About Clay County, MO

Have you ever seen the inside of a water Tower? Updated 9/16/08.

This is the latest progress on the water tower under construction in Smithville, Missouri. This tower is located on the southern end of Smithville off of 169 Highway. When completed, the tower will hold 750,000 gallons of water. Wow!

Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors www.kcmoves.com maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com 816-853-9698 cell/text; 816-420-5060 direct.

Most mornings, I walk my girls up the hill to the bus stop. Last Friday, we running behind and were the last ones to catch the bus so I was the last person at the stop.

Marshmellow - The kids named the kittens :-)

Thunder

These two adorable kittens trotted over to greet me. They were very friendly and were meowing to me. I petted them a little and started to walk down the hill to my house. They followed me to my front porch and quickly settled on my bench in the warm morning sun.

Mama kitty, Holly showed up after I got home from work.

Holly

Our two standard poodles have really been enjoying watching the cats on our front porch. They think this is better than tv! The kittens are okay with dogs and great with adults and children.

Stella watching the kitten.

We are guessing that the mom and kittens were dumped at a neighborhood park recently. All three are very well socialized and want to be around people. They will trot up to us and have followed some of the neighborhood ladies as they go on their morning walk. They stay with them the whole time.

All have been spayed or neutered at No More Homeless Pets http://www.nmhpkc.org/ and have a small tatoo on their tummies to designate that. If you are interested in adopting these lovely cats, contact me or the rescue group that is handling their placement. Kitty Cat Connection http://kittycatconnection.org/ .

Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors 816-420-5060 direct/ 816-853-9698 cell/text maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com www.kcmoves.com

Luckily here in Kansas City we didn't have a really hot summer like we've had in the past... but prepare yourself for next year!

Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL) is seeking to raise electrical usage by 17%. Yes you read right!

We've just experienced an increase from Missouri Gas Energy (MGE) and now KCPL is going to raise their rates!

The rate increase is suppose to take place next summer and they have filed in Missouri and Kansas to raise rates for 800,000 customers.

In 2005 Gladstone voters approved a 39-cent property tax increase. That tax increase will begin showing up in your personal property tax bill this year.

The City Council has voted to set the city's 2008 tax levy at 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. So in other words if you buy a new car that cost $25,000 you are going to pay about 32.00 more in personal property taxes beginning this year.

This voter approved raise in taxes gave Gladstone leaders the authority to set the tax levy no higher than 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Up until this year Gladstone council decided to stay at the existing tax rate of 54-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The reason for the decision to raise it is unexpected expenses which includes the May 2 tornado which cost the city more than $357,000 in payroll costs and repairs to city-owned facilities. In addition salt for road treatment went up $75,000 and fuel cost for city vehicles went up $71,000 over this past year.

Ay, Top of the mornin' to ya! Are you looking for something to do in Kansas City over the Labor Day weekend?

Well my little leprechauns you can't afford to miss the Kansas City Irish Fest!

Since my wonderful husband has Irish in him this is an event that we never miss!

This year it's back at Crown Center and it's expanded to have THREE stages and includes even more Irish fun!

All of the Irish Eyes will be smiling with all the entertainment that's packed into this weekend, including my very fav....... The Elders!

There's fun for the entire family and don't forget to bring the wee ones!

For more information visit their website: www.kcirishfest.com

Here's a little taste of The Elders that I found on YouTube