MODOT crews with the bridge replacement work along Interstate 70 at Route AA/BB in Grain Valley will close Route AA/BB (Main Street) at I-70 beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, March 18, until approximately 5:00am on Monday, March 20, for bridge demo work. There will be a signed detour for Route AA/BB.
     During this time, crews will also close the left lane of westbound and eastbound I-70 at mile marker 24 in Grain Valley. This work will cause delays in the area. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes if necessary. All work is weather permitting.
     This project will be constructed over the course of three phases in the next year. Phase 1 includes bridge work and work within the median and is scheduled to be completed by early summer 2023. 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.
     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.
     For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

     MoDOT crews with the bridge replacement work along Interstate 70 at Route AA/BB in Grain Valley will close Route AA/BB (Main Street) at I-70 beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, March 11th, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, March 13, for bridge demo work. There will be a signed detour for Route AA/BB.
     Crews will also close the left lane of westbound and eastbound I-70 at mile marker 24 in Grain Valley beginning Friday, March 10th at 8:00pm. Detours will be directed to I-70 and Adams Dairy Parkway and the Oak Grove exit.
     This work will cause delays in the area. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes if necessary. All work is weather permitting.
     This project will be constructed over the course of three phases in the next year. Phase 1 includes bridge work and work within the median and is scheduled to be completed by early summer 2023. 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.
     For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

     The National Weather Service (NWS) Kansas City and emergency management agencies across the region are encouraging individuals, families and businesses to learn about severe weather and how to protect themselves during Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 6-10, 2023.
     “Dangerous and sometimes deadly tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding can happen at any time,” Andy Bailey, warning coordination meteorologist for NWS Kansas City said. “It’s important to prepare now and make sure your family and/or employees know what to do when disaster strikes.”
     PrepareMetroKC.org offers safety tips and educational information about tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and lightning. You can also learn how to create an emergency supply kit, develop a family emergency plan and stay informed.
     Sign up for emergency alerts from weather officials, municipalities and local media. Follow the MetroKC #PrepList Twitter feed for the latest social media messages from over 80 county, city, police, fire and emergency management agencies in the Kansas City metro. And follow @PrepareMetroKC for more updates and the latest news.

Submitted by Xi Iota Phi Chapter
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     The ladies of Xi Iota Phi have had a wonderful fall full of activities and meetings.
     We started off in October with our meeting at the home of Karen Blau, keeping with our theme she spoke of her friendships that had influenced her life. Our social for the month was a trip to the National Frontier Museum in Independence followed by lunch. As our service project for the month we donated to Children’s Mercy Hospital and those that got to go went to lunch afterwards.
     One of our members, Lisa Addington, participated in the Rebelle Rally, a navigational rally from Lake Tahoe to the Imperial Dunes at Glamis Ca. Lisa is the first woman from the state of Missouri to compete in the Rebelle Rally.
     November’s meeting was held at Karen Sutton’s home. Karen shared about how her friends had been important in her life and she shared a poem about friendship. November’s social for the month was an evening at the Dazzling Divas fund raiser for K.C. Cancer Action. Our very own lovely Chris Smith was a model for the event.
     We also went to Powell Gardens to enjoy the Christmas Light Festival and we finished off the evening with dinner at Captain’s in Grain Valley.
     In December we had our Christmas meeting at the home of Cathy Talley, our program consisted of each of us sharing our favorite Christmas memory and holiday song. We enjoyed appetizers that we all brought and of course each other’s company. We exchanged secret sister gifts and our gifts for each other.
     We started off our year at the home of Debbie Reardon, she continued our theme by sharing about her friendships and some of the special gifts she had received as a result of them.
     Members brought food items to be donated to the Community Services League for the month of January for our service project.
     We look forward to an exciting new year as we continue to grow in our lasting friendships and our service to our community.

     Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) crews will begin bridge replacement work along Interstate 70 at Route AA/BB in Grain Valley beginning on Friday, Feb. 24. This work will require the following traffic pattern changes. All work is weather permitting.
Friday, Feb. 24

• Beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, crews will CLOSE the right lane of westbound I-70 at approximately mile marker 24 near Grain Valley until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27. This closure is for shoulder work in the area. Motorists will be able to access the exit ramps in this area during this time.
• Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, crews will CLOSE the left turn lanes of northbound and southbound Route AA/BB (Main Street) at I-70, until approximately winter 2023 for bridge work. There will be one thru lane and one left turn lane onto the ramps in each direction and traffic will still be able to enter the eastbound and westbound ramps throughout the project. There could be occasional short-term closures.

Saturday, Feb. 25

• Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, crews will CLOSE the right lane of eastbound I-70 at approximately mile marker 24 near Grain Valley until approximately 5 a.m. until Monday, Feb. 27. This closure is for pavement marking work.

     MODOT states this project will be constructed over the course of three phases in the next year. Phase 1 includes bridge work and work within the median, and is scheduled to be completed by early summer 2023. 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.
     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.

     Opening Feb. 23, 2023, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is pleased to announce the newest exhibition, Entertaining the Troops. The saying “war is months of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror” likely came about due to the endless trench warfare of WWI.
     Soldiers of all nations and militaries turned to a wide variety of entertainment to manage the boredom and distract from the terror: from sports, gambling and card games, to music, food and drink, to organized performances and dances.  
     Entertaining the Troops gives a peek into the life of a WWI soldier beyond the battlefield, whether waiting for the enemies’ next move or partying in Paris. Fans and spectators of April’s 2023 NFL Draft, taking place in large part at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, will have the chance to learn about football and other sports played to pass time. The National Football League was formed in its earliest version just after the end of the Great War in 1920. Opening in Exhibit Hall, Entertaining the Troops is included in a general admission ticket. 
     March 2022 saw the viral rise of an icon symbolizing Ukrainian resistance to Russian invasion, Saint Javelin. One year later, on March 24 at 6 p.m., the Museum and Memorial will host Saint Javelin: Art, Faith and Mobilization. Two key figures in the icon's popularity – Christian Borys, former journalist and founder of the Saint Javelin corporation, and California-based artist Chris Shaw, who created the original painting that Saint Javelin is based on – will join in conversation with Museum and Memorial Specialist Curator Patricia Cecil and President and CEO Matthew Naylor. The Saint Javelin painting has been on display at the National WWI Museum and Memorial since August 2022 and will remain until Feb. 28, 2023. 
     Guests can begin the discussion with a ticketed reception on the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge before the program, in partnership with Stand With Ukraine KC. All proceeds will directly benefit Ukrainian aid. Tickets to the reception are $30. 
     Also in February, Lawrence Lecture Series: Lawrence as a Writer on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m., will feature scholar Philip Neale as he navigates the checkered history of Lawrence of Arabia’s famous autobiography and other compositions. On Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Day in the Life: Technology will take place. Living History volunteers will focus on the technology developed before and during WWI on the battlefield, hospital ward and home front. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, guests can join for The Unfinished Business of Democracy: Lincoln, Wilson and the Issue of Race. Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson both fought for American democratic ideals but the way they each chose to address race had serious consequences and left unfinished business. The conversation will take place at 7 p.m., with a free reception prior to the event at 6 p.m. 
     To learn more, visit theworldwar.org. 

     In a January 30th press release, the City of Grain Valley announced Major Ed Turner, currently with the Independence Police Department, has been hired as Grain Valley’s next Chief of Police. Turner will begin leading the department on February 20, 2023.
     “The Board of Aldermen is thrilled to have Ed Turner join our staff and lead our police department forward. Ed has a tremendous background with experience in all major areas of policing. It became clear during the hiring process that Ed has gained the respect and trust of those who have worked with him and for him. We believe he is the right choice for Chief of Police as we continue to grow and provide excellent service to the citizens of Grain Valley. We are grateful that he has chosen to come back to Grain Valley where he started his tremendous career in Law Enforcement, Mayor Mike Todd stated in the release.
     Turner started his career as an officer with the City of Grain Valley in 1995 and has been with the Independence Police Department for nearly 25 years. Turner has moved up the ranks over time and has overseen patrol, investigations, special operations and support services divisions during his time as a Major with the department. Additionally, Turner is a certified instructor for many courses, has experience working with several unions, was instrumental in starting the Peer Support program for officers and their families, is a co-chair for the MARC Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee Law Enforcement Subcommittee and has had many opportunities to be a consensus builder in the community.
     "As a previous resident and police officer in Grain Valley I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the community again and work with a great police department. During my 27 years in law enforcement, I have developed a passion to enhance professionalism, service, and to reduce crime and disorder through community-oriented problem solving," Turner stated.
     Turner has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Louisiana State University’s Law Enforcement Operational Command, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy Law Enforcement Command School in Quantico, Virginia.
     Turner is scheduled to be formally sworn in during the next Board of Aldermen meeting on February 27, 2023. 

     The Board of Aldermen met January 23rd, approving ballot language for the April 4th municipal election asking voters to approve a sales tax of 3% on recreational marijuana sales, and worked through a series of resolutions and ordinances.
     Following a public hearing, the Board approved the voluntary annexation of two properties. Tract 1, owned by Dale and Teresa Smith is located at 4112 S Buckner Tarsney Road, and tract 2, owned by The Road Church, 4108 S Buckner Tarsney Road, were a part of the annexation.
     Also considered following a public hearing was the creation of a Community Improvement District for Creekside Village, to fund private street maintenance costs. Following a 3-3 tie, Mayor Todd made the tiebreaking vote to approve the first reading of the ordinance.
     The Board also approved the first reading of an ordinance to approve the final development plan for Copper Creek, formerly known as The Lofts at Creekside Landing and final plat approval for the Lofts at Creekside Landing. Alderman Arnold continued to express opposition to the project and was the lone no vote.
     Several purchases were approved through resolutions, including the replacement of existing computer desktops, laptops, monitors and equipment, per the Computer Equipment Replacement Program (CERP), the purchase of a John Deere commercial mower for the Parks Department, two trucks for Community Development and Public Works, and a message sign for Public Works to use in work zones and special events.
     In other business, the Board approved a resolution to contract with Grain Valley Assistance Council to coordinate the Home Delivered Meals Program.
     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held at City Hall on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7:00pm.

     In a January 23rd press release, the City of Grain Valley announced it has filed suit in Jackson County Circuit Court against the Jackson County Election Board (JCEB) "in an attempt to ensure that residents of Grain Valley are fairly represented in the general election to be held on April 4, 2023."
     According to the City's release, the suit is asking for the JCEB to be required to use the district ward boundaries that were updated and approved by the Board of Aldermen on October 24, 2022.
     As previously reported, the Board of Aldermen adjusted ward boundaries to account for population changes identified in the most recent census. (October 24, 2022 Board recap) 
     According to the City, the approved ordinance was sent to the Jackson County Election Board on November 14, 2022. The City's release states they received pushback from JCEB and were told that the new boundaries would not be used in the April 4, 2023 election even though the new boundaries were now current law in Grain Valley. 
      In the release, the City explained its decision to file suit.
     "The decision to file this suit was not taken lightly. However, it was deemed necessary by the Board of Aldermen to take action after attempts to work together with the JCEB to complete the process were denied. The most important aspect is ensuring that all residents have an equal influence on the April general election, and we believe this is a necessary step for that to occur. We look forward to resolving this matter as quickly as possible so both entities can go about their work for the public."
     According to the court filing, a response from JCEB is to be filed by February 8th; a hearing is scheduled for February 17th at 3:00pm. Judge Marco Roldan has been assigned the case. The Jackson County Election Board has been contacted for comment, and updates will be provided as new information is made available. 

     In its first meeting of 2023, the Jackson County Legislature elected DaRon McGee as Chairman and Megan Marshall as Vice-Chair. 
     County Executive Frank White, Jr. introduced The Honorable Jalilah Otto, who will serve as the presiding judge for the next two years. 
     The 2023 budget and proposed tax levy continued with their third perfection. Based on the estimates and appropriations in the 2023 recommended budget, the following amounts on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation represent the tentative tax levy for the fiscal year 2023 on real and personal property within Jackson County, Missouri:

General $0.2485
Health $0.1701
Park $0.1153
Special Road and Bridge $0.0771
TOTAL $0.6110

     The Legislature sent a proposed ordinance to the budget committee to consider adding a question on the April 2023 ballot authorizing Jackson County to impose a countywide sales tax of three percent on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use, non-medicinal marijuana.
     The next meeting of the Legislature will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:00am, at the Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor, Legislative Assembly Area.