Membership in the Independence Chamber of Commerce has fallen sharply in the last four years, those closest to the situation differ as to how much of that rests at the feet of President and CEO Rick Hemmingsen. Full Story »
One of the criticisms of Independence Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rick Hemmingsen has centered on what many describe as less-than-close relations with another group also housed in the chamber’s offices, the Independence Council for Economic Development. Full Story »
In long sit-down interviews on the same topic, two key players in a years-long saga each responded to a question by going to their desks and grabbing a sign. Full Story »
Nancy Martin remembers a model train rotating around a Christmas tree during her childhood. One year, her family had even a ping pong table and a record player set up for the holidays. Full Story »
The Fort Osage School District budget revenue projections for November were higher, a positive sign that next year’s budget may not involve layoffs, said superintendent Mark Enderle. Full Story »
Although Blue Springs students might not notice a difference in how professional development days are handled next year, the same cannot be said for staff. Full Story »
Since September, Hannah Engelhardt and four of her friends in the Blue Springs High School Orchestra have been planning a variety show. Full Story »
Jackson County announced Tuesday that H1N1 killed an 11-year-old Oak Grove boy in October. Full Story »
A Kansas City man was charged with forgery after he reportedly deceived a Blue Springs woman by getting her to deposit a false check into her bank account. Full Story »
With the threat of rising construction costs next summer, the Independence School District is working quickly to start the bid process on $85 million worth of projects. Full Story »
A thick blanket of powdery snow coated Eastern Jackson County Tuesday night that marked the first snowfall of the year. About 1 inch of snow accumluated in Independence and Blue Springs Tuesday evening. The amount was about what meteorologists had forecasted. Full Story »
The city of Independence Human Relations Commission is accepting applications for the 2010 John Olivarez scholarship essay contest. “The Content of Our Character” is the topic for this year’s contest. Full Story »
The playground and soccer fields at Van Hook Park in Independence will remain open as an outside agency surveys the former Glendale Gardens Landfill, according to city staff. Full Story »
Neighbors in opposition spoke against a multi-family project proposed for the former Anderson Elementary School building at Independence Planning Commission meetings in October and November. Full Story »
Most homeowners in Jackson County should see the county’s share of their property taxes fall slightly in 2010, and the county is making up for it by continuing to tighten the belt. Full Story »
2010 Budget Projected revenues: $7.07 million Projected expenditures: $9.73 million 2009 BUDGET Projected revenues:$9.87 million Projected expenditures: $7.42 million Note: The 2010 budget includes a one-time monetary outlay for capital improvements and road projects as a result of bonds approved by voters in November 2008. Full Story »
Director Shannon Davies said the system would provide photo ID cards for people who purchase season passes for the city’s aquatic park. Alderman Dale Arnold said he could not justify spending $5,000 on a system that would only give users a photo ID. Full Story »
An Independence business is joining with the Success Foundation to help teenagers develop important skills they will use later in life. Full Story »
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE WEATHER..... Outreach International, an international humanitarian nonprofit organization based in Independence, will sponsor the “Operation: Green Office” workshop at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at 129 W. Lexington Ave., on the Bank of America building’s third floor. Full Story »
A narcotics and stolen property investigation continues after police served search warrants Wednesday night in both Kansas City and Independence. Full Story »
Four area legislators sat side by side Friday morning. Some are looking at higher office, but each is entering his last year in the Missouri House. Full Story »
There’s a little known component to Blue Spring’s ambitious bond project, one that is exciting city officials because the bids are low and one that will probably excite high school students as well. Full Story »
Three men and a woman were taken into custody Friday morning in Blue Springs after police discovered drug paraphernalia, a weapon and ammunition in their homes. Full Story »
Annette Small is one week into being permanently named the chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs. Full Story »
Loading multimedia... Chance Jones, 10, left, and Alex Gonzolese take a turn on the wobble boards during the YouthFriends Holiday Bash at the Family Life Center in Independence. Full Story »
Christmas decorations illuminate Berlin's main shopping streets. AP Photo/Franka Bruns
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