News Happenings Around Town
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
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Well we are officially into a new year and a new decade! Happy 2020 everyone! I am so excited for what this year and the 2020s have in store for our great City.
There is a lot to look forward to in 2020 and beyond and you'll be hearing more about our plans and goals in future newsletters and City communications. So be sure to not only subscribe to my newsletter, but make sure you also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and now Instagram.
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Mayor Ross Keynote Speaker at City MLK Ceremony
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I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service held at the First Christian Church of Blue Springs on Sunday, Jan. 20. This annual celebration brings congregations from all over the City together to celebrate and remember the life of one of our greatest leaders and
my personal role model.
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Blue Springs Historical Textbook
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The Blue Springs Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) partnered with the Blue Springs R-4 School District, the Blue Springs Public Art Commission, the Blue Springs Historical Society and other local historical societies and other area organizations to create an illustrated children's book on The Story of Blue Springs, Missouri from the 1860s through present day. The book is authored by Paula Dexter Clyma and illustrated by retired BSSD art teacher, Greta Carol Hoener. Beginning in the 2020-21 school year, the book will be distributed to all fourth grade classes in the Blue Springs School District. Copies of the book will also be made available through local public libraries and through the Blue Springs Chapter DAR.
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My Blue Springs Photo Contest Winners Announced
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Elaine Jones: Best in Show
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Chris Heir:
People of Blue Springs
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Etain Tom:
Student Category
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Blue Springs Discontinues Participation in Regional Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Program
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BLUE SPRINGS, MO – Due to balancing budgetary priorities and rising program costs, the City of Blue Springs will no longer be participating in the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Program.
The City Council approved the elimination of this program with the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 annual budget, which went into effect October 1, 2019. In recent years, the City has strategically focused on funding core municipal services that serve more residents. In addition, there has been a concerted effort to eliminate or reduce funding for programs and services that are ultimately the responsibility of other entities or can be funded through user fees. The City has participated in the MARC program for several years only to see the cost increase substantially each year, while utilization remains relatively low.
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What's Happening in Blue Springs
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Feb. 7: Daddy Daughter Dance
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On Feb. 7 from 6-9 p.m., Blue Springs Parks and Recreation invites girls and their fathers/guardians to an evening of entertainment, dancing, and a full-course meal.
Recommend for ages 4+
$45 per couple, $15 per additional daughter
Event will be held at the Blue Springs Elks Lodge
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Feb. 15: Youth Sports Expo
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Come to the Blue Springs Fieldhouse to discover all of the youth-based sports, recreation and wellness opportunities offered in our community on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to Noon.
- Talk with Coaches/Representatives
- Register for Spring and Summer sports
- Watch live demonstrations
- Play games and show off your skill
- Win prizes!
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Save the Date: Annual State of the City Address
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The Annual State of the City Address will be given at the February 20 Monthly Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and held at Adam's Dairy Conference Center. You will also be able to view the speech on the City's
YouTube Channel
and
Facebook pag
e following the event.
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Free Christmas Tree Recycling
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Don't forget, the City offers a FREE Christmas Tree Recycling program now through Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Pink Hill Park, 2715 Park Road.
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It's sewer average season
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All residential water/sewer customers receive the benefit of a summer sewer average each year. To establish this average, customers are billed for the ACTUAL usage during each reading period from January through April.
This average provides a savings during summer months, when usage is typically higher while watering lawns, gardening, and filling pools. For example, if you use 1000 units of water, you will be billed for 1000 units of sewer, on each statement, during these months of January through April. Therefore, it is very important to identify, and resolve, any issues such as leaks that would result in a higher-than-normal water consumption.
If you have any questions about sewer averaging, please call our Utility Billing Representatives at 816-622-4444, or go to www.bluespringsgov.com.
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City of Blue Springs Snow Removal
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- When driving behind a snow plow truck, be sure you stay at least fifty feet back. Do not tailgate or try to pass.
- Never build tunnels or snow forts near the street. The weight of the snow coming off of the snow plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm people playing inside.
- Move vehicles off the street whenever possible. Parked cars can obstruct snow removal operations and leave snow packed areas after they are moved.
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The Blue Springs Snow Removal Team is made up of many of the best operators in the Midwest. Both Public Works and Parks Department employees work together to serve as the City’s first responders for snow emergencies.
The team maintains a 24-hour state of readiness for inclement weather from mid-November to mid-April. Emergency Snow crews work closely with first responders, police, fire and EMS to ensure they can respond to emergency calls. To contact the Snow Removal hotline, call 816-228-0295.
To view the City's Snow Plan or to check out our snow route maps, visit our
website
.
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Contact Your City Councilmember:
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I hope you have found this issue of "News Happenings Around Town" to be both informative and timely for your City information needs. Is there anything we missed? Do you have questions about any of the articles from this issue? Share your thoughts with me and the City Council by calling City Hall at 816-228-0111 or by sending us an email. Know that we truly value your time and support of our City and hope you join us for the next issue of "News Happenings."
Sincerely,
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Carson Ross, Mayor
City of Blue Springs
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