Vol. 4 No. 50 | December 9, 2021 | www.grainvalleynews.com
FREE
Effort to build new police station implodes during tense board workshop meeting A board workshop meeting on December 8th with the stated goal of discussing renovation options for the current City Hall facility went off course as discussions revealed the majority of the Board of Aldermen do not support the proposed site for the new police station. This revelation puts in jeopardy a planned April 2021 bond issue to build a new police station, the preliminary plans for which were to be unveiled in a December 14th Community Public Open House. City staff began the meeting by presenting options to reconfigure the space within the current City Hall facility to accommodate City staff once the police department moved into its proposed new site. The board was asked to provide guidance regarding the level of renovations to be scheduled in the site, as staff remained unclear regarding
the timeline the Board envisions for either a City Hall renovation or move to a new facility. The cost for the options provided range from $800,000 - $1.2 million to renovate the current City building, including the repurposing of space currently occupied by the police department. The Board generally agreed that renovations to the City Hall space be postponed until clarity is reached regarding the new police station and whether City Hall offices will remain in its current location, or a new location will be sought. A ten-year life span for the current building was generally agreed upon. The option to set aside funding for such renovations over the next few budget years was proposed as an alternative to approaching citizens with a bond issue.
Candidate filing begins for April election Candidate filing for the April 5, 2022 municipal election began December 7th. As of December 8th, three candidates have filed: Chuck Johnston - Mayor Rick Knox - Alderman, Ward II Dale Arnold - Alderman, Ward I The seats currently occupied by aldermen Bob Headley (Ward III) and
Jayci Stratton (Ward I) are both up for election and neither have filed as of December 8th. The last day for candidate filing will be Tuesday, December 28th at 5:00pm. Candidates date and time of filing will be recorded and shall appear on the ballot in that order.
“We can start budgeting for that now. When the police building is built, if that comes, then you’re already two years into funding this (City Hall),” Alderman Bob Headley said. The potential to open up the land currently occupied by the City Hall building for commercial development was once again raised, with the option to move city hall and the community center to the former Sni-A-Bar Farm property currently owned by the City. This suggestion provoked the ire of Mayor Chuck Johnston, who asked, “How are we getting back to the farm? That has been voted down. The people said they wanted to maintain this land. I don’t know how we’re getting back to going back there.” “I can tell you that if we’re voting in January to move the police department back there (behind the Community
Center), if that’s going to go on the ballot. I can tell you today, I’m going to vote no for that. I don’t think the location is the right location,” Alderman Jayci Stratton said. “I feel like whoever has pushed all of this through so quick to have all of these meetings in December and have the vote in January didn’t listen in the beginning. Because we said could it be feasible to get back there, and that is what we were hoping to find out. Not to say, here it is, put it on the ballot,” Stratton said. “To me, our police station needs to be inviting. Back there, where are you going to see it?”, Alderman Rick Knox said. “I figured the design team would come back and say ‘nah’ you’re landlocking yourself in. You’ll have issues coming in and out. They’re already talking about building a separate road
see BOARD on page 9
Good News:
Community invited to enjoy Mudd Family Christmas Light Display Purple Peace Foundation and the Mudd Family invite you to bring your friends and family to explore the beauty of the Mudd Family’s home Christmas display this weekend. Located at 7809 S Arnett Road, Grain Valley, the setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll and the perfect holiday selfie. Friday, December 10th from 4:00 pm8:00 pm Saturday, December 11th from 4:00 pm8:00 pm
The grounds are lit, but guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight to light your way as you walk, as the ground can be uneven. This event is free although donations to the Purple Peace Foundation may be made on-site if you wish. For more information, please contact Stacey at 816 847-6856 or Stacey@PurplePeaceFoundation.org or Holly at 816 489-2220 or Holly@PurplePeaceFoundation.org.
In This Edition: Looking Back: Christmas in the Valley
3
Business: 6 New Year’ Year’s Tech Resolutions
4
Sports: Grain Valley takes fourth at home tournament
9
Valley’’s girls basketball team took first at the Winnetonka Cover Image: Grain Valley tournament last week. See page 9 for story. Photo credit; Michael Smith
2 A note to our readers regarding our print edition: When we launched Valley News in 2018, our mission was simple: to affirm a sense of community through our publication, sharing news of interest to Grain Valley citizens, and helping each of us learn more about our neighbors. In order to reach as many people as possible, we provided news at no cost to our readers both online weekly and in print on the first and third weeks of the month. The advertisers and sustaining members you see throughout this publication make this possible. We remain committed to providing free access to fair, comprehensive coverage of issues affecting residents.
In studying readership trends and surveys of our readers, the vast majority access stories online. In order to best leverage the resources we have and continue our coverage of local issues, we have decided to discontinue our print publication at the end of the year. As always, all content included in print editions will remain readily available on our website and new content will be posted each Thursday and when breaking news occurs. We appreciate your readership and support and wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Jackson County to waive online convenience and electronic check fees for property tax payments Jackson County announced that it is once again waiving the online convenience and electronic check (ACH) fees for this year’s property tax payments. The fees will be waived through December 31, 2021 for those who pay their property taxes online through County’s official portal myJacksonCounty. Residents are strongly encouraged to pay online to avoid long wait times in person due to limited staffing at the downtown County Courthouse and Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. “With the pandemic ongoing, we still have a responsibility to provide a safe way for residents to conduct business with us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “We know that waiving these fees is an effective way to do that and encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity by making their payment using our contactless and easy online system.” “We have made the decision to waive the $2.00 convenience fee and $1.25 ACH fee within myJacksonCounty to incentivize our residents to pay online,” Whitney Miller, Director of Collection said. “myJacksonCounty is an incredibly user friendly and secure way to pay your property taxes, all without having to leave the house. Online credit
card payments will still incur a 2.75% fee.” How to pay Jackson County property taxes online: Visit payments.jacksongov.org
Create an account or continue as guest
Link account and search by name, address or property account number View and pay your bills
Print or digitally store your receipts
Other contactless payment options: Exterior drop boxes for property tax payments are located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th St.) and at the south door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence (112 W. Lexington). Taxpayers can also mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalty. As a reminder, all County locations and the online payment vendor’s offices will be closed on December 31, 2021 in observation of the New Year.
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S Our advertisers support your local news. Support Small Business. Shop Local.
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 24-30, 2021.
November 24, 2021 900 Block of Red Bud 30000 Blk of NW Jefferson BB & Duncan Main & Jefferson
Disturbance Alarm Citizen Contact Stranded Motorist Main & 40 HWY Area Check 1200 Blk of NW Valley RD DR Disturbance 400 Blk of SW Joseph LN Disturbance Past 700 Blk of SW Ginger Hill DR Welfare Check 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact November 25, 2021 200 Block of Gregg ST Alarm 200 Block of Cross Creek DR Citizen Contact 700 Block of N Main Alarm November 26, 2021 400 Block of NW Europa DR 1200 Blk of NW Eagle Ridge 800 Block of San Karr 700 Block of Main November 27, 2021 Eagle Ridge & Hilltop 1100 Block of Main 1100 Blk of NE McQuerry RD 1300 Blk of NW Valley Woods 600 Block of Main ST 100 Block of Main 100 Block of Eagles PKWY 700 Block of Main 200 Block of Kim CT 700 Block of Main 200 Block of Barr 1100 Block of Sycamore November 28, 2021 700 Block of Whitestone 400 Block of Laura LN 700 Block of Main
Area Check Noise Complaint Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Area Check Citizen Contact Theft From Auto Stealing Suspicious Activity Alarm Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Alarm Citizen Contact Harassment Assault
Assault Citizen Contact Walk In-Civil Matter 1300 NW Valley Woods CT Motor Vehicle Accident 200 Block of Parker Stealing Past 1300 Blk of Valley Woods CT Agency AssistCJC
November 29, 2021 200 Block Main St
Suspicious Activity 1300 Block NW Hilltop Ln Identity Theft 200 Block Rock Creek Dr Disturbance 600 Block Main St Debris in Roadway 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 200 Block Main St Suspicious Activity 1200 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Motor Vehicle Accident 600 Blk Buckner-Tarsney Rd Property Damage / Trespass 700 Block Main St Walk In Report Missing Juvenile 600 Block Yennie Ave Disturbance 600 Block Yennie Ave Stand by to Prevent 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Walk in Report Assault 1500 Block NE Jaclyn Dr Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Suspicious Activity November 30, 2021 SW Eagles/ W. City Limits
Motor Vehicle Accident 1200 Blk Buckner Tarsney Suspicious Activity 900 Block SW Shorthorn Agency Assist OPPD 700 Block SW Cross Creek Dr Noise Complaint 300 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Disturbance 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Fingerprints 500 Block SW Eagles Pkwy K9 Search 300 Block Yennie Ave Disturbance 700 Block Main St Agency Assist DFS 700 Block Main St Walk in Report Stealing 1300 Block NW Crestwood Dr Disturbance Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 4 Order of Protection: 3
Looking Back
3
Looking Back: Christmas in the Valley by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
I wrote a portion of this week’s article for The Voice, a monthly Historical Society newsletter, back in 2017. I find that today, 4 years later, while my memories are still fresh, I still haven’t been able to learn “who was that man behind the beard?” Who doesn’t have memories of Christmas, regardless of your heritage?
Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or any number of secular or religious holidays, they all share a common thread...family!! How did/does your family spend the holidays? After nearly twenty-one months of some type of Covid “lockdown,” Grain Valley residents are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends. One common thread seems to be Christmas will be spread out over several days as different children and grandchildren will be arriving at different times. Some responded with, “this is the year our son/daughter will be spending Christmas with their wife/husband’s family.” It made me think back to the 1950s and 1960s and a less mobile society. Some families might have two Christmas dinners, but they were usually on the same day and only a few blocks or miles apart. ! I suspect growing up in Grain Valley in those days was quite similar to many small towns. From Thanksgiving until December 25, the routine was much the same each year. At school, our music teacher began rehearsals for the annual! Christmas pageant. I do not recall many specifics about those years, but I do remember in first grade that all of the girls in my class were dolls. I wore a white frilly blouse and a red taffeta skirt. My mother attached bows on the ruffle with tiny bells that jingled when I danced. Each year the pageant had a theme and every grade performs along with the high school choral groups and the band. We probably had a cast of 250 students. By the late 1950s we had grown so much we had to have two programs, one for the elementary students and
one for the junior high and high school. Did any of you take part in one of the pageants? Sometime in the mid 1950s, Tom Heidelberger planted an evergreen tree on the southwest corner of Front Street and Main. In those days that was the City Park. We still had the old railroad station where mail was delivered until about 1960. The city park was also the site of “free shows” in the summer. ! Each year in early December, Tom would sting the tree with colored lights. It became the town Christmas tree and remained so well into the 1970s. What began as a little tree about 5 or 6 feet tall, grew to be quite large. For many years, Tom provided more and more lights to the growing tree. Does anyone recall when the tree was cut down? On the last Saturday before Christmas, Santa arrived in town to pass out candy and ask the age-old question, “What do you want Santa to bring you this year?”! At that time there were only three churches in Grain Valley, but each one prepared for the holiday. Three of the biggest cedar trees in the area were chopped down as each Church add a
tree to their sanctuary and a wreathe to the front door. Each of the churches had a Christmas Eve service. The Christmas story was acted out by the young people complete with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men and, of course, angels, which were always girls! And then, after the scriptures and singing, there was Santa Claus! Santa always came to school, too. He visited the all-school assembly and he made it to the elementary classrooms, too. Do any of you remember the “faces” of Santa? I’ve been trying to remember and have asked several people. If you are reading this story and can give me an answer, I would love to know. Also, if you have photographs of Christmas in Grain Valley PLEASE consider sharing some with the Historical Society. Scan the photo and email to me at MLNMIZZOU@gmail.com. Or get them to me and I will scan and return the original. Remember, they don’t have to be “old” to be historical. 2021 will soon be “history” to future generations. Please help us to preserve that history.
Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
F i rs t B a p t i s t C h u r c h G ra i n Va l l e y www.grainvalleyfirst.com
Michael Smith | Staff Writer, Sports Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @grainvalleynews
Sign up at www.grainvalleynews.com to have Valley News delivered weekly to your inbox.
Business
4 6 New Year’s Tech Resolutions by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert Happy New Year everyone! With the new year, I'm sure you want to make positive changes in your life. With resolutions, we always tend to focus on improving our relationships, finances, and health. With technology playing a big role in our lives, you need to consider changes to your digital life as well. The good news is that you don't have to be a technology expert to resolve to get better with the tech in your life. Not sure where to start? Well, I've put together a list of tech resolutions that will help you get more from the technology you use at home and work.
accounts. If you don't, your accounts can become susceptible to 'credential stuffing' which is where criminals use your information leaked in data breaches to take over your online accounts.
1. Get Serious About Cyber Security. Cybercrime was huge in 2021 and it's only going to get worse in 2022. First, understand that all of your devices have the protection you need against threats on the internet. As long as you keep your devices up to date, you are protected. Most of the scams and viruses require user interaction in order to cause problems, so be cautious of websites you visit and emails that show up in your inbox. If your information was leaked in a data breach, make sure you take action immediately, by changing your passwords for your online
3. Keep Your Devices and Accounts Secure. You want to make sure your computers and smart devices are password protected and your accounts have different passwords. If you haven't enabled 2-factor authentication for your online accounts, you need to do it immediately. This way, if your accounts are compromised, criminals can't get access to your information.
2. Be Kind To Your Data. If you love your data, you will want to make sure you are backing up your precious data automatically ... to the cloud. External hard drives are great, but if you're like most people you don't hook them up to your devices all of the time to perform a backup. Cloud backup offers the ability to have your device information saved as a backup as soon as you create it on your device.
4. Show Your Devices Some Love. Upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 this
Businesses: Get on our 2022 calendar for a feature article Grain Valley Businesses! We are
planning our editorial calendar for 2022, and we would like to feature your
Follow Local First Grain Valley on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @localfirstgv.
business. If you would like us to feature your business in an upcoming edition, email news@grainvalleynews.com to get on our schedule.
month. If you have a Mac, you need to update to High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina. Make sure your smartphone, tablets and your smart home devices have the latest security updates installed to keep you safe from all of the bad things and people on the Internet.
house where technology use isn't allowed. Life is short, make sure you're making the most out of it.
5. Unclutter your Devices and get Rid of Old Tech. Yes, you spent money on those devices, but when they are obsolete it's time to get rid of them. Take them to your favorite recycling center or give them away to someone who can still use them. Some places like Amazon offer tradeins on old technology. While you're trashing your old tech, delete those old programs and files to keep your devices clutter-free.
Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on our YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts is always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
6. Set Boundaries with Yourself and Your Family. Don't let your digital life take over your real life. Modern technology is designed to keep you and your family plugged in so you become addicted to your devices. Most adults have the brainpower to switch off technology, but if you have younger members in your household, it can be hard for their brains to disconnect. Choose times and areas in your
If you follow these tech resolutions for the new year, you should have a worry-free and enjoyable digital lifestyle for yourself and your family.
Home & Garden
5
Autumn leaves: from trash to treasure Adapted from Missouri Environment and Gardening article by Dr. David Trinklein, University of Missouri Still have leaves to rake up? The vivid colors of autumn leaves were an attractive sight. However, once they fall and accumulate in the yard, leaves can become a problem. Dealing with autumn leaves can be labor-intensive and, at times, a frustrating task. Especially when leaves keep blowing into one's yard from neighboring homes, making the process seem never ending! Proper use of fall leaves can maintain a healthy, attractive landscape. When allowed to accumulate over turfgrass and low ornamental plants, leaves can pack down and form a tight mat, particularly during the course of a wet winter. A thick layer of leaves can block sunlight from reaching turfgrass, thus reducing the ability of plants to manufacture food in the fall. Cool season turfgrass species such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue need fall sunlight. On the other hand, fallen leaves represent a valuable resource that too many gardeners overlook. In addition to containing modest amounts of certain essential mineral elements (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), they are a rich source of organic matter. Organic matter helps build good soil structure. Bagging, burning, or discarding autumn leaves is not a sound decision from an ecological or economic point of view. One way to recycle autumn leaves is to mulch them into the lawn. When leaves are still damp, adjust your lawn mower to its highest setting and start mowing. By using a crisscross pattern and double-mowing, leaves often can be reduced to the size of confetti. So-called "mulching mowers" are especially proficient at shredding fallen leaves. The tiny pieces of leaves will gradually filter into the lawn and begin to decompose. The end result will be the release of nutrients for use by the turfgrass. Research has demonstrated that a layer of leaves up to six inches thick can be mulched into the lawn with no ill effects. Leaves can be incorporated into the lawn with a mulching mower. Composting is another way to turn leaves into a useful soil amendment. Compost is partially decomposed organic matter created by soil organisms that break down plant matter. Compost is beneficial for improving soil because it binds small soil particles together making them larger. This "aggregation" of soil particles helps improve aeration, root penetration and water movement. Compost bins can be made from
salvaged materials such as shipping pallets. A backyard compost pile can be almost any size that is convenient for the space available. However, for best results, it should be no less than about 25 square feet in area at its base and three feet in height. As a rule, larger compost piles are better than smaller ones. Whatever the size, always locate a compost pile in an area that is well -drained. Find more information on composting in this MU Publication “Making and Using Compost”https://extension.missouri.edu/ publications/g6956 MU Extension is offerin g a free online compost webinar on December 16, 6 - 8pm. Register by calling 573573-581581-3231 or at this link https://web.cvent.com/ event/41265a8f-f564-4de2-9281c5ee5b3e81b0/regProcessStep1 Autumn leaves can also be made into leaf mold. This is an organic material consisting of partially decomposed leaves. Unlike traditional compost that undergoes a heat-generating, bacterially-driven process, leaf mold is produced through a cooler and much slower fungal-driven process. Leaf mold is made much the same way as compost, only no additional nitrogen is added. The resulting partially decomposed material is an excellent additive to soil. It can be mixed in during tillage, or used as a surface mulch for weed control. In addition to mulching leaves into the lawn or turning them into compost or leaf mold, they can be used as a mulch to protect tender plants (e.g., azaleas and rhododendrons) in the landscape. The best leaves for this use are those are very stiff and do not collapse (form a dense mat) during wet weather. Oak leaves are excellent for use as winter mulch. When used as mulch, leaves should be enclosed in a wire cylinder placed around the plant to keep them in place. Have more gardening questions? Contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline 816 - 833 - TREE(8733) or email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com Presented by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu
Leaves can be incorporate d into the lawn with a mulching mower. Comp ost bins can be made from salvaged materials such as shipping pallets. Photo courtesy University of Missouri Extension
6 Capitol Report Representative Jeff Coleman, District 32 Bill PrePre -Filing for the 2022 Legislative Session Begins The 2022 legislative session officially begins Wednesday, January 5 and lawmakers are working feverishly to have their legislation ready for consideration by the start of session. Wednesday, Dec. 1 marked the first day legislators could pre -file legislation for the upcoming session. The first day of bill pre-filing saw members of the Missouri House introduce hundreds of legislative priorities for next year. My office was a part of the pre-filing frenzy and I am excited for the upcoming session. To date, I have filed five bills: HB 1642, HB 1641, HB 1643, HB 1638, and HJR 80. As I have stated in the past, human trafficking is a problem in our great state. HB 1638 and HB 1643 battle human trafficking with legislation against money laundering and racketeering. I have another piece of legislation that my office is working on in regards to stricter penalties for those found guilty of patronizing prostitution. I hope to have this bill filed by the end of December. HB 1641 is in response to an employer mandated COVID vaccine, outlining that if an employer demands their employee to be vaccinated the employer is financially responsible for any negative outcome faced by their
employee as a result of the vaccine. HB 1642 allows an individual to apply for a conceal and carry permit at any state county office and makes the county fee consistent throughout the state. HJR 80 is regarding property tax. This will be the third time I have filed a bill regarding property tax and I am hopeful that the age old saying, ‘third time is the charm’ will be accurate. HJR 80 seeks to keep the real estate property assessment value from increasing more than two percent annually. This will help keep those that are retired, or on a fixed income to stay in their family homes. If passed, HJR 80 will be placed on the ballot for the people of Missouri to vote on. By noon on Dec. 1 House members had introduced more than 250 bills, which put them on a record pace for pre -filing. Legislators pre-filed a total of 288 bills on the first day of pre-filing in 2020. In comparison, the first day of pre-filing saw 315 bills introduced in 2019, 161 bills in 2018, and 195 bills in 2017. Legislators filed legislation dealing with a wide variety of topics. Issues addressed by the pre-filed bills range from vaccine mandates to critical race theory to protections for the unborn. To keep informed on the bills that are prefiled in the House, please visit the official website of the Missouri House of Representatives at www.house.mo.gov and click on the “Pre-filed Bills” link.
Attorney General Schmitt Asks Legislators to Consider Parents’ Parents’ Bill of Rights As lawmakers prepare to discuss a wide range of topics during the 2022 legislative session, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is asking them to work on a Parents’ Bill of Rights. The bill of rights would protect parents’ rights to have a well-informed say in their children’s education, strengthen parents’ abilities to take action related to their children’s education, and increase transparency in Missouri’s schools. “The Parents’ Bill of Rights empowers parents, and increases transparency in school curricula and materials. It is my hope that the legislature will pass this crucial legislation to improve education for millions of children across the state,” said Schmitt. The proposed legislation would give parents a right to know about and approve of their child’s health care decisions, have access to health and mental health records, educational materials and curriculum, and would require parents to consent to biometric scans, DNA extractions, and video/voice recordings. The legislation would give parents a right to be notified of investigations involving their child. As part of the Parents’ Bill of Rights, each school will be required to develop a policy that would guarantee parents a right to: Participate in their child’s education; View the curriculum their child is being taught; Receive information on all extracurricular clubs at the school; Receive information on school choice, including Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts; Understand the process to exempt their child from immunizations; and Receive information about enrolling their child in individual educational plans or gifted programs. Further, the Parents’ Bill of Rights would require the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a Missouri Transparency Portal that would track and create easy access for parents to view: School curriculum; Other related source materials;
Professional development trainings for teachers; and A list of speakers and guest lecturers within each school and related costs. The legislation also would create a legal right for parents to file lawsuits against school districts that violate the law. Treasurer Fitzpatrick to Launch Annual 12 Days of Unclaimed Property Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is once again reminding Missourians to check the Unclaimed Property list. Beginning December 1 and continuing through December 16, the @MOTreasurer Twitter and Facebook accounts will encourage Missourians to search the Unclaimed Property database for their names and others they know. All posts will use the hashtag #12DaysofUCP. Fitzpatrick said, “My office holds over $1 billion in Unclaimed Property and we want to return it to rightful owners—especially as we approach the holidays and Missourians find increased costs at the gas pump and on grocery store shelves this season. While these social posts take a tonguein-cheek tone about some of the items in the unclaimed property vault and names on the list, I hope Missourians will take a serious look and maybe find an unexpected holiday gift.” State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over unclaimed assets to the Treasurer’s Office. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits, and wages from past jobs. The Treasurer’s Office currently manages over $1 billion in unclaimed assets in more than five million owner accounts. Unclaimed Property is waiting for one in ten Missourians, and the average return is nearly $300. Missourians can search and claim Unclaimed Property year-round at ShowMeMoney.com. ShowMeMoney.com
7 BOARD continued from page 7 for PD to come in and out on their own,” Knox said. “If you put it back there, thirty years from now, the people sitting up here are going to be saying, ‘What were they thinking?’” Several board members stated they believed the study was just to determine if the site behind the community center was even feasible for a police station, and that an actual plan to present to voters was not a part of what was approved. The City’s bid notice from June 2021 states “After multiple workshops and a citizen survey, the Board has directed staff to solicit proposals from design firms for the feasibility, design and construction of a new police station on the former football field directly behind the pavilion which is city owned property.” The discussion of what exactly board members expected from the feasibility study continued, with members reiterating that while it may be feasible, they do not support a police building being located at the proposed site behind the current community center building. “Alright, so it’s feasible. We’ve got feasibility decided. So now we’re just changing completely because of what?,” Johnston said. “It’s been no secret from me that I have not felt that location was a good
location. That’s been my stance the whole time,” Stratton said. “I honestly, to tell you the truth Mayor, I thought the designers would come back and say ‘what are you thinking’?”, Knox said. “I’ve been quiet this whole time. I’m embarrassed the way this is going. What I hear is the aldermen saying they don’t want this. I hear that we don’t want it there. We’re all in agreement,” Alderman Darren Mills said. “We were elected by the people to represent and that is what we need to do.” “I don’t know why we wasted money on a feasibility study back there when you knew you didn’t want it back there,” Johnston said. “Well, Mayor, we need to get it right,” Knox said. “I understand that,” Johnston said. “No, you don’t seem to,” Knox said. “We have all decided that we have checked that, but we don’t think it is the best for the City now or 50 years from now.” Johnston once again pressed why the board voted to approve a feasibility study knowing they did not want the station located behind the community center. Knox interjected, “To appease you, because we always voting against you. So we said alright, let’s let Chuck…”. “So, you spend money on a feasibility
Please Note: Valley News Holiday Break Our final edition of 2021 will be December 16, 2021.
Valley News will be on holiday break December 17—31st. Our weekly news will resume January 6th.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year!
study for something you don’t want,” Johnston interjected. “We actually figured…they’d tell us ‘no’”, Knox said. “Good reason to spend money on a study,” Johnston said. A citizen’s study group, consisting of two representatives from each of the City’s three wards and one at-large member, has been working with architectural design firm Hoefer Welker in multiple meetings over the past month to develop plans for the new station. The group toured the current station with Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale, went on site visits to stations throughout the metro area, and met over several evenings to develop a plan in preparation for the planned December 14th open house event. City Administrator Ken Murphy brought up the planned December 14th meeting, inquiring if the meeting should proceed given the current discussion. “I think we cancel that meeting,” Johnston said. “If you could relay (my gratitude) to this team of people. Because I greatly respect the amount of time and thought and consideration that they put into everything,” Stratton said. “I don’t want them to feel that their time is wasted, because I think their input is still valuable.” Murphy said the work completed by the committee could still inform future
planning for a police station, as the board does agree that the need for a new facility exists. Reached for comment following the meeting, Mayor Johnston stated, “I’m extremely disappointed. If they were going to vote in a feasibility study and don’t like the way it turns out, why waste money on it? We originally voted that we wanted to see if it is feasible. The only reason to see if it is feasible is if we’re going to do it, not to appease me. The citizen survey we did said that the voters wanted us to try to use this land rather than waste the money elsewhere. Now we’re back to this same garbage again. I’m trying to do what the voters want and think. They’re elected by the voters. The voters said what they wanted to do. We spent a lot of money once they said they wanted to see what was feasible there. If they did that to appease me, that was not the right thing. Their reasoning was wrong,” Johnston said. Knox reiterated his stance after the meeting, “I just don’t feel that it is the best location for the taxpayers money.” Asked whether the planned December 14th community meeting to discuss the police station would proceed, City Administrator Ken Murphy stated, “TBD” (to be determined). “I’ll be making some phone calls tomorrow morning.”
Your Health
8
Bipartisan Missouri legislation aims to provide a year of health care for new moms by Tessa Weinberg, Missouri Independent (www.missouriindependent.com)
Faced with over a year’s delay from the state social services department on implementing extended mental health care for new moms, a bipartisan effort now aims to expand health care coverage more broadly for low-income pregnant women. Legislation filed last week by Sens. Elaine Gannon, R-De Soto, and Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, would extend health care coverage for low-income women from 60 days after giving birth to a full year. It’s a key recommendation that a state board of experts studying maternal mortality in Missouri issued earlier this year, in a state where women on Medicaid are four times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy compared to those with private health insurance. Black women are also four times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than white women, the report found. “We do have kind of a dismal record here,” Schupp said,” and we have the ability and the capability to change it.” A large portion of mothers who, in the past, would have lost coverage soon after giving birth will now be able to obtain health care coverage thanks to expanded Medicaid eligibility. The legislation aims to help another group, who have slightly higher incomes but only receive Medicaid coverage while pregnant and immediately afterwards. The bills also seek to capitalize on a provision within the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in March that allows for states to extend the postpartum coverage for the next five years. It has bipartisan support, with the Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Accountability and Taxpayer Protection — which both Schupp and Gannon served on — recommending in a report issued last week that the coverage be extended and funding be appropriated to help pay for it. It has the backing of health care groups, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Missouri State Medical Association, who testified in support of the topic at a hearing in October. It’s also a rare point of
agreement for politicians and groups on both sides of the abortion issue. Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri, said research has shown that when new moms have access to care, their newborns have better health outcomes too “A woman who has a difficult pregnancy and continues her pregnancy to term… a certain number are going to have ongoing problems because of that,” Lee said. “And we don’t think that she should be punished in any way, because she made that choice of life for her baby and for herself.” Expanding coverage Advocates and lawmakers hope that expanding health care coverage will help reduce the number of women who die within a year of pregnancy — a figure that has been on the rise in Missouri. According to the Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board’s most recent report, for every 100,000 live births in Missouri, there were 33 pregnancyrelated deaths in 2018, the most recent year data is available. About 82% of those deaths were determined to be preventable. That’s up from a rate of 26 deaths per 100,000 births in 2017, and puts Missouri at 42nd nationwide in terms of its maternal mortality rate, according to America’s Health Rankings. “We don’t do well,” said Sen. Bill White, a Joplin Republican and chair of the interim Senate committee. “And we want to do better, of course.” Currently, women are eligible for postpartum coverage for 60 days if they’re enrolled in either MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women — which covers women who make up to 196% of the federal poverty level, or a little over $34,200 a year for a family of two — or the Show-Me Healthy Babies Program, which covers those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, but earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The current postpartum coverage of two months covers only about one follow -up visit, said Casey Hanson, the director of outreach and engagement for Kids Win
Missouri, a coalition of organizations that advocate for child well-being. “So many things can occur to a mom in the first year postpartum, whether that be mental health issues arising or dealing with the stress of being a new parent,” Hanson said. “Oftentimes, the body has gone through major trauma and so a lot of things can pop up.” Losing health insurance after the 60-day coverage period runs out can add to a mom’s stress, Hanson said. Between 2015 to 2017, about 23% of Missouri women whose births were paid for by Medicaid were uninsured after giving birth, according to a March report from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, a nonpartisan agency that analyzes data and issues recommendations to Congress and states. The Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board’s report also found that in 2018, nearly two-thirds of pregnancyrelated deaths occurred in Missouri between 43 days and one year after giving birth. Delays in mental health coverage It’s unclear how much extending postpartum coverage to a year would cost. Fiscal notes have yet to be drafted for either Schupp or Gannon’s bills. The ultimate cost will also be impacted by Medicaid expansion. With Medicaid expansion now in effect, more single women are eligible for health care if they make less than $17,774 a year. However, an estimated 6,200 women would still have incomes too high to qualify for benefits under Medicaid expansion and would still lose health care coverage after 60 days, according to a Missouri Foundation for Health brief that looked at enrollment numbers as of February 2020. As of Dec. 2, 21 states have implemented, passed legislation to seek approval or signaled their intention to extend postpartum coverage to a full year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on national health issues. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, the extended postpartum coverage can
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S
begin April 1. Gannon’s version of the bill sets coverage implementation a year later on April 1, 2023. Gannon could not be reached for comment Friday. Lee said he hopes to see the legislation passed as soon as possible, even possibly getting funding included in a supplemental budget that is typically passed earlier in the session. Both Schupp and Gannon’s bills include emergency clauses, which would allow them to become law immediately upon Gov. Mike Parson’s signature. Schupp also said she has worked with staff from Parson’s office on the issue, and expressed optimism that it may be included in the governor’s budget recommendations. A spokeswoman for the governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. “That would be fantastic if it started there,” Schupp said. This year’s efforts to expand health care coverage more broadly for pregnant women, follows a lack of movement from the Department of Social Services (DSS) on an expansion of mental health care that lawmakers already passed last year. In 2020, Parson signed into law an omnibus healthcare bill that included a provision added by Schupp that would extend mental health treatment for postpartum depression or other mental health conditions from 60 days to a year for women receiving Medicaid benefits. But the coverage has yet to be implemented. At a Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect hearing last month, Schupp presssed DSS officials for why extended coverage had yet to begin. Caitlin Whaley, the department’s director of legislation and communications, said that it was because funding had not been expressly appropriated for the new coverage by lawmakers. “I got, frankly, different stories from the Department of Social Services about what happened,” Schupp said in an interview. “But as it turns out, they never filed a waiver” with the Centers for see HEALTH on page 9
Our advertisers support your local news. Support Small Business. Shop Local. Online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com
Sports
9
Grain Valley takes fourth at home tournament by Michael Smith
Several high-quality teams competed in the Grain Valley Invitational wrestling tournament Saturday, December 4th. After losing a handful of seniors from last season’s team, the host Eagles showed they will still have a strong team for the 2021-22 season. Grain Valley took fourth, finishing with 184.5 points, just four points behind third-place Van Horn. Liberty North won the tournament with 283 points. The Eagles had a pair of wrestlers win their brackets and five other place in the top four of their respective weight classes.
Tanner Barker (152), who was a state qualifier last season at 138 pounds, got an impressive win in the finals against Odessa’s Shon Badder, who is a threetime state medalist and a one-time state champion. The Grain Valley junior overcame a 20 deficit and got a takedown and near fall in the third period to earn a 6-4 victory and improve to 7-0 on the season. “I wrestled him before and he had the same game plan and didn’t really switch it up,” Baker said of Badder. “I just kept snap faking and he was getting
tired of it. I just pressured and he broke.” While Barker is someone who could make some noise for the Eagles this season, Dru Azcona (126) is a junior who could do the same. The two-time state qualifier got pins in four out of five of his tournament matches and capped it with a dominant 7-0 win against Fort Osage’s Rylan Mansfield. “It’s not going to be the last (win), that’s all I can say,” Azcona said. “I want to keep going and hopefully get to the top.” Gavin Parks (113) took second for the
Eagles after winning his first four matches and getting pinned by Liberty North’s Michael Domino in his final bout. Jace Worthington (170) got pinned in the semifinals by Liberty North’s Nathan Sola, but rebounded for 11-0 major decision in the third-place match against Keaton Belsha. Colston Parks (106) was fifth, Brock Smith (120) was fourth, Tyler Groves (132) was fifth, Kollin Hanshuld (138) was fourth, O.T. Frederick (195) was fourth and Andrew Czeschin (285) was fifth.
Grain Valley gets defensive to win Winnetonka tournament by Michael Smith Grain Valley head girls basketball coach Randy Draper said he knew his team was going to be good going into the 2021-22 season. However, he didn’t expect his team to play the way it did through its first three games in the Winnetonka Tournament. And that’s a good thing. The Eagles dominated, winning by an average margin of 28.3 points per game and that was capped by their 64-29 blowout of Grandview in the championship game of the Cardinal Division Friday at Winnetonka High School. “I didn’t think we could do what we did tonight yet,” Draper said of his thoughts before the season started. “We were really good tonight! We just shared the ball and played. People love watching the girls play because of how they share the ball.” A big reason for the rout was the defense, especially in the first half. Grain Valley held Grandview to just 10 points in the first 16 minutes. The team closed out and contested 3-point shooters, didn’t allow players to get open off screens and made good rotations to make it tough for the Bulldogs to get open looks or layups. “They have some great offensive players like Ciaira Smith, and we knew if we wanted to be in this game, we would have to defend, and that’s what kept us in the game,” said Eagles junior Grace Slaughter, who outscored Grandview by herself with a game-high 30 points, 29 of which came in the first half. “We were able to get the defensive boards, push the ball and get layups. And we hustled back on defense so they couldn’t get their offense going.”
Sophomore point guard McKenah Sears scored all five of her points in the third quarter to help Grain Valley extend its lead to 55-24 going in a fourth period in which they had a turbo clock. In the final period, the Eagles outscored the Bulldogs 9-5. “Offensively, we were really good. We were good on both ends,” Draper said. “We’ve been as good as we’ve been. (Smith) over there is a great player and they have a couple girls who shoot it well, too. We did a pretty good job getting to them and did a good job rebounding the basketball.” While Slaughter dominated on offense like she usually does, sophomore shooting guard Finley LaForge has emerged as another scoring threat for the Eagles. In this game, she had 16 points, including a trio of 3-pointers. “People don’t understand how good she is,” Draper said. “They’re starting to figure that out. She’s just a good basketball player. She sees people, she sees Grace and she can shoot it.” Slaughter echoed Draper’s sentiments. “It just makes me so excited because that just makes multiple threats on a team,” Slaughter said. “Getting both going on offense … teams can’t always (play zone defense or man-to-man defense). We have so many different scoring threats. Meghan (Knust) in the short corner, Ella (Clyman), Finley and McKenah (Sears) are all hitting threes.” Slaughter was named to the alltournament team after averaging 34.6 points per game.
first--place trophy after a The Grain Valley girls basketball team celebrates with the first 64--29 win over Grandview in the finals of the Winnetonka Tournament's Cardinal 64 Division. Photo credit: Michael Smith
HEALTH continued from page 7 Medicare and Medicaid Services. DSS did submit a waiver to federal regulators for a similar bill that lawmakers passed in 2018 extending postpartum coverage for substance abuse treatment from 60 days to a year. That coverage will be implemented at the start of next year. Mental health conditions were determined to be the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in 2018, the
Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board found. If lawmakers and advocates are successful in expanding health care coverage more broadly in the upcoming session through both legislation and funding, mental health treatment would be included. “The time to act on this is really now,” Hanson said, later adding: “We don’t need to go piecemeal, when we’re able to do it for everyone.”
Community Calendar December 13, 2021
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall
December 14, 2021
Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas 10:00am—10:45am Celebrate this festive season while singing along to holiday tunes! Jim will read from his book, Hark It's Harold the Angel. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360/ at the scheduled day and time.
December 20, 2021— 2021— January 2, 2022
Grain Valley Schools— Schools—Holiday Break
December 21, 2021
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Mr. Stinky Feet 10:00am—10:45am Let's rock 'n roll and shake off our cabin fever! To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360/ at the scheduled day and time. Frosty Morning: Sounds of Christmas 7:00pm—7:45pm Get into the spirit of Christmas as Frosty Morning presents a collection of holiday
favorites on Hammered Dulcimer and Guitar. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time.
December 21, 2021
Mad Science Holiday Show December 22, 2021 4:00pm—4:45pm Celebrate the season with Mad Science! Students will visit Santa Eggbert, defrost a snowman, and watch bubbling bubbles of fun in this wacky holiday adventure. Program registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program. So please include your email in the registration. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited.
Add your community event free online at www.grainvalleynews.com.
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S Our advertisers support your local news. Support Small Business. Shop Local.