​Looking Back: 25 years ago

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
Since attending two conferences last week, I found some new “old” news of relevance. The Missouri Main Street Conference encouraged me to further research the businesses and buildings in Downtown Grain Valley. The Missouri Humanities Conference encouraged me to research how the votes from our community have affected the growth of our town. 
 
In this article, I will share excerpts from newspapers between June and August 1999. Looking at just those two months, twenty-five years ago, it is easy to see how the “Voices and Votes” of the citizens played a major part in the development of our community.
 
June 30, 1999: The Examiner
              “….The City Hall, funded by a $1.5 million dollar bond issue approved by 69% of those casting ballots last August…”
 
July 3, 1999: The Pointe
              Headlines: The Buckner Tarsney bridge project should begin this summer
This came after many discussions and petitions by citizens complaining about the closure of Buckner Tarsney Road south of town due to flooding.
 
July 7, 1999:  The Kansas City Star
              Headlines: It’s as good as official: Most of county is growing
“ The city’s 1990 population of 1,990 more than doubled, to an estimated 3,987. Fred Mill, City Administrator expects the population to reach 6,000 by the 2000 census. The increase has led to an awareness of the city’s needs, improvements for streets, sewers, water and parks.”
 
July 13, 1999: The Examiner
              Headlines: Grain Valley tackling street renovations
 
July 14, 1999: The Examiner
              Headlines: Grain Valley accepts street repair bids
“Grain Valley aldermen approved the low bid from Tasco Construction Monday night for street repairs and some storm sewer work. …the street and storm sewer work is part of a $2 million project which includes streets, sidewalks, storm sewers and curbs and gutters. Voters overwhelming approved a $2 million bond issue to pay for the work last August.”
 
July 17, 1999: The Examiner
              Headlines: City’s roadway improvement projects are moving forward
(This was an article regarding the use of the $2 million approved by voters.)
 
As the Historical Society considers our local participation in the Museum on Main Street Smithsonian Exhibit, coming to Grain Valley in November 2025, we will take an in depth look at how petitions, community action, and voting have affected the infrastructure of Grain Valley. The Historical Society would welcome any information or thoughts you may have on this topic.