News Happenings Around Town
A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
Mayor's Message
It's February, Blue Springs! This month, I hope you join me either in person, online or on Channel 7 for my 11th consecutive Blue Springs State of the City address. This year's theme is "Staying the Course." We've laid the foundation for a strong City and now we are continuing on that path. There have been some wonderful things happening in Blue Springs and I can't wait to tell you all about them! See below for more information about my upcoming State of the City address.

What a winter we are having! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some milder and warmer weather. I do want to commend the dedicated work of our Public Works crews for a job well done this winter season. They have worked day and night to ensure our roads are clear and safe following all of the winter weather events thus far and they will continue to do so throughout the season.

Stay warm and safe, Blue Springs...only 36 Days until Spring.
Out and About
LEADership Blue Springs Class of 2019!
I had the pleasure of meeting the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce 2018-19 LEADership Blue Springs Class at the February 4 City Council Meeting.

LEADership Blue Springs (LEAD) was established in 1991 by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce to develop a community leadership pool. Participants develop skills and knowledge of our community through a series of workshops focusing on business, government, quality of life, volunteer services and local history.
Chamber Gala
Photo by Jaime Russell, Anthem Photography.
On January 18, I, once again, had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala, "The Chamber and the Chocolate Factory." It was a great event that recognized some wonderful businesses and citizens for their contribution to the community. Congratulations to Meyer's Funeral Chapel for receiving the Chamber's Business of the Year, Trisha Kennedy for receiving the Citizen of the Year and Jeff Carpenter for receiving the Connector of the Year awards. Well deserved!
Build-A-Bed: Sleep in Heavenly Peace
non-profit celebrates Ribbon Cutting
On February 2, Mayor Pro Tem Susan Culpepper and councilmen Dale Carter and Jerry Kaylor attended the ribbon cutting for a wonderful new non-profit in our community. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is an organization that is dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need because all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. For more information about this organization, go to https://www.facebook.com/SHP.KCSE/.
Community News
City facilities closed for President's Day
City of Blue Springs, Mo., offices, Municipal Court and Vesper Hall will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 18. The Blue Springs Fieldhouse will operate normal business hours, 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

Public Safety staff will continue to perform normal operations, but the Police Department offices will be closed to the public in observation of the holiday. Call 911 for emergencies and (816) 225-0151 for non-emergency police services.

Blue Springs Water Services and Municipal Court customers can access the City’s online pay portal 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the City’s website: www.bluespringsgov.com.
April 2 Municipal Election
March 6 is the last day to register to vote for the April 2 Municipal Election. Ten questions will be on the City of Blue Springs ballot in regard to amending the City's Charter. You can read more about those questions here. Additionally, voters will be asked to choose representatives for each of the City Council districts. To register to vote or for more information on the April 2 election, visit the Jackson County Election Board website.
MODoT to host Public Informational Meeting on Hwy 7/South Street Intersection Improvements
The Missouri Department of Transportation and the City of Blue Springs are hosting a Public Information Meeting on intersection improvements at Missouri 7 Highway and South Street.
The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 1100 SW Smith Street, Blue Springs. The improvements are slated to begin in the Spring of 2020.
Serve Your City
To learn more about the City's Boards and Commissions or to submit an application, go to www.bluespringsgov.com.
Spotlight on Development
Sandy's Restaurant is moving
Sandy's Restaurant recently announced they are moving to 1255 SW 7 Hwy in the Mall at Fall Creek next to Sidepockets. The restaurant anticipates opening in their new location later this spring.
Miller 8 Theatre opens "The Lux Lounge"
Miller Blue Springs 8 Theatre celebrated the opening of their new "Lux Lounge" with a ribbon cutting last month. The Theatre also recently added electric recliners with USB ports.
What's Happening in Blue Springs
Mayor's Annual State of the City Address
The Annual State of the City Address will be delivered to the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Adams Pointe Conference Center during the monthly luncheon (reservations with the Chamber are required). The full address will be available on the City's social media channels -- Facebook and YouTube -- as well as Channel 7 following the event.
Blue Springs Police Department hosts Traffic Safety Seminars
The Blue Springs Police Department is excited to offer traffic safety seminars aimed at giving drivers a few tools and techniques to help improve driver awareness, safety, and reduce both the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents. 
 
Drug Take-Back Day April 27, 2019
On Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Blue Springs Police Department and both Blue Springs Price Chopper locations will give residents an opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Participants can bring unwanted medications for safe disposal to:
  • Blue Springs Police Department, 1100 SW Smith Street, Blue Springs, MO
  • Consentino’s Price Chopper, 1101 SW Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO
  • Consentino’s Price Chopper, 1305 N Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO

Due to the drop-off nature of this program, no needles will be accepted.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that deteriorate in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family, friends and found in home medicine cabinets. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information, contact Sergeant Mike Russell at 816-220-2692. To learn more about the national Drug Take Back program, please visit www.takebackyourmeds.org.
Resident Tips & Tricks
Beat the Freeze
Contact Your City Councilmember:
Ross sig
Carson Ross, Mayor 
City of Blue Springs