Citizens of the Year 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Citizens of the Year 2021
Cindy Miller and Dale Carter - Blue Springs
Nominated by Mayor Carson Ross
In April 2021, the City of Blue Springs approved an indefinite renewal of the half-cent Parks
Sales Tax by an overwhelming majority. A key component of this significant win for our City’s
Parks system was the unwavering support of Dale Carter and Cindy Miller, Co-Chairs of the
Political Action Committee dedicated to supporting the renewal of the Parks Sales Tax.
When approached about being the Co-Chair of the Parks PAC, Cindy and Dale jumped at the
chance, knowing that quality parks are an integral part of the success of their community.
Through their efforts, the initiative was a tremendous success, and the City of Blue Springs will
see upgrades and improvements to our Parks system for years to come.
Cindy Miller
In addition to Co-Chairing the Parks Sales Tax Renewal PAC, Cindy’s
passion and focus has been revitalizing the Blue Springs Downtown
District as a founding member and President of Downtown Alive!
Blue Springs. Under Cindy’s leadership, Downtown Alive! has
successfully fostered investment and redevelopment in the district
by promoting incentive programs offered by the City.
Most recently, Cindy led a project to construct a Gateway Arch at
the entrance into the Downtown District, which was funded 100%
by private donations. As an Associate Community in the Missouri
Main Street Program, Cindy has been instrumental in guiding the group to win many
awards and gain much recognition over the last ten years. Additionally, she’s served the
community on the Economic Development Council, CDBG Committee, Main Center
Redevelopment Board, Downtown Review Board, Blue Springs Historical Society, Blue
Springs Rotary Club, Women Endowing Education, Blue Springs Women’s Civic Club, and
past President of the Blue Springs Business Association. Professionally, Cindy was the
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for a community bank located in the
Downtown District for 29 years, retiring in 2018 to spend more time volunteering for
her community.
Dale Carter
Dale Carter is a 41-year radio veteran who has been on-air and
programmed stations in Evansville, Hartford, and Kansas City. He
was elected to the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2011 and was the
2017 ACM Large Market Personality of the Year. Dale served the City
of Blue Springs on the City Council from 2010-19. During those nine
years, he served as Mayor Pro Tem twice and was council liaison to
boards and commissions, including Parks, Public Safety, Arts, and
Solid Waste. Most recently, Dale was the co-chair for the successful
renewal of the Parks Sales Tax to continue the mission of a great
parks system in Blue Springs. He is currently the Program Director
and Morning Host at Steel City Media’s KFKF in Kansas City, where he celebrated his 26th
anniversary. In addition to radio, Dale is the Stadium Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and
hosts the podcast “Dale Carter’s America.”
David Ward - Grain Valley
Nominated by Mayor Chuck Johnson
David Ward, president of Ward Development and Investment
Company, has played an integral part in the growth of Grain
Valley. His contributions include several residential, industrial,
and commercial developments. He began building and
developing in Grain Valley in 1990 and has not slowed down
since. David has owned and operated several businesses,
including a hardware store, a grocery store, a storage facility,
and The Old Towne Marketplace multi-use project. Ward
Development has added approximately 1,750 homes to Grain
Valley, including the development of six residential subdivisions.
The increase of residences has had additional economic influence as it has drawn new
businesses and amenities to the area.
David’s contributions go beyond the community’s economic impact. David is also active
in the community and supports several organizations, including the Grain Valley
Assistance Council, Boy Scouts, Grain Valley High School Booster Club, Grain Valley
Youth Sports League, and the Grain Valley Santa Bus.
Karen Downey – Independence
Nominated by Mayor Eileen Weir
Karen Downey has served as Vice President of Downey Construction since 1989,
following a 23-year career in Human Relations and college recruitment at Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line Company. Downey Construction has contributed to many local
organizations with sponsorships and in-kind donations, including the Independence
School District, Andrew Drumm Institute, Truman Heartland
Community Foundation, McCoy Park Inclusive Playground,
Ability Field, United Nations Peace Pavilion, Independence
Rotary Club, and many other projects.
Karen is a Past Chair of the Independence Chamber of
Commerce. She served as a board member for 16 years,
including Chair-Elect, Treasurer, and lead both the
Governmental Affairs and Membership divisions. She is a
graduate of the Chamber of Commerce LEAD program, served
as a presenter for the Chamber Choices program, and is a past
recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Board Member of the Year Award (1998),
Pacesetter Award for new members (1999), and Distinguished Service Award (2002).
A resident of Kansas City, Karen was appointed to the Kansas City Public Improvements
Advisory Committee in 2007. She served on the Board of Trustees for Centerpoint
Medical Center, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co., Independence Council for Economic
Development, Truman Heartland Community Foundation, and Sunshine Center School.
She is a past recipient of the Sunshine Center Humanitarian Award. In 2001, Karen
served on the All-America City competition committee, earning Independence national
recognition. She is also a graduate of the Independence Citizen’s Police Academy.
Karen currently serves as Chair of the Noland Road Community Improvement District
and continues to be active in many education, business, and political activities.
Tom Goddard - Lake Tapawingo
Nominated by Mayor John Sellars
After graduating from the University of Central Missouri, Tom
Goddard spent the next 35 years working as a teacher, coach,
educational leader, and athletic director. He provided
distinguished educational leadership in the Raytown and Blue
Spring school districts. After retiring, Tom and his wife Jody
became passionate community volunteers.
When national disasters struck, Tom and Jody would swing into
action. They volunteered in New Orleans, Greenberg, KS, and
Joplin, MO, making more than 40 trips to these locations over
seven years. In addition to their ongoing humanitarian work,
they volunteered on numerous mission trips with their church.
As the Lake Tapawingo Mayor, Tom’s first project was finishing a new City Hall
construction. In addition, he rebuilt the police department, began a city-wide cleanup
campaign, commissioned the first City strategic plan, and improved the financial
accounting system. When he stepped down from the Mayor’s position in 2021, Tom’s
influence could be seen throughout the community.
Bob and Candy White - Lee’s Summit
Nominated by Mayor Bill Baird
Bob and Candy White are Lee’s Summit nominees because of their
extraordinary years of service and commitment to the community.
Most notably, serving on the Lee’s Summit R7 Board of Education
and the Lee’s Summit Symphony and volunteering on the LSR7
Education Foundation. Both Bob and Candy embody the spirit of
community through their volunteer efforts and contributions to civic
organizations helping to improve the quality of life in Lee’s Summit.
They use their time, experience, and talents to enhance and
advocate the local arts culture, the local education system, and their
church’s charitable endeavors in the community.
Meaghan Timothy - Oak Grove
Nominated by Mayor Dana Webb
Maeghan Timothy (or “Mae” as she is known by her friends) is a
steadfast leader and passionate and ardent supporter of Oak Grove.
Her passion for Oak Grove is evident through her business ventures,
volunteerism, and leadership. Maeghan is the co-owner of Oak
Grove Chiropractic, which serves as a pillar in the business
community. She has dedicated countless hours lending support to
and representing the business community in Oak Grove through her
service on the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce. Maeghan is the
2022 President-Elect and currently serves as Treasurer. She has
helped organize small-business Saturdays, Food Truck events, the
Oak Grove Fall Festival, and Panther Golf Classic (a charitable golf tournament for local
scholarships.)
Maeghan supports the City of Oak Grove by graciously serving on the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Through her business and
individual volunteerism, Mae has hosted and organized a variety of community events,
including two self-defense classes (one for women and one for youth), “RUN22 KC” (a
charitable run/walk to raise mental health awareness for veterans and first responders),
Angel Tree, and a Mental Health Night.
Allan Thompson - Raytown
Nominated by Mayor Mike McDonough
A longtime resident of Raytown, Allan Thompson has volunteered
for numerous nonprofits in the Greater Raytown and Kansas City
areas. Retired from Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Company after 19
years, Allan and his wife Karen have dramatically stepped up their
volunteer activities. They faithfully work as drivers for Raytown
Meals on Wheels and help with numerous projects sponsored by
Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP). As a member of the
REAP Board for many years, Allan secured a much-needed delivery
van, providing groceries for clients at the center, and assisting with
food drives at local stores. He has prepared lunches for the Summer
Lunch Program for children in the Raytown School District, and as a member of the
Shepherd Center of Raytown, he helped seniors remain independent.
Active in the Raytown Rotary Club, Allan has served as both Treasurer and President. He
is a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also involved in the Alpha Lions Club and Westport
Tomorrow Improvement Association when working in the Westport area in his early
banking career days. Allan was the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair in
2000. Being named Chamber Person of the Year in 2001 indicates all the work he did for
his fellow businesspersons. After serving on the Truman Heartland Community
Foundation’s Raytown Advisory Board, Allan is now a member of the Truman Heartland
Community Foundation Board of Directors. He has served on the THCF Finance and
Grants Committees and is on the Gala Sponsorship Committee this year.
Stan Sagehorn - Sugar Creek
Nominated by Mike Larson
Stan Sagehorn served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for several
years. He was appointed to a vacant Alderman position for two years and
then served 22 consecutive years, winning nine elections of two-year
terms and one election of a four-year term. During his tenure as Alderman,
Stan continued to work full-time at Castle Grinding and continues to this
day as a valuable employee.
Stan worked tirelessly to hold BP accountable when the
Standard/Amoco/BP production facility closed. He played an essential role
in the construction of the 10-year-old Police and Fire Station and moving
Public Works to its new facility. He also ensured the interests of the local
children remain a top priority.
Stan worked to get an unused tennis court converted into a basketball court, outdoor exercise
equipment added to Kaw Football Field, indoor exercise equipment added to the gymnasium,
and a new splash park is coming to Kaw Field this summer. All of this because of Stan’s
leadership and love of community.
You can also read
