The Jacomo Chorale is pleased to announce their Christmas concert will be presented on December 16th at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 Duncan Rd, Blue Springs.  The concert, “Merry and Bright” will begin at 7 P.M. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted.  Products from Equal Exchange, including chocolate bars, teas and coffee, will be available for sale. Equal Exchange is a fair trade co-op.

The Jacomo Chorale is a community chorale, now in its 41st season. Founded in 1982, the Chorale presents music from various genres to audiences throughout Eastern Jackson County. The Chorale is currently recruiting for all voice parts.  Singers of all levels are encouraged to meet with the director for voice placement (no auditions required) and get a sense of the ensemble.  For additional information, please contact Nancy White at 816-560-9148. More information can be found at www.jacomochorale.org. 
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A Lenexa man, 28-year-old Robert Cox, died Wednesday following a wreck on westbound I-70 at mile marker 25 near Grain Valley shortly after 2:00pm. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) crash report, Cox, a passenger in the 2004 Ford Excursion, was pronounced dead at 2:52pm at Centerpoint Medical Center. The Missouri State Highway Patrol report also states the driver of the vehicle, 72 year-old James Clark of Helena, Montana, was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center with serious injuries. 

According to the report, the Ford Excursion had slowed for traffic on I-70 when a 2022 International semi truck driven by 34 year-old Andrew Johnson of Lees Summit struck the rear of the vehicle, pushing it into a guardrail. The semi truck driven by Johnson then struck another semi truck. 

Grain Valley, Oak Grove, and Odessa police departments as well as Jackson County and Lafayette County Sheriff's Departments assisted at the scene which closed a portion of I-70 Wednesday afternoon. 

The full report can be found at Missouri State Highway Patrol - Crash Report Details (mo.gov). 

Updated: 11/14/23 (7:00pm)

In a release the evening of November 14th, the Grain Valley Police Department identified the parties involved in a murder-suicide that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023.

Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide.

The incident was determined to be an isolated domestic incident that resulted in a murder-suicide between a husband and wife. The two individuals have been identified as:

Victim – Shasta C. Gilmore, 33 years old
Suspect – Randal B. Gilmore, 31 years old

The incident occurred shortly before the facility’s closing time, and the department's release stated "we are saddened to report the children of the couple were witnesses to the act – along with other daycare attendees and staff awaiting parent/guardian pickup. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children who were left behind, the family, as well as the witnesses and the entire Milestone Academy community."

According to Milestone Academy, daycare services will resume on Wednesday, November 15th. Counselors from the Grain Valley School District, as well as GVPD’s Victim Advocate, will be present to provide the public with the needed resources to navigate this tragic event.

In the release, the GVPD thanked the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jackson Country Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance with the investigation as well as the support of local law enforcement partners.

“I am heartbroken over this horrific act of violence. We are continuing to keep the children in our thoughts and prayers. The Grain Valley Police Department works diligently to provide the highest level of service to those who find themselves in troubling relationships. We stand ready to support and aid anyone in need of help," Grain Valley Police Chief Ed Turner said.

“Moving forward, the children are a primary concern. We are working with our area partners to provide wrap-around services to the children, family, and community. I commend the men and women of the Grain Valley Police Department for their fast response to the scene. Officers were quick to separate the children and provide comfort to everyone involved. Please contact the police department for help or Hope House at 816-461-HOPE (4673)."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know there are various resources available to assist individuals in difficult situations. For more information regarding these resources, contact our Victim Advocate at (816) 847-6250.


Original story posted: 11/13/2023

Grain Valley Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023.

Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide. No children or other occupants of the business were physically injured. In a social media post and communication to parents, Milestone Academy stated they would be closed on Tuesday, November 14th.

In a release Monday evening, Grain Valley Police Department stated they are working closely with Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office to conduct the investigation. The names of the deceased will be released pending family notification.

Anyone with information should contact Grain Valley Police Department at (816) 847-6250.

​In commemoration of Veterans Day, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. To recognize these men and women, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel from Friday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 12. General admission for the public is half-price.
 
Visitors celebrating Veterans Day at the Museum and Memorial will be some of the first to view four major upgrades to the Main Gallery. “Prologue: Grand Illusions,” “Interactive Touch Tables,” “America Mobilizes” and “Move 'Em Out and Bon Voyage” reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and feature new technology and stories showcasing the enduring impact of WWI. This phase of construction follows the recent renovation to the Lower Level that opened in May, featuring the Berman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, and precedes additional upgrades to the Main Gallery that will take place through 2025.
 
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
 
IN CONVERSATION: VETERANS BENEFITS
When: Thursday, Nov. 9 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Panel 6:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: Join us for a reception and a panel discussion examining the myths and dispelling the rumors of veterans benefits, moderated by Lt. Col. (ret.) Nikki Dean. Whether a veteran, a family member or a member of the public who recognizes the importance of military service, we welcome your presence and support. Register for this free program
 
SABATON'S "THE WAR TO END ALL WARS - THE MOVIE" SCREENING
When: Friday, Nov. 10 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Film begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: An animated musical motion picture featuring songs from Sabaton’s album “The War to End All Wars,” the film’s screening is part of the Swedish heavy metal band’s worldwide museum project “History Rocks.” Register for this free program
 
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.
Where: Auditorium and Lobby
What: Join us for a moving ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans. The formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address, as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
This year's keynote speaker is Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle Jr., Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
 
VIETNAM: A COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHER'S VIEW OF THE WAR, 1967-1968
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 1 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: Peek behind the lens of Vietnam veteran Chip Osborn, who led the U.S. Army Combat photographic team in telling stories from the rice paddies to the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, as he recounts his role of capturing history through images. Register for this free program
 
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans Day weekend through research stations at the Museum. With access to multiple databases – including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives – discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. FREE to the public.
 
MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY CRAFT
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to the Museum and Memorial! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. FREE to the public.
 
VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: U-shaped drive outside the Museum and Memorial
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the public.

The Mid-Continent Public Library's new Grain Valley branch, located at 400 SW Buckner Tarsney Road, opened quietly a few weeks ago, but visitors to the new location know there is much to boast about. 

Natural light floods the space, with windows offering views around the property throughout the building. A large kid's area greets guests as they enter, with a dedicated teen space located nearby. Spaces to connect, study, and relax are plentiful, as are spaces to charge and use electronic devices.

The design of the building, with its exposed ceiling beams and farm and cattle themed items in the children's area give a nod to the property's past as part of Sni-A-Bar Farms. 

The library opened quietly as technology access issues created a challenge as they attempted to open. Branch Manager Sarah Gamble is proud of the new space and the opportunities is offers to library patrons. 

"We had a very soft, soft start because we were concerned about whether our technology would hold up. But we haven't encountered any issues and we've had such a positive response from the community," Gamble said.

"Our new space has lots and lots of seating, and that is the biggest difference. There is a space for everyone," Gamble said.

In addition to seating and study areas located throughout the library, there are two dedicated study areas available for reservations and a large community room for library programming and rental by outside groups. A wellness room and family restroom ensures everyone can enjoy a comfortable space.

"We've got a space for everyone. If you need to find a quiet spot, you can find that. If you want a space out in the open, we have that. There are plenty of interactive opportunities for kids and teens," Gamble said.

The library also features a drive-up window at the back of the building - signage guiding guests to this service are in progress. 

The Grain Valley branch is open 9:00am - 8:00pm Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday, and 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday. For more information, visit Grain Valley | Mid-Continent Public Library (mymcpl.org). 

Local cooks are invited to bust out their recipe boxes and prepare for battle at a Soup Cookoff and Chiefs Watch Party on Sunday, December 10th at Valley Moments, 517 Gregg. The event is a fundraiser for Downtown Grain Valley Inc. 

The soup cookoff and other family friendly activities will be held from 1:00pm - 3:00pm; kickoff for the Chiefs game begins at 3:25pm. 

Additional details will follow via Downtown Grain Valley Inc.'s social media channels (Facebook). 

MODOT crews will continue bridge replacement work along Interstate 70 at MO Route AA/BB in Grain Valley. This work will require the following traffic changes. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and be vigilant of work in the area. All work is weather permitting.

Friday, Oct. 27 until Saturday, Oct. 28

• Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 crews will close the left lane of northbound Route AA/BB and the left lane of southbound Route AA/BB at I-70 until 5 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 for work on the bridge deck. The left turn lane on the ramp from EB I-70 to Route AA/BB will also be closed. This will not be a complete closure of Route AA/BB. (Revised schedule from Oct. 26-27.)

This project will be constructed over the course of three phases in the next year. Phase 1 included bridge work and work within the median. Phase 2 will address the westbound side of the project and Phase 3 will address the eastbound side. The project is anticipated to be complete by winter 2023.
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Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.

Americans throw away nearly one-third of the food they buy every year, costing the average household about $1,800 annually. Food waste also has an enormous negative impact on our community, economy and the environment.

Kansas City Food Wise is a new regional effort to reduce food waste, increase access to healthy food, and build a sustainable food system that benefits us, our community and the planet. It is the result of a two-year Sustainable Materials Management Grant provided by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). 

The project website, KCFoodWise.org, provides the following food waste reduction strategies and resources:

• Simple steps people can take to reduce the food they waste through planning, shopping, storage, preparation, eating habits, sharing and composting. 
  
  
• A food system map designed to build connections among all the individuals and organizations that are part of our regional food system. The map includes listings for community gardens, compost operations, food kitchens, food pantries, gleaning operations, livestock, urban farms and programs where people in need can access food.
  
  
• A get involved section that provides the latest news, event listings, volunteer opportunities and job postings. 
  
  
• The Kansas City Regional Food Loss and Waste Reduction Action Plan, which provides a comprehensive set of short-, medium- and long-term solutions to reduce the amount of food that is wasted in our region. 

“Kansas City Food Wise not only helps individuals reduce food waste and save money,”  Matt Riggs, MARC Solid Waste Management District outreach coordinator said. “It helps everyone access healthy food and provides opportunities for each of us to help grow a sustainable food system that benefits us, our economy and environment long term.”