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With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 26th Annual Christmas in the Sky and 37th Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.
Christmas in the Sky will kick off the holiday season, Wednesday, November 27 at Longview Lake Beach. This holiday fireworks spectacular, courtesy of Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point, has provided the opening night festivities for Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park since 1997. The free event includes a holiday stage show featuring 100 talented singers and dancers from Monica's School of Dance in Lee’s Summit, who have performed at this event every year since 1997, plus the cast of the Quality Hill Playhouse holiday cabaret, "Christmas in Song," and Soul Harpist Calvin Arsenia. Look for Santa’s arrival to present the “First Gift of Christmas” to a Dream Factory child, ahead of the colorful fireworks show, which will be synchronized to holiday music on 99.7 The Point. Gates open for the 26th Annual Christmas in the Sky event on Wednesday, November 27th at 5:00pm. The Holiday Stage Show begins at 6:00pm with fireworks following at 7:45pm. Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, two miles south of I-470. Topping off the evening, 200 animated displays and 1.5 million lights will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 37th Annual Christmas in the Park! The 37th Annual Christmas in the Park will be held Wednesday, November 27 – Tuesday, December 31st. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm; Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm - 11:00pm. The drive begins at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Park Road, two miles south of I-470 off View High Drive. Guests will also see an expanded Candy Land area and some fun, new additions as they enter and exit the park. “Jackson County’s holiday events, particularly Christmas in the Sky and Christmas in the Park, bring our community together in a spirit of joy and celebration,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “It is heartwarming to witness families and friends gathering to enjoy the magic of the season. As we kick off this holiday tradition, I invite everyone to join us in creating cherished memories and supporting our local charities. Together, we can make this season brighter for those in need.” Since the opening of Christmas in the Park in 1987, three million people have made this magical drive a part of their annual holiday experience. Christmas in the Park welcomes 300,000 visitors annually. We thank our media partners, FOX4 and 99.7 The Point, for their continued support of this popular holiday attraction. While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 35 area charities this year. Thanks to the generosity of Christmas in the Park patrons, Jackson County has been able to give over $1.3 million to more than 1,000 local charities since the event’s inception. For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com. by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, November 18th, for its November meeting. To start the meeting, Police Chief Ed Turner presented Michael Staat with his sergeant badge. Moving on to the business portion of the meeting, the Board discussed a potential liquor license for El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina dba Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant. The only change from its previous license is that the business is requesting a Sunday license. The business has almost all the required paperwork in besides its insurance. Once all the paperwork has been submitted the board will give its final approval for the license. The board then moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved authorizes the write off of doubtful outstanding utility account balances. This is a yearly process the city does in order to write off the debt from uncollectable and bankrupt accounts in order to report accounts more accurately. The second resolution the board approved will allow the city to purchase mobile data terminals for police patrol vehicles. This will update the department’s aging in-car computers. Next, the board moved to ordinances. The first ordinance the board approved calls for an election to take place in the city on April 8, 2025. This resolution will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. The second ordinance the board approved was the 2025 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule. This is the acceptance of a balanced budget for the 2025 fiscal year that was discussed in previous workshops. This ordinance will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. In his report, Mayor Mike Todd highlighted the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting that will take place on December 5th at 6:00pm. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on December 9th at 6:30pm inside City Hall. Junior Gage Wright brought home the first state championship for the Grain Valley High School Swim and Dive team this past weekend after placing first in the 1 M diving event with a score of 409.15. Senior Asa Keim placed third in the 1 M diving event with a score of 383.20. Both were the only Class 1 divers in the state to exceed 400 points in the 11-dive, 1-meter diving competitions at districts. In District 4, Wright had a top score of 466.15. Keim was second with a score of 437.85. Wright and Keim finished third and 10th at the state competition, respectively last season. Previous reporting: November 14, 2024 - Good News: Eagles’ Wright, Keim are favorites to win diving event at StateQuick News - Grain Valley News  Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society As mentioned previously, The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street is coming to Grain Valley on November 1, 2025! In 344 days “Democracy: Voices and Votes will open for six weeks at the Historical Society Museum in Downtown Grain Valley. In addition to the 800 square feet Smithsonian Exhibit, we are responsible for a local exhibit demonstrating how democracy has played a significant role in the history of Grain Valley; how “yes”, and sometimes “no” votes have shaped our town. Over the next eleven months, I will from time to time write about historical events in Grin Valley which were shaped by the voice and vote of the citizens. On the night of December 4, 1959, a major fire destroyed two downtown buildings; the Huff Building and Napier Hardware. They were destroyed because our town had no water to fight the flames. Although the vote for water had been on a ballot more than 10 times in as many years, the issue received a resounding NO from the town folks. The Jackson County Democrat Thursday, December 10, 1959 Grain Valley Burned buildings were built About the turn of century I am writing this news at the home of Mrs. Hugh Mote. We have had no telephone service since the fire Friday night. If anyone has tried to call me with news and got no answer, that is why. The Nellie Huff Douglas building that burned was built about 1898 and the hardware store was built a few years later. The building now owned by Mrs. Douglas was built by Ed Williams, father of Otis Williams of Grain Valley. He also made the bricks, having a brick kiln where the Claude Elliott property now is. (The house was at the end of Walnut Street, east of Main Street) It was a total loss. Eleven rooms were furnished or partly furnished for apartments. Only one was occupied at the time of the fire, but Mrs. Douglas had a lot of things stored there, including keepsakes and wedding presents, some new furniture was in it and Mr. and Mr. Kenneth Turner had some furniture stored there. Mrs. Douglas feels especially sad about the loss of an old Bible in which she had a picture of her mother. And her china cabinet burned, in which were a lot of dishes—part of them being a set of new Blue Willow which her daughter, Mrs. Roland Frantz, had given her. In past years the lower floor was used for business. (Elmer) Rumbo and (Shirlee) Caldwell had a grocery store there a number of years. Goin grocery, a garage, several restaurants, an electrical shop, radio repair shop and for a short time, a 5& Dime store. And for a while, an apartment. Mr. and Mrs. Loring owned the hardware from 1911 until Mrs. Loring’s death in 1942. Mr. Loring died in 1929. While they owned it they enlarged the store. After their deaths, Walter Hoehn owned it until he sold it to Cecil Poage in 1945. Then he sold it to Charley Napier (and his wife, Mildred in 1949), who was owner at the time of the fire. Elmer Rumbo worked there for (the) Napiers. The Red Cross served coffee to the fire fighters etc., from the basement of the Christian church. It was carried on trays to those who could not leave their posts to go to the church. A lot of women helped. The church was left opened all night for the coffee-serving. Also Harold Frantz, Roland Frantz, and Ray Frantz served coffee n sandwiches from the Frantz garage. (Mrs. Gene Williamson was the Grain Valley reporter for The Jackson County Democrat.) On that warm and balmy December evening embers from the fire drifted to several nearby homes and businesses and the volunteer firemen and crews from more that 10 nearby towns were able to put out several roof fires throughout the town. As a result of the fire a special bond election was held on December 19, 1959. The following information comes from city records: Bill No. 1, Ordinance No. 76 declaring the results of the election to wit: (1) proposition to issue the general obligation bonds of the city in the amount of $85,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of constructing a waterworks to be owned exclusively by said city and (23) proposition to issue the waterworks revenue bonds of the city in the amount of $98,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of constructing a waterworks to be owned exclusively by said city, results as follows: (the same for both Proposition 1 & 2: First Ward For the bond . . . . . . . . 121 ballots Against the bond . . . . . 2 ballots Second Ward For the bond . . . . . . . . . 140 ballots Against the bond . . . . . . 7 ballots Amazing how many people got “all fired up” and after years of NO votes, they became a resounding YES! The VOICE OF THE PEOPLE WAS HEARD. THE VOTE WAS YES.  EVENING, DECEMBER 4, 1959 Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society  THE NEXT MORNING, DECEMBER 5, 1959 Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society  St. Mary’s Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. This is the third year in a row for St. Mary’s Medical Center to receive this award. I’m very proud of our staff and providers for the exceptional care that they deliver to our patients. We are focused on providing the very best health care and patient experience to our community without having to leave eastern Jackson County, Chief Executive Officer Kelly Pearce said. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 
The holidays can be the perfect time to re-set eating patterns and put more produce and healthy beverages on the menu. Multiple research studies have shown powerful health benefits associated with vegetable intake, from preventing chronic diseases to improving mental health. Incorporating colorful, seasonal fruits and vegetables into holiday meals adds vibrant flavors and textures and boosts nutrient density, helping you feel satisfied and energized throughout the festivities. Festive Five-A-Day Five or more fruits and vegetable servings per day is the recommended magic number for health. MyPlate emphasizes the goal of half (50 percent) of the plate filled with fruits and vegetables. MyPlate.org suggests a daily vegetable goal of two to three cups/day for women and three to four cups for men. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to embrace these goals by adding festive, nutrient-packed produce to your celebrations. Let’s explore some creative and delicious ways to meet your Five-A-Day and enjoy holiday meals that are both nutritious and flavorful! Sweet Potatoes in Stuffing Bread stuffing can be enhanced with golden, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes. This fiber-forward addition will boost heart-healthy nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium. Add diced sweet potatoes to traditional stuffing ingredients with sweet, dried cranberries. Pair it with turkey or other holiday entrees. Recipe: Cranberry Sweet Potato Stuffing | Hy-Vee Go For Green and Red Green beans are always a menu staple, but instead of the usual creamed soup casserole, the visual and flavor appeal is heightened with the holiday “green beans and cranberries.” It’s a delicious way to get more vegetables with orange zest, freshness and cranberry color: Holiday Green Beans and Cranberries | Hy-Vee Savory Roasted Vegetables Roasting vegetables brings out the flavor and maintains nutrients. Cut up your favorites, such as cauliflower, onions, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and more. Toss them with olive oil and spices, and then roast them in a hot oven. Here’s a simple recipe: Savory Roasted Vegetables | Hy-Vee. Cranberries and Chutney-- the Sauce That Keeps on Giving What would the holidays be without cranberries—that ruby-red sweet-tart delight and turkey accompaniment? Cranberries are low in carbohydrates and rich in nutrients like Vitamins A, C and K. They also contain antioxidants, which are immune-boosting components that can help keep the body’s cells healthy. Traditional sauces are run-of-the-mill, but chutney can be a tantalizing new option. Chutney originated in India and is a cooked sauce with a unique flavor profile of sweet, savory, and spicy, with a touch of bitterness. Make plenty and spread it on a post-holiday grilled turkey and Swiss sandwich. Yum. Get the recipe here: Cranberry-Apple Chutney | Hy-Vee Bubbly Beverages with a Health Twist Is it possible to imbibe and thrive during the holidays? Traditional holiday drinks can be packed with sugar and calories, but new health-halo beverages such as OLIPOP can elevate them to a new level. With an excellent source of fiber and only 2-5 grams of sugar, this functional beverage is a healthy alternative to soft drinks. Ingredients include plant-based fiber, prebiotics and other botanical ingredients. Make a Cran-Apple Fizz by mixing ½ can of OLIPOP (Crisp Apple flavor) with ¼ c. cranberry juice. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and enjoy! This holiday season remember to get your Five-A-Day and fill your plate with healthy vegetables and fruits. Say cheers! with a healthy bubbly drink and celebrate the season with good health and good food. For more Hy-Vee holiday recipe ideas, click here: Recipes & Ideas | Hy-Vee Still have questions on nutrition trends or just wondering how to get started on your health and wellness journey? Hy-Vee registered dietitians can help you create a plan that works for you. Learn more here: Best Dietitians Near Me: Nutrition Counseling and Meal Planning (hy-vee.com). Complimentary Discovery Sessions are available by contacting [email protected] or calling (515) 695-3121. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the sponsored support of OLIPOP. Cranberry-Apple Chutney (Serves 16) This brightly colored, robust condiment is sweet, savory, spicy and bitter. Spoon it on a sandwich made with holiday leftovers. All you need: 1 Tbsp. Hy-Vee canola oil ¼ c. chopped white onion 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 2 clove(s) garlic, minced ¼ tsp. Hy-Vee salt ¼ tsp. Hy-Vee crushed red pepper 3 c. fresh or frozen cranberries 1 tart baking apple, peeled and finely chopped, such as Granny Smith 1 sweet-eating apple, peeled and finely chopped, such as Jazz 6 Tbsp. packed Hy-Vee brown sugar (or sugar substitute) 3 Tbsp. Hy-Vee apple cider vinegar All you do:
Nutrition facts per serving: 50 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 11 g total carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 8 g total sugars, 0 g protein Daily Values: Vitamin C: 6%, Iron: 0%, Calcium: 0%, Recipe source: Cranberry-Apple Chutney | Hy-Vee Holiday Green Beans and Cranberries (Serves 6) A simple trick for dressing up green beans is to add orange zest and dried cranberries, along with a touch of butter, of course. All you need: 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed ¼ c. Hy-Vee dried cranberries ½ tbsp. Hy-Vee butter 1 tsp. grated orange peel All you do:
Variations:
Nutrition facts per serving: 60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, 12 g total carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 8 g total sugars, 2 g protein. Daily Values: Vitamin A: 15% Vitamin C: 25% Iron: 6% Calcium: 4% Photo credits: Hy-Vee, Inc., MyPlate.gov References: MyPlate | U.S. Department of Agriculture Boeing H, Bechthold A, Bub A, Ellinger S, Haller D, Kroke A, Leschik-Bonnet E, Mueller MJ, Berritter H, Schulze M, Stehle P, Watzl B, Critical Review: Vegetables and Fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases, Eur J Nutr. 2012 Sep;51(6):637-63. 
I am looking forward to the holiday season this year even more than usual. My hope is it will allow us to turn our thinking from the divisive nature of the election and politics and remember what brings us together as families and communities. Thanksgiving is a time when we pause and count our many blessings. For my family, the biggest new blessing is our first grandchild, Jacklynn, who will be 1 year old on December 7th, so this will be her first Thanksgiving. My wife Nancy and I are enjoying the truly awesome role of grandparents. And we are very thankful that all three of our children are in town and gather most Sundays at our home for dinner which now includes the Jacklynn show, as she is certainly the center of attention. She has her 2 doting aunts and her uncle wrapped around her finger in addition to her grandparents. I am also very thankful for all the people my Community Foundation has the privilege of working with to support their charitable giving through their fund here at the Foundation. Last year our total grants and scholarships totaled $7.3 Million, and we are on pace to break that record again due to the generosity of our fundholders. Last year our Donor Advised Fund Holders made grants to charities they support totaling $3.2 Million. Year to date they have already made grants of $3.5 Million as we enter the holiday season which is always a busy grantmaking time. Our scholarships this year also set a new record of $828,000, which will impact the education opportunities of the 334 students who received scholarships. Soon the classic Christmas movies will appear on our television screens. My mind goes to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and the iconic line “And what happened then..? Well … in Whoville they say, that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day”. My heart, that of a new grandparent, has certainly grown a few sizes due to Jacklynn’s addition to our family, as have the hearts of our entire family. But the growth of our hearts is not just impacted by Grandkids. I truly believe charitable giving is another act of love that grows the sizes of hearts. As the Grinch learned, the holiday season is about more than just presents and trimmings-it’s about love, community, and the spirit of the season. The Grinch’s transformation was a shift from bitterness and isolation to joy and connection. My wish for the holiday season is that all our hearts may continue to grow. Happy Holidays!  Margin on Missouri sports betting amendment narrows as counties tally official resultsby Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent A late report adding nearly 10,000 votes to Christian County’s election results has narrowed the margin for Missouri’s sports betting amendment and put it in range for a possible recount. The official results from Christian County, certified last week, increased the county’s vote total on Amendment 2 by 9,653, with a margin of 3,995 votes against sports betting among the additional ballots. Added to the statewide tally maintained by the Secretary of State’s office, just that change would shrink the statewide margin from a 4,363-vote majority on Election Day to a mere 368 votes as of Monday out of nearly 3 million votes cast. But other changes will be made as the 116 election jurisdictions around the state certify their results, a process that must be completed by Tuesday. The Independent checked websites for the 50 counties with the highest number of votes on Amendment 2, finding official results in 25. In most of those jurisdictions, a few dozen, or at most, a few hundred additional votes were reported in the final tallies. With those votes included, the majority for Amendment 2 stood at 720 votes. That would be well within the 0.5% margin for a recount if it is requested. A recount would not be automatic. None of the eight largest voting jurisdictions, representing half the total statewide vote, have certified final results. All eight passed Amendment 2 by strong majorities. Final state certification of the results must occur by Dec. 10. Any recount would take place after that certification. Jack Cardetti, spokesman for Winning for Missouri Education, which backed Amendment 2, said the campaign is confident the margin will hold up. The counties that have certified the Nov. 5 results include many where the majority went against the amendment but the additional votes reported favor the proposal. “The fact that even the provisional ballots are coming in on the net side for us is good, so you can imagine what St. Louis and Kansas City will show,” Cardetti said. The campaign is monitoring the final certifications, he said. “We’re gonna watch them very carefully today and tomorrow as they come in,” he said. The reason Christian County reported 40,622 ballots for Amendment 2 on election night and 50,275 in the official results is because of the huge volume of early votes received and limitations imposed by the ballot counting equipment, said Eryn Flood, deputy clerk and director of elections. County clerks must accept ballots from overseas military voters that arrive by the Friday after an election as well as tallying any provisional ballots determined to be valid, Flood said. “With us having such a high volume of absentees, we were running out of machines, and so we had to keep three machines open to ensure that we had enough room for Friday,” Flood said. This was the first presidential election where Missourians had two weeks of “no excuse absentee voting” to cast ballots before Election Day. Hundreds of thousands of voters took advantage of the law. “We might have to look into, for presidential elections at least, having more machines,” Flood said. “I don’t think the entire state of Missouri was ready for the amount of people coming in their offices to vote.” Of the counties that have certified their results, the largest number of additional votes for Amendment 2 were reported in Boone County, where an additional 243 “yes” votes were reported against 115 additional “no” votes. If the margin remains at about 700 votes, that would be a majority of 0.03% of the statewide vote, well within the 0.5% margin that would qualify it for a recount. JoDonn Chaney, spokesman for Secretary of State Jay Aschcroft, said Monday that the recount must be requested by someone representing the campaign against the amendment. “Only certain groups, not anybody, can request it,” Chaney said. In an email, Chaney said Ashcroft and previous secretaries have interpreted the law to mean only people with a direct interest in the issue can request a recount. “As we are not an adjudicatory body, any change in this interpretation would need to come from the courts,” Chaney said. Winning for Missouri Education raised the most money in Missouri history for a ballot measure, spending nearly $40 million to get on the ballot and advertise during the fall campaign. The opposition, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, raised $15 million to defeat it but pulled its ads three weeks before the election. “We have no plans to request a recount at this time,” Brooke Foster, spokeswoman for the opponents, said Monday. The language in state law, however, doesn’t limit recount requests to groups formally organized to oppose a ballot measure. The last statewide recount of a ballot measure was in 2014, when Amendment 1, known as the Right to Farm amendment, passed by 2,490 votes during the Aug. 5, 2014, primary. Wes Shoemyer, a former state lawmaker, was the treasurer for Missouri’s Food for America, which opposed the Right to Farm amendment. He requested a recount, but it was based on his status as a voter who opposed the measure, not his position with the opposition campaign. “The voter has more rights than the treasurer,” Shoemyer said. “Anybody who wants to come out and say they voted no can ask for it.” Recounts rarely change the outcome of an election but it was important to make sure, Shoemyer said. On the Right to Farm amendment, the majority narrowed to 2,375 votes. “You might get lucky, man,” Shoemyer said. “We were less than one quarter of 1%, and things have been counted wrong. You know, mistakes have been made.” The backers of Amendment 2 are confident they will prevail in the official tallies and any recount “We’re watching the votes come in extremely carefully here, but we feel really good about where we’re at,” Cardetti said. “We’re going to win this election when every last vote comes in.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
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by Erin Woodiel, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners to a prescribed burn workshop Dec. 21 at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center from 11:00am - 1:30pm. Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information on how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for land management. Registration for this event is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Kx. Upon registration, participants will be asked to complete the virtual/online portion of the prescribed burn course. This online course is a mandatory prerequisite to the workshop, and there is a $25 fee to complete the online training. Participants are asked to bring their certificate of completion to the workshop. To find the online learning portion, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoU. Should weather allow, a demonstration burn will be conducted during the workshop. Participants are asked to wear a long-sleeved shirt, and pants made of natural fibers, leather gloves, and closed toe boots. Questions about this event can be sent to Cassandra Messer at [email protected]. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road in Blue Springs.  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of November 13-19, 2024. November 13, 2024 1200 BLK NW BURR OAK LN Security Check 1100 BLK / NW BUSH DR Security Check 600 BLK / NW JEFFERSON ST Security Check 1100-1300 BLK / VALLEY RIDGE DR Security Check 1100 BLK / NW CHRISMAN FARM RD Security Check 1200 BLK / CHRISMAN FARM RD Security Check 1100 BLK NW PAMELA BLVD Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Walk In Report NW EAST KANSAS CITY INDUSTRIAL BLVD / NW EAGLE RIDGE BLVD Traffic Enforcement NW JACKIE AVE / SW EAGLES PKWY Sound of Shots 100 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Agency Assist DFS PHQ Public Service 1300 BLK NW BROADWAY ST Property Damage PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report 1200 BLK NW ASHLEY LN Nature Unknown PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service PHQ Public Service November 14, 2024 1100 BLK / NW BUSH DR Security Check 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK RD Follow Up Investigation 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Misc-All Other Offences PHQ Walk In Report 900 BLK 1571 RD Information PHQ Walk In Report 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK RD Follow Up Investigation 1200 BLK NW WILLOW DR Stealing Under NW WOODBURY DR / NW PHELPS CT Area Check 1400 BLK NE JACLYN DR Stealing Under 1500 BLK NW POND AVE Citizen Contact PHQ Public Service 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK RD Follow Up Investigation WB 40/MONKEY MOUNTAIN Disturbance-Verbal 900 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Agency Assist LE 400 BLK N MAIN ST Agency Assist LE PHQ Public Service November 15, 2024 PHQ Walk In Report 1100 BLK NW WILLOW DR Found Property 1100 BLK SW SMITH ST Prisoner Transport 911 FOXTAIL DR Citizen Contact 700 BLK NW MEADOW RD Area Check 900 BLK NW PERSIMMON CT Suspicious Person 500 BLK S BROADWAY Disturbance-Physical November 16, 2024 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Citizen Assist HIGHVIEW Open Door-Structure MEADOW Open Door-Structure 500 BLK SW MEADOWOOD DR Open Door-Structure 1400 BLK WILLOW DR Open Door-Structure 1200 BLK R D MIZE RD Disturbance-Physical 1200 BLK NW PHELPS DR Property Damage 900 BLK NW HIGH VIEW DR Public Service 400 BLK NE SYCAMORE CT Property Damage 500 BLK GREGG ST Alarm-Commercial 1000 BLK NW DOGWOOD DR Agency Assist EMS PHQ Walk In Report 1000 BLK NW WILLOW DR Disturbance-Verbal 1400 BLK GOLFVIEW DR Citizen Contact 900 BLK NW MAGNOLIA LN Disturbance-Verbal 100 BLK E WHISPERING HILLS BLVD Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Agency Assist LE 100 BLK SNI-A-BAR PKWY Open Door-Structure 1200 BLK SW FOXTAIL DR Alarm-Residential November 17, 2024 1000 BLK NW CRESTWOOD DR Area Check 1000 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE BLVD Open Door-Structure 1300 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE DR Pedestrian Check PHQ Public Service 1100 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Agency Assist EMS 800 BLK NE SAN KAR DR Disturbance-Physical 70 AT MM 25 Agency Assist LE BB AND JEFFERSON Crash Non-Injury 2100 BLK NW SYCAMORE LN Stealing Under 700 BLK SW TISHA LN Suspicious Vehicle 1800 BLK NW POND AVE Public Service PHQ Public Service 1900 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Crash Non-Injury PHQ Public Service 900 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Suspicious Person 600 BLK NW WALNUT ST Property Damage PINKHILL / DILLINGHAM Area Check MAIN / 40 Motorist Assist November 18, 2024 600 BLK YENNIE AVE Repossession 1200 BLK WOODBURY PL Open Door-Vehicle 200 BLK CONCORD CIR Suspicious Person 900 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Open Door-Structure 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Burglary 1000 BLK SW RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Security Check 600 BLK NW JEFFERSON ST Security Check 1000-1300 BLK NW VALLEY RIDGE DR Security Check 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1700 BLK NW HILLTOP CT Property Damage 1300 BLK SW MINTER WAY Area Check PHQ Public Service BUCKNER TARSNEY RD/STONEY POINT SCHOOL RD Area Check November 19, 2024 EAGLE RIDGE/HILLTOP Security Check DEAD END/OAK WOOD Pedestrian Check 1000 BLK NW BUSH DR Security Check 600 BLK NW JEFFERSON ST Security Check 1100 BLK VALLEY RIDGE DR Security Check 1200 BLK VALLEY RIDGE DR Security Check 600 BLK NW VALLEY RIDGE CIR Security Check 1400 BLK GOLFVIEW DR Security Check 1100 BLK CHRISMAN FARM RD Security Check 1200 BLK CHRISMAN FARM RD Security Check 1100 BLK EAGLE RIDGE DR Traffic Enforcement 200 BLK NW WOODBURY DR Crash Unknown 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Information NW WOODBURY DR / NW PHELPS DR Follow Up Investigation 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE Disturbance-Physical DUNCAN / BUCKNER TARSNEY Area Check 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Citizen Contact 700 BLK N MAIN ST Crash Injury PHQ Walk In Report 100 BLK SUNNY LN Pedestrian Check 1000 BLK DEAN DR Disturbance-Physical Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 2 Order of protection: 1  Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) is offering free holiday boxes filled with seasonal essentials on Wednesday, November 20th thanks to a partnership with Harvesters. Each box is packed with everything needed to make beloved Thanksgiving side dishes - all that needs to be added is a turkey! Event Details:
Additional pantry staples and fresh produce will be available alongside the holiday boxes. “We know the holidays can be a challenging time for many, and we’re excited to share a bit of comfort and joy with our community through these holiday boxes,” Lauren Allen, Supervising Case Manager at Jackson County Public Health said. “With everything from stuffing to sweet potatoes, we’re helping families create special Thanksgiving meals without added worry.” Since launching its partnership with Harvesters in December 2023, JCPH has distributed thousands of pounds of food to families in need. For more information on this program, visit Food Distribution at JCPH - Jackson County Public Health.  Student in stable condition after being struck by vehicle while waiting for bus Tuesday morning11/19/2024
A Grain Valley North Middle School student is in stable condition after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning while waiting at a bus stop. According to social media statements by Grain Valley Schools and Grain Valley Police Department, a vehicle left the road and struck the student waiting for the bus.
According to City of Grain Valley Public Information Officer Tiffany Lor, Grain Valley Police Department received the call at 7:26am and arrived on scene at 7:31am. The student is listed in stable condition. According to the statement from GVPD, the driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation at this time. Grain Valley Schools sent an email to district parents Tuesday morning from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nick Gooch, outlining the incident and sharing the following: "Our focus is on supporting the student, their family, and our school community during this time. We are working with counselors and staff to provide resources and assistance to any students who may need support. If this incident leads to questions from your child, it will be important to acknowledge their feelings." Parents were encouraged to reach out to their building administration or counselors with any questions or concerns. During the month of December, a traveling recording booth called the “Tell Me a Story Pod” will arrive at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Grain Valley Branch (400 SW Buckner Tarsney Rd., Grain Valley). The pod, which is traveling from the Library’s Midwest Genealogy Center will offer customers the opportunity to tell and record a short story about themselves and receive a free copy. Users can also elect to have their recording archived to MGC’s Tell Me a Story Oral History Collection. The pod is one piece of MGC’s Tell Me a Story initiative, which launched in 2010 with the installation of recording equipment at the Center, as well as the creation of “kits” that customers can check out and take home. Both the in-branch equipment and kits are used by customers to record themselves and their loved ones as they recount cherished memories. The initiative aims to help metro residents collect, preserve, and share oral history with future generations. “At its core, Tell Me a Story is about capturing your memories in your own words,” said MGC Assistant Manager Emily Wildhaber. “The Midwest Genealogy Center helps connect people with their past, but we also want to save stories for future generations to listen to and enjoy. It’s one thing to read about an event in a history book, and it’s another to hear your ancestor speak about experiencing that event themselves. We hope residents of all ages will come share their stories with us, whether it’s in the pod, using one of our kits, or in person at MGC.” The Tell Me a Story Pod seats two adults, and anyone is welcome to come and use the service during Library hours at no charge. Upon entering the booth, there are instructions to navigate through the recording process as well as release forms to allow the Library to process, archive, and/or publish the story (users under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign). After the recording is complete, users can elect to receive a free copy of the story via mail or email. Find where the Tell Me a Story Pod will be each month on the Midwest Genealogy Center’s website. Tell Me a Story kits can be reserved via the Library’s online catalog and picked up at any of MCPL’s 34 branches. The oral history recording room at MGC can be reserved by calling the branch at 816-252-7228 to make an appointment. During the appointment, a trained staff member will sit in to operate the technology. Additional information about the Midwest Genealogy Center, its Tell Me a Story initiative, and other services, can be found at mymcpl.org/Genealogy.  During the month of December, a traveling recording booth called the “Tell Me a Story Pod” will arrive at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Grain Valley Branch (400 SW Buckner Tarsney Rd., Grain Valley). The pod, which is traveling from the Library’s Midwest Genealogy Center will offer customers the opportunity to tell and record a short story about themselves and receive a free copy. Photo credit: MCPL  by Michael Smith This could be the year that the Grain Valley swimming and diving team is put on the map. Four members of the squad qualified in five different events for the Class 1 Missouri State High School Boys Swimming and Diving Championship, which begins Nov. 15 at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Not only did four out of the eight members of the team qualify, but there is a good chance the Eagles could have their first state champion in the history of the program as junior Gage Wright and senior Asa Keim will come into the state meet ranked as the No. 1 and 2 divers, respectively. Both were the only Class 1 divers in the state to exceed 400 points in the 11-dive, 1-meter diving competitions at districts. In District 4, Wright had a top score of 466.15. Keim was second with a score of 437.85. Wright and Keim finished third and 10th at the state competition, respectively last season, and both have a clear pathway to an all-state finish once again. “That was the plan coming into (the season),” Wright said of he and Keim being the top two Class 1 divers. “We are happy to be here.” Grain Valley swimming and diving head coach Julie Reilly said Wright and Keim have put in the work in the offseason to put themselves in a position to be the favorites to finish No. 1 and No. 2 at state. “They have been training all year long,” Reilly said. “(Wright) comes (to the Blue Springs South swimming complex) and practices diving. He’s trying to dive for Air Force Academy. Asa is a naturally gifted athlete and he’s a pole vaulter. He has improved so much.” Wright said the front 2 ½ pike has been his best dive this season and he’s been getting a lot of high scores off of it. He said he plans on adding some harder, college-level dives next season as he aims to be on the Air Force swimming and diving team when he graduates. Keim joined the team last season and was a diver for the first time. He said he enjoyed doing flips on a trampoline and was good at it, so he thought he was a natural fit a diver. He has made huge strides in 2024 as he’s added an inward 2 ½ and a front 2 ½ dive to his arsenal, which has helped him achieve some high scores. “It’s pretty amazing, especially since it’s just my second year,” Keim said. “I didn’t really expect this to go that well. “I have been changing from full somersaults to full-on dives because judges like those better.” Keim and Wright are also a part of the 200 free relay team along with junior Haden Harshman and junior Connor Osburn that qualified for state. That squad is currently ranked No. 27 in Class 1 with a season-best time of 1:36.46. “We have to drop some serious time to get all-state in the 200 free relay,” Harshman said. “Anything is always possible. I think we could go down there and place.” Harshman has had a breakout season in individual events, as well. He is ranked No. 17 in the 200 free with a time of 1:52.79. He is on the bubble for cracking the top 16. Those to place 16th or better are named to the all-state team. He also qualified for the 100 free for the first time in his career. He is ranked 21st in that event with a time of 50.57 seconds. In the 200 free, my time hasn’t improved that much,” Harshman said. “Qualifying in the 100 free was a big surprise. Last year, I had a time of 52 seconds in the 100 free. This year, at the last chance meet, I dropped my time by 1.5 seconds. I was really surprised that I was able to do that.” “I am super close to being able to go to Day 2 (in the 200 free). That is my big goal.”  From left, junior Hayden Harshman, junior Gage Wright, and senior Asa Keim will compete at the Missouri State High School Boys Swimming and Diving Championships this weekend at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Harshman qualified for the 100- and 200-free events, Wright and Keim will both be competing in the 1-meter diving event and all three will be a part of the 200 free relay team. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Jackson County will provide extended weekend hours for tax collection at the historic courthouse in Independence, offering added convenience on select Saturdays in November and December. The Historic Truman Courthouse, located at 112 W. Lexington in Independence, will be open from 8 a.m. – Noon on November 16 & 23 and December 21 & 28. Taxpayers can visit the Truman Courthouse during those times to make in-person tax payments, obtain a copy of their bill, make changes to their account or ask questions of the Assessment and Collection Departments. As a reminder, these functions can also be completed online. “We understand that life gets busy and finding time during the week to handle important tasks like tax payments can be challenging,” said Collection Director Scott Lakin. “That’s why we’re committed to making the process as convenient as possible by offering extended weekend hours. This is about giving residents more flexibility and peace of mind, whether they prefer to handle their payments in person or online. Our goal is to provide multiple options so that every taxpayer can manage their obligations in a way that fits their schedule.” Taxpayers can also make quick, easy and secure payments from home, at work, or while on the go:
Tax bills for 2024 are now available online through the myJacksonCounty portal and paper bills will be mailed this month. Individuals who don’t receive a bill are still responsible for paying their taxes, which are due by the end of the year. Those who haven’t received a bill by December 6 should check their account online or call the Department of Collection at (816) 881-3232 to find out the amount due. Residents can access a list of frequently asked questions related to bill payments and property value assessments for additional information. Other Contactless Payment Options Exterior drop boxes for property tax payments are located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th St.) and at the south door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence (112 W. Lexington). Please do not place cash in either drop box. Taxpayers can also mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalty. Please note that all County offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24. |
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