Press Releases

Lee’s Summit, MO – Eitas has awarded Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation (LSPR) a $7,776 grant to enhance accessibility and inclusion within the community. LSPR has utilized these funds to equip all three aquatic facilities with accessible wheelchairs, walkers, and flotation devices, ensuring greater access for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Aquatic therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including: Physical Benefits – The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of poor balance and posture, allowing for easier movement. Water therapy also supports skill development in head and neck stability, trunk strength, and mobility. Sensory Stimulation – Water provides visual, tactile, and olfactory stimulation, creating a calming and engaging environment. ...

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 3:39 p.m., the Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1200 block of SW Surrey Trace after a neighbor reported seeing black smoke coming from the eaves of a house. It was unclear whether anyone was inside. Firefighters arrived to find smoke visible from a window on the back of the two-story, single-family residence. Crews entered the smoke-filled home and discovered a fire in the kitchen that had spread through the ceiling into a second-floor bedroom. As firefighters battled the blaze, they confirmed that the house was unoccupied. The homeowner arrived later during the incident. Fire officials declared the fire under control at 4:18 p.m. The fire caused heavy damage to the kitchen and part of the second-floor bedroom, with smoke and heat damage affecting the remainder of both floors. The fire is believed...

Thank you to everyone who attended the Open House at Station 3! If you missed it, we invite you to join us on May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon for an Open House at Fire Station No. 2., 2000 NE Rice Road. During this event, you'll have the opportunity to tour the station, meet our firefighters, and learn more about how we serve the community. Remember to get your fire department passport stamped during your visit. If you attend all of the Anniversary Open Houses, you will be eligible to enter a prize drawing! We hope to see you there!

The City of Lee’s Summit is pleased to announce Jeff Thorn's appointment as director of Water Utilities, effective March 20. Thorn replaces Mark Schaufler, who retired in February after serving the City for 31 years. Thorn has more than 28 years of experience in engineering, project management and the construction of water and wastewater projects. For the past five years, he has been the deputy director of Lee’s Summit Water Utilities, managing the Engineering Division, Operations Division and Facilities Group. In this role, he provided specific technical support and guidance related to the water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems and facilities, equipment and controls. Before that, he served as the utility’s assistant director of engineering, managing all engineering aspects for the water and wastewater utility.  In his new role,...

The Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1300 block of Southeast Princeton Place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. The resident noticed smoke in an upstairs bedroom after extinguishing a fire in the downstairs fireplace. A further investigation outside revealed that the enclosed chimney was on fire above the roof. All occupants of the house were safely evacuated. When firefighters arrived, flames were visible from the roof of the two-story, single-family residence. Inside, smoke alarms were sounding, and there was light smoke in the living area. Firefighters opened the ceiling in an upstairs bedroom to find smoke and fire in the attic. Crews quickly extinguished the fire in the attic and on the roof, bringing the incident under control by 10:45 a.m. The fire caused damage to the attic, a portion of the roof, and the enclosed...