City of Independence September 2016 NewsletterFINALFINAL09.01.2016

y the numbers
27
The average number of extra pounds of gear
an Independence police officer carries on his
or her utility belt. Over time, this extra load
concentrated around the waistline can lead to
chronic back pain, headaches and other
physical ailments. That’s why the department
recently began a trial of an “outer vest carrier,”
like the one worn by Officer Jason Goza in the photo to the right (speaking to
the Independence Optimist Club). The vest is designed with insert space for
the officer’s customized body armor panels on the inside, as well as multiple
outer pockets for gear that help better distribute the extra weight but still offer
quick and easy access to the tools of the job. The vest has been
well-received by the officers in the department, but to equip the force,
significant fund-raising will be required. Chief Jerry Harrison reports each vest
costs between $275 and $375.
The year the Kansas PRIDE program was established to assist Kansas
residents with efforts to beautify, enrich and promote their communities.
In Independence, a local volunteer PRIDE committee functions under
the umbrella of the Chamber of Commerce. The committee has either
spearheaded or had a hand in a number of community benefit activities,
including LOVE Independence Day; monthly recycling; organized
community clean-up efforts; placement of city entrance signs; and other
beautification projects.
While not yet affiliated with Kansas PRIDE, the local committee is
working to grow its membership and will soon complete application to join
the 60 other communities participating in the statewide program. As a
program participant, Independence will have access to educational
resources and expertise; enhanced visibility and promotion; and
opportunities for grant funding to support local projects.
Calendar...
October 15
Downtown Cleanup
8 a.m.-12 noon - Volunteers meet at Community
National Bank to help spruce up the downtown area.
Bring gloves and wear comfortable clothes.
PAGE 7
The total number of tickets
distributed for the “Shenandoah”
concert August 19 at historic
Memorial Hall, co-sponsored by the
City of Independence and the
Independence Chamber of
Commerce Convention & Visitors
Bureau. The legendary country
group and their opening act,
young Kansas native Bryton Stoll,
brought down the house and
brought in the business with out-oftown
concert-goers who patronized
our business establishments.
October 21-29
Neewollah Festival
Nine-day community celebration.
Multiple events and venues.
Visit www.neewollah.com for
schedules and more info.