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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Grain Valley girls basketball coach Randy Draper and members of his 23-1 team know there will likely be no more mercy-rule victories as the Eagles head to Columbia, Mo., for Class 6 District 7 play next week at Columbia Battle High School. The Eagles routed Raytown 69-35 Thursday night on the Blue Jays home court and earlier in the week crushed Truman 76-30. "We know we're not going to have any more wins like that," senior guard Cam Kelly said after she scored 12 points in just over a half of basketball at Raytown. "Coach has really been running some hard practices - even some where (our starters) play five on seven - and that helps get us ready for the competition we're going to see at district. "We go into every game wanted to be competitive, because we know we're going to have to play competitive ball when we play Blue Springs South next Thursday." The Eagles own 47-28 and 53-43 wins over the 7-18 Jaguars, and Addy Seyfert says those wins don't mean a thing once Class 6 District 7 District action starts at Columbia Battle High School. "Blue Springs South is a good team, and we better not even think about an easy win just because we beat them twice in the regular season," said Seyfert, who scored 16 points in less than a half of action. "We're going to be ready. We're going to have some of our toughest practices of the season next week - that's how Coach gets us ready for big games. "And tonight, before the game I told Cam to shoot all she wanted, because we're going to need everyone to contribute offensively. She does so many things to make us a better team, and tonight she goes out and scores 12 - and that's what we're going to need against South." The Eagles trademark late in the season has been opening a game with a dynamic first quarter. With Seyfert exploding for 13 points, Grain Valley took a 30-5 lead into the second quarter. "That's what I like about our team," Draper said. "Our girls set the tone early. Look at tonight, we got that big lead and never looked back. It would be nice to get a lead like that in district, but that's not realistic to think about. But when we come out with the intensity we showed tonight, we can be dangerous." The Eagles led Raytown 41-17 at halftime and took a 64-28 lead into the fourth quarter. "One of the best things about our big wins is that all our girls get to play," Seyfert said, "and when you're playing tough teams like South and the two Columbia teams (Rock Bridge and Battle) we're going to need everyone to contribute, like they have been doing all season."  Coaches, from left, Michael Hoffman, head coach Randy Draper, Brock Tiefenbrunn, Katie Kelly and Kylie Borher, along with members of the Grain Valley High School girls basketball team - Bella Bollinger, Madison Rust, Addy Seyfert, Aspen Reed and Cam Kelly - have reason to smile as they watch Eagles reserves play in the fourth quarter of a 69-35 conference win at Raytown Thursday night. It was the last regular season game of the season as the 23-1 Eagles play Blue Springs South at 7 p.m. Thursday in district action at Columbia Battle High School. Photo credit: Bill Althaus  Coach Randy Draper sends his Grain Valley girls basketball team back on the court at Raytown High School Thursday night. The Eagles finished the regular season with a 23-1 overall record and a 13-0 mark in conference play. Photo credit: Bill Althaus  The Grain Valley Fair committee and partners are finalizing plans for the 2025 First Fridays events to be held in downtown Grain Valley. The events, which feature food trucks, local vendors, and various activities, will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm on the first Friday in May, June, August, and October. No First Fridays event is planned for July as the 4th of July holiday falls on the first Friday.
Tentative themes and activities for the 2025 season include: May 2nd- Art Walk June 6th- Food Truck Throw Down August 1st- Foam Party featuring performances from Releve Performing Arts October 3rd- Cider and Smores featuring performances from Releve Performing Arts Residents should note road closures on these dates. Front Street and Gregg Street will be closed beginning at 2:30pm with Main Street and Walnut closing around 4:45pm. The parking lot next to the post office will also be used this year due to interest from vendors and food trucks. "We are excited this year because we have more interest from trucks and vendors than ever before. We are already on a waiting list for food trucks for each week and have several new trucks coming out that haven't been here before," Grain Valley Fair committee chair Mike Todd said. First Fridays events are a joint effort of the Grain Valley Fair, Downtown Grain Valley, downtown Grain Valley Churches, and the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. by Michael Smith Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner is someone who passionate when coaching his wrestlers at any dual or tournament. Fans can often see him on his feet, leaning forward and shouting out moves for his wrestlers to do during a match. Last Saturday, he dialed up the enthusiasm and intensity even more than usual when senior Gavin Barker was wrestling in the bubble match of the 215-pound weight class in the Class 4 District 4 boys state wrestling tournament. Horner was on the edge of his seat, pumping his fist and shouting, “Yes!” each time Barker got a takedown against Fort Osage senior Isaac Fields. It was Barker’s last chance to qualify for the state tournament. A loss would have ended his season. There was extra emotion in the match because Barker and Fields have been longtime friends and grew up wrestling against each other. On this day, Barker came out on top as he won 7-3 to clinch his first trip to the state tournament. Barker, who finished fourth at districts after falling to Lee’s Summit North Barrett Lawless in the consolation finals, was one of three Eagles to earn their first trip to state as juniors Tyler Jones (120 pounds) and Justin King (126) both placed fourth to punch their ticket to Columbia. Junior Zac Bleess (132), a two-time state medalist, finished second at districts to make it through; and senior Colston Parks (138) will make his second appearance at state following a second-place finish at districts. Barker went over and gave Fields a big hug. After that, he gave a high five to assistant coach Reece Schaaf and hugged Horner after an emotional win. “It was very overwhelming to say the least,” Barker said. “Horner has been my No. 1 supporter in the room. He’s never once doubted me. He said he knew I was going to make it to state. Having him in my corner is a confidence booster. “It was really sad because Isaac and I didn’t want to knock each other out (of the tournament). He told me he’s passing the torch to me and now I got to do big things.” Horner had high praise for his senior. “It’s really special,” Horner said. “He’s not only an amazing wrestler but is a superb human being. He does everything right. It was really emotional, and I am really happy for him.” Barker will be a No. 4 seed in the state and will face Francis Howell Central’s Garo Sams in the first round. His strategy is to outlast his opponents for 6 minutes. “I need to push my pace and exhaust my guy to the point where they collapse on the mat,” Barker said. “That is when I am at my best.” Like Barker, Jones will be making his first appearance. At districts, he pinned Fort Osage senior Kaiden Johnson in the bubble match to advance. Jones was on the junior varsity team for Lincoln College Prep last season and said he was close to quitting the sport. His mother convinced him not to and it paid off as he will compete on the biggest stage in the Missouri high school boys wrestling scene. He will take on Glendale senior Shawn Lang in the first round. “I always knew I could do it,” Jones said. “For me, it’s a mindset thing. I didn’t start last year. I kept wrestling and wrestling and started to have close matches with guys who are ranked high. I thought, ‘They are not that much better than me. Why can’t I beat that kid?’ “My mom told me I got too deep into it to quit. I might as well stick to it. She told me I am better than I think I am.” King will have his first state wrestling match against Lafayette Wildwood junior Callum Brown on Friday. Bleess, who is No. 2 in his weight class according to the MissouriWrestling.com rankings, will see Rolla junior Carson Mickem in the first round. Parks will have one last shot to earn his first state medal. In the first round, he will face Fort Zumwalt North’s Patrick Provost.   by Michael Smith The Grain Valley girls wrestling team is in its first season without the face of the program. Sevreign Aumua was the first-ever wrestler in the Grain Valley wrestling program and she made the case to be the one of the most successful athletes to ever graduate from the high school. She was a four-time state medalist, a three-time state champion and during her freshman season, she was only female on the team and helped recruit other girls to join the team in her four years with the Eagles. She passed the torch to junior Jayden Moehle and senior Adalia Del Real, who have taken over as leaders of the girls team. The duo qualified for the Class 2 Missouri State High School Girls Wrestling Championships after both placed in the top four of their respective weight classes in the Class 2 District 4 Tournament on Feb. 15. The girls state tournament will begin Friday and will conclude on Saturday. Del Real, who wrestles in the 155-pound weight class, will be making her second trip to the state tournament. At districts, she finished in third place. She was pinned by North Kansas City senior Paige Strauch in the semifinals, but she rebounded to pin Truman sophomore Trinity Harrison in the bubble match to qualify for state and she won her third-place match 7-3 against Oak Park’s Bailee Wardlow. While Del Real was happy to qualify for state, she said she knows there is still work to be done. “I feel like I could have done better,” Deal Real said. “There is always room for improvement. I wrestled better than I normally did at districts. I set up my shots and worked with what I got.” Del Real finished 1-2 in the state tournament last season and hopes to improve on that mark this time around as she will have one last shot to crack the top six and win a state medal. “I am just going to go out there and have fun and give it all I got,” Del Real said. “I need to work on my mindset. I need to make it my match and set up what I know. Anything can happen.” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said Del Real is not only a good wrestler but is someone who has helped recruit other girls to join the team, which helped lead to 13 girls being a part of the program. “She’s such a greater leader and a good person,” said of Deal Real. “She’s someone who is leaving a solid legacy for other girls. A lot of the girls are on the team because of Delly.” Moehle (235) also has been a major part of the team along with Del Real. Moehle has two state medals. She finished fourth as a freshman and was a runner up last season as a sophomore at the state tournament. She is a wrestler who appears to be at her best when the postseason starts. That showed at the girls district tournament as she took second place. Moehle pinned her first two opponents in the first period to set up a finals match with Liberty junior Alexis Stinson. The Grain Valley junior lost by fall in that one. “I feel like I wrestled good all the way up until the finals,” Moehle said. “I feel pretty confident in myself. My sweeps were working well for me.” Horner said a big strength of Moehle’s is her advanced level footwork in neutral, which is not a skill a lot of heavyweights have. “She does the right things, and she works hard,” Horner said of Moehle. “She is so smooth on her feet. She does things that other heavyweights can’t do. She’s a good athlete.” A year after finishing as a runner up, the goal for Moehle is clear. “I am going for No. 1,” she said. “I am at the top of the bracket, and I am heading straight to the finals in my mind.”  Grain Valley senior Adalia Del Real, top, qualified for the Class 2 girls state wrestling tournament after finishing third in the 155-pound weight class in the Class 2 District 4 girls tournament on Feb. 15. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley junior Jayden Moehle, left, will aim for her first state championship this weekend at the Class 2 girls state tournament. She will compete in the 235-pound weight class. Photo credit: Michael Smith  by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, February 20th for its monthly meeting. The Board recognized members of the elementary All-State Children’s Honor Choir. The board also recognized students from Matthews Elementary Student Council who put together gifts for board members in honor of School Board Recognition Month. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amanda Allen provided an overview of learning, assessment, and grading within the district. This overview launched a discussion about the state of standards-based grading within the district. Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle noted the minutes report of the latest district finance committee meeting that was available for the board’s review. The board then moved into unfinished business by approving the 2025-2026 school district calendar. In new business, the Board approved a budget amendment for the 2024-2025 budget and the addition of one full-time special education for next school year. The third item the board approved was an amendment to the current school district calendar. This designates April 8 as a snow makeup day in order to cut down on the number of days students have to return to school after Memorial Day. Next, the board moved into the one item under board policies. This policy was approved and provides updated programs for English learners and aligns the district with state standards. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Thursday, March 13 at 6 pm inside the Leadership Center.  Grain Valley News staff The Grain Valley Girls swim and dive team capped off a stellar season at State competition last weekend, bringing home some medals and the motivation to continue to build on the young team’s success. Grain Valley Swim and Dive coach Julie Reilly is proud of her team’s accomplishments this season. “We had a great season. There were constant PR’s (personal records) – which is great to see. We are a small team, and it’s very difficult for us to win a meet because we don’t have the depth. But we can win almost every single event (in a meet),” Reilly said. The great news for the team is that they are young and not losing many due to graduation, and there’s plenty of opportunity for growth. “This year, we had some new divers. They’re getting on the board now and next year I expect to see them participate in harder meets,” Reilly said. Winter weather did not help out much this season, with a few meets canceled due to inclement weather. But Reilly said the girls stayed focused and their hard work paid off at State. “They practiced hard and I am just so proud of them. They hung on and did great.” In State competition last weekend, the team placed 13th out of 41 teams. Kalli Beard placed 6th in the 50 free and broke her own school record. Beard also placed 11th in the 100 Fly. The relay team of Kalli Beard, Riley Wade, Ellie Martin, and Katelyn Epple placed 8th in the 200 Free and 13th place in the 400 Free. Ellie Martin broke her record at State in 200 IM, placing 12th. Martin also placed 15th in the 500 Free. Katelyn Epple set a new school record on the 100 Free, placing 16th. Epple placed 21st in the 200 Free. Riley Wade broke her own school record in the 100 Breaststroke, placing 26th at State. Emily Holzwarth placed 28th at State in the 100 backstroke. The swim and dive team will be instructing the next generation of swimmers in March as they sponsor swim lessons at the Blue Springs South Aquatic Center. Funds raised from the program benefit the swim and dive program. See flyer below for details and a QR code to register.  Four medalists from last weekend's State competition (left to right): Kalli Beard, Riley Wade, Ellie Martin, and Katelyn Epple. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive  Kalli Beard placed 6th in the 50 free and broke her own school record. Beard also placed 11th in the 100 Fly. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive  The Grain Valley Girls Swim and Dive team wrapped up a successful season with a trip to State last weekend. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive   by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, February 24 for its second meeting of the month. The brief meeting consisted of just two new resolutions. With no public comments, previous business, new business, presentations, or public hearings, the board jumped right into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved designates city property as a permissible location for 2025 Food Truck Friday events. The second resolution approved by the board allows the city to enter into an agreement with Midwest Pool Management for lifeguards at the Grain Valley Aquatic Center for the 2025 season. This is the extension of the existing three-year contract with Midwest Pool Management and the city has had an agreement with the company since 2009. The meeting was adjourned into executive session. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Monday, March 10 at 6:30 pm inside City Hall.  UCM to Host Computer Information Systems and Analytics Competition for High School Students2/27/2025
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is hosting a Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) competition for high school students, which includes the chance to earn scholarships. Registration is open for the inaugural competition offered by Computer Information Systems and Analytics at UCM. High school students will demonstrate their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with current technology trends, such as the impact of big data on businesses and agriculture. Participants will also meet other students and interact with faculty from the UCM Department of Accountancy, Big Data Analytics and Computer Information Systems. Teams can have up to three students, and a maximum of four teams per high school can participate. Each team will submit a 10- to 15-minute video presenting their solution to a problem statement, which they will receive after registering. After using a tool to solve the problem, the team should create a slideshow presentation explaining the process, analysis, visualizations, results, sources used and the data story. The video should feature the team members presenting their slideshow. Registration is free and closes on Friday, March 14. Teams must submit their videos by Friday, March 21. All participants will be invited to an event on Monday, April 7 at UCM-Lee’s Summit at the Missouri Innovation Campus. Selected teams will present their solutions. The event will include lunch, a training session on Tableau software, and awards. Each member of the top team will earn a $2,000 scholarship, members of the following three teams will receive a $500 scholarship, and all other participants will receive a $100 scholarship. The scholarships will be granted and applied toward tuition if students pursue CIS or Analytics programs at UCM. For more information, visit the competition website or contact [email protected].  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society With several cold days to stay inside and do research, I am sorry to say, I found nothing. Well, practically nothing about Grain Valley in the 1890s. The several histories I found about the town went from the establishment of a few businesses, the school, and churches in the mid to late 1880s to the early 1900s, skipping the 1890s entirely. Even my Ancestry search of residents living in town in 1880 revealed no major events in the 1890s. All I found were a few births; Martha and Dennis Costigan had a couple of children and the McQuerrys added six children to their family in the 1890s. George Ellis Storms was born in 1892. His father was a druggist, a profession his son pursued in the 1920s and 30s. Charlie Johnson, one of the town barbers, was born in 1896. On December 13. 1892, J. N. Sanders, my great-grandfather, and David C. Herrington, my great, great uncle, received a patent for their cane mill (Grain Valley News, October 15, 2020) used in the manufacture of sorghum. Other events (and births) surely occurred in Grain Valley in the 1890s, but they were not documented. It is interesting to note that the population in 1890 was 193. Unfortunately that census was lost in a fire (last week’s article), and there is no census for 1900 as Grain Valley was unincorporated. “Sometime later the incorporation papers were revoked. The town was disincorporated (today we would say unincorporated) so that the R. D. Mize Rock Road could be put through Grain Valley at state expense. If the town had been incorporated the state would not have furnished expenses for the road. The road was built in 1900-1901. August 31, 1903 the town was reincorporated and again began to prosper.” (Grain valley News, June 24, 2021). By 1910, the population had shrunk to only 133. We can only assume that the folks living in what is today Grain Valley were families of businessmen and farmers enjoying life in the Gay 90s. So what was happening in the United States in the 1890s? Here are some highlights: 1890 – President Harrison established Yosemite National Park, October 1, 1890 1891 – The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in New York City, Carnegie Hall opened, and James Naismith introduced basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts on December 21, 1891. 1892 – The first immigrants arrived at Ellis Island 1893 – George Westinghouse brought electricity to America and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, advocated use of direct-current electricity. The U. S. suffered it’s first financial depression. 1894 – Congress declared the 1st Monday in September as Labor Day to appease workers after the pullman strike was settled. 1895 – Volleyball was invented 1896 – The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece 1897 – The first Boston Marathon was held 1898 – The peace treaty ending the Spanish American War was signed in Paris 1899 – On February 14, 1899, the U. S. Congress approved the use of voting machines in federal elections. Known for beginning the use of Clydesdales in their logo, August Anheuser Bush, Jr., grandson of the founder of Anheuser-Busch brewery was born. Also born in 1899 was Al Capone, January 17, and Fred Astaire, May 10. And so, we have the Gay 90’s in Grain Valley, in Missouri, and across the nation! Grain Valley was re-incorporated in 1903. Maybe information for the next decade will be more easily found!  Jack's Game Lounge and Khloe's Cupcake Cafe bring new party and play options to Grain Valley2/27/2025
Krystall Rainville's children, Jack and Khloe, were the inspiration behind her new business ventures, Jack's Game Lounge and Khloe's Cupcake Cafe. The two businesses, located at 624 and 626 NW Jefferson ST, Grain Valley, offer open play and private party spaces. Khloe's Cupcake Cafe provides an easy and fun setting for parents and children to enjoy a personalized, private party experience. During open play times, toddlers can enjoy a variety of climbing gyms, imaginative play areas and STEM toys. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase as well as a variety of retail items. Jack's Game Lounge provides a private arcade party experience, with open play times as well. The Game Lounge can accommodate parties of up to 20 children and is geared toward ages 4 through teens. A dedicated party coordinator will work with parents to ensure everything runs smoothly. The space is filled with arcade games, interactive games, sensory toys, and more. The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce will welcome both businesses to Grain Valley during a ribbon cutting celebration at 3:45pm on Saturday, March 1st prior to the grand opening of Jack's Game Lounge. Khloe's Cupcake Cafe, located at 626 NW Jefferson ST, Grain Valley, offers a public play space for toddlers and private party options. Several sessions of open play opportunities are available for children under 5 years of age throughout the week, and the space is available for party rentals, with a dedicated party coordinator ready to take care of the details so parents can enjoy the party as well. For more information on Khloe's Cupcake Cafe, visit https://khloescupcakecafe.square.site For more information on Jack's Game Lounge, visit https://jacksgamelounge.square.site  Krystall Rainville, owner of Jack's Game Lounge (624 NW Jefferson, Grain Valley) and Khloe's Cupcake Cafe (626 NW Jefferson, Grain Valley) will celebrate the opening of both businesses during a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on Saturday, March 1st. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff Jack's Game Lounge and Khloe's Cupcake Cafe (624 and 626 NW Jefferson ST) offer open play and private party spaces, with Khloe's Cupcake Cafe geared toward children under 5 and Jack's Game Lounge focused on children 5 and older. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Randy Draper's seamless substitution, his ability to get the best out of his talented crew and the way the verteran coach keeps his Eagles motivated are all key factors to one of the best seasons in Grain Valley girls basketball history. The Eagles had four players in double figures, nine players who scored at least one basket and the displayed the type of stingy defense that takes the life out of an opponent as the Eagles defeated Truman 76-30 Tuesday night on the Patriots home court. "I'm not at all surprised by our game tonight," Draper said, after his 12-0 team clinched another conference championship and improved its overall record to a sparkling 22-1. "We had the best practice we've had all season yesterday, and we came out and got the job done tonight." He said his Eagles turned in the finest single-quarter performance of the season with a 33-6 advantage in the third quarter when Bella Bollinger scored seven of her team-high 16 points, Aspen Reed added nine of her 15 points and Addy Seyfert connected from downtown on three 3-pointers. She also finished with 15 points. "I don't believe you can play a perfect quarter or a perfect game of basketball," Draper added, "but that third quarter was about as close to perfection as you can come. When we had the great practice on Monday, everyone had something to do with it. "And everyone had something to do with tonight's win." The Eagles got off to a 20-8 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. "The best thing about the way we're winning is that everyone is contributing," Bollinger said. "And I'm so happy to play a role in our success. It took a while for me to find my shot, but now I feel confident shooting from anywhere on the court." Madison Rust, who finished with 11 points, is again surpassing her own high standards, as she has been battling an illness for the past three weeks. "I've been on the team two years, and tonight we clinch another conference championship," Rust said. "This is the time of year you want to be playing your best basketball, and that's what we're doing. We're in a tough district in Columbia, Mo., and we expect to play Columbia Rock Bridge and Columbia Hickman, along with schools from down here (in Eastern Jackson County). "We have some great practices lately and those have lead to big wins. I'm feeling so much better and I am really excited to finish our regular season this week and then head to Columbia next week." The Eagles led 39-14 at halftime, and used the monster third quarter to take a 72-20 lead into the mercy rule fourth quarter. "One of the best things about this season has been the chemistry among the girls on our team," Rust added. "All we care about is winning. When (the starters) are on the bench cheering for our teammates, we have almost as much fun as we do playing." Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News
by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News The Truman High School boys basketball team scored the first four points of their conference home match up against Grain Valley - the Eagles scored the next 17. With Aaron Barr enjoying one of the finest moments of his career - scoring 24 first-half points and 28 for the game - the Eagles defeated the Patriots 73-51. While Eli Herbert, one of the top scorers in the metro area, finished with 19 points, all he he wanted to talk about were his nine assists - seven of which resulted following a Barr basket. "You could tell early on that Aaron was going to have a big night," said Eli, as Barr hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter and three more in the second. "When a player is in the zone, you want to get him the ball. And I wanted to get it to him in the best way that he can shoot the ball. Aaron had a big night and Kevin (Johnson) had a big rebounding night. Everyone contributed. That's how you win games like this." Johnson finished with eight points and grabbed 15 rebounds. "Kevin got 15 rebounds, and that's what we need from him the rest of the year," Eli added. "The first and second quarters showed what we are capable of doing, and we want to finish the season strong and take that momentum into district next week (in Columbia, Mo.) Truman led 19-5 after one quarter and took a 42-17 lead into the locker room. "We're playing with a competitive spirit that has come at the right time of the season," said Barr, who finished with six 3-pointers. "Eli kept getting me the ball and I kept shooting - and luckily, I hit most of my shots." Johnson continues to be a presence for the Eagles on both ends of the court. "My job is to get rebounds," Johnson said. "And everyone thinks of Eli as a shooter, but he showed tonight that he is a complete player. He scored his points, but he had a lot of assists. Assist and rebounds are two ways to help your team win." Coach Andy Herbert, Eli's father, lavished praise on his team. "We really played well tonight," Coach Herbert said. "Getting off to that big lead in the first quarter played a big role in our win. You know, Truman is well coached and they get after it. I've told you before that (Truman guard) Dallas Winda (who finished with nine points) is my favorite player to watch, and my least favorite to coach against because he does everything. "He's a great player and a great young man." Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News  Missouri Independent: Child care tax credits legislation scores bipartisan support in Missouri House2/27/2025
Child care tax credits legislation scores bipartisan support in Missouri Houseby Natanya Friedheim, Missouri Independent A bill to create three new child care tax credits received initial approval by the Missouri House on Tuesday. A similar measure received bipartisan support last year but fell victim to Republican infighting in the Senate. The measure would help employers foot the bill for their employees’ child care costs and encourage existing providers to grow their capacity. Shields said three-fourths of Missouri’s 115 counties are considered “child care deserts.” It needs to be approved one more time in the House before heading to the Senate. “We have a child care crisis in our state. We’re all familiar with it,” state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, who sponsored the bill, said during House debate Tuesday. “We hear from our business leaders across the state that they have trouble recruiting and retaining employees because the lack of child care.” The bill creates three tax credits. Under the first, people or businesses who donate to child care centers would receive a tax credit worth 75% of their donation. The donor cannot personally benefit from the contribution; for example, a parent cannot make a donation and expect lower tuition. The second is for businesses that help pay for their employees’ child care costs or create child care programs for their employee’s children. The third allows child care providers to claim a tax credit worth up to 30% of expenses related to construction projects. The credit also grants tax relief equal to the provider’s employer withholding tax, which applies to providers with at least three employees who work at least 10 hours per week and have been employed for at least three months. A number of business groups have voiced support for the measure, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. “Without child care, Missouri’s economy cannot grow,” Shields said. The credits cannot be transferred to another person or entity and cannot reduce a citizen’s tax burden below zero, meaning the credits cannot be used to add to a tax refund. The measures proposed this year would expire in 2026 without reapproval by the legislature due to a “sunset” provision included in the bill. Parents would not be able to claim tax credits for child care tuition under any of the proposed credits. State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, spoke about her own experience as a single parent while voicing her support for the bill. “My career took a backseat because I didn’t have adequate child care,” she said. Earlier, the bill passed unanimously out of the House Economic Development Committee. Three of 10 members of the rules committee, all Republicans, voted against its passage, and it faced additional Republican opposition on the floor. STate Rep. Jamie Gragg, an Ozark Republican, said the credits would pit the school system in competition with day cares. State Rep. Terry Thompson, a Lexington Republican, also spoke in opposition to the measure, citing a bill he said he planned to propose. This is the third year Shields has introduced tax credits for child care costs. “Right now,” Shields said, “child care costs more than your freshman year at university.” This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online. 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]. 
by Erin Woodiel, Missouri Department of Conservation Rain gardens aren’t just catch-basins that collect storm water when it rains. With the appropriate soil, proper plants and good design, a rain garden can be an innovative and eco-friendly landscaping device. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn more about rain gardens in an upcoming free program “Rain Gardens and Native Plants.” This hybrid class will be held both virtually and online from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, through MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. This program is designed for participants ages 12 and up. Registration is required. Those interested can register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206373. All registrants will receive a link to the virtual class, though they can choose to attend in person if they wish. In essence, a rain garden is a shallow depression that captures rain water and holds it until it is absorbed into the ground, evaporates, or is taken up by plants. They are great landscaping devices for dealing with storm water run-off or for a soggy spot in the yard. A well-functioning rain garden will “clean” storm water of pollutant particles and will also reduce its volume (through rapid absorption) once it enters the garden. Rain gardens also provide important habitat for pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife. The March 5 program will teach simple rain garden design, including what species to plant and how to maintain it. Then, participants both in-person and online can test their native plant knowledge together with an online trivia game played using smartphones and tablets.  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 19-25, 2025. February 19, 2025 1100 BLK NW SCENIC DR Open Door-Vehicle 600 BLK SW JOSEPH CIR Disturbance-Physical 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol PHQ Walk In Report CASEY / OLYMPIC Extra Patrol 1400 BLK NW HIGH VIEW DR Animal Neglect 500 BLK CENTURION CT Disturbance-Physical 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Citizen Contact R D MIZE RD / OOIDA Area Check 1200 BLK NW HILLTOP LN 911 Hang Up 800 BLK SW HARVEST DR Stealing Under 500 BLK RD MIZE RD Suspicious Person 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 1400 BLK NE BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Alarm-Commerical 1400 BLK EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol February 20, 2025 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol HILLTOP LANE / EAGLE RIDGE BLVD Crash Non-Injury BUCKNER TARSNEY / I 70 Crash Non-Injury 2000 BLK NE SUMMERFIELD CT Residence Check JEFFERSON / CHRISMAN FARM Extra Patrol 1700 BLK NW HILLTOP CT Agency Assist DFS 100 BLK SNI-A-BAR BLVD Meeting 800 BLK HARVEST DR Follow Up Investigation 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol 1300 BLK NW SYCAMORE DR Missing Person-Juvenile BUCKNER TARSNEY / ROCK CREEK LN Crash Injury 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1300 BLK VALLEY WOODS CT Noise Complaint 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK R D MIZE RD Check Well Being NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol February 21, 2025 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol BB/WOODBURY Pedestrian Check 100 BLK S MAIN (BUCKNER TARSNEY) Area Check 1100 BLK BUSH DR Follow Up Investigation 200 BLK CROSS CREEK LN Standby to Prevent 1200 BLK NW SCENIC DR Citizen Contact 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment PHQ Walk In Report JACLYN / JENSON Extra Patrol 2100 BLK NW HEDGEWOOD DR Suspicious Vehicle 1000 BLK TIMBER CT Open Door-Structure 900 BLK NW PERSIMMON CT Suspicious Vehicle 40 HWY / SNIBAR DWI February 22, 2025 300 BLK SW 1ST ST Animal Control PHQ Citizen Contact 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment PHQ Walk In Report 1000 BLK NW HIGHVIEW DR Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Citizen Contact PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Walk In Report 1400 BLK NE MARY CT Disturbance-Physical PHQ Walk In Report 1300 BLK NW BOXELDER CT Follow Up Investigation 700 BLK N MAIN ST Citizen Contact 600 BLK SW WESTVIEW DR Residence Check 100 BLK N CENTRAL ST Nature Unknown February 23, 2025 1400 BLK SW BLUE BRANCH DR Citizen Contact 600 BLK YENNIE AVE Stealing Under JACLYN / JENSON Extra Patrol 300 BLK CREEK RIDGE Vehicle Check 1200 BLK VALLEY RIDGE DR Pedestrian Check 400 BLK S BROADWAY ST Disturbance-Physical 700 BLK N MAIN ST Suspicious Person PHQ Walk In Report; Custody Dispute 300 BLK S MINTER RD Dead Body WOODBURY AND BUCKNER TARSNEY Area Check 500 BLK W BROADWAY ST Check Well Being NW LONG DR/NW VALLEY WOODS DR Information 909 NW WILLOW DR Area Check 201 SW EAGLES PKWY APT 1310 Public Service NB MAIN FROM RR TRACKS Area Check SNI A BAR AND SNI A BAR Traffic Stop 200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY apt 1310 Standby to Prevent 900 BLK NW HIGH VIEW DR Check Well Being-CIT EB MORELAND SCHOOL FROM ADP Area Check MAIN AND WALNUT Area Check JACKLYN / JENSON Extra Patrol 900 BLK HIGHVIEW Follow Up Investigation 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE Agency Assist LE JACKLYN / JENSON Extra Patrol 700 BLK SW BROME DR Suspicious Vehicle 1300 BLK CHERRY ST Prisoner Transport JACKLYN/JENSEN Extra Patrol February 24, 2025 STOCKMAN CT / MONTANA RIDGE Motorist Assist MAIN ST/ YENNIE AVE DWI BROME / SNI A BAR Extra Patrol 1300 BLK NW WHITNEY DR Open Door-Structure JACKLYN / JENSEN Extra Patrol PHQ Public Service 400 BLK SW JOSEPH LN Animal Bite JEFFERSON AND CASEY Extra Patrol 100 BLK NW LINDSEY LN Fraud BUCKNER TARSNEY TO WB 70 Agency Assist LE JEFFERSON / CHRISMAN FARM Extra Patrol 700 BLK NW MAIN ST Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Public Service BLUE BRANCH PARK Area Check 1200 BLK NW PHELPS CT Careless and Imprudent Driver 700 BLK N MAIN ST Vehicle Maintenance 1300 BLK SW BURNS CIR Crash Left Scene 1200 BLK NW ASHLEY DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Public Service 500 BLK NW WILLOW DR Animal Control 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol February 25, 2025 2200 BLK NW HEDGEWOOD DR Security Check 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK RD Sound of Shots 200 BLK NW PARKER DR Check Well Being PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Disorderly Conduct PHQ Public Service 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol PHQ Walk In Report 1500 BLK NW POND AVE Agency Assist DFS WOODBURY DR / WOODBURY PL Noise; Careless and Imprudent Driver 600 BLK NW WALNUT ST Citizen Contact PHQ Public Service 900 BLK SW FOXTAIL DR Citizen Contact 1600 BLK NE JACLYN DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol PHQ Public Service 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1  |
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