Aaron Crossley

Tedi has always shown up for me from the very beginning, and I’m proud to support her as she steps up to continue serving our community. I hope you’ll give her page a follow!

It is with great excitement I am announcing my candidacy for State Representative for the 29th District.

For four years, Aaron Crossley has shown up for our community in the 29th District — fighting for us, listening to us, and leading with integrity. It's been an honor to call him a friend, and I know his impact will be felt for years to come.

Inspired by his example and driven by love for this community, I've filed to run to represent our district in the state legislature. You deserve leadership that's accessible, honest, and works every day for the people — not just at election time. I'm asking for your vote, your ideas, and your trust. I look forward to talking to you and will be available to hear your concerns.

I'd be grateful for your support. Please like and follow this page and consider donating to keep the momentum going. Thank you!

Disabled veterans carried the cost of war home with them.

Today, my legislation advanced out of the Veterans Committee alongside bills from Reps. Jobe and Oehlerking, bringing us closer to real property tax relief for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Happy MLB Opening Day!

President Harry S. Truman is pictured in the presidential box holding up two baseballs, one in each hand, preparatory to throwing out the first ball at the opening game of the baseball season, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Date: April 18, 1950
National Archives photo 73-3293

Why Did Independence Outdoor Warning Sirens Sound Last Night?

During last night’s severe weather, many residents heard the Outdoor Warning Sirens activate during a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Kansas City/Pleasant Hill.

We understand that the warned storm was north of Independence and did not pose a direct threat to the city. We want to take a moment to explain why the sirens still sounded.

The NWS issues Tornado Warnings using polygon-shaped areas that highlight the specific portion of a storm expected to produce a tornado or dangerous rotation. In this case, the warning polygon included a small portion of Jackson County north of Independence.

Independence operates its own Outdoor Warning Siren system, but our current automation is designed to activate sirens whenever any portion of Jackson County is included in a Tornado Warning. Because the warning polygon touched the county, the automated system activated the city’s sirens.

This approach is designed as a safety-first measure to ensure that no potentially dangerous situation goes unnoticed.

That said, we recognize that warnings sounding when the immediate threat is outside the city can cause confusion and may contribute to “siren fatigue,” especially early in the severe weather season.

Because of this, our Emergency Management team is currently reviewing ways to improve the system, including seeing if our system can use polygon-based activation, which would allow sirens to sound only when a Tornado Warning overlaps Independence or areas immediately nearby.

Important Reminder:
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors that dangerous weather may be nearby. They are not intended to be the only method of receiving warnings indoors.

We strongly encourage residents to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Trusted weather apps
• Local television and radio stations
• National Weather Service updates

Severe weather season has arrived, and storms can develop quickly. Having multiple alert methods ensures you and your family can take action when it matters most.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as we continue working to improve how we communicate weather threats and keep Independence residents safe!