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:
 
Valley Pub & Patio                 
640 NW Yennie      
There were dead flies in the bottom of the reach in freezer in the grill area. Correct by 2/25/2020.                 
There was dust on the ceiling tiles and the ceiling vents in the grill area above to-go containers. Correct by 2/25/2020.
There was food debris inside the reach in freezer. Correct by 2/25/2020.
 
Grain Valley North Middle School
31608 N Pink Hill Road
There is ice buildup in the walk in freezer on the floor. Repeat violation, correct by 3/5/2020.
 
Matthews Elementary
144 McQuerry Rd.
Inspection date: 1/6/2020.
No violations recorded.
 
GVMS Concessions
901 SW Ryan Rd.
Inspection date: 1/7/2020.
No violations recorded.
  
Comfort Inn
210 NW Jefferson
Employees drink and food was stored on a shelf where food is prepped. Corrected on site.
 
Casey's General Store #2808
101 S Buckner Tarsney Road
The interior of the microwave had an accumulation of stuck on food debris. Corrected on site.
There was no date marking on containers of marinara sauce in the make table coolers. Corrected on site.
Boxes of single-serve items stored on the floor in stock areas.  Corrected on site.
Ceiling vents in the kitchen area have accumulation of dust. Second repeat violation. Correct by 3/8/2020.
 
Subway
109 AA Highway
The scoop utensils for foods on the make table were stored on a dirty surface. Correct by 3/8/2020.
 
Sni-A-Bar Elementary
701 SW Eagles Parkway
There is a leak underneath the warewashing machine.  Correct by 3/15/2020.
 
Prairie Branch Elementary
2100 Dilingham Road
There is a leak underneath the warewashing machine.  Correct by 3/15/2020.
 

    Jackson County provided an update on the status of unprocessed appeal applications submitted by email in a press release on January 8th.
     According to the release, following review of an email account managed by Board of Equalization (BOE) staff, the Assessment Department found approximately 8,600 “unread” emails. The release stated the Assessment Department assigned staff to review those emails for any unresolved BOE appeals. A review by the Assessment Department determined that approximately 3,800 unresolved BOE appeals were contained in those emails. The department is working to make contact with those appellants and ensure that those BOE appeals are properly processed.
 

     The Historic Truman Courthouse, located at 112 W. Lexington in Independence, will be open from 8:00am – Noon on December 14th, December 21st,  and December 28th for taxpayers 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.
     For those on-the-go, the County offers a mobile and web-based application called myJacksonCounty. The program allows taxpayers to make a secure payment with a credit card, debit card or e-check with or without setting up an account. Taxpayers who choose to use the mobile device or web-based service are subject to a small fee charged by a third-party merchant, not Jackson County. 
     The free app, myJacksonCounty, is available for download on Apple and Android devices via the iTunes App Store or Google Play App Store. It can also be found online at https://payments.jacksongov.org.
     The Department of Collection mailed tax bills during the month of November. 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 10 should check their account online, call the Department of Collection at (816) 881-3232 or visit in person to find out the amount due.
 
Payment Options:
 
Online – To save time and avoid lines, taxpayers are encouraged to pay online or the mobile app via credit card, debit card or electronic check (E-Check). Online payments must be submitted by 11 p.m. on December 31 to avoid penalty pursuant to state law.
 
Mail – Taxpayers can simply mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalty.
 
In Person – All forms of payment are accepted in person at the Department of Collection Offices at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th Street) and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence during regular business hours. Extended weekend hours are only available at the historic courthouse in Independence.
 
Drop Box – Drop boxes for property tax payments will be located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City and at the front door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence beginning on December 28. Both drop boxes will close at midnight on December 31. Do not place cash in either drop box.
 
What to Bring If Paying In Person:
 
In-Person Payment – Taxpayers must bring their form of payment and their tax bill. If they don’t have a tax bill, they can visit the Department of Collection to have one printed. Taxpayers can also look up their account online and print the bill to avoid additional wait time.
 
 
 

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:
Price Chopper Kitchen /Deli/Salad Bar
1191 NE. McQuerry Rd.
There is a build up of grease on the hood vents above the grills in the kitchen/deli area. The floor of the walk in cooler in the kitchen/deli area has an accumulation of food debris.  Correct by 1/3/2020.
 
Sushi Avenue/Price Chopper
1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
There was a bowl without a handle inside the dried rice bin being used as a scoop. Corrected on site.
Country Oak Village
101 Cross Creek
The interior of the microwave had an accumulation of stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. The spray hose to three compartment sink was below the flood line. Corrected on site. The manager was able to fix the issue and has put in a work order to have a new spray hose that is the correct length. The floor under the three compartment sink is in disrepair and missing floor tiles. The back door in the kitchen area has a gap leaving an outer opening to the outside. Correct by 1/12/2020.
 
Sonic Drive-In
706 N. Main
The soda nozzles to the drink station had an accumulation of stuck on debris. Corrected on site. There were containers of hot dogs and a container of grilled chicken in the reach in cooler next to the fryers that had no date marking. Corrected on site. There is an excessive amount of grease build up in between the fryers and the reach in cooler and on the side of the reach in cooler. There is trash/food debris on the floors of the walk in cooler and the walk in freezer. There is an accumulation of trash debris under most equipment. Correct by 1 /24/2020.
 
McDonald’s
712 N. Main
 Nozzles on soda and coffee machine had a buildup on them. Corrected on site. Ice machine has a black buildup inside machine. Reinspection required. Grill vents are dripping grease onto grill. Repeat violation.
 
 
Grain Valley Marketplace 8
1131 NE McQuerry Road
There was liquid spill residue/debris under the slushy station. Repeat violation.  There was liquid spill residue/debris under all drink stations. In theaters 1,5 & 7 there were stuck on gum, food debris under the seats, dusty seats, and stuck on food debris on the arms of the seats. There was a missing ceiling tile in theater 7 in the back area. Repeat violation. There was a box of hot dog holder containers stored on the floor in the storage/ice room. Corrected on site. Repeat violation.
 
 

     Fort Osage National Historic Landmark will come alive during the 33rd Annual Fall Muster this weekend, October 26 and 27, presented by Jackson County Parks + Rec and the 1st U.S. Infantry Living History Organization. The Fall Muster will be held from 9:00am—4:00pm each day. Tickets are $8/adults, $4/seniors, $4/youth under age 13, and free for children under 4.
     More than 40 reenactors and living historians will recreate a full day of activity at the Fort from more than 200 years ago. Experiences include cannon firing, musket drill and firing, mounting of the guard and the issuing of the whiskey ration.
     The Fort Osage National Historic Landmark is located at 107 Osage Street, Sibley.
     This annual event is nationally recognized as one of the most authentic interpretations of the period and draws participants from across the Midwest because of its historic and scenic location.
     For additional information, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/fortosage.
 
 

     Residents are invited to celebrate the arrival of fall by spending the day at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 44th Annual Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music, Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th. 
     Missouri Town 1855 is an authentic antebellum farming community located at 8010 East Park Road in Jackson County’s Fleming Park. Missouri Town 1855 is comprised of more than 25 authentically furnished buildings dating from the 1820s to 1860s on 30 acres.
     The popular annual event will take place on the grounds of Jackson County Parks + Rec’s Missouri Town 1855 on Saturday, October 5th from 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday, October 6th from 11:00am – 5:00pm. Admission fee is $10 per car/van and $20 per school or commercial bus.
     During the festival, the entire village comes alive with the authentic music and dance of the 1850s. Interpreters will share their passion for bygone skills such as cooking over a wood fire, wood working, blacksmithing, the art of tinsmith and a variety of fiber crafts. Children will find fun and excitement with the time-honored games that were popular with kids over 150 years ago.
     Activities include a mule-powered sorghum mill, which demonstrates the entire process of sorghum production, an antique tractor show, children’s games, crafts and archery, wagon rides, and entertainment by musicians, dancers, interpreters and storytellers.
     New this year is “Pickin’ and a Picnic”.  Food vendors will offer a variety of festival treats while an amplified celebration of traditional music will be held from Noon – 2:00pm each day of the festival. Local bands “Boxcar Brethren” (performing Saturday) and “No Mountain String Band” (performing Sunday) will be featured.
     For more information, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/missouritown.
 

     Jackson County residents who would like a piece of Arrowhead history in their homes can take advantage of an exclusive sale for county residents for the next 48 hours.
     Starting 6:00am on Friday, August 16th, www.arrowheadseatsale.com will go live and a very limited supply of Arrowhead Stadium seats will be on sale to fans.  Jackson County residents will have exclusive access for 48 hours, then the sale will open to the public at 6:00am on Sunday, August 18th.
     “With a preseason win in the books, fans are excited for another great season of Chiefs football,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.  “Countless memories have been made at Arrowhead Stadium and what better time than now to own a piece of that special history.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Chiefs nation and I’m excited that we’ve been able to work with Schneider Industries, Inc. to provide Jackson County citizens first priority to buy seats.”
     The upper deck seating was removed as part of an off-season renovation and now Schneider Industries, Inc. has partnered with Jackson County to sell a select number of those seats to fans.  These 20-year old seats have been through nearly 170 games at Arrowhead and now those same seats can adorn a Man Cave, a garden or an office.
     A portion of all sales proceeds will support upgrades to Jackson County Parks + Rec parks and playgrounds
Approximately 2,500 seats are available for sale. Costs range from $199-$399 plus shipping for a pair of connected seats or a single seat which includes stand up brackets. County residents must provide proof of residency during this special 48 hour period. Sales to the general public will open at 6:00am on Sunday, August 18th.

​     A levee breach along the Missouri River near Levasy has affected approximately 2,800 acres and shut down both directions of 24 Highway in eastern Jackson County on Saturday, June 1st.
     The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, and other emergency responders were on site Saturday to assist Levasy residents in evacuating the area.
     Flood waters increased significantly after a second levee breached in the afternoon on June 1st.
     “The water levels of Levasy, MO have never been this high based on statements from residents and other emergency personnel on scene,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté said.
     Alyssa Beckerdite’s family farm, the Stock Family Farm, is a century farm now surrounded by flood waters. Beckerdite and her family can only wait and see what faces them when they return home.
    “We haven’t been able to be back down to the property, so we don’t know current damage. Any farm ground affected by the water will not have any crops this year. We don’t know anything beyond that,” Beckerdite said.
     Access to the area is restricted to residents only, and the public is urged to find alternate travel routes and avoid the urge to sightsee.  
     “As we continue to access the areas impacted by the flood, we encourage the public not to come into the flood area. High water can cause significant damage to vehicles, and create a water rescue situation. Please use alternate routes to get around flooded areas. The Sheriff’s Office will remain in the area and will continue to work with other agencies to ensure that residents and citizens are safe. The safety of everyone is our priority,” Forté said.
     Beckerdite echoes the Sheriff’s advice.
     “Honestly, just stay out of the area. Let people who live here deal with what they need to do and don’t come out to sightsee. Acknowledge road closed signs and realize they’re there for your safety,” Beckerdite said.
     Levasy residents can access Red Cross services at the United Methodist Church, 109 S. Hudson Street, Buckner.
 
 

The Stock Family Farm has been impacted by flooding along the Missouri River near Levasy. Photo credit: Alyssa Beckerdite
 

The only inflatable water park in the region opens June 2nd on the shores of Longview Lake Beach. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30am, Rowdy Ribbit's Water Park opens to the public. Guests can enjoy music on the beach with DJ Love from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., taste treats from Twisted Taters and Kona Ice and meet Kansas City Chiefs Defensive End Chris Jones during an autograph session from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Live radio broadcasts will also air on 99.7 The Point and 106.5 The Wolf.

What:         Rowdy Ribbit’s Water Park Grand Opening
                           
When:         Saturday, June 2
 
Time:          10:30 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting
                    11:00 a.m. – Opens to the Public

​Where:        Longview Lake Beach
                     11101 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO
 
Cost:           $20 for 1 hour (per person)
                    $35 for 2 hours (per person)
 
                    Beach admission also required
                    $6 Adults age 16-64
                    $4 Ages 3-15 & Seniors 65 and over
                    Free Under 3

“This is such an exciting opportunity for Jackson County and the region,” said Jackson County Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman. “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome this exciting new attraction to Longview Lake Beach.”
 
How it works: Rowdy Ribbits offers one-hour sessions of non-stop fun. Participants must sign up in advance for the hour(s) they wish to play and that hour is exclusive to no more than 100 people. There is no waiting in line. Arrival should be 30 minutes prior to each session.
 
Participants must be at least 6 years old, 48 inches tall and sign a release waiver. Before each session, a beach attendant will review the waiver, go over safety protocols and issue a certified life jacket.  Life jackets must be worn at all times in the water. The ability to swim is a plus, but not mandatory. A Tadpole Pond is available for those who don’t meet the height requirement.
 
Rowdy Ribbits participants will pay a fee to play and a Longview Lake Beach admission fee, giving them all-day access to the beach, where people are allowed to bring their own coolers of food and soft drinks.
 
Visit www.rowdyribbits.com to schedule a session, purchase passes, view discounts and more.
 
Rowdy Ribbit’s Water Sports Park is an independently owned and operated attraction at Longview Lake Beach. All fees are set by the ownership. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week, from June 2 through Labor Day.
 
For more information, call (816) 229-8980 or go to www.MakeYourDayHere.com.