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The Board of Aldermen met Monday, November 14th, approving the first reading of the 2023 budget and fee schedule. Additional reporting will follow, but the draft budget can be viewed at 2022-11-14_agenda_board_of_aldermen_81898.pdf (cityofgrainvalley.org).
The Board approved the first reading of an ordinance amending City code related to home-based businesses in response to a recently signed bill by Governor Parson (HB 1662) which makes sweeping changes to the ability of Missouri cities to regulate and control home-based occupations. Under the provisions of HB 1662, the City of Grain Valley is prohibited from limiting the hours of operation for any home-based business; prohibiting or requiring any structural modifications as a condition of operating a home-based business; prohibiting service by appointment within the home-based business; prohibiting any particular occupation as a home-based business; or prohibiting the storage or use of equipment that does not cause effects outside of the home or an accessory building. Additionally, under the provisions of HB 1662, if a business qualifies as a “no-impact homebased business” the City is further prohibited from limiting the number of employees or customers in the business at any time except to the extent of the fire codes; requiring that the business activities occur only within the residence, although the city may prohibit activities that can be viewed from the street; or requiring that the business obtain any zoning permit, home occupation permit, or other licenses, other than a business license. The Board also approved the second reading of an ordinance to call a municipal election on April 4, 2023. One alderman seat in each of City's three wards will be on the ballot. The first day for candidates to file for the municipal election will be Tuesday, December 6, 2022 beginning at 8:00am and the last day for candidacy filing will be Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 5:00pm. Candidates will be listed on the ballot in order of date filed. In other business, the Board approved the first reading of an ordinance to grant an easement for the sewer main that will serve the Grain Valley branch of Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) being built on property sold to MCPL by the City. During staff reports, City Administrator Ken Murphy reported the City received communication from KC Southern requesting comment related to proposed changes in the area, which the City Engineer has completed. Canadian Pacific Railway has purchased KC Southern (sale completed December 2021), and several changes are proposed in the area. One proposal includes extending the siding to an area near Monkey Mountain, which would allow trains that stop to allow another train to pass to not block crossings downtown. Train traffic could increase by 8 trains per day, but Murphy indicated that with the proposed improvements, trains would not be stopped and blocking City intersections. The next scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be at 7:00pm on Monday, November 28th at City Hall. Grain Valley High School (GVHS) Principal Dr. Jeremy Plowman announced his retirement at the end of the 2022-2023 school year after 27 years in education. Plowman joined GVHS as associate principal in 2007 and has been the principal of GVHS since 2013. “It has been my honor and privilege working with all of you to build what I believe is the best high school in the KC Metro area. Our building is almost double the size physically [from when I started] and we are still building. Academically, we have continued to increase opportunities for students and their test scores continually illustrate their readiness to succeed after high school. However, what makes this place special is all of you," Plowman said in a statement to staff. Referring to Dr. Plowman’s retirement, Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle said, “Dr. Plowman has led our high school with professionalism and enthusiasm. During his time at GVHS, the school has transformed into a suburban leader in academic and extracurricular opportunities for students. His emphasis on relationships has ensured a ‘small school’ feel during a period of rapid growth.” Parents and guardians are invited to complete a survey to provide input into the characteristics and qualities desired for a new principal at Grain Valley High School. Link to complete survey: Grain Valley High School (PARENT/GUARDIAN) Principal Selection Input Survey (google.com) Dr. Jeremy Plowman announced his retirement as Principal of Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
During their November 15th meeting, Mid-Continent Public Library’s Board of Trustees approved a contract to hire Aaron B. Mason as the system’s new Library Director and CEO. Beginning January 17, 2023, Mason will step into MCPL’s head leadership role, overseeing the Library’s 33 branches across Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties, and the nearly 850,000 residents they serve. Mason moves to MCPL from Cleveland Public Library, where he spent nearly two decades of his career, most recently holding the role of Senior Director of Outreach and Programming Services. “Mr. Mason is an esteemed librarian with tremendous leadership and public service experience that will be a valued asset to Mid-Continent Public Library,” Ronald Thiewes, MCPL Board President said. “We’re thrilled to have Aaron join the Library and very much look forward to him as our new Director and CEO.” In his previous position, Mason worked to expand the reach of Cleveland Public Library’s services beyond its 27 branches through innovative initiatives and partnerships. During his tenure with the organization, he held a variety of roles—from assisting customers as a branch staff member and business reference librarian, to cataloging materials purchased by the library, to overseeing the entire system’s programming and outreach efforts. In all his work, Mason has been particularly passionate about connecting residents to the arts and ensuring equitable access to critical resources and services. “Throughout my career, my mission has been to remove roadblocks and support the public’s right to shape the library experience to their interests. With the help of dedicated librarians, we have built an environment where people of all ages can dream, create, and grow. Continuing this work in support of Mid-Continent Public Library is a dream come true,” Mason said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to join this great organization, and I look forward to serving the community and furthering MCPL’s mission of ‘expanding access to innovation, information, ideas, and inspiration.’” Mason’s career as a librarian has included innumerable accomplishments that benefited library customers and local residents. A few of his more notable achievements include:
Wray has been serving as MCPL’s Acting Library Director since Director Steven Potter retired in June of this year. Following his departure, the Library’s Board of Trustees began their four-month, nationwide search for a new director, resulting in the selection of Mason. Mason earned his Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University and his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Outside of the office, he is a member of the American Library Association and Public Library Association. Photo credit: MCPL
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society It’s been over thirty years since a group of interested citizens first began to discuss a way to preserve the history of Grain Valley. This group of amazing men and women became the backbone of our current Historical Society. Winona Burgess was one of the organizers. During the first few years they met at the United Methodist Church on Capelle. Winona was joined by other church members and they reached out to “old timers” in the community. The Charter members included John and Barbara Washburn, Dorothy Greene, Harvey and Rosalie Kolster, Paul and Shirley Morganroth, Bill & Mary Gabriel, and Bob and Mildred Harmon, to name a few. In the early days they struggled with two issues, funds to support the society and a building to house their growing collection of artifacts. Early on, they depended on the City-Wide Garage Sale and an ice cream social to keep them afloat. By 1995, they added the Christmas in the Country Homes Tour. Participation in the garage sale only lasted a few years. The Christmas Homes Tour survived through 2016. The annual Ice Cream social is still going strong. By 1995 this group, which had grown to nearly fifty members, was seriously looking for a home. With stocks from the Harmon Family (Harmon Electronics) and help from Steve Gildehaus, land was purchased on the eastern edge of town and plans were made to refurbish an old Sni-A-Bar silo as a focal point for the museum. After several months, this land was traded for our current building at 506 Main Street in the summer of 1998. At the time of the purchase the society received $19,884 from the City of Grain Valley for restoration work. The Board of Aldermen turn over the money from the health fund tax levy revenue. With hard work and generous donations, today we have a great museum at 506 Main Street. As the City works with Main Street Missouri to revitalize our downtown, we hope the Grain Valley Historical Society can continue to play a key role in our town’s history as a legacy for the future! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently stocked rainbow trout in several Kansas City area lakes. Winter trout fishing in urban lakes gives anglers an opportunity to catch a spunky cold-water fish. The 7,360 trout stocked were raised at MDC fish hatcheries. Rainbow trout are not native to Missouri waters. MDC stocks trout in some spring fed streams in the Ozarks, including at trout parks. But cooler water temperatures and higher oxygen levels during winter enable Kansas City area lakes to support trout. Anglers with proper permits can catch and keep trout. Some trout were stocked in lakes at MDC’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. But trout fishing in other lakes is thanks to partnerships between MDC and community park departments. Most fish stocked are pan-sized trout. But a few lunkers were placed in each lake, too. Lakes stocked on Nov. 8 include:
Some Kansas City area lakes in the trout program will get additional fish stocked during the winter. The most up-to-date information on MDC’s winter trout stockings in the KC Metro Area is available by calling the trout hotline at 816-525-0300, press 2 at the recorded prompt. For more information on urban winter trout fishing throughout Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoH MDC hatchery trucks restocked several Kansas City area lakes on November 8th. Photo credit: MDC
When we think of our Thanksgiving feast, we often think of the main-attraction: the turkey! However, let us not forget the tasty bird’s sweet sidekick, the sweet potato! Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious but also very versatile. Take a look at how this sweet “spud” can take your Thanksgiving meal to a whole new level!
When selecting sweet potatoes, choose sweet potatoes that are firm and do not have any cracks, bruises or soft spots. In addition, sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place. Avoid refrigerating sweet potatoes, as the cold temperature will negatively alter their flavor. Sweet potatoes make a nutritious side dish for your feast. They contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants. These natural compounds give sweet potatoes their orange color as well as protect your cells from daily damage. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A with just one sweet potato giving your body 400% of your daily vitamin A needs. Sweet potatoes also provide your body with a good source of B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin and zinc. With this powerhouse of nutrition, sweet potatoes have been shown to lower your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, macular degeneration and obesity. Are you looking for simple ways to incorporate more nutritious foods into your day? Check out our On-Demand Virtual Nutrition Tours led by our Hy-Vee dietitian team. While watching these store tours from your own home, you are able to learn about foods to add to your cart to give you and your family a healthy boost! Connect with a Hy-Vee dietitian for more ideas, suggestions and health tips. Mix it up this Thanksgiving by serving up these delicious Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes! Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes Serves 10 All you need: ¼ cup Culinary Tours salted Irish butter 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme 1 tsp refrigerated garlic paste ½ tsp Hy-Vee salt ½ tsp Hy-Vee black pepper 2 (15 oz) sweet potatoes, cut into 1-in-thick slices; quarter each slice 1/3 cup Soiree three cheese blend shredded cheese All you do: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a very large rimmed baking pan with foil. 2. Microwave butter in a large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds or until melted. Stir in chopped fresh thyme, garlic paste, salt and black pepper. 3. Add cut sweet potatoes to butter mixture in bowl; toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer in prepared baking pan. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until fork-tender; remove from oven. 4. Place oven rack 5 inches from heat; preheat broiler to HIGH. Place a sheet of parchment paper over roasted sweet potatoes in baking pan. Using the bottom of a glass, press down on each potato piece to flatten. Remove and discard parchment paper. 5. Sprinkle smashed potatoes with cheese. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sweet potatoes begin to crisp. Garnish with additional thyme, if desired. Recipe source: November 2022 Hy-Vee Seasons magazine The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased by 4,600 jobs from September 2022 to October 2022, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 3,500 jobs and government employment increased by 1,100 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.6 percent in October 2022, from 2.4 percent in September 2022. Over the year, there was an increase of 72,400 jobs from October 2021 to October 2022, and the unemployment rate decreased by 1.4 percentage points, from 4.0 percent in October 2021 to 2.6 percent in October 2022.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point in October 2022, rising to 2.6 percent from the revised September 2022 rate of 2.4 percent. The October 2022 rate was 1.4 percent lower than the October 2021 rate. A year ago, the state's seasonally adjusted rate was 4.0 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 78,871 in October 2022, up by 4,337 from September. The number of employed declined by 2,024 in October 2022. The national unemployment rate increased from 3.5 in September 2022 to 3.7 in October 2022. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for the last five years. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in October 2022, rising by six-tenths of a percentage point to 2.4 percent from the September 2022 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 1.8 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for October 2022 was 3.4 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 62.4 percent in October 2022, two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.2 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.8 percent in October 2022, eight-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.0 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 2.6 percent in October 2022, 1.1 percentage points lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for the last five years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's non-farm payroll employment was 2,932,500 in October 2022, up by 4,600 from the revised September 2022 figure. The September 2022 total was revised upward from the preliminary estimate with an increase of 1,400 jobs. Goods-producing industries decreased by 100 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 800 jobs and mining, logging, & construction losing 900 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 3,600 jobs between September 2022 and October 2022. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in professional and business services (3,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (1,500 jobs); financial activities (600 jobs); information (600 jobs); other services (300 jobs); and educational and health services (200 jobs). Employment decreased in trade, transportation, and utilities (-3,200 jobs). Government employment increased by 1,100 jobs over the month with gains in local government (800 jobs); state government (200 jobs); and federal government (100 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 72,400 jobs from October 2021 to October 2022. Most major private-sector industry groups shared in the increase, with the largest gain in professional and business services (27,200 jobs); followed by leisure and hospitality (14,700 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (12,100 jobs); educational and health services (9,300 jobs); other services (3,500 jobs); financial activities (2,200 jobs); manufacturing (1,900 jobs); and information (200 jobs). Employment decreased in trade, transportation, and utilities (-200 jobs). Government employment increased over the year, with a gain of 1,500 jobs. There were increases in local government (2,500 jobs) and state government (1,600 jobs). Employment decreased over the year in federal government (-2,600 jobs). The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of November 9-15, 2022.
November 9, 2022 200 Block NW Willow Ct Sound of Shots Fired (Unfounded) 1200 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Alarm 400 Block James Rollo Dr Harassment 100 Block SW Rock Creek Ln Check the Welfare 1300 Block NW Sycamore Dr Leaving the Scene of an Accident PHQ Citizen Contact 1200 Block SW Foxtail Dr Area Check - Reckless Driver 300 Block NW Yennie St Citizen Contact 1000 Block SW Sandy Ln Check the Welfare 1200 Block NW Phelps Dr Check the Welfare NE Erin / NE Greystone Dr Suspicious Activity 900 Block NW Maple Wood Ct Barking Dog 1100 Block Main St Stealing November 10, 2022 400 Block SW Laura Ln Disturbance 100 Block NE McQuerry Rd Stealing 100 Block NE McQuerry Rd Citizen Contact 1200 Block NW Phelps Dr Trespass Warning 200 Block Valley Dr Unattended Death 500 Block S Minter Alarm 1000 Block SW Primrose Ct Noise Complaint 1200 Block NW Phelps Ct Animal Call 200 Block SW Cross Creek Dr Missing Person (Located) 1000 Block Bush Dr Alarm 30000 Block NE Jefferson Agency Assist - Jackson County November 11, 2022 600 Block NW Valley Ridge Ct Alarm 1200 Block NW Persimmon Dr Stealing 1200 Block RD Mize Rd Agency Assist - Fire/EMS 100 Block Royer Ln Disturbance 800 Block Thieme St Stolen Vehicle PHQ Agency Assist - DFS PHQ Citizen Contact 400 Block S Outer Belt Rd Motor Vehicle Accident (DWI) 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 1200 Block NW Willow Dr Citizen Contact 600 Block E.E. Kirby Burglary 1200 Block NW Eagle Ridge Dr Open Door / Possible Burglary I-70 @ 25.8 MM Agency Assist - Highway Patrol November 12, 2022 2300 Block NW Hedgewood Dr Alarm 600 Block S Buckner Tarsney Rd Motorist Assist PHQ Citizen Contact 100 Block SW Nelson Dr 911 Hang-up (Accidental) PHQ Found Property 900 Block NW Valley Woods Dr Agency Assist - Highway Patrol 500 Block NW Magnolia Cir Disturbance 600 Block NE 1st St Agency Assist - Oak Grove PD Jefferson St / Chrisman Farms Dr Suspicious Vehicle I70 / Main St Area Check - Reckless Driver November 13, 2022 1600 Block NW Hilltop Ln Alarm PHQ Returned Found Property NW Eagle Ridge Dr Animal At Large 1300 Block SW Graystone Dr Alarm 800 Block Minter Way Fire 500 Block Alfalfa Ln Agency Assist - Buckner PD 300 Block Front St Burglary 600 Block SW Westview Dr Citizen Contact November 14, 2022 100 Block NE Sunny Ln Physical Disturbance 100 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Suspicious Activity SW Eagles Pkwy / SW Cross Creek Dr Suspicious Person 1000 Block NW Eagle Ridge Dr Suspicious Vehicle 1400 Block NW Highview Dr Suspicious Person 100 Block NW Royer Ln Funeral Escort 200 Block SW Cross Creek Dr Suspicious Person PHQ Citizen Contact 200 Block W Harris Agency Assist - Fire 1300 Block SW Blue Branch Dr Parking Complaint PHQ Walk-in Report - Stealing November 15, 2022 PHQ Citizen Contact 200 Block Pebblebrook Ln Barking Dog 1100 Block SW Ephraim Dr Verbal Disturbance 1100 Block SW Ephraim Dr Disturbance 1200 Block NW Willow Dr Harassment 3300 Block S Outer Belt Rd Stolen Vehicle Main St / Jefferson St Motor Vehicle Accident 300 Block SE 10th St Agency Assist - Oak Grove PD 100 Block NE Sunny Ln Disturbance Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 4 Order of protection: 2 by Michael Smith It might have been 27 degrees outside, but that didn’t stop the Grain Valley football team from giving head coach David Allie an early shower. The Eagle players dumped a water cooler full of ice on top of Allie following a dominant defensive performance in a 43-0 rout of Raytown Friday at Moody Murray Memorial Field in the Class 5 District 7 championship game. There was a good reason to celebrate as Grain Valley won its eighth consecutive game this season and its fourth straight district title. After a lock room meeting, the players carried Allie outside in a manner that resembled crowd surfing at a concert. “I don’t have a voice left, it’s pretty hard to talk,” Allie said. “This team is a fun group to be around. It’s fun to celebrate with them. They played their tails off tonight. I don’t mind having fun like that.” Added junior linebacker Cole Elliott: “That was awesome. I bet he can’t wait to get inside and get warm.” And the celebration was thanks to yet another dominant defensive performance in which the Eagles held Raytown to just 110 total yards. Coming in, Raytown was averaging 35.1 points per game and scored 49 in the district semifinals against Raytown South. In this one, the Eagles were so dominant, the Blue Jays didn’t cross midfield until the final play of the game when Raytown quarterback Nate Whitebear made it to the Grain Valley 47 on a 32-yard run. On the play, the ball was snapped just tenths of a second before time expired. “We felt like we were a little conservative last time we played them,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said, referring to a 28-14 regular season win over Raytown. “We opened a couple things up in the scheme. Coach (defensive coordinator Matt Curts) and the defensive guys did a tremendous job.” That defensive performance included a pair of interceptions that set up touchdowns. Sophomore Aiden Woodrome intercepted a tipped pass from Whitebear and returned the ball to the Raytown 15. That set up senior quarterback Caleb Larson’s 15-yard rushing touchdown that gave the Eagles a 10-0 lead late in the first quarter. “That was amazing. That was the best part of the night for me,” Woodrome said. “I got back into my drop, I saw the ball get deflected and I was just in the right place at the right time.” That score was sandwiched by senior Austin Schmitt’s field goals of 21 and 33. With the Eagles up 13-0, Raytown went for it on fourth-and-2 from its own 23-yard line. The Grain Valley defense stuffed Whitebear for a 1-yard loss to set up a short field at the 22. “We knew their quarterback was a pretty good player and our goal was to lock down their best player,” said senior linebacker Brody Baker, who also made a rare appearance on offense with three carries for 14 yards. “We contained him all game. That was our game plan and we stuck to it.” The Eagles capitalized a few plays later when sophomore running back DJ Harris got into the end zone from 11 yards out on a trap run to put the Eagles up 20-0 with 3:22 left in the first half. On Raytown’s next drive, Grain Valley junior Cole Elliott made the most impressive defensive play of the game. Whitebear tried to throw a 5-yard out, but Elliott leaped backward and made a one-handed interception to set up the Eagles at the Raytown 31. “I have been making plays like that in practice and I have been just waiting for my opportunity,” Elliott said. “I snagged it and that was pretty awesome.” “We wanted it really bad. The coaches had a great game plan for us.” Harris later punched it in from 25 yards out on an outside run to the left, which made it 27-0 with 36 seconds remaining in the first half. The Eagles later put up 17 points in the fourth quarter as Larson scored on a 39-yard scamper and Schmitt made a 25-yard field goal. Their last score came with less than two minutes left when the backup offense was in. Junior running back Brandon Lanear punched it in from one yard out for his first varsity score. “That’s pretty special for (Lanear). I am really happy for him,” said Larson, who had 107 yards on 17 carries. “I like when the young guys get in and get a chance to play. It means a lot to me and it means a lot to them, too. I was in his shoes once, too.” Grain Valley will now turn its attention to Fort Osage as the Eagles will be on the road next Friday in the Class 5 state quarterfinals. The Indians defeated the Eagles in the season opener 33-14 and knocked them out of the playoffs last season in the quarterfinals following a 35-0 win. “It’s not often you get a second chance,” Allie said. “We are ready for them and they are ready for us. It should be a great game.” The Eagles stingy defense at work. Photo credit: John Overstreet Quarterback Caleb Larson takes it in for the touchdown. Photo credit: John Overstreet Grain Valley junior Cole Elliott made the most impressive defensive play of the game. Whitebear tried to throw a 5-yard out, but Elliott leaped backward and made a one-handed interception to set up the Eagles at the Raytown 31. Photo credit: John Overstreet
The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) announced on Friday the loss of firefighter Adam Williams. Williams was involved in an off-duty, single vehicle accident. Williams joined CJCFPD in February of this year. In a release to local media, CJCFPD stated Williams "had already proven to be a dedicated, motivated and valuable member of the District. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with his wife, their two young boys, and the rest of his family." Prior to joining CJCFPD, Williams worked for the Belton Fire Department and was a veteran of the US Army. Photo courtesy Central Jackson County Fire Protection District.
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