The Jacomo Chorale hired Marvin G. Byas IV as Musical Director.
     Byas brings with him several years of experience in choral music. His educational preparation in Vocal Music Education is from Northwest Missouri State University and Missouri Western State University. He has worked in both community and church settings as well as in musical theatre.
     Prior to joining the Jacomo Chorale, Mr. Byas was the Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Maryville, MO; Director of Music and Choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph, MO; Director of Music and Choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia, MO and was the founding Artistic Director of The Farnham and Byas Playhouse in Columbia. 
     In addition, he was a member of the development committee of the Maplewood Barn Community Theatre, also in Columbia.
     While with Christ Episcopal Church, Mr. Byas was the Artistic Director, Choirmaster and Conductor for a regional tour of Handel’s “Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline” and Artistic Director and Conductor of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”.
     Founded in 1987 by Harold Neal of Independence, MO the Jacomo Chorale is a 30-voice community choir based in Eastern Jackson County. The Chorale looks forward to resuming rehearsals and performances in late 2021.
     Tentative plans include beginning rehearsals in October, with a Christmas concert in December. The chorale is actively seeking new members. No formal audition is required.
     For more information contact Nancy White, Chorale Manager at njwhite1973@gmail.com or 816-560-9148.  http://jacomochorale.org
 

     Michael Hendricks of Grain Valley and Maggie Ybarra of Grandview were indicted in Jackson County Court on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree harassment, and first-degree sexual assault. They are both being held in Jackson County Detention Center without bond.
     The murder charges stem from the death of Kensie Aubry. The remains of 32-year old, the subject of a missing person investigation out of Independence, were recovered from a residence at the 4000 block of South Buckner Tarsney Road in unincorporated Grain Valley.  
 

    Jefferson Street will be closed between the western side of Camping World to the eastern side of Big O's Equipment Rental & Sales from August 9th through September 17th. Drivers should travel East on Jefferson St. to S. Buckner Tarsney Rd. for access to I-70.
     MODOT Kansas City will be conducting pavement work along portions of eastbound I-70 overnight beginning this Thursday. Eastbound I-70 will be reduced to one lane from MO Route 7 to Oak Grove from 8:00pm each evening until 6:00am the following mornings on both Thursday, Aug. 5, and Friday, Aug. 6. All work is weather permitting.
 

​     In the first of several planned Community Forums, Grain Valley Police Department staff presented information on use of force policies, body cameras, and the impact of social media on policing to residents on July 20th at First Baptist Grain Valley Church.               
     Sergeant Shannon Carr discussed the impact of social media on policing, and tips for residents to report crimes or suspicious activity.
     Captain Palecek reviewed use of force policies, the complications  and costs surrounding tools such as body cameras,  segueing with Carr into a discussion on Crisis Intervention Training (C.I.T.), and how officers are trained to respond to the individual needs of each  person they encounter.
     Residents in attendance were able to talk with police department staff in an informal meet and greet after the program.
     The next session is scheduled for August 26th from 6:30pm—7:30pm and will discuss drug trends.  Additional information on future community forums will be shared on the City and Police Department’s Facebook pages.

 

     The remains of 32-year old Kensie Aubry, the subject of a missing person investigation out of Independence, was recovered from a residence at the 4000 block of South Buckner Tarsney Road in unincorporated Grain Valley.                 
     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 his department was  not involved in assisting in the 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.
     Charges have yet to be filed  related to Aubry’s death.
    
 

​     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. 

     The Purple Peace Foundation for Epilepsy Awareness hosts the annual “Cruise for Consciousness” car show annually to raise funds for its programs which provide resources and support for families impacted by epilepsy.
     The 2020 car show was canceled due to COVID-19, which makes this year’s event even more exciting for event organizer Stacey Perry. Perry has missed the car show participants, her “car show guys”, just as much as she’s missed the in-person programs hosted by the Purple Peace Foundation.
     The event returns on Sunday, August 1st at Armstrong Park from 11:00am—3:00pm. While it remains to be seen how ongoing COVID-19 related restrictions will impact the event, Perry promises a good time for car show participants and the public.
    The first 100 vehicles to pre-register will receive a goodie bag and dash plaque. All registrants will be entered into participant-only drawings throughout the day.
     A popular part of the event, and a major ingredient in the success of the fundraiser,  are the raffle baskets featuring items from local businesses. 
     Perry is mindful of the toll COVID-19 has had on small businesses, and has a suggestion for those who would like to support the cause and do some good for local businesses.
     Gift cards and products are needed for raffle baskets, and Perry suggests donors support local businesses while supporting Purple Peace Foundation by picking up a gift card or item for the raffle from a local business.
     “The businesses benefit immediately from the purchase, and we’ll raise money at the event from people buying raffle tickets to win these great items,” Perry said.
     Volunteers are also needed to help spread the word to local car enthusiasts at area car shows, and Perry will equip volunteers with all the materials and directions to help market the event.
     For more information on the “Cruise for Consciousness” car show as well as the programs and services the Purple Peace Foundation provides for families impacted by epilepsy, visit www.purplepeacefoundation.org. To volunteer or for information on registering to participate in the car show, call Stacey Perry at 816-847-6856 or email
Stacey@purplepeacefoundation.org.
 

​     First Baptist Church Grain Valley welcomes Blake Wyatt as Minister of ROCK Student Ministries (6th-12th grade). Blake has served in various capacities of youth ministry for several years and is a student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminar completing a degree in youth ministry. Kelsay, Blake's wife, is graduating this semester with her Master of Social Work degree. 
     Blake says, "I'm excited to be a part of what God is doing in the Grain Valley community and excited to serve students and their families at First Baptist." Blake and his wife, Kelsay, have been married for a little over a year.
 

     An accident, resulting in the death of a Blue Springs man, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 18th in the area of R. D. Mize & Stillhouse Rd in eastern Jackson County is being investigated by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives and troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 
     Richard Allen Hearn, Jr., 20, of Blue Springs was killed in the crash.
     According to a spokesman for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was said to have lost control in the area of the accident. There were four occupants, and one subsequently was killed as a result. The investigation is yet ongoing and details will be made available by the department as they are uncovered. 
 

     The Grain Valley Police Department will host a Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 24th as a part of the national Drug Take Back effort.
     This annual event is a great reason to clean out your medicine cabinet and keep loved ones safe. Unused prescription drugs can often find their way into the wrong hands, resulting in dangerous and often tragic situations.  
     Residents are encouraged to come to this free event in the parking lot of the Grain Valley Police Department on Saturday, April 24th from 10:00am—2:00pm to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. No syringes will be accepted.