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Jackson County has launched a Public Property Access Portal, a redesigned online tool with the goal of improving public access to property information for residential and commercial properties across the county.
The new public site offers users the ability to search the county’s assessment property records for both real and personal property. The goal is to provide a more streamlined and convenient way for residents to view publicly available property information. “This new portal is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the assessment process and make information more accessible to the public,” said Jackson County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty. “We’re excited to roll out this tool and provide residents with improved access to the data they rely on.” For the convenience of property owners, both the 2022 and 2025 property values can be found under the “Values” tab. Users can also print a copy of their impact notice and property record card as needed. Please note that property record cards are updated as information changes in the system and may vary depending on when they are printed. While this tool provides convenient access to property records, it should not be used as an official or certified source of legal property documentation. The site may be updated over time to improve performance, design and functionality. The Public Property Access Portal is now live and can be accessed at publicaccess.jacksongov.org. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Among the “treasurers” I found in the Oak Grove Banner, published on the 8th day of January 1926 was this “Official Statement of the Financial Condition of the Bank of Grain Valley, at Grain Valley, State of Missouri, at close of Business on the 31st day of December 1925”. The Bank of Grain Valley was founded in 1905 with J.H. Webb as President and W.A. Cannon as Vice President. Prior to opening the Bank of Grain Valley, William A. Warren was in the hardware business with Tommy Webb. Mr. Cannon, the son of James H. Cannon, had multiple properties and business interests in Grain Valley.  Because this statement is difficult to read, there are a few items I will highlight. James H. Webb was the president of the bank and W. T. Webb and W. D. Warren were directors. Larkin Webb and his seventeen children came to Jackson County in 1840 and Benjamin Warren came with his family in 1843. There were (and still are) so many Webb descendants in Eastern Jackson County I haven’t made the connection to Larkin,. However, I can tell you W. D. Warren was the great grandson of Benjamin. William A Warren and Tommie Webb were partners in the hardware store, built in Grain Valley around the turn of the last century (1900). It makes sense that the Warrens and a member of the Webb family might have chosen a site directly across the street from the hardware to build Grain Valley’s first bank. I do not know who H. A. Johnson was; perhaps a story for another time. By the 1960s W. D. Warren was the owner and president of the bank and Grace Hoehn was still a cashier. And, by the way, her brother Walter Hoehn ran the hardware store! In 1925, the total assets from loans, bonds, cash, and the bank building and furnishings equaled the total liabilities; $158,007.68. Just for fun, I looked at the inflation calculator. That money today, multiplied by the inflation rate of $18.37 would be $2,902,601.08, a ton of money in 1925!  The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Air Quality Program has issued an orange Ozone Action Alert for Thursday, June 19, 2025. This alert indicates that an unhealthy level of ground-level ozone is expected tomorrow in the Kansas City region. “The first Ozone Action Alert for this year’s ozone season in the Kansas City region is just days before the first day of summer,” said Karen Clawson, MARC air quality program manager. “If you have not signed up to receive SkyCast forecasts and Ozone Action Alerts, now is a good time to do so.” Ozone pollution is formed when emissions from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, and other sources react in heat and sunlight. Environmental factors — such as warm, sunny weather; low wind speeds; and lack of rain — increase the likelihood of poor air quality. The two most important things residents should do on Ozone Action Alert days are: 1. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH Ozone pollution can cause a variety of problems — even in healthy adults — including chest pains, coughing, nausea, throat irritation and difficulty breathing. People who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with breathing or heart problems, should limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Everyone should consider scheduling outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 2. REDUCE POLLUTION More than half of all emissions that lead to ozone pollution are caused by everyday activities such as driving and yard work. To help reduce air pollution, you can postpone mowing and wait until evening to refuel vehicles. If you live close to where you work, consider riding a bike or walking instead of driving. Both options produce zero emissions and the exercise is great for your health. Try to schedule walking and biking trips before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., and avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air. Learn more about simple actions to reduce pollution and follow the SkyCast, the region’s daily air quality forecast, at AirQKC.org. MARC issues the SkyCast each afternoon from March 1 through Oct. 31. SkyCast information is also available via the air quality information line, 816-701-8287, on social media at www.x.com/airqkc and from area media outlets.  (StatePoint) Two in five U.S. adults identify as family caregivers, but there is a lack of support for them nationwide, according to new research from Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and Age Wave. With 46% of Americans expected to become caregivers in the future, this research sought to better understand their concerns and challenges, and uncover ways to support them.
How caregivers are navigating their finances, emotions and careers Top financial concerns caregivers face include rising costs and inflation (56%) and inadequate retirement savings (42%). In fact, 95% of caregivers have some level of financial concern for their retirement, and 51% must cut back on personal spending because of their caregiving responsibilities, according to the study. In addition to financial challenges, many caregivers cited caregiving as a significant emotional responsibility, leaving them stressed, burned out, and unable to prioritize their own health. Most caregivers (72%) are willing to sacrifice their own financial security to ensure proper care for their loved ones. This sometimes includes such measures as stepping away from their jobs entirely, reducing work hours, taking on debt and dipping into their own retirement savings. Despite these challenges, 80% of caregivers say their role has strengthened their relationships with loved ones, with the large majority reporting feelings of personal fulfillment and gratitude from those in their care. “Caregivers often bear great financial burdens and sacrifice their own well-being to care for children and elder family members,” says Ken Dychtwald, founder and CEO of Age Wave. “The vital role of family caregivers in our care systems and society demands greater recognition, resources and relief, especially as America’s population continues to live longer with more chronic conditions and the need for caregiving grows.” Support, education and resources for caregivers is crucial. Fifty-seven percent have not sought professional advice for caregiving-related financial guidance, yet 93% of those who work with a financial advisor report feeling more confident about their financial future. “Financial advisors are an important element of a caregiver’s support system,” says Ken Cella, principal and head of external affairs at Edward Jones. “They can give caregivers a complete picture of their finances, enabling them to navigate the complex realities of care while planning for multiple long-term financial and life goals.” Policies that help caregivers have bipartisan support Currently, 68% of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, say the public sector is not doing enough to support caregivers, a sentiment felt more strongly among those caring for elderly adults and special-needs adults. The research found that the majority of Americans support enacting federal legislation that would aid caregivers, such as expanded retirement account contributions for caregivers, and additional “catch-up” contributions for caregivers. Additionally, 74% say they believe employers should offer benefits such as financial support or flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities, reflecting a growing demand for supportive workplace policies. “In the face of rising living costs and a looming retirement crisis, supporting caregivers through national and employment policies is an investment in economic stability, public health and the well-being of both caregivers and those they are caring for,” says Cella. “As a firm, we are proud to advocate on behalf of caregivers by backing policies that will build lasting financial strength for our clients, colleagues, communities and society.” Caregivers have a lot to navigate emotionally, financially and logistically. But support, education and resources can help them meet the challenges. Missouri lawmakers create pathway for free career-tech educationby Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent Missouri high school graduates may soon be able to attend career-certificate programs for free after state lawmakers passed a bill creating a reimbursement process for career and technical education. The legislation now awaits Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature or veto. “This will increase (the workforce) astronomically,” said state Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar. “And it’s great for the kids who are in those career tech programs. It gives them another avenue to make themselves better.” Kelley, who filed the bill in the House, told The Independent that she got the idea for the legislation after talking to a student. He was eligible for the state’s A+ Program, which pays for two years of public community college, and he wanted to use the funds to train for his commercial driver’s license. But his goal of operating a dump truck business was derailed when he realized that the state’s program wouldn’t cover the type of education he needed. So Kelley proposed a new program — one with eligibility requirements mirroring the A+ Program but to fund career-certificate programs. To qualify, students will need to graduate high school with at least a 2.5 GPA, at least 95% attendance rate, 50 hours of unpaid tutoring and achieve proficiency in the Algebra I end-of-course exam. The Missouri Senate added another path to eligibility, opening the door to students with high school career-tech certificates. “Currently a student who wants to obtain a certificate or license right out of high school… must pay for these out of pocket because the courses are too short to qualify for the A+ reimbursement program and are not Pell eligible,” Kelley said in a committee hearing in February. “These students are typically ones who are not interested in going to a two-year or four-year school.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
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Some students use the state’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant to pay for training and licensing, but the program requires participants to be at least 25 years old. Some students take jobs outside their career path to pass the time and avoid shelling out thousands for their certificate, Kelley said, but this legislation seeks to “fill the gap.” To pay for the grants, the bill sets up a fund managed by the State Treasurer’s Office. Funding would have to be appropriated annually by the state’s general assembly, though the fund would also be open for donations. The state estimates a cost of up to $3.3 mil in 2028, according to a fiscal note. Kelley is “positive” that Kehoe will sign the bill given his vocal support for career-tech initiatives. In his inaugural State of the State speech in January, Kehoe placed an emphasis on career and technical education and called for a work group to bolster CTE programs. The legislation has also generated support from advocacy groups. In committee, lobbyists from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri National Education Association spoke in favor of the idea. “Skilled technical talent is a major asset to Missouri employers across all industries,” the chamber of commerce’s lobbyist Cade Tremain said in a hearing in February. The legislation received wide support, drawing just two “no” votes in the House and one in the Senate. It ultimately passed as part of a large higher education package with bipartisan support. Support Local JournalismAs a nonprofit newsroom, our articles are free for everyone to access. Readers like you make that possible. Can you help sustain our watchdog reporting today?
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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]. 
The Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival will return on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00am to approximately 2:30pm along Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza. Since its launch in 2005, the festival has grown into a beloved summer tradition, celebrating the city’s cultural diversity and global connections. Organized by The Society for Friendship with China, in partnership with the City of Kansas City, MO Parks & Recreation, the Kansas City Sister City Association, and many community supporters, the festival highlights Chinese and Asian culture, promotes people-to-people friendship, and fosters appreciation for multiculturalism. This free, family-friendly event features three main components:
 The Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival will return on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00am to approximately 2:30pm along Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza. Photo credit: Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of June 11-17, 2025. June 11, 2025 1600 BLK NE BROADWAY Open Door-Structure 200 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol SNI-A-BAR PKWY / SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol PHQ Administrative 200 BLK EE KIRBY RD Open Door-Structure MAIN / CANNON Extra Patrol SW SNIABAR / SW HARVEST DR Extra Patrol SW SNIABAR / SW GRAYSTONE Extra Patrol 40 HWY / LITTLE BLUE PKWY Meeting 100 BLK OAK ST Agency Assist EMS 1300 BLK JEFFERSON ST 911 Open Line 1500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Careless and Imprudent Driver NW ELMWOOD / NW BOXELDER CT Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Meeting 1200 BLK NW PHELPS DR Abandoned Vehicle PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Walk In Report 205 BLK HOOTOWL Open Door-Structure 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1600 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE DR Disturbance-Verbal June 12, 2025 SW SNI-A-BAR BLVD / SW SNI-A-BAR PKWY Extra Patrol 1100 BLK BUSH DRIVE Extra Patrol E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 500 BLK W WALNUT ST Warrant Arrest 1400 BLK NW COTTONWOOD DR Security Check PHQ Public Service 900 BLK CROSS CREEK DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report NELSON DR / Nelson ct Extra Patrol NELSON DR / MEADOWOOD Traffic Enforcement MINTER / AA Suspicious Activity ROSEWOOD / LINDENWOOD Traffic Enforcement 400 BLK NE WOLFCREEK DR Disturbance-Verbal 700 BLK NW GREEN DR Disturbance-Verbal SNI-A-BAR PKWY / SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1200 BLK PAMELA RD Security Check 3600 BLK S RUST RD Disturbance-Physical June 13, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol BB / SNI A BAR Careless and Imprudent Driver 1200 BLK NW VALLEY RIDGE DR Alarm-Commerical NELSON / MEADOWWOOD Traffic Enforcement ROSEWOOD / LINDENWOOD Traffic Enforcement 800 BLK SW MEADOWWOOD DR Stealing Under 100 BLK NELSON Traffic Enforcement 600 BLK SW TISHA LANE Suspicious Vehicle SNI A BAR / GATEWAY Traffic Enforcement 900 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Public Service PHQ Walk In Report 200 BLK NE HANNAH CT Standby to Prevent 500 BLK MAIN ST Agency Assist EMS BB / SNI A BAR Traffic Enforcement 100 BLK OAK ST Disturbance-Physical 100 BLK BROADWAY ST Public Service PHQ Public Service LINDENWOOD AND ROSEWOOD DR Traffic Enforcement NELSON / LEE ANN Traffic Enforcement 200 BLK CONCORD CIR Protection Order Service 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK Protection Order Service SNI-A-BAR PKWY / SNI-A-BAR BLVD Security Check June 14, 2025 E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol SNI A BAR / SNI A BAR Citizen Contact 2000 BLK NW ROSEWOOD DR Disturbance-Physical PHQ Public Service 700 BLK MAIN Vehicle Maintenance 1100 BLK BUSH DR Security Check LEE ANN / NELSON Traffic Enforcement LEE ANN / NELSON Traffic Enforcement ROSEWOOD / PERSIMMON Traffic Enforcement NELSON CT / NELSON Traffic Enforcement MEADOWOOD / NELSON Traffic Enforcement DUNCAN / E OF RUST Area Check NELSON / MEADOWOOD Traffic Enforcement NW HILLTOP LN Parking Complaint/Viol MAIN / WALNUT Citizen Contact 500 BLK SW MEADOWOOD DR Standby to Prevent 200 BLK NE KATIE CT Suspicious Activity PHQ Administrative 500 BLK SW MEADOW WOOD Disturbance-Verbal SNI A BAR / EAGLES Pedestrian Check June 15, 2025 S BUCKNER TARSNEY / DUNCAN Check Well Being SNI A BAR / SNI A BAR Extra Patrol E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK BUSH DR Security Check 200 BLK WALNUT Area Check 600 BLK OLD US HWY 40 Agency Assist EMS 1100 BLK VALLEY RIDGE Security Check 900 BLK SW SHORTHORN RD Citizen Contact ROSEWOOD / LINDWOOD Traffic Enforcement 500 BLK SW HAMILTON LN Trespass; Property Damage 600 BLK SW TISHA LN Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Sex Offense PHQ Public Service BS DETENTION Prisoner Transport NELSON / MEADOWOOD Traffic Enforcement LINDENWOOD / ROSEWOOD Traffic Enforcement 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol 2100 BLK S DILLINGHAM RD Suspicious Person ROSEWOOD SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE Area Check PHQ Public Service 1200 BLK NW PHELPS DR Fireworks 700 BLK SHORTHORN Open Door-Structure 900 BLK SW CROSSCREEK DR Check Well Being 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1200 BLK GOLFVIEW DR Area Check 1200 BLK NW GOLFVIEW Noise June 16, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol PHQ Public Service PHQ Public Service 2500 BLK W MECHANIC Training 700 BLK N MAIN ST Harrassment 1000 BLK NW DOGWOOD DR Alarm-Residential PHQ Administrative 1600 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Motorist Assist PHQ Walk In Report MINTER RD Area Check 1100 BLK NW BUCKNER TARSNEY Nature Unknown 1100 BLK NW BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Misc-All Other Offences MINTER RD Motorist Assist 300 BLK NW YENNIE Disturbance-Verbal 700 BLK S MAIN ST Suspicious Person PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Walk In Report 900 BLK SW SHORTHORN DR Public Service 1000 BLK S BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Area Check 1200 BLK GOLFVIEW DR Crash Injury PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report 700 BLK N MAIN ST Area Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol MAIN / JEFFERSON Traffic Enforcement 200 BLK NW PARKER Citizen Contact June 17, 2025 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol SNI A BAR BLVD / SNI A BAR PKWAY Extra Patrol SNI A BAR / GREYSTONE Missing Person-Juvenile PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Administrative 700 BLK MAIN ST Suspicious Person PHQ Public Service 100 BLK BROADWAY Check Well Being 500 BLK NW WILLOW Citizen Contact 100 BLK NW BROADWAY ST Disturbance-Verbal WOODBURY / WHITNEY Traffic Enforcement 11000 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol PHQ Information PHQ Public Service 700 BLK NELSON DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1 Check Well Being CIT: 1  Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,700 jobs in May 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 3,600 jobs and government employment increased by 100 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 10,900 jobs from May 2024 to May 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by three-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in May 2024 to 4 percent in May 2025. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,002,300 in May 2025, up by 3,700 from the revised April 2025 figure. The April 2025 total was revised upward by 4,000 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries increased by 3,200 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 2,200 jobs and manufacturing gaining 1,000 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 400 jobs between April 2025 and May 2025. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in trade, transportation, and utilities (2,000 jobs); leisure and hospitality (1,300 jobs); private education and health services (1,000 jobs); and financial activities (200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-2,600 jobs); information (-1,100 jobs); and other services (-400 jobs). Total government employment increased by 100 jobs over the month, with an increase in local government (2,000 jobs) and decreases in state (-1,300 jobs) and federal government (-600 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 10,900 jobs from May 2024 to May 2025. The largest gains were in private education and health services (17,600 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (2,900 jobs;) and other services (1,200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-4,800 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-4,300 jobs); information (-3,200 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-3,000 jobs); manufacturing (-600 jobs); and financial activities (-100 jobs). Government employment increased by 5,200 jobs over the year, with increases in local (4,600 jobs) and state government (2,200 jobs) and a decrease in federal government (-1,600 jobs). UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in May 2025, rising to 4 percent from the revised April 2025 rate of 3.9 percent. The May 2025 rate was three-tenths of a percentage point higher than the May 2024 rate of 3.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 125,042 in May 2025, up by 944 from the revised April total of 124,098. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in May 2025 by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9 percent from the April 2025 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.8 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.7 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for May 2025 was 4 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.4 percent in May 2025, one point higher than the national rate of 62.4 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.9 percent in May 2025, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national rate of 59.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 4 percent in May 2025, two-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 more than 10 years.  The Jackson County Legislature passed Ordinance 5987 on June 18th directing how short-term rental (STR) properties should be assessed for property tax purposes. The ordinance reclassifies short-term rentals previously classified as commercial property as residential for assessment purposes. In a statement, County Executive Frank White Jr. said, "It will take time to issue revised notices to affected property owners. We ask for their patience as this process unfolds and will provide updated records online as they become available." “While we are pausing implementation for 2025, it is important to recognize that the challenge we face stems from a much larger failure at the state level. The Missouri General Assembly has not modernized our tax laws to reflect the realities of today’s housing market. As a result, current law draws no distinction between a homeowner who rents their residence for a few days a year and an out-of-state corporation that purchases hundreds, or even thousands, of homes solely to operate them as short-term rentals. “This practice has had a real and growing impact on our communities. It has contributed to rising property values and assessments, reduced the supply of long-term housing and created uncertainty for families trying to remain in the neighborhoods they love. In many cases, commercial STR operators are benefiting from residential tax rates while generating significant private profit, undermining the intent of our tax system and placing additional strain on everyone else." White said he is urging the County Legislature to revisit this issue before the 2026 tax year and called on the Missouri General Assembly to act immediately to fix this gap in state law by clearly distinguishing between residents who live in and occasionally rent their homes, and corporations using residential properties to run commercial operations at scale.  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News MILWAUKEE - The mood was surreal. Several times Thursday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Grain Valley High School baseball coach Brian Driskell just shook his head in amazement. As he watched Eagles graduate Jacob Misiorowski warm up before his first Major League start, he noticed the lanky right-hander was having trouble with the strike zone. "I don't think Jacob threw a strike in warmups," Driskell said, "I guess he was saving them for the start of the game." Misiorowski, a 2020 Grain Valley graduate who missed his senior season of baseball because of the COVID shutdown, was masterful when he took the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals when he took to the mound at American Family Field. He pitched a 1-2-3 first inning with a strikeout and did not allow a hit in his five innings of action. His teammates took care of him offensively as he earned a victory in big league debut. "After Jacob struggled in warmups, he was awesome," Driskell said. "Watching, and having my son Noah with me, was incredible. It was surreal. I've known Jacob since he was a kid. "Noah was 8 or 9 when Jacob graduated, so he knows what a great high school pitcher he was. And we went to Davenport (Iowa) to watch him pitch in the the minors two years ago. I know that Noah was just as excited as I was being here for the game." Misiorowski finished with five walks, and had to leave the game before the start of the sixth inning because he turned his ankle on the mound. He was able to walk off the field without any assistance and told reporters after the game," I saw a replay of my ankle and it looked worse than it actually is. I feel okay." He told Driskell and Noah the same thing. "We were so lucky after the game," Driskell said. "Jacob came out to see his family, and they were all so excited. And he came over and talked with us, and that meant a lot to me and Noah (and Eagles assistant coach Rusty Meyer, who also made the trip). "I could have never dreamed he was going to pitch no-hit ball for five innings. I just wanted him to have a strong first inning and not give up a lot of walks. He told us his ankle isn't bad and that he's looking forward to his next game." Driskell laughed when asked about the role he played in the No. 2 draft pick's rise to the big leagues. "That kid has a rubber arm, he can throw the ball hard and he's a competitor," Driskell said. "I was fortunate to be his coach in high school. He had everything working for him long before I was his coach. He deserves all the credit!"  Grain Valley High School graduate Jacob Misiorowski, middle, visits with his Eagles coach Brian Driskell and Driskell's son Noah after the big right-hander threw five innings of no-hit baseball in his Major League debut Thursday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The former second round 2022 Major League Baseball draft selection had five strikeouts in five innings against St. Louis in a 6-0 Brewers' win. Photo courtesy Brian Driskell  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Jacob Misiorowski, a graduate of Grain Valley High School, almost missed one of the biggest calls of his life early Tuesday morning. It was from Rick Sweet, his AA Nashville Sounds manager, telling the lanky right-hander that he was being called up to the parent team Milwaukee Brewers. But when Misiorowski saw Potential Spam on his cell phone, he didn't answer "It was actually a phone call at 9 a.m.," said Misiorowski, who was all smiles as he met with the Milwaukee media Wednesday afternoon in the Brewers dugout. "It popped up with possible spam over it and it was from a wireless caller so I declined it the first time and then he texted me and said 'Hey, this is your head coach. You need to answer the phone.' "So, I answered it then and he was like 'Well, you're going to want to wake up for this one.' It was good." Misiorowski, who missed out on his senior season with the Eagles because of the COVID shutdown, was taken in the second round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft. Milwaukee’s fourth overall prospect, is 4-2 this season with a 2.13 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) for Nashville.He struck out 80 batters in just 63.1 innings, and has a fastball that has been clocked at over 103 mph this season. There has been talk of Misiorowski joining the Brewers as either a starter or reliever, but for the time being, he will be a starter. "I'm just happy to be here," he said, grinning. "Coach told me to go out and perform, and that's what I plan on doing." After the call from his minor league manager, Misiorowski called his parents in Grain Valley, then made a coach to Eagles coach Brian Driskell, who will be in attendance Thursday night when his former standout makes his big-league debut. "He called about 10:30 and he was really excited," Driskell said. "It's a dream come true - and it meant a lot to me that he gave me a call." Misiorowski was 6-1 with a 2.89 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 36 innings as a sophomore and made a meteoric rise as a junior, going 9-2 with a 1.40 ERA and 67 strikeouts in just 47 innings. He allowed just 10 earned runs all season, as Driskell started to notice dozens of major league scouts in the stands with their radar run. “The sky's the limit with Jacob,” his high school coach said. “ The reality is he's always been healthy, and lucky – because of the few injuries he's had, they have been lower-body injuries – and he's really good. “The kid has a rubber arm and I think he's going to be success in the majors.”  Grain Valley High School graduate Jacob Misiorowski will be on the mound when the Milwaukee Brewers play host to the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday night. Misiorowski was called up from AA Nashville on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Milwaukee Brewers by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, June 9 for its first meeting of the month. This meeting consisted of an oath of office for new police officer, Timothy Maybell, a promotion recognition for Sergeant Breedlove, one item of previous business, one item of new business, seven resolutions, and three ordinances. Following the opening of the meeting, the Board witnessed new officer Timothy Maybell take his oath of office. Sergeant Breedlove was then recognized by Police Chief Ed Turner and the Board on his recent promotion. Under previous business, the Board approved a new liquor license for JC Arandas as well as the renewal of liquor licenses for 18 businesses within the city. The Board then moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved allows the city to purchase a new 2025 Ford F-350 for the Public Works department. The next resolution approved by the Board allows the city to make a payment to Vance Brothers Inc. for surface treatment and road markings on Argo Road. Next, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the city to execute an agreement and change order number 1 with Advanced Asphalt Paving & Concrete LLC to provide edge mill and asphalt overlay to streets identified within the CIP plans. The fourth resolution approved by the Board authorizes the city to execute an agreement with JM Fahey Construction Company for the Front Street roadway storm and water improvements. The Board then approved the next resolution to enter into an agreement with Vance Brothers Inc. for micro seal paving. The next resolution the Board approved adopts the new multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The last resolution approved by the Board authorizes the city to purchase ballistic shields from Baysingers Uniforms to outfit patrol officers. Moving on to resolutions, the Board approved the first and second readings of a resolution to terminate the designation of the Mall at Sni-A-Bar Redevelopment Project Area as a redevelopment projects. This dissolves the special allocation fund for the area and closes out the tax incremental financing plan. The Board then approved the first reading of a resolution that would allow the city to enter into a Transportation Alternative Program funding agreement for the Sni-A-Bar Boulevard Trail. This ordinance will be brought back for its’ second read at the next meeting. Next, the Board approved the first reading of the final ordinance of the meeting, this ordinance would allow the city to enter into a Surface Transportation Block Grant for the Eagles Parkway Road improvement. This ordinance will be brought back for a second read at the next meeting. During his Mayor report, Mayor Mike Todd noted that a few members of the board would not be in attendance for the June 23rd meeting, which was subsequently canceled. The meeting was then adjourned. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at City Hall on July 14 at 6:30pm.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society After deciding I might spend a few weeks researching Grain Valley, 100 years ago, I visited the Oak Grove Historical Society. They have unique bound volumes of The Oak Grove Banner newspapers from 1906 until the late 1930s. Unfortunately, for me, the volume from 100 years ago (1925) is always “on loan” to the current Oak Grove Voice. So the stories over the next few weeks will come from the 1924 volume or the 1926 volume; almost 100 years ago. I was first drawn to this advertisement from the last week of January 1926.  Edgar Graham (June 12, 1903 - March 28, 1967) and his wife, Jewell Johnson Graham, were good friends of my Aunt Opal and Uncle Clyde Fristoe. All four were graduates of Grain Valley High School; Edgar in 1922, Clyde in 1923 and Opal and Jewell were classmates in the Class of 1925. When I was young, the Grahams owned an Apple Orchard and operated a roadside stand on Buckner Tarsney Road, just north of Duncan Road. If you know where to look, you can still see the gravel on the east side of the road that was their parking lot. I can recall a few times when they would talk about Edgar’s “professional wrestling career.” I should have paid more attention. As I recall, Edgar was a small man, maybe 5’10” and 160 pounds. Compared to the professional wrestles I would see on television I remember thinking he could not have been very good. Evidently, he was better than I thought.  From The Oak Grove Banner I cannot imagine either man lasting for an hour and thirty-seven minutes. Was this an endurance test of an athletic event? Charlton got his rematch on February 19th at the Royal Playhouse in Grain Valley. I will try and do some searching is more issues of the 1926 Banner. Maybe I can let you know who won. I believe I remember that Edgar had matches in other towns around Kansas City. As I peruse future issues of the Banner, I will let you know if I find any updates on Edgar’s success as a wrestler! I’m thinking it was a limited career and I don’t believe he became famous. I only knew him as a farmer. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 11, 2025) — Marking One Year to Go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ inaugural match, Host City organizing committee KC2026 held a news conference at Union Station. At the event, they unveiled a countdown clock and announced their first Official Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Supporters: Populous and Nestlé Purina PetCare. "We are incredibly proud to have the support of both Populous, a global design firm specializing in sports and entertainment, headquartered in Kansas City, and Purina, a leading pet care and nutrition company deeply rooted in our Animal Health Corridor,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. “Their commitment as Host City Supporters signifies our talent, strength and diversity as a region that has already arrived on the world stage. Kansas City is prepared to showcase its vibrant atmosphere, strong sports culture and economic opportunities to 650,000 visitors and five billion viewers worldwide.” The first match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ will happen in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, with the first match in Kansas City kicking off on June 16, 2026. Kansas City will host six matches: • Group Stage Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Group Stage Saturday, June 20, 2026 • Group Stage Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Group Stage Saturday, June 27, 2026 • Round of 32 Friday, July 3, 2026 • Quarter-Final Saturday, July 11, 2026 The Countdown to 2026 KC2026, together with special guests and state and local elected leaders, unveiled two versions of countdown clocks that will be present throughout Kansas and Missouri leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26™. A set of custom Kansas City heart-shaped countdown clocks was fabricated by a Kansas design/build company over seven weeks, made of aluminum and steel and standing at just under 10 feet tall. One clock will be on display in Kansas City at Union Station, where it was unveiled Wednesday. The other will be unveiled in Johnson County, Kansas, later in June. In addition to Kansas City’s countdown clocks, FIFA has supplied two clocks to commemorate next year’s competition. FIFA countdown clocks will be installed in central and iconic locations across all 2026 Host Cities, counting down to June 11, when the greatest soccer tournament kicks off in North America. Kansas City’s FIFA countdown clocks will be on display throughout the region at locations that will be announced at a later date. Kramer invites social media users to participate by sharing their photos featuring the clock. They can use the hashtag #KCCountdown and tag and follow @FWC26KansasCity to follow the clocks' progress throughout the coming year. One Year to Kickoff in Kansas City The Countdown to 2026 festivities will continue throughout the month: on June 22 at the Aspiria campus in Overland Park, KC2026 will host the Kansas City Kickoff community event, a day of free family fun and an opportunity to learn about the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City. At the event, the community is invited to learn about KC2026, Host City Supporters, resources for small businesses and volunteer opportunities. Prospective volunteers can now register their interest ahead of the August application period. For more updates in the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 26™, visit the KC2026 website and social channels and sign up for the KC2026 e-newsletter. FIFA World Cup 26™ The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the 23rd edition of the tournament and is set to break multiple records. Building on the global success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, which engaged five billion fans across all media platforms and drew more than 3.4 million spectators, the 2026 edition is expected to welcome 6.5 million fans – truly bringing the world to North America like never before. This will be the largest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history, with 48 teams competing for the first time. It also marks the first edition of the tournament to be hosted across three countries and 16 vibrant Host Cities, uniting an entire continent through football. Group stage matchups will be determined by the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™, which will take place later this year. Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will go on sale to the general public in the coming months. Select ticket-inclusive hospitality packages are already available. Fans can sign up to receive more information at FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the tournament. Additional hospitality packages, including for matches in Canada and Mexico, are set to go on sale in July.   by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News At the time, Ralph Hernandez III felt like there was a void in his life. He graduated from Grain Valley in 2017, and his 13-year wrestling career came to an end. When he was with the Grain Valley wrestling team, he qualified for the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships as a junior and a senior and finished in sixth and second place, respectively, in his weight class. He had been involved with wrestling for the majority of his life. After he graduated, he was pondering what he would do next. “When he was done with wrestling, it left a void for a few months,” Hernandez said. “I was thinking, ‘What do I do now?’ My whole life, I was training for something. I didn’t have anything for a little while.’” That’s when his cousin and former mixed-martial arts fighter Rudy Bears invited Hernandez to train in jiu-jitsu. That eventually lead to Hernandez finding his place in the local MMA world as a professional fighter. The 2017 Grain Valley grad will make his professional debut in the Shamrock Fighting Championship promotion, which is based in St. Louis, this Saturday at Ameristar Casino in Kansas City as he will take on Christian Camp in the lightweight division. It was a long journey for Hernandez to get to this point. His father, Ralph Hernandez II, had him wrestle with the Grain Valley youth wrestling team when he was just five years old. He also trained in karate and boxing in his youth years. Fighting was in his blood. Bears, his cousin, fought professional for multiple years and ended his career in the biggest MMA promotion in the world, the Ultimate Fight Championships. Ralph Hernandez II competed in local Toughman competitions in the 1990s. Hernandez wanted to follow in their footsteps. “He was a big influence,” Hernandez said of Bears. “He had an imprint on me as a kid when I watched him fight in elementary school.” After taking a few months off following his high school graduation, Hernandez started training at Bears’ gym when he was 19. He eventually got his first amateur MMA fight on June 16, 2018 against Michael Hughes. Hughes’ original opponent had to drop out due to an injury and needed an opponent with just three days left before the fight was scheduled. Hernandez decided to come in as the replacement and fight Hughes. At the time, Hernandez was 175 pounds and he had to cut 20 pounds in just three days to be able to compete in the lightweight weight class. “I usually stick to the basics like saunas and Epsom salt baths,” Hernandez said of his method to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. “At first, we thought I could go a kick boxing match or grappling match. We decided on mixed martial arts. We figured if we are going to do it at any time, it would be right now. It worked out pretty well. It was three days notice. I didn’t really have time to be nervous. I only had enough time to make weight.” He won the fight by unanimous decision after a trio of 3-minute rounds. Hernandez said he mainly depended on his skills as a wrestler during that bout. “I was pretty confident in my skills,” Hernandez said. “It was a classic striker vs. wrestler matchup. It I got a lot better in that nine minutes. The first fight is always nerve wracking because amateur debut fights do not go the distance. Because everyone is so new and everything is so chaotic. “My Grain Valley wrestling career almost solely won me that fight. I completely emptied the gas tank to win that fight. That was a feather in the cap knowing that I could push through.” He did just that, but he was limping for weeks after, which is just part of being a fighter. “He threw a lot of leg kicks,” Hernandez said. “He chewed my leg apart.” The Grain Valley grad went on to have 10 amateur fights and he had a 7-3 record. His final amateur fight was a loss to David Macias by unanimous decision on Sept. 23, 2023. “I am super happy with how my amateur career went,” Hernandez said. “My strategy was to take the hardest fight and taking fights that are pushing me and are giving me the most experience possible. We made sure I faced really good strikers and some better wrestlers than myself. We didn’t want to just take fights that we knew we could win. “We wanted to do that, so when I went pro, it wouldn’t be a huge jump.” Hernandez had a long break after his last amateur fight before he took his first professional boxing match. He faced Dylan Reischman and won by unanimous decision. Hernandez used that boxing match to keep himself in shape as he was trying to find an opponent for his first professional fight. “I was having a hard time finding a fight,” Hernandez said. “When I was ready to get a fight and make the leap, it was hard to get a fight for multiple reasons like people pulling out due to injuries or lame excuses. The boxing match was a good way to knock off the ring rust.” Since then, Hernandez has been training for his professional debut 5-6 days per week for the past eight weeks. He said his training gets more intense the closer it gets to Saturday. He hopes his fight against Camp will be the start of a long and successful MMA career. His goal is to make a living doing it and hopes to one day be a part of a large promotion like the UFC. “Anything that is worth doing, it worth overdoing,” Hernandez said. “I never gone into anything in my life, without the goal of being the best. There are professional aspirations that I have, and I want to replace my income with fighting. “I want to family one day and I want to be able to say I was able to provide through my craft of martial arts. The goal is to make it to the biggest stage and win championships.”  Grain Valley graduate Ralph Hernandez, top, gets ready to land a punch on his opponent from the top position. Photos courtesy of Shamrock Fighting Championships  Ralph Hernandez flexes after a win in an amateur mixed martial arts fight. Photos courtesy of Shamrock Fighting Championships |
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