Local officials, in an effort to combat a  significant rise in virus cases and hospitalizations in the region, have begun instituting mask mandates and vaccination efforts. In Eastern Jackson County, the 14-day percent positive has tripled since June 6 and case counts have quadrupled.
     Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced July 28th the City will reinstate its indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status, effective 12:01am on Monday, August 2nd.
     Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat, was quick to announce he would sue to block the mandate. Schmitt filed a lawsuit Monday to block St. Louis area mask mandates.
     Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced a new health care mandate that requires all full-time and part-time County staff to show proof of full vaccination or receive weekly COVID-19 testing. The new policy takes effect on September 30.
     “The delta variant we’re fighting now is much more contagious and requires us to act with a sense of urgency,” White said.
     “Science and facts show the vaccine is the absolute best way protect ourselves and others from serious illness or death. Our new policy will help us ensure staff and guests to our facilities remain safe, while also improving our chances of defeating this virus once and for all.”
     Masks will continue to be a requirement in all county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
     The City of Grain Valley has not implemented its own mask mandate, but is watching for news from Jackson County, according to Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh.
     “As in the past, the City will watch closely for any health orders released by Jackson County as we fall under their jurisdiction. The City has not implemented our own mask or vaccine requirements. We have ensured all employees have been made aware of how they can obtain the vaccine but have not surveyed staff to identify who has been vaccinated,” Osenbaugh said.
 

​     An Independence police spokesperson, Officer John Syme, confirmed human remains have been recovered from a residence at the 4000 block of South Buckner Tarsney Road in unincorporated Grain Valley. The remains are connected to a missing person case out of Independence. Officials have been in contact with the family of the missing person and are not releasing the name of the victim at this time.
     A large police presence, including the Independence Police Department, FBI, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Grandview Police Department, searched the residential property in the morning hours of July 14th. Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale confirmed they were not involved in assisting in today’s search. The property is owned by Michael J. Hendricks and his spouse.
     Hendricks was charged in May with a series of felonies, including two counts of enticement of a child less than 15 years old, two charges of first-degree sexual misconduct, a third degree count of child molestation involving a child less than 14 years old, one count of tampering with physical evidence and three counts of tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution.
     Syme indicated updates would be posted to the Independence Police Department’s social media channels as information becomes available. 

 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::
 
Sonic Drive-In
706 N. Main
Door gasket torn on the reach in freezer near the fryer.
Water build up next to the ice machine and bags in a boxes. Food debris underneath food equipment. Corrected on site. Manager sweep the floor. Walk in cooler walls has a brown build up on the walls. The vent hood on the flat top grill is broken. Correct by 7/31/2021.

Essex of Grain Valley
401 Southwest Rock Creek Lane
Failed to secure valid Food Handler Cards for two new staff members. Correct by 7/3/2021. Noticed meat thawing out inside the basin in the handwashing sink. Correct on site. Employee placed the meat in the reach in cooler. Noticed that the utensils in the kitchen around the oven were stored with the handles downward. Corrected on site; employee washed the utensils and placed the handles upright.

Comfort Inn
210 NW Jefferson
No violations recorded.

Grain Valley Aquatic Center
713 S. Main
No violations recorded.

Valley Speedway Food Service/Impact Motor Sports
348 E. Old US Hwy 40
There is an air gap on the exit door. There is a hole in the wall near exit door. The floor has a buildup of debris especially underneath the shelving and equipment. Correct by 8/20/2021.
​
El Maguey Restaurant
102 Buckner Tarsney Road
Multiple food containers in the walk in cooler did not have dates. Corrected on site. Food Containers were immediately discarded. Can opener had old food debris built up on the blade. Corrected on site. Can opener was immediately cleaned. Ice machine had a buildup of black grime on the plastic divider. Corrected on site. Ice machine was immediately cleaned. Dishes on the drying rack were stacked wet. Correct by 7/20/2021.

 

     Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., announced his intention to run for re-election in 2022. County Executive White has served in this role since he was unanimously appointed to the position in 2016 by the Jackson County Legislature. 
     Upon taking office, Executive White became the first African-American to serve as chief executive in the 190 year-history of Jackson County.   
“I could not be more excited to make this announcement,” Executive White said. 
     “I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish and as we approach next year’s election, I look forward to discussing not only our accomplishments, but also my vision for the future of Jackson County.”
     Since his appointment, County Executive White has run for re-election twice and won both times. In the 2016 and 2018 general elections, Executive White received 82.21% and 77.3% of the respective vote totals for County Executive. 
     Prior to being elected to the County Legislature in 2014, Executive White is best known for his 18-year professional baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. 
     According to a campaign release,  Executive White plans to make announcements about his campaign team and upcoming events in the coming weeks.
 

     The Jackson County Assessment Department in conjunction with Tyler Technologies will be completing a parcel-by-parcel review of all properties in Jackson County to be completed in time for the 2023 reassessment.
     Representatives from the Assessment will be visible in neighborhoods in Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lone Jack, and Greenwood on June 10th, and will last several weeks. Staff will have Jackson County identification on their vehicles, wear masks, and maintain social distance.
     The purpose of the review is to update county information on all parcels. Staff will photograph and confirm exterior measurements. They will knock to alert owners of their presence. For those who are not home, a door hanger will be left on the door. We ask that you complete the information on the card and return the postage paid post card to the Assessment Department or complete the form online. The website for the online process will be provided on the door hanger.
 

​     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::
 
Lin’s Kitchen
111 SW Eagles Parkway
1.) There is an air gap on the bottom and the side of the back door. 2.) The screen on the back door has tears in it.  Correct by 6/22/2021.
Observed bowls being used as scoops in the flour, sugar, and rice, bowls were removed. Corrected on site. 1.) There is a significant buildup of food debris and trash underneath all equipment in the kitchen especially under the shelving where flour/sugar/rice is stored, three compartment sink, near hand sink, the corners, the utility closet, near back exit door, and the metal racks. 2.) The wall where the knives are stored has a buildup of food debris. 3.) All metal shelving and underneath equipment sitting on shelving has a buildup of food debris. Correct by 6/22/2021.
The outside of the mixer has a buildup of food debris. Correct by 6/22/2021.
 
Porky’s Blazin Bar-B-Q
9512 S Buckner Tarsney Rd
There was cardboard on the shelving in the reach in cooler, cardboard was removed. Corrected on site.
 
Price Chopper #325-Grocery/Dairy/Produce
1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
No violations recorded.
 
Three Pigs BBQ
35406 E Truman Rd
Temperature device was not located onsite to check internal temperatures of food.  Correct by 6/27/2021.
Floors had accumulation of build up under equipment. Repeat. Correct by 6/27/2021.
Food handler was not provided. Correct by 5/28/2021.
 
The Pub and Patio
640 Yennie St
Noticed a small plastic cup without a handle in the shrimp cocktail sauce. Corrected on site.
Noticed that the clean utensils handled were not upright. Employee washed the utensils and turn the handles upright. Corrected on site.
 
McDonald’s
712 N Main St
Noticed empty boxes on the walk-in cooler and freezer floor. Trash bins in the kitchen area were overflowing. Correct by 7/3/2021.
 
Papa Murphy’s
1203 Buckner Tarsney Rd
Observed a bowl being used as a scoop, bowl was removed and replaced with scoop with handle. Corrected on site.
Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 6/10/2021.
 
El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC
522 S Main St
Multiple foods in the make ready bottom cooler were out of temperature compliance. Food was immediately discarded, and a re-inspection will be conducted on 5-17-21 to make sure cooler is holding food at proper temperature. Raw sliced beef 47*F, Raw chicken breast 49*F, Shrimp 51*F. Correct by 7/11/2021.
 
Price Chopper #325 -Kitchen/Deli/Salad Bar
1191 NE McQuerry Rd
Handwashing sign missing on one of the hand sinks in the kitchen area. Corrected on site.
 
Price Chopper #325 – Bakery
1191 NE McQuerry Rd
No violations recorded.
 
Price Chopper #325 -Meat/Seafood
1191 NE McQuerry Rd
Both paper towel dispensers were empty. Corrected on site. Employee placed towels in the dispensers.
 
Sushi Avenue
1191 NE McQuerry Rd
No violations recorded.
 
 

​     Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – amended the health order effective April 30th to reflect recent guidance from the CDC.
 
     The revised protocols include:
 
     Masking and social distancing are no longer required outdoors, although masking is recommended with medium to large gatherings.
     Small gatherings, indoor and outdoor, of fully vaccinated individuals are permitted without restriction. Large gatherings are still discouraged at this time.
     All persons, including those who are vaccinated, must still wear masks in public indoor settings.
     Social distancing is no longer required indoors, although distancing is still recommended wherever possible.
      “We are slowly restoring some normalcy in our daily lives by doing activities we love and enjoy without restrictions,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “With the science-based guidance of our health department, I am proud of the progress we have made together, as a community, to reach this point. Moving forward, we must remain vigilant in protecting one another from the virus, and we know the most effective way to do that is by getting vaccinated.”
     “We thank the community for the sacrifices they’ve made over this past year to help control the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH, said.
     “The COVID-19 vaccines offer hope, but we are not out of the pandemic yet. We must continue to wear masks, avoid crowds, get tested when sick, and get vaccinated."
 
     To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.
     Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.
 

     Jackson County has announced plans to modify protocols to the current health order, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity restrictions.
     County Executive Frank White , Jr. stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, the mask mandate and social distancing protocols remain in effect.                  
     The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021, the same day Phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan is activated, which opens vaccine eligibility to all Missouri adults.
     “Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made,” White said. 
     “In order to do that, we must continue to wear face coverings and maintain our distance from others when in public spaces out of respect for those in our community who are waiting to be vaccinated. If we remain diligent in our prevention efforts, we will be one step closer to getting back some normalcy in our daily lives.”
      “Our health department is focused on increasing education of the vaccines that are available, providing access to them, signing up as many residents as possible and getting vaccines in arms,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Schaffer, MPH, said.
     “We look forward to receiving increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks to continue our commitment to public health and safety.”
      The protocols that will be revised beginning April 9 include:
     All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.
     Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.
 

  The Jackson County Legislature passed an ordinance March 22nd to help families throughout Jackson County who were evicted from their homes as of February 3, 2021 as adjudicated in cases by the 16th Circuit Court.
     These households were unable to pay current and past due rent and utility bills as part of the ongoing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     The amount of $387,946.84 will immediately assist 152 people, with portions to help 87 people with Court costs and help 65 families to keep possession of their homes. These families may also qualify to get further assistance as there will be additional funds made available from the State of Missouri for rental assistance.
     These funds are part of the $11.5 million grant issued to Jackson County as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. 
     In a press release, the County Legislature stated it “feels a duty to be responsive to the needs of all citizens of Jackson County and will continue to do so. During these times when there continues to be incredible amounts of suffering by families, friends, neighbors, schools and businesses, by no fault of their own, their is light at the end of the tunnel. That light comes in the form of the COVID-19 numbers coming down along with the number of hospitalizations and deaths associated with this pandemic.”
     We also have at least 136 million additional federal dollars to help get our lives, schools and economy heading in the right direction that has just come into Jackson County with this last aid package.”
     The County legislature approved an ordinance on March 22nd, authorizing  
the use of $11,550,205 in grant monies the County received from the federal government to launch an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program would provide financial assistance and housing stability services to Eastern Jackson County families struggling financially. Households facing imminent eviction would receive priority assistance.
     The Community Services League and United Way of Greater Kansas City have formed a collaborative partnership to implement and administer the County’s program.
     “Many families are in dire need of help and this is our opportunity to provide a lifeline to them during these challenging times,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. 
     “I am grateful for our local partners who share our commitment of housing stability and will assist us in getting these critical dollars to those in need as quickly as possible.”
     Eligible households include renters who demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability, have seen their income reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and earn a household income at or below 80% of the county median income. Once approved, eligible individuals may receive up to 12 months of assistance. Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the tenant.
     More information about the program including eligibility requirements, an application checklist and to sign-up to be notified when the application portal is open, can be found at www.jacksoncountyerap.org. Detailed program information is also readily available for Spanish-speaking families at www.jacksoncountyerap.org/espanol.
     The $11.5 million grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. The amount of funding received is based on the County’s population, excluding the City of Kansas City, MO.
 

     The Eastern Jackson County Yard Waste Collection Center, located at
37910 E Pink Hill Road, Oak Grove, MO 64075, opens Saturday, April 3rd. The center is open each Saturday April through November, 8:00am—4:00pm.
     Yard waste only is accepted at the center, with the following fees for residents applying:
     Pick-up trucks and small trailers: $15
     Large trucks and large trailers: $10 per 
     cubic yard
     Bags: $1

     Items not accepted:
     Aluminum Cans
     Glass
     Hazardous Waste
     Metal
     Plastic Bottles
     Tires
     Trash
     Visit https://www.jacksongov.org/495/Yard-Waste-Collection-Center for more information.