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Coleman Legislation Update
My proposed Constitutional amendment, HJR 80, dealing with property tax assessments, was unanimously voted out of committee this week. We are very excited and encouraged that this bill had no opposition. HB 2615 (School COVID Mandates) was also voted out of committee this week. This bill would prohibit school districts (and staff) from mandating mask wearing or a Covid-19 vaccination as a condition to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities. HJR 80 and HB 2615 have both been assigned the House Rules- Administrative Oversight committee. HB 2616 raises the criminal charge associated with patronizing prostitution and was voted out of the House Rules-Administrative Oversight committee unanimously, as well. We are glad to see this bill steadily moving through the process. Lastly, HB 1641 which would make an employer liable for any injuries caused by employer mandated vaccination, has been placed on the informal House perfection calendar. Missouri House Approves Plan to Legalize Sports Betting (HBs 2502 & 2556) Missourians would be able to wager on college and professional sports under legislation approved by the House this week. Lawmakers gave approval to HB 2502 to allow legalized sports betting in Missouri in either casinos or through a licensed mobile app. The bill is the result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that struck down a federal prohibition on sports betting. Since that time, nearly 30 states, including many of Missouri’s neighboring states, have adopted legislation to allow some form of wagering on sporting events. Supporters noted that Missouri needs to legalize sports betting to keep revenues generated by the industry in the state. One supporter noted, “It’s happening today. We’re not stopping it by not allowing it. It’s just going underground or it’s going across the border. We should be regulating this.” HB 2502 would implement an 8% tax on sports wagers. Fiscal analysts estimate the tax would generate approximately $10 million annually for the state. The bill’s sponsor noted that the legislation has the support of all of the state’s professional sports teams and five of the six companies who operate casinos in Missouri. An amendment added to the bill requires an annual report to assess the social and economic effects of gaming in the state and to obtain information related to compulsive gambling. The provision would require the state to provide resources to assist individuals with a compulsive gambling problem. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Lawmakers Act to Protect the Rights of Landowners (HB 2005) The Missouri House took action this week to protect land owners from having their property unlawfully seized through the misuse of eminent domain. House members gave initial approval to HB 2005, which is a direct response to the Grain Belt Express project that has the authority to use eminent domain to acquire land in Missouri. Grain Belt Express is a high-voltage electric transmission line that will run approximately 800 miles from Kansas to Indiana. In 2019, the project was granted the authority to obtain land easements in Missouri through the use of eminent domain. The bill’s sponsor told his colleagues, “The Grain Belt is a private out-of-state company that is using eminent domain as a public utility. There is very little benefit for the state of Missouri. Only six percent of the power is going to be used here in our state.” The sponsor said the bill is a response to the land owners who are pleading with the legislature for help. He said the bill, “ensures utility projects in Missouri actually benefit the state of Missouri. It provides just compensation for land owners when their land is being taken from them and it’s being condemned. It also incentivizes negotiations outside the court process.” HB 2005 would require that any electrical corporation that proposes building a transmission line must provide a minimum of 50% of its electrical load to Missouri consumers to be considered a public service and to be allowed to condemn property to construct the transmission. The bill also specifies that in condemnation proceedings, just compensation for agricultural or horticultural land will be 150% of fair market value, which will be determined by the court. Additionally, the bill states that in a condemnation proceeding for agricultural or horticultural land in which a court appoints three disinterested commissioners, at least one of the commissioners must be a farmer who has been farming in the county for at least 10 years. The bill now requires another positive vote in the House before moving to the Senate. Making Prescription Medications More Affordable (HB 1677) Missourians could see lower prescription drug costs thanks to legislation approved by the Missouri House of Representatives. House members gave first-round approval to HB 1677 with the goal of improving transparency and accountability for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Missouri. PBMs are paid third-party administrators of prescription drug coverage for insurers and employers. They provide a wide variety of services including developing and maintaining formularies, processing claims, and negotiating discounts and rebates between payers and manufacturers. PBMs manage plans for millions of Americans. The bill’s sponsor said the bill “will reduce prescription drug costs” and noted his bill is meant to help Missourians “understand what goes on with the rebate monies that PBMs are handling for their employers.” The sponsor told his colleagues, “It offers transparency. It shows where the rebate moneys go and as you look at where the rebate money goes, you will determine that these PBMs are actually pocketing some of the rebate moneys that they collect that should be going back to the patients. This is a bill that puts the moneys back in the patients’ hands instead of paying shareholders’ dividends.” HB 1677 would require PBMs to report the dollar amount of rebates collected from pharmaceutical manufacturers, the dollar amount of rebates that were not passed on, and the dollar amount of all fees and payments received from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill also specifies that PBMs must notify health carriers and pharmacies in writing of any potential conflict of interest, including but not limited to common ownership or any other relationship between the PBM and any other health carrier or pharmacy with which the PBM contracts. Supporters say the legislation will help restore the balance in the health care system and ensure Missourians have sustainable access to medications and choice in where they receive their pharmacy services. The bill now requires another vote in the House before moving to the Senate. Bills Sent to the Senate HB 2694 is meant to lessen the increases Missourians will see in their property taxes due to rising vehicle values. The bill modifies existing state law, which requires assessors to use the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) price guide to assess the values of Missourians’ cars. Instead of being restricted to using October’s NADA values, HB 2694 would allow assessors to use the trade-in value for a given vehicle from that edition or either of the last two years’ October NADA guides. Supporters say the market price of vehicles has increased 30 to 40 percent and the bill would allow for prices to stabilize without a large increase in Missourians' personal property taxes. HB 1856 establishes the "Extended Learning Opportunities Act". An "extended learning opportunity" is an out-of-classroom learning experience that provides a student with enrichment opportunities, career readiness or employability skills opportunities such as internships or apprenticeships, any other approved educational opportunities. The bill requires that by the 2023-24 school year the State Board of Education and local school boards must inform students of the opportunity to participate and earn credit for extended learning opportunities. Supporters say the bill ensures students and their families are well-informed about opportunities for learning that extend beyond the classroom and that they are provided information on applying to receive credit for those experiences. HB 1962 modifies the definition of "local log truck" and "local log truck tractor" to specify weight distribution and a total maximum weight for each truck, and updates weight and distance limits. In addition, the bill also sets fines for load-limit violations involving a local log truck or a local log truck tractor. HB 2202 requires, for all school years on or after July 1, 2023, certain coursework and instruction in computer science in public and charter high schools. The bill also establishes the "Computer Science Education Task Force". The mission of the Task Force is to develop a state strategic plan for expansion of computer science education programs statewide. Supporters say the bill will help Missouri address the labor shortages experienced by technical industries that are seeking to hire individuals who have the computer science background and knowledge base. HB 2382 exempts from the definition of "retail sale" or "sale at retail" for the purposes of sales tax law the purchase by persons operating hotels, motels, or other transient accommodation establishments of certain utilities, which are used to heat, cool, or provide water or power to the guests' accommodations, and which are included in the charge made for the accommodations. Supporters say the bill fixes a Supreme Court decision that disrupted common practice by making hotels pay sales tax twice. HB 2193 requires that any member of Missouri Task Force One who is called to active duty be entitled to employment rights and discrimination protections when they are relieved from such duty. Supporters say the bill gives Task Force Once the same Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) rights that they get for working as a Federal asset. The bill will make sure they have the same protections against discrimination and reemployment rights. HB 1606 requires all non-charter counties, by June 30th of each year, to prepare and publish in a qualified newspaper a financial statement for the previous year. The financial statement will include the name, office, and current gross annual salary of each elected or appointed county official. Supporters say the bill will allow small counties to publish notice in the same manner as large counties, using the condensed format of financial statements, and should result in savings for small counties. HB 1984 modifies the Board membership of the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System by having the terms of the active employee representatives serving on the Board on August 28, 2026, to continue an additional two years until June 30, 2028 and after such date all terms of elected active employee representatives shall be for four years beginning July 1, 2028 and every four years thereafter. Supporters say the bill will help stagger the elected members of the board and prevent a loss of institutional knowledge every time an election occurs and all new members take office. HB 2355 establishes the "Time-Critical Diagnosis Advisory Committee" for the purpose of improvement of public and professional education related to time-critical diagnosis, research endeavors, policies and recommendations for changes. Supporters say the bill improves services for time-critical medical conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. HB 2163 provides that the surviving spouse will not be considered as next-of-kin if an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed and is pending in a court of competent jurisdiction. Additionally, the next-of-kin of a deceased person may delegate the final disposition of the deceased to an agent through a power of attorney. Supporters say the bill protects the interests of the deceased and surviving family members in the event the deceased had begun, but not finalized, divorce proceedings. Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions. If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-751-1487, or email my office at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov. by Michael Smith The Grain Valley girls soccer team had a battle on its hands. In Monday’s match with St. Michael The Archangel Catholic, the Guardians were putting pressure on the Eagles’ defense early and often. Not only that, but the Eagles were missing starters senior Rian Handy to an illness and junior Kylie Barnett to a knee injury. That left Grain Valley without two key pieces to its attack and only one substitute at their disposal on the bench. The Eagles managed to keep St. Michel off the scoreboard while sophomore Meghan Knust jump started her team with a goal late in the first half in a 2-0 win at Moody Murry Memorial Field. Grain Valley’s back line had a bend-but-don’t break mentality as the Guardians created a good amount of chances throughout, but the Eagles managed to not allow a goal. “Our back line was organized for the most part,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said. “There were a couple of balls that squirted through. For the most part, our back line was pretty good.” With the Eagles missing two crucial pieces on offense, Knust helped fill in the void with a goal late in the first half. She had a direct free kick from the left wing and she buried it for a 1-0 lead. Before the shot, she got some words from all-state forward Emma Thiessen. “Emma came up to me and said, ‘You got it?’” Knust recalled. “I said, ‘Yep.’ I just aimed for the upper 90 and got it.” Lewis had high praise for Knust afterward. “Meghan is a great defensive center mid. She’s one of the best in the area. She wins a lot of balls and plays simple,” Lewis said. “She’s invaluable for us in the midfield.” Sophomore Kylie Bragaw gave the Eagles an insurance goal in the 43rd minute when she received a cross from Thiessen and drilled a shot inside the left post for the second and final goal. “I was actually shocked because I did not think that was going in,” Bragaw said of her goal. “Emma laid that off in the perfect spot and I was able to get off a shot.” While the Guardians were able to pressure Grain Valley’s back line, the Eagles were able to create chances of their own off of counter attacks and crisp ball movement. “We were able to connect pretty well, especially with players down with injuries,” Bragaw said. “I think we did a great job pushing through and connecting as teammates.” Even though the Eagles got an important win, the players said there is still room for improvement. “We have to work on finishing better,” Knust said. “But we’re definitely growing as a team and finding each other on passes.” It will help when the Eagles get Barnett and Handy back, but Lewis noted he’s unsure when Barnett can return as she will get an MRI on her knee. “We don’t have a lot of depth,” Lewis said. “We had more girls to go in, but varsity is a higher level and it is tougher for some of the other girls. St. Michael is a good team. I told the girls to be prepared to play a lot of minutes because we are low on players.” Grain Valley sophomore Meghan Knust, left, and sophomore Kylee Bragaw each scored a goal in Grain Valley's 2-0 victory against St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Monday at home.
Photo credit: Michael Smith by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior tennis player Isaac Burd had no idea how important his match was Monday. His team’s dual against Blue Springs South was tied at 4-4 at Young Park in Blue Springs. His match was the deciding factor in which team became victorious. He came through with a 10-3 victory against Clayton Roach to help his team earn a 5-4 victory in its season opener. “It’s a pretty amazing feeling,” Burd said. “I had no idea that there was that much pressure on me.” Burd also gave the Eagles a big assist in doubles play as they won two out of three doubles matches. The senior, who is the No. 6 singles player, teamed with Ethan Miller in the No. 2 doubles match to defeat Will Ogrizovich and Xavier Bowling 8-2. “I stayed confident and hit my forehands and backhands well,” Burd said. “My serving was good, too. From the beginning of the season, Ethan and I knew we would be the No. 2 doubles team, so we spent a lot of time practicing together and that helped us a lot.” Miller noted it was their first time playing in a “real match,” but said all the time they spent playing together paid dividends. “I didn’t know how it would go but we played pretty well as a doubles team,” Miller said. “We won 8-2, so that’s pretty good.” Before the season, Grain Valley head coach Randy Draper had his top three singles spots filled and let six other players battle it out for the final three spots. Burd claimed the last spot available. “He’s made a huge jump from last year to this year,” Draper said of Burd. “Isaac has changed so much as a player. He gives us a six that can go win matches. You need that.” On the other hand, Miller was penciled in at the No. 3 spot. Draper said he took a giant leap from playing on the junior varsity team in 2021. Miller defeated Nathan Scherer 10-6 in his singles matchup. “I have taken a few lessons, probably six or seven,” Miller said, “But what really helped was getting out on the courts every day and serving and playing as much as I can.” In the No. 3 doubles match, Micah Siems and Ben Drinkwater toppled Judson McIntosh and Roach 8-5. Siems also won his doubles match with Bowling 10-6. Grain Valley senior Isaac Burd, left, and Ethan Miller teamed up to win their No. 2 doubles match 8-2. Both won their respective singles matches to help Grain Valley take a 5-4 victory against Blue Springs South Monday at Young Park. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Grain Valley News was pleased to present a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 23rd at the Grain Valley Historical Society. School board candidates, Ward I candidates, and the Mayoral candidates on the April 5th ballot participated in the forum (video of forum provided below).
Pinball wizards have a new place to play in Grain Valley, with Main Street Pinball opening at 518 S Main on April 1st. Owner Matthew Heard is a life-long pinball enthusiast and is excited to bring his passion for the hobby to Grain Valley. Players of all ages are welcome to sharpen their pinball skills on all the machines on site, and pinball collectors can buy, sell, and trade machines. Heard said the hobby has only become more popular, and it's the combination of the game itself and the memories they capture that make pinball machines so collectible. "Once you get one, you start playing it, and each one of them captures a point in history," Heard said. Heard jokes, "The addiction is real. You buy one, then just another one, then another one...But, the great thing about them is it's never the same game no matter how many times you play a machine." Games will be based on an hourly or day pass, so no need to hunt for quarters. Memberships are $50/month and offer a number of perks, including discounts for friends. Wednesdays will be buy-one-get-one free. This is not Heard's first entrepreneurial effort in Grain Valley, having previously owned Pizzideo's Pizza. Heard owns the building where Main Street Pinball is located, and felt the space was perfect for this unique entertainment venue. "It's something neat to bring to the community that not a lot of places have," Heard said. For more information, visit Main Street Pinball on Facebook. Main Street Pinball opens April 1st at 518 S. Main. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Joeshmoes Coffee & Waffles, located at 120 S Buckner Tarsney Road, is taking shape, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening scheduled for Saturday, April 9th at 10am. Owner Joe Pittman is excited about the progress on the building and says he cannot wait to have customers check out the new space, which features a garage door that can be raised on sunny days. "That's the feature I like the most. It really adds to the space," Pittman said. The space will feature a drive-thru window, and the coffee shop will be open Monday - Saturday at 6am (7am on Sundays) for your morning fuel up needs. For more information, visit https://joeshmoescoffee.square.site/ or Joeshmoes on Facebook and Instagram. *Correction: An earlier version of this article noted the grand opening as April 2nd. The grand opening has been moved to April 9th. The interior of Joeshmoes Coffee & Waffles is taking shape with an April 2nd grand opening planned. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Grain Valley's Special Olympics basketball team brought home gold in their state tournament on Saturday, March 19th. "This is the first time this group of kids have ever played together. Due to COVID they did not get to have their local competition, but did get to go to regionals. At regionals they lost both of their games, but were still able to move on to State Games, and they were slated to play the same two teams they played before. This time they were able to come out and beat both teams. They have worked so hard to improve their game and I am so proud of them. Now we're on to the track and field," coach Amanda Chrisman said. Pictured: Assistant coach Tonia Peters, Aiden Chrisman, Natalie Mohler, Caleb Sheesley, Eva Mohler, and coach Amanda Chrisman. Not pictured are Averie Stephens and Brooklynne Stephens.
Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society “The Fairy Godmother should have a kindly voice with a certain age in it. I don't see her as being goofy or stupid, but rather as having a wonderful sense of humor.” --Walt Disney The Fairy Godmother is a supporting character in Disney's 1950 animated feature film, Cinderella. The Fairy Godmother is a motherly, kind, and genuine character with an optimistically pure heart. The physical embodiment of hope, she is a kindly fairy that is devoted to making dreams come true for the pure-hearted and noble. When I was in first grade, in 1952-53, our Fairy Godmother came in the form of Mrs. Lula Preston. Granted, that was a very long time ago and I’m relating this article as I can best remember, so don’t hold me to this memory as being 100% accurate. After all, good memories are just that – memories. In first grade, we had a Fairy Godmother. The name may or may not have been a result of the Disney movie, Cinderella. Our Fairy Godmother was Mrs. Lula Preston. She definitely had a kindly voice, and she was “of a certain age.” I remember that she came to our classroom nearly every week. She usually came in the afternoon between our noon recess and our afternoon recess. In first grade we were just learning to read a clock, so time was generally marked by recess; before morning recess, after morning recess, before noon recess, well you get the picture. Mrs. Preston came in the afternoon, and she always read to us. Sometimes she would talk to us about upcoming school or community events or what her older children were doing. Sometimes we sang while she was there. I do not remember if she played the piano or Miss Mary, our teacher, played the piano, but I do remember there was a piano in our classroom, and we sang. In first grade we had a rhythm band, and often she would help us with our parts. She always wore pretty clothes, she always wore pretty shoes, and she always smelled of nice cologne, like roses! And I also remember that when our Fairy Godmother came, she often brought homemade cookies or a piece of candy. Our favorite candy was Tootsie Rolls! Lula* Gertrude Pettigrew was born on March 24, 1902, in Andrew County (Northwest Missouri.) She was the 5th of six children born to America Virginia and John Pettigrew. She graduated from high school and attended one year of college before marrying Edwin A. Preston on her birthday, March 24, 1922. The Prestons lived in Kansas City before moving to Grain Valley in the late 1930s. They had four children: Edwin (1923-1937), Patsy Chiddix (1927-2020), Stanton (1929-2011) and Sara Rogers (1931-1984). Mrs. Preston served two terms on the Grain Valley Board of Education from 1948-1953. During her time on the Board, she often served as the secretary. “Nonsense, child. If you'd lost all your faith, I couldn't be here. And here I am.” ―The Fairy Godmother *While it is “Lulla” in the 1952 Treasurer Chest yearbook, it is Lula on her tombstone! Either way, she was OUR Fairy Godmother and we loved her. Mrs. Lulla Preston, Secretary, Grain Valley Board of Education. (Photo from 1952 Treasurer Chest) Mrs. Preston, Secretary; Elby Adams; Carl Heuman, superintendent; Clarence “Pete” Shippy, president; James Casey; George Taylor; Elmer Duncan. (Photo from 1949 Treasurer Chest)
Voters on April 5th will be asked to decide on a $14,000,000 bond issue for the site development and the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a police facility.
The proposed station will be approximately 22,000 square feet, which the City states is expected to accommodate 20 years of growth. The proposed building has been designed to allow for expansion if needed. The estimated $14 million for the station project includes site development, including utility infrastructure, paved entrances and parking, and all the external and internal features including furniture. The City has emphasized its sound financial standing that would allow any type of municipal financing can be accomplished without an increase to the tax levy. It is anticipated that a no levy increase bond initiative will allow the headquarters to be built without maxing out debt capacities. “The current building is a shared space housing the police department as well as many other departments in the city. The population of Grain Valley has tripled since the station was built in the early 2000's. With that growth, the number of commissioned officers alone has more than doubled in size. Currently the police department occupies 8,000 square feet but it has been determined that the department would operate most efficiently in a space almost triple that size," Theresa Osenbaugh, Deputy City Administrator, said. "Besides the overall building layout and size not being conducive to department needs, national standards have changed since the station was originally built and much can be improved upon. We look forward to being able to provide our officers and civilian staff with the space needed to adequately complete paperwork, package and store evidence, and provide secure parking for vehicles and safety as well as have increased safety features for detaining and transferring prisoners and adequate space for training amongst other improvements." The City is hosting an open house and opportunity to tour the current facility, 711 Main, on March 30th from 5-7pm. Below is a virtual tour for those who are unable to attend in person.
Photo credit: City of Grain Valley
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. About 1 in 25 people in the United States will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point during their lifetime. If you are over the age of 45, getting screened regularly can prevent colorectal cancer but there are other lifestyle habits that may reduce your risk. The American Cancer Society recommends the following to lower your risk of colorectal cancer:
Studies have also shown that a calcium rich diet can make it less likely to have colon growths and colorectal cancer. Low and non-fat dairy products included in your diet may help reduce your risk. Whole grains and beans, due to their fiber content, B vitamins and phytochemicals and eating fatty fish such as salmon with omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the growth of cancer cells. Studies show that red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats such has hotdogs, bacon and luncheon meats may raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is recommended that less than 18 ounces of red meat be eaten weekly. Try this fiber packed recipe full of antioxidants for cancer prevention: Mediterranean Bean Salad Serves 8 Ingredients: 15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 small cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced (do not peel) 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup peppadew peppers, rough chopped 1/2 cup black olives, halved 1/2 cup pimento stuffed green olives, halved 1 cup assorted colorful bell peppers, diced 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichokes 10 large basil leaves, shredded Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs 1 garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Whisk the dressing ingredients together and taste to adjust any of them. Add more vinegar if you want a tangier flavor. Put the beans in a large salad bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss with a generous amount the dressing. The salad will keep, well covered, for several days in the refrigerator. Tracey Shaffer is a registered dietitian and certified health coach and owner of KC Nutrition Coach in Eastern Jackson County. She can be reached at tracey@kcnutritioncoach.com. You can visit her website at kcnutritioncoach.com. |
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