Local
News (Archives)
Congressman
reflects on session, events of Sept. 11
12/20/2001
In
a recent interview with Missouri Congressman Sam Graves,
he reflected on the most recent legislative session, as
well as the turmoil the country has faced since the events
of Sept. 11. "It's been an incredible year of priorities.
With the first part of the year focusing on tax cuts,
the education packets, lockbox security and the farm package,"
stated Graves. More
on this Story
Commissioners
list zoning appointments
12/13/2001
The
Platte County Commission has announced three reappointments
to the planning and zoning commission and the board of
zoning adjustment. Leo Hayden was appointed as the representative
for the Kickapoo Township to the planning and zoning commission.
Dennis Stanton was also named the representative of the
Marshall Township. Both men will serve a four-year term,
to be effective Dec. 18, 2001 and expire Dec. 17, 2005.
More
on this Story
City
of Platte City redesigns voting wards
12/13/2001
The
Platte City Board of Alderman took action Tuesday evening
to amend the voting wards in Platte City to comply with
the intent of a state statute and balance the levels of
population within the city's three wards. More
on this Story
Negotiations
to begin for stormwater study
12/6/2001
After
receiving proposals from seven contractors regarding the
Brush Creek Stormwater Study and interviews with prospective
contractors, it was recommended to the Platte County Commission
that negotiations be initiated with Burns and McDonnell
of Kansas City. More
on this Story
Prior
sex offender gets 45-year term
12/6/2001
David
P. Brown, 53, Kansas City, was sentenced to 45 years in
prison for statutory sodomy in the first degree. Brown
was found guilty by a Platte County jury on Oct. 16, after
a two day trial.. More
on this Story
Persistent
DWI offender given four years in jail
12/6/2001
Jamie
R. Padilla, 36, Kansas City, was sentenced to four years
in prison last week for the class D felony of driving
while intoxicated. The maximum sentence for a class D
felony is five years. Padilla was found guilty by a Platte
County jury on Oct. 1, after a one day trial. More
on this Story
Committee
groups setting five year plan for school
12/6/2001
Patrons
from various areas in the Platte County R-3 School District
have joined together to determine the district's five
year strategic plan, known as Vision 2007. "Vision
2007 is to develop objectives and strategies of the next
five years to help us achieve our mission as a district,"
said Dr. Mark Harpst, superintendent of Platte County
R-3 Schools. More
on this Story
City
will provide uniforms to public works employees
12/6/2001
As
an objective for the Platte City Board of Aldermen's fiscal
year 2002, the board received three quotes from companies
to provide shirts and pants for public works department
employees.More
on this Story
Landmark
open house set Dec. 28
12/6/2001
Mark
your calendars: The Landmark Newspaper's annual
holiday open house is scheduled a little later in the
month this time, with this year's gathering scheduled
for Friday, Dec. 28. More
on this Story
Deliberately
set fires, vandalism strike Edgerton
12/6/2001
A
series of fires and vandal-ism struck Edgerton Saturday
morning, according to Sharon Crowder, Edgerton-Trimble
Fire Protection District information officer. "Whoever
did this was making a clear path from Nash Gas to the
police station," said Crowder. More
on this Story
Household
shower planned for Lehman family
11/30/2001
A
fire on Nov. 3 resulted in major damage for the home of
Junior and Sandi Lehman of Edgerton. On Saturday, Dec.
8, from 1-5 p.m. a household shower with potluck is being
organized by the Edgerton-Trimble volunteer firefighters
and the Platte County Sheriff's Department. Family and
friends attending are being asked to bring finger foods
and visit with the Lehmans at the Edgerton-Trimble Station
No. 1, 500 Belt Avenue, Edgerton. Drinks and table service
will be provided.More
on this Story
Oberdieks
await decision from DNR on hog expansion
11/29/2001
The
proposed Oberdiek hog operation expansion in Platte County
is still awaiting final approval from Missouri Department
of Natural Resources. According to Gary Oberdiek, the
engineers notified him before Thanksgiving of their plans
to visit the high rise facility in Ohio before making
their decision. More
on this Story
Whitters
honored for service
11/29/2001
Paul
Whitters received the "Truman V. Glenn Memorial Award"
at the 17th annual presentation on Saturday evening at
the Platte County Courthouse during Platte City's holiday
lighting ceremony. This award is given to someone who
has made a significant contribution to the betterment
of the Platte City community over the years.More
on this Story
A
summary of the Pirates' 36-6
semifinal
victory over Carl Junction 11/26/2001
The
Platte County Pirate football team overcame the Carl Junction
Bulldogs with a 36-6 victory, sending the Pirates packing
to St. Louis to battle the fifth ranked New Madrid County
Central Eagles. The Pirates headed south to Carl Junction,
which is about 10 miles west of Joplin, on Saturday, Nov.
17, to take on the Carl Junction Bulldogs in a contest
that would determine which team would be headed to the
former TWA Dome, in downtown St. Louis, to compete for
a shot at the Missouri 3A State Title. More
on this Story
Magazine
rates R-3 near
the top of KC area schools 11/26/2001
In
a 2000 study published in Expansion Management Magazine,
the publication rated Platte County R-3 School District
as the third top district in the Kansas City metro area
on the Missouri side. Ingram's, a business magazine, in
its November 2001 issue looked at the survey and its overall
purpose. More
on this Story
Grant
money will aid DWI enforcement effort 11/26/2001
The
Platte County Sheriff's Office announced the receipt of
a $6,667 grant from the Division of Highway Safety at
the commission meeting Thursday. The funds received from
the grant will be used by the DWI enforcement unit of
the sheriff's department. $5,000 of the funds will be
used to purchase an in-car video camera, with the remaining
$1,667 of the grant money used toward the funding of PBT's
(portable breath testers). More
on this Story
Street
light changes okayed by aldermen 11/26/2001
Platte
County Regional Sewer District (PCRSD) 2002 rate study
is complete and shows that an average 2002 rate increase
for customers will again be less than two percent.More
on this Story
St.
Louis, here we come! Again 11/26/2001
Championship
week update 11/19/01 - The following in formation is the
current plan and times are subject to change. Please call
the Pirate Sportsline 858-2162 Ext. 9 for updates as the
week progresses. More
on this Story
What
you need to know about Carl Junction 11/15/2001
Sharon
Koch is a lifelong resident of Carl Junction. She has
spent the past 24 years as Principal Pamela George’s
secretary at Carl Junction High School. She was a font
of information when asked to fill Platte Countians in
on the trip to the Southeastern Missouri burg. Here are
some tips from Sharon for anyone heading south this weekend.
More
on this Story
A
Cinderella story 11/15/2001
For
the West Platte Blue Jays football team, a state semifinal
action playoff drought has come to an end. Quarterfinal
football action Monday night paired West Platte against
last year's Class 1A football champions the Santa Fe Chiefs.
The game came down to the final 1 minute and 45 seconds
on the game clock. More
on this Story
Homes
tour planned at Oakmont 11/15/2001
A
local chapter of the international service sorority, Beta
Sigma Phi, is sponsoring its 4th annual Christmas Homes
Tour on Saturday, Dec. 1. This year’s tour is arranged
with safety and convenience in mind - all the homes are
in the Lakes of Oakmont subdivision south of Platte City.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at any one of the
homes on tour day. More
on this Story
Deadline
near for subscription offer aiding PTA 11/15/2001
The
deadline for the annual school service program between
The Landmark Newspaper and your local PTA is fast approaching.
Until Nov. 30, elementary and intermediate school students
in the Platte County R-3 and North Platte R-1 school districts
are selling subscriptions to The Landmark at a discounted
price of $18.25, which includes sales tax. For every subscription
sold, The Landmark will donate $8 to the school's PTA
to be used for projects that will benefit the school and
its students. More
on this Story
Annual
holiday lighting ceremony will be Nov. 24 11/15/2001
Platte
City Parks and Recreation Board wishes to remind the community
of the upcoming holiday lighting ceremony, Saturday, Nov.
24. The evening begins at 6 p.m. on the courthouse steps.
The annual announcement of the Truman Glenn Award will
be presented and last year's recepient, Dr. Carl Myers
will be on hand to flip the switch on the holiday lights
for the season. More
on this Story
Fall
concerts announced 11/15/2001
The
Platte City community is invited to attend the annual
fall concert of the first and second grade music students
from Rising Star and Siegirist Schools. The concert will
be Monday, Nov. 19 and will be held at the Wilson performing
Arts Center at the Platte County R-3 High School. More
on this Story
Veterans
commended for service and dedication 11/15/2001
A
profound sense of patriotism filled the gymnasium of North
Platte High School on Monday afternoon at the sixth annual
salute to veterans program. With Veterans Day marking
the two month anniversary of the terrorist attacks on
New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, the day honoring
those in the armed forces who have fought for our freedom
and nation heightened Americans sense of pride and love
for the United States and patriotic freedoms. More
on this Story
Commission
gives statement about hog farm proposal
The
following is a statement from the Platte County Commission
regarding the Confined Animal Feeding Operation recently
proposed by Oberdiek Farms nearly Farley. The Platte County
Commission has received notification from Oberdiek Farms
of their intent to expand an existing Class II Confined
Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) to a Class IC CAFO. .
More
on this Story
Farley
zoning request approved by commission
Schmidt
noted that the developer will have to meet three contingencies.
1) build the development in phases, 2) complete a traffic
study. The traffic study must look at the effects the
development will have on the roads in the area, 3) complete
a stormwater study. This study will look at what needs
to be done to keep stormwater from having negative effects
on surrounding property owners. The commission also approved
many other zoning requests, including a proposed 20 acre
townhouse development at the northwest corner of 136th
and Running Horse Road. The zoning was changed from RMD,
allows for apartments, to PR (planned residential).
More
on this Story
Previous
sex offender found guilty of sodomy
David
P. Brown, 53, Kansas City, was convicted by a Platte County
jury on Oct. 16 of statutory sodomy in the first degree.
Brown was working as a maintenance man in the Brentwood
Apartment Complex in the Northland. The victim, a seven
year-old-girl, lived in the apartment complex. On Nov.
18, 2000, she was at the defendant's home when he asked
her if she wanted to see a burnt apartment in the complex.
She agreed and accompanied him to the apartment complex
office to retrieve a set of keys. The office was closed,
and the defendant and the seven-year-old entered into
a back .
More
on this Story
Local
woman shares passion for doll houses
In
1989, Barbara Whitters was out with her friend, Shirley
Adams, buying furnishings for a doll house that her friend
just had made, when Barbara decided to purchase a farmhouse
kit of her own. This purchase would lead Barbara to discover
a passion she hadn't known could exist in her hobby of
crafts. Twelve years later, Whitters is still actively
pursuing her love for the craft of building and decorating
doll houses. "I had always been a tomboy,
More
on this Story
Potholes
causing problems for Camden Point
Last
year's heavy snow conditions are causing problems in the
city of Camden Point this year. According to Mayor Gloria
Boyer, the city is experiencing a number of potholes in
its streets. At a board of aldermen meeting on Monday
evening, the board voted to allocate as much as $2,000
if needed to deal with the pothole situation. Boyer said
the board hopes to More
on this Story
County
gets safety grant; study for center planned
The
Platte County Sheriff's Department has announced the receipt
of a highway safety grant from the Missouri Division of
Highway Safety. The announcement came at Thursday's meeting
of the Platte County Commission, in which it was also
announced the county is moving forward with plans for
a public survey/study to help formulate plans for community
centers. The Sheriff's Department had applied for the
safety grant on May 17, and on
More
on this Story
Patrons
get answers about proposed center
A
community forum to discuss the pros and cons of building
a community center on the Platte County R-3 School District
campus attracted approximately 70 community members, parents,
and school staff at the Platte County R-3 Wilson Performing
Arts Center on Thursday night. Community members came
to voice their opinions, questions and concerns regarding
the proposition of a community center on 10-acres of school
property to the members of the Platte County R-3 School
Board. Mark Harpst, superintendent of Platte County R-3
School District, began the forum with an information handout
concerning the most asked questions about the proposed
community center.
More
on this Story
School
resource officer quits
For
the second time in the past several months, a police officer
serving as school resource officer (SRO) at Platte County
R-3 High School has resigned. Platte City Police Chief
Bill Massock announced Tuesday night that officer Mike
Guinn has left the department. Massock said Guinn gave
a resignation letter listing personal/health reasons for
his resignation. Guinn had served as SRO at the high school
since January when he replaced Alan Lowry, who had resigned.
More
on this Story
Local
holiday lighting ceremony will be Nov. 24
Platte
City Parks and Recreation wishes to remind the community
that Saturday, Nov. 24 will be the annual Christmas Lighting
Ceremony. This year the event will return to the steps
of the Platte County Courthouse.The event is sponsored
by the Platte City Parks Board and is chaired by Debbie
Dance Uhrig.Students from the Platte County R-3 Schools
will be singing for the ceremony and the newly formed
Platte City Orchestra hopes to perform. Other events scheduled
for the evening include the presentation of the Truman
Glenn Award, the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, photos
with Santa, hot mulled cider, and a soup supper sponsored
by the Baptist Youth Group. Local gift stores are encouraged
to be open during the evening. More detailed information
will follow in the weeks ahead. At present the evening
is to begin at 6 p.m. Coordinator can be reached at 532-8342.
More
on this Story
Edgerton
man dies in crash on Hwy. 371
A
77-year-old Edgerton man was killed last Wednesday when
his vehicle crossed the center line of Hwy. 371 and hit
a pickup truck nearly head-on. James White, Jr. died in
the crash. His northbound 1995 Chrysler Concorde crossed
the center line and hit a southbound 1999 Dodge pickup
being driven by Joedd Biggs, 72, of Platte City. The accident
occurred on Hwy. 371 just south of Bee Creek Road in northern
Platte County, reports Shelle Browning of the Platte County
Sheriff's Department.
More
on this Story
Building
permit numbers show continued growth
A
report from Platte County Planning and Zoning shows increased
building growth within the county compared to the figures
in September of 2000. At Thursday's county commission
meeting, Gale Cantu of planning and zoning reported issuing
17 single family housing permits in September with 48
building permits issued total for the month. From January
to September 2001, there have been 176 single family permits
issued, up 38 compared to last year's figures in September.
Total permits issued for the year stand at 422, compared
to last year's total in September of 391. Cantu stated
the assessed valuation of the permits issued in September
of this year totals $28,274,268.
More
on this Story
Pirate
Marching Band is grand champion at MWSC
The
Platte Count Pirate Pride Marching Band and Color Guard
has proven itself again. This past Saturday, the 97-member
group participated in the Missouri Western State College
Homecoming parade competition in St. Joseph. Earning 103
points out of a possible 115, the band secured a first
place victory in the 4A class competing against bands
from Kearney, Excelsior Springs, St. Joseph-Lafayette,
and Savannah. the bank with the overall highest point
total earns the title of Grand Champion. Platte County's
103 points earned them this title, nudging out 5A bands
from Raytown South, Liberty, and St. Joseph-Central.
More
on this Story
Landmark
wins pair of statewide awards
For
the second year in a row, The Landmark has garnered some
statewide awards for journalism. A photo by Bill Hankins
earned The Landmark first place in the Missouri Press
Association's Better Newspaper Contest. Public announcement
of the awards was made Saturday at the press association's
annual convention in the Lake of the Ozarks.
Hankins' photo won in the category of Best Feature Photograph
for weekly newspapers. It shows Ann Kipper decorating
a memorial cross she placed near Interstate 29 north of
Platte City where her daughter, Crystal, disappeared after
her car broke down in 1997. The picture, which originally
ran in The Landmark in July of 2000, is reprinted in this
week's issue.
More
on this Story
Hog
expansion will be topic of Farley meetings
A
public meeting regarding the possible expansion of a hog
farm in the river bottom area near Farley has been tentatively
scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the fire
station located on Main Street in Farley. Arrangements
are being made for Department of Natural Resources personnel
and county and state officials to attend. Concerned citizens
are encouraged to attend this meeting to obtain additional
information about this proposal. For information, call
State Rep. Meg Harding at 816-741-4389.
More
on this Story
Hog
farm expansion may face opposition
A
Farley area farmer this week detailed plans his family
has to expand its hog farm operation. His plans could
be met with opposition. A letter to the editor by a leader
of the group known as Concerned Citizens of Platte County
in last week's issue of The Landmark brought the issue
to public attention without listing the name of the farmer
in question. Gary Oberdiek of Oberdiek Family Farms says
the operation referenced in the letter is his family's.
"That's us," he said this week as he explained
his family's intention to convert a couple of its current
"finishing" buildings to nurseries and add two
1,100-head finishing buildings.
More
on this Story
Commission
approves workforce development program with EDC
Director
of the Economic Development Council, Pete Fullerton, spoke
to the Platte County Commission on Sept. 27, regarding
a contract to put forth a work force development program
between Platte County and the EDC. Fullerton stated that
on Sept. 18, the EDC board approved the proposal to present
to the commission. In his proposal, Fullerton stated he
wanted to research other area communities regarding their
workforce development programs. He also wants to look
at what the local needs are as a county and come up with
an effective tool that can be used as a community.
More
on this Story
Subscription
special will benefit PTA
The
Landmark Newspaper and your local PTA are teaming
up on a school service program for the sixth consecutive
year. Beginning this week, elementary and intermediate
school students in the Platte County R-3 and North Platte
R-1 school districts are selling subscriptions to The
Landmark at a discounted price of $18.25, which includes
sales tax. For every subscription sold, The Landmark
will donate $8 to the school's PTA to be used for projects
that will benefit the school and its students.
More
on this Story
Tammy
Glick will be named new prosecutor
It's
official—Tammy Glick will be the next Platte County
Prosecutor. Gov. Bob Holden has announced that Glick is
his choice to fill the post vacated last week when Todd
Graves was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District
of Missouri. Glick, a 1979 graduate of Platte County R-3
High School, will be sworn into office next Thursday,
Oct. 4 by Platte County Presiding Circuit Court Judge
Lee Hull. A formal swearing-in ceremony will take place
in the Platte County Administration Building meeting room
on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. "I appreciate the
opportunity to serve the citizens of Platte County as
their prosecutor," Glick said. "I thank Gov.
Holden for his confidence in my abilities and I look forward
to devoting my full time to the vigorous prosecution of
crime in Platte County."
Gov. Holden, as expected, followed party lines by appointing
Glick, a Democrat. Glick will serve until the prosecutor's
spot comes up for election in November of 2002..
More
on this Story
KC
Wolf hits town with message of self-esteem
While
you can usually see the famous KC Wolf on the sidelines
and in the stands of Arrowhead Stadium cheering on the
Kansas City Chiefs, he also travels to nearly 130 schools
across the Midwest each year talking to students about
self-esteem. This past Friday, KC Wolf, also known as
Dan Meers to many outside Arrowhead Stadium, stopped by
Platte County R-3 to speak with students from Rising Star
and Siegrist Elementary Schools. "I take my job as
a role model seriously because I do speak at a lot of
schools," said Meers. "It's fun to be a role
model for kids because they definitely need them this
day and age."
More
on this Story
North
Platte board hears of slight enrollment growth
Principals'
reports that detailed a slight growth in enrollment were
a topic at last week's meeting of the North Platte R-1
School Board. The meeting began with usual business and
principals representing each of their respective schools
presenting a report to the school board members. Karen
Seckel of North Platte Elementary reported to the board
that the school currently has 209 students enrolled, with
56 students in kindergarten, 44 students in first grade,
54 students in second grade and 55 students in third grade.
More
on this Story
Library
gives annual report to commissioners
At
the Sept. 20 meeting of the Platte County Commissioners,
Paul White, director of the Mid-Continent Library, presented
the commissioners with the annual audit report. White
reported that the library has seen a 9.4 percent increase
in usage of non-book materials (such as CD's and videos)
and has maintained steady usage from the public. The library
has also updated its system to 118 electronic databases.
This allows patrons to gain access to the electronic databases
from their home computer, as long as they have a current
library card. The Mid-Continent Library is the 26th largest
library system in the state of Missouri and is the largest
summer reading program in the nation, donating 58,771
free books to children in the district.
More
on this Story
Web
site features taking shape; updates posted often
Several
features and a normal schedule for web site updates have
developed for The Landmark's web site. Internet users
can find us at www.plattecountylandmark.com. Breaking
news stories and commentary pieces are posted as warranted.
Local news, commentary and some sports from the current
week's issue of the newspaper are normally posted late
in the day on Thursdays. Chiefs Chatter articles are updated
several times throughout the week. Landmark columnists
try hard not to embarrass themselves with Pigskin Picks,
normally posted late Thursday or early Friday. Ivan Foley's
'Guaran-Dam-Teed' NFL picks are posted late Friday or
early Saturday..
More
on this Story
Todd
Graves sworn in as United States Attorney
Todd
Graves accepted a call to duty on Monday. In a late afternoon
ceremony at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, the
Platte County Prosecutor for nearly seven years was sworn
in as United States Attorney for the Western District
of Missouri. It was a relatively quickly-called ceremony
attended by family and friends. President George W. Bush
had appointed Graves to the post several weeks ago, but
the appointment had not yet gone through the process of
being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Graves' appointment
will still need to be approved by the Senate, but that
is seen as a formality at this point. "The judges
of the federal district court are appointing me. They
wanted me to do this 45 days ago," Graves said Monday
afternoon as he said goodbye to his staff at the prosecutor's
office in Platte City. Last week's terrorist attack will
delay the Senate confirmation process as U.S. leaders
deal with more pressing matters.
More
on this Story
A
firsthand account
It's
an absolute war zone." That was the opinion of three
firefighters from the Central Platte Fire Department who
got an up close and personal look at the destruction caused
by last week's terroristic attacks on the World Trade
Center towers in New York City. Local firefighters Cooper
Scott, Clint Rhodes and Al Ryan arrived in New York Friday
night, helped in the clean-up efforts on Saturday and
came back to Platte County on Sunday after being told
there wasn't room for all the volunteers who had showed
up to work the scene. "There were people who would
have paid to be able to go in there and help," said
Scott. Some phone calls by Rhodes eventually led to the
three local men catching a flight to New York. The Salvation
Army covered the cost of the trip.
More
on this Story
Congressman
shares his thoughts about attacks
Missouri
Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves was in Platte County
this week, having returned to his district on Saturday
after being in Washington when terrorists hijacked planes
and crashed them into the Pentagon and into the World
Trade Center towers in New York City. During a stop in
The Landmark office on Monday afternoon, Congressman
Graves spoke about the day of the attack. "It started
off like any other day for millions of Americans and me.
But the normalcy of the day would not last long,"
he said, explaining how he and fellow Congressmen became
aware of how serious the situation had become when the
Speaker of the House was whisked away by Secret Service
personnel to ensure the order of presidential succession.
The Speaker of the House is second only to the vice president
in the line of presidential order.
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on this Story
Northeast
just an organized practice for Pirates
Going
into their matchup against Northeast, the Pirates did
not figure that they would have to struggle for a win.
Platte County saw this game as a way to refine their skills
and to get prepared for some of their up- coming events,
and won it easily, 67-0. Senior quarterback Robbie Campbell
had been injured the week before during the Platte County
victory at Harrisonville. Entering the contest against
Northeast, it was unclear whether or not Campbell would
suit up, or how serious his injuries were. Campbell did
decide to lead his team against Northeast. Platte County
would start the game off with a long opening kickoff by
junior Nick Jaros, letting Northeast start the game deep
in their own territory. The Vikings found themselves three
and out on their opening series..
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on this Story
Grandson
of local man still listed as missing
The
attack by terrorists on the twin World Trade Center towers
in New York City directly touched the life of at least
one Platte County man. Kenneth Sloan of rural Platte City
says his grandson, 28-year-old Paul Sloan, was working
on the 88th floor of the 110-story second World Trade
Center tower that was hit. He has not been seen since
the attack and remains on the lengthy list of missing
persons, now believed to contain more than 5,000 names.
"He watched the plane hit the other building. He
called his mother, father and brother then we lost contact
after that," Sloan explained. Paul talked to his
mother in California, his father in Texas and his brother
in Los Angeles in three separate conversations before
the second plane hit the tower where he worked in the
investment business.
More
on this Story
Proposed
community center to be topic of public forum
Platte
County R-3 School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Harpst
has announced that a school/community forum will address
the proposed community center project. The forum, slated
for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 at the high school auditorium,
will present information regarding the proposed center,
while answering questions and concerns the public may
have regarding the issue. "The proposed community
center affects the school district, community and all
of Platte County," said Harpst. "It's important
we get an understanding of the support for the community
center on school property." The school district,
in a collaborative effort with Platte County and the YMCA,
would be looking at contributing some property in exchange
for the students being able to use the community center.
More
on this Story
Americans'
way of life tested
As
Platte County residents and people across the United States
tried to settle back into their normal daily routines
on Monday, many were faced with the inner struggle of
the mind, emotions and spirit of last Tuesday's terrorist
attacks. Ever since Sept. 11, United States citizens have
been devastated by the unthinkable acts of terrorism that
struck inside the nation's borders, leaving a lead footprint
of the attack imbedded in everyone's mind. On Sunday,
President George W. Bush urged Americans to try to get
back to a normal routine by heading back to work and school
on Monday. With President Bush's reassurance that the
people who caused this tragic event "would hear all
of us soon," children, parents and government officials
returned to work on Monday with the strong American will
that surfaced in everyone last Tuesday.
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on this Story
Commission
meeting opens with moment of silence
"I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America"...these words, which may have seemed routine
at a county commissioner's meeting a week and a half ago,
took on a new meaning and emotion at the Sept. 13 session.
Just two days after the worst terrorist attack in U.S.
history, Platte County Commissioner's convened last week's
administrative session with a moment of silence and the
pledge of allegiance. Following the moment of silence,
County Commissioner, Steve Wegner stated these strong
words, "September 11 is a sad day in our country.
But we will be stronger and we will survive."
In recognition of Tuesday's attacks on our nation, the
Platte County Commissioners implemented a resolution encouraging
Platte County citizens to support relief efforts for the
thousands of terrorist victims affected by the tragedy
in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
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Police
fire shots during chase through Platte City
A
robbery of an antique store in Weston on Thursday led
to a high speed chase of the suspect's vehicle through
Platte City, with two officers firing shots during the
chase. Eventually, after a chase that included speeds
believed to reach 100 mph and the fired bullets, the suspect,
identified as Matthew R. Graham, 31, of Bonner Springs,
Ks., was taken into custody by Platte City and Platte
County officers at the junction of Hwy. N, Hwy. 152 and
I-435. Graham is charged with robbery in the first degree,
a Class A felony. He is being held on $250,000 bond. According
to court records, Graham is accused of producing "what
the victim believed to be a semi automatic handgun and
took $1,870" in cash and a cordless phone from the
victim before leaving Old Geezers Mantiques store in Weston.
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Weather,
injury to QB can't stop Pirates
A
thunderstorm and an injured quarterback weren't enough
to keep the Platte County Pirates from beating Harrisonville
24-0 in a game that started Friday night and was finished
Saturday afternoon after weather forced a postponement
of the second half. The Pirates got off to a quick start
finding success in running the ball on the Harrisonville
Wildcats defense. Senior running back Zach Sherman was
the first person to find the end zone in the ball game.
After the touchdown Harrisonville jumped off sides before
the extra point attempt. This penalty moved the ball half
of the distance to the goal. This led the Pirates to attempt
a two-point conversion. Senior quarterback Robbie Campbell
handed the ball off to the 5-9, 190 pound Sherman who
sprinted into the left side of the end zone converting
the two points. Platte County was up 8-0 early in the
game.
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School
official urges committee to 'think big'
Some
of the details regarding potential uses and potential
funding for a multimillion dollar county community center
proposed in Platte City are starting to take shape. A
task force composed of a few private citizens as well
as representatives of several agencies involved in the
project met Wednesday night in Platte City. It was primarily
a feeling-out session, with committee members speaking
the positions of their agencies, though there were several
interesting developments come to light. "Everything
is still in the discussion stages, but the meeting was
very positive and very upbeat. I want to emphasize our
school district has not yet made a commitment," Dr.
Mark Harpst, Platte County R-3 School District superintendent,
said Thursday.
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Head-on
collision near Farley injures two
A
head-on crash on Hwy. 45 near Farley on Monday morning
sent two people to area hospitals via LifeFlight. According
to the Platte County Sheriff's Department, a Ford pickup
driven by Stephen D. Lauber, 41, of Leavenworth apparently
crossed the center line and collided with a Cadillac Seville
driven by Cheryl M. Carter, 41, of Kansas City, Ks. Shelle
Browning, public information officer for the sheriff's
department, said according to the investigating officer's
report Lauber lost control of his vehicle and crossed
the center line. She said the report indicates that probable
contributing circumstances included excessive speed and
improper passing. The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m.
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Sheriff
releases list of most wanted felons
This
is the current list of persons wanted on Platte County
felony warrants. Please note this list was current as
of 2 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2001. If you know the whereabouts
of someone listed, do not approach them. Immediately contact
Captain Paul Carrill at the Platte County Sheriff’s
Department at (816) 858-2424 or the TIPS Hotline at (816)
474-8477.
** Note: LKA Last known address
CHASTAIN, Jack T. WM 10/27/55 5'11" 190 pounds,
brown hair, brown eyes LKA: 3504 N. Drury Kansas City,
Mo. 64117.
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Blunt
probe unearths 14 votes from the graves
St.
Louis election polling sites were haunted by at least
14 deceased voters in the 2000 election according to Missouri
Secretary of State Matt Blunt. Elected in November 2000,
Blunt told the Platte Republican Association on Friday
that one of his first tasks was to investigate election
wrongdoing in St. Louis. In addition to votes made in
the names of dead people, Blunt stated, "Thousands
of questionable ballots were cast." The secretary
of state is the chief elections officer in Missouri. Blunt
reported that he turned over the results of his investigation
to federal and state prosecutors because, "The only
way to stop election fraud is to punish people."
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Donation
of watercraft made to Central Platte
The
Central Platte Fire District has a new lifesaving tool
to use this year--Kawasaki JET SKI® watercraft. The
two Kawasaki 900 STX™ watercraft, which were provided
by McBrann Kawasaki of Gladstone, will enable rescuers
to reach distressed swimmers and tow disabled boats to
safety. The watercraft will also be especially helpful
with patrolling and law enforcement. The versatile 900
STX™ watercraft has an extra-long, wide, comfortable
seat that hold up to three people. The craft's deep-V
hull and high performance triple-cylinder powerplant will
be an invaluable asset to the Central Platte Fire District
during rescue situations.
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Eric
Zahnd will seek post as County Prosecutor
Eric
Zahnd has announced his intention to become Platte County
Prosecuting Attorney. Zahnd seeks the office being vacated
by Todd Graves, who will become the United States Attorney
for the Western District of Missouri. Zahnd will run for
the office as a Republican in the November 2002 election.
Zahnd said, "My mission as prosecutor will be clear:
I will aggressively enforce the law and put a priority
on the safety of Platte County families." Zahnd pledged
to be especially tough on violent crimes, domestic abuse,
and sex offenses. "I look forward to working with
Platte County's other law enforcement officials to put
those who prey on law-abiding citizens behind bars."
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Downtown
revitalization discussed by 'new' group
The
possibility of organizing a downtown revitalization effort
was the topic of a meeting in Platte City Friday morning.
Around 20 interested persons turned out to discuss potential
revitalization efforts for downtown Platte City. There
were more questions than answers at the 7 a.m. breakfast
gathering held at Fannie's Restaurant, though it was agreed
the group will meet again soon. The meeting was chaired
by Mark Hubbard, president of the Main Street Association
that recently voted to disband. Coming up with a new name
for the group was one topic addressed, as well as developing
a list of objectives and goals for the group.
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Trash
rates, tax rate going up in Platte City
Residents
of Platte City will be paying more for refuse pickup.
Platte
City's Board of Aldermen raised many trash rates at their
regular meeting last week. Rates that didn't increase
were residential curbside collection fees, which will
remain at $10.60 per month. Also, commercial curbside
service will remain at $25 per month for each business
without a dumpster. Fees seeing an increase include: •Curbside
fees for those with a dumpster will go from $8.50 per
tipping up to $10 per tipping.
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KC
area's 9-1-1 system will get major upgrade
At
its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 28, the Mid America Regional
Counsel (MARC) Board of Directors authorized the execution
of an agreement with Commenco, Inc. software and hardware
to upgrade dispatching operations in 9-1-1 public safety
answer points around the eight county Kansas City region,
which includes Platte County. The value of equipment and
five year maintenance plan is $7.9 million. In addition,
the new equipment will allow agencies to process 9-1-1
calls from landline phones with greater efficiency. It
also provides the region with capability of identifying
the number and location of wireless calls, once the phone
companies upgrade their systems.
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Nominations
being sought for Truman Glenn Award
To
all people of the Platte City community: Do you know someone
you believe deserving of public recognition for his/her
outstanding contribution to the betterment of the Platte
City community through service in one or more of the following
fields: civic improvement...health and welfare...education...leadership
in youth or senior citizen rograms...patriotism...religion?
That's what the annual presentation of the Truman V. Glenn
Memorial Award is all about and that person won't receive
it unless you are willing to do something about it. Your
nomination must be writing and not exceed a single typewritten
page or its equivalent. State only the facts in answering
the following questions: 1. What has this person done
that you consider an outstanding contribution to the betterment
of the Platte City community? .
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on this Story
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Ordinance
aims to bring equity to road funding
Platte
County Commissioners say they are trying to bring equity
to road funding in the county. That's the reasoning behind
the passage of an ordinance on Thursday that regulates
distribution of County Aid Road Trust (CART) revenues,
motor vehicle sales tax revenues and motor vehicle fee
increase revenues. The ordinance prohibits distributing
the CART revenues to road districts that have more money
to spend per mile of road than County Road District No.
1, which is managed by the county commission.
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Five persons to be inducted into Pirate Hall of Fame
The Platte County Pirate Hall of Fame announces the Hall
of Fame class of 2001. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony
will be held on Friday, Sept 28 prior to the Chillicothe
football game at the Platte County R-3 Stadium.
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Farley,
neighbors reach pact on zoning
It
looks like R-15 zoning will now be the plan for a proposed
development south of Platte City that had drawn opposition
earlier this year. Landowner
James Farley and developers Willis and Darrin Sherry have
reached a compromise with several nearby property owners
who had been in opposition to the development in its originally
proposed form. The development is planned on 80 acres
near 136th St.
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Story
Building
project bids are within budget at R-3
Platte County R-3 School District's plans of expansion
have the green light after a building project bid approval.
The project is in reference to the 2001 bond issue passed
by voters last year. The plans are to build six additional
classroom at Siegrist Elementary; eight additional classrooms,
a new media center, computer lab and office suite at Paxton
School; and to join the middle school and the high school
with a music room.
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Quality
of life for seniors is topic for Graves' tour
Congressman
Sam Graves met with seniors of Platte County recently
as part of a series of meetings focusing on senior issues
that he will be holding within the 6th District. At a
meeting in the Hillview Nursing and Rehab in Platte City
last week, Graves addressed seniors and spoke on issues
such as increasing access to quality health care; helping
seniors better prepare for retirement; and improving the
quality of life for seniors.
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Story
High
School coach admits to having sex with player
A
basketball coach who admit-ted having sex with a girl
on his team at Oak Park High School has been sentenced
to two years probation and 10 days in the Platte County
jail. Darin Mason, age 34, no longer coaches at Oak Park,
having been placed on leave in March of 2000 after school
officials learned he was being investigated. He pled guilty
on Thursday in Platte County Circuit Court to second degree
statutory rape and second degree statutory sodomy. The
girl was 15 when the sex acts occurred between Sept. 1,
1999 and March 27, 2000 at Mason's home in Lake Waukomis
in Platte County. Prosecutors said Mason will lose his
Missouri teaching certificate. He will also be required
to be involved in a sex offenders treatment program. In
addition, he must register as a sex offender for the rest
of his life..
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Scuffle
at MoPub facility results in charges
Charges
filed in Platte County Circuit Court accuse a former supervisor
with utility company Missouri Public Service (MoPub) of
assaulting a MoPub employee. James A. Craig, 39, of Smithville,
is charged with a Class A misdemeanor of assault in the
third degree. He is accused of assaulting a MoPub employee,
identified in court documents as Leroy Babcock of Platte
City, at the MoPub service facility located on Bethel
Road east of Platte City. A Platte County Sheriff's Department
report indicates the incident occurred on July 11 at about
9:50 a.m. According to the sheriff's report, Babcock told
authorities that he and Craig were doing paperwork when
Craig became angry and made a threatening comment to him.
Babcock told authorities that Craig then punched him in
the face, shoved him against a wall and began choking
him.
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School
resource officer in place at North Platte
The
Platte County Sheriff's Department is sending one of its
own back to school. Deputy Tom Taulbee is the selected
officer who will be attending North Platte R-1 School
District along with about 700 students this year. "We're
working with the school to conduct a study to determine
if a school resource officer would be beneficial to the
school," said Shelle Browning, Platte County Sheriff's
Department spokesperson. To understand how a school resource
officer could benefit North Platte, Taulbee will keep
an office in the high school and will work flexible hours
as needed throughout the school district serving various
roles. After the 2001-2002 school year, the sheriff's
department will receive feedback from the school and review
the outcomes to decide whether to continue the program
permanently.
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Mo
Pub seeking to up electric rates
The
Missouri Public Service Commission will hold formal hearings
beginning in late January in an electric rate case filed
by Missouri Public Service (MPS). The
hearing schedule is as follows: Jan. 22, 2002 through
Jan. 25, 2002; Jan. 28, 2002 through Jan. 30 2002; and
Feb. 1, 2002, Feb. 4, 2002 through Feb. 8, 2002. These
hearings will be held in room 310 of the Governor Office
Building, 200, Madison Street, in Jefferson City. The
Governor Office Building meets accessibility standards
required by the Americans With Disabilities Act. If any
person needs additional accommodations to participate
in the formal hearings, they should call the Public Service
Commission's hotline at 1-800-392-4211 (voice) or 1-800-829-7541
(TDD) prior to the hearing.
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County's
assessed value up $86 million
The
final assessed valuation re-ports are in by the county's
Board of Equalization, since taxpayer appeals have been
heard. Platte County's assessed valuation has grown more
than $86 million dollars since last year according to
the report given by County Clerk Sandy Krohne at Thursday's
Platte County Commission session. The final assessed valuations
for Platte County compared to last year are as follows:
•County of Platte: $1,239,663,143, an increase of
$86,396,134. •Road and Bridge District No. 1: $178,089,431,
an increase of $13,677,633. •Drainage Ditch District
No. 1: $1,740,583, a decrease of $30,503. The commission
also approved a request from the Platte County Board of
Services to set its levy at $.13, which was approved by
Platte County voters and is the same as last year.
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Air
conditioning for R-1 elementary is requested
North Platte R-1
students headed back to school this week and already have
a couple days of learning under their belt. Last week
before the homework began, the North Platte Board of Education
met to discuss the upcoming year. Parent Susan Brown attended
the meeting and addressed the board with concern for her
daughter that is in the North Platte Elementary School.
She questioned board members about the possibility of
adding air conditioning to the elementary school. Superintendent
Dr. Francis Moran told Brown that the board had taken
up the issue and plans to look at it more throughout the
year. He also told Brown to visit with the building administrator
and the parent/teachers organization. "It (air conditioning)
will probably take an extra levy increase," Dr. Moran
said. "It not only costs to install it, but also
to run it." Later in the session it was brought up
that the band room also needs air conditioning to help
preserve the instruments.
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R-1
numbers up slightly; R-2 is down
The North Platte
R-1 District had a slight increase in enrollment this
year compared to last, as area schools went back to class
this week. The North Platte Elementary reported having
208 students, an increase of 11 from last year; the intermediate
school is about the same as last year with 175 students;
the junior high grew by 28 students for a total of 117;
and the high school held about the same with 217 students
enrolled. The West Platte R-2 District didn't seem as
fortunate. They opened the school year with an overall
student population of 679 which was a decrease from last
year at 711.
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Post
your events on the web at no cost
Community organizations
and non-profit groups are encouraged to post their upcoming
events on the community events calendar located on The
Landmark's interactive web site, which can be found at
www.plattecountylandmark.com. There is no charge for the
service.
To place your event, click on the community events link,
then scroll down to the "add an event" form
at the bottom of the page. Fill in your information, then
click save and your event is posted.
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Downtown
revitalization meeting set
Interested persons
are invited to a public meeting to discuss the revitalization
of downtown Platte City. The meeting will be held next
Friday, Aug. 31 at 7 a.m. at Fannie's Restaurant. The
Main Street Association will host the meeting.
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Man
killed by train at Parkville
A man sitting
on railroad tracks just outside of Parkville was killed
Monday night when he was hit by a train. John B. Molenkamp,
55, of Platte County, was dead at the scene, according
to authorities. Engineers of the eastbound train saw someone
sitting on the south rail at about 9:50 p.m. Monday..
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Farley,
neighbors work on compromise zoning deal
Compromise
has been the missing link to uniting land owner James
Farley and a group of residents over rezoning of property
near 136th Street and the Broken Bridge Subdivision just
south of Platte City. The original rezoning request called
for a change of R-40 (approximately 40,000 square feet
per lot) to R-7 (approximately 7,500 square feet per lot).
That request was tabled at the May session of the Platte
County Planning and Zoning Commission. Then days before
the June meeting, Farley withdrew his rezoning application
that was scheduled to be heard by the planning and zoning
commission on June 12. At that time he said he was studying
the situation and deciding where to go next.
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Murder
for hire
Detectives
from the Platte County Sheriff's Department served an
arrest warrant on Friday to Eric M. Payne, 26, for a probation
violation after Payne attempted to hire an undercover
detective to kill his ex-girlfriend. Payne,
from Peculiar, Mo., pled guilty last January to a class
C felony of tampering in the first degree after cutting
the phone lines at the home of his ex-girlfriend, a Platte
County resident. Payne received a suspended imposition
of sentence, was placed on probation for three years and
was ordered to serve 30 days "shock time" in
the Platte County Detention Centet.
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NRAD finding comfort in new digs on Hwy. 92
The crew of the Northland Re-gional Ambulance District
is settling into a new home with a lot more space and
commodities along Hwy. 92 near Eggen's Hardware in Platte
City.
The NRAD operation officially moved out of its downtown
Platte City location on Friday and relocated into a spacious
4,800 square foot building that includes a three part
garage, three bedrooms, a living area, kitchen area, two
offices and one large main office.
"It's nice to be out of downtown and have the space,"
said office manager Cheryl Youtsey.
NRAD Executive Director Bill Bishop said the relocation
project had been an idea since April of 1997 and really
started to unfold in April of 2000.
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Delinquent
tax properties head for the auction block
It may never be
a good idea to let taxes go unpaid, but letting them go
for three years until they are put into a delinquent tax
sale is even a bigger and more complicated problem than
most individuals realize. Platte County Collector Donna
Nash and her staff have been getting ready for the public
auction of all lands and lots on which taxes are delinquent
in Platte County, which is always held on the fourth Monday
in August. This year's sale will take place in the county
commission meeting room located in the Platte County Administration
Building, beginning at 10 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 27. Nash
admits that it's the worst part of her job, but it is
one way that the state has devised for collecting taxes
on real estate. "It's not a good idea to let it go,"
said Nash as she refers to individuals who wait hoping
that their delinquent taxes will be sold at the auction..
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Hog
roast benefit for Brown
A
benefit hog roast will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at the
North Platte High School, hosted by the Dearborn Area
Fire Protection District in honor of volunteer firefighter
Travis Brown. Brown lost his life in the line of
duty on Saturday, June 2, when the tanker truck he was
riding in overturned while en route to a mutual aid call
from the Edgerton-Trimble Fire Protection District. Brown
is survived by his wife Tammy and five children. The benefit
will help support the children and assist with the cost
of a memorial to be placed at the Dearborn Fire Station.
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Weston's
tax rate will not change; street signs tabled
The residents of Weston can give a sigh
of relief, the tax rate will stay right where it is for
this year anyway. Weston City Treasurer J.P. Coldren gave
final figures to the Weston Board of Aldermen on Monday
night. "The good news is that we're not going to
raise our rates," announced Coldren. He explained
that the assessed valuation from last year stood at $13,666,888,
and that the last amended valuation for this year is $14,332,983.
Coldren stated that the total tax for this year will stay
the same as last year at 79 cents per $100 assessed valuation.
Last year this tax generated $107,982 in funds for the
city and this year it is expected that $111,662 should
be generated.
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Graves
one step closer to being U.S. attorney
Another
step in the process of Todd Graves becoming the next U.S.
attorney for Missouri's Western District has taken place.
In a move that had been anticipated for months,
President George W. Bush last week formally nominated
Graves for the position. All that's left now is for the
nomination of Graves to be approved by the U.S. Senate.
The Senate, which won't return to session in Washington,
D.C. until Sept. 4, is expected to okay the nomination
by the middle of September. "I'm thrilled,"
said Graves, who has consistently low-keyed discussion
of his pending appointment.
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Hitting
the books
When
the calendar rolls over onto the eighth month of the year,
it's a reminder to students that it's time to trade in
the summer swimsuits and sprinklers for a new set of school
clothes and a desk. Summer is winding down for
many who reside within Platte County and schools are ready
to greet those individuals once again, for some the very
first time. The academic year for Platte County R-3 begins
on Wednesday, Aug. 22..
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State
law adds new fee to Platte City water service
There's
a new fee on water service in Platte City, thanks to a
state law pertaining to water pollution control. The
Missouri Clean Water Law was recently amended. It now
requires persons with a direct or indirect sewer service
connection to a public sewer system owned or operated
by a city, public sewer district, public water district,
or other publicly owned treatment works shall pay an annual
fee. The fee is to be collected by the agency billing
the customers—in this instance the City of Platte
City—and remitted to the state at least once per
year.
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