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GVHS Class of 2025 Graduates Monday evening; Sni Valley Academy Graduates receive diplomas

5/19/2025

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The 2025 Grain Valley High School senior class will graduate Monday evening at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. The graduation begins at 7:00pm and may be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/live/vYBIIUAPGWA. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Jackson David Adams
Braydon Patrick Aggeler
Hayden Michael Albin
Kimberly  Alcantara Perez
Raya Iyod Alkhatib
Jack Thomas Allen
Leah Rose Allen
Laken Renee Alley
Chase Bryant Anderson
Alyssa Neveah Arndorfer
Kennady Raine Arndt
Mason William Maxwell Arni
Logan Lee Arp
Olivia Paige Arreguin
Makenzie Keikilani Lokahi Arrington
Marissa Lynn Bagby
Darah Tieisha-Nicole Baker
Mya Jade Baker
Chris Lee Barham
Gavin Chase Barker
Avery Elizabeth Barncord
Catherine Anne Barnes
Landon James Barnes
Aaron Landan Barr
Johnpaul Sandoval Barraza
Ileynia Nicole Ann Beard
Naiya Lee Beck
Isabella Marie Becker
Willow Rhea Bernard
Joshua Christos Berry
Mason Jax Bertrand
Max Jamie Bertrand
Husam Tauqeed Bhatti
Jackson William Bieri
Hollie Rachel Blake
Faith Vishakha Bledsoe
Hunter Barrett Bly
Brooklyn Marie Boley
Christopher Scott Bonnel
Elexis Denise Bouldin
Brady Jackson Bown
Viviana Marie Bozich
Jackson Tanner Branson
Braden Kyle Braun
Paige Jacklyn Brill
Adilynn Jolea Brooner
Nevaeh Marie Brown
Taleah Renee Brown
Kenny Dong Bui
Cash Thomas Bulloc
Keyonna Latrice Bullock
Charger Aaron Bundridge
Noah Warren Campbell
Jared Ernesto Caraveo
Ethen James Carlton
Alyssa Paige Carver
John Warren Cassidy
Angelo Santana Castilleja
Owen Maddox Chambers
Riley Daniel Champ
Amanda Marie Chaney
Annabelle Kate Chevalier
Brennen Thomas Chidester
Victoria Elizabeth Chitwood
Nevaeh Lynn Clausen
Mia Elizabeth Cole
Caleb Matthew Collins
Evan Carter Colson
Trace Kenneth Compton
Brylie Amani Cook
Trystyn Eryn Cooper
Jocelynn Andrea Cortez
Zachary Daniel Cota
Daniel Lawrence Coughtry
Kein Whispern Crain
Kaden Riley Crandall
Mallory Lynn Crane
Logan Hue James Crook
Jackson Robert Michael Crosley
Melynda Jean Cross
Ty Lewis Culp
Sturgis William Cumberford IV
Mason Lane Cygan
Josie Lynne Daniels
Mattie Lynn Daniels
Bradley Steven Darling
Aedan Thomas Davila
Levi Vilroy Davis
MacKenzie Ashlynn Davis
Rowdy Alan Davis
Adalia Grace Del Real
Devon Tyler DeMink
Andrew Lewis DeMonbrun
Clara Marie DeMoro
Daniel Calvin Dent
Joseph Anthony Dicarlo
George Matthew Dickensheets
Matthew Roger Ditzler
Bailey Rose Dougan
Emma Leann Downs
Maddox Dean Dresslaer
Gwendolyn Denise Duckett
Phoebe Cate Duplantis
Jackson Kennedy Lee Easum
Mayla Hope Eldridge
Dylan Lane Elliott
Kaydence Elise Emry
Mason Gabriel Enlow
Cody Ellis Farnsworth
Ava LeeAnn Ferguson
Kaden Noah Ferman
Adan  Ferrer
Hudson Hugh Flowers
Aidan John Foley
Drake Jameson Ford
Broden John Frederick
Alexander Scott Fuhrman
Jordan Michael Fuller
Kayla Marie Gallagher
Blake Matthew Galvan
Kira Delaney Geib
Addison Lucile George
Ally Jo Gilbert
George Coen Gille
Jonathan Manuel Gonzalez
Alebrick Eugene Goodrich
Korbyn Cyrus Goodwin
Marli Jean Gorbet
Tre Jean Gorham
Jordan Mari Gossage
Justice Louise Goulden
Amyah Marie Graybill
Logan Hunter Greco
Emma Catherine Greene
Landry Jean Groes
Emerson Irene Guthrie
Mackenzie Rose Haase
Madison Jo Haislip
Salomé Eve Haley
Abigail Virginia Hampton
Lillian Elizabeth Haney
Carter Wade Harmsen
Taylor Marie Harp
Damian Joseph Harris
Jaliyah Le'Shaye Harris
Pyper Lily Hartigan
Kelsey Emmaline Harvey
Kirsten Bailey Haskins
Katie Mae Hattey
Italia Paige Haywood
Robert Caden Hayworth
Bailey Leigh Hendrickson
Brithany Gissell Herrera Perdomo
Samantha Elizabeth Hight
Mason Isaiah Hill
Rylee Hannah Belle Hinchey
Simon Taylor Horton
Chloe Elina Houg
Matthew Ryan Howell
Tucker Lee Hughes
Colton Scott Hursh
Toby Christian Inman
Maximilian Michael Johnson
Adrian Michael Johnston
Jordin Faith Johnston
Roman Daniel Juba
Aidan James Kalthoff
Asa Jeremiah Keim
Camryn Paige Kelly
Reese Elizabeth Kenyon
Canvas Joy Kephart
Olivia Perrin Kerr
Joshua Aidan Kester
Milee Grace Keys
Ta'Ron Tamar King
Reese Ann Knox
Tyler Austin Krueger
Ava Grace Kusick
Owen Ryan Landero
Makynzye Nikole Lank
Maddalynn Louise Lawson
Megan Audrey Legate
Dennis Patrick Leonard III
Brennan Roman Lipowicz
Brooke Madison Lockwood
Isabel Grace Lopez
Brianna Sophia Lukens
Alexander  Luna
Jack Carl Lundberg
MaKenzie Ann Maggio
Elizabeth Mae Malicoat
Jenna Leigh Manning
Cuyler Dean Marler
Madison Dawn Martinez
Bailey Lyndsey Mason
Taelor Marie Mason
Hayley Elizabeth Maybell
Johnathan Ronald Mayernik
Eric Scott McColgin Jr.
Cara Grace McHardie
Gabriel Antonio Meier
Michael Andrew Melching
Jennifer Leigh Melton
Tyler Benjamin Melton
Isaiah Nicholas Tuala Menzsa
Christopher Robert Meredith
Addison Linn Miller
Brody Anderson Miller
Jack Winston Miller
Eli John Monrian
Alexis Marie Moore
Jacob Mitchel Moore
Makenna Mae Lulivee Moore
Matthew Bailey Morgan
Oscar Vaughn Morgan
Kyleigh Ann Morris
Suraya  Muhammadi
Makenna Marie Mullen
Allison Grace Muller
Emily Carol Muller
Addison Margaret Sue Myers
Nevaeh Tnes Myers
Myah Lee Myrick
Braden James Nati
Reese Lee Naudet
Steven Eugene Nelson Jr.
Carson Michael Newsom
Adyson Mae Nichols
Raven  Nickason
Bria Fontanos Omambac
Alexander Ryan Osborn
Makayla Ann Otto
Benjamin Aggeler Page
Robert N.T. Palmer Jr
Kierstin Makenzie Parker
Colston Mario Parks
Lexie Carmen Pasley
Evan Michael Patrick
Micah Lael Pearson
Ostin Andre Perkins
Chloe Elizabeth Perry
Sabrina Marie Perry
Douglas Raymond Peters
Isaac James Pittman
Lauren Cameron Pittsenbarger
Matiece De'Anthony Poke
Addison Elizabeth Powell
Megan Kathleen Prestia
Maddison Mikaela Priem
Blayden Lee Pruett
Jillian Reagan Quick
Hillary K.Ellen Rennells
Amelia Skye Reynolds
Allison Nicole Richardson
Marisa Leann Riggle
Joseph Cooper Ripley
Micah Joseph Roach
Kenzley Jaida Jane Roark
David Devell Roberson Jr
Trenton Andrew Rock
Rylie Olivia Rogers
Ryan Joseph Rohr
Sarah Ezabella Ruiz
Isabelle Rae Salsman
Kane Alexander Santana
Remington Allen Schieber
Ryan Exzavier Schmalzbach
Nathan Glenn Schmidt
Akira Lee Schwinefus
Lillian Grace Sharp
Robert John Sheldon III
Carson Paul Shellito
Jaeda Cherice Simpson
Theodore Allen Simpson
Trenton Lee Sinn
Brady James Smith
Maxwell Scott Snyder
Brooklyn Reese Spencer
Kylie Ann Steele
Isabelle Marie Steward
Vanessa Nichole Stitt
Holden Reid Stoerner
Sierra Alana Stone
Elizabeth Leann Storck
Alison Mae Temples
Shawn Andrew Thomas
Chloe Lynn Thompson
Yvette  Torres Osuna
Nicholas Keith Turney
Alayna Irene Power Tuttle
Alexander James Tuttle
Jeralyn Joy Twiehaus
Ayannah Amor Vaughn
Ryan Edward Venable
Riley Michelle Wade
Kylee Nicole Waggerman
Caiden Ryan Waite
Cyrus Alan Wampler
Gavin Ellis Wardrip
Emma Christine Ware
Brayden Cliff Warren
Tavian Randall Watson
Isabella Lee Webster
Megan Jeanne Weidt
Harrison Kenneth Ronsley Wells
Alainah May Whitehead
Melaina Nicole Wilcox
Aidan Christopher Wilson
Jason JiaJia Wilson
Isaiah Gabriel Winston
Hope Marie Wise
Emory Paige Wolfe
Lukas Steven Wolff
Aiden Robert Woodrome
Garrett Lee Wright
Evie Claire Wyatt
Nathan Corey Zades

The following students from Sni Valley Academy received their diplomas in a graduation ceremony held at Grain Valley High School last week:

2025 Sni Valley Academy Graduates:
​Jaylynn Brooke Adams
Cadence May Allen
Emily Jo Azam
Anthony Duane Bergeron
La'mya Nicole Boldridge
Ema-Lou  Nerkeliunas
Shaynna Lynn Marie Brooker
Gracelyn Jean-Irene Buxton
Evermon Frederick Cage
Tyrin Avant Ziair Carrillo
Hailey Jolene Diggs
Christopher Mason Dinwiddie
Hunter Raymond Francis
Eva Nicole Hall
Preston Scott Hobart
Zander Zebulon Holmes
Zayda Angeline Holmes
Gabriel Cole Kraemer
Sola Donya Law
Mackenzy Ann Mace
John Taylor Marlow
Brian Michael Martin II
Haley Elizabeth Nicholson
Allyson Marie Otto
Kendall Roxanne Paschal
Kyle Joshua Pemberton-Wells
Austin Daniel Perkins
Joyce Louise Perry
Cheyenne Star Iris Reed
Brayden William Rold
Dennie Randall Salsbury
Marlo Elaine Soldi
Isabella Faye Strup
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The 2025 graduates of Sni Valley Academy. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
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Mavericks have work to do after 4-3 loss to Walleye Saturday night

5/19/2025

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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


The Kansas City Mavericks have quite a mountain to climb when their Western Conference Championship Finals series resumes Tuesday night in Toledo. 

The Mavericks dug quite a hole at home, losing both games to the Walleye.

Toledo blanked the Mavericks 2-0 Thursday night and used an early 2-0 first-period lead Saturday night to hold on for a 4-3 victory.

Games 3 and 4 – and 5 if needed – will played on the road, where O'Had's Mavericks thrived this season.

“It's not a two-game series,” an upbeat O'Had said, following Saturday night's loss. “It's a best-of-seven series, and we need to get a win Tuesday night at Toledo.

“Our guys like playing on the road. There is a lot of camaraderie and time to bond. Right now, the most important game in this series is the next one.

“They took that early 2-0 lead and we came right back and tied it 2-2 (on Max Andreev's power-play goal).
“And we had a lot of (scoring) opportunities we didn't take advantage of. Our guys know what we have to do Tuesday, and I believe we can make this a 2-1 series.”

Toledo's Mitchell Lewandowski opened the scoring at 1:49 of the first period, followed by a Jalen Smereck goal at 4:07. 

Kansas City answered back, as Charlie Wright ripped home a goal at 7:34, and Andreev tied it at 12:15. “We know what we have to do Tuesday, and we're ready,” Wright said. “Our special teams were amazing tonight (two power-play goals and the penalty kill unit did not allow a goal when Toledo was on four power plays).

“We're going to face a big challenge and we're ready for it.”

Trenton Bliss  scored the Walleyes' third first-period goal to make it a 3-2 game going into the second 20 minutes of play.

Kansas City tied the game again at 1:21 of the second period when Casey Carreau scored the Mavericks' second power-play goal of the game.

Then, with just 6:16 left in regulation, Colby Ambrosio delivered the game winner.

Following his goal, he skated to mid ice and bowed to Mavericks fans, who did not appreciate the Toledo forward's brash celebration.

Kansas City's Jack LaFontaine, who entered the game with an 8-3 playoff record and 1.34 goals against average, stopped 25 of 29 shots.

Carter Gylander stopped 24 shots to earn the win for Toledo.
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Kansas City defender Charlie Wright celebrates after scoring a goal in Saturday night's 4-3 loss to the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL's Western Conference Finals at Cable Dahmer Arena. Photo courtesy Eli Ralls
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Two super sophomore throwers head into District competition Saturday

5/17/2025

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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

​

When it comes to the javelin competition at Grain Valley High School, two super sophomores are making quite a name for themselves.

Madison Rust earned her sixth gold medal at Monday's Suburban White Conference meet with a throw of 41.79 meters while Molly Jones finished third with a 35.94 effort.

The dynamic duo has either earned either first or second in four meets this season and believe the best is yet to come. The Eagles will wrap up a busy week when they take part in the Class 5 District 7 track and field championship Saturday at Lee's Summit North High School and they are eager to continue their successful season.

The conference meet at Belton was supposed to take place last Friday, but rain postponed the meet until Monday.

“I don't really care that we only have four days to get ready for district,” said Rust, who also plays softball, basketball and is a wide receiver/quarterback on the flag football team.


“We've rearranged our schedule a little bit, and that's fine. All our throwers are ready to go. It was great to have so much success at conference, but now, it's district time and we want to do our best.”


Jones, who also plays softball and swims, agrees.


"I look forward to competition at our meets because I compete against the No. 1 javelin thrower in the state every day at practice,” Jones said, referring to Rust. 
“And while our success is great, the friendship we've developed is even better."

“We've played softball together the past two seasons, but Madison is a center fielder and I'm a pitcher, so we don't have the connection we do with the javelin.

“Now. We're friendly rivals and really good friends. I don't know if we would have had our friendship if it hadn't been for track and field.”

Rust agreed, adding, “We talked some in softball, but like she said, we're together every day practicing or competing with the javelin, and we love it!"

“I think she makes me a better thrower, and I'd like to think I make her a better thrower because we're competing against each other.

“We get serious when it comes time to practice, and all the other times we're having fun, talking to each other and waiting for another big throw.”
​

Senior Alyssa Carver is the No. 1 pole vaulter in the state with a 3.75 meter effort. She holds the Eagles school record in the vault and ranks among the top 100 prep vaulters in the nation.
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Madison Rust, left, and Molly Jones finished first and third, respectively, in Monday's Suburban White Conference Track and Field Championship. The Eagles' super sophs are hoping to enjoy more success Saturday at district competition at Lee's Summit North High School. Photo courtesy Grain Valley High School track and field team. 
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Eagles girls soccer captures share of conference title with 4-2 win over Truman

5/17/2025

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by Michael Smith


It appeared the Grain Valley girls soccer team’s chances of winning a Suburban White Conference title were slipping away.

With a win, Grain Valley would clinch at least a share of the conference title with Platte County, who also had a 12-1 record coming into Thursday.

The Eagles were in a battle with Truman, who held a 2-1 lead going into the final 30 minutes of the game. Up until that point, Grain Valley had several opportunities to score but shots were going over or wide of the Truman goal.

It desperately needed a goal. Senior Mia Cole stepped up to provide it. A long throw in from junior Radleigh Childers bounced a couple of times and ended up in front of the Truman net. The ball bounced high enough for Cole to knock in a header with 14 minutes and 30 seconds left to tie the game.

That jump started a scoring spurt of three goals for the Eagles as they overcame a deficit to win 4-2 at Moody Murray Memorial Field and clinched a share of the conference title.

“That was huge because we were in a rut,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said of Cole’s goal. “Everything was going over, at the keeper or wide. We were allergic to the goal today.”

Cole credited Childers for the opportunity at the goal. The junior specializes the long throw ins in the attacking third of the field.

“Rad had a great throw in,” Cole said. “She has had a ton of those this year. We knew we had to score. It wasn’t only to win conference, but it was also Senior Night. We needed to boost out confidence before districts.”

Childers scored the go-ahead goal with 8:24 remaining as a direct free kick from senior Ally Gilbert hit off the chest of Truman goalkeeper Camren Pennington. The ball leaked out to Childers, who had her back to the goal. She turned a fired in a close-range shot to give her team the lead for good at 3-2.

Junior Avery Stumpenhaus added an insurance goal about four minutes later when she received a cross from Childers and she made a tap in near the left side of the net for a two-goal lead.

“She has mostly played defense this year, but there are times I slide her up and she has made things happen,” Lewis said of Stumpenhaus.

Before Grain Valley’s three goals in the final 15 minutes, Truman’s defense made it difficult for Grain Valley to get clean looks inside the 18-yard box. The Patriots packed the middle of the field and focused on stopping Childers, which helped force several missed shots from the Eagles (17-2, 13-1 conference).

The Eagles struck first when Childers received a through ball from Cole and slipped a shot past a challenging Pennington and into the net in the 11th minute for a 1-0 lead.

However, about three minutes later, Truman freshman Kadyn Roady stole the ball from an Eagles’ ball handler and put in a breakaway attempt to tie it at 1-1.

Patriots junior Breia Lowry scored in a similar fashion in the 51st minute when she started a counterattack after stealing the ball and she scored on a breakaway to put Truman ahead 2-1 before Grain Valley started its comeback.

“They played really well today,” Stumpenhaus said of Truman. “We didn’t expect it to be this close. We beat them 8-0 last time, so we thought it would be an easy game. They came out and smacked us in the face.”

The Eagles will now turn their attention to the Class 4 District 6 tournament as they will be the No. 2 seed and will face Blue Springs (3-15) on May 20 at Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School. The Eagles defeated the Wildcats earlier in the season 2-1 after winning a shootout.

​“Blue Springs is the best No. 7 seed in the state,” Lewis said. “It was unfortunate how the seeding worked. We didn’t have a Zoom meeting, we filled out a Google form and voted. I think people looked at their record and thought they weren’t very good but didn’t see the actual results. They only lost by one goal in their losses against really good teams. They’re a good team. We have to be ready to fight and battle.”

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Grain Valley senior Mia Cole scored the tying goal in the 65th minute to help Grain Valley overcome a 2-1 deficit and defeat Truman 4-2 Thursday at home. The win gave Grain Valley a share of the Suburban White Conference title. Photo credit: Michael Smith
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Toledo blanks Mavericks 2-0

5/17/2025

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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


The Kansas City Mavericks opened Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals with a 2-0 loss to the visiting Toledo Walleye.

The Mavericks entered the finals following a 4-0 sweep of the Tahoe Lake Monsters. It was not the start coach Tad O'Had hoped for, but he said there is no reason to push the panic button.

"Our guys are fine," O'Had said. "There's a reason this is a best-of-seven series. We didn't take advantage of our (scoring) opportunities tonight.

"That's something we will address. And we will be ready for Game 2. Saturday, our focus will be on playing like we did against Tahoe."

The Mavericks swept the Knight Monsters 4-0 in the series and outscored Tahoe 17-4. Goaltender Jack LaFontaine had two shutouts in the series and entered Thursday night's game with a 1.28 goals against average.

But the Walleye scored two heart-breaking goals in a 20-second span in the third period following two scoreless periods that featured the type of physical play that often comes in a championship series.

Toledo's Matt Anderson slapped his own rebound into the back of the net at 2:51 and Cold Gallant added a slapshot at 3:11 to account for the only goals in the game.

"At times we were a little disjointed out there tonight," O'Had said. "Both teams played a hard 60 minutes. We need to find a way to put the puck in the back of the net Saturday night."

Earlier in the week Mavericks captain David Cotton talked about Kansas City's Game 1 loss to Tulsa in the opening round of the playoffs.

"We lost that game, but we learned so much from that loss," Cotton said. "And we'll look at film and find out what we need to do to be successful in our second game. Two very good teams are in this series. It's tough to see Jack get a loss (after he stopped 32 of 34 shots on goal). We're all happy that Game 2 will be at home (at 6:05 p.m. Saturday)."

Cotton encouraged Mavericks fans to fill Cable Dahmer Arena Saturday.

"We feed off our fans' energy," Cotton said. "The fans who were here tonight were incredible. They know how, and really follow the game. We want this place full Saturday night. It's a seven-game series, but it's so important to come away from these two games with at least one win."

Toledo outshot Kansas City 34-25, including a 14-9 edge in the second period and 8-6 in the third.  

​Toledo goaltender Jan Bednar stopped all 25 shots he faced to earn the shutout win.
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City Wide Clean Up Event set for SatURDAY, May 31st

5/15/2025

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On Saturday, May 31, the City of Grain Valley will host its annual City Wide Clean Up Event from 8:00am - 2:00pm. The collection site will be located at the Public Works Facility on James Rollo Drive.

Grain Valley residents may drop off:
- Mattresses
- Old/unwanted furniture
- Metal
- Lawn Mowers (all fluids must be drained)
- Home decor
- Mirrors
- TVs and other electronics
- Scrap wood & similar items

All loose items MUST be bagged up. No hazardous waste items accepted at this event! Participants must reside within city limits.

The City is also accepting reservations for curbside pick-up for seniors (65+) as part of the upcoming City Wide Clean-Up. Pick-ups will take place on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, and are limited to one truckload per household.

To qualify, residents must live within city limits and be on the senior billing plan with the Utility Billing Division. Requests must be submitted by Friday, May 23, to receive this free service.

​Contact Public Works to be added to the pickup list by calling (816) 847-0091.
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Board of Aldermen meeting recap

5/15/2025

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by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
 

The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, May 12 for their only meeting of the month. The meeting consisted of one item of previous business, two items of new business, one presentation, two resolutions, and two ordinances.

After opening the meeting and hearing from two citizens regarding the ordinance limiting parking in rear yards, the board began in previous business, approving a new liquor license for Iron Kettle Taphouse.

The board then moved on to new business, beginning with appointing Alderman Ryan Skinner as Mayor Pro-Tem, and assigning board liaison positions. Then, the board discussed an application for a wholesale liquor license for JC Arandas, which will be voted on at the next meeting.

Cory Unrein, Director of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, delivered a presentation of the chamber’s highlights from the past year. Unrein outlined the programs and services provided by the chamber to the business community and reported a 28 percent increase in new membership over the past 12 months.

Following the presentation, the board moved on to resolutions. The first resolution the board approved reappoints Norm Combs, Shawn Brady, and Mike McCurdy to the Parks and Recreation Board for three-year terms.
             
For the second resolution, the board approved the appointment of Darin Chance and Tyler Wells to fill unexpired terms on the Parks and Recreation Board.

Next, the board took action on the second reading of two ordinances. The first ordinance passed by the board approves a conditional use permit for a vehicle tow yard.

The second ordinance read by the board would amend section 400.290 of city code to limit parking in the rear yard. Before voting on the motion, a motion was made to adjourn into executive session to discuss legal issues regarding the ordinance. The board adjourned into executive session and came back ten minutes later and the ordinance was passed 4-2 with Aldermen Bray and Knox voting no.

Following this, meeting was then adjourned. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on Monday, June 9 at 6:30 pm inside City Hall. 

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Two Grain Valley alumni making history with Ottawa UniversITY track & field

5/15/2025

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Reprinted with permission of Ottawa University

Salina, KAN. - 
The Ottawa men's and women's track & field teams concluded their season at the KCAC Championships held at Kansas Wesleyan University, and to say they made history would be an understatement.

The women's team, after finishing second the past two years, finally achieved the impossible. In the closest finish in women's KCAC history, they were able to outlast the University of St. Mary to win the first outdoor conference championship in program history.  Along the way, they set two KCAC Championship records, six more school records, and recorded a total 10 NAIA national championship qualifying standards.

The women were led by KCAC Athlete of the Year Jayonna Perry, a junior from Grain Valley, who contributed 40.5 of the 165 total points, as well as senior Jordyn Weems, also from Grain Valley, who contributed 35.

Perry's two days of action resulted in (not including preliminary rounds):
  • High jump: 2nd place—1.66m (5' 5.25").  NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • Long jump: 1st place—5.8m (19' ½").  NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 100m hurdles: 1st place—14.26 seconds.  School record & NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 400m: 3rd place—56.66
  • 400m hurdles: 1st place—1:03.17. NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 4x400m relay: 1st place—3:52.02. KCAC championship record, school record, NAIA national championship qualifying standard

Weems' results over the two-day meet weren't much different.  Her two-day resume (not including preliminary rounds) resulted in:
  • Long jump: 3rd place—5.75m (18' 10.5"). NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 4x100m relay: 1st place—46.65. KCAC Championship record, school record, NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 100m: 3rd place—11.79. School record & NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 400m: 2nd place—56.61. NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 200m: 1st place—24.3. School record & NAIA national championship qualifying standard
  • 4x400m relay: 1st place—3:52.02. KCAC championship record, school record, NAIA national championship qualifying standard

The women's team was projected to finish no higher than second place.  Even the KCAC's website, in a meet-preview article released last week, projected them to finish fifth. In order achieve the impossible, it was going to require more than just Weems and Perry to perform their best—it was going to take a true team effort—and this team rose to the occasion.  The women's team recorded a total of 26 lifetime-best performances, many of which contributed to the team's overall score:
  • Jah-Nisha Campbell took 5th in the 200 (25.12-PR), 5th in long jump (5.59m-PR), 8th in the 400 (1:00.08-PR), tied for 5th in high jump (1.56m) and was a member of both the 4x100 and 4x400m relays.
  • Tanzania Barnes placed 4th in the 400 (57.76-PR), 4th in the 400m hurdles (1:06.83-PR) and was a member of the 4x400m relay.
  • Roy'Janae Brown was 5th in the 100 (12.06-PR), 3rd in the 200 (24.85-PR), and was a member of the 4x100m relay.
  • Saraiah Ervin tied for 5th in the high jump with a lifetime best of 1.56m and placed 8th in the javelin with a throw of 33.65m.
  • Aba Sam placed 4th in long jump (5.74m-PR) 2nd in the triple jump (12.02m-PR & school record), and was a member of the 4x100m relay team.
  • Kena Leonard took 4th in the shot put with a throw of 11.96m.
  • Ciera Hutton-Spieker placed second in the discus with a personal-record throw of 39.93m.
  • Zoie Means-Thomas finished 6th in discuss with a personal-record throw of 37.62m.
  • Rian Boub placed 4th in the javelin with a throw of 39.95m.

Coach Whittaker had this to say about the teams' massive performances: "I'm still at a loss for words.  I tell our team every year that the training plan is designed so that we are performing our best at the most important time of the year, but I've never seen anything like this. When it comes to the number of PR's, the clutch moments, the response to adversity, and the ability to handle the most high-pressure situation of their entire careers (particularly knowing that we had to win the 4x400 to win the championship), Friday was the single greatest day of track and field I've ever witnessed—not just from teams I've coached—from any team.  I can't believe I get to be the one they share it with." 

JayOnna Perry was named the KCAC Athlete of the Meet and Coach Whittaker was named the Women's Outdoor Coach of the Year.

The men's team didn't win a team title, instead finishing in 6th place overall, but their competition wasn't without some major fireworks of their own.

While the women's team had 26 lifetime best performances, the men had another 14 of their own, with the most heart-pounding highlight coming in the men's 100m final:  

Domonic Atkinstall, the defending KCAC 100m champion, had not run a fast enough time yet this season to be ranked in the top 10 in the conference.  Atkinstall, however, is used to being the underdog.  He has won the last 3 short-sprint titles (2024 indoor 60m, 2024 outdoor 100m, and 2025 indoor 60m), yet he was never the favorite. At this year's outdoor championship, the outcome of the 100m final was expected to be different, as there were now two other athletes ranked ahead of him who had both run faster than Domonic's lifetime best.  None of it mattered.  In a photo finish, Atkinstall somehow crossed the line before everyone else, defending his title and scoring 10 points for the team. 

Other scoring highlights from the men's competition include:
  • Domonic Atkinstall finished 3rd in the 200 (21.33-PR)
  • Jaden Thatcher finished 8th in the 110m hurdles (15.4-PR)
  • The men's 4x100m relay team of Daniel Campbell, Domonic Atkinstall, Casey Evink, and Isaiah Schell finished 3rd with a time of 41.83.
  • The 4x400m relay team of Daniel Blount, Chase Hight, Matthias Bessey, and Isaiah Schell finished 7th with a time of 3:28.79.
  • Daniel Blount took second in the high jump (2.01m) and 5th in triple jump (14.16-PR).
  • Hadyn Bieling placed 5th in long jump (7.12m-PR).
  • Chase Hight finished 5th in javelin with a throw of 57.03m.

The Braves will officially conclude their season at the NAIA outdoor championships at Indiana Wesleyan University May 21-23. 


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Looking Back: The 1990s

5/15/2025

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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

 
Where to begin? Grain Valley saw many changes during the decade of the 1990's. While some people view change as an opportunity for growth, others view change as threating and disorientating. Grain Valley was no different in the 1990's. If you are a fan of “growth,” our little town certainly grew from 1,901 in 1990 to just over 9,100 in 2000, again depending on which census you look at for this information. 

Back in 1988 when Grain Valley added 1,100 acres from the original Sni-A-Bar Farms, the size of our town more than doubled. So, it makes sense that many homes and businesses, AND PEOPLE were also added. Some residents thought this was a good thing; others fought the growth. We defeated a jail being built in our town and when Adams Dairy Parkway was being constructed, we allowed Blue Springs to have the land for commercial growth and we got the land for homes; more people, less taxes.

Some major happenings and highlights from the 1990s included:
  • The Middle School moved to AA Highway, later renamed Eagles Parkway.
  • In 1991, the Grain Valley Historical Society was established.
  • In 1993, citizens and some businesses fought the Metropolitan Calling Plan from Southwestern Bell which would have allow toll free calls to the KC Metro area.  Some people didn’t want to change their phone number.  I assume they didn’t have friends to call throughout the metro!
  • In 1994, the City of Grain Valley converted to computerized water billing!
  • Also in June 1994, the East Kansas City Airport Annual Air Show was held. The event celebrated its’ 32nd year and attracted a few thousand people.
  • In 1994, the city discussed buying the Valley Golf Course and turning it into a city golf course, aquatic and entertainment center.  Unfortunately, it didn’t happen!
  • In 1995, the Middle School moved to Ryan Road and the second phase of the building was added to become GVHS.
  • In 1995, CJC Fire Protection District began their move to a new Station on Eagles Parkway.
  • In 1996, the first senior class graduated from the NEW high school on Eagles Parkway.
 
By the end of the 90's the Millennials were busy with the latest Sony game PlayStation, while their parents were learning to “surf the web.”

After all, in the decade that began with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War in Kuwait, the decade of the 90's ended with cable TV and satellite dishes. And somewhere in between we also got the OJ trial, President Bill Clinton, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Blockbuster, and cell phones! And don’t forget, “Home Alone”, “Dances with Wolves,” “Pretty Woman,” alternative music, sitcoms and the latest fashion, grunge!
 
 
We also learned Blackberrys weren’t just a fruit!

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Mavericks continue post season run Thursday night

5/15/2025

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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

While the Mavericks and Toledo did not play in the 2024-2025 regular season, Kansas City won this same series from the Walleye 4-2 in last year's playoff series.

"We haven't seen them since last season, so you know they're going to be ready to go - looking for revenge and getting a win at our place," said forward Max Andreev, who had two goals in Kansas City's 6-0 victory over Tahoe in the Mavericks sweep of the Knight Monsters in the Mountain Division Finals.

"And we know what to expect from Toledo. There's a reason they've been in the playoffs the past five seasons. Coach has us ready to go, and I think you can tell from today's practice, we're ready to go, too."

The Mavericks eliminated Tulsa and Tahoe in the divisional series while the Walleye defeated Indy and Fort Wayne to advance to the Kelly Cup semifinals.

"Today was a spirited practice," O'Had said. "You've watched us this season, and the way we practiced today is the way we played against Tulsa and Toledo.

"What can you say about that series with Toledo?" asked O'Had, after the Mavericks outscored the Knight Monsters 17-4 and did not allow an even-series goal. "Wow! When I think of that series, I think of consistency."

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He then added a metaphor that summed up regular and postseason series.

"Our team is like a Coke can," the coach explained. "When you see a can of Coke, you know what to expect. The product is consistent and never changes. We faced some adversity in the Tulsa series, but I think that led to the way we've played since they beat us 4-2 in the first game. 

"Throughout the two (postseason) season series, you could see our guys' confidence grow game by game. And we want to take that momentum into Thursday's game."

Captain David Cotton, who is tied with Damien Giroux for the postseason lead in scoring with 10 points each, said the Mavericks learned so much from the Game 1 loss to Tulsa.

"Everyone in the room knew we played a good 40 minutes of hockey," Cotton said, "but we didn't play good hockey for 60 minutes and they score three goals in the third period to get the win.

"But we bounced back. That loss made us realize the importance of playing three solid periods - and that's what we've done - especially in our series against Tahoe."

Cotton grinned when asked about the spirited practice earlier in the week.

"This is the time of year you love to play hockey," Cotton said. "We can't wait to get to the rink. And when you look at the past two series, it was a total team effort. Laffer (goaltender Jack Lafontaine) has been playing out of his mind, and we all want to reward him for his effort by giving him 100 percent every time we are on the ice."

LaFontaine is tied for the ECHL lead in playoff wins (8) and leads the pack in shutouts (4). He has an 8-2 playoff record and enters Thursday's game with a 1.28 goals against average.

Both O'Had and LaFontaine said there is no reason to fear mental or physical anguish, despite LaFontaine starting all 10 playoff games. 

"This is the postseason, this where we want to be," LaFontaine said. "I'm focused and ready for Thursday. We're home and we can't wait to play in front of our fans."O'Had added, "Laffer's a gamer. Goalies play all of their playoff games in the NHL. Florida's goalie (Cam Johnson, who is 8-1 with a 1.58 goals against average) never misses a game. And Jack is so consistent, he knows how to take care of himself on and off the ice and his teammates have so much respect for him. You know they're going all they can do help our team get another win."

Cade Borchardt, who led the ECHL in goals (40) and a plus-minus rank of plus-43, leads Kansas City with seven playoff goals. He is third in team scoring with eight points.

"We're really playing good hockey now," Borchardt said. "We're home, we're looking forward to playing in front of our fans - they're the best in the league - and we're ready for anything Toledo throws at us."
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Kansas City captain David Cotton has scored 10 points this postseason to lead a potent Mavericks offense into their 7:05 p.m. Western Conference Championship Series opener against the Toledo Walleye at Cable Dahmer Arena. Photo credit: Eli Ralls
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Kansas City forward Max Andreev scored two goals in Kansas City's 6-0 win Saturday at Toledo, setting up a 7:05pm Western Conference Championship Series opener against the Toledo Walleye at Cable           Dahmer Arena. Photo credit: Eli Ralls

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Comets reflect on season, connect with fans

5/15/2025

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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

The Kansas City Comets are still trying to cope with a 2024-2025 season that started with so much promise, yet abruptly ended in the first game of the MASL Ron Newman Cup playoffs.

The Comets limped into postseason play without some key players, while others played despite injuries and illness.

The Comets finished in fourth place during the regular season with a  15-7-2 record and lost to longtime rival Milwaukee 11-7 in the playoffs.

"Injuries and illness were too much for us to overcome at the end of the season," said defender Lucas Sousa, who joined coach Stefan Stokic and many of his teammates Wednesday night at the Independence Slim Chickens, in the final meet-and-greet of the year.

"We had a good run early, then the injuries took over, and we couldn't recover. I missed so many games. We had guys who played with injuries all season and both our goalkeepers were playing with injuries at the end of the season.

"It was a sad way for our season to end. It was like, 'It's over. What do we do now?"

Sousa had a ready replay, adding, "We work hard, get ready for the next season and work hard to avoid the injuries that were impossible to overcome late in the season."

One of the bright spots of a lost season was the play of MASL veteran Guerrero Pino, who finished fourth in the league with 49 blocked shots.

"The best way to deal with the past is to work hard this offseason and be ready for our next season," Pino said. "Coach will have us prepared. He did an amazing job getting us into the playoffs with all the things our team had to deal with.

"We have some exciting young players on the team and I hope our core of veteran players will be back next season. I can't wait for it to begin."

Neither can one of those exciting newcomers, midfielder Henry Ramirez.

"We want to stay healthy and play hard for Coach Stokic next season," Ramirez said. "My first year was the COVID year, then I tore my ACL and missed that season, and missed the following season (because of rehab).

"This past season, I was able to practice with the guys in preseason and managed to play (in 15 games). 

"It's great getting back with the guys tonight, because we're all talking about the same thing - winning a championship next season."

That has always been the goal of Stokic, who was a player when the Comets won the MISL championship back in 2013-2014.

"I have always believed a team I coach could win a championship," said Stokic, who is in the last year of his contract with the Comets. "That's why last year was so frustrating and disappointing.

"We played so well when we were healthy, and then, we had so many players who were injured or dealing with health issues.

"We wanted to head into the playoffs with a lot of momentum, and that didn't happen, and all of a sudden, our season came to an end.

"It just ended. And now, it is time to get ready for next season."

Stokic is going to be working with his staff once a week heading into the preseason. He is working on a 3-month program for his players and he is taking a new attitude into 2025.

"I will only play a player if he is 100 percent healthy," the coach said. "If he is not 100 percent healthy, he is out of the picture. I want to win every game, but it is not worth playing someone who is not ready to play because of an injury."

Mikey Lenis, a midfielder whose star continues to rise, said he in for the long haul with the Comets.

"I love this team, I love my teammates and my coaches and I just bought a house in Kansas City," Lenis said.

"No one is happy with the way last season ended and we feel like we have unfinished business to take care of.

"It's great to visit with our fans tonight, because they are so encouraging.

​"Now, I am doing everything I can to stay in shape and get ready for the 2025 season. We're all ready - we can't wait!"
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Kansas City Comets midfielder Mikey Lenis visits with a group of fans from Grain Valley as he and his teammates participate in the team's last meet-and-greet of the year at Slim Chickens in Independence. Photo credit: Bill Althaus




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Kansas City Comets head coach Stefan Stokic brought his family, from left, Ikonia, Aleksandar and Stefania, to the team's last meet-and-greet of the season. Stokic and several members of the Comets visited with fans at Slim Chickens in Independence. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
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Grain Valley middle school student and longtime Kansas City Comets fan, Caffrey Courter, visits with Eric Pereira at Slim Chickens in Independence Wednesday night. Pereira and many of his Comets teammates visited with fans during the MASL team's final meet-and-greet of the season. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
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Living Gluten-Free: When It’s a Must, Not a Maybe

5/15/2025

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by Tara Sallee MS, RD, LD

Gluten-free eating isn’t just a fad—it’s a necessity for those with celiac disease. While some people go gluten-free by choice, for others, even a tiny crumb of wheat can trigger serious health issues. May is Celiac Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this autoimmune condition that affects millions. So, whether you’re living gluten-free, know someone who is, or just wonder why your friend quizzes the waiter about cross-contamination, let’s uncover the wheat-free truth!

  1. What is Gluten? Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that gives bread its chewy goodness. For those with celiac disease, a small nibble of gluten can send the immune system into full-blown attack mode, damaging the gut and causing all sorts of not-so-fun symptoms, like stomach pain, fatigue, brain fog, and more.
  2. Gluten Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease: Gluten intolerance means your body doesn’t tolerate gluten-containing foods, and it will display with pesky little symptoms - but it’s not life-threatening. Celiac disease, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the intestines when gluten is ingested. It’s not just an upset stomach, it’s serious business! While both require avoiding gluten, celiac disease means zero tolerance—no sneaky crumbs allowed! Note: If gluten doesn’t bother you, there’s no knead to ditch it. But if you notice bloating, fatigue, or other issues after eating gluten, you might have a sensitivity, and it’s worth a discussion with your doctor.
  3. Building Gluten Free Meals: Going gluten-free doesn’t mean surviving on sadness and lettuce. Swap in whole, naturally gluten-free foods like quinoa, sweet potatoes, rice, and lean proteins. Add some fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and you’ve got balanced, delicious options that happen to be gluten-free. Of course, gluten-free products have come a long way over the years—with brands like Siete Foods bringing the flavor (hello, grain-free tortillas and chips!), living gluten-free is less about missing out and more about leveling up your dinner plate.
  4. Gluten Free 101: Gluten hides in the most unexpected places. Besides the obvious bread and pasta, be aware of soy sauce, gravies, sauces, oats (unless labeled as gluten-free due to potential cross-contact), processed meats and candy. When in doubt, always check the food label.
 
Rest assured, going gluten-free—whether for celiac disease or personal health reasons—doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With numerous delicious options available, you can thrive without wheat. If you're unsure where to start or need help navigating labels, meal planning, or achieving a balanced diet, a Hy-Vee dietitian can be your go-to guide. Don’t go against the grain—reach out and find the best way to make gluten-free living easy and enjoyable.
 
  
Beef Fajitas
Serves 4
All you need:
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb. sirloin, sliced into stripes
  • 1 Siete Beef Fajita Seasoning pouch
  • 1 cup white onion, sliced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
All you do:
  1. Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high.
  2. Cook sliced beef with one seasoning pouch, onions and peppers.
  3. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. Place beef mixture atop Siete Almond Flour Tortillas and serve with desired toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and/or sour cream).
Recipe adapted from: https://sietefoods.com/blogs/recipes/beef-fajitas

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the support of our sponsors: Siete Foods and The Beef Checkoff.

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April 2025 Monthly Jobs Report

5/15/2025

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Missouri nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 6,600 jobs in April 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment decreased by 6,900 jobs and government employment increased by 300 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 4,200 jobs from April 2024 to April 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in April 2024 to 3.9 percent in April 2025.

EMPLOYMENT            
Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 2,994,600 in April 2025, down by 6,600 from the revised March 2025 figure. The March 2025 total was revised downward by 5,100 jobs from the preliminary estimate.

Goods-producing industries decreased by 600 jobs over the month, with manufacturing declining by 700 jobs and mining, logging, and construction gaining 100 jobs. Private service-providing industries declined by 6,300 jobs between March 2025 and April 2025. Employment in private service-providing industries decreased in leisure and hospitality (-1,800 jobs); other services (-1,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,100 jobs); professional and business services (-900 jobs); financial activities (-900 jobs); and information (-700 jobs). Employment increased in private education and health services (200 jobs). Total government employment increased by 300 jobs over the month, with increases in state (200 jobs) and local government (200 jobs) and a decline in federal government (-100 jobs).

Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 4,200 jobs from April 2024 to April 2025. Employment gains were in private education and health services (16,600 jobs); other services (1,300 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (600 jobs). Employment decreased in leisure and hospitality (-7,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-4,400 jobs); professional and business services (-2,900 jobs); manufacturing (-2,600 jobs); information (-2,100 jobs); and financial activities (-200 jobs). Government employment increased by 5,000 jobs over the year, with increases in state (4,200 jobs) and local (1,600 jobs) government and a decrease in federal government (-800 jobs).

UNEMPLOYMENT
            
Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9 percent in April 2025. The April 2025 rate was two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the April 2024 rate of 3.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 124,132 in April 2025, up by 3,299 from the revised March total of 120,833.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in April 2025, declining by six-tenths of a percentage point to 3.8 percent from the March 2025 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4.4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for April 2025 was 3.9 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.4 percent in April 2025, eight-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.6 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.9 percent in April 2025, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in April 2025, three-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.2 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for 10 years.
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Missouri Independent: Missouri unveils plan to transform program for students with disabilities

5/14/2025

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Missouri unveils plan to transform program for students with disabilities

by Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent
May 14, 2025

Missouri education officials are considering a plan to consolidate schools serving students with disabilities after consultants deemed the current program “not sustainable.”

Missouri is the only state to operate separate day schools for special education, dubbed the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled.

The program serves K-12 students in 34 schools statewide, with anywhere from five to 60 students in a school. Some students spend the majority of their education as a MSSD student, concerning stakeholders who prefer to integrate students with disabilities into a broader student body.

The problems with the program go beyond a desire to desegregate disabled students. The schools struggle to staff classrooms, with a quarter of roles vacant.

And many school buildings are ill-equipped, with some missing gymnasiums and nurses’ offices. The schools have a collective $50 million in deferred maintenance.

“It’s important that we have to look beyond the status quo right now that we have in Missouri, and think about how we can reimagine MSSD,” said Mark Wheatley, assistant commissioner in the office of special education with Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

For two years, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been studying the schools alongside a group of educators, parents and representatives from nonprofits. Wheatley presented the work group’s recommendations to transform MSSD in a State Board of Education meeting Tuesday. During its meeting next month, the board will be asked to approve the plan.

“If the decision is that we just need to get better at doing what we’re doing now, we are already starting that work,” Wheatley said. “But some of these bigger levers that we have to move to make the program more beneficial for more students is going to require direction from (the board).”

The work group suggests closing 24 of the 34 MSSD buildings, six of which were recently consolidated in emergency situations stemming from poor staffing and aging buildings.

Following a decline in enrollment over the past 16 years, MSSD is using under half of the space available for students.

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Consolidation would allow the department to better utilize existing buildings and renovate the aging properties. Two new buildings would be built, bringing the program to 12 schools by the end of 2036.

The cost of the construction is estimated at nearly $183 million, which lawmakers would have to fund.

The state would also have to invest in special education in public school districts. The work group hopes to create collaboratives of districts in rural areas to serve students closer to home.

“We don’t want to create a situation where kids are sent back to their local school district and the local school district is not equipped to handle them,” said Jacob Klett, an education advisor with Public Consulting Group.

Board members were largely impressed with the presentation Tuesday, calling the work “extraordinary.”

But Brooks Miller, a new board member from Sunrise Beach, questioned the longevity of the plan.

“Are we trying to design something now that’s going to take us three or four years, and then in five or six years, it’s not nearly the problem that we had when we designed it?” he asked.

Wheatley said he plans for continuous assessments and hopes to keep an active workgroup to continually study special education in Missouri.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected].

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Missouri IndepenDENT: Missouri Republicans shut down Senate debate to pass abortion ban, repeal sick leave law

5/14/2025

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Missouri Republicans shut down Senate debate to pass abortion ban, repeal sick leave law

by Rudi Keller and Clara Bates, Missouri Independent
May 14, 2025

Missouri Senate Republicans invoked a rarely used rule Wednesday to shut down a Democratic filibuster blocking a vote on a measure overturning the abortion rights amendment passed by voters in November.

That action was immediately followed by another use of the rule, this time to get a bill passed repealing the paid sick leave law that was also approved by voters.

The use of the rule — a procedural maneuver known as “calling the previous question,” or PQ — requires a signed motion from 10 members and forces an immediate vote on the bill under debate.

Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles, made the motion for a PQ on the abortion amendment shortly after 5 p.m. By 5:30 p.m., that bill, which must be approved by voters on a statewide ballot, had passed.

The sick leave repeal followed, and by 6 p.m. both bills were finished.

In the hour leading up to the vote, Democrats warned that Republicans were destroying months of good will and could expect no more cooperation this year and well into the future.

“Nothing will happen, nothing,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck. “The banner year that everybody had in this place? That is over with.”

Wednesday’s use of the previous question rule is the first time since 2020 when it was invoked and the first time since 2017 when it was used during a regular session. Used regularly in the Missouri House, it is used rarely in the Senate because the chamber has a tradition of unlimited debate and negotiations over difficult issues.

“What we’re doing today is a failure of the Senate,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Democrat from Columbia. “And when there’s a failure in the Senate, there needs to be a response, and that response can’t last forever, but that response has to happen, and it has to be painful, and has to make us all understand that when the Senate doesn’t function as a body, we all lose.”

Just as Republicans were moving to put an abortion ban on the ballot, protests erupted in the Senate gallery, with abortion-rights activists shouting down lawmakers. The gallery was briefly cleared, including the press, and the Senate continued with its work until it adjourned for the year a few hours later.

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Defiance Republican, said using the PQ is always a last resort. But it was his understanding that “goal posts were being moved” in negotiations by Democrats. 

“I don’t know what transpired, but I do know that we hit a log jam,” he said, leaving the PQ as the only way forward to pass the sick leave repeal and abortion ban. 

Abortion ban

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck speaks about negotiations on a bill that seeks to establish a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The proposed ban seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation. 

Missourians could see the question on the November 2026 ballot, or as soon as this year if the governor chose to call a special election on the issue. 

The proposed ban, if approved by a simple majority of voters, would reinstate several targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently struck down as unconstitutional by a Missouri judge. 

It would also ban gender transition surgeries and prescribing medications for gender transition, including puberty blockers, for children younger than 18.

The amendment also includes a severability clause. This could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment. 

If approved, the amendment would also require any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office was recently unsuccessful in convincing the courts to move an ongoing legal battle between the state and Planned Parenthood from Jackson County to Cole County.

The language that could appear on each ballot does not mention the amendment would ban abortions, a detail that’s been highly-criticized by Democrats as deceiving. 

Democrats have also accused Republicans of including the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which is already illegal in Missouri, as a form of “ballot candy” — a ruse aimed at tricking voters to support a measure they might otherwise vote against.  

Schroer said removal of the transgender health care provisions was a deal breaker for conservative senators. 

“We talked to a lot of our members,” he said, “and they said that issue needs to be included.” 

Amendment 3 narrowly passed in November following a multi-million dollar campaign by abortion-rights advocates. A day later, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, challenging several of Missouri’s laws focused on abortion facilities and providers.

An amendment to alter the language so it directly states that it is repealing Amendment 3 was defeated just before the motion to cut off debate.

While many sitting Republicans have previously opposed abortion exceptions outside of those to save the mother’s life, many said the November election showed Missourians’ desire for a less stringent law.

Missourians overwhelmingly support abortion exceptions for survivors, an August 2022 SLU/YouGov poll found. The polling was done several weeks after Missouri became the first state to enact a full abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Since Amendment 3 took effect, surgical abortions are being performed but medication abortions have not.

Three of the state’s several Planned Parenthood clinics have restarted surgical abortions for those up to 12 weeks gestation at clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis. 

The clinics were authorized to begin the procedure again for the first time in nearly three years after a judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations, citing them as discriminatory.

Medication abortion — the most common means of ending a pregnancy — remains inaccessible in Missouri after the state health department rejected complication plans submitted by the clinics outlining continued care for patients in the case they had any adverse effects from the medication. 

Sick leave law

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, prepares for Senate Republicans to force a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban abortion (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

If the bill is signed by the governor, the paid-sick leave benefits approved by voters that went into effect on May 1 will be stripped away on Aug. 28. 

The bill also removes the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation, which has been in place since 2007

The paid sick leave and minimum wage provisions passed with 58% of the vote in November as Proposition A, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as over 500 business owners. 

“Workers are earning paid sick leave right now,” said state Sen. Patty Lewis, a Democrat from Kansas City, “and then it’s going to get taken away and they’re going to be fired up about it.”

GOP critics have portrayed paid sick leave as a “job killer” that would hurt small businesses. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, a Republican from Jefferson City, and Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton. 

Senate Democrats have been in negotiations with Republicans over the last month to modify the bill, in what they’ve said is an effort to maintain the will of the voters in expanding paid sick leave rather than gut it entirely, as well as make it easier for businesses to comply.

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said senators have “worked tirelessly to figure out some kind of compromise.” 

The Democrats spent two nights blocking a vote on the paid sick leave repeal earlier in the session.

Under Proposition A, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year must provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project. 

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it’s a slap in the face to voters that will create “disgruntled employees” and cause “chaos” for businesses.

“Proposition A was passed so overwhelmingly, with so much support from Republican voters, it seemed that it would be so controversial in the legislature that Republican politicians would be more hesitant than they apparently are,” he said, “to overturn the will of their own voters, and cause them economic pain.”

The message lawmakers are sending is: “They don’t believe that you deserve economic security,” he added. 

It could also cause backlash for the lawmakers from districts who supported the measure, he said. 

“We’re going to make sure that workers don’t experience this as something that just happens to us without understanding these are decisions made by people, and workers have the ability to hold people accountable for those decisions,” he said.

Von Glahn said it’s not the end of the fight for paid sick leave, and advocates will consider putting it on the ballot again as a constitutional amendment, a move that would make it much harder for lawmakers to repeal. 

“I’m confident,” he said, “this is a policy that Missourians want and we’re going to continue to fight for that through every means necessary.” 

Republican fractures 

Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit, speaks on the Senate floor on Feb. 10, 2021 (screenshot courtesy of Senate Communications).

The debate Wednesday afternoon began about 12:30 p.m. and Democrats held the floor for much of the time. But near the start of the debate, state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee’s Summit Republican, aired his grievances with the leadership of Missouri Right to LIfe.

Cierpiot accused the organization, one of the most visible anti-abortion groups in the state, of focusing more on enforcing purity of thought and maintaining its influence within the GOP than writing laws acceptable to most Missourians.

Amendment 3 reinstated abortion rights lost in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. If Missouri Right to Life’s leaders had not demanded a ban with no exceptions for rape or incest, he said, Amendment 3 might have been defeated.

“Their leadership, Ms. (Susan) Klein, and Mr. (Dave) Plemmons and Mr. (Steve) Rupp have been much more interested in causing Republican brush fires over issues with much smaller or no impact on the huge effort for life,” Cierpiot said. 

The problems with Missouri Right to Life was evident in the 2024 elections when it made single-candidate endorsements, freezing out candidates who had been ardent anti-abortion legislators. The organization endorsed then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in the Republican primary for governor, then refused to endorse Republican nominee Mike Kehoe for the general election.

Other Republicans who won without the endorsement of Missouri Right to Life joined in the criticism. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, said the law triggered by the 2022 abortion decision was negotiated in spite of Missouri Right to Life, not with its help.

“I don’t know that I really care, frankly, that they didn’t endorse me,” Coleman said. “What I do care about is that they didn’t endorse Gov. Kehoe in the primary, and they didn’t endorse him in the general.”

Anna Spoerre of the Independent staff contributed to this report.

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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected].

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