Say More in Raymore

Send us Fan MailI sat down with Devon Perry, our Assistant Public Works Director of Engineering, to pull back the curtain on what the Raymore Public Works Engineering Division actually does all day and why “just repave it” is never the full story. If you care about safer drives, smoother streets and smart spending, you’ll hear how the work really gets scoped, bid, inspected and accepted. We dig into the nuts and bolts of the capital improvement program (CIP), including how RFPs and RFQs turn long-range plans into real projects. Devin explains unit pricing, why asphalt is measured in tons, why curb and sidewalk quantities matter and how ADA ramp upgrades get folded into street preservation. You’ll also hear why medians on 58 Highway improve safety by reducing risky multi-lane crossings, plus what’s coming next near Dean Avenue as changes align with a new Walmart entrance and a signalized intersection. Kurzweil Road gets a deep dive too, because it is not a patch job, it is a full reconstruction. We talk utilities, box culverts, curing time, winter asphalt temperature limits and how the City phases work to reopen sections faster while still building a road that lasts. Then we look forward: Hubach Hill drainage fixes, trail upgrades, signal design and 20-year water and wastewater master plans, including why an I & I (inflow and infiltration) study helps stop rainwater from inflating sewer treatment costs. Subscribe for more local government conversations, share this with a neighbor who’s tired of construction cones and leave a review if it helped you understand the “why” behind the work. What public works project do you want us to explain next?Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailCity budgets can feel like a black box until you hear how the pieces actually fit together. We sit down with Elisa Williams, Finance Director for the City of Raymore, Missouri, to unpack what municipal finance looks like in real life, especially during the intense stretch of budget season. From the outside, it’s easy to assume a city has one big pot of cash. The reality is more disciplined, more restricted and a lot more interesting.We walk through the everyday work residents touch most often: utility billing and customer service for water, sewer and trash. Elisa explains how Raymore purchases water, delivers it through city infrastructure and uses a detailed rate model to recover the true cost of service. We also break down why trash and recycling charges are a straight pass-through based on what the City pays the hauler. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re paying for and why rates change, this section makes it concrete.Then we zoom out to the bigger questions: Where does City revenue come from and why can’t leaders simply move money from one area to another? We talk sales tax, property tax, permits, fees and how governmental fund accounting creates real legal restrictions tied to voter-approved purposes. You’ll also hear how Raymore prioritizes major infrastructure through its capital improvement plan, why the budget is treated as a living document, how reserves protect essential operations and what it takes to maintain high standards through independent audits and GFOA award-winning budgeting and financial reporting.If you care about transparency, public accountability and how local government decisions get made, this one is for you. Subscribe for more local-government deep dives, share this with a neighbor who loves (or hates) budget talk, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailA scammer only needs two things to win: your attention and your urgency. We sit down with Raymore Police Chief Jim Wilson to break down the real-world scam calls, phishing texts and email fraud showing up in local reports, including the “missed jury duty” law enforcement impersonation scam that threatens a warrant unless you pay immediately. We talk through why these cons sound so professional, how criminals use real names and public info to seem legitimate and the biggest red flags that should make you pause.We keep it practical. If someone claims to be the police, the courts, your bank, the water department or a delivery service, we share the simplest protective move: hang up and verify using a trusted number you find yourself. Chief Wilson explains why legitimate agencies do not take surprise payments over the phone, why demands for Bitcoin or prepaid cards are a flashing warning sign and what scammers try next once a community catches on. We also cover what to do if you think you have already been targeted, including contacting your financial institution fast and reporting the incident so there is a record, even when the trail may lead out of state or overseas.We close with everyday defenses that actually help: spam call blocking, unknown caller screening, careful checks of lookalike email addresses and smarter social media habits that reduce both digital fraud and real-world risk. Plus, we share quick City updates on Highway 58 construction, Kurzweil Road work and overnight street striping so you know what to expect around town.Subscribe for more local updates, share this with someone who needs a scam refresher, and leave a review to help others find the show. What is the most convincing scam message you have seen lately?Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailFour tornado warnings in 15 days is enough to make anyone pause and ask a hard question: if the sirens went off right now, would we actually know what to do? Melissa Harmer sits down with Raymore Emergency Management Director Tim Baldwin to recap the city’s recent stretch of severe spring weather and translate the chaos into clear, practical tornado safety and flood safety steps you can use immediately. We talk through what happens when tornado warnings hit, how siren activations are triggered and why outdoor warning sirens are only one piece of the storm warning puzzle. Tim shares the “multiple ways to get information” approach that saves lives: a NOAA weather radio, Cass County Everbridge emergency notifications, trusted weather apps, local emergency management updates and live coverage from local stations when storms are unfolding. We also pull back the curtain on what emergency management monitors during an event, from National Weather Service coordination to widespread power outages and City communications. Heavy rain brings another threat people underestimate: flooding. Tim explains why flooding is Missouri’s deadliest weather hazard, how little water it takes to move a car and what to do when you come upon a flooded road. We close with a straightforward tornado shelter plan for homes and families, plus ways to get involved in preparedness through Raymore’s CERT program and upcoming community events. Subscribe for more local safety conversations, share this with a neighbor and leave a review so more Raymore residents can find these severe weather preparedness tips. Do you have your NOAA weather radio yet? Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailYou can learn a lot about a city by following its paper trail and in Raymore, that trail runs through the City Clerk’s office. We sit down with City Clerk Erica Hill to explain what the job really looks like day to day: protecting permanent records, handling public meeting minutes, maintaining the Raymore code of ordinances and making sure official actions become searchable, signed and preserved. If you’ve ever wondered where to find council packets, ordinances or City records online, we point you to the exact places to look.We also get into the practical services residents bump into all the time. Erica breaks down business licensing in Raymore, including when a license is required, what documents you may need, the annual renewal cycle and why the end of the year gets so busy. We talk permits too, including neighborhood vehicles like golf carts and side-by-sides, with clear rules around inspections, insurance, licensed drivers and where these vehicles can legally operate on city streets.Along the way, we give a shout out to Raymore's 149th anniversary of incorporation (March 20, 2026!) and explore Raymore’s municipal history, including the 1923 fire that destroyed earlier records, what the oldest surviving minutes say about life back then and when city ordinances were finally organized into a formal codebook until 1976. We also clarify the difference between the City charter and the Code of Ordinances. Finally, we walk through how to volunteer for Raymore boards and commissions, what the application process looks like and how appointments happen when vacancies open up. If this helped you understand local government a little better, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review so more neighbors can find it.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailA dark room filled with screens, a steady voice in your ear and a dozen decisions unfolding at once—that’s the world Courtney Harrison steps into every shift. We sit down with Raymore’s Dispatch Communications Supervisor to explore how 911 call-takers turn frantic moments into clear action, why location is the first question for a reason and what the calm in the chaos really looks like when seconds decide outcomes.Courtney pulls back the curtain on the Raymore Emergency Communications Center, where two dispatchers staff each of four rotating teams around the clock, supporting Raymore Police, South Metro and West Peculiar Fire Protection Districts, Peculiar Police and Raymore Animal Control. She shares how dispatchers multitask under pressure—typing, listening, triaging resources and issuing emergency medical dispatch (EMD) instructions—all while keeping callers grounded and responders informed. We tackle myths about precise phone pings and TV drama and lay out practical tips: give your location first, answer the callback after an accidental dial and trust the follow-up questions designed to get help moving fast.We also talk about the mental side of the work. Audio trauma lands in the brain like visual trauma, so team support and structured debriefs matter. Courtney explains the training pipeline—EMD, MULES, FEMA, CPR, crisis intervention and continuing education through APCO and Virtual Academy—that equips dispatchers for mass incidents, medical protocols and high-stress calls. And yes, there are rare, remarkable moments: a teammate who has helped deliver three babies over the phone and a chance neighborhood encounter that brought one story full circle.Whether you’re curious about how 911 really operates or you’re considering a career behind the console, this conversation offers a clear, human view of the first first responders—the people who answer, guide and stay steady when everything else is not. If this resonated, follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find it too.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailEver wonder what modern animal control actually looks like when it’s done with care, skill and community in mind? We sit down with Raymore Animal Control Officer Caleb Waller to explore the real work behind the badge: reuniting lost pets through accurate microchips, preventing bites with simple habits and building a safer city through education and consistent enforcement. No scare tactics here—just practical steps any owner can take to keep pets healthy and neighbors safe.Caleb breaks down how microchips truly function and the one thing that most often delays reunions: outdated phone numbers. We dig into the health and behavior reasons for early spay and neuter, how leash laws protect even “perfectly trained” dogs from unpredictable moments and why supervision beats the “it won’t happen to me” mindset. You’ll also hear dog bite prevention tips you can use today, from not reaching through fences to keeping vaccines current so a bite quarantine can happen at home instead of the shelter.Pulling back the curtain on operations, Caleb shares Animal Control's 92% live release rate and the partnerships with rescues, vets and wildlife rehabilitators that make small facilities effective. We talk about unusual calls—yes, roaming peacocks—alongside feel-good wins like the itty bitty schnauzer who bounced back and found a home. Caleb’s work with the Missouri Animal Control Association highlights how ongoing training in wildlife handling, legal standards and humane practices elevates service across the state.If you care about pet safety, responsible ownership and how a city turns compassion into policy, this conversation is for you. Check out resources at Raymore.com/animalcontrol and follow Facebook.com/RaymoreAnimalControl for updates and adoptable pets. If this episode helped you learn something new, subscribe, share it with a pet-loving friend, and leave us a quick review—what tip will you put into practice first?Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailWinter brings fresh trout, fresh snow and—unfortunately—fresh scams. We kick off with seasonal updates for Raymore, from Johnston Lake being stocked with rainbow trout by the Missouri Department of Conservation to our community-named snow plows getting ready to roll. We also point you to our updated What’s Happening map at raymore.com/currentprojects so you can track development and infrastructure work anywhere in the city.Then Police Chief Jim Wilson joins us to unpack the latest fraud trends hitting our area. The big red flags are clear: callers claiming you missed jury duty, threatening a warrant or demanding fines paid via gift cards or Bitcoin. We explain why legitimate agencies will never take money over the phone, how scammers use urgency to pressure you and what to do the moment a message feels off—hang up, verify with the official number and never share personal information. We talk about identity theft risks when victims give out details, what early steps to take to protect your credit and why reporting matters even if you feel embarrassed.We round out with practical holiday safety tips: keep purses on your person, watch your cart, lock your car and hide valuables. Break down packaging so you don’t advertise new electronics at the curb. Stay aware in crowded stores and plan a sober ride if you’re celebrating, with DUI enforcement underway. It’s a simple playbook to keep your money, your data and your family safe while you enjoy everything our city has to offer this season.If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a neighbor and leave a quick review so more Raymore residents can stay informed and safe.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to keep a fast-growing city safe, connected and proud of where it’s headed? We sit down with Mayor Kris Turnbow to trace his path from Navy service and a 36-year policing career to four successful mayoral terms in Raymore, Missouri. Mayor Turnbow opens up about the moments that shaped him, from 9/11 activations and Pentagon duty to a year advising in Iraq, where he helped start up forensic labs and push a crime scene preservation checklist that reshaped evidence handling. Those lessons—process, training, accountability—now anchor how he thinks about public safety at home.We talk about proud moments during his tenure, as well as how industrial growth can bring good jobs while respecting community standards, and what it takes to keep young residents from leaving. The mayor points to the Ray-Pec LEAD program and trades partnerships that put students on real job paths—operating heavy equipment, learning the building trades and gaining hands-on experience that translates into careers. It’s part of a broader strategy to match education with local opportunity so families can build their lives here.Looking forward, Mayor Turnbow makes a case for smarter transportation as the next priority. With rising costs and regional job centers, Raymore needs better mobility options for seniors, commuters and families—supported by strong roads, new connections and collaboration with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. We also explore housing: creating a healthy mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condos and well-managed apartments that fit Raymore’s look and feel while giving people a fair shot at living, saving and moving up without leaving the city.Along the way, you’ll hear about the daily work that binds a community together: parks and arts, stream cleanups, Rotary and Optimist projects, and a slate of celebrations ahead—from a patriotic July 4 to Raymore’s sesquicentennial. It’s a candid, hopeful look at how steady leadership, strong institutions and engaged residents can keep a city safe, welcoming and future-ready. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a neighbor and leave a review to help more listeners find us.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

Send us Fan MailWhat makes a neighborhood more than just a collection of houses? In this illuminating conversation, Raymore's Development Services team pulls back the curtain on how cities are planned, built and shaped to create communities people love.Development Services Director David Gress and Senior Planner Dave McCumber share their journey from childhood SimCity enthusiasts to professional city planners, revealing how their gaming roots translated into careers designing real-world communities. They explain the department's crucial role as the gateway for all construction in Raymore—from reviewing plans and issuing permits to conducting dozens of inspections throughout the building process.The conversation explores Raymore's recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, a six-year staff-driven project that will guide the city's growth for the next two decades. Unlike many municipalities that outsource planning to consultants, Raymore's approach incorporated community input while keeping the process authentically local. This plan now serves as the foundation for all development decisions, ensuring consistency with the community's vision.Most fascinating is the team's current focus on neighborhood design diversity. Noticing a trend toward cookie-cutter subdivisions where homes differ only in color or minor details, they're drafting code revisions to encourage more varied, engaging streetscapes. Their emphasis isn't just aesthetic—it's about creating spaces that foster community interaction through thoughtful elements like front porches and intentional public spaces.Whether you're a current resident curious about ongoing development, a potential homebuyer wondering about future neighborhoods or simply interested in how cities evolve, this episode offers valuable insights into the careful planning that shapes the places we call home. Have questions about development in Raymore? The team encourages you to reach out directly through the city website or visit City Hall for more information.Learn more about the City of Raymore's Communications Department at www.raymore.com/communicationsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO