JANUARY
Jan. 2 – Daniel Porter pleaded guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to two charges of first-degree murder. Porter, whose children Sam and Lindsey, were last seen in his custody three and a half years ago, received concurrent sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole or appeal.
Jan. 8 – Baby Max, the 8-month-old whose future had been uncertain, moved to the Independence home of Gary and Cindy Stocklaufer. A Jackson County Circuit Court judge granted custody to the couple, who legally changed Max’s name to Dakota. Previously, Max had been living with Scott and Tandy Kraus of Grain Valley, who were also trying to adopt him. Gary Stocklaufer had told local and national media outlets that he was being discriminated against because of his weight. In April 2007, when he made the claims, Stocklaufer weighed 500 pounds. The accusation was denied, stating that the Stocklaufers were denied adoption because they failed to obtain a court order prior to bringing the child to Missouri from Texas, where he was born. The baby was born to Stocklaufers first cousin, and the mother signed consent that the baby should be adopted by the Stocklaufers.
Jan. 16 – Sean A. Temple, 21, of Independence, Lashawna M. Cochran, 18, of Gladstone and Codey A. Hazlett, 19, of Kansas City were charged with multiple counts of first- and second-degree robbery. The three individuals were behind a string of six robberies in Independence and Kansas City.
Jan. 23 – Robert S. Macklin, 35, of Independence, was charged with conspiracy to commit assault. Macklin offered an undercover officer $5 and 90 Oxycontin pills to kill a woman living with his former lover. He is awaiting trial.
Jan. 28 – Sarah Everson, the Grain Valley woman who with her husband, Kris Everson, falsely claimed to have had sextuplets and solicited donations from the public, was sentenced to four years in prison. In 2006, the Eversons collected more than $3,600 in gifts from well-wishers and had earlier pleaded guilty to stealing because they kept the cash and gifts they had received.
Jan. 29 – Margaret Truman Daniel, the only child of President Harry S. Truman and Bess Wallace Truman, died at 83. Daniel was an author and a well-respected entertainer on the stage and in radio and television during the 1950s.
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FEBRUARY
Feb. 4 – The Blue Springs City Council passed a partial smoking ban for the city of Blue Springs. Unlike Independence and Lee’s Summit, the ordinance allowed for exceptions to bars and a few other businesses.
Feb. 18 – It was discovered that Independence lawyer Kent Desselle took almost $20,000 collected to build a playground in the memory of Sam and Lindsey Porter. The funds were invested into New Century Investment L.L.C. In December, Desselle’s law license was suspended pending resolution of the alleged misconduct.
Feb. 20 – More than 6,000customers stood in line for the grand opening of Bass Pro Shops in Independence.
Feb. 27 – Property owners in several southeast Independence shopping and service districts, including Eastland and Hartman Heritage centers and Centerpoint Medical Center, voted in favor of a sales tax that would, in part, help to fund a new arena in Independence. Property owners voted 64 to 18 for the half-cent sales tax, which will be through a community improvement district.
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MARCH
March 4 – Blue Springs student and debate team stand-out Garrett Clark was killed when his pickup truck veered off a the Woods Chapel Road exit and struck a bridge pillar. Clark had just qualified for nationals in policy debate.
March 19 – Citing a “sick building,” the Independence School District relocated its office from the corner of Truman Road and Pleasant Street to the former site of a Lincoln-Mercury car dealership at 3225 S. Noland Road, just north of Truman High School, where it remains.
March 26 – Dave Lamken was named interim police chief of the Independence Police Department after Fred Mills announced his retirement March 19.
March 28 – Mills worked his last day after seven years.
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APRIL
April 8 – Carson Ross became Blue Springs’ new mayor, defeating Jeff Quibell handily. The Blue Springs City Council welcomed two new members, Jeanie Lauer and Kent Edmondson. Ron Fowler retained his seat.
In Independence, incumbents Marcie Gragg, Will Swoffer, and Jim Page won City Council seats. Former Planning Commission Member Myron Paris won a seat, replacing Renee Paluka-White, who did not seek reelection.
April 10 – Former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw was the keynote speaker for the Truman Presidential Library & Museum’s annual fundraiser “Wild About Harry” at the Marriot-Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City. “He knew the meaning of hard work,” Brokaw said of Truman.
April 21 – Political activist Bob WitbolsFeugen was arrested by Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies at the Kansas City Courthouse when he attempted to return to a legislative meeting he had been escorted from when he displayed a notebook-sized sign on his lap during a committee meeting. The county charged WitbolsFeugen with disorderly conduct. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Jan. 9.
April 23 – The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced that a portion of Independence was designated an “Enhanced Enterprise Zone,” making it eligible for tax credits to attract and retain businesses and help spur the creation of jobs.
The program gives corporate tax credits and property tax abatement to companies in exchange for job creation and capital.
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MAY
May 1 – The smoking ban in Blue Springs took effect.
May 2 – Eastern Jackson County residents got a blast of windy weather when a morning storm blew in and caused several power outages. It also destroyed an Arby’s restaurant on Missouri 291 in Independence and heavily damaged the Drumm Farm campus.
May 9 – Two people charged with a drug robbery in February 2007 were sent to prison. A judge sentenced Tim Baxter to 17 years for shooting and killing a man in an Independence apartment building. A co-defendant, Emily Kirchhoff, was sentenced to 10 years.
May 13 – Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders told legislators he expects the governor to sign a bill giving $500,000 to help renovate and preserve the historical Jackson County Courthouse in Independence. However, Gov. Matt Blunt later deleted the funding from an appropriations bill.
May 16 – Eddie George, the Grain Valley teen accused of stabbing to death his best friend’s mother, was found guilty. The jury recommended life in prison without parole.
May 28 – Reporters Frank Haight and Dick Puhr announced their retirement after nearly a half century of service at The Examiner.
May 30 – Brent Henderson, a seventh grader at Moreland Ridge Middle School and winner of the Jackson County Spelling Bee, spelled “spelunking” correctly in the second round of the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., but he didn’t have enough points to move onto quarterfinals.
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JUNE
June 21 – The Mid-Continent Public Library celebrated the opening of the Midwest Genealogical Center at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence. The 52,000-square-foot center is home to the United States’ largest public collection of genealogical artifacts and documents.
June 23 – A fire demolished a historic building in downtown Oak Grove. Firefighters from nine fire districts battled the blaze for more than two hours. The structure, which was reduced mostly to old bricks, was about 100 years old.
June 30 – Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama visited the Truman Memorial Building near the Independence Square while on the campaign trail, then walked around the Truman neighborhood. His campaign stated that Missouri was a battleground state in both the primary and general elections.
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JULY
July 2 – Michael K. Talley, of Independence, was shot to death at 12:30 a.m. on the 9000 block of East Wilson Road. According to police, a dispute occurred when a group of people entered the home. After making threats with a baseball bat, Talley was fatally shot. No charges were made because the shooter, whose name was not released, acted in self-defense.
July 24 – Jesse Saldivar, 38, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was fatally shot at about 3 a.m. by Clinton Reighard, of Oak Grove, outside Whiskey Tango in Grain Valley. Reighard, who pleaded self-defense, was not charged.July 26-27 – Nearly 2,000 volunteers helped with Extreme School Makeover, an effort to beautify six of the seven former Kansas City schools in western Independence that were transferred to the Independence School District. More than $160,000 in money and supplies was donated for the two-day event in which buildings were cleaned, classrooms were painted and campuses were landscaped.
July 28 – Taylor J. Marquez, of Grain Valley, was found guilty in the 2006 stabbing death of his mother, Pamela Marquez. The counts included murder in the second degree, for which Marquez will serve a life sentence in prison, assault and two counts of armed criminal action, each of which carried sentences of 15 years. All sentences will run concurrently, and Taylor is eligible for parole after serving 25 years. His co-defendant, Eddie George, had been convicted in May.
July 31 – Richard D. Davis, 44, was found guilty of the 2006 first-degree murder of Marsha Spicer along with 24 other felony counts relating to crimes against Spicer and Michelle Huff-Ricci. A Jackson County jury deliberated for more than three hours to reach the verdict following Davis’ six-day trial.
On May 14, 2006, Davis and his girlfriend lured the women to his apartment with the promise of drugs in exchange for sex, then bound, raped and tortured them, videotaping the entire incident. In August, the jury recomended Davis be sentenced to death, which the judge upheld in October.
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August
Aug. 5 – Voters in Blue Springs approved a $35 million bond issue to expand the sewer treatment plant and a $28 million bond issue for road improvements. Issues for the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District were also approved, but for the second time this year, Buckner resident denied a .4444-cent sales tax.
Aug. 5 – Two men were killed and a teenager was wounded at a home on Mill Court in Blue Springs. Police determined that Roy Sawvell, 38, shot and killed his older brother, Daniel Sawvell, 44, and critically wounded his nephew before fatally shooting himself.
Aug. 7 – Debbie Whisler, president of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce resigned after several years. Weeks after the announcement, Chamber officials announced an investigation into the organization's financial records, alleging "signficant finanacial improprieties.
Aug. 10 – Blue Springs Planning Commission member Ted Anderson was killed in a plane crash.
The plane he was flying went down near the Mark Twain National Forest shortly after take off from Shell Knob, Mo.
Aug. 14 – Lynn A. Kelly, 32, was found dead in a duplex in a Jackson County on Manor Drive, near northeast Independence. Demetrius R. Harbour, 43, of Independence, identified as her boyfriend, was charged with second-degree murder. He is awaiting trial.
Aug. 19 – A tentative agreement was reached with the Catholic diocese of Kansas City and St. Joseph. The diocese agreed to pay about $10 million to 47 alleged victims of sexual abuse or misconduct. The incidents occurred between 1951 and 1992 and involved 12 clergy or former clergy.
Aug. 24 – Michelle D. Grush, 24, was found dead in her rural Eastern Jackson County home, where she lived with her two children and her boyfriend, John F. Beltz, 24. Beltz was charged the next day with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is awaiting trial.
Aug. 27 – Lauren Gash was sentenced to eight years in prison on three felony counts of kidnapping, first degree assault and felonious restraint. The charges came from an attempt in July, 2007 when she kidnapped Amanda Culley to slice open her womb and steal the unborn baby.
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SEPTEMBER
Sept. 8 – Republican candidate for president John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin visited the area.
Sept. 10 – The Examiner announced that its Blue Springs office was moving Sept. 29 to a new location in downtown Blue Springs at 1131 Main St.
Sept. 15 – Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Kanatzar announced murder and child endangerment charges against Kyle W. Cooper and Kimberly Helmes of Blue Springs in connection with the death of a 1-year-old boy. The infant died from malnutrition, a broken arm, fractured skull and ribs, and a severed tongue the suspects allegedly attempted to stitch up with a needle and thread. The death happened Sept. 12 but the abuse occurred the previous week over Labor Day weekend.
Sept. 16 – Independence city officials broke ground on the $52 million Independence Events Center.
Sept. 20 – Shirley Riggs allegedly ran off with her four children, prompting a nationwide search. Riggs and her children were later found safe in Washington state. She is awaiting trial on four counts of interfering with custody.
Sept. 25 – The Noland Road Bridge over Interstate 70 officially reopened. The nearly $10 million project was completed 37 days ahead of schedule.
Sept. 26 – The Van High School classes of 1958 and 1963 celebrated 50th and 45th anniversaries. They were the first classes to have a reunion since the western Independence school became a part of the Independence School District this past summer.
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OCTOBER
Oct. 25 – A Dodge Neon smashed into a light pole near Noland Road and 23rd Street. The passenger, Sondra D. Cunningham, of Independence, died in the fiery wreck. The driver, Dale L. Thomas, also of Independence, survived and was charged with involuntary manslaughter. He was pulled out of the vehicle by bystanders.
Oct. 10 – A Jackson County Circuit Court judge sentenced Richard D. Davis to the death penalty for the videotaped rape, torture and murder of Marcia Spicer. Oct.
Oct. 6 – William Ray Watkins, a man who played “Beetlejuice” at a Kansas City haunted house and a real-life barber, was sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty to 13 counts of child molestation. Watkins, of Independence, gained access to the children through the barber shop. The molestation dated back to the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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NOVEMBER
Nov. 1-2 – Derek Vaughn, accused of a drive-by shooting that left a woman dead in Independence, entered a guilty plea in court.
Nov. 3 – A new Independence ordinance is expected to help provide incentives for growth, mainly in western part of the city.
Nov. 3 – Multi-family rules and regulations for Blue Springs were adopted by the City Council. They are the first such changes meant to limit the number.
Nov. 4 – Barack Obama was elected as the nation’s 44th president. Jay Nixon was elected Missouri governor; Sam Graves, Emmanuel Cleaver, Ike Skelton retained congressional seats; state representatives Gary Dusenberg, Bryan Pratt, Brian Yates, Curt Dougherty, Will Kraus, Paul LeVota retained seats; statewide issues, including regulations on casino losses, were approved. Mike Sharp was elected Jackson County sheriff.
Nov. 5 – A Blue Springs Area Chamber of Commerce investigation into its former president was forwarded to the county prosecution for possible charges.
Nov. 11 – Reports show that Independence School District is seeing growth.
Nov. 12 – Grain Valley High School teacher drama teacher, Jerry Mueller, died unexpectedly.
Nov. 14 – Alisa Betts was sentenced to five years probation and 100 hours of community service for her role in a plot to cut a baby out of the womb of a pregnant woman.
Nov. 14 – The Crossroads homeless shelter in Independence reported an increase of people needing help.
Nov. 17 – Blue Springs School District considered putting an $87 million bond on February ballot.
Nov. 21 – Three men accused of wrecking construction vehicles at Bass Pro in Independence were ordered to repay restitution for a five-year period.
Nov. 23 – Independence police investigated the shooting death of Jevon Basler, 32, which appeared to be a random drive-by shooting.
Nov. 24 – A 40-year-old man, Jeff Sterling, admited to shooting and killing a man on Colbern Road in Blue Springs. He surrendered at Lake Jacomo.
Nov. 27 – Jackson County, was preparing for budget difficulties, cuts some positions, namely in Prosecutor’s Office.
Nov. 27 – Coronado Place in Blue Springs, a shopping center, signed its last tenant.
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DECEMBER
Dec. 3 – Unilever Best Foods in Independence announced its plans to lay off 75 employees in early 2009. Plant manager Robert Wayman said the layoffs will take place because McCormick and Company Inc. purchased Lawry’s brand assets and that the layoffs are unrelated to the economic downturn. The plant will continue to produce Wish Bone salad dressing, as well as powdered and liquid tea products.
Dec. 9 – The Fort Osage Board of Education announced the selection of Mark Enderle as the new superintendent. Enderle, 47, will replace Larry Ewing, who is retiring in June.
Dec. 11 – The Sugar Creek Planning and Zoning Commission voted to reject a rezoning request by Lafarge North America. The company wanted to mine 88 acres rich in Bethany Falls limestone at the former Cedar Crest dairy farm.
Dec. 15 – Blue Springs city officials, along with the Blue Springs Economic Development Council and the University of Missouri, announced plans for the Missouri Innovation Park. At more than 500 acres, the park on the Adams Dairy Parkway would be home to animal science research companies, a University of Missouri satellite campus and more.
Dec. 16 – The parents of Christopher Cooper filed a wrongful death lawsuit that claimed negligence against the city of Independence, the Police Department, American Medical Response and the man whose car struck and killed Cooper in November 2007.
Wilfredo J. Pujols Jr., 25, pleaded guilty Dec. 8 on four counts, including felony murder, for killing Cooper, a Truman High School student, on Nov. 8, 2007. Pujols was suspected of leaving the scene of another accident as he fled police, struck and killed Cooper near Noland Road and Osage Street. Pujols sentencing is set for April 23.
Dec. 19 – Examiner Publisher Steve Curd announced that The Examiner will no longer produce a Monday newspaper starting Jan. 12. The Examiner will continue to produce a daily paper in Independence and Blue Springs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Dec. 22 – Dena D. Riley, a co-defendant in the 2006 videotaped rape and torture of two women, pleaded guilty to the murder, kidnapping and sexual abuse of Marsha Spicer. Riley will spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Riley and Richard Davis videotaped the rape, torture and murder of Spicer in May 2006 at Davis’ apartment on Truman Road. Davis was sentenced to death in October for his role in the crime.
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YEAR OF DAVID COOK
Blue Springs spent most of the spring in the spotlight thanks to one Blue Springs South High School graduate.
As word spread that David Cook made it to Hollywood week, Feb. 19, of “American Idol,” the former prep baseball star continued to gain fans as he progressed in the show.
He continued to rack up praises from the judges including the infamous Simon Cowell, who on March 11 told Cook if the show remained a talent contest rather than a popularity contest “You actually could win the whole show.”
Fans rallied around Cook, calling themselves “word nerds,” in reference to Cook’s admitted love of crossword puzzles.
Back home family friends and neighbors of Cook created their own fan club, selling T-shirts to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Cook’s older brother Adam has been battling brain cancer. The local fans organized watch parties all over the metro.
One of the highlights of the show was May 9 when Cook, as one of the top three finalists, returned to Blue Springs for a homecoming parade down Adams Dairy Parkway. During his visit he also surprised second-grade music teacher Fredalyn Gentry during an all-school assembly. Cook attributes the start of his passion for music to Gentry. During his homecoming, Cook gave a short performance at Blue Springs South High School to a packed house and concluded his visit by throwing out the first pitch at a Royals game.
Less than two weeks later, on May 21, Cook was named the winner by 12 million votes.
Within a month, Cook and the top 10 finalists began a national tour, and Cook’s winning song “The Time of My Life,” worked its way to the top of the charts. The tour made its way to Kansas City Aug. 29 and 30, where Cook and his friends performed at the Sprint Center. Students at Blue Springs South High School also dedicated a mural in downtown to the local celebrity.
The year of David Cook ended with Cook performing on “Saturday Night Live” Nov. 1 and his album release on Nov. 18. He spent Thanksgiving back in Kansas City, where he flipped the switch on the Plaza lights.
And now, as the new season of “American Idol” is set to start in January, Cook’s journey to become the “American Idol” has been turned into a Fox channel promotion of the show that took a local guy and turned him into a national superstar.
