Jackson County voters will be asked to decide if the statues of Andrew Jackson located outside the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence should be removed. The statues have been discussed by the legislature for nearly a year. Calls for the statues of the country’s seventh president to be removed intensified this summer in the wake of protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
     In a June statement, County Executive Frank White called for their removal.
     “Countless men, women, and children come through the doors of our courthouses every day. And every day, racism and discrimination are staring them in the face,” White said in the statement.
     County legislators voted to put the question on the November ballot. White vetoed the decision, with legislators overriding the veto 6-3.
     A simple majority is required for passage of the measure.
   Polls are open 6:00am—7:00pm on Tuesday, November 3rd. Absentee voting in person continues at 110 N. Liberty, Independence. The absentee drop off location is located at 112 N. Liberty, Independence. For more information, visit www.jcebmo.org. 
 

     The Jackson County Health Department will offer COVID-19 testing at the following sites the week of October 26th—October 30th:
 
Monday, November 2, 2020:
City of Lee’s Summit,
616 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit 64081
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202584554265156

Tuesday, November 3, 2020:
Metro Christian Fellowship Church
2217 High Grove Rd. Grandview
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202644465250148

Wednesday, November 4, 2020: 
Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs MO.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202644573925157

Thursday, November 5, 2020:  
Connection Point Church
10500 E State Route 350 Raytown
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202716345034145

Friday, November 6, 2020:  
Friday: Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO - https://form.jotform.com/202945807575162

     Pre-registration is not required but highly encouraged. Due to increased demand, we can not guarantee openings for walk-ins.
     Drive Thru Flu Clinics will also be offered at the Health Department located at 313. S Liberty St., Independence on the following dates:

Friday October 30th
https://form.jotform.com/202755864219159
​
Friday November 6th
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202755802679161 
 
     Pre-registration is required for flu clinics. Clients will be billed $15 or $30 based on their insurance coverage.
 

     The Jackson County Health Department will offer COVID-19 testing at the following sites the week of October 26th—October 30th:
 
Monday, October 26, 2020:
City of Lee’s Summit,
616 Ne Douglas St., Lee’s Summit 64081
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202584505376155

Tuesday, October 27, 2020:
Metro Christian Fellowship Church
2217 High Grove Rd. Grandview
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202644518179157

Wednesday, October 28, 2020: 
Fellowship Church Greenwood Campus 1601 W Main St. Greenwood 64034
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202734873504153

Thursday, October 29, 2020:  
Connection Point Church
10500 E State Route 350 Raytown
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202655293520149

Friday, October 30, 2020:  
St. Marks Methodist Church,
603 N Jennings Rd. Independence
Register: https://form.jotform.com/202614656282152

     Pre-registration is not required but highly encouraged. Due to increased demand, we can not guarantee openings for walk-ins.
     Drive Thru Flu Clinics will also be offered at the Health Department located at 313. S Liberty St., Independence on the following dates:

Friday October 23rd      
https://form.jotform.com/202755591541154
​
Friday October 30th
https://form.jotform.com/202755864219159
​
     Pre-registration is required for flu clinics. Clients will be billed $15 or $30 based on their insurance coverage.
 

​     Jackson County has relaxed some rules for outdoor gatherings beginning October 9th. If a plan submitted by Grain Valley Schools is approved, the County will allow a few more fans in the stands for Friday night football games. 
     In an email, Grain Valley Schools stated a plan had been submitted to increase capacity at the October 9th game to 20%. Masks, social distancing, and other safety protocols will continue to be required to limit potential transmission of COVID-19.
     Tickets remain limited, with student athletes participating in the game and visiting team receiving priority.
     The October 9th game is Senior Night, so senior athletes will be issued additional tickets. Senior students may enter a lottery for remaining tickets for a limited student section.
     Tickets will not be sold, and only those with tickets will be allowed to enter the stadium. No concessions will be available.
     Grain Valley High School Eagles Media will continue to provide streaming coverage at https://www.youtube.com/user/GVHSEagleMedia.
     Valley News will also provide updates via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@grainvalleynews).
 

     Jackson County continues to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities throughout the county at mobile locations. Events next week include:
 
Monday, October 12th:
Lee’s Summit: Old Fire Station #3, 210 Sw Pryor Rd.
 
Tuesday, October 13th:         
Metro Christian Fellowship,  
2217 High Grove Rd, Grandview
 
Wednesday, October 14th:   
Grain Valley Community Center,                
713 N Main ST
 
Thursday, October 15th:
Connection Point Church,
10500 E 350 Hwy., Raytown
 
Friday, October 16th:
Unity of Independence,
14304 E 39th ST, Independence
 
     Advance registration is requested and may be completed at https://jacohd.org/events/ Walk-ups will be taken on a limited basis.
 

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:
 
Quik Trip
1110 Buckner Tarsney Road
Observed a leak under the three-compartment sink. Repeat violation. Correct by November 22, 2020.
 
Sni-A-Bar Elementary
701 SW Eagles Parkway
Observed two dented cans on the canned good storage shelf. Corrected on site. Employee discarded both cans. Correct by 9/22/2020.
 
Grain Valley North Middle School
31608 N Pink Hill Road
Massive ice buildup on the floor and the condenser of the walk-in cooler. Correct by November 7, 2020.
 
Casey’s General Store
1111 Buckner Tarsney Road
Observed a cardboard box being stored in the walk-in cooler that had an accumulation of black/green discolored build up. Corrected on site. Manager discarded the cardboard. Correct by 9/29/2020. The cutting boards to the sub make table have an accumulation of black build in the cracks and are unable to be cleaned and sanitized properly. Correct by 11/28/2020. Observed a container of sliced tomatoes stored in the sub make table that has an accumulation of green/black build up on the outside surface. Corrected on site. Manger discarded the tomatoes. Observed multiple wet sanitizing cloths being stored on counters. Correct by November 28, 2020.
 
McDonald’s
712 N Main
The three-compartment sink no longer has a tight-fitting seal to the wall. Correct by 11/29/2020. Observed sticker residue on the outside of multiple food containers. Correct by November 29, 2020.
 
Monkey Mountain Park Concession Stand
35007 E Old US 40
Observed multiple dead insects inside the bottom of the reach in cooler. Corrected on site. Employee removed all dead insects.
 
Stony Point Elementary
1001 SW Ryan Road
No violations recorded.
 
Grain Valley South Middle School
901 SW Ryan Road
No violations recorded.
 
Essex of Grain Valley
401 SW Rock Creek Lane
No violations recorded.
 
Casey’s General Store
101 S Buckner Tarsney Road
No violations recorded.
 
Country Oak Village
101 Cross Creek DR
No violations recorded.

     The Board of  Aldermen met September 28th, passing a series of ordinances, hearing a presentation from the Grain Valley Partnership regarding their economic development efforts, and passing a resolution encouraging Jackson County Health Department to reduce COVID-19 related restrictions.
     The resolution, similar to one recently passed in Blue Springs, cites  difficulties faced by businesses, schools, and organizations in Grain Valley interpreting group gathering and social distancing rules in Phase 2.5 of the County’s Recovery Plan, and states the Board’s support for “those who have been negatively affected by the often confusing rules and Orders issued by Jackson County”. 
     “In response to concerns raised by residents, business owners, and other organizations within the City, the Board of Aldermen felt it appropriate to pass a resolution in support of those who are affected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Grain Valley Mayor Chuck Johnston said.
     Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership, presented the organization’s annual report to the board, highlighting efforts made to attract new businesses and support existing businesses, especially given the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses. Lindsey said several of the organization’s projects, including a business retention and expansion program at the top of their list of priorities, has been delayed due to COVID-19 related complications. Alderman Cleaver suggested the Partnership report to the board more than once per year; Lindsey welcomed the opportunity to update the Board more regularly on the organization’s goals and activities.
     The Board also passed a series of ordinances, including the adoption of license requirements for mobile food units, merchandising guidelines on park property, an ordinance approving the final plat approval for the Valley subdivision, and an ordinance to amend code to set requirements pertaining to construction contractors operating within City limits.
     The Board will meet October 6th at 6:00pm for a budget workshop in council chambers at City Hall.
 

     Jackson County legislators unanimously approved a funding plan on September 28th to distribute $5 million in CARES Act funds to school districts within Jackson County. Grain Valley Schools will receive $167,916.38 of these funds.
     The funding allocates money to the public school districts based on enrollment and poverty and allows each district significant flexibility in determining how the funds are used. Examples include but are not limited to, enhanced wireless internet services, improved education technology, mental health services, COVID-19 testing, and nutrition programs.
     “The members of our Legislature have been very diligent and responsible with every single dollar the County received from the federal government to combat the unforeseen, devastating impacts of the coronavirus,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr said.
     “Their support of this plan ensures teachers and staff have access to the resources they need to provide a quality education to our children no matter where they live. Jackson County is committed to serving our community during this critical time of need and I’d like to commend the Legislature for their valuable role in getting this important work done.”
     Grain Valley Schools Superintendent Marc Snow stated the funding will provide relief in a time when state funding for schools is in decline.
     “We are appreciative of the allocation of CARES Act money to help offset the increased costs associated with conducting business during a pandemic. Our teachers and staff are working harder than ever to support learning at a time when state revenues for schools are down significantly. This funding is a welcome relief,” Snow said.
 

     Jackson County continues to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities throughout the county at mobile locations. Events next week include:
 
Monday, October 5th:
Lee’s Summit: Old Fire Station #3, 210 Sw Pryor Rd.
 
Tuesday, October 6th:          
Metro Christian Fellowship, 2217 High Grove Rd, Grandview
 
Wednesday, October 7th:    
Blue Springs: Vesper Hall,     
400 NW Vesper St
 
Thursday, October 8th:
Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy., Raytown
 
Friday, October 9th:
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 603 N Jennings Road, Independence
 
     Advance registration is requested and may be completed at https://jacohd.org/events/ Walk-ups will be taken on a limited basis.
 

     Jackson County continues to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities throughout the county at mobile locations. Events next week include:
 
Monday, September 28th:
Lee’s Summit: Old Fire Station #3, 210 Sw Pryor Rd.
Tuesday, September 29th:  
Metro Christian Fellowship, 2217 High Grove Rd, Grandview
 
Wednesday, September 23rd:                 
.Buckner Masonic Lodge, 611 S. Sibley ST
Thursday, October 1st:          
Blue Springs: Vesper Hall,
400 NW Vesper St
Friday, September 25th:
Eastern Jackson County Courthouse parking lot, 308 W. Kansas, Independence
 
Advance registration is requested and may be completed at https://jacohd.org/events/ Walk-ups will be taken on a limited basis.