REVISED: Traffic shift & ramp closures scheduled on I-70 between MO-7 & Grain Valley, begins Dec. 1012/10/2025
Crews will conduct traffic shifts and ramp closures on Interstate 70 between Missouri Highway 7 in Blue Springs and Jackson County Routes AA/BB in Grain Valley beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Westbound traffic will be moved from the current lanes of travel to the newly constructed pavement in the median of I-70. This traffic configuration is scheduled to last until Spring 2026 and will include narrowed lanes and shoulder work as crews work on reconstructing the current westbound lanes. The current I-70 eastbound configuration will remain in place.
As part of the traffic shift, the following lane and ramp closures will be in place from Wednesday, Dec. 10 at approximately 10 a.m. until Thursday, Dec. 11 at approximately 6 a.m.
All work is weather permitting. Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is the third project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program and will add a third lane of travel in each direction to I-70 from just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H. The project also includes interchange improvements at Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa. The project was awarded in Spring 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028. Crews will conduct traffic shifts and ramp closures on Interstate 70 between Missouri Highway 7 in Blue Springs and Jackson County Routes AA/BB in Grain Valley beginning on Friday, Dec. 12. Westbound traffic will be moved from the current lanes of travel to the newly constructed pavement in the median of I-70.
This traffic configuration is scheduled to last until Spring 2026 and will include narrowed lanes and shoulder work as crews work on reconstructing the current westbound lanes. The current I-70 eastbound configuration will remain in place. As part of the traffic shift, the following ramp closures will be in place:
All work is weather permitting. Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is the third project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program and will add a third lane of travel in each direction to I-70 from just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H. The project also includes interchange improvements at Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa. The project was awarded in Spring 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028. by Cole Arndorfer and Grain Valley News staff
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, November 24 for its second meeting of the month. After opening the meeting, the board moved into public comment. Grain Valley Santa Bus operator Chuck Johnston approached the board to request a motion to approve the use of a city vehicle by a VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) volunteer to accompany the Santa Bus as it makes its rounds in Grain Valley. Alderman Knox made a motion to allow the use of the vehicle, but without meeting the city’s requirements regarding insurance and planning channels, there was no second to that motion. Chief Turner outlined the timeline of conversations and options presented to Johnston, stating that each option and opportunity to complete a safety plan in a timely manner as directed in 2024 was not followed. In a winding conversation among Johnston, the board, Mayor Mike Todd, and Police Chief Ed Turner, the city’s requirements and efforts to develop a safety plan with the Santa Bus were reiterated and frustrations were expressed on all fronts. Johnston contended that the bus has operated for 30 years without incident and that should be sufficient evidence for the city to allow for use of a city vehicle for safety and traffic control. The city attorney reiterated that the city opens itself up to liability if a city vehicle is used, necessitating that a safety plan be agreed upon and implemented in advance of an event. When questioned about insurance coverage for the event, Johnston stated he had vehicle insurance but admitted he did not have event liability insurance. Johnston had also been presented with the option of purchasing a red and blue magnetic light to be used on a personal vehicle at a cost of under $60. This recommendation also received pushback from Johnston according to Chief Turner. Alderman Sole offered to purchase the red and blue light and donate it to the Santa Bus, and Johnston did not appear to accept this offer, walking away from the podium and stating “I’m sorry the city doesn’t think kids are worth protecting.” Johnston returned to the podium after a few steps, and stated, “I’m asking for the City’s help to protect the children of this town…”. Mayor Todd interrupted, “We are offering it. The problem is apparently you are not wanting to follow what the Chief of Police is recommending.” Todd began down the list of requirements, starting with insurance for the event. Johnston admitted he did not have event insurance. “I don’t think it is unreasonable what the Chief is asking in order to have the vehicle,” Todd said. The offer was once again extended from Alderman Sole to purchase and donate the red and blue light for the Santa Bus. Johnston appeared to decline the offer, arguing about the compatibility with the power source in the vehicle. “This stuff just seems common sense,” Alderman Ryan Skinner said, referring to the list of requirements outlined. “Don’t sit here and blame it on us for ruining the event when you can’t do the basic stuff. We sat here a year ago and had this same conversation a year ago and we bent over backwards to help you. And said don’t let it happen again. Work with the Chief and get this stuff done. And here we are, it’s almost December and we’re here again. We had this same conversation right here last year. We should be having this conversation in June/July. Instead you’re going to walk off and say ‘you guys are going to ruin Christmas for the kids’. What are you talking about, Chuck? We’ve had a year.” Johnston interjected, “I’m just disappointed.” Skinner interrupted, “I’m disappointed that we’re sitting here having this conversation. You had an entire year. If anybody’s to blame for this, Chuck, look in a mirror.” Johnston then said something unintelligible as he left the microphone, and the board continued with the meeting. As previously reported, Johnston was directed to work with the police department on a plan well in advance of the beginning of the 2025 Santa Bus schedule following a social media dustup started by Johnston in 2024 after requests to work with the police department were not followed. (https://www.grainvalleynews.com/news/board-of-aldermen-meeting-recap4009199) The City posted a statement to its website on Tuesday, outlining the steps taken by the police department to work with Johnston this year and Johnston’s pushback or lack of follow-through on each option provided. An Update on City Involvement with the Santa Bus - City of Grain Valley, Missouri The board moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved allows the city to execute an agreement with Microman Industries LLC to purchase a full set of equipment and install it on a new 2025 Ford Explorer to add to the police fleet. The second resolution the board approved adopts a new purchasing policy for the city. This moves the requirement for a purchase order from $500 to $2000. The board also approved the second reading of an ordinance to approve a conditional use permit for a concrete mixing plant within the city. The next ordinance the board approved is the official step to call for an election within the city on April 7, 2026. The board also approved the first and second readings of an ordinance to amend chapter 225 of city code to include graffiti in its language. The final ordinance the board approved is the first reading of an ordinance to approve the city’s 2026 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule. This will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. The board then moved into city staff reports beginning with Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies. Davies provided the board with an update on the new shelter construction at Armstrong Park, sharing that the roofs are up on all three of the new shelters, there is currently power to two of them, and he is hoping the third will follow within a couple of days. The biggest issue they have seen is the rainy weather delaying the concrete drying time. Mayor Todd then gave his report, noting the Mayor’s Tree Lighting event in Armstrong Park on December 4. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on December 8 at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall. The Draw at KC Live! Kicks Off Kansas City’s Global Soccer Celebration Downtown’s favorite gathering place continues the tradition of bringing KC together through the world’s game With a legacy of unforgettable moments, the Power & Light District will once again unite fans as the high-energy hub for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kansas City is set to ignite its presence on the global soccer stage with The Draw at KC Live!, a dynamic event celebrating the city's central role in the world’s largest soccer tournament. This event marks the launch of the District’s “Soccer in the City” celebration of the sport’s global spirit and local pride. The Draw at KC Live! will be held Friday, December 5. Doors open at 9 a.m. CT; festivities begin at 10 a.m. CT. at KC Live! in the Power & Light District. The watch party will be hosted by local soccer favorites, former Sporting Kansas City commentator and current FOX Sports commentator Nate Bukaty and 2006 tournament US Men’s National Team player and former Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad. Fans will come together for a morning of celebration including live hosts, autograph opportunities, and shared anticipation as KC takes its next step on the global soccer stage. “I, like so many Kansas Citians, have countless memories of huge soccer moments at KC Live! From unveiling the Sporting KC rebrand and electric MLS celebrations to incredible watch parties for USA, Mexico, and our hometown stars, Kansas City Live! has been where we have celebrated big moments in soccer for over 15 years,” said Kansas City Power & Light District president John Moncke. “The Draw at KC Live! continues this tradition, launching our Soccer in the City series and inviting fans to make new memories in the heart of downtown.” The Draw at KC Live! will encourage Kansas Citians to follow along with global soccer fans to learn the teams assigned to each group in next summer’s soccer tournament. Event attendees can enjoy live entertainment, special guests and a communitywide celebration of the world's most beloved sport.  Photo credit; Dana Witt Fulks, Kansas City Power & Light District
KCGovJobs.org, the region’s trusted public sector job board from the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), has officially relaunched with a new name and streamlined experience.
Formerly known as MetroKCGovJobs.org, the updated site continues its mission to connect job seekers with meaningful careers in local and regional government. Visit the updated site: KCGovJobs.org The platform features listings from city, county and state agencies, as well as local public-serving organizations such as libraries, fire districts, and water and sewer utilities. With a cleaner interface and more opportunities available, KCGovJobs.org makes it easier to explore open roles that support the community. “The KCGovJobs.org relaunch marks a renewed commitment to building a stronger, more connected public workforce in the region,” said Ashley Z. Hand, director of local government services at MARC. “Our mission remains the same: Connect people with rewarding roles in local and regional government, as well as other public-sector agencies. With this update, we can better serve both job seekers and public sector employers.” Human resource professionals across the public sector are encouraged to sign up to post job openings on the site to reach a wider audience of qualified candidates. For more information, visit KCGovJobs.org. We throw away a lot of stuff, often because it's cheaper to replace rather than repair it or we just don't know how to fix it. That means these items get tossed into the trash and end up in the landfill. That’s where Repair Cafés come in. There are now thousands of Repair Cafés across the world where people with a variety of repair skills help mend broken items, keeping them in use and saving their owner money and the raw materials and energy needed to make and transport a replacement. Re.Use.Full will gather volunteers to provide free fixes for bikes, clothing, computers, small appliances and electronics and jewelry at their next Repair Café, supported by the City of Shawnee, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Hall at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kan. Re.Use.Full will also accept donations of surplus tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers, clamps, pliers, wrenches, drills and soldering equipment for use at upcoming Repair Cafés.  Volunteers will put their skills to work at the next Repair Café, supported by the City of Shawnee, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Hall at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kan. Photo credit: Re.Use.Full  Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd announced Wednesday evening that he intends to run for the Missouri House District 32 seat in 2026. Current District 32 Representative Jeff Coleman is completing his final term due to term limits.
Todd served as mayor of Grain Valley from 2010 - 2020, and returned for a 7th term as mayor in 2024. Todd is a retired teacher and life long resident of Grain Valley. "I feel that there is more the state can be doing to help local cities and if i have the opportunity to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives I look forward to being a voice for Eastern Jackson County. All of our communities are impacted by MODOT controlled roadways and the state and local governments need to be working better together to make them safer and easier to travel. There are many other issues such as crime that I want to tackle as well such as improving our foster care system in the state and making it more affordable for families seeking to adopt to be able to do so," Todd said in an interview with Grain Valley News. 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 (as well as spouses and dependents with ID) from Friday, Nov. 7 through Tuesday, Nov. 11.
General admission for the public is half-price. In addition, furloughed Federal workers receive free admission until the end of the furlough (ID required). Visitors for Veterans Day Weekend will be among the first to see two new exhibitions at the Museum and Memorial. Paris at War examines the city’s dramatic shift from the flourishing days of the French empire to the uncertainty and hardship brought on by World War I. In L ving Memory: Dean Cross, Artist-in-Residence is the inaugural Museum and Memorial Artist-in-Residence installation. Worimi artist Dean Cross draws on his ancestor George Moss's sacrifice at Gallipoli and the Worimi tradition of Scar Trees. Both exhibitions open the public on Thursday, Nov. 6. VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS When: Friday-Tuesday, Nov. 7-11 | 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. VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY When: Saturday-Tuesday, Nov. 8-11 | 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. WARRIOR POSE: YOGA WITH VETERANS When: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8:45 a.m. Where: Glass Bridge What: Founded in 2010, the Veterans Yoga Project offers restorative self-regulating practices to help veterans, service members and military families recover from PTS(D). Bring a mat and a friend for a low-impact regimen that quiets the mind and develops flexibility for any level of fitness. Regardless of military service status or yoga knowledge, all are welcome. Free with RSVP. USAF SHADES OF BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT When: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 2 p.m. Where: Auditorium Lobby What: Join us for a live, patriotic music concert from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America's Blue Jazz Ensemble! This jazzy musical revue celebrates the service of American veterans, who have been honored each year on Nov. 11 since 1919. FREE to the Public. VETERANS DAY CEREMONY When: Tuesday, 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. MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY PIN When: Tuesday, 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 a friend! 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. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org. As the federal government remains shut down, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the main federal food-aid program — will not issue new benefits on November 1, 2025, according to a memo from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Donna Compton, Community Services League's Grain Valley Site Coordinator, said they have seen a slight increase in residents seeking assistance with food. Compton said they anticipate the need will continue to increase as the impact of the federal shutdown continues to ripple through the economy. Food donations for CSL's pantry are always needed to support their work for Grain Valley residents. Some of the most needed items at Grain Valley's CSL location include: Canned Vegetables Canned Beans Mac & Cheese Canned Fruit Box Potatoes Rice or Noodles Side Dishes Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper Instant Pudding Mix Jell-O Peanut Butter Jelly Toilet Paper Spaghetti Sauce Spaghetti Noodles Canned Meat Pancake Mix Pancake Syrup Muffin Mix The Community Services League's (CSL) Grain Valley location, 513 Gregg ST, is open on Wednesdays from 9:00am - Noon and 1:00pm - 4:00pm. For more information, call 816-355-0328. Donations can be delivered to CSL on Wednesdays or to their donation bin located at the Grain Valley Community Center. An additional donation bin located at the Grain Valley Price Chopper benefits Harvesters. A little free pantry is located in the parking lot of Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway. Residents are welcome to donate or take what they need. For additional resources, call the United Way's 211 Resource Line by dialing 211 or visit www.211kc.org.  JEFFERSON CITY – October and November are peak months for deer to be on the move, and the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be prepared and not drive distracted.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri consistently ranks 10th to 15th in the country in deer-vehicle collisions each year. In 2024, there were 2,952 crashes with deer, with four deaths and 420 injuries reported. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, and do unpredictable things, such as stopping in the middle of the road when crossing. A deer that is calmly standing on the side of the road may suddenly leap into traffic. MoDOT offers the following safety tips for avoiding collisions with deer:
MoDOT maintenance crews address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Individuals can report an animal carcass in the roadway to MoDOT by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting www.modot.org/report-road-concern. The Missouri Department of Transportation Kansas City (MoDOT KC) will hold an open house style meeting to discuss intersection improvements on U.S. Route 40 in Grain Valley, at Sni-A-Bar Blvd, Barr Rd, and Kirby Rd.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Mid-Continent Public Library (Grain Valley Branch), 400 SW Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, MO 64029. The meeting will provide the opportunity for attendees to ask questions, learn more about the project, and leave a comment. The meeting will be an open house meeting with no formal presentation. In addition to the public meeting on Oct. 22, there will also be an opportunity to view project displays and exhibits and leave comments on the project webpage beginning at 4 p.m. on Weds., Oct. 22 until 4 p.m. on Weds., Nov. 5. Please visit the project webpage for more information to view project displays and exhibits or to leave a comment: U.S. Route 40 Intersection Improvements in Jackson County | Missouri Department of Transportation. For those unable to attend the meeting or access the project information online, project materials are available by request at the MoDOT district office located at 600 NE Colbern Rd. in Lee’s Summit, MO. Customers may contact Project Manager Thankam Mathew at [email protected]. The Grain Valley Fair committee will present the final First Fridays event for the year this Friday, October 3rd in downtown Grain Valley. The event will feature food trucks, a performance by Releve Performing Arts, and a community table on Main Street, hosted by the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce as a part of its celebration of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. The event begins at 5:00pm in downtown Grain Valley; road closures along Main Street will begin approximately 4:30pm. Additional details and updates leading up to the event can be found via the Grain Valley Fair's Facebook page: (1) Facebook.  Autumn in Missouri begins with one of the region’s most beloved traditions with the 49th Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music. The event, planned for October 4th and 5th, transforms Missouri Town Living History Museum into a bustling 19th-century village filled with music, food, family fun, and timeless traditions. Each year, thousands of visitors step back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the 1850s. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring:
Event Details: Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Missouri Town Living History Museum, 8010 East Park Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Admission: $15 per car/van | $25 per bus From the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer to the laughter of children racing through historic streets, the Fall Festival offers media outlets endless photo, video, and interview opportunities. Whether your audience is looking for fall fun, family outings, or a deeper appreciation of Missouri history, this is a can’t-miss story. For more information, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/missouritown. KANSAS CITY, MO. – On Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4, the National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is offering a special all-access discount admission rate of $10. Access to the grounds on Oct. 3 and 4 is limited due to a large event rental/concert. Museum and Memorial guests should plan to park offsite or take the KC Streetcar to Union Station. Guests should use the checkpoint at the intersection of Kessler and Pershing to walk up Kessler to the Museum and Memorial entrance. A Golf Cart relay will take place at the corner of Kessler and Pershing with priority given to visitors of the Museum and Memorial needing ADA access. This past May, the Museum and Memorial completed a multi-year upgrade, the most expansive changes to the buildings and grounds since opening in 2006. Guests will be able to see these changes, that not only involve upgrades in technology to tell new and interesting narratives from WWI, but create a richer and more immersive visitor experience. More information about the Museum and Memorial can be found at theworldwar.org. FOR CONCERT ATTENDEES: Guests seeking information about access to the grounds for the Chappell Roan concerts should visit chappellroankc.com.   Local Teacher Turns Storyteller: Grain Valley’s Mendi Spencer Releases Fourth Children’s Book9/25/2025
Grain Valley News caught up with Grain Valley High School (GVHS) science teacher and local children's book author Mendi Spencer this week to discuss her newest book, A Tale of Two Swifties. Spencer, known at school for guiding students through the complexities of biology, added author to her résumé a few years ago — and her newest children’s book, A Tale of Two Swifties, is now available for readers of all ages. A Tale of Two Swifties tells the story of a football-loving dad who plans to teach his daughter about the game — only to find himself sharing in her passion in unexpected ways. Spencer's first book, The Adventures of a Robot Vacuum: The Ransom, was the result of a real-life ransom caper involving another GVHS teacher's runaway Roomba vacuum providing inspiration. Additional books quickly followed, including The Sleep Squad, and When A Snore is Something More, which brings awareness of improper tongue placement with children in an engaging way. The book has been lauded by dentists, speech therapists, and other professionals working with children with snoring and other issues related to tongue placement. Spencer plans to release her next book, The Teachers Lounge, this fall. Spencer shared that the experience of watching children engage with her books as the most rewarding part of being a writer. Spencer's books can be found locally at Owl Creek Market in Odessa and Tami Sue’s in Buckner. All of Spencer's titles can also be found on Amazon at Amazon.com: Mendi Spencer: books, biography, latest update.  GVHS teacher and local children's book author Mendi Spencer has released her fourth book, A Tale of Two Swifties, which tells the story of a football-loving dad who plans to teach his daughter about the game — only to find himself sharing in her passion in unexpected ways. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff |
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