KC Scout Shout!

Being the eyes in the sky for drivers within the KC area is a very big responsibility, and each member plays an essential role in that mission. Within KC Scout there are a variety of positions and opportunities for career growth. KDOT Liaison Neil Kornis is a great example of someone who has experienced this growth firsthand. “For over 20 years, I have been in Emergency Dispatch, 10 years with the City of Grandview as an emergency Telecommunications Operator and then nearly 12 years in KC Scout,” Kornis said. “My experience with KC Scout and with KHP/KDOT led me to this new position to assist KC Scout and KDOT into the future.” In this new position, Kornis is responsible for serving as the primary contact between KDOT ITS and the KC Scout team. This includes communicating discussions between KDOT, project managers, contractors, and the KC Scout team. Due to his long history with both organizations, Kornis has built a solid foundation of knowledge and strong professional relationships...

After KC Scout was struck with a cyberattack in April of 2024, security quickly become a much larger topic of conversation. With that in mind, Information Systems Technologists Terrance Stigler and Dominique Gonzalez recently attended training for the Integration of Cybersecurity Personnel into the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Cyber Incidents. “This was an eye-opening training,” Stigler said. “It mainly focused on how to integrate Cybersecurity into an Emergency Response event. In today’s world, we rely a lot on technology and this training dealt with how to respond to real world situations where the technology has failed or been compromised.” Throughout the course, participants learned several valuable lessons. For Stigler, one of the most important was the emphasis on having thorough documentation within an EOC.   “This training has taught me the importance of documentation and the importance of having a functional Operations Center when handling a crisis,” he said...

With each day that passes, the anticipation leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup grows. As preparations ramp up, some challenges have begun to emerge. “The unknowns. Without the experience of what to expect, it’s so difficult to plan for what you don’t know. Are we doing enough?” said Emergency Response Operations Supervisor, Scott Banes.   Due to those unknowns, KC Scout has gone above and beyond to prepare for anything and everything. “Over the past several months, we have been providing various trainings to other districts within MoDOT, KDOT, and both the Kansas and Missouri State Highway Patrol” Banes said. “We have also been preparing our fleet of ER trucks with maintenance needs and updated equipment, as well as building up an inventory of parts for the truck-mounted message boards in case any issues arise.”   With the increased number of visitors in our city, ensuring adequate support is essential. To help boost readiness, employees from districts across the state hav...

  It is important to be aware that with new opportunities constantly arising, our team here at KC Scout is ever-changing. It is even more important to get to know your new team members and make them feel welcome and part of the team. With that being said… meet the new Kansas City Scout Locator, Josh Stark! Josh joined the team at the top of the year, and from the very start he fit right in and got along with everyone. His easygoing nature is matched with a wealth of experience. Throughout his years in the workforce, Josh has worn many hats. He has worked in security and Debt Collection, been a medical courier and a school bus driver. Josh is excited to step into the role of a KC Scout Locator.  “I’m excited to learn a new job that has me both in the office and out in the field on a daily basis,” Stark said. “That’s a strange combo that I haven’t necessarily dealt with, however I’m more excited to be out in the field and less in the office when spring and summer hit.” Outside o...