Patrols Increased at Sedalia Schools

The Sedalia Police Department will increase their presence at Sedalia area schools, checking with front offices and teachers on a regular basis throughout the week of December 17-21, 2012. This plan of action has been initiated in order to strengthen community confidence about sending their student(s) to school.  

Rumors began circulating locally last Wednesday, December 12, hinting of a possible act of school violence that might occur on December 21^st, the date ancient Mayans predicted would be the end of the world. The Sedalia 200 School District and the Pettis County Juvenile Office quickly investigated these rumors and found them to be untrue.

The Friday, December 14 elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut has heightened national concern and awareness over the safety of our schoolchildren. As a way to alleviate Sedalia’s concerns, the Police Department’s command staff and available road units will be seen patrolling area schools throughout this week. 

Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Connecticut Shooting Victims

The City of Sedalia joins thousands of government offices throughout the nation by lowering their flags to half-staff in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. By order of the President of the United States and the Missouri State Governor's office, effective immediately, the United States flag at all State and government offices will be flown at half-staff, from sunrise to sunset through Tuesday, December 18, 2012. 

Fire Claims Two Downtown Businesses

At approximately 7:00 a.m. Friday, December 14, City emergency personnel responded to reports of a fire in downtown Sedalia at 208-210 S. Ohio. The structures are over 100 years of age. The fire consumed both businesses with the fire crews continually working to control the spread of the flames to adjoining buildings. Flames were confined to the two structures. Because of the danger of collapse, and with the threat of rain and strong winds, large equipment was brought in to raze the buildings so they are less of a threat to public safety. Sedalia public safety personnel will continue to monitor the buildings for the next several days.

City Council Meeting

The Sedalia City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, December 17, 2012. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers in the Sedalia Municipal Building and will begin at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Pre-Council meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. Please click here to view the December 17, 2012 City Council Agenda packet.

Clean-Up Effort Provides Positive Results

The first residential clean-up project as part of the City's new proactive approach toward a cleaner Sedalia took place recently on East Boonville. City crews were able to use the new grapple truck, which was purchased, in part, to help address clean-up problems in the city. Before and after pictures of the project are shown. Because of the truck's efficiency, the job was completed in about 90 minutes.   All efforts to work with the property owners were exhausted by the code enforcement department, so the city was left with no other option but to clean-up the debris which was a source of numerous citizen complaints. This effort is the first in what promises to be a long citywide campaign to make Sedalia look better and to help raise property values. The clean-up goals are being set by a citizens committee that is now tackling the problem of exterior building appearances.