Month: July 2021

Christmas in July toy drive starts tonight for Edwardsville

Edwardsville firefighters and police officers are holding a Christmas in July toy drive that starts with a kickoff event tonight.

Edwardsville Fire Chief Tim Whitham said the toy drive will last during the month of July and will provide toys for Edwardsville children in December.

Called the Ho-Ho Express, the toy drive began last year. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, firefighters and police officers escorted Santa and the Grinch to neighborhoods in Edwardsville, using social distancing, last year.

Tonight, new, unwrapped toys and cash donations will be accepted at Thirsty’s Bar and Grill, 11657 Kaw Drive, Bonner Springs, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Edwardsville police officers and firefighters will deliver Santa and the Grinch to Thirsty’s for little kids and big kids alike to enjoy the evening and interact with public safety professionals, the Grinch and to talk with Santa.

Retired Fire Department battalion chief dies in I-35 accident

David Pittaway

A retired Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department battalion chief, David Pittaway, died after an accident that took place Friday, June 25, on I-35, a half-mile north of the 18th Street Expressway.

Pittaway was a pedestrian who was trying to remove debris from the road at the time of the accident, according to a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper’s report. He was hit by a 22-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man driving a Kia Forte, the report stated.

The Kia had changed lanes to avoid Pittaway, but Pittaway changed his position about the same time, and he was struck, according to the trooper’s report. Witnesses told troopers that the Kia was traveling over the speed limit, the report stated.

Pittaway was taken to a hospital and died from his injuries on June 29, according to the report.

Pittaway was remembered on a Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department social media page as a caring individual who worked with charities and church food pantries after his retirement.

He was a member of the Fire Department for 31 years, ending as battalion chief. He was the logistics officer and was in charge of repair and remodeling at Fire Department facilities.

“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic loss of fellow retired KCKFD Battalion Chief Dave Pittaway,” the Fire Department’s social media page stated.

BPU offices closed July 5

The administrative offices of the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities will be closed on Monday, July 5, to observe Independence day, which falls on a Sunday this year.

BPU’s business offices will be closed July 5 for the holiday, according to a news release. Emergency service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

For power emergencies, customers may call 913-573-9522. The water emergency number is 913-573-9622.