Accidents reported on highways
Month: July 2017
Storms in Fourth of July forecast
Scattered thunderstorms are expected today and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms may produce heavy downpours. A few strong storms are possible, capable of producing small hail and gusty winds, but severe weather is not expected, the weather service said.
A cold front will approach the area late Thursday night into Friday, according to the weather service.
A few severe storms may be possible across northern Missouri with the main threats being for large hail and damaging winds, according to the weather service.
It was raining at 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, with some lightning, in Wyandotte County. Multiple accidents were reported in the metropolitan Kansas City area.
High water was affecting some low-lying areas. Motorists should turn around and go back if they see high water in the roadway, and not attempt to go through it.
The weather service said today’s high will be near 85 with a southeast wind of 3 to 7 mph. There is a 100 percent chance of rain, mainly before 3 p.m., and between a tenth and quarter inch of rain was predicted.
Tonight, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 68. Between a tenth and quarter of an inch of rain is expected.
Wednesday, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 85, the weather service said. A calm wind will become east northeast around 6 mph in the morning.
Wednesday night, it will be mostly clear with a low of 68, according to the weather service, and a light and variable wind.
Thursday, it will be sunny with a high near 92, and a calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the morning, the weather service said.
Thursday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low of 72, according to the weather service.
Friday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 88, the weather service said.
Friday night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low of 65, according to the weather service.
Saturday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 85, the weather service said.
Sunday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low of 68, according to the weather service.
Monday’s forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 87, the weather service said.
County administrator to present 2018 budget
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Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
County Administrator Doug Bach will present the proposed 2018 Unified Government budget when the Unified Commission meets at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 6, in the Commission Chamber at City Hall.
Bach, who spoke at a membership meeting of Business West Wednesday, June 28, didn’t reveal what the dollar amount of the budget might be. However, he did confirm that the city-county mill rate—used to compute property tax bills—would be two mills less than 2016. Kathy Briney has confirmed that property valuations generally have increased.
Bach said, consistent with a strategic plan, the Unified Government is increasing efforts to eliminate blight. The “SOAR” program (Stabilization, Occupation And Revitalization) focuses on eliminating vacant, abandoned and poorly maintained property. This is part of a five-year plan to reduce the negative impact on neighborhoods.
Bach said that thanks to the sales tax revenue from businesses in the Village West area, the Unified Government has more than $12 million it can invest in services.
Bach said the Amazon warehouse, which should be operational later this month, will provide 2,000 new jobs. This development is one that could be the keystone for other development along the Turner Diagonal from K-32 to State Avenue. However, better access to I-70 will be necessary for this area to expand and truly realize its potential.
Construction on the U.S. Soccer National Training Center is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Bach said. Proposals for a convention center in the Village West area have been received, Bach said, and are being evaluated.
Property owners complained about the “city hall bureaucracy,” particularly for the small investor. Joe Vaught, a commercial Realtor, said he has lost prospects because of “slow walking” in dealing with officials at City Hall.
Bach has been county administrator for the past 3.5 years. He has been with the Unified Government since 1997.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is executive director of Business West.