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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.

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. . . 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.

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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."

. . . Letters to the Editor . . .

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

It seems that in many cases our government, at least at the local level, has memory issues. If they want me to approve future tax increases, they should have thought of that when my real estate tax got bumped up 75%. Along with that, it does seem that utility costs are constantly increasing. I don't expect cost increases to stop, but after the poorly planned re-assessments, and the resultant random property tax increases, along with the lack of action by my representatives, how can they expect me to vote for more cost increases?

When it comes to helping others we often hear things like "we can't just be handing out money, these people should pull themselves up by their own bootstraps." So, when they want me to approve a tax increase I ask, "where are your bootstraps, pal?"

This is a cycle that never seems to stop. My opinion is that a big part of our economic issues come from a mindset of 'more is always better.' I understand that consumerism is an important part of our culture, but shouldn't we make an effort to take care of what we already have? I don't see much evidence of that. Over and out!

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Raise taxes, raise taxes, raises taxes. How about Govt, learn to live within their means like everyone else has to do. Oh no, can't have that, when all they have to do is crybaby to the taxpayers for more, more and more. I say enough is enough.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I don't care what or when the City, School District, Parks and what other agency what to raise taxes are going to get a resounding NO from me! Raytown is taxing us to death! The city leaders need to go including the Mayor. He runs this town like a Dictator. Reminds me of Skidmore Missouri!

Board of Aldermen approve

Park/Sewer

Tax Increase Election

BY PAUL LIVIUS

At the May 6, 2025 meeting the Raytown Board of Aldermen placed a new  one quarter percent Sales Tax increase on the ballot scheduled to be voted on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. 

The current sales tax is 1/8 of a cent on all retail sales in Raytown. Revenue from the sales tax is divided between the Park Department, which receives 80% of the tax collected and 20% earmarked for work on Storm Sewer maintenance

The tax, if approved by voters, is anticipated to generate approximately One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) annually.

REVIEW . . . .

Current Sales Tax…………….… 1/8 cent
Propose Sales Tax……………… 1/4 cent
Annual revenue from tax……… One million dollars ($1,000,000.00)

The tax would sunset in seven years.

There was not much debate on the tax question going before the voters.

Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters told the Board that since the election is scheduled to take place in August during an “off year” election that the city would have to plan on a bill from the Jackson County Election Board of $70,000 to $100,000 to conduct the election.

He told the Board that had the City of Raytown held the election at the same time as the recently held April 5^th Election the cost would have been under $42,000 dollars.

The information came from the Jackson County Election Board. Given the amount of the savings, Walters asked why the City had not held put the tax increase on the April 5, 2025 ballot.

He did not receive a reply.

Since this was the First Reading of the bill to hold the election Walters asked that the item be held over until the second meeting of the month on May 20^th.

The majority of the Board voted to suspend the rules and proceed with setting the date for the election on the first Tuesday in August.

Walters said, “I was hoping to find an alternative election date, such as the first Tuesday in April of 2026.”

Walters continued, “This would save the city up to $50,000 in election costs.”

Walters told us , "Elections are extremely labor intensive and costly. The only way to cut that cost is to hold the tax question at the same time other Jackson County governmental bodies hold their election. For instance, the April, 2026 election will have at least 26 taxing entities holding elections on the same day."

The more elections held, the less it costs each individual city, county, school board, or other governmental body to hold their election.

Former Ward 3

Alderman   

appointed to P&Z Commission

BY GREG WALTERS

Former Ward 3 Alderman Ryan Myers has been appointed to the Raytown Planning and Zoning Commission by Mayor Mike McDonough. 

Myers, who recently lost his election by a spread of nearly one hundred votes was a staunch supporter of Mayor McDonough. The Mayor has defended his decision  to appoint Myers to the Planning and Zoning Commission by saying the appointment was a good business move for Raytown.

Myers had a history of supporting the placement of commercial zoning changes in residential neighborhoods. 

Political observers say Myers lost his race to two first time candidates who out polled him by 98 votes in his bid for re-election. 

"The issue that cost Myers was the 53rd Street Zoning," said Morris Melloy, one of the two candidates running against Myers.

The 53rd Street Zoning issue had strong grass roots against placing a Liquor Store / Gasoline Station in their neighborhoods. Local homeowners packed Raytown City Hall to capacity to express their opposition to the zoning change. 

"By ignoring his constituent's issues, Myers sealed this defeat," continued Morris. 

Politically speaking, the Planning and Zoning Commission is a step down from that of serving as an Alderman.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is only a recommending body. The Board of Aldermen have the final say on all zoning questions.

As one local observer opined, "At least Myers cannot do any damage to local residential neighborhoods from the Planning and Zoning Commission."

In an interesting twist of fate, when the 53rd Street zoning question went before the Planning and Zoning Commission, the majority of the Commissioners voted against approval of the application.

The Raytown Board of Aldermen overturned that recommendation and approved the application by a vote of 7 to 3.

To comment on this page click the word "(comments)" shown below. 

Check out our Letters to the

Editor Page at the bottom of this

week's Raytown Report.

. . . Letters to the Editor . . .

to comment on this page click on the word comment shown below

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I don't want to call anyone a liar, but the revenue generation of 1/4 of a cent is not going to be 1 million dollars.

The city is currently doing good to bring in about $400,000 annually at 1/8 of a cent. Simple math says that is going to be $800,000 at 1/4 of a cent. This brings in the question of where is City Hall getting the other $200,000 number?

If the city is not honest with simple math they have at least two problems. First, hire people who can do simple math. Second, do not lie to the people. If we cannot trust the math with other lies.

It seem the city has also failed to tell how much of either $400,000 or $800,000 (the real numbers) is going to pay off the mistake known as Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart is the city's version of what happens when you don't use birth control. You know you pay for how many years, because you didn't think before you acted.

Please understand I am not saying the parks do not need money. I am saying they need to be honest. In this case, the math is not honest. If the math on income is wrong are they making bad decisions on how the money is spent?

Example does every park need a tennis court? No, No, No.

You put in the two larger parks and make the others more neighborhood parks. Play stations for the kids, small shelter houses for families. Maybe turn the tennis courts at the small parks into soccer fields or splash pads.

I would also like to see a plan of when major projects will be started and completed. You know transparency of holding parks and the city accountable over the 7 years or the tax is allowed to sunset being the wrong people are managing things they don't understand. Just stop and think, why does the state on highway projects have signs "progress as promised" or "completed ahead of time". It is not hard to respect the taxpayers and prove you can keep promises.

Thank you, Mr. Walters for your work on the Raytown Report. I like to read the comments but recently there have been a few that seem to be shortened in mid sentence. Is it possible that can be fixed? Thank you.

Thank you for your message. We have noticed some irregularities. Dropped or shortened messages, usually at the end of a paragraph, but sometimes in the body of a letter, have been noted. We believe we have found a failsafe to keep this from happening in the future.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I didn't move to to the hood. The hood moved to Raytown! Gun shots all the time. Loud music for whatever reason, but it's not because you respect others who don't won't to listen to it a 100 feet away in their homes. Why leave bad neighborhoods to move into nice neighborhoods only to turn the nice neighborhoods into the same bad neighborhoods that you left??? Edit: please don't get me started on the crimes such as car and home break ins on the rise too. 

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I've heard the citizens in ward 3 will be having a Liberation Day later this year to celebrate the end of the control and oversight of alderman Ryan Myers I was wondering if anyone is welcome to attend as I do not live in ward 3 but I fully agree we've got enough liquor stores and gas stations in architecture now Just look at the one that's already close down there at 53rd and Blue Ridge boulevard it sets back behind and most people might not know it's there but it's there in addition if you go down 350 highway you will see at Woodson a closed gas station boys and girls it gets so much better up at Blue Ridge and 67th there is a business open that was selling gas now just liquor.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I read on the city's website that Mayor McDonough has nominated former Alderman Ryan Myers for a position on the Raytown Planning and Zoning Commission.

That is ironic.

Doesn't he know Ryan was voted out of office because of his role in forcing an unpopular zoning change in Ward 3?

Myers pushed hard to change the zoning of the old Blue Ridge Nursery property from residential to commercial to allow a gasoline station/liquor store in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

I hope everyone who voted against re-electing Myers to the City Council shows up at the meeting to let the Board know they do not want to give Ryan another chance to sell them out on a zoning issue again.

He did not do justice for the people in Ward 3 on the City Council. It is doubtful he will do justice for the entire city on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Ryan was defeated by 96 votes in his election. Apparently the election results mean little to the Mayor. Let's hope the City Council does not follow his lead.

Don't miss the meeting at Raytown City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6th.

. . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE . . . 

Damon Hodges Appointed as new
Clay County Administrator

Following a nationwide search, the Clay County Commissioners have unanimously voted to appoint Damon Hodges as the next County Administrator.

Hodges has more than 20 years of public service experience and currently serves as the City Administrator for the City of Raytown, Missouri. The search began shortly after the current County Administrator Dianna Wright announced her plans to retire on November 1st. The Commissioners partnered with the executive recruitment firm SGR to lead the search process to identify a qualified successor. Hodges will officially assume his duties as County Administrator on June 23, 2025.

Hodges has served as the City Administrator for Raytown since 2018.

Hodges said, “I am honored to serve as the next Clay County Administrator, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and elected officials to continue moving Clay County forward,” Hodges said.

Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his confidence in Mr. Hodges, stating, "I look forward to working closely with our incoming County Administrator Damon Hodges as he assumes the duties of County Administrator. Based on his history of excellence, I have every confidence in his ability to lead our staff to promote government efficiency, public safety, infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities for our citizens." 

BY PAUL LIVIUS

The Paul Livius Report
The new Board of Aldermen was greeted by a packed Council Chambers at their first meeting last Tuesday night. Homeowners from the Gregory Heights neighborhoods came to express their demand for help from the City to intervene on their behalf in dealing with a recent shooting and other concerns connected to the Silver Fox Nightclub, located near Gregory Boulevard and Ditzler.

Use the following link to view what was said at the meeting. After connecting to the link, go to the heading marked “Public Comments” to view what the speakers have to say CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK / GO TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Use the following link . . . 
https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/340855 

Natural Gas and Sales Tax . . . 
. . . Increases on the Horizon

PARK BOARD and 
SEWER TAX INCREASE

The Raytown Board of Aldermen has agreed with the Park Board to  place a joint sales tax earmarked for Raytown Parks and Storm Sewer Repair.

The current sales tax of 1/8 cent for Parks and Storm Sewers will expire in March of 2026.

In an agreement reached between Park Board Director Dave Turner and the newly elected Board of Aldermen it was decided to set the new rate at 1/4 of a cent with a sunset clause of seven years.

The final decision will be decided by the voters in a general election in either August or November of 2025.

The Board stopped just short of setting a date for the proposed sales tax election to be held.  

SPIRE NATURAL GAS PROPOSES
Natural Gas Fee increase of 15%

Spire Missouri has filed for a rate increase request with the Missouri Public Service Commission for an increase of approximately 15% for the cost of natural gas in Missouri. This increase would affect all natural gas users in Raytown.

According to Spire Missouri the 15% increase is estimated to cost the average homeowner an additional $14 per month.

The amount of the total increase (set by Spire at 15%) would also increase the amount paid by Spire customers for two taxes as well.

Both taxes are collected by the City of Raytown. The city collects both a Franchise Tax and a Sales Tax on the sale of natural gas.

NOTICE OF LOCAL PUBLIC HEARING AND
REQUEST FOR COMMENTS REGARDING 
PROPOSED INCREASE GR-2025-0170

If you have any comments or questions regarding the Natural Gas fee
increase please contact one of the the two government agencies listed below.

MISSOURI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
PO BOX 360
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Email: pscinfo@ps.mo.gov
 
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC COUNSEL
P.O.BOX 2330
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Telephone: 866-922-2959
Email: opcservice@op.mo.gov

Shooting at
Silver Fox Bar
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM KMBC NEWS

Two men were taken to the hospital after being shot outside a bar in Raytown early Sunday morning. 

Raytown police were dispatched just before 1 a.m. April 20 to the Silver Fox, located at 7108 Ditzler Ave., on reports of gunfire.

When they arrived, officers determined the shooting happened outside near the business’s parking lot.

Investigators later learned the two men were self-transported to the hospital after reportedly being shot. Their conditions were not immediately available.

No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Justin Day, the third-generation owner of nearby Laurel Heights Automotive, said the entire incident was captured on surveillance video.

According to Day, the victims were walking to their parked cars outside his shop as people left the bar. The suspect then drove past the corner and opened fire nearly two dozen times.

“We counted 20 to 22 bullet holes,” Day said.

Use the following link to view the entire news story from KMBC NEWS . . .

SHOOTING AT SILVER FOX BAR

Letters to the Editor

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Who all believes it is only a matter of time Raytown is hit with a multi million dollar lawsuit for someone getting hurt or killed because our police department refuses to enforce laws like speeding in school zones. Things like this are all over Facebook, but the Mayor who anyone who is on sever local Facebook pages and a former police sargent acts like everything is fine. If everything was fine Facebook wouldn't be blowing up with concerns over speeding, expired tags, vehicle break-in, and stolen vehicles. On top of holding the city accountable for the mismanagement the police chief personally needs to be accountable. This being said because the word around town is he has his own business and it is his number one priority. The local breakfast clubs believe he is just padding his retirement, which he came out of before accepting the Raytown chief's position. Everyone that watches any law shows knows that a motion of discovery will show how many days the chief is doing his job Vs working for himself. If anyone at city hall does think citizens are watch and waiting for an asy legal win think again. We can already hear the city officials say no problem that is why we have insurance. They need to ask how much will the cost increases after a major payout like wrongful death. Will the city even be able to get insurance.

 Will the insurance company be able to get out of paying out leaving us citizens on the hook when it comes out the city has refused to enforce simple laws.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Stupid is as stupid does.

Not sure who is worse the Community Development department head that is not addressing signs in the right-of-way.

I am leaning to the Raytown School District Superintendent. With the failing attendance and test scores to the school district's signs in the right-of-way.

True leaders hold themselves to higher standards and set the right examples. Signs in the right-of-way are not the only thing Mrs. Baltimore doesn't seem to put a good public display. Her lack of respect towards the midwest was also on display with her snow vidios

 this school year. Extremely improper for someone in her position. It

 is an absolute shame that best person for the job according to the

 school board came from Baltimore.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I watched the citizens who stood up to speak at the aldermen's meeting. Sad to think that someone's neighborhood in Raytown is bad enough that they must fear for their children's safety. Also that a guy who runs a legit car repair place, and has been there for years, felt in necessary to show up and express his concerns. So to the powers that be...are you listening?

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I was recently told that I should join the Raytown Chamber of Commerce. I asked why and was told they put on monthly meetings to allow networking and ability to learn about other businesses, the city and school district. It sounded good until I did some research.

The Raytown Chamber of Commerce used to host several events from Raytown Round Up Days that allowed vendors and other come to our city to even having a parade that started on 63rd street and ended on Blue Ridge Blvd by Raytown High School. They had a summer BBQ even. It seemed they had more was the theme of what I learned and their moto these days. I was given several reasons why they no longer support the community as a whole. One even tried to convince me they were responsible for several events in the downtown area. I just smiled as everything I learned told me those events are thanks to the  businesses and a group they formed called Main Street. The downtown music events are thanks to some elected officials and citizens who make sure something nice for the community comes together.

So I ask my fellow citizens and business owners why would should anyone support the Raytown Chamber of Commerce as they clearly only focus on the Chamber and not the same community they claim to serve.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I see where the Mayor posted on Facebook that the Raytown PD did traffic stops in a day and shown about 119 stops and broke down what the officers found. This information needs to be posted Everyday on the City's website or Facebook. Does this mean that we now have a Traffic Division in Raytown again? Is the city of Raytown PD starting to do something about crime? Start stopping the expired auto tags as well. With the about 4 officers named on the Facebook page that ran the stops, that will keep them busy 7 days a week. Maybe if these traffic violations stops continue, this will send a message that don't come to Raytown if you are up to no good!

To comment on this page click the word "(comments)" shown below.