Jackson County amended the Phase One executive order on May 13th to allow gyms, fitness centers, and places of worship to open with occupancy limits.
     Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to open May 18 with occupancy limits. Conversations with these stakeholders has produced valuable modification proposals to help limit risk. 
     Places of worship are also now allowed to open with the same occupancy limits as nonessential businesses.
     Jackson County Health Department continues to encourage the use of drive-in and online services whenever possible, especially for high risk populations.
 

​Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today is announcing phase one guidelines of the Jackson County Recovery Plan, which is planned to begin on May 11 in alignment with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK and Johnson County, KS.
 
The Jackson County Health Department, under the leadership of Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH, has prepared the phased-approach recovery plan that is focused on protecting the health and safety of residents, while beginning a safe and sensible path to economic recovery for all of Jackson County.
 
“Families, workers and businesses have made difficult sacrifices, but their cooperation has made it possible for us to develop a path to move forward,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.

​“Far too many lives have been lost to this virus and we remain committed to protecting public health as we reopen slowly and safely. I appreciate the input and support of our communities during this unprecedented and deadly pandemic. The road ahead will have its challenges, but I am confident that if we stick together, we can overcome any obstacles that lie ahead.”
 
Under phase one, all businesses deemed essential during the county’s stay-at-home order will be allowed to remain open. In addition, most retail stores, personal service providers, restaurants and bars selling food will be allowed to reopen for business provided they follow the social-distancing guidelines and capacity limitations provided. Gatherings, of up to 10 people, will be allowed to resume, but social-distancing guidelines must be followed. In addition, certain businesses and activities including entertainment venues, gyms/fitness centers, and outdoor playgrounds shall remain closed.
 
The County strongly recommends that all residents continue social-distancing protocols, specifically, encouraging seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home, working remotely if possible, and wearing a mask or face covering when in public.
 
“Every individual has a personal responsibility to stay safe and protect themselves, their neighbors, employees and customers. When we stop taking this virus seriously, we will be right back where we started or worse,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH. “Social distancing has proven to be effective in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and we urge people to follow our guidance, knowing that their actions will determine how we progress through this recovery process.”
 
A public survey issued by Jackson County on Friday, May 1 has so far, resulted in more than 9,000 responses and that feedback has been instrumental in the development of the County’s phase one plan. Additionally, here are some of the comments survey respondents shared when asked what steps they would like to see the County take to help them feel safe:

• “Open in phases, require face mask, ensure that health care workers and first responders have adequate PPE.”
• “Allow us to make our own decisions. Stop mandating stay at homes and business closures”
• “No there is nothing you can do except keep everything closed please.”
• “Encourage those who don't feel safe to stay home, but we need to open our businesses.”
• “Enforcement of social distancing, mask wearing & reducing maximum capacity”
• “Robust contract tracing and tracking, readily available testing for all citizens.”
• “No more then 25% capacity for at least one month if not two”
• “Do not open too quickly. As a healthcare provider it is upsetting that we are quickly opening that there will be a surge in cases.”
• “Would like to see closures again if we start to see an increase in positive cases again. I’d prefer to not reopen until we have significant and steady decline in cases.”
• “Monitor compliance and provide education in social media and signage.”

 
The survey will remain available until noon Friday, May 8. Individuals can go to www.jacksongov.org to take the survey. Additionally, the attached QR Code can be scanned on smart devices for easy mobile access.  The County will share the final results of the survey on its website and social media platforms after it is concluded.
 
Jackson County’s Recovery Plan can be found online by visiting www.jacksongov.org and www.jacohd.org. Residents and businesses with questions should call (816) 404-9883 or email COVID19@tmcmed.org.

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:
 
Sushi Avenue
1191 NE Mc Querry Rd.
The storage shelves that hold clean utensils had an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 4/24/2020
 
Valley Pub & Patio
640 NW Yennie St.
Chemical spray bottle at the bar was not labeled. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the spray bottle. Several containers inside the make table cooler did not have a use by date. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the containers.
The gaskets and the floor base of the reach in cooler are torn and in disrepair. Correct by 4/26/2020.
 
Casey's General Store #2209
1251 AA Highway
Container of opened egg salad had no date marking. Corrected on site. Manager placed expiration date on the egg salad. Clean utensils were stored while still being dirty with stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Utensils were cleaned and sanitized by manager. The inside of the handles to the pizza reach in cooler at the make table had stuck on food debris. Missing ceiling tile in the back storage area. Correct by 5/5/2020.
 
Cheezteak Company
1452 SW Eagles Parkway
Mouse traps were uncovered. Corrected on site. Manager discarded all mouse traps.
1. Soda nozzles had a buildup of residue. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized all nozzles. 2. All three can openers had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned all can openers. 3. Knife magnet had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned the knife magnet. 4. The meat containers in the pull-out drawer cooler under the grill has an accumulation of dried food debris. Corrected on site. The containers were taken out and cleaned and sanitized by the manager.
Uncovered vegetable containers in the reach in cooler. Correct by 5/5/2020.
1. The reach in cooler and the reach in freezer has an accumulation of dried food debris. 2nd repeat violation. 2. The reach in cooler to the make table that is not is use, has an accumulation of debris behind the lid, and soil residues in the bottom of the cooler. Manager stated they no longer use that reach in make table cooler. 3. The pull-out drawer coolers under the grill has an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 5/5/2020.
The floors under all equipment has an accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris. Correct by 5/5/2020.
 
Mactan Asian Market
1438 SW Eagles Parkway
No violations recorded. Inspection date 3/6/2020.
 
Essex of Grain Valley
401 SW Rock Creek Lane
Shelled eggs were being stored above ready to eat foods in the fridge. Corrected on site. Employee moved the eggs to another fridge and placed them on the bottom shelf.
Package of opened raw sausage was stored in the fridge without any date markings. Corrected on site. Employee was unaware of the open and thaw dates so the item was discarded.
The handles on the tops of the drawers have accumulation of dried food debris/crumbs. Repeat violation.
Shelled eggs were being stored above ready to eat foods in the fridge. Corrected on site. Employee moved the eggs to another fridge and placed them on the bottom shelf.
Opened package of raw sausage was being stored in the fridge without any date markings. Corrected on site. Employee was unaware of the open date of the food the food was then discarded by employee.
 
America’s Best Value Inn
105 Sunny Lane Drive
Soap was not provided at the hand sink. Corrected on site.
Single-service cups were being stored on the floor. Corrected on site.
 
 

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:
 

Casey’s General Store, 1111 Buckner Tarsney Road
No violations reported.
 
Sonic Drive In, 706 N. Main
The ceiling tiles and ceiling vents are in disrepair. Correct by 3/29/2020. Clean utensils were being stored inside dirty containers. Corrected. Employee replaced dirty containers with clean containers. Corrected on 1/ 29/2020.
 
Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway
A cloth-lined wicker basket was being used to store utensils. Corrected on site. Basket was removed. Corrected on 1 /28/2020. Chafing dish fuel was being stored above food in the dry storage area. Corrected on site. Fuel was moved. Corrected on 1/ 28/2020.
 
Grain Valley High School Indoor Concessions, 551 SW Eagles Parkway
No violations reported.
 
Temp Stop, 723 Main
Chemical bottle was stored next to the drink station in the lobby area. Corrected on site. Manager moved the chemical bottle to the chemical storage area.
Several containers of ready-to-eat foods with no date markings in the reach in cooler in the grill area. Corrected on site. Manager placed discard dates on all containers.
 
Price Chopper, 1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
Shelled eggs were being stored on a cloth towel inside a pull out drawer cooler. Corrected on site. Manager replaced the towel with a clean container to store the eggs in.
1. Dust build up on the hood vents above the grills in the kitchen. 2. Dust build up on the ceiling vents above the prep make table in the kitchen. Corrected on 3/30/2020.
 
Starbucks, 1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
No violations reported.
 
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 102 Buckner Tarsney Rd.
Shell eggs were being stored above salsa in the walk-in cooler. Corrected on site. Salsa was moved.
 
Lin’s Kitchen, 111 SW Eagles Parkway
The handwashing sink in the kitchen does not have any disposable towels or drying devices available. Correct by 4/3/2020.
Multiple stacks of single-service (to-go) containers were stored upright. Corrected on site. To-go containers were turned upside-down.
The pipes and areas around the hood vents have a significant accumulation of grease and other residues. Correct by 4/3/2020.
 
McDonald’s, 712 N Main
The interior of the microwaves had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized the inside of the microwaves.
1. The hood vents above fryers had a buildup of grease. 2nd repeat violation. 2. The bottom of the reach in cooler next to the breakfast table has an accumulation of stuck on food debris. 1. Grease build up on the floors and baseboards by the grease trap. 2. The cabinet under the lobby soda fountain had a buildup of flood spillage and moisture. Correct by 4/6/2020.
 
Porky’s Blazing BBQ, 9512 S Buckner Tarsney Road
Handwashing sink near hot holding table was missing handwashing signage. Corrected on site. Inspector provided handwashing sign.
An in-use wiping cloth was sitting out on a counter in the back. Corrected on site. Cloth was placed in sanitizer.
In-use tongs were being held in a container of standing water. Corrected on site. Tongs were removed from water and cleaned.
 
El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC, 522 S Main ST
The handwashing sink by the 3-compartment sink had a broken off handle. Correct by 4/17/2020. There was an open rodent snap-trap under the 3-compartment sink. Corrected on site. The snap-trap was discarded.
An employee was observed washing hands in the warewashing (3-compartment) sink. Corrected on site. Inspector provided education on handwashing requirements.
The top of the dishwashing machine has a build-up of residue/crumbs. Correct by 4/17/2020.
The ice scoop in the ice machine was buried completely in ice. Corrected on site. Scoop was placed in ice with handle above the top of ice.
A dish was significantly cracked/broken. Corrected on site. Damaged dish was discarded.
There were no markings to indicate discard dates on any foods in the walk-in or reach-in coolers. Repeat. Re-inspection required.
 
Sushi Avenue, 1191 NE McQuerry Road
The storage shelves that hold clean utensils had an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 4/24/2020.
 
Valley Pub & Patio, 640 NW Yennie ST
Chemical spray bottle at the bar was not labeled. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the spray bottle.
Several containers inside the make table cooler did not have a use by date. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the containers.
The gaskets and the floor base of the reach in cooler are torn and in disrepair. Corrected on 4/26/2020.
 

     The Jackson County Legislature authorized the implementation of a compensation study during its February 10th meeting, increasing the minimum salary for any county staff member to $15/hour by 2022.
     In addition to increasing entry-level wages, the study also reviewed all county positions to determine if current salary ranges were competitive with the market.  In the end, the report recommended changes to salary ranges that will provide an immediate pay raise averaging 16.9% or an average annual salary increase of $5,485 for more than 500 staff members, almost half of the county’s current full-time workforce.  
     The study also provides changes to various salary ranges that will be implemented over the next two years to ensure the County does not fall behind the market again.   
     “After being elected to the County Legislature, I quickly learned that the County was simply not taking care of its Associates in the manner they deserved,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “As County Executive, I have seen each of our departments struggling to fill vacancies in essential roles simply because we refused to acknowledge that we were not compensating our staff appropriately for the work they were doing.”
     “I am so excited to have the long anticipated Final Report on the Classification and Compensation Study for Jackson County by Evergreen Solutions, LLC,” Jackson County Legislative Chairman Theresa Cass Galvin, who represents the 6th District, said.
     “This is something that has been extremely important to me since I took office five years ago. It was made even more special by working in collaboration with the County Executive’s team to achieve such a rewarding common goal. I am confident that having a competitive compensation and classification system will encourage strong recruitment and retention in Jackson County.”
     The County’s lowest entry-level hourly wage will be as follows for three years:
     2020 – $12.50/hour
     2021 – $13.75/hour
     2022 – $15.00/hour
In March 2019, the County awarded a competitively-bid contract to Evergreen Solutions, LLC to perform a classification and compensation study relating to all County associates. The independent study analyzed pay, benefits, job descriptions, salary schedules and market data to reach its 10 recommendations.
 

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.