRANT SERVICE■ 6400 BLOCK N PROSPECT

AV/FORGERY ■ 7200 BLOCK N OAK

TFWY/TRESPASSING■ 3900 BLOCK NE 76TH

ST/ANIMAL CONTROL■ 3900 BLOCK NE 76TH

ST/ANIMAL CONTROL■ NE 73RD TER AND N OAK

TFWY/VEHICULAR INJURY■ 6100 BLOCK N OAK

TFWY/OUTSIDE ASSIST ■ 1300 CHERRY/WARRANT

SERVICE■ 7400 BLOCK N OAK

TFWY/FRAUD ■ 4900 BLOCK N OLD

PIKE RD/STEALING MISDEMEANOR FA


■ NE 72ND ST AND N BROOKLYN AV/NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA

On the Record

■ NW 72ND ST/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

■ 6300 BLOCK N ANTIOCH RD/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 7010 N HOLMES ST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 1300 BLOCK NE 70TH TER/STEALING MISDEMEANOR FA

■ 7200 BLOCK N M1 HWY/AUTO THEFT STOLEN

■ 2400 BLOCK NE PURSELL RD/FRAUD IDENTITY THEFT

J U LY 2 3■ 6000 BLOCK N TRACY AV/

BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE■ 6800 BLOCK N

BROADWAY/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

■ 900 BLOCK NE SHADY LANE DR/WARRANT SERVICE


■ 6700 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/TRAFFIC DWS

■ NW 60TH ST AND N BROADWAY/DUI

■ 6000 BLOCK NE 61ST ST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 7600 BLOCK N GARFIELD AV/BURGLARY 2ND DEGREE

J U LY 2 4■ 100 BLOCK NE 74TH

TER/BURGLARY FIRST DEGREE

■ 6900 BLOCK N PARK AV/FAMILY OFFENSE

■ 100 BLOCK NE 61ST TER/INFORMATION

■ 100 BLOCK NW VIVION RD/BURGLARY SECOND DEGREE

■ 600 BLOCK NE 67TH PL/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

J U LY 2 5■ 7300 BLOCK N

WYANDOTTE/INFORMATION

■ 7300 BLOCK N WYANDOTTE/NARCOTICS POSSESSION

■ 2500 BLOCK NE SHADY LANE DR/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 2400 BLOCK NE SHADY LANE DR/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

■ 600 BLOCK NE 75TH TER/BURGLARY 2ND DEGREE

■ 7000 BLOCK N OLIVE ST/ASSAULT 3RD DEGREE DV


■ PLATTE COUNTY JAIL/WARRANT SERVICE

■ NE 73RD ST AND N OAK TFWY/ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

■ NE SHADY LANE DR AND N PARK AV/VEHICULAR INJURY

■ 2100 BLOCK NE 61ST ST/STEALING FELONY

J U LY 2 6■ 6700 BLOCK N CHESTNUT

AV/STEALING FELONY■ 5700 BLOCK N

WOODLAND AV/VEHICULAR HIT AND RUN

■ 1500 BLOCK NE 63RD ST/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

■ 7100 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/AUTO THEFT

■ 12 S WATER ST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 7000 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/VEHICULAR PRIVATE PROPERTY

■ CLAYCOMO PD/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 100 BLOCK NW 63RD TER/ASSAULT 3RD DEGREE

J U LY 2 7■ NE 64TH ST AND N

PROSPECT AV/DUI■ 7100 BLOCK N FLORA

AV/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

■ 1300 CHERRY/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 1300 CHERRY/WARRANT SERVICE

■ 900 BLOCK NE SHADY LANE DR/INFORMATION

■ 100 BLOCK NE 74TH TER/PROPERTY RECOVERED

■ 100 BLOCK NW VIVION RD/AUTO THEFT

■ 6400 BLOCK N OAK TFWY/FORGERY

■ NE 72ND ST AND N OLIVE ST/WARRANT SERVICE

■ NE 72ND ST AND N M1 HWY/VEHICULAR INJURY


■ 13TH AND CHERRY/WARRANT SERVICE

■ NE 72ND ST AND N M1 HWY/VEHICULAR HIT AND RUN

Thursday, August 4, 2011A8 Gladstone Dispatch clAssifieD

CALL 816.454.9660 FAX 816.414.3340

Classifi edsDEADLINE 4PM TUESDAY

Gladstone Dispatch A9Thursday, August 4, 2011 clAssifieD

Gladstone Dispatch A11Thursday, August 4, 2011 clAssifieD

KINDREDCHEVROLET-FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1922

KINDRED’S CORNERFOR PRE OWNED

www.kindredchevroletolds.com

169 & 92 Hwy.Smithville, MO

532-0900

RO

Y W

YA

TT

CH

RIS

TIA

N M

AT

TH

EW

S T

ER

RY

SH

INA

BA

RG

ER

BE

RN

IE W

ES

T C

OD

Y B

AT

ES

816

-53

2-0

90

0 R

OY

WY

AT

T C

HR

IST

IAN

MA

TT

HE

WS

TE

RR

Y S

HIN

AB

AR

GE

R B

ER

NIE

WE

ST

CO

DY

BA

TE

S 8

16-5

32

-09

00

RO

Y W

YA

TT

CH

RIS

TIA

N M

AT

TH

EW

S T

ER

RY

SH

INA

BA

RG

ER

BE

RN

IE W

ES

T C

OD

Y B

AT

ES

8

16-5

32

-09

00

RO

Y W

YA

TT

CH

RIS

TIA

N M

AT

TH

EW

S T

ER

RY

SH

INA

BA

RG

ER

B

ER

NIE

WE

ST

CO

DY

BA

TE

S 8

16-5

32

-09

00

WWW.KINDREDCHEVROLETOLDS.COM 816-532-0900

WWW.KINDREDCHEVROLETOLDS.COM 816-532-0900Plus $89.00 administration charge.

Sale Ends August 9th, 2011

*With approved credit. Price includes rebate. Special fi nancing may be available in lieu of rebate. Price does not include $89.00 administration fee. All new vehicles come full of gas with two complimentary oil changes.

All Cars

Certifi ed!

0% Financing Available on New

Models

Over 70 Preowned

Cars

A/C System Check

$49.95Check for leaks, proper operation, condenser and belts

Freon extra. Offer ends August 21, 2011.

Call 532-0900 to Schedule Your Visit

We payCash for Clean

PreownedCars

HUMMER • PONTIAC • SATURN • BUICK • CADILLAC

2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE AWD 2LT23 MPG, 7-Pass, Heated Leather, Bluetooth, Remote Start, Trailering Package, #11739 MSRP: $39,895

NOW:$36,642

2011 SILVERADO 1500 W/TV6, Auto, Tilt, Cruise, AC, CD & MP3, Locking Rear Axle,

HD Suspension, #11707 MSRP: $23,275

NOW:$18,607

2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD LT29 MPG, Auto, Pioneer Audio, Remote Start, Rearview Camera, Protection Package, #11773 MSRP: $28,010

NOW:$27,367

2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT33 MPG, Auto, Cruise, AC, Remote Start, Bluetooth, Alloy Wheels, CD & MP3, #11090 MSRP: $24,225

NOW:$19,999

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS312 HP, Auto, Heated Leather, Sunroof, 20” Wheels, 2LT,

Spoiler, Black Stripes, #11108 MSRP: $33,355

NOW:$32,555

2005DODGEGRAND

CARAVANV6, Auto, 7-Pass,

Cruise, Front & Rear AC, Local Trade

$6,767

2006CHEVROLETSILVERADO CREW 4X4

V8, Auto, LS Package,

Chrome Wheels, Cruise, AC,

Power W/L/M, One Owner

$13,895

2010 DODGE GRAND

CARAVAN SXTV6, Auto,

Stow’N’GoSeats, 7-Pass, Power Sliding Doors, Alloy

wheels, F & R AC, Keyless, CD

$17,888

2007CADILLAC

CTS3.6L V6,

Auto, Leather, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, Key-less, Loaded, Only 43,000

Miles$15,989

2010CHEVROLETTAHOE LT

4X4Heated Leather Seats, Sunroof, DVD, Remote

Start, Auto AC, 8-Pass,

Loaded!$34,999

2005CHEVROLETTAHOE 4X4

5.3L V8, Auto, Cruise, Front& Rear AC,

Keyless, CD, Alloy Wheels, Tow Package

$12,995

2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE436 HP, Auto, Leather, Performance Exhaust,

Chrome Wheels, #11046 MSRP: $54,195

NOW:$46,999

2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EXT LT Z71 21 MPG, Auto, 4x4, All-Star Edition, Bluetooth, Auto AC,

Tow Package, #11796 MSRP: $34,900

NOW:$28,918

2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO CREW 2LT Z7121 MPG, Auto, 4x4, AC, Keyless, Chrome Wheels, Tow

Package, CD, Chrome Package, #11786 MSRP: $30,800

NOW:$27,736

2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO CREW LT Z7121 MPG, Auto, 4x4, All-Star Edition, Bluetooth, 18” Wheels,

Chrome Steps, Tow Package, #11609 MSRP: $37,850

NOW:$31,490

2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT29 MPG, Auto, Cruise, AC, Remote Start, Alloy Wheels,

CD & MP3, #11085 MSRP: $27,245

NOW:$22,323

2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO42 MPG, Cruise, AC, Chrome Wheels, Power W/L/M,

CD, Bluetooth, USB, #11114 MSRP: $19,895

NOW: $19,495

2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD EXT 4X46.0L V8, Auto, Power W/L/M, 3.73 Rear Axle, Cruise,

Tow Package, Trailer Brake Controller, #11758 MSRP: $37,014

NOW:$32,531

GET IN OUR GREATEST MODEL YEAR YET!

PLUS 2.9% FOR 60 MOS*

Gladstone Dispatch A13Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011

Council meeting attendance important for residents

When is a victory not a victory? The entire single-source trash controversy has been deferred for two years. So, in two years we get to look at this all again.

More importantly, the issue caused the people of Gladstone to look closely at their city government and their City Council. This is a good thing and a bad thing.

At the July 25th meet-ing, each council mem-ber read prepared com-ments. They all lambasted citizens for their fiery rhetoric or general specu-lations about this entire episode. One member went so far as to defame one of the haulers and one of the protest organizers.

What all the council members appeared to miss is that they are elected to represent “me.” They have not been really listening to all of the me’s in the city. Also, their role is not to be my father or mother and protect me from spending an extra $70 a year.

That amount will pur-chase groceries for four days for the average fam-ily of four — or take them to dinner once, or to the movies one and a half times, or to a T-Bones game (not the Royals), or purchase one pair of shoes. They caused all of the angst over that $70 — really?

This episode has caused me to decide to start going to City Council meetings. It will certainly make me more aware of who is running for a seat

on City Council and — most importantly — who needs to be voted off the council.

So, I hope you will stay interested and invested. The worst thing is apathy, which is what allowed this to be almost snuck past us this time. I hope the council will decide to see and hear the people who elected them instead of treating us like unknowing children.

And finally, I hope that city government and the City Council will try for more transparency and keep us informed of devel-oping situations. This atti-tude of “us” versus “them” can only lead to dire cir-cumstances.

See you at a council meeting.

Carol Fair,Gladstone

Residents’ message got through to city leaders

With the City Council’s vote on the trash issue July 25, Gladstone resi-dents have shown that one person can make a difference when every-one works together for a common cause. Even though the vote by the council was split two “yes” and two “no,” residents’ message got through enough to have made a difference in that the measure didn’t pass.

Mayor McCullough and Councilwoman Jean Moore should be com-mended for listening to the volume of people who signed the petition protesting a vote to pro-ceed. The success of the

petition’s effect can only be attributed to those of you who not only signed it, but who contributed so much time gathering those signatures. It truly was a community effort for which you all should be proud.

Hopefully all learned from this event. The residents need to become more aware of what those we elect are doing. The representatives we elect need to become better lis-teners to and communica-tors with those who elect them and realize freedom of choice without endan-germent to others is our number one priority.

Thank you all for mak-ing a difference.

Bill Ploth and Chase Voiles,Gladstone

Trash hauler thanks residents

To the residents of Glad-stone: All of us at Platte Valley Sanitation would like to say, “Thank you.” The residents of Glad-stone demonstrated what America is all about: the freedom to choose and the right to voice your opinion. Since the birth of this nation, thousands of American soldiers have died to protect your right to have a voice in your own destiny, and on Mon-day, July 25, your voice was heard.

Gladstone has always been our hometown and on July 25 we saw and felt this overwhelming sup-port from the residents of our hometown.

Jim Watje, owner, and employees

Platte Valley Sanitation

Your Letters


Bow hunters — in antic-ipation of snagging a deer or two at Smithville Lake — might want to start looking for recipes for deer chili, deer jerky and deer stew.

For the first time, por-tions of the lake prop-erty will be open for a managed archery hunt designed to reduce over-population of white-tailed deer. Approximately 20 hunters will be randomly selected from the pool of applicants.

Chief Ranger Mike Kaul-len said archery hunters can apply for the lottery through Wednesday, Aug. 31. The hunt will open Saturday, Oct. 1, and close on Friday, Nov. 11.

“They can call the office at 407-3400 to confirm when the drawing will be held,” Kaullen said. “We predict we’ll have a lot of interest.”

Kaullen said the odds of getting a deer should be pretty good. He said efforts by the Missouri Department of Conserva-tion last fall to count the deer at the lake by heli-copter were futile.

“They said there were just too many to count,” he said. “We estimate that we have 40-plus deer per square mile.”

He said deer usually stay within a home range of a mile to a mile and a half.

According to informa-

tion compiled by park rangers, in 1925 it was estimated that there were 395 deer in Missouri. Today the estimated popu-lation is 800,000 to 1 mil-lion, 11.5 deer per square mile. During the 2010-2011 season, 259,568 deer were legally taken.

To be eligible to par-ticipate in the managed hunt, Kaullen said hunt-ers must have proper permits and licenses and must take a bow hunting safety education class as required by the conserva-tion department.

Kaullen said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the conservation department suggested the Clay County Parks Department sponsor the managed hunt, not only to reduce the deer population but to decrease

the chances of vehicle accidents involving deer.

Charlie Barr, parks director, said he had been in two cars accidents this year with deer.

“It can be very danger-ous,” Barr said. “People need to be very careful, especially at dusk and dawn when they seem to be the most active.”

If left unchecked, Barr said the deer population could double in three years. Other than man and cars, the deer have no natural predators at the lake.

“We want to avoid what’s been happening in Johnson County (Kan.) with the neighbors com-plaining,” Barr said.

However, Barr said the deer were also a tourist attraction.

“A lot of people come up just to see them,” he said. “But if you get too many, they become a nui-sance.”

Kaullen said they would encourage hunters to take an antlerless deer before taking a buck.

He said the park would remain open for other activities while the hunts were going on.

Kaullen said hunters would be given maps of the 20 designated hunt-ing areas, which will be marked with signs.

“It will be managed in a way that the general population may not even know there’s a hunt going on,” Kaullen said. “We’re looking forward to a suc-cessful hunt.”

First archery hunt slated at lake

Park officials hope to reduce overpopulation of deer

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

During the managed archery hunt at Smithville Lake this fall, the selected hunters will be encouraged to take an ant-lerless deer before taking a buck.

Call Today! Start losing tonight!

• Lose 2-5 pounds per week! •• Dramatically increase fat-burning metabolism! •

• Doctor Developed Program! •

1-888-487-7778www.emetabolic.com

Liberty, Lawrence,

Lee’s Summit, Overland Park and

Topeka

Individual results may vary.

LOSE to

50 lbsup

IN 10 WEEKS!*


Aug. 4, 2011 Gladstone Dispatch

Documents

Transcript of Aug. 4, 2011 Gladstone Dispatch