Park Hill Studying Tax Levy
With changes looming in the state’s Hancock Amendment, the Park Hill Board of Education drilled down on the numbers at last Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Education. The Hancock Amendment, named for former Republican Missouri Congressman Mel Hancock, requires that property tax levies be adjusted down as the assessed… Read full article
August 13, 2008Barnes Surging in Latest Poll
Though still polling strongly among men and northwest Missourians, incumbent Republican Congressman Sam Graves has seen his lead shrink over challenger Kay Barnes according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for KCTV-TV Kansas City. The news came days before Barnes convincing win over Riverside’s Ali Sherkat in the Democratic primary. Barnes… Read full article
August 13, 2008No Surprise: Dusenbery and Quitmeier Advance
Former Parkville Mayor Kathryn Dusenbery demolished her opponent in the Republican primary election last Tuesday, while Bill Quitmeier, also a former Parkville mayor, won big in the Democratic primary in the race for District 1 County Commissioner. District 1 encompasses Parkville, Riverside, Weatherby Lake, Platte Woods and much of the… Read full article
July 25, 2008No Deal on Campaign Signs
Though she’s given no official comment, District 1 Republican Commission candidate Kathy Dusenbery has spoken through her actions: She’s using campaign yard signs this election. Dusenbery was challenged by Democratic Commission candidate Bill Quitmeier in a July letter to join him on a boycott of the election year staple. “Signs,… Read full article
July 25, 2008Unerkoffler Wins Parkville Civic Leadership Award
Ellen Underkoffler was awarded with Parkville’s Civic Leadership Award at last Thursday’s Missouri Municipal League’s annual award dinner. Chosen by the Parkville Board of Aldermen, Underkoffler was commended for her role in the following civic activities: Community Land & Recreation Board; Parkville Original Plat Neighborhood Association; Banneker School Foundation and… Read full article
July 19, 2008Parkville Boxing Phenom Wins National Golden Gloves Title
Talk boxing, and you’re likely to talk about where the fighters came from and where they trained. Places that come to mind are the inner-cities, the hard scrabble slums of Louisville, Brooklyn and the Bronx in New York City, East Los Angeles and Detroit. Places that don’t offer a kid… Read full article
July 11, 2008Alleged Killer to 911: 'Somebody's going to get killed'
“You got a promise,” Webber Gilmer said to the 911 dispatcher, “somebody’s going to get killed right now.” Within minutes, 28-year-old Brian Harrell was murdered. That morning, in the apartment Gilmer, 55, rented to him, Harrell, his wife, and brother were removing their possessions. Harrell owed Gilmer rent, so Gilmer… Read full article
July 02, 2008Mayor: No Immediate Plans for Train Expansion
June 30, 2008Dusenbery Faces Primary Opponent
Prior to the main program, Missouri Gubernatorial candidate Kenny Hulshof will address the Club. Hulshof, the District 9 Congressman will face Missouri state treasurer Sarah Steelman in the primary. Steelman, a spokesman for the club said, has been invited to the meeting as well. After a meet and greet, former… Read full article
June 30, 2008Board Approves $114.5 Million Budget
Last week, the Park Hill Board of Education approved a $114.5 million operating budget for the 2008-2009 school year. The district will spend about 75 percent of its money next year on employee salaries and benefits, and the rest will go toward purchased services, supplies and materials, capital projects and… Read full article
June 30, 2008Parkville Rides Again
The Tour of Missouri will ride once again through downtown Parkville and city officials are happy at the prospect. The Tour of Missouri, a race run by the same organizers of the Tour de Georgia and the Amgen Tour of California, was billed as the third highest profile domestic race… Read full article
June 23, 2008Reported Missing Child Found
Parkville Police are reporting that Riss Lake resident Nick Dunn, who was missing since Sunday, has been located and returned home. Volunteers had been looking for the 11-year-old resident yesterday, leading parents to fear that he would be too afraid to return. No other information is available at this time…. Read full article
June 12, 2008River Jam Moves to Downtown City Parking Lot Due to Flooding
Despite rampant rain and flooding in English Landing Park, the show will go on for Parkville’s annual Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts River Jam. Scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday, the event will be hosted in the municipal parking lot downtown, adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. The event will… Read full article
June 09, 2008Proposed Park Hill Budget Largest Ever
Park Hill officials plan on spending more than ever for the upcoming school year, this after and $80 million increase over last year’s budget. In a presentation to the Park Hill Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Paul Kelly reported that revenue projections are up for the next school year,… Read full article
June 09, 200826 Years for 20 Year Old Robber
A Kansas City man who committed armed robberies of a Platte County restaurant and gas station on back-to-back nights has been sentenced to 26 years in prison. Andrew McGee, 20, received the sentence from Judge Abe Shafer on June 5 after earlier pleading guilty to two counts of first degree… Read full article
June 09, 2008Parkville Re-examines Smoking Issue
Parkville Alderman Gia McFarlane assures residents and businessmen alike that the Board of Aldermen is in no rush to pass a law banning smoking in public places. “[The board] is in the research stage,” McFarlane, who represent’s Parkville’s Ward 2, told The Luminary. “We’re taking it one step at a… Read full article
May 21, 2008Commission Recommends No Action Against Dusenbery
In a report to the Board of Aldermen Tuesday, the Parkville Ethics Commission recommended that no action be taken against former Mayor Kathy Dusenbery in an alleged violation of the city’s ethics ordinance. The complaint, filed by downtown businessman David Williams, alleged that Dusenbery violated the city’s ordinance prohibiting… Read full article
May 19, 2008Platte County Election Board Files Ethics Complaint Against Hutsler
The Platte County Board of Elections filed a complaint Friday with the Missouri Ethics Commission regarding Tom Hutsler’s failure to report his Parkville mayoral campaign financials. Specifically, Hutsler did not file his 30-day-after financial report, which was due on May 8. Hutsler has received a $10 fine for every business… Read full article
May 16, 2008Former Police Officer Gets Jail Sentence in Child Enticement Case
A former police officer could spend only 120 days in prison for child enticement and attempted statutory sodomy. Timothy W. Leighty, 37, of Lee’s Summit, received the sentence in Platte County Circuit Court on May 15. Leighty had previously pled guilty to using the Internet to entice someone he believed… Read full article
May 16, 2008More Park for Parkville
Platte County’s newest park is set to become Parkville’s – and the region’s — latest treasure. Drawing on reserves from their acquisition budget, Platte County officials have agreed to purchase 128 acres of riverfront property from Brian and Wanda Kringle, long time area farmers, for the purpose of creating a… Read full article
May 03, 2008Lindsey Named Park Hill's Top Teacher
Todd Lindsay was named Park Hill Teacher of the Year at the Service Awards Banquet held by the District last Tuesday. Lindsay teaches physics at Park Hill South High School and he sponsors the academic team. Susan Newburger, newspaper and yearbook adviser at Park Hill South High School, received the… Read full article
May 03, 2008Ethics Commission Proceeds with Investigation into Forwarded E-mails
Stating that there was enough evidence to warrant further investigation, the Parkville Ethics Commission ruled on Tuesday night to pursue an ethics complaint filed against former mayor Kathy Dusenbery by downtown businessman Dave Williams. The commission, comprised of Andres Dominguez, Ellen Underkoffler, Neil Davidson, and Ross Taylor voted unanimously in… Read full article
May 03, 2008Senate Dangles Tax Lure for KCI Assembly Plant Project
Missouri senators advanced a mega project tax credit plan today allowing the state to work to bring an airplane assembly plant to the Kansas City Region. The measure, House Bill 2393, handled by Senate Majority Floor Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, could trigger a Montreal-based company to invest $400 million… Read full article
April 25, 2008Judge: 'Gravesites Must Stay at KCI'
Platte City’s Shirley Kimsey got her wish – Platte County will leave its dead to rest in peace. Last Thursday, as the Luminary went to press, Platte County Circuit Court Judge Abe Shafer ruled that developers pursuing various projects around Kansas City International Airport could not disinter gravesites on the… Read full article
April 08, 2008RICHARDSON WINS PARKVILLE MAYOR'S RACE
Gerry Richardson captured 65 percent of the vote to take Parkville’s mayoral election 630-332 over downtown businessman Tom Hutsler. It is Richardson’s second turn in the mayor’s chair — Richardson served as interim mayor in 2004. The election marks Hutlser’s third consecutive loss at the Parkville ballot box. In Parkville’s… Read full article
March 26, 2008City Manager Turner Resigns
Parkville’s Joe Turner has effectively resigned his position as the city administrator, and will take over the reins as city manager of Fort Scott, Kansas. Turner was voted into the office unanimously by that city’s commission on Tuesday and will begin work there on April 21. Turner served in his… Read full article
March 07, 2008Park Hill Regulates at County Spelling Bee
Park Hill School District eighth graders Henry Panico, Congress Middle School, and Richard Powell, Lakeview Middle School, tied for first place at the Platte County spelling bee on March 4. The third place winner was Chloe Granger, sixth grader at Plaza Middle School…. Read full article
March 07, 2008Office Space: Parkville Eyes White Collar Job Force
Seated only 20 or so feet away from his own office and within view of his home, The National’s Jim Allen had a simple question for Price Waterhouse’s Rick MacDowell. “Wouldn’t Parkville be a great place for an office?” The answer of course, was yes – maybe. While everyone…
March 07, 2008Candidates file in Platte County
As they all declared nearly a year ago, Tom Pryor, incumbent District 1 Commissioner, current Parkville Mayor Kathy Dusenbery and former Parkville Mayor Bill Quitmeier all filed for the upcoming election. Pryor will face off against Dusenbery in the Republican primary on August 5; Quitmeier is running unopposed on the… Read full article
February 25, 2008Design Charette Planned in Downtown Parkville this Week
Four days of planning charettes are to be conducted in downtown Parkville this week and the developer behind the proposed project is asking for the public to attend. The charettes, which will be held every night at the former site of the Cafe Cedar at 7 p.m. in English Landing… Read full article
February 18, 2008Power Plant Lawsuit Against Hutsler Advances
February 15, 2008Lakeview Non-physically Attacks Bully Issue
Lakeview Middle School implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program this year. In January, the school held student assemblies to let students know about the program. The Olweus program was devised by Dan Olweus, PhD, a Norwegian researcher considered to be among the world’s foremost authority on bullying and school violence…. Read full article
February 15, 2008Curbside Recycling Crusade Continues
What began as a crusade for Kendall Welch in 2006 has continued to grow – although her particular crusade deals with reducing the size of our area’s landfills. Kendall Welch, a resident of Parkville, organized a drive for curbside recycling for the Parkville and the Southern Platte County areas after… Read full article
February 15, 2008High Marks Given to County's 'Quality of Life'
While residents agreed that the overall quality of life and government services in Platte County are exceedingly good, respondents to the County’s recently conducted “Platte Profile Plan Survey” expressed concern over traffic and road maintenance. Conducted by the ETC Institute of Olathe, the survey counted respondents from 409 randomly sampled… Read full article
February 07, 2008HAMMOND'S JOB "ELIMINATED" BY CITY
Deborah Hammond will no longer work as Parkville’s administrative assistant, effective Thursday, Feb. 7, The Luminary has learned. “The position Miss Hammond filled is being eliminated,” the city said in a statement released Friday morning, adding that she “successfully completed the special projects assigned to her by the city and… Read full article
January 23, 2008Hutsler to run for mayor
Tom Hutsler filed to run for mayor late Tuesday afternoon, minutes before the filing deadline. Hutsler told the Luminary he was running to “combat waste” at City Hall, criticizing the size of the local government’s payroll and even the physical size of the building, which he said was too large… Read full article
January 19, 2008Prosecutor Says Shooting Was Justified
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd announced January 14 that his office has determined Kansas City police officers used justifiable force when they shot a woman who pointed a shotgun at them on May 26, 2007. Cheryl Creason, 57, of Kansas City, died as a result of her wounds, which came… Read full article
January 19, 2008Tragic Accident Takes Life of Park Hill South Senior
A tragic weather related car accident Wednesday night ended in the death of a Park Hill South studentKelsey Ryan, 18, was killed while attempting to merge onto the southbound lane of I-20 from Hwy. 92. Ryan apparently lost control of the car as it began to spin out and… Read full article
January 19, 2008Aldermen Hire Outside Investigator to Examine Timesheet Issue
Dissension among clerks at Parkville City Hall has led the city to hire a juris doctorate to investigate human resources policies in place at the city. Specifically, the city has hired Julie R. McKee of FBD Consulting, an Overland Park firm specializing in human resources counsel and advice, to… Read full article
January 08, 2008Mother of Parkville Murder Victim Demands Huckabee Records
The mother of a murdered Parkville woman is demanding the release of Arkansas Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s records regarding the case of the man who killed her daughter. The issue revolves around the murder of Carol Sue Shields, 39, a Parkville resident who was found murdered in… Read full article
January 08, 2008Park Hill Goes into Lockdown
At about 9:05 a.m., someone robbed the QuickTrip on Barry Road. Right away, Renner Elementary, Congress Middle School, Park Hill High School and the district office, which includes the preschool programs, all went into lockdown. This means that all exterior doors, including the front doors, were locked so that nobody… Read full article
December 28, 2007Chamber Eyes Economic Development
Moving from their “social” footing into a more active economic development stance, the Parkville Chamber of Commerce has formed an economic development and legislative liaison committee. Twenty members of the Parkville business community met last Friday at the Chamber of Commerce offices in the train depot downtown, a number… Read full article
December 28, 2007Buyers Market in Platte County
Recently released statistics confirm what many area realtors have been saying for months – it’s a buyers market. Home sellers in Platte County should rest easy, however – Platte’s average resale price, though down from a year ago, is second only to Johnson County when looking at the region… Read full article
December 28, 2007Park Hill Perfection
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Fisher announced that the Park Hill School District received a perfect score on the state’s annual performance review once again this year. Park Hill met all 14 standards possible in the review. The review from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education measures districts’ success in areas… Read full article
December 13, 2007Officials warn of Platte River flooding
As the ice from the recent storm begins to melt off, minor flooding along the Platte River has been reported by Platte County officials. Currently, waters have breach Union Mill Rd., on E-Hwy and is beginning to threaten roads nearby. “I anticipate the snow and ice melt over the next… Read full article
December 11, 2007Sheriff Warns of Ice Storm Scams
The current freezing rain and ice accumulations across the state are causing massive tree debris problems for many property owners and communities. Once the storm system exits Missouri, contractors, and private businesses may start contacting citizens and communities offering their services for debris removal. “Local Officials and citizens need to… Read full article
December 07, 2007Beloved Local Journalist Nancy Jack Passes at Age 80
Longtime local journalist Nancy Jack passed away early the morning of Dec. 7 in her home. Professionally active until the final weeks of her life, Nancy was 80 years old. Destined to be remembered for her “ruminations” on life, Nancy Jack entertained readers with whimsical tales of her canoeing… Read full article
December 07, 2007Riverside Set to Open Horizon's Parkway
A project that was once on the horizon – a $20 million feat of engineering that included building a levee and a parkway — is finally set to open. On December 11 at 10:30 a.m. the City of Riverside and Missouri Department of Transportation will host the I-635/Horizons Parkway ribbon… Read full article
December 07, 2007Raffle Director Ordered to Pay Restitution
Nearly one month after the charity’s founder shot himself to death after admitting to defrauding consumers in a Parkville charity raffle, the state concluded its case against Mary Bolling, ordering her to pay $5,000 in restitution. Bolling, who served as the Kansas City director for St. Louis based Gateway to… Read full article
November 30, 2007Prowler Reported at Weatherby Lake
Weatherby Lake police are advising residents to keep an eye out for an alleged prowler. Police say that on Monday, Nov. 9, a man was spotted looking into the front window of a home in the 7500 block of NW Kerns. The incident reportedly occurred at 5:30 a.m. Residents of… Read full article
November 30, 2007Christmas on the River tonight in downtown Parkville
Parkville’s Christmas on the River — the largest Christmas celebration in the Kansas City metropolitan area — is tonight in historic downtown Parkville. Due to the sheer size of the event, traffic in downtown Parkville will be stopped during the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. Visitors are asked… Read full article
October 30, 2007Water Rates Hiked
Despite opposition from Parkville’s board of aldermen and more than 50 residents who attended a public hearing in order to speak out against a proposed increase, the Missouri Public Service Commission approved nearly a 21 percent water rate hike for the city. While Missouri American Water Co. had initially proposed… Read full article
October 27, 2007Park Hill Taking Steps on STAPH
With recent news coverage of staph infections in other area schools, the Park Hill School District announced they would be taking additional precautions to protect students and employees from the illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as ‘staph,’ are bacteria commonly carried… Read full article
October 27, 2007Platte City Murder-Rapist Convicted
A man who murdered his best friend and then raped that man’s wife was found guilty following a week-long trial in Platte County Circuit Court. Jacob E. McGinnis, 27, of Kansas City, was convicted of first degree murder, rape, first degree burglary, and two counts of armed criminal action. Platte… Read full article
October 05, 2007National's Jamie Allen Heads Off to War
The war in Iraq has a familiar face for many area families – there are legions of soldiers who serve at Fort Leavenworth, Whitman Air Force Base, Fort Riley and overseas who have Platte County addresses. For some, like State Representative Jason Brown, it’s an obligation: Brown, a member… Read full article
September 29, 2007TROUBLE ON TAP: The inside story of Missouri American's proposed water increase
Ask most Parkville water residents where their water comes from and most will point to the Missouri American water plant at the foot of 1st Street. There, the water is received from wells that tap into the alluvial beds deep below the Missouri River. The water is treated and pumped… Read full article
September 10, 2007Remembering Melody Gabel
PE teacher Melody Gabel’s death this summer was a terrible blow for English Landing Elementary. That’s why English Landing plans to have a memorial for her at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, and everyone is invited. The staff is collecting memories of Ms. Gabel to be shared at the… Read full article
September 10, 2007Former judge sentenced to jail
A former judge caught with cocaine in his car will spend 60 days in jail, and his law license will be suspended. Charles M. McKeon, 49, was the municipal judge for Riverside until he was arrested February 26, 2006. He received the sentence after he pled guilty to possession of… Read full article
September 10, 2007Tour of Missouri to hit Parkville
Tuesday’s major biking event will start from the Plaza and follow Hwy. 9. coming through Parkville westbound at about 1:28 to 1:33 p.m. and returning between 2:57 and 3:17 p.m. in the first leg of the 600-mile, 6-day tour which ends in St. Louis. All roads on which the 120… Read full article
July 20, 2007Westside Wrongdoing?
The proposed western Parkville business development, Vertical Ventures III, got off to an auspicious start Thursday after Parkville officials issued a stop work order for the property. Citing the developer for illegal dumping and fill work, the city shut down what nearby residents called an “army of trucks” from dumping… Read full article
July 20, 2007County Tax Audit Shows No Missing Funds
Despite a round of snarky letter writing between Platte County Public Works Director Greg Sager and Platte County Auditor Siobhann Williams, all appears to be well with the balance sheets up at the Platte County Administration Building. In May, Sager released data from his office that seemed to show a… Read full article
July 13, 2007Park Hill approves 2007-2008 budget
Due to a one-time capital expenditure of $2.75 million and a raise in pay, Park Hill School District will spend a little more than they take in during the 2007-08 fiscal year. Approved last week by the Park Hill School District Board, the $108.4 million budget is a 10.9… Read full article
July 13, 2007Parkville officially opens new city hall
It was hot dogs and apple pie last Saturday morning as Parkville held an open house at the new city hall, located at 8880 Clark Street in the Parkville Commons – a uniquely American moment with significance not lost on those in attendance. With Parkville’s astounding growth in recent… Read full article
July 13, 2007County Fair opens July 18
On Oct. 6, 1858, a few of Platte City, Missouri¹s citizens gathered in the Burge & Hogue Drug Store on Platte City’s Main Street to talk about organizing a county fair. The purpose? To promote agricultural education and science. The first president of the Agricultural, Mechanical and Stock Association… Read full article
June 15, 2007Robbers sent to jail
Two Platte County armed robbers were sentenced to a total of 42 years in prison in separate cases heard June 14. Christopher A. Clinton, 19, of Independence, received 12 years in prison for robbing Qdoba Mexican Grill, while Matthew Renfro, 28, of Kansas City, was sentenced to 30 years in… Read full article
June 15, 2007RiverJam Jazz and Blues Festival this weekend
From the festival volunteers: Join the Parkville Community Development and all the volunteers of the Blues/Jazz and Fine Arts River Jam planning committee on June 15th and 16th in beautiful English Landing Park, on the banks of the Missouri River in Parkville, MO for the longest running Jazz festival in… Read full article
May 24, 2007Damage to English Landing Park Pegged at $220k
Federal and state emergency management officials met Tuesday with city and county officials for a preliminary inspection tour of flood damages to Parkville’s English Landing Park. Steve Tillman, public assistance officer with the Federal Emergency Management Administration, and Maureen Burke, Area A coordinator with the State Emergency Management Administration, aid… Read full article
May 24, 2007Rita Altherr Named Teacher of the Year
The Park Hill School District named Rita Altherr the 2007 Teacher of the Year. Park Hill gives this award in recognition of a teacher who makes a significant contribution to the goals of the school district. Altherr received the award during the 24th Annual Park Hill Service Awards Banquet in… Read full article
May 16, 2007Report: County road tax fund $1.8 million short
Platte County officials are worried about a spreadsheet from Gregory Bricker, a financial analyst for George K. Baum company, that shows the county road tax amassing $1.8 million less than expected. The transportation plan approved by voters in 2003 was to use a 3/8 cents sales tax to collect $65… Read full article
May 13, 2007RITTMAN RESIGNS FROM BOARD OF ALDERMEN
In a letter sent to Mayor Kathy Dusenbery and city staff Saturday morning, Ward 2 Alderman Dave Rittman resigned his position on the city’s Board of Aldermen. Rittman, a resident of Riss Lake, has recently begun working in St. Croix where he works as a chief operating officer for an… Read full article
May 10, 2007River Crests; More Roads Reopening
Most roads formerly closed by flooding along rivers and streams in west and central Missouri are reopening as flood crests move downstream. High water along I-29 near Platte City came close but didn’t top the highway and water is subsiding. Only three counties in MoDOT’s eight-county Kansas City District have… Read full article
May 10, 2007One Killed, Three Hurt in Iatan Accident
One worker was killed and three others were hurt when a line ruptured at the Iatan Power Plant in northern Platte County Wednesday. The plant, which had been shut down since Monday due to the flood scare, was in the process of being put back online when a hot steam… Read full article
May 08, 2007English Landing Centre Expected to Stay Dry
The Army Corps of Engineers has said that they do not expect English Landing Centre to be in danger from rising flood waters, alleviating concerns of merchants that their stores may be flooded. The evacuation order for downtown Parkville remains in effect until further notice. A flash flood warning remains… Read full article
May 08, 2007Levees Breached in North Platte County
The Platte County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that the levees just north of the village of Iatan have been breached in several instances. The area affected includes the rural area near Bean Lake. No injuries have been reported. A flash flood warning remains in effect until Wednesday at 6 p.m…. Read full article
May 08, 2007Army Corps Monitoring Water Levels in Platte County
Officials at the Kansas City District, US Army Corps of Engineers continue to monitor the runoff following the storms which saturated the area over the weekend. According to latest readings, the district forecasts the federal levee system will operate as designed. Using the latest predictions provided by the National Weather… Read full article
May 07, 2007Park Hill Warns of Flood Related Traffic Issues
The city of Riverside notified the district this afternoon that it plans to close the levy flood gates in the morning because of high water from the Missouri River. This means Highway 9, between Parkville and Riverside, will be closed until the river level subsides. School buses might be delayed… Read full article
May 07, 2007DOWNTOWN PARKVILLE ORDERED EVACUATED
The City of Parkville has ordered the city’s historic downtown closed beginning Tuesday morning at 2 a.m. At that time, nobody will be allowed into the area for at least 24 to 48 hours. The area affected includes the entire English Landing Centre development and most of the area south… Read full article
May 07, 2007Riverside to Close Levee Gates
Though the rain has stopped today in Parkville, more than eight inches of rain has fallen across the city since midnight Sunday. Runoff from the rainfall is seriously effecting creeks and streams and the Missouri River is threatening to flood. In response, Riverside will for the first time close the… Read full article
May 07, 2007Ambulance District Carries Large Tax Reserve
The South Platte Ambulance District vastly overestimated the amount of tax money they would need in their first year and will end up carrying an unspent reserve of nearly $288,500 of what they collected from taxpayers by the end of 2007. At current spending rates, the overstated 2007 tax levy… Read full article
May 03, 2007Spelman Fundraiser is Tonight (Thursday)
Rick and Debbie Heininger are throwing a Patron Party for the Spelman Foundation at their home this evening from 6:30 to 9:00. The food will be provided by Bonefish Grill and Richard Morehouse from Pedroncelli Winery in Sonoma Valley will be on hand for the wine tasting. A $55 donation… Read full article
April 26, 2007Quitmeier Announces Commission Run
Launching a broadside against “Republican leadership from top to bottom,” former Parkville Mayor Bill Quitmeier announced to The Luminary that he will run for Platte County Commissioner in 2008. “They call themselves conservatives, but they don’t conserve anything,” Quitmeier said. “From Bush to Blunt, they don’t conserve anything.” Quitmeier served… Read full article
April 22, 2007Bomb Threat at Park a Hoax
The second bomb threat for Park University in little more than a year proved to be a hoax as Parkville Police and the Kansas City bomb squad gave the all clear Thursday night in Parkville. Police cordoned off the school entrance at around 6 p.m. while bomb sniffing dogs searched… Read full article
April 13, 2007Mayor: Gambling is a Longshot
A meeting between Parkville officials and interested developers does not necessarily mean that the gambling issue is rearing it’s head in town again – but the cards have been on the table recently. When Luminary staffers chanced upon Mayor Kathryn Dusenbery and Ward 1 Aldermen Deborah Butcher and Jim… Read full article
April 12, 2007Kretschmer services today
A memorial service will be held today for friends of Nancy Kretschmer, long time owner of Parkville Floral, at First Baptist Church of Northern Heights, 6311 Northwest Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, MO at 4 p.m. today (Thursday)…. Read full article
April 03, 2007Butcher Cruises to Ward 1 Win; Brown Wins Road District
There was no April surprise: incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Deborah Butcher cruised to an easy 79-18 win over erstwhile challenger Tom Hutsler in Tuesday’s general election. The political rivalry between the two — they fought a closely contested election two years ago that saw Butcher win by only 16 votes… Read full article
March 27, 2007Community Heroes Recognized for YMCA Rescue
Platte County, and Parkville civic leaders, South Platte Fire District and MAST Ambulance management joined the monthly South Platte Ambulance District meeting to recognize Dakota Beveridge, Michelle Blumer, Brad Dusenbery, Marit Evans, Conner Fitzgerald, Garry Linn, Matt Listhartke, Makenna Mathy, Regan Rawson, Mark Sperl, Mark Smith and Tyler Stanley… Read full article
March 26, 2007Parkville Named in 50 Best American Cities List
Sustaining its run of rosy magazine reviews, Parkville was listed as one of the “50 Best Places to Live” in the March issue of Men’s Journal. Featured among the “Best Commuter Towns” section of the article, Parkville’s downtown and civic leadership was praised by a contributor. “Parkville’s Main Street… Read full article
March 06, 2007Houston Lake Dope Salesman Gets Stone Cold Busted
A Platte County man has been charged with drug trafficking after a DEA task force found 375 pounds of marijuana. Reymundo L. Gonzalez, 24, was charged February 20 with attempting to receive a 220-pound shipment of marijuana at his residence, where investigators later found an additional 155 pounds of the… Read full article
March 06, 2007Park Hill Warns of Stranger Danger
The Park Hill School District reported Tuesday that another student was approached by a stranger – the third such incident in a month. The latest incident was said to have occurred near Wexford Place, when a man in a car slowed down to talk to a male English Landing student…. Read full article
February 28, 2007DUSENBERY TO RUN FOR COUNTY COMMISSION
Parkville Mayor Kathy Dusenbery ended speculation about her political future Tuesday, announcing to city staff and the Board of Alderman that she intended to run for the Platte County Commission’s 1st District seat. “I am throwing my hat in the ring for Platte County Commissioner in the 1st District,” Dusenbery… Read full article
February 24, 2007Husband Attempts Hit-for-Hire on Wife
A Kansas City man being held on an ex parte order violation in the Platte County Detention Center has been charged in a conspiracy to hire a hitman to break his wife’s jaw and ribs and burn her parents’ house down. Warren G. Shurtz, 52, is alleged to have… Read full article
February 24, 2007Hutsler Drops Out of Alderman Race
Saying that he was “putting Parkville first,” downtown developer Tom Hutsler told the Luminary that he was dropping out of the city’s Ward 1 alderman race and would not actively campaign to unseat incumbent Deborah Butcher. Hutsler, who lost to Butcher by only 16 votes in a bitterly contested… Read full article
February 16, 2007Platte City Teen Found Guilty in "Columbine" Style Plot
A Platte City teenager was found guilty after a February 13 trial of threatening to carry out a school shooting to mark the anniversary of the Columbine High School attack. Sean M. Amos, 18, was convicted of making a terroristic threat after he and a co-defendant told classmates they… Read full article
February 16, 2007Parkville Set to Close City Hall Deal
Parkville has found a buyer for the existing city hall building which will be vacated after the new one under construction in Parkville Commons is completed and occupied in June or July. By ordinance last week, the Board of Aldermen authorized Mayor Kathy Dusenbery to sign a real estate… Read full article
February 08, 2007Kansas City Mayor Urges Continued Development
Mayor Kay Barnes urged the city’s more than 30 candidates to continue the downtown renaissance that has placed Kansas City at the forefront of urban redevelopment nationally. Barnes addressed a record crowd of more than 250 members of the Clay/Platte Development Corporation Jan. 31 at the Hilton Kansas City… Read full article
February 08, 2007Parkville Woman Fatally Injured
Parkville native Kimberly Norton, 40, died tragically last Thursday afternoon after being struck by a sport utility vehicle. Authorities said that Norton probably lost control of her vehicle on the slick roads during the snow storm and slid off the road and into a concrete barrier on Interstate 29, just… Read full article
February 02, 2007Stunted Growth: Platte City Loses Sunshine Case; Annexation off the Ballot
In yet another blow to Platte City’s seemingly futile efforts to expand their city limits through involuntary annexation, a Platte County Circuit Court Judge ruled that the City and its Board of Aldermen had violated the state’s open meeting laws when they met in closed session to discuss the matter… Read full article
February 02, 2007Refunds Ordered in Parkville Charity Raffle
The St. Louis Based charity “Gateway to a Cure” was ordered to pay more than $3.6 million in payments, refunds and restitutions for a series of failed and mis-managed raffles they conducted in Parkville, St. Louis and Florida. The order came Monday when St. Louis County Circuit Judge Stephen H…. Read full article
January 25, 2007Train Crash Victim's Outlook Improves
The St. Joseph man whose truck was struck by a freight train at the Ball Enterprises crossing in Parkville is lucky to be alive according to his family. Craig McCormack, 29, suffered a severed aorta and had both lungs collapse as a result of the collision and spent much… Read full article
January 25, 2007Ambulance District Chooses MAST
The South Platte Ambulance District Board met in closed session Wednesday evening Jan. 25th to discuss details of a proposed ambulance service contract with Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust (MAST). The Board returned to open session to publicly vote on a resolution allowing Board President Bobby Kincaid to enter into a… Read full article
January 25, 2007Possible Kidnap Attempt Averted
A tragedy was averted on Wednesday when a Congress Middle School student apparently avoided being kidnapped thanks to his unwillingness to cooperate with a mysterious man and the willingness of an unknown Samaritan to involve herself as the drama unfolded. A male student told police and Park Hill School District… Read full article
January 19, 2007Missouri-American Floats Water Increase
Water rates may raise as much of 25 percent for Parkville and Platte County residents should the Missouri Public Service Commission approve Missouri American’s new rate request, the first significant increase of rates for customers since 2000. If approved, rates would increase 24.8 percent in the 13 districts it… Read full article
January 19, 2007Hutsler Fends Off Smokestack Critics
As the clock ticks for the iconic Park College Power Plant’s smokestack those opposed to the landmark’s demolition are beginning to raise their voices. The smokestack, while adjudged to be structurally sound at it’s inner core is deteriorating at a rapid rate externally. Specifically, brick tiles that cover the structure… Read full article
December 22, 2006Sheriff Urges Safety for Platte County Residents
With the approaching holidays, the Platte County Sheriff’s Department is urging people to look for and eliminate potential dangers from holiday lights and decorations that could lead to fires and injuries. Here are some tips to follow to make your holiday a safe one: * Use only non-combustible or flame… Read full article
December 22, 2006English Landing Principal Honored
Kerry Roe, the principal of English Landing Elementary School in the Park Hill School District, was named the 2006-2007 Clay/Platte Distinguished Elementary Principal. Roe was nominated for this award by the regional chapter of the Missouri Association of Elementary Principals. She is one of 13 principals across the state… Read full article
December 22, 2006Parkville Approves 2007 Budget
At its last regularly scheduled meeting of the year, the Parkville Board of Aldermen adopted the 2007 city budget, next year’s salary schedule, and voted in an increase in the city’s sewer charge rate Tuesday night. City Administrator Joe Turner presented the proposed operating budget of $3,379,700, an increase of… Read full article
December 01, 2006CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER POSTPONED
Due to public safety concerns, the 14th annual Christmas on the River celebration in downtown Parkville was cancelled on Friday, Dec. 1. The event will be rescheduled for next Friday, Dec. 8. The Christmas on the River Committee made the decision to cancel both the holiday Champagne Reception on Thursday… Read full article
November 28, 2006Christmas on the River Offers Full Slate of Activities
A full slate of events awaits holiday revelers for the 14th annual Christmas on the River celebration in historic downtown Parkville. Beginning with a holiday reception on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 30 and finishing on Saturday afternoon with a performance of The Nutcracker at Park University, this year’s event… Read full article
November 14, 2006New Nature Sanctuary for Parkville
Parkville soon will have a new and smaller natural area. The 4-acre Sullivan Nature Sanctuary will span both sides of Rush Creek west of Main Street and south of McAfee within the 20-acre tract of riverfront land sold to the city recently by the Brown family. A trail on both… Read full article
November 14, 2006Two Parkville Candidates Win Office
Jason Grill’s aggressive campaign for the District 32 State Representative seat paid off with a big win over Republican challenger John DeStefano. Grill swept every precinct in Platte County in defeating DeStefano by a whopping 20 percent margin, earning 9,272 votes to DeStefano’s 6,148. With the win, the 27-year-old… Read full article
November 08, 2006Graves Re-elected; Parkville's Williams Wins Auditor Seat
Congressman Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) easily defeated Democratic Challenger Mary Jo Shettles in the Nov. 7 election. Graves carried more than 64 percent of the vote. In Platte County, incumbent Betty Knight was re-elected Platte County Presiding Commissioner. County Clerk Sandy Krohne was also re-elected and Siobhann Williams narrowly edged Ruby…
October 20, 2006Auditor Candidate Slams County Accounting Procedures
Democratic candidate for Platte County auditor Siobhann Williams is criticizing the way current auditor Sandra Thomas has been closing the county’s books over the past eight years. On Thursday, the Williams campaign released 52 pages of documents dating back to 1998 which showed that Thomas paid more than $38,000… Read full article
October 20, 2006Smokestack Slated for Demolition
Citing the inordinate costs to maintain the structure now and in the future, Power Plant landlord Tom Hutsler has decided to demolish the iconic smokestack affixed to the building. According to engineering reports procured by Hutsler, the minimum cost to make repairs to the smokestack would be $40,000, and regular… Read full article
October 20, 2006Park Hill Drinking in Television Access
Students gain valuable broadcast experience from Channel 18, now more than just Park Hill’s emergency broadcast system, but at what cost? It’s been one year since the Park Hill School District took over the airwaves on Time Warner Cable’s Channel 18, with a viewing area that covers about 99… Read full article
October 09, 2006Rep. Jason Brown Back in Platte County
Missouri State Representative Jason Brown was safe at home, on a 30-day leave from the Army after taking a bullet in the chest in Iraq last week. Brown, 36, was shot by a sniper in Iraq last Thursday. The bullet reportedly pierced his lung, managing to bypass his body armor…. Read full article
October 09, 2006Dream on: City soliciting comments of future of the park system
It’s the last chance for Parkville residents to express their opinions on the future of the city’s parks. Comment will end after the Community Land & Recreation Board’s (CLARB) public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 in the Board room at the city hall. CLARB Chairman Cory Miller and… Read full article
October 06, 2006STATE REP. JASON BROWN SHOT IN IRAQ
Missouri State Representative Jason Brown was shot in the chest yesterday in Iraq. Brown was said to have been shot by a sniper and the bullet punctured his lung. Brown is said to be in stable condition and was reportedly up and walking prior to surgery. Check this site for… Read full article
September 29, 2006Park Hill Moving Ahead With Improvement Plan
Several projects under the first phase of the Park Hill School District’s capital improvement plan are well under way and made possible by a $33 million bond issue approved 77 percent by voters last April. Purchases that have already been made with the funding include a $1.3 million expenditure for… Read full article
September 29, 2006State Rep Candidate Grill Complains of Negative Tactics by Republicans
The first salvos of the 32nd District State Representative campaign were launched last week, with Democrat Jason Grill firing away at what he alleged to be “desperate” tactics on the part of Republican John DeStefano. Specifically, Grill has complained about a supposed “push poll” recently conducted by DeStefano. A push… Read full article
September 29, 2006Voters Approve Downtown Tax District
The Parkville Old Towne Market Community Improvement District (CID) became an official entity on Tuesday after voters from the proposed district passed the issue by mail-in vote. Ballots for the election were sent to eligible voters the week of Sept. 4 and were due Sept. 19. Only residents of the… Read full article
September 22, 2006Park Hill's Test Scores Tops in Metro
Park Hill’s two high schools were the top-scoring schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area on last year’s ACT. The average composite score for Park Hill and Park Hill South high schools rose to 23.6, and the number of test takers increased as well. The state average composite score rose… Read full article
September 22, 2006Diamond Thief Hits Main Street Jeweler
A person pretending to be in the market for a diamond turned out to be a thief, and Parkville jeweler Troy Wilson, who owns Trinity Jewelers at 100 Main Street, was his victim. Last Friday, Sept. 15, Wilson was robbed by a person described as a white male in his… Read full article
September 22, 2006FINANCIAL WOES FOR COUNTY AUDITOR CANDIDATE UNCOVERED
Republican candidate for Platte County Auditor Ruby Maline has been sued twice by creditors in the past two years, The Luminary has learned. Maline, who currently serves as Platte County’s deputy auditor, was sued by Wells Fargo Financial and Beneficial Credit Services in Dec. 2005 and Feb. 2006, respectively. Both… Read full article
September 15, 2006Remembering Parkville Days
Editor’s note: The following piece was written as a letter to the editor by longtime Parkville resident Virginia Ground. We liked it so much, we wanted to share it with our online audience. The letter is in response to another letter (newspaper editors love when that happens). The previous correspondence… Read full article
September 15, 2006State Auditor Race Begins to Heat Up
With less than two months remaining in the race for state auditor, both the Republican campaign of Platte County Auditor Susan Thomas and Democratic candidate Susan Montee, the Buchanan County auditor, has begun to heat up, with both candidates flinging accusations and barbs in recent days. Buoyed by a recount… Read full article
September 15, 2006Former Park Hill South standout has Major League ambitions
Tommy Hottovy is living the dream. He’s getting paid to play a game. But his first full season in professional baseball was anything but a dream in fact, it was much closer to a nightmare. Hottovy, 25, was a fourth-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the June 2004… Read full article
September 01, 2006Parkville teen accused of armed robbery
A Parkville teen who is a former employee of Qdoba Mexican Grill at Zona Rosa was charged August 30 with robbing the restaurant. Andrew Krupa, 17, was arrested at his home in Parkville after evidence left at the scene allegedly led investigators to him. Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd… Read full article
September 01, 2006AMBULANCE DISTRICT SETS TAX RATE TO 14 CENTS
Shrugging off vehement criticism from a variety of local politicians, residents and stakeholders, the Southern Platte County Ambulance District approved a 14 cent tax levy at a public meeting held Monday evening in Parkville. The more than 38 people in attendance watched as District President Bobby Kinkaid presented the District’s… Read full article
August 31, 2006Positive tone at Park Hill's first '06-'07 meeting
The Park Hill school board convened Thursday for the first time since the 2006-2007 school year commenced Aug. 16. Prior to holding open session was a classified staff reception honoring all new Park Hill non-certified staff members, contributing to the large turnout. As board members filed in, reception-going administrative assistants,… Read full article
August 18, 2006Inside the sick world of Internet predators
David Jackson’s Yahoo! profile on the Internet hasn’t been updated since January 6, 2006, and really, there’s little there to see. Jackson doesn’t list his real name on the profile, preferring to use his online handle of “estmtsmidwst” instead, but he does share his age (35), the fact that… Read full article
August 18, 2006Parkville lowers property tax rate (a little bit)
Parkville’s city property tax levy for this year will drop slightly from the 2005 rate. The 2006 rate will be .6438 per each $100 of assessed valuation compared to the 2005 levy of .6512. Total evaluation in the city increased by 7.70 percent this year to $151,980,941. Of this year’s… Read full article
August 18, 2006Park Hill reports higher than average ACT scores
The Park Hill School District reported higher scores on the ACT exam last year, beating both state and national averages in the process. The Park Hill School District’s composite ACT score rose to 23.6 for the 2006-2007 school year. The state average composite score was 21.6. Not only did the… Read full article
August 07, 2006Republican Hopefuls Stage Cordial Debate
Under the watchful eye of Democrat Jason Grill, Republican State Representative candidates Rob Willard and John DeStefano engaged in a cordial debate Thursday evening at Parkville’s Touche’ Night Club, a debate that did little to differentiate either candidate from one another on the issues. Moderated by the Platte County Pachyderm… Read full article
August 07, 2006Bad Sign: Lawsuit leaves many English Landing merchants off of development's signage
It’s a slow day in downtown Parkville, which wouldn’t normally be a surprise considering that it’s 3:30 p.m. on a Tuesday — hardly the most happening time in a restaurateur or retailer’s day. But today it’s hot — obscenely hot and Park University’s LED sign reminds passers by that it… Read full article
July 21, 2006Ambulance District Hopefuls Debate
Ten of the 14 candidates for membership on the board of the forming Southern Platte Ambulance District shared their qualifications and philosophies at a public forum Monday sponsored by the League of Women Voters at the Platte County Community Center South. The loss of service by MAST, the Metropolitan… Read full article
July 21, 2006It's Brooks: Downtown Builder Tapped to Succeed Friedman
James C. “Jim” Brooks is Parkville’s new Ward I alderman. In a special Meeting Tuesday prior to the regular Board of Aldermen meeting, Brooks was nominated by Mayor Kathy Dusenbery, and accepted unanimously by the Board. He succeeds former Alderman Jack Friedman who died June 22. Brooks was sworn into… Read full article
June 26, 2006Friedman memorial services set for Wednesday
The memorial service for Jack Friedman is set for Wednesday, June 28th at 10:00 am at the Hawthorn House. The memorial will be a pot luck of sorts, so those visiting are encouraged to bring a dish. There, friends of the family will receive more information about the trust fund…
June 23, 2006Park Alumni Return to Find a Growing School
Buoyed by phenomenal online growth and sustained by steady enrollment at their Parkville campus and satellites in 22 states, Park University – once a small college in a sleepy town – has changed much since its founding 131 years ago as a Christian worker’s college. Despite significant expansion, alumni visiting… Read full article
June 23, 2006Park Hill Touts Their Networking Prowess
Brad Sandt, lead network engineer at the Park Hill School District addressed a networking trade show in Las Vegas last Tuesday, touting the school system’s wireless technology. A guest of networking hardware industry leader Cisco, Sandt told those in attendance about the district’s four wireless modules that the school… Read full article
June 23, 2006Jack Friedman, Longtime Parkville Alderman, Passes at Age 57
Longtime Alderman and Parkville resident Jack Friedman passed away early Thursday morning due to complications from multiple myeloma. Friedman passed at around 5:00 a.m. at a University of Arkansas cancer treatment facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 57 years old. Flags at Parkville City Hall and Park University were… Read full article
June 13, 2006Parkville 'Very Unlikely' to Stop Train Expansion
A meeting between several area stakeholders and a high ranking official from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Company (BNSF) boiled down to one word: relationships. And though that word was mentioned several times the meeting, held at an English Landing restaurant Wednesday evening, was billed as a public relations exercise the… Read full article
June 12, 2006PLANE CRASHES OUTSIDE OF PARKVILLE
A single-engine plane crashed just outside of Parkville early Monday evening, killing both people aboard, airport officials said. According to authorities at Kansas City International Airport, a Piper Saratoga suddenly disappeared from radar on its way to the airport. The plane’s debris was found scattered along a field adjacent to… Read full article
June 06, 2006Prices for New Homes Drop in Platte County
After experiencing booming growth for the better part of the last decade, Platte County is the only county to experience a drop in the price of new homes, according to a recent report of the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors. Despite a rise in new house prices for all… Read full article
May 26, 2006Questioning the 'Code': Parkville's Clergy Sounds off on 'The Da Vinci Code'
The phenomenon, for most, is simply unavoidable in American culture. A best selling book is turned into a blockbuster movie, with A-list celebrities cast in the lead roles. Media will follow their movements all around the world from the sound stages of Hollywood to the red carpets of Cannes…. Read full article
May 05, 2006Parkville Eyed for Mass Transit
A mass-transit bus hub could be in the works for Parkville if regional planners succeed in gaining ballot approval for an increase in the Kansas City Area Transit Authority’s scope. Part of a regional public transit system, Smart Moves, as the system is referred to, plans are in place to… Read full article
May 01, 2006Raffle Charity Settles with Winner; Dodges Questions
For three years, Parkville resident Mary Bolling did her best to garner as much press attention as she could for Gateway to a Cure. Now, she wishes the coverage would just stop. The raffle of a $1.55 million dollar prize package consisting of a home at The National Golf Club… Read full article
May 01, 2006Commission Cuts Parkville Off from Road Tax
How Parkville has lost $10,000 in sales tax road funds was explained Tuesday night by Platte County Commissioners Tom Pryor and Jim Plunkett to the city’s Board of Aldermen. In actions going back five years before they took office in 2005, the commissioners said, Platte County’s 3/8 of 1 percent… Read full article
April 04, 2006Ambulance District Passes
The Southern Platte Ambulance District passed by a wide margin on Tuesday, garnering 2,543 yes votes to 1,479 opposed. The district will contract to provide ambulance services for Parkville, Weatherby Lake, Platte Woods, Lake Waukomis, Houston Lake, Northmoor, Farley, Ferrelview and portions of unincorporated Platte County. For in depth coverage,… Read full article
April 04, 2006Dusenbery Wins in Landslide; Friedman, Bay Win in the Wards
Incumbent Mayor Kathryn Dusenbery cruised to a landslide victory in Tuesday’s municipal election, capturing more than 75 percent of the vote and garnering 794 votes to challenger J.C. Poole’s 248. In Ward 1, the portion of town encompassing the historic downtown and Parkville Original Plat Neighborhood Association, incumbent Alderman Jack… Read full article
April 04, 2006Park Hill Bond Issue Passes
Park Hill’s bond issue passed 5,301 to 1,578. The bonds will not require a tax increase and will go to a variety of capital improvements. For in depth coverage on the bond issue, pick up this week’s issue of The Parkville Luminary, available in racks Friday…. Read full article
April 04, 2006Parkville Forming Committee to Study Coal Plants
The possibility of a second power plant being built just across the river looms, and Parkville officials are discussing what residents can do about it.The Kansas Board of Public Utilities is considering constructing another coal-fired power plant at Nearman Creek. “I’m finding that we have vast amounts of human resources… Read full article
April 04, 2006Weatherby Lake May Have Improperly Paid for Ambulance Services
With 19 people in the audience — including Mayor Mike Henderson looking on, Weatherby Lake Fire Protection District Chairman Jay Fitch admitted the obvious when he spoke of the city’s ambulance protection. “This is a very confusing issue,” Fitch conceded. Coming from Fitch, a partner in a major emergency medical… Read full article
March 28, 2006No New Taxes in Park Hill Bond Issue
Voters in the Park Hill School District are being asked to approve a bond issue to finance the first five years of scheduled capital improvements of the district’s 10-year Capital Plan for facility and equipment upgrades. The proposed $33 million bond issue does not involve a tax increase. The… Read full article
March 28, 2006Ambulance District Debated in Weatherby Lake
Does Southern Platte County need its own ambulance district? “You bet your life,” reads campaign flyers and yard signs in support of the initiative to create an ambulance district to ensure dedicated ambulance services to the region. The question some voters and officials have, at least in Weatherby Lake,… Read full article
March 14, 2006NEW COAL PLANT ON THE HORIZON
Officials from the Kansas Board of Public Utilities (BPU) confirmed Thursday that plans are well under way for the construction of a new power plant at the existing Nearman Creek facility in Wyandotte, KS – just across the river from Parkville. “In 2003, the BPU developed a master plan for… Read full article
March 14, 2006Ambulance District a Political Football
The proposed ambulance district in southern Platte County has become somewhat of a political football in Weatherby Lake, where it has taken center stage in the small but affluent city’s mayoral race. Current Mayor Mike Henderson, who is seeking reelection, supports the initiative. His challenger, Al York, opposes it. Much… Read full article
January 23, 2006County Officers Brawl Over Budget Numbers
“[The 2006 county] budget proposes a significant setback to law enforcement in Platte County … and does not ensure the level of law enforcement that Platte Countians need and deserve and I think they should expect,” said Sheriff Dick Anderson at the onset of a two-hour long slugfest between angry… Read full article
January 14, 2006Area Politicians Distance Themselves From Lobbyist
In knee-jerk political fashion, Washington politicians are seeking to distance themselves from the mere appearance of impropriety after now disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff struck a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and tax evasion last week. While numerous Missouri politicians were among those who… Read full article
January 14, 2006BOMB THREAT AT PARK LEADS TO ARREST
A man from Washington State who told a Parkville Police officer that he had explosives in his truck has been charged in Platte County. Brett S. Tanis, 40, faces one count of making a terrorist threat for statements that he made to officials at Park University in Parkville. Platte County… Read full article
December 19, 2005Missouri Reports Employment Increase
Missouri seasonally adjusted payroll employment continued to grow with the addition of 3,500 new jobs in November for a total of 28,100 new jobs created since January, the Missouri Department of Economic Development reported today. The state’s November unemployment rate was two-tenths of a point below November 2004 at 5.6… Read full article
December 19, 2005Commission Discusses National Bond Issue
The Platte County Commission announced that its final administrative session of the year will be rescheduled for Friday, December 30 at 9:00 am and placed a public hearing on the agenda to make year-end amendments to the 2005 budget at its meeting yesterday. Presiding Commissioner Betty Knight explained that the… Read full article
December 19, 2005Main Street Discusses Solidarity
The flap over Finders Keepers’ vinyl siding appears to be escalating, and a new front in the battle may be opening soon. Locking horns with city officials over a change in the appearance over the façade at the retail store located at 16 Main Street, store owner and area landlord… Read full article
November 27, 2005Park Hill Patrons Give District High Marks
The School Board on Thursday heard the results of an October patron survey that measured the attitudes of Park Hill residents on individual capital projects, overall district performance and mostly, a prospective bond issue in Spring 2006. “Indeed, the news is very good,” said Ken DeSieghardt, president of DeSieghardt Communications,… Read full article
October 21, 2005Aldermen Resolve to Support Formation of Ambulance District
Parkville became the first city in Southern Platte County to support the formation of an ambulance district; unanimously approving a resolution to that effect at last Tuesday’s meeting of the board. The resolution states that Parkville was in support of the “exploration and formation of a Southern Platte County Ambulance… Read full article
October 10, 2005Program Offers Free Cancer Screenings For Women
A state program that offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings to thousands of Missouri women wants more women to take advantage of the service. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a good time for women to schedule these life-saving tests. The Show Me Healthy Women program, coordinated by the… Read full article
October 10, 2005Commissioners Approve Subdivision Re-Zone
Platte County Commissioners Betty Knight, Tom Pryor and Jim Plunkett voted 2-1 last week to approve an amendment to the Platte County Zoning Order of 1990, in response to an application submitted by petitioners Scott and Aubrey Ryan to rezone a tract of property under their ownership from AG (Agricultural)… Read full article
October 10, 2005Aldermen Set Goals for the City
Parkville aldermen expressed their dreams and fears for the city in the near and more distant future and came up with a priority list during a goal-setting seminar Tuesday night. Green space and parkland head the priority list, followed by quality of life, managed growth, downtown viability and assuring that… Read full article
September 19, 2005County Revenue May Not Meet Projections
At this week’s meeting of the Platte County Commission, District 2 Commissioner Jim Plunkett how the county will finish the year 2005, revenue-wise. “This is very difficult to predict,” said Thomas. “With the use tax, there was a large refund we had to pay out. Looking at where we… Read full article
September 19, 2005Parkville Aid Continues
“A plane just crashed along the road where our truck is parked,” said the voice on the scratchy cell phone from Ocean Spring, MS. For Parkville Police Sgt. Jon Jordan, it was something new to be in a crowd being pushed away from an accident scene by police. He and… Read full article
September 07, 2005Parkville Cares
Parkville, a city that knows all too well the ravages a flood can bring, has arranged to creatively participate in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The City of Parkville has adopted the city of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, arranging for that gulf port city to be the recipient of specific donations… Read full article
August 22, 2005Regional Coalition Forms to Discuss Train Expansion
As if the increase in train traffic through the downtown wasn’t already enough, the prospect of construction crews tearing through English Landing Park in order to lay new track has certainly rattled the powers that be in Parkville. As first reported by The Parkville Luminary in June, Burlington Northern… Read full article
August 22, 2005Aldermen Approve Funds For New City Hall
Parkville took a great leap forward in the financing of a new city hall to be built in Parkville Commons at its Tuesday night Board of Aldermen meeting. Preliminary sketches depict a building facing south across Clark Steet from the Platte County Community Center South, and on the west side… Read full article
August 07, 2005City Revises Ethics Ordinance
The city of Parkville has a new new ethics ordinance. At its June 21 meeting, the Board of Aldermen adopted a new ethics code, then repealed it in favor of a newer version at the Aug. 2 meeting. The reason, City Clerk Barbara Lance told the Board, is that some… Read full article
August 07, 2005Knight Announces Re-Election Bid
In a surprise announcement, Presiding Platte County Commissioner Betty Knight declared her intention to run for re-election in 2006 on Friday night. Speaking to a standing room only crowd at the Platte County Republican Central Committee’s “First Friday” gathering at the KCI Expo Center, Knight’s announce-ment was greeted with hearty,… Read full article
August 04, 2005Clay Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Short
A lawsuit filed by Platte County seeking to recover pay raises given to former County Commissioners Michael Short and Diza Eskridge in 1999 and 2000 was dismissed on Thursday. In granting a motion filed by Short in May to dismiss, Clay County Circuit Judge Rex Gabbert ruled that the… Read full article
July 29, 2005Wizards To Play In Parkville
The Kansas City Wizards professional soccer team will face the Des Moines Menace in a U.S. Open Cup match Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Julian Field, the Park University soccer stadium. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $10, and $5 for youths 15 and under. Dating back to… Read full article
July 22, 2005Elderly Warned of Extreme Heat
Because of various economic, social and age-related issues, people above the age of 65 are more than 12 times more likely to become victims of heatstroke. In an effort to combat needless heat-related deaths, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDH&SS) is urging Missourians to use the state’s… Read full article
July 22, 2005Stabbing on Crooked Road Leaves One Critically Injured
One man was critically injured in an altercation at 11021 Crooked Road near Parkville Thursday morning, and his assailant was treated for minor injuries. Names of the victim and his attacker were not available at press time as the crime scene investigation had just begun, according to Sheriff’s Dept. Captain… Read full article
June 24, 2005KDOT: I-635 Closure Will ‘Proceed as Planned’
Dealing what is more than likely the final blow to those opposed to the closing of the I-635 river crossing, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller announced Wednesday that plans for the construction project will ‘proceed as planned.’ Plans to close the bridge have been criticized by Parkville Mayor Kathy… Read full article
June 24, 2005BNSF Laying Plans For Downtown Track Expansion
One day after telling The Parkville Luminary that the company had no plans to add another railroad track through Parkville’s historic down-town, a spokesperson for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Company (BNSF) said that plans for expansion are, in fact, being considered. Last week, The Parkville Luminary made public potential… Read full article
June 10, 2005Butcher Backing Off Cell Tower Vote
Ward 1 Alderman Deborah Butcher, whose successful campaign in last April’s election was partly embodied by her opposition to celltowers, raised a few eyebrows when one of her first actions as representative of the ward was to vote in favor of a plan to negotiate for a cell tower in… Read full article
June 10, 2005Graves Introduces Sex Offender Legislation
U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has introduced tough legislation Thursday that mandates a life sentence for anyone who is twice convicted of federal sexual assault. “For those who commit sexual assault, the first chance to reform needs to be their last chance to reform,” Graves said. “The punishment should not only… Read full article
May 27, 2005Weston Coal Plant Protested
The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) heard an earful at a public hearing Tuesday night regarding Kansas City Power and Light’s (KCPL) proposed plan to build an 800-megawatt coal-fired power plant just outside of Weston. The plan, which KCPL officials originally brokered with Platte County commissioners in 2002, would bring… Read full article
May 27, 2005Yet Another River Crossing to Close
The Northland and commuters who travel in and out of the area just lost another river crossing, and unlike the recently closed Paseo Bridge, the latest plan will have an even more direct effect on Parkville residents and its businesses. The Luminary has learned that officials from the Kansas Department… Read full article
May 20, 2005Sewer Bonds May Trigger Development of I-435 Corridor
Parkville has taken the first step in an infrastructure move that would open the I- 435 corridor to development at Hwy. 45. By a resolution adopted Tuesday by the Board of Aldermen signifying its intent to issue bonds for the construction of sewer lines in the Brush Creek drainage area,… Read full article
May 02, 2005Historic District Plans Discussed
Residents of Parkville’s downtown area say they are ready to accept the responsibility of becoming a separate district within the city, Parkville Original Plat Neighborhood Association (POPNA) President Steve Huey told the Board of Aldermen on Wednesday evening. Presenting a framework for pursuing some sort of ordinance designed to protect… Read full article
May 01, 2005City to Consider New Cell Tower
Parkville’s Grigsby Field would stand to be the chief recipient of a cellular company’s largesse — but only if the city agrees to take a pass on an estimated $160,000 in franchise fees during the next 15 years. The plan, initiated by Cingular Wireless, calls for the company to obtain… Read full article
April 22, 2005"Ethics" Rules Prove Elusive
At the request of the Parkville Board of Aldermen, City Attorney Jack Campbell is studying ethics documents of other cities as well as Parkville’s with an eye toward improving the city’s stance on the ethics issue. Questioning whether recent election campaign literature for the Board position of Ward 1 Alderman… Read full article
April 09, 2005Letter Sent by Planning Commissioners May Have Violated Campaign Ethics
A letter addressed to residents of Ward 1 and signed by various past and present members of the Parkville Planning Commission may have violated Missouri’s campaign finance law say state officials. The letter was disseminated on April 3 by Citizens for a Balanced Parkville, Deborah Butcher’s campaign committee. Both the… Read full article
April 08, 2005Riegelman Run Ends Its 17-Year Run
The last Ted Riegelman Memorial River Trail 5K Run & Walk last Sunday played out to a good crowd and a perfect day for running. Named for the avid runner and early proponent of a jogging trail along the Missouri River in Parkville’s English Landing Park, Riegelman died Easter Sunday,… Read full article
April 08, 2005Butcher Edges Hutsler; Sportsman Takes Ward 4
Parkville’s most watched election in months is finally over, Deborah Butcher and Marc Sportsman emerging victorious in Parkville’s two contested municipal elections. (Ward 2 and 3 aldermen Dave Rittman and Marvin Ferguson were unchallenged in their respective races.) In the hotly contested Ward 1 race, Butcher edged Tom Hutsler by… Read full article
March 25, 2005Senator Bond Calls Out The Saudis
It didn’t capture many headlines in a media landscape steeped with sensational news accounts of the Michael Jackson case or NCAA basketball coverage — but such is a day in the life of a U.S. senator speaking on Capitol Hill about our country’s war and struggling to be heard. The… Read full article
March 25, 2005Assessor Warns of Property Tax Increases
In late March, the Platte County Assessor’s Office will be sending notices for real estate valuation increases to Platte County property owners. Notices are mailed for new construction projects completed in the county each year. But since 2005 is a reassessment year, the assessor’s office has reviewed values throughout the… Read full article