|
Last week, Valley News reported the Board of Aldermen voted to approve the 2021 fiscal year budget, compensation plan, and comprehensive fee schedule for the City during its November 23rd meeting. In addition, the Board voted to amend the 2020 budget to account for changes due to CARES Act funding and refinancing of bonds, as well as account for expenditures related to additional street overlay projects.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at the 2021 budget in more detail. This week, we will focus on City staffing, CARES Act funding, and the 2021 fee schedule. The City approved a modest cost-of-living increase for salaries and increase in healthcare expenses benchmarked against costs for the first six months of the plan year. “There were no significant changes in the approved 2021 compensation plan. We have budgeted the funds for a 2% COLA (cost-of -living adjustment) increase in salaries. We have budgeted for a 12% increase in healthcare costs for the second half of 2021. Our benefit plan year runs July to June so we know what our costs will be for the first half of the year,” City Administrator Ken Murphy said. The comprehensive fee schedule showed a few changes for 2021, including the addition of a $300 Planning & Zoning fee for site plan review (in transition overlay). In addition, sewer connection fees are now based on meter size. “The increases were based on comparisons from other cities and a review of true infrastructure costs,” Murphy said. There was a slight increase to some parks and recreation fees, including pool and athletic field rental fees. Community Center fees and fees for the fitness center and aquatic center did not increase. The City dedicated CARES Act funding received in 2020 toward A/V upgrades, a new website and other technology items that will allow for remote communication. In addition, funding was used for first responder personnel costs, PPE and related COVID-19 supplies, facility safety upgrades, and utility bill assistance. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society In last week’s column, I mentioned there were thirteen children in the McQuerry family who lived on McQuerry Road, northeast of Grain Valley. Ruby Elizabeth McQuerry, the seventh child, married Elmer Sylvester Duncan and they lived northwest of Grain Valley on Duncan Road.
Sanford Sylvester Duncan came with his family from Kentucky in the 1890s. For a while he resided in Fort Osage Township where he met and married Matilda Mae Vanarsdale in 1901. They had five children, Elmer Sylvester, 1902-1977; Spurgon Arthur, 1904-1983; Lola Mae, 1906-1979; Wilbert Lyle, 1909-1962; and Bessie Gertrude, 1911-1989. Spurgon moved to Marceline, Missouri, Lola Mae moved to Independence, and Bessie lived in Sedalia. My father would from time-to-time talk about Lyle Duncan who worked on Sni-A-Bar Farms from his high school years until the farm dispersal sale in 1945. Lyle’s main job was working with the grade cattle in the barns on Ryan Road. When the farm was sold, Lyle moved his wife Ann Laure (Lierman) Duncan and their family to Mt. Kisco in the state of New York. He managed a cattle operation there until his death in 1962. Only Elmer remained in Grain Valley. Although the 1910 U. S. Census reported that Sanford Duncan farmed on rented property, at some point the farm was purchased. Growing up, I remember the Duncan farm just west of Tyer Road. Ruby graduated from Grain Valley High School in 1921 and Elmer graduated in 1923. They were married on September 11, 1925 and the had one daughter Paulina Duncan Graff, Class of 1948. The Duncans were members of the Grain Valley Christian Church and Mr. Duncan served on the Grain Valley School Board from the late 1940s until 1956. Now that I’ve mentioned Tyer Road, I suppose I will tell you about Luther and Paulina Tyer next week! The Office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway issued a failing grade to Jackson County following an audit concerning County Budgets and Transfers. The audit was requested by Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. in January 2018.
The audit of County budgets and transfers found the county frequently underestimated fund balances, underestimated revenues and overestimated spending. As a result, county funds have a higher balance than expected and taxpayers do not have a clear understanding of the county's finances. The poor estimates of beginning and ending fund balances resulted in undesignated fund balances. Instead of following the budget process established by state law, which would require public hearings, the audit found the county legislature improperly transferred these undesignated fund balances. During 2017 and 2018, the county legislature authorized more than $3 million in transfers for use throughout the county. In order to ensure all spending is transparent, the audit recommends the legislature discontinue authorizing these transfers of undesignated fund balances. The audit also reviewed the county executive office's use of administrative transfers, which are permitted as long as they do not exceed $10,000. Between 2016 and 2018, the audit found these administrative transfers totaled $10 million and the majority of those that were more closely examined by auditors were completed without proper approval or did not have sufficient documentation or explanation. The audit also found that between 2016 and 2018, the county executive approved $3 million in multiple-object-code administrative transfers. In these cases, individual transfers were under the $10,000 threshold, but went towards a single purchase that exceeded $10,000. In these cases, the purchase may have otherwise required legislative approval. In 2019, the county consolidated departments into a single fund, which officials say will eliminate the need for similar transfers. The audit recommended county officials review and update the county code to ensure the necessity of administrative transfers. In a November 30th press release, County Executive Frank White, Jr., shared his thoughts on the report. “Upon Auditor Galloway’s acceptance of the audit request on April 11, 2018, my administration has fully participated in this process to help her staff complete their scope of work, which included more than one audit report. The third report released today focuses on Jackson County’s Budgets and Transfers,” White said. “While we may disagree with some of the statements or findings, we will continue to work with elected leaders as we review the report to determine if additional changes are necessary. I would like to thank State Auditor Nicole Galloway and her staff, whose hard work will help us in continuing to operate effectively with the utmost transparency and efficiency.” The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest monument in America at 630 feet. It is 75 feet taller than the Washington Monument and over twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Mr. Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Zenfell (1917-2012) was the Supervisory Park Engineer during the construction of the Gateway Arch. Zenfell grew up in Vicksburg and Clarksdale, Mississippi where his Lebanese immigrant parents operated a general store. He earned an engineering degree at Mississippi State University before joining the Park Service.
Personal note: His daughter, Jennifer, became my Alpha Delta Pi pledge daughter at the University of Missouri in 1965. Editors Note: The Grain Valley Assistance Council joins us as a regular Community Voices contributor. We look forward to updates regarding their work in the community. by Jerry Vaughan, Grain Valley Assistance Council Board Member The Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC) is a community services organization which was founded in 1994 by a group of concerned citizens. The original purpose of the GVAC was, and continues to be to provide support and counsel to those families and individuals in the Grain Valley community who are less fortunate.
Over 700 families and more than 1,200 children are helped by the GVAC every year. The services provided to our clients are quite varied according to their need, including: An extensive food pantry (over 30,000 food items given away annually); Assistance with utility bills and rent payments; Home delivered meals for elderly, home-bound or disabled clients; Clothes closet for both youth and adults; Job counseling and placement assistance; Referral to other assistance organizations when appropriate. The GVAC is an affiliate of the Community Services League (CSL), which was founded in 1916 by former First Lady Bess Truman. CSL is both the largest and longest-serving social service provider in the metro area, and serves all of eastern Jackson County through its 15 locations including Grain Valley. Our affiliation with CSL gives the GVAC and our clients access to many more goods and services, while assuring our supporters that all funds and nearly all donated goods remain IN Grain Valley, FOR Grain Valley. The GVAC is comprised of a paid Site Manager, who supervises a pool of about 20 dedicated volunteers. The original Site Manager in 1994 was Rowena Via, with Mary Strack serving in that position for many years after. Our current Site Manager is Donna Compton. Overall guidance is provided by a 20+ Board of Directors, made up of faith, business, education and community leaders from the Grain Valley area. Our location is 513 Gregg St. in Grain Valley, just around the corner from the Post Office. We are open on Wednesdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, and our phone number is 816-355-0328. Next article: How YOU Can Help I’ve never been a fan of driving in winter weather. But, I’m not “the guy” that drives 25 mph in the center lane. I’m also not the “other guy” that thinks he is somehow immune to the dangers of winter weather, weaving in and out of traffic at a rapid rate of speed. I’m somewhere in between.
Early one snowy morning, I was headed west on I-435. The rain had changed to snow with dropping temperatures. As I approached one of the bridges, I was shocked to see vehicles scattered all over the road. Some had bumped into one another, some slid into the guardrail, and some were facing in the wrong direction! I immediately became guy number 1 and slowed to 25 lest, I too, became a causality of the ice. From what I could tell, everyone was okay, and it would not be safe, or even possible, for me to even stop. Thankfully, I made it through the carnage and breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later, my vehicle began to slide counterclockwise. In a slow motion, dreamlike state, I watched my life flash before my eyes. My simple prayer was, “Lord, don’t let me go over the embankment.” I was out of control. My vehicle did a complete 360 and came to rest just inches away from the guardrail--facing in the right direction! I said a prayer of thanks, regained my composure, and headed back on my journey—somewhere between guy number 1 and 2. I’m guessing that Mary and Joseph felt out of control, too. The images displayed on Christmas cards make the nativity scene seem so peaceful and romantic. I don’t believe that’s the way it was for Mary and Joseph. More than likely, they were tired, confused, scared, and frustrated. There’s a good chance that they had been publicly ridiculed and ostracized by the people who lived in their small village. After all, Mary, a young, teenage girl of about fourteen or so, was “great” with child. Who would believe that this “Child” was a product of God and that Mary was a virgin? The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 90 miles. Uber was not a thing. Mary, in her third trimester, probably would have preferred to be home resting. But, because of a decree by Caesar Augustus, the journey had to be made. Traditional images show Mary riding on a donkey. The Bible is silent on her mode of transportation. We do know that the terrain was treacherous. It was rocky and hilly with steep and rapid inclines and declines, filled with beasts and bandits. Once safely in Bethlehem, they must have been frustrated when they learned there was no room at the inn. They settled for what they could get--a stable or possibly a cave. Then came that moment when Mary said, “Joseph, it’s time!” The couple would have preferred that the baby be born in a more sanitary environment, surrounded by family. But the stable would have to do. There was also “no crib for a bed.” Jesus, God incarnate, was placed in a feeding trough. To Mary and Joseph, life seemed out of control and may have asked, “Where is God in all of this?” Not only was God “in” this, but God preordained these events down to the smallest detail. Hundreds of years before, through the prophet Micah, God promised that His Son would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The trip to Bethlehem was not an accident. The Divine Maestro, God Himself, orchestrated the melody and ensured that every note was in tune and in perfect time. As frustrating as the journey must have been, the census was not an accident or an inconvenience. It was divine providence. During difficult times, when the winds of change blow us in every direction, we too ask, “Where is God?” as we grip the steering wheel for dear life. During these dark times, God may be silent, but He is not absent. He is working. The fact that it is early December boggles my mind. For me, it seems that time has slowed down and sped up all at the same time. 2020 has been the longest, strangest, and scariest year for many of us. The worst part is, we don’t know when it’s going to end. It may be the year, like the Energizer Bunny, that just keeps going and going. I have talked to many people who ask, “What will happen to our economy?”, “How will Christmas be for the little ones?” and “How will this pandemic affect our normal routine this Christmastime?” I can’t answer any of these questions. And yet, in all of these questions, my response needs to be faith. I know that God is there, that He is love, and that He has not left or abandoned me. I just need to trust. You need to trust. Two thousand years ago, a couple, headed toward Bethlehem felt out of control. It wasn’t the way they had planned it. It wasn’t what they chose. And yet, the virgin Mary was the vehicle that God chose to escort into the world the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God could have chosen to bring Jesus into the world any way that He wanted. He chose a difficult path for the couple and offered them no explanation. They trusted God and took Him at His Word. And from the ashes of pain and soil of despair, hope emerged. A light in the darkness. God has a way of bringing beauty and harmony out of confusion and chaos while creating something magnificent, melodic, and fragrant. Our part in the story is to ride the wave and trust Him during the process. Dr. Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Professor of Speech, and a freelance writer. This year our traditional holiday celebrations are going to be different than previous years as we focus on socially distancing. One tradition that isn't changing this year is the fact cybercriminals are looking for new ways to trick you out of your money and identity.
Some of these scams are specific to the holiday season, others are specific to the COVID19 pandemic. Scams always increase during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, but with the virus, you can be sure there will be scams designed to prey on people. Unfortunately, early as February 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned that fraudsters would likely be using the coronavirus (COVID19) as a means to scam and trick people. As the year winds down, some charities are reaching out to previous and new donors to provide opportunities for last-minute donation opportunities. a look at some of the pandemic based scams and what you can do to keep yourself safe. 1. The Cryptocurrency Scam. Cryptocurrency has taken off in the past couple of years. If you're not familiar, it's an online currency that works outside of banks and government. Cryptocurrency scams come in the form of emails promising investment opportunities and ransomware attacks. Criminals focus on getting funds via cryptocurrency because once they get your money in the form of online currency, there is virtually no way to get your money back. If you are unfamiliar with investing, it's best to stick with investment firms. You can avoid malware by avoiding phishing emails and texts that want you to click on a link to visit a website. 2. Checks from the government scam. In these tough financial times, people are looking for any way to keep food on the table and to get bills paid. Criminals will try to take advantage of this posing as the IRS or other government agencies to give you stimulus money. If you have people calling or emailing you asking for your personal information or wanting to charge you fees to help you get stimulus money, beware. The IRS will not call you or email you to offer stimulus money. 3. Fake charities scam. During this pandemic, scammers are trying to get your money by posing as a fake charity with names that sound like real charities. These usually come in the form of emails, texts, or fake social media accounts. Sometimes you are solicited via email or messages and posts that show up on your social media feed. Verify charities by going to Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org). If you decide to donate to a charity, go directly to the website of the charity or download their app to your smartphone and tablet. 4. Social Media and Email Takeovers. Data breaches since 2012 have allowed a lot of personal data to be leaked on the web which is why professionals like myself recommend changing the passwords on your online accounts on a regular basis. If you don't get into the habit of changing passwords, you could become the victim of 'credential stuffing' which is the act of cybercriminals using your leaked information to log into your email, social media, and financial accounts. Get into the habit of checking out to see if your information is leaked by using LastPass or the Google Chrome password vault. These tools will notify you if your passwords show up on the dark web. 5. eGift Cards. eGift Card scams aren't new. Criminals focus on eGift Cards as a way to scam people because it's impossible to get your money back once you fall for this trick. The way hackers use this scam is stealing your account information and purchasing gift cards and sending fake alerts that notify you that you need to purchase a gift card to make a payment. Keep alert when people call out of the blue to ask you to pay with a gift card. If it sounds like a scam, it normally is. 6. The Puppy Scam. The demand for pets has increased drastically during the COVID19 pandemic because they can help with stress is PTSD. This results in criminals making fake posts for animals for sale. If you're looking for a pet, avoid online transactions. Go directly to an animal shelter or a breeder. 7. The New Job Scam. Many have suffered job losses during the pandemic due to downsizing and businesses closing. Scammers pretend to be recruiters for new job opportunities, getting their information from recruitment companies. Again, they are after your personal information and money. Do a check on the recruitment company and research to find out if the job opportunity is real before you commit to anything. 8. The Sweepstakes Scam. Who doesn't like winning free stuff? I know I do. These scams start off like most: you get a phone call, email or even a message on social media notifying you that you won the sweepstakes. The catch is always that you need to pay a fee in taxes to claim your prize. Obviously, if you really win a contest, there won't be a fee associated with collecting your prizes. If you're like me, you always want to believe the best about people. Unfortunately, you need to be aware of all of the cybercrime activity that is occurring in the digital age. Cybercriminals don't care about you or your family and have been known to wipe out people's bank accounts and retirement funds. To avoid falling victim to these scams always remember if you are requested to pay money in advance or by gift card, it's not a legitimate source. Also, be careful with who you share your personal information with online, by text message, or email. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, will return to Mid-Continent Public Library virtually this holiday season for his annual rendition of A Christmas Carol. This year, Dickens has pre-recorded his performance in Rochester, England, where his great-great-grandfather took inspiration for his writing. The spirited one-man performance, in which Dickens’ depicts all 26 characters, will be available to be viewed online at the following times:
Tuesday, December 15, at 10:00am Saturday, December 19, at 6:00pm Monday, December 21, at 10:00am Tuesday, December 22, at 7:00pm A professional actor in England, the energetic Dickens—who has been performing for MCPL audiences for more than 25 years—leaps, laughs, and sobs as he portrays the voices of A Christmas Carol, bringing the classic to life with his dramatic rendition and striking resemblance to his great-great-grandfather. Customers must register in advance at mymcpl.org/Dickens, and they will then receive an emailed coupon code to view the special 75-minute performance online through Vimeo. In addition to the virtual performance, MCPL will host two live Q&A sessions with Gerald Dickens, during which he will share his experiences filming A Christmas Carol: A Special Virtual Performance by Gerald Dickens on location in Rochester. The Q&As will be held via Zoom on Monday, December 7, at 6:00pm and Wednesday, December 16 at 10:00am. Like the performance, advance registration is required for the Q&As at mymcpl.org/Dickens. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited. As well as Dickens’ performance, the Library is offering a host of other virtual holiday programs for all ages this season, including: Night Before Christmas Carol – Monday, November 30, at 7:00 pm and Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 pm Join Charles Dickens in his study for a very special night as he creates his holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Join David zum Brunnen in this special virtual program as he portrays 17 characters as well as Charles Dickens himself. Recommended by the Dickens family, MCPL is privileged to offer this performance to continue its Dickens tradition. Each program will be followed by a question and answer session with David Zum Brunnen. Please register separately for the Q&A. Festival of Colors (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 1 at 10:00am Let’s Draw: Reindeer Fun (Zoom) – December 3 at 7:00pm Winter Wonderlaughs (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 4 at 4:00pm and January 7 at 7:00pm Winter Yoga Adventure (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 4 and January 4 at 10:00am Read & Sing with Mr. Stinky Feet: Hark It’s Harold the Angel (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 8 at 10:00am The Wires: An Intimate Christmas Concert (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 9 at 7:00 pm Christmas: From Ireland to the Ozarks (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 10 at 7:00pm Jim “Two Crows” Wallen Presents: A Visit with Santa Claus (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 10 and 17 at 10:00am and December 23 at 7:00pm The Thomas/DeLancey Duet: Traditional Acoustic Music (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 15 at 7:00pm and December 18 at 10:00am The Dickens Carolers (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 17 at 7:00pm and December 19 at 10:00am Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas (MCPL360 Facebook page) – December 22 at 10:00am Mad Science Happy Holidays Show (Zoom) – December 23 at 4:00pm Happy New Year! (MCPL360 Facebook page) – January 5 at 10:00am Find more information about each of these programs and register at mymcpl.org/Holiday. “I’m going to be bad and have a little treat tonight.” How often do we hear sentiments similar to this shared, especially around the holidays? But is enjoying a dessert actually “bad?”
The answer is no. As a registered dietitian, I’m happy to set the record straight on this one. Our bodies have a variety of needs. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins (dairy is included in this category) and healthy fats are five main categories that help us meet nutrient needs. Eighty percent of the time, the balance of those foods are what helps us feel our best. Getting enough of these “everyday” category foods helps promote steady energy levels, balanced moods, optimal focus and brain health, heart health, endurance/stamina, and overall sets us up to put our “best foot forward.” We want to make sure that we are getting everything our bodies need to function well. Twenty percent of the time, there is room to enjoy some of those foods that we might not prioritize as everyday foods, but can still impact our quality of life. Enjoying favorites is an important part of wellness and balance, especially relationally when enjoying meals with loved ones. Part of having a healthy relationship with food includes flexibility, variety, and choosing foods you like. So there’s no need to throw away the idea of enjoying your favorite holiday sweets. Instead, consider throwing away the mentality that it’s “bad” to enjoy your foods. Aim to meet your nutrient needs with a variety of veggies, fruits, whole grains, protein and healthy fats, and give yourself a chance to savor the foods that don’t fit into those categories but bring you a little more joy. Try this recipe for Dark Chocolate Nut Bark. It’s a little bit of both, offering “everyday” foods including healthy fats from almonds, walnuts and pepitas, and fruit in the form of dried apricots. It also has chocolate, as the name implies. Chocolate does have some antioxidant properties. Even more importantly, it’s a tasty option that a balanced lifestyle can definitely have room for. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2). Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
Papa Murphy’s 1203 Buckner Tarsney Road Observed multiple handles touching food on the pizza make table. Corrected on site. Food debris observed inside clean utensil containers. Corrected on site. Valley Nutrition 201 N Main ST No violations recorded. Lin’s Kitchen 11 SW Eagles Parkway Handwashing sink blocked by multiple items. Correct by 1/1. Floor around fryer and grill had accumulation of debris. Correct by 1/1. Back door was propped open. Corrected on site. America’s Best Value Inn 105 Sunny Lane Drive No violations recorded. The Pub & Patio 640 Yennie ST No violations recorded. Price Chopper Bakery 1191 NE McQuerry Road Observed ice build up on the condenser in walk-in cooler. Correct by 1/16/2021. Price Chopper Meat/Seafood The curtain for the cooler in the meat cutting room had an accumulation of stuck on food debris. Observed ice build up on the condenser and the floor of the meat freezer. Correct by 1/16/2021. Price Chopper Starbucks No violations recorded. Price Chopper Grocery/Dairy/Produce No violations recorded. Dollar General Store 105 E Rock Creek Lane Three cans were found dented on the sales floor shelves. Corrected. Canteen Vending/Kohls Distribution Ctr. 2015 NE Jefferson No violations recorded. QuikTrip 1110 N Buckner Tarsney Road No violations recorded. MO Country 401 E South Outer Belt Road No violations recorded. |
Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |