Although reported data continues to be irregular in spots following the Thanksgiving holiday, it still shows that new COVID-19 cases have continued to rise in the area. According to the Jackson County Health Department, which covers the county outside of Kansas City and Independence, the rolling seven-day average of new cases in Eastern Jackson County stood at 99 on Monday, rising from figures in the 40s and 50s over previous weeks.
One person was critically wounded Monday morning in a shooting near Glendale Elementary in Independence as students arrived for classes. The shooting stemmed from a traffic accident several blocks away.
The Blue Springs School District says it has suspended three students for a pair of incidents last week involving threatening graffiti messages scrawled in bathrooms at Blue Springs South High School, which led to most students not attending classes Friday.
KANSAS CITY - Gayle E. Gulick, 62, passed away November 30,2021 in Kansas City, MO. She was born August 14, 1959 in Kansas City, MO to Ezra (Buddy) Gulick Jr. and Helen Lee Gulick. Gayle graduated from William Chrisman High in 1977. She became an accomplished photographer and enjoyed the outdoors, her chickens, music, bargains, City Market and the Zoo. She loved going to QuikTrip for sweet tea and pretzels and was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan. Gayle is predeceased by her father Ezra (Buddy) Gulick Jr., and her brother Craig Gulick. She is survived by her mother Helen Lee Gulick of Independence, MO, and her children; Dustin Rabourn of Kansas City, MO, Carlee Martin (Peter) of Lee's Summit, MO, and Kelsey Harrison (Brandon Black) of Kansas City, KS. Grandchildren; Mason and Liberty Rabourn, and Violet and Maddox Martin. She is also survived by countless other relatives and loved ones. A visitation will be held 5 p.m. Friday 12/10/21 with a funeral to follow at 6 p.m. at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. Potluck after services at VFW Post 1000, 1002 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050.
INDEPENDENCE - Herbert Mathew “Herb” Smith, 96, of Independence, Missouri, passed away November 25, 2021. Herb was born on March 7, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Herbert R. and Susie E. (O’Connell) Smith, raised on a small farm in Jackson County. Served in the US Navy, for three years on the US Atlantic Fleet. Herb was active in Boy Scouts, served as a counselor, personal fitness and first aid. He worked for Bendix for 36 years in the position of management. Retired from Allied Signal. Herb belonged to First Presbyterian Church for 36 years, servicing as Trustee and Elder. He raised two sons Paul and Michael Smith. Herb is survived by his wife of 70 years, Twila Cook; son Paul Smith; grandchildren Eliesha Smith, Neill Smith, Ariel Smith; great grandson Matthew Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Susie Smith; son, Michael Smith; daughter in law, Jane Miles Smith. A graveside service with honors will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 2pm at Blue Springs Cemetery.
David Leroy Ried, 71, formerly of Blue Springs, MO, died on December 2, 2021, after a battle with vascular dementia induced by multiple strokes. He was born in Maryville, MO, to Luke and Mary (Price) Ried on March 17, 1950. Dad attended St. John LaLande Catholic School as a child followed by Blue Springs High School, graduating in 1968. An agnostic Catholic, he said the nuns were the ones who kept him in line - probably the truth as he was the third of four children. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school as his draft number was 33. He served three years from 1969-72 in Germany and Korea during the Vietnam War. He claimed he signed up to do construction survey work, apparently his recruiter misunderstood and put him in artillery surveying. This annoyed him greatly and was pointed out to everyone who watched his photo slides from his service years. After being honorably discharged from the military, Dad went to work for Allis-Chalmers/AGCO of Independence, MO building Gleaner combine machines. In 1973, he eloped and married his first wife, Vicki Edwards. In 1978, they had one child, Kimberlee. Their marriage later ended in divorce. In 1996, he married his second wife, Sharon Jones; it also ended in divorce. He retired after nearly 30-years at AGCO and spent his retirement years occupying a seat at American Legion Post 499 where he earned the moniker “Keno Dave.” Per his desire, he allocated his time toward playing keno, consuming bourbon, and indulging in his love of smoking. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, enjoyed most fried, salty or sweet foods, and a lover of dogs. David is survived by his daughter Kimberlee Ried, son-inlaw Erik Bergrud and grandson Luke Bergrud, all of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by his brother Raye (Yvonne) Ried of Grain Valley, MO; sister Jan Evans of Omaha, NE; four nieces and two nephews; two ex-wives and probably a few former girlfriends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kaye Ried; brother-in-law Steve Evans; and oldest nephew Ryan Ried. Per Dad’s request, no services will take place. Special thanks to the staff at Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation and Care Center and Amedisys Hospice who were great with Dad. Cremation services by Heartland Cremation. Memorials may be sent to Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter at: www.parkvilleshelter.com
The Grinch had nothing to do with perhaps the most disappointing holiday promotion in Kansas City Mavericks history. The famous Dr.
The Lee’s Summit North boys basketball team won a total of one game – by forfeit – last season. Coach Mike Hilbert’s squad came away from the Fourth Annual Phog Allen Invitational tournament at William Chrisman High School with two wins and a renewed love of the game.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs’ Andy Reid is an offensive-minded coach to his core, so the Kansas City defense must have done something special against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night for him to call its performance “beautiful.”
William Chrisman guard Jessie Minter has a new brother. Actually, the Bears senior transfer from Kansas City East has 13 new brothers, and they are having the time of their lives.