A personal note to our readers

from Paul Livius

Tomorrow . . . Tuesday, August 5th is

Election Day!

Voting is an American tradition.

There are many in this world who can only dream

of casting a vote to make make the final decision.

Even though there is only one issue on the ballot,

please honor that tradition by taking the time to cast 

your vote on Tuesday.

POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM AND CLOSE AT 7PM

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

VOTE Tuesday, August 5th

THERE IS ONLY ONE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT

QUESTION 1:  Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose a sales tax for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City but at an increased rate of one fourth (1/4) of one percent for a term of seven (7) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving eighty percent (80%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty percent (20%) for their respective functions.

OFFICIAL  BALLOT LANGUAGESHOWN ABOVE

CONSIDER THESE FACTS BEFORE YOU VOTE

City Hall says this is a "renewal" of a current tax. The fact is it is NOT a "renewal". A "renewal" implies it is the same amount and length of term. This tax is neither.

The current tax is for a term.............................. of (5) years.

The proposed tax is for a term.......................... of (7) years.

If the tax is approved the
Local Parks/Storm Water Control Tax 
WILL DOUBLE!

VOTE TUESDAY, AUGUST 5TH

TRUTH WATCH RETURNS!

TRUTH WATCH COMMENTED:

I will be voting NO.

1) This tax is DOUBLING from 1/8 to 1/4.

2) The split was changed from 50/50 to 80% Parks and 20% Storm water. Having a nice park does nothing for flooded basements and on-going road issues.

3) IN my opinion this is a money shell game. A $7.2 million storm water bond was passed in 2024. Now we have another $20 million in storm water projects. Once again, no documentation from the city, just give me the money.

4) The city states everyone that shops in Raytown will pay this – Yes that is an accurate statement however, the potential revenue generated NOT by Raytown residents has never been projected.

5) Known security issues at existing parks – CCTV security was not included in the new dog-park. I am concerned that this location will become a haven from the un-housed. In 2025 most cities included CCTV in all new construction. This park should be no different.

6) At least two of these three taxes will come up for renewal within the next two years. I The Transportation Sales Tax ½ cent, the Capital Sales Tax 3/8 cent, Public Safety Sales Tax ½ cent. These taxes are more beneficial to Raytown Residents.
7) Playing political games. Raytown excels at this. The August ballot was chosen specifically due to know low voter turnout. Raytown residents are paying to hold yet another special election. Unknown actual cost – Was it budgeted???

8) Four the first 3 or 4 years the ¼ cents sales tax was collected ALL of the revenue was allocated to the Parks department. One strong-willed Alderwomen made the public aware of this and fought hard to correct the distribution to what the citizens voted on.

From tax rate . org

9)The Raytown, Missouri sales tax is 8.35% , consisting of 4.23% Missouri state sales tax and 4.13% Raytown local sales taxes. The local sales tax consists of a 1.25% county sales tax, a 2.75% city sales tax and a 0.13% special district sales tax (used to fund transportation districts, local attractions, etc.).

 Raytown collects a 4.125% local sales tax, the maximum local sales tax allowed under Missouri law

 Raytown has a higher sales tax than 82.8% of Missouri's other cities and counties.

Raytown
Police Report

Weekly Summary    July 21st, 2025

Period of Review: July 14th-20th, 2025

• Number of calls for service: 458

• Number of Reports: 55

• Number of Arrests Booked into Raytown Jail: 13

Summary of Notable Events:

• On July 14th, at approx. 9:40 am, officers were called to an apartment complex in the 8600 block of Utopia reference a robbery. The victim reported that several subjects had broken into her apartment and tried to steal several items. Her adult son attempted to stop them and one of the suspects tried to stab him. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived; no one was injured. The investigation is ongoing.

• On July 17th, at approx. 10:00 am, officers took a report of a stolen car from an Amazon delivery driver in the 8000 block of 87th Street. The suspect(s) stole the car while he was at a house delivering packages. Several hours later, Cpl. Shroyer observed the car in the parking lot of a gas station at 6903 Blue Ridge Blvd and conducted a car stop. 3 adult males were arrested, and several stolen Amazon packages were recovered. Officers also recovered a gun that had been reported

stolen out of Kansas City in 2022. The investigation is ongoing.

• On July 20th at approx. 8:00 pm, officers were called to a residence in the 8800 block of 59 Terrace reference the sound of shots fired. The investigation determined that two neighbors had been in a verbal dispute and the suspect fired a gun into a tree in his own front yard several times. The suspect was arrested for unlawful use of a handgun.

• We took one report of a sex crime this week. The investigation is ongoing.

Spent Bullet found on

driveway near Colman Park

The photo above is a spent bullet found on a driveway near Colman Park. The bullet is believed to have been 9 mil Jacketed Hollow Point. The point of the bullet struck the ground and flattened the business end of the bullet. The top of the photo is of the firing end of the bullet. When fired in the air such bullets can be deadly. If you hear gunshots in your neighborhood the best defense is to get inside to protect from a bullet speeding back to Earth. Report the incident to the Police immediately.

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

BY GREG WALTERS

Something to Ponder 

City Hall has known for a long time that the renewal of the Parks/Storm Sewer Sales Tax was set to expire in less than a year.

Last April the City was required by State Law to hold and election for one-half of the Board of Aldermen.

The State reserves the first Tuesday in April as the time to hold elections of local governmental bodies.

By holding all the elections on the same date the Jackson County Election Board can economize on the cost of the elections. By doing so cities like Raytown cans save a substantial cost to holding elections.

Consider the following:

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Raytown conducted a city election. So did 22 other governmental bodies located in the Eastern Jackson County Election Board’s jurisdiction. Since there were so many elections held at the same time, Raytown’s share of the cost of holding the election came to (approximately) $35,000.00*.

On August 6, 2025, Raytown, and, a school District located in Oak Grove, Missouri are the ONLY two governmental bodies holding an election in the Jackson County Election Board jurisdiction.

Since there are only two governmental units holding an election on August 6th, Raytown’s share of the cost of the elections goes up to approximately $80,000.00.*

Had the upcoming tax election on August 6^th been held on April 1^st the city would have saved approximately $45,000.00.**

*Cost figures are based on the cost of Raytown’s last election held on April 1^st. The August election cost is an estimate based on historical data of voter turnout in the Raytown and Oak Grove School District when single issue elections are held in August.

Our View . . . The above figures show that the city, with just a little planning, can make a big difference.

Raytown City Hall dropped the ball on planning the August 6^th Election. We made inquiries as to why the election was not held in April, which would have freed up $45,000.00 that could be used for street improvements.

We never received an answer. Our best guess is the city did not put the item on the ballot because of fears it might hurt incumbent(s) chances for re-election.

We doubt that excuse as viable.

Still the damage is done. If City Hall wants to enjoy the trust of the voters in Raytown, they must practice more accountability in their decisions. A harder look at the bottom line on spending practices would be a good starting point. Taxpayers expect better decisions on the management of their tax dollars at City Hall. 

BY PAUL LIVIUS

The Rest
of the Story . . .

On June 18, 2025 the Raytown Board of Aldermen met in public session. At the beginning of the meeting Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters gave a report about a Public Meeting the Park Board held the previous night.

The meeting was attended by approximately 30 Raytowners who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Colman Park. Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinion to the Park Board regarding rampant gunfire at Coleman Park at 2:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Walters report to the Board of Aldermen outlined improvements the Park Board has decided to make. Those improvements include the construction of Speed Bumps, increased private security measures and increased patrols by the Raytown Police. Also included was a means to better monitor the amount of noise coming from Park Shelter Houses when amplifiers are in use.

Towards the end of Walters’ report the Mayor interrupted him and said you are finished. Alderman Walters pointed out that he had the floor and that under Roberts Rules of Order, he is allowed to continue until he finishes his comments.

This caused a short exchange between the Ward 1 Alderman and the Mayor in which the Mayor started pounding his gavel.

The Mayor then loudly announced words to the effect of “I am calling a three minute recess.”

Walters told the Mayor that if he wants to discuss the matter, we can hold this discussion in public during the meeting.

To which the Mayor replied “That’s it . . . in my office now!

To which the Ward 1 Alderman laughed and replied “I am not going to your office”.

The Mayor then stomped out of the room and (we assume) went to his office where he spent three minutes all by himself.

Three minutes later he returned to his seat at the dias.

When we were preparing this story we followed our usual procedure of using the video tape available to all Raytowners of the meeting. Much to our surprise we learned that (approximately) 5 to 15 minutes of the video had been cut from the public video posted on the city’s website page. 

We are also aware that they could easily fix the “so-called” oversight once they read this story. All the same to us.

The important thing is . . .

Now you know the Rest of the Story.

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

BY PAUL LIVIUS

Paul’s Rant! 

Reports of a homeless camp has been re-established near the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) headquarters located on 75^th Street.  This is the second time a homeless camp has been established at the location.

A few years ago a similar camp was shut down by the Raytown Police Department with assistance from the City of Independence.

• Another area of concern has been an uptick of the number of panhandlers who seem to be increasing at major Raytown intersections. Restrictions on such activity are very clear. It is illegal for motorists to be approached on a public street in traffic to ask for donations. Such activity is dangerous to both the motorist and solicitor. Streets are made for one ton vehicles and up to travel on. Sidewalks are for people If you witness this dangerous  activity you are urged to call 911.

• Mark your calendars for AUGUST 5, 2025! There has hardly been any talk on the internet about it, but the voters of Raytown have a Sales Tax Increase on the Raytown Ballot in the near future. The sales tax question will be voted on August 5^th. Here is the official language of the ballot”

SPECIAL ELECTION CITY OF RAYTOWN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

Notice is hereby given to the registered qualified voters of the City of Raytown, Missouri, that the Board of Aldermen of said City has called a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. The official ballot will be substantially in the following form.

QUESTION 1: Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose a sales tax for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City but at an increased rate of one fourth (1/4) of one percent for a term of seven (7) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving eighty percent (80%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty percent (20%) for their respective functions.

There is only 16 days until Election Day. The lack of any publicity on the election has left some in Raytown wondering why the campaign is being kept so tightly under wraps.

Some information voters should know before they cast their vote on August 16^th.

Make no mistake about it. The “whole tax” of the “Storm Sewer and Park Tax” is being doubled.

The question voters must consider – is it worth it? This is question every voter should ask themselves before casting their vote on Tuesday, August 2, 2025.

There are some valid reasons for the tax to be increased for the Parks Department. The cost of security at the parks has increased. Some of those costs are one time costs. Others are ongoing.

The Storm Sewer portion of this proposed tax has been lowered because voters approved a Storm Sewer Water Bond Issue a couple of years ago. This does call into question why the tax is being continued when the bond issue already pays for storm sewer improvements. 

There is also the question of the “Sunset Clause” of the question. Past elections have set the tax for a period of five years. This tax question increases the sunset Parks and Storm Sewer Sales Tax to a seven year life.

City Hall is also looking at other sales taxes that may be up for consideration in the next year. One is the renewal of a Transportation Sales Tax which is supposed to be used to pay for street repair. Another is a Public Safety Tax which helps fund the Raytown Police Department. 

All of these sales taxes are charged on retail sales in Raytown. When added up the following shows the total amount you pay on purchases in Raytown.

The minimum sales tax rate in Raytown is 8.48%. Most retail sales are currently at this rate.

The maximum sales tax rate is 9.48%. This second figure is charged on sales tax that part of pay down TIF debt owed by the City on major projects, such as Walmart, Sutherland Lumber, Aldi, etc.

The Parks / Storm Sewer Sales tax increase will push Raytown's sales tax very near, or over the 10% Raytown shoppers will spend on all purchases.

We will keep you informed as these issues come up at City Hall.

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

Take me out to the Ballgame!
BY GREG WALTERS        PHOTO CREDIT: MECEE WALTERS

Last Friday night Mecee and I thought it would be a good night to see how well the Kansas City Royals are doing this year. I am a fan of the game. Mecee is a "Super Fan" of the game.

So we decided, the hell with what the weather guessers are saying about rain . . . "Let's go take in the game". 

At 7:10 on the dot the skies opened up and drenched the field with about half an hour of rain. 

The game finally go under way at 8:30. the picture above is the back side of the storm that dumped all the water on Royals Stadium. The unusual view of the "back side of the storm", illuminated by the the setting sun from the west, as you can see, was  amazing.

Photo of a line of cars entering Colman Park in Raytown, Missouri on June 9th.
Over one hundred shots were fired into the air. the quick reaction of neighbors immediately calling the police is credited with the park being emptied of curfew violators. Thankfully, there were not any injuries from the rapid fire shot from
moving vehicles as the drove through the park.

BY PAUL LIVIUS

Surrounding Community Leaders take a strong stand against Celebratory Gunfire

Firing a gun into the air has always been illegal in Kansas City. But under Blair’s Law the indiscriminate firing of a weapon into the air is now illegal in ALL cities in Missouri.

The law is named after a Blair Shanahan Lane, who died instantly when a bullet fired nearly a mile away struck her spinal cord and instantly killed her. She was waiting in line to get her sparkler lit to celebrate the Fourth of July at a gathering of friends.

Another celebratory gunfire event has been reported of a Kansas City Police officer who was struck by a bullet as he left City Hall. The shooter was eventually discovered. He had fired his handgun into the air to celebrate a football game win by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Police Department credits a tree that altered the trajectory and slow down the bullet as it fell back to Earth.

Mayor Quinton Lucas On Wednesday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson highlighted the consequences of firing guns into the air and urged safety in firing a weapon and disregarding where the bullet will go.

“Don’t shoot your gun, don’t shoot them into the air,” said Mayor Lucas. “You will be investigated, you will be charged, and you will be prosecuted.”

A reporter from KCTV 5 

Under Blair’s Law the following penalties apply to recklessly firing a weapon into the air:

FIRST OFFENSE:(misdemeanor) Up to one year in jail or a $2,000 fine.

SECOND OFFENSE: (felony) Up to four years in jail.

According to Jackson Prosecutor, Melesa Johnson, 23 people have been arrested in Jackson County under Blair’s Law. She asked all the metropolitan community help in keeping our communities safe.

If you see or hear what may be the firing of a gun into the air call the police at 911.

MYTHS about Celebratory Gunfire:

Bullets shot upwards simply vanish into space. No, we know better now. The bullets do most definitely come back down to Earth and fall on something, the ground, a car, a building, or a person. Celebratory gunfire is harmless. Firing random bullets may result in death and injury. It is a potentially fatal activity, which regularly results in the deaths of bystanders.

We don’t know why. But we do. Bullets fired at angles less than vertical are more dangerous, as the bullet maintains its angular ballistic trajectory, is far less likely to engage in tumbling motion, and so travels at speeds much higher than a bullet in free fall.

1 Firearms expert Julian Hatcher studied falling bullets in the 1920s and his study showed that 30 caliber rounds can reach terminal velocities of 300 feet per second as they fall. Injury from random gunfire isn’t really serious. More recent research has indicated that 200 feet per second is enough to penetrate the skull.

Examples of fatalities due to celebratory gunfire abound. A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 80% of celebratory gunfire-related injuries are to the head, feet, and shoulders.

Injury from celebratory gunfire is rare.

That is because those hit by falling bullets, the chance of the wound being fatal was far higher than a typical shooting.

The hospital put deaths from regular shootings between 2% and 6%, while for those struck by falling bullets the death rate was close to one third.

The reason is simple – those unlucky enough to be hit by falling shells were more likely to be struck on the head, and while the bullets were travelling slower after being shot into the sky, they were still capable of smashing skulls.

Doesn’t happen anymore though. It’s still happening. On January 1, 2015, a 43-year-old man, Javier Suarez Rivera, was struck in his head and killed while watching fireworks with his family in SE Houston.4  

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

MORE TROUBLE AT COLMAN

Raytown Police shut down park one hour before curfew 

Raytown Police were called to Colman Park in response to calls for help from neighbors surrounding the park last Friday evening. Neighbors of the park say events were getting out of hand. Many said that an individual was speeding recklessly up and down the north end of Lane Street around 9:30 p.m. in the evening. Others complained of “out of control activity and noise coming from the park.

Five Police Cars from the Raytown Police Department showed a little before 10:00 p.m. Police informed individuals in the park through a loud speaker that they were closing the park down effective immediately. The warning from the Police told people acting up in the park that if they did not leave immediately, their cars would be towed.

Neighbors of the Park say they were pleased with the swift response and action by the Police.Colman Park, as with all Raytown Parks, normally has curfew of 11:00 p.m. The Police action at Colman effectively closed the park at 10:00 p.m.

One neighbor of the Park told the Raytown Report she was really impressed by the response of the Police Department.

“Not one shot was fired by anyone in the area, but things were getting out of hand. The five police cars showing up at one time sent a clear message. This is a neighborhood park for families  . . .  not for the nonsense that has been going on.”

Independence Police shut down Carnival

Raytown was not the only City facing unrest at a popular gathering space.

Over 50 police officers from the Independence Police Department respond to dangerous activity at a Carnival being held at Independence Center.

KMBC CHANNEL NINE broadcast the following report about the incident.

Nine people were arrested after a large disturbance involving hundreds of teens broke out Saturday night during a carnival outside the Independence Center mall. Officers with the Independence Police Department were called around 8 p.m. to the mall parking lot. Security there requested the mall be closed early for the safety of staff and patrons. As officers helped disperse the crowd, multiple large fights broke out in the parking lot, leading to a metro-wide call for assistance.

Officers from Kansas City, Sugar Creek, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene. Eight juveniles and one adult were arrested, police said. Eight of the suspects are from Kansas City, and one is from Raytown. No injuries were reported, and police said no shots were fired.

Use the following link to view the video:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/independence-center-carnival-disturbance-teen-arrests-june-21-2025/65148119

Park Board Meeting Report 

BY GREG WALTERS

The Raytown Park Board held a rare Public meeting for homeowners living near Colman Park to hear concerns on recent gun violence at Colman Park.at 2 a.m. on June 9 a large crowd of gun wielding individuals in cars fired an estimated 200 rounds of gunshot into the air from over 60 vehicles driving in a long procession through Colman Park 2:00 a.m. in the morning.

Raytown Parks and Recreation Parks Director, Dave Turner, told attendees at the meeting the Park Board has decided to make security changes at Colman to tackle the uptick of trouble at one of Raytown’s most popular parks.

Lane Street is a two lane street with a north/south trajectory in Colman Park. It is the only park in Raytown that has two entrances. The hilly straight away attracts individuals who have used the public street at Colman Park as a race track and a place for side showsTurner told those in attendance that they have installed speed bumps on the north end of Lane Street and intend to install on the south end as well. Homeowners living near the park agree the installation   of speed bumps has effectively stopped the reckless driving.

Turner also spoke of plans to install monitors in shelter houses that would turn electricity to shelter house off when sound levels reach an unacceptable decibel level. A date for installation has yet to be set. Neighbors within two city blocks of the park say they are unable to enjoy their own back yards because of the excessive noise from disc jockeys and loud music coming from the park.

Turner said plans were in place to use private security patrols at Colman Park on weekends during summer months. Those in attendance at the meeting were pleased with the planned changes in security at the park. Though many of them repeatedly told the Park Board the real solution would be to gate the park and close it down during curfew hours on a year round basis.

How We See It . . .

BY PAUL LIVIUS

Monday night’s public meeting of the Raytown Park Board was an interesting study of Democracy in action. In many ways it harkens back to the old days in small communities of Town Hall Meetings. Everyone from the public had a chance to speak. Other than a few words from the Chairman of the Meeting, acting President Robbie Tubbs, none of the Park Board members joined in the discussion.

Recognition is due Park Board Director Dave Turner, who did an excellent job of laying the improvements the Park Department has already begun putting into action.

Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters and a neighbor of the park, Jim DeLong, also deserve to be recognized for very effectively bringing the meeting to the Public’s attention. The fact that a good sized crowd of people came and expressed their thoughts publicly clearly shows the meeting was a success.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Ward 2 Alderman Loretha Hayden, Police Chief Bob Kuehl and City Administrator and City Administrator Diane Egger. Jim DeLong, whose property abuts the park, was key in distributing literature to neighborhoods with news of the Park Board Public Meeting.  

Approximately two dozen speakers addressed the Park Board. Alderman Walters and Park Board Director Dave Turner were the only city officials who spoke at the meeting.

Walters told the Park Board, “Had locked gates been in place at Colman Park on June 9th, there would not have been any gunfire that morning.

It is interesting to note that no one disagreed with his comment.

. . . BREAKING NEWS . . .

Multiple gun shots fired at Colman Park

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday morning neighborhoods surrounding Colman Park were awakened by multiple gun shots.

After meeting with the Park Board Director and numerous Raytown homeowners surrounding the park we have decided to release the information we have gathered.

Neighbors surrounding Colman Park lit up the Police Dispatcher screens early Monday morning with reports of heavy gunfire of multiple calibers strength fired at the Park.

Neighbors of the Park told the Raytown Report they were awakened by the gunfire. Many feared the worst. In the last six years there have been two murders at Colman Park.

Video recorded by surveillance cameras at Colman Park showed approximately 60 vehicles entered the park between 1:30 and 2:00 o’clock after midnight.

At approximately 2:00 a.m. hundreds of gunshots were fired into the air on west side of the park. Shortly afterward, most of those firing the shots left the scene.

The Raytown Police arrived to investigate. To our knowledge there have not been any arrests for firing, or, firing shots in the air. Both activities which are against City Ordinances and State Law in Missouri, commonly known as Blair's Law, named after the tragic killing of a girl due to celebraitly gunfire a Fourth of July Holiday..

The next morning, Park employees, on their routine of cleaning the park found numerous spent cartridge shells in the park.

Jim DeLong, a neighbor of Colman Park since 1983, summed up  his thoughts on the situation.

“Those people brought weapons of mass destruction into our back yards. This is a direct threat to everyone’s public safety and property. The City has a responsibility to maintain safety in our neighborhoods.

City Hall and especially the Police, need to step up and enforce the laws already on the books.

One simple solution is to lock the park down, and, if needed, man it with security or police to guarantee this nightmare does not happen again.

Anything less is not acceptable and puts Raytown citizens at risk. It is clear that ignoring working towards a solution is not option.”

The following comments from Facebook sources were shared with us by one of our regular readers.

STEPHANIE HOLLO wrote on Raytown Unleashed . . . I agree with this statement our house faces where they hang out (by the trees). it was more than one gun and lots of cars. Police showed up FAST. Not sure how to secure our parks better as nothing good happens at 2am!

RHAYA MITCHELL wrote . . . I thought I was trippin! I knew I heard gunshots and what sounded like someone returning fire.

PAM PERKINS ANNEN wrote . . . I heard it too. 2:00 a.m.

JUSTIN PICOLET wrote . . . Heard a second round of gunfire about 20 minutes later, then another round of shots close to 3:00 a.m. I was able to capture the gunshots closer to Blue Ridge and 63rd Street.

ANONYMOUS wrote . . . There was more than one officer. Less than 5 minutes after it was called in, two police cars showed up, with several additional police cars following close behind.

It seems that this park has become a gathering place for people after 11pm. I’m concerned that there could be another murder there if there’s nothing done.

There’s a Park Board meeting next Monday at 7 pm. It’s been moved to City Hall so there’s more room for the public to attend. I’m hoping to hear some positive plans to stop this destructive behavior.

To quote Max Smart

of "Get Smart" fame

"Missed us by that much!"

Photos are of two tornados in the Raytown area

taken last Tuesday afternoon. One near the Truman Sports Complex and another southeast of Raytown.  

Our Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day's origins can be traced back to the Civil War  which resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 soldiers. To honor the fallen, communities began decorating their graves with flowers, and the practice became increasingly common. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868. At that time it was called "Decoration Day". As time went on Memorial Day became a Holiday for all those who served our country in the armed services.

Shoes on the Danube

America is not the only country to honor their dead. "Shoes on the Danube Bank" gives remembrance to 3,500 people who were shot on the bank of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary during World War II. The victims were told to remove their shoes. They were then shot. Their bodies thrown into the Danube so the tide would carry them away. The shoes, which were valuable items in World War II, were gathered up and sold. 

The sculptor created sixty pairs of period-appropriate shoes out of iron. The shoes are attached to the stone embankment. Behind them lies a 40-meter-long, 70 cm high stone bench. At three points are cast iron signs, with the following text in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew: "To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–1945. Erected 16 April 2005."