|
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of April 12-22, 2024.
April 12, 2024 700 Blk Foxtail Dr Animal complaint PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Motor vehicle accident report 1000 Blk Ryan Rd Civil standby April 13, 2024 PHQ VIN verification 200 Blk Gregg St Verbal disturbance 200 Blk E Broadway Vehicle fire 400 Blk SW Laura Ln Physical disturbance PHQ Citizen contact 1400 Blk NW Willow Dr Parking Complaint April 14, 2024 US 40/Sni-A-Bar Motor vehicle accident 200 Blk Cross Creek Ln Citizen contact 1200 Blk Pavilion Area check April 15, 2024 PHQ Citizen contact EE Kirby/40 Missing juvenile 1700 Blk Hill Top Suspicious person PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk NW Valley Ct Citizen contact April 16, 2024 PHQ Citizen contact 600 Blk Yennie Agency assist I-70/26 MM Motorist assist AA Hwy/Sni-A-Bar Tree in roadway PHQ Citizen contact 1100 Blk NW Buckner-Tarsney Rd Parking complaint 800 Blk Valley Woods Dr Suspicious activity 1400 Blk NW Olympic De Alarm 100 Blk SW Ealges Pkwy Civil standby 800 Blk NW Green Accidental 911 hang up April 17, 2024 1100 Blk NW Buckner-Tarsney Rd Suspicious activity 40 Hwy Area check Lefohz/McQuerry Motorist assist PHQ Citizen contact 400 Blk SW Cross Creek Area check 800 Blk Woodland Ave Verbal disturbance 600 Blk E Kirby Rd Public service PHQ Citizen contact 800 Blk Harvest Leaving the scene of accident 700 Blk Main Welfare check 1300 Blk Highview Parking complaint PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk NW Jackie Agency assist 1100 Blk McQuerry Property damage Woodbury/Woodbury Area check April 18, 2024 1300 Blk Golfview Sound of Shots 800 Blk SW Leann Dr Area check 1100 Blk Bush Property damage 1300 Blk Highview Parking complaint PHQ Citizen contact April 19, 2024 600 Blk Crestview Dr Citizen Contact 600 Blk Crestview Dr Public Service 800 Blk S Harvest Fraud Shell Ct/ Greystone Missing Juvenile 600 Blk Yennie Area check PHQ Theft Essex Agency Assist 6300 Blk S Minter Rd Public Service Broadway/Garden Agency Assist Crosetti Health & Wellness Past property damage Yennie/ Main Motor vehicle accident April 20, 2024 500 Blk Woodbury Well check 500 Blk Lakeview Water leak 200 Blk Barr rd Parking Complaint 1400 Blk NW Willow Abandoned Auto 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Sound of gunshots April 21, 2024 900 Blk SW Montana Ridge Civil Stand by 600 Blk Creekridge Alarm Secured April 22, 2024 PHQ Citizen contact 200 Blk Eagles Citizen contact 300 Blk Concord Disturbance Additional calls for service: Suicidal Subject: 2 Order of Protection: 1
0 Comments
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society A few years ago, I was able to establish that this photograph was taken after 1912. Each time I look at it, I try to find other clues as to the exact year. So far, the “exact” year still eludes me. However, here’s what I do know. These two building are on Lot 10 and Lot 11 of the Graves and Ashcraft Addition. They were built in 1912 by Edward Williams. Mr. Williams owned several lots in the original town, on the east side of Broadway (now Main Street). They included his home on the southeast corner of Broadway and Walnut Street. The Williams Building, Circa 1912
The buildings originally housed a car dealership, which probably sold the latest style Model T, or was it Model A (I don’t know much about cars), as well as buggy parts and wheels. I only wish I could read the sign over the door of the building on Lot 10. Was the photo taken in April? Probably not, but it is the April photograph in the 2024 Grain Valley Historical Society calendar. I further believe the photo was taken prior to 1920 because the Grain Valley property tax records that year tell us the building on the left was them owned by Edward E. Storms. An old medicine bottle on exhibit at the Historical Society is from Storms Pharmacy. I remember these two building from the early 1950s. The old pharmacy was then Casey’s Drug Store. They sold over the counter medicines and first aid supplies; however, there were no prescription drugs. I especially remember the soda fountain that had hand dipped ice cream cones! The building on the right housed the U. S. Post Office in a small room at the front and the rear portion was a restaurant with a number of different proprietors over the years. When Grace Mickel ran it they had a yummy chicken dinner special every Sunday. (Valley News , June 4, 2020 and May 9. 2022) Today, both buildings are owned by The Bank of Grain Valley. The old drug store is an annex and storage space for the bank. The building on the left is now The Pottery Palace. by Michael Smith At one point, senior Sevreign Aumua was the only girl wrestler in the Grain Valley program. When she was a freshman during the 2020-21 season, she had to practice against the boys. During her sophomore season, she had one other teammate. In 2022-23, the Eagles had multiple girls on the team; and for the first time, Aumua had a teammate, Jayden Moehle, join her in qualifying for the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships. At the time, Aumua said she was excited to have a teammate join her at state for the first time in three years. Moehle and Aumua have developed a special bond and are good friends on and off the mat. On Friday, they got to compete on the same team at the Rogue Dual at the Mabee Fieldhouse on the Campus of Avila University. It’s an event that features some of the best wrestlers in the Kansas City metro area on the Kansas and Missouri side. The Grain Valley duo represented Team Missouri and were integral in their team’s 57-27 victory over Team Kansas. “I am really happy I got to have one of my actual teammates here, Aumua said. “I am glad I could spend my last high school event with her.” Moehle echoed similar sentiments about their final dual together. “This means a lot to me. I love my teammates. This was a great experience. It’s sad that this was my last event with Sevi, but she is always going to be my teammate and I am always going to have her back.” The sophomore had a tough battle with Maize senior Meya Howell, who won a state championship this year. With the match tied at 4-all, Moehle (235 pounds) nearly got taken down. But she reversed the attempt from Howell into a fat man roll and got the takedown herself. She then used an armbar to turn Howell for the pin in the second period. “I did that move in youth and I just kind of remembered it,” Moehle said of the fat man roll. “It’s just kind of a last-minute move but I am glad it worked.” Aumua (140), a three-time state champion, used her signature chicken wing to turn Goodland senior Destiny Gonzalez for a pin in the second period after being up 8-1. The Grain Valley senior will move on and wrestle for Missouri Valley College after this school year. “That is a move I have been working on since the beginning of my high wrestling career,” Aumua said. “I just ended up really liking it and if it’s there, I am going to use it. If it’s not, I know some other moves.” Grain Valley senior Sevreign Aumua looks to turn Goodland senior Destiny Gonzalez during the Rogue Dual Friday at the Mabee Fieldhouse on the campus of Avila University. She pinned Gonzalez to help Team Missouri beat Team Kansas 57-27. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley sophomore Jayden Moehle, right, prepares for her next move in her match with Maize senior Meya Howell. Moehle pinned Howell in the second period. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith The Grain Valley girls track and field team was cruising. It was leading all 12 teams in team points for most of the Marc Cleveland Grain Valley Invitational Thursday at Moody Murry Memorial Field. Blue Springs South made a late surge during the final four events, but the Eagles managed to hang on to win their home meet with 99 points. South was a close second place with 95. The Eagles accomplished this despite holding out some of their athletes to get ready for the Kansas Relays that take place this weekend at the University of Kansas. “We had some girls step up in some different roles today,” Grain Valley girls track head coach Nick Small said. “We had a couple of girls get varsity medals that typically don’t get the opportunity to. All around it was cool to watch that for sure.” Freshman Madison Rust was one of those who stepped up as she was the primary javelin thrower with senior McKenah Sears not competing. Sears is one of the favorites to win the state champion in the javelin this season, so Rust had some big shoes to fill. Rust broke out and took first place in the javelin event with a throw of 119, 2 inches. She was also a part of the thrower 4x100 relay team along with sophomore Addison Wright, freshman Eva Oehlke and junior Bailey Mason that won with a time of 56.71 seconds. “I just started javelin and I thought it would be fun,” said Rust, who is ranked No. 5 in the javelin in the United States among freshmen. “I am decent at it. I came out and didn’t know anything about javelin. I watched McKenah and she plays all the sports I play like softball, basketball, and track. She has taught me everything I know along with Coach (Flip) Courter.” Rust was one of four girls to in field events, which seemed to be the biggest strength for the girls team. Junior Alyssa Carver showed why she could be a contender for a state title this year on Thursday. Last season, she finished in fourth place in the pole vault at the Missouri State High School Track and Field Championships. At the Grain Valley Invitational, she took first with a height of 10 feet, 10 inches. The second-place finisher, Grain Valley’s Megan Prestia, had a height of 9 feet, 10 inches. “I don’t think I jumped the best I ever have,” Carver said. “It’s still always cool to come out on top and learn from my experiences. I have the KU Relays this weekend, so I can always come back and do better then.” “I hope I can at least match my (personal record) there and win for myself.” Other Eagles girls to win were junior Izzie Salsman in the high jump with a height of 4 feet, 11.75 inches and senior Izabella West in the long jump with a distance of 17 feet, 6 inches. “I feel like I did pretty well despite how cold it is out here,” said Salsman, who competed in temperatures in the low 50s. “This time, I tried to envision myself making it over the bar and that pushed me from the beginning.” Boys The Grain Valley boys track and field team came on strong late. The Eagles finished third in the 4x400-meter relay race and took first in the 4x100 throwers’ relay, which helped them rack up 16 points in the final two events, and it was enough for them to finish second with 82 points. Lee’s Summit finished third with 80.25 points and Blue Springs South won with 126.5 points. “The 4x400 relay team was huge,” Grain Valley head boys coach Erik Stone said. “They finished high enough to help us overtake Lee’s Summit for second place.” Aside from the throwers’ relay, the Grain Valley boys team finished first in two other events. The 4x200 relay team of Ty Williams, Anthony Greco, Noah Olah and Terrell King took first with a time of 1:33.45. It is a team Stone could make some noise this season. “This team keeps getting better,” Stone said. “There is one stick we can get better with that didn’t do too well tonight, but they keep improving and working hard. That is one of the relays we feel like we have a chance with.” Senior Stylz Blackmon is someone who could earn an all-state honor this season. He broke the school record for the shotput at another meet on Tuesday with a throw of 52 feet, 11.8 inches. He is currently ranked fifth in Class 5 and 11th in Missouri in the event. On Tuesday, he took first with a throw of 50 feet, 5.5 inches. He was also a part of the throwers’ relay team that took first. “I am really blessed to be able to compete against such great talent,” Blackmon said. “Although I have thrown well at previous meets, I am still looking to grow and get better. I want to get back to where I was last year and make it to state. I didn’t do too well and state last year. I want to go there and make a name for myself this time.” Grain Valley junior Izzie Salesman finished third in the high jump with a height of 4 feet, 11.75 inches. Photo credit: Michael Smith 0202: Grain Valley freshman Madison Rust filled in for McKenah Sears in the javelin event Thursday at the Marc Cleveland Grain Valley Invitational. She took first with a distance of 119 feet, 2 inches. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley junior Alyssa Carver took first place in the pole vault with a height of 10 feet, 10 inches. Photo credit: Michael Smith
The Grain Valley School Board met April 11th for a workshop meeting, accepting April 2nd election results, installing one new member and electing board officers, and approving the 2024-25 salary schedule following successful passage of a levy to increase salaries in an effort to remain competitive with area districts.
Newly elected board member Aaron Scully took the oath of office, and the following officers were elected: Jeff Porter, President; Jared English, Vice-President; Dr. Julie Taylor, Secretary. Voters approved a levy issue April 2nd to support increases in teacher and staff pay. In a comparison of 2024-25 Grain Valley salaries to peer districts 2023-24 salary levels, the increases generally maintain Grain Valley salaries in the middle of area districts. A starting teacher with a bachelor’s degree will make $41,900 in Grain Valley starting in the 2024-25 school year, an increase of $1,900. This places Grain Valley 5th in a comparison of local districts (when compared to other districts’ 2023-24 salaries). North Kansas City tops the list, with a 2023-24 starting salary of $44,000. Neighboring district Lee’s Summit ranks third, with a 2023-24 starting salary of $42,370. A $1.50 increase in the bus driver starting pay (from $17.33 to $18.83) places Grain Valley in the middle of area districts, taking it from the lowest paid in 2023-24. Smithville and Kearney top the list, paying starting bus drivers $20/hour. Grandview is at the bottom, with a 2023-24 starting salary of $17.78/hour. The district also made strides in improving paraprofessional pay compared to peer districts, raising tier 1 paraprofessional starting pay from $11.87 (the lowest compared to area districts) to $15.47 in 2024-25. This places Grain Valley near the middle when compared to area districts 2023-24 starting salaries. The next meeting of the school board will be held Thursday, April 18th at 6:00pm at the district Leadership Center. The Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will host a family-friendly fundraiser at Lunar Bowl, located at 2001 NW MO-7 Highway, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Strike in the Night – Cosmic Caring-Changing the Universe will take place on April 27, 2024, from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. All proceeds will be directed to the YAC Endowment Fund. The earnings from this fund are used to support nonprofits serving individuals, children, and families in suburban Eastern Jackson County. "Through the YAC program, we are creating the next generation of philanthropists who will make a lasting impact on their communities," Diana Castillo, Director of Grants and Donor Services for THCF said. "It's an opportunity for high school students to learn about the power of giving back and become leaders in their own right. Watching them work together to make a difference is inspiring and gives me hope for the future." Strike in the Night attendees will experience three hours of cosmic bowling, games, music, and trivia. This event is open to the public, but tickets are required and very limited. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or at the door for $18. Advanced tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/StrikeInTheNight2024 or by calling the THCF office at (816) 836-8189. The Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will host a family-friendly fundraiser at Lunar Bowl, located at 2001 NW MO-7 Highway, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Strike in the Night – Cosmic Caring-Changing the Universe will take place on April 27, 2024, from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Photo credit: THCF
by Michael Smith Grain Valley head boys tennis coach Randy Draper made a change to his singles line up this week. He made senior Campbell Childers his new No. 6 singles player. Before, Childers exclusively played in No. 3 doubles matches with sophomore Riley Spencer. So far, it’s been a move that has paid off for the Eagles and that showed in Tuesday’s nonconference matchup with Blue Springs South at home. Childers won at both doubles and singles and the Eagles also got a big win from junior Trace Compton near the end of the tennis match as they edged the Jaguars 5-4. The senior defeated South junior Peyton O’Donnell 8-1 in singles; and he and Spencer battled for a 8-6 victory against Tommy Nesbitt and Will Griffel at No. 2 doubles to give Grain Valley two much needed wins. So far, Childers has enjoyed taking on the challenge of playing an additional match. “It’s fun to get to play two matches instead of just doubles.” Childers said. “I hit some more shots than I have in the past. I just kept the ball in play and made the other person mess up.” Draper noted that Childers technique could use improvement, but his athleticism is what helps him be successful on the court. “I tell him that some of his tennis strokes are not something we would teach other people,” Draper said, “but when you’re an athlete, you cover some stuff.” After the Eagles won four games, Compton got the fifth and deciding win following his 8-6 victory against South freshman Zavier Broyles. Compton noted that he and others had to contend with strong winds blowing toward the south end of the school. That caused him to have to adjust according to which side he was on. When he was on the north side, he had to put more touch on his shots, but on the south side, he had to hit it harder to get it over the net. “I figured out toward the end that I had to be more aggressive than I was in the beginning,” Compton said. “I simply just had to keep the ball in play. I had to put more on my shots to make it harder for my opponent to control it.” While Compton and Childers came up with some critical wins for the Eagles, junior John Cassidy had a significant hand in the team victory, as well. Cassidy won 8-1 against Tommy Nesbitt at No. 4 singles. He said he played better once he got fully adjusted to the wind. That was also a big factor in him and senior Carter Williams overcoming a 6-3 deficit to take down Broyles and junior Landon Wickham 9-7 in the No. 2 doubles contest. “The wind blew to the side toward the fence, so when you were on the side closest to the fence, you could get away with hitting it softer and the wind would push the ball for you,” Cassidy said. “When you were on the other side, you really had to drive the ball to get it past the service line.” Following the match, Draper, who had previously said his team struggled with singles matches this season, was impressed with how well Compton, Cassidy and Childers played on their own. “Cassidy played the best I have seen him play all season,” Draper said. “Compton also played the best I’ve seen him play. We needed both of those wins. There is a lot of reasons to be happy even in matches we didn’t win.” Grain Valley senior Campbell Childers won his singles match 8-1 and teamed up with sophomore Riley Spencer to capture an 8-6 win in the No. 3 double contest. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley junior Trace Compton got a big 8-6 win over Zavier Broyles in the No. 3 singles match to help the Eagles capture a 5-4 win over Blue Springs South Tuesday at home. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Spring has sprung and with it comes the flurry of spring break travel plans, holiday celebrations and graduation parties! It’s important to celebrate the season and enjoy time with family and friends without the food guilt. So let’s explore how you can enjoy your favorite baked treats with a few nutrient-dense twists to satisfy your cravings and enjoy the spring season!
Enjoying sweet treats in moderation is key to a balanced diet, and adding fiber-rich additions such as chia seeds to baked goods is an excellent way to help with portion control while adding important nutrients. Chia seeds not only contain fiber to help fill you up and keep you full longer – supporting weight management goals – but also, the soluble fiber found in chia seeds has been linked to lowering cholesterol levels. In addition, chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids linked to inflammation reduction in the body. Because chia seeds become gelatinous in water, they can be used to replace eggs in recipes! Simply soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with ¼ cup water to replace one egg. If peanut butter is traditionally a key ingredient in your baked goods or you are simply seeking that nutty flavor, consider trying PB2 Powdered Nut Butters. PB2 has 90% less fat compared to regular nut butter and comes in peanut, almond and cashew butter varieties. Because of their powdered form they have 70% less calories when compared to traditional nut butters, but still contain 6g of plant protein per serving. You can enjoy the nutty flavor with fewer calories by substituting PB2 for 1/3 of the flour in your baked goods! Yogurt is one of my favorite everyday substitutions – especially in baked goods! Using yogurt allows you to add protein while reducing fat, as yogurt is traditionally used when swapping out butter, heavy cream or sour cream in a recipe. I enjoy using plain Greek yogurt – such as Chobani®. If you prefer a flavored yogurt or are looking to add vanilla or mixed berry to a dish, look for Chobani® with Zero Sugar. With only 60 calories, this flavor-packed yogurt has lots of protein and contains no lactose. Try incorporating it in a 1:1 ratio in place of whatever fat you are using. If you’re ready to get started – try it in these fabulous Greek Yogurt Confetti Cupcakes! Greek Yogurt Confetti Cupcakes Makes 24 cupcakes All you need: 1 (16.5 oz) pkg Hy-Vee confetti deluxe cake mix 1 cup water 3 large egg whites ¼ cup Chobani® plain Greek yogurt 1 (8 oz) container Hy-Vee frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 cup Chobani® Zero Sugar vanilla Greek yogurt Rainbow sprinkles, if desired All you do:
Recipe adapted from: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/greek-yogurt-confetti-cupcakes If you’re interested in learning about more nutrient-dense additions to your diet, take advantage of our Personalized Nutrition Shopping Assistance. During this 1-hour shopping experience, a Hy-Vee dietitian will guide you through the grocery aisles to provide product recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and nutrition goals. Learn more and register here. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the paid support of our sponsors PB2 and Chobani®. Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,100 jobs in March 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.3 percent. Private industry employment increased by 7,100 jobs and government employment increased by 1,000 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 54,200 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 2.8 percent in March 2023 to 3.3 percent in March 2024.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in March 2024 at 3.3 percent. The March 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the March 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,681 in March 2024, up by 718 from the revised February total of 102,963. In addition, the estimated number of employed Missourians also increased in March, growing by 2,639 to reach a total of 3,000,264. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in March 2024 by three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7 percent from the February 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for March 2024 was 3.9 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in March 2024, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in March 2024, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March 2024, half of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.8 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,022,000 in March 2024, up by 8,100 from the revised February 2024 figure. The February 2024 total was revised upward by 2,500 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries decreased by 200 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 200 jobs and mining, logging, and construction declining by 400 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 7,300 jobs between February 2024 and March 2024. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure and hospitality (6,200 jobs); private education and health services (2,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (1,800 jobs); and other services (1,300 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-3,200 jobs), financial activities (-700 jobs), and information (-200 jobs). Total government employment increased by 1,000 jobs over the month, with increases in federal (400 jobs), local (400 jobs), and state government (200 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 54,200 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024. The largest gains were in private education and health services (20,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (11,700 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (7,300 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (5,600 jobs); financial activities (3,300 jobs); and other services (2,800 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-6,200 jobs), information (-300 jobs), and manufacturing (-300 jobs). Government employment increased by 10,200 jobs over the year, with increases in state (4,700 jobs), local (3,700 jobs), and federal government (1,800 jobs). Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report. Missouri Independent: Missouri Senate amends House bill to ease passage of K-12 tax credit expansion4/18/2024 Missouri Senate amends House bill to ease passage of K-12 tax credit expansionby Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent The Missouri Senate voted Wednesday night to ensure homeschool families are allowed to own firearms. On a 27-4 vote, lawmakers approved legislation that originally was focused on cleaning up issues with Missouri’s virtual school program. But over the course of a five-hour recess in the Senate Wednesday, Republicans turned that legislation into a catch-all measure aimed at ensuring the House approves an even larger education bill approved by the Senate last month. The bill approved Wednesday night was crafted to ease House concerns about a 153-page bill that passed the Senate to expand Missouri’s private school tax credit program and allowed charter schools in Boone County, along with other provisions aimed at bolstering public schools. That bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Andrew Koenig of Manchester, told The Independent he would prefer the House pass the Senate’s education bill without changes and send it to the governor’s desk. Any changes in the House would bring it back to the Senate for debate, putting its changes at risk. After the Senate passed Koenig’s legislation last month, criticism began popping up on social media and in the Capitol about a myriad of issues — primarily that homeschooling families may face additional government oversight. Despite assurances from gun-rights groups, one concern focused on the idea that homeschoolers’ inclusion in the private school scholarship program would result in home educators being subject to laws banning guns in schools. The Missouri Firearms Coalition made a statement that it felt that gun-ownership was not threatened in the bill. And an attorney for Home School Legal Defense Association Scott Woodruff was adamant that he was not concerned about the provision. “The idea (the bill)…. would make the criminal penalties of (state firearm code) apply to home schoolers with guns in their home is supported, at best, only by a long, thin string of assumptions and implications,” he wrote. But House members were flooded with emails and social media messages expressing concerns, putting the bills’ chances of passing without being altered at risk. Koenig said Wednesday that the ability to own a gun was not threatened by his bill. “I don’t know that it was a problem, but this definitely makes it a lot stronger,” he said. “Anytime we can clarify something in statute, then we make sure that interpretation is stronger.” The bill applies the existing homeschool statute to particular sections of state law — avoiding applying the definition of a “home school” to the state code that prohibits firearms on school grounds. The legislation approved Wednesday night expanded beyond virtual schools to include changes such as connecting funding for K-12 tax-credit scholarships to state aid for public schools’ transportation. This is current state law, but Koenig’s bill separated the two. The bill also exempts Warsaw School District from taking a vote to reauthorize the district’s current four-day school week. If Koenig’s bill passes, school districts that have switched to a four-day week in charter counties or cities with at least 30,000 residents will have to hold a vote to continue with an abbreviated week. Similar provisions are included in amendments to Koenig’s bill filed by House members. Fifty-three amendments have already been filed on Koenig’s bill in the House. House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, told reporters on Monday that he would prefer to pass the Senate’s version of Koenig’s bill but there was not a guarantee to do so. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SUBSCRIBE
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter. |
Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |