Cass County Democrat

Hundreds of students, families and staff members at Hillcrest STEAM Academy in Belton gathered outside the school to watch the eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Though Belton was not in the path of totality, residents there witnessed the moon block more than 99 percent of the sun a few minutes after 1 p.m. Monday.

‘It’s almost there!’: Hundreds of students witness partial eclipse from Cass County

Cass County saw a partial solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.

Cass County Democrat

McCaskill ‘not surprised’ by release of Bannon, pressed on Charlottesville protests

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri held a town hall Friday in Harrisonville.

Dozens of people arrived the newly-renovated Raymore-Peculiar High School on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 to check out the changes, including a new library media center.

Cass County Democrat

See what’s new at Ray-Pec High School this year

Raymore-Peculiar students will be greeted with the newly-renovated Raymore-Peculiar High School as well as the Shull Early Learning Center this year.

Family, friends and members of law enforcement gathered at the Benson Convention and Expsition Center for the funeral of Clinton police officer Gary Michael, who was killed in the line of duty last Sunday, while conduction a traffic stop in Clinton.

Cass County Democrat

We live in a world of senseless violence

A message to officers, in the wake of fallen comrade: You are desperately needed.

In an effort to fill vacant law enforcement jobs within its agency, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office announced in August that it would offer a paid, full-time regional training academy starting in January, and so far, the sheriff’s office says nearly 30 people have applied.

Cass County Democrat

Sheriff’s office looking to fill vacancies with full-time academy

In an effort to fill vacant jobs within its agency, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office announced it would offer a paid, full-time training academy starting in January, and so far, the sheriff’s office says nearly 30 people have applied.

Cass County Democrat

Sheriff’s crime report: No injuries after plane crashes in rural Cass County

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office crime report reveals incidents occurring from July 31-Aug. 6 in Cass County.

A Change.org petition is making its way around social media this week after parents learned that bus service would not be offered this year for Raymore-Peculiar students living within one mile of their school. The petition comes a little more than week before the first day of school at Raymore-Peculiar, a district of about 6,000 students.

Cass County Democrat

No bus service for some Ray-Pec elementary kids? Hundreds sign petition opposing measure

A Change.org petition is asking the Raymore-Peculiar School District to reconsider after it said bus service wouldn’t be offered to students living within one mile of their school.

Pleasant Hill running back Cody Faust slips past Tydus Clay of Ruskin during a scrimmage in last week’s jamboree at Eklund Field. Faust and Garrett Schick are expected to split time in the Roosters’ backfield this season.

Cass County Democrat

Pleasant Hill football looking to make more strides this season

Pleasant Hill, 2-8 two years ago and 4-6 last season, hopes to make more progress under third-year head coach Greg Smith.

In preparation for the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, the Harrisonville School District purchased 3,000 solar eclipse glasses for its students and staff from American Paper Optics, one of the vendors recommended by the American Astronomical Society.

Cass County Democrat

Cass County schools gearing up for eclipse day

Cass County schools and residents will see a partial eclipse on Monday.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is set to visit Harrisonville Friday as part of her latest public town hall tour across the state.

Cass County Democrat

Sen. Claire McCaskill set to visit Harrisonville Friday

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is set to visit Harrisonville Friday as part of her latest public town hall tour across the state.

Cass County Democrat

Harrisonville weekly crime report: Aug. 3-9

The Harrisonville Police Department blotter shows incidents occurring from Aug. 3-9 in the city of Harrisonville.

New teachers were welcomed to the Harrisonville School District on Aug. 9.

Cass County Democrat

Harrisonville welcomes new teachers

New teachers were welcomed to the Harrisonville School District on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017.

Cass County deputies said they found four bullet holes allegedly made by Ryan Martin at his home on East Zook Street in Gunn City on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. Records said there were three large diameter bullet holes in the window glass as well as one hole in the siding just below the window of a bedroom occupied by Martin’s infant son. Martin told authorities that he shot at a person he believed to breaking into his house.

Cass County Democrat

Man accused of endangering son after shooting at ‘silhouette’

Ryan J. Martin, 25, of Gunn City, Missouri, was accused of endangering the welfare of his infant son when he fired a gun inside the child’s room. He said a person was trying to break into the house on Aug. 3, 2017.

Hunter Hawkins took part in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby last month in Akron, Ohio.

Cass County Democrat

School briefs: Third time at Soap Box Derby nationals for Harrisonville junior

Harrisonville High School junior Hunter Hawkins came within a whisker of winning his heat at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby this summer.

Midway’s Josh Yahnig, who pulled in an interception during a game last season, will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback when they open the season at Middle Tennessee Christian.

Cass County Democrat

Midway kicking off the year with free trip to Tennessee

In need of a week one opponent, Midway turns to Middle Tennessee Christian, which is footing the bill for the Vikings’ trip.

Recognized at the July 27 Ray-Pec school board meeting were International Baccalaureate graduates (from left) Connor Woodward, Malone Blaich, Lilly Carroll, Zachary Newman, Benjamin Osborne, Dalton Gilmore, Austin Moulder and Jacob Shriner, pictured with school board member Maria Davies. Not pictured: Grant Bosley, Jordan Doss, Samantha Heggem, Jesse Turos and Audrey Warters.

Cass County Democrat

Shull Early Learning Center, Ray-Pec High School celebrate new spaces

The Raymore-Peculiar School District will celebrate new construction and renovations at Shull Early Learning Center and Ray-Pec High School with ceremonies on Thursday.

Cass County Democrat

Cass County restaurant inspections: July 16-31

Health inspections at area restaurants and other food establishments were conducted by the Cass County Health Department July 16-31

In 1938, players like Vince DeMaggio kept his dignity -- and his manners -- in place during the Junior World Series champions.

Cass County Democrat

Play ball: Or not, after one bad decision

Softball team’s lewd gesture got them disqualified from Junior League World Series championship game.

Belton teachers took part in educational programming this summer at the Ozark Underground Laboratory in Protem, Mo.

Cass County Democrat

A science experience for Belton teachers

With TEAM Science grant, several elementary school teachers from Belton took part in science experiences

The city of Harrisonville is considering bids for solid waste and recycling services, and by the start of 2018, residents may see a new trash collector on their block as well as an increased monthly fee on their utility bill. The city currently utilizes the services of WCA/Town & Country Disposal, located at 22820 S. Missouri 291 in Harrisonville. WCA also serves other municipalities in the Kansas City area, including Roeland Park, Kansas, where this file photo was taken in 2016.

Cass County Democrat

With many trashing collection service, Harrisonville considers new disposal companies

The city of Harrisonville is considering bids for trash and recycling services from four companies. In 2018, city officials say residents should expect to pay more based on the proposals the city has received.