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A 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/communications
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

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Ever 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/communications
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

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Winter 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/communications
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

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What 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/communications
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO

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What 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/communications
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @CityofRaymoreMO