February 11, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 6
O n l i n e w e e k l y a t w w w. g r a i n v a l l e y n e w s . c o m
Board approves Mercado CID, patrol car purchase
Good News: Registration Begins for Class of 2034 Registration for students beginning Kindergarten in August 2021 is now open. Students must turn 5 years old on or before July 31, 2021 to begin school next August. To enroll, parents will need to establish a log in with the PowerSchool portal on the Grain Valley Schools website, www.grainvalleyschools.org.
FREE
The following items are needed for registration: Certified Birth Certificate (stateissued with seal) Immunization Records Proof of Residency: must include parent/guardian name and address printed on the paperwork (water, electric or gas bill no more than 30 days old)
The Board of Aldermen met virtually February 8th, approving the establishment of the Mercado Community Improvement District, a conditional use permit for a vehicle tow yard, and the purchase of two new patrol cars for the police department. The Board approved an ordinance, allowing for a the establishment of the Mercado Community Improvement District located west of S. Buckner Tarsney Road and abuts the north side of NE McQuerry Road. The district covers approximately 12 acres with properties
assessed at a value of $131,849. STAR Acquisitions, Inc. and the City worked on the development incentive program which is expected to provide 85,000 square feet of fast food, retail, office, and industrial use. Construction is expected to begin by December 2021 and be completed by December 2024. The Board, in its first of two readings, overruled a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to grant a one-year conditional use permit for a vehicle tow yard operated by
see BOARD on page 5
MDC reminds pet owners about possibility of coyote encounters this time of year by Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
In This Edition: Looking Back: The Jackson County Sentinel
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Business: Centerpoint among top 5 percent of hospitals
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Your Health: Have a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day
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Sports: The Chiefs Super Bowl hangover may last awhile
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Cover Photo: Much of the Midwest is under the grip of a polar vortex, with windchills below zero expected through the weekend. Grain Valley High School is pictured with a dusting of snow and a cool grey sky on February 10th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Breeding season for coyotes begins in February, which makes them more active this time of year. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it’s important to be vigilant of pets during this time in areas where coyotes are known to live. Unlike many other kinds of wildlife, coyotes adapt particularly well around human development and coexist with people in many places. These areas can include municipal parks and other urban green space, golf courses, cemeteries, suburban wooded common areas, and even within subdivisions themselves. As a result, it’s possible for encounters to occur between these wild canines and people’s pets. Coyotes have also been known on occasion to attack small dogs. However, MDC Wildlife Damage Biologist Tom Meister said that coyotes may attack family pets not as a food source, but because instead they see them as
Coyotes typically breed in February and March. MDC says it’s important to be vigilant of pets this time of year in areas where coyotes are known to live. Photo credit: MDC territorial competition. According to Meister, one of the secrets behind the coyote’s survival success is their diet. “A true scavenger, the coyote will eat just about anything, including: foxes, groundhogs, mice, rabbits, squirrels,
see COYOTES on page 5
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Police Blotter
Jackson County Food Inspection Report Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days: Casey's General Store #2209 1251 AA Hwy Fountain machine had grime buildup underneath by nozzles. Correct by 3/13/21. Observed dust build up on ceiling tiles above make ready table. Fryer vent hood in the kitchen has dust and grease built up. Correct by 3/13/21. The walk in freezer had boxes of food stored on the floor because lack of storage space. Correct by 3/13/21. Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 2/11. Stony Point Elementary 1001 SW Ryan Rd. Observed a significant ice buildup in the outdoor walk in freezer. Correct by 3/14/21. McDonald's 712 N. Main St. No violations reported. Matthews Elementary 144 McQuerry Rd. No violations reported. Lin's Kitchen 111 SW Eagles Pkwy. Observed several containers of food without dates, all food was immediately dated. Corrected on site. The can opener blade had a stuck on food debris, can opener was immediately cleaned and sanitized. Corrected on site. Observed food being stored on the floor, food was immediately moved onto a shelf. Corrected on site. Prairie Branch Elementary School 2100 Dillingham Rd. No violations reported. Sni-a-Bar Elementary 701 SW Eagles Pkwy No violations reported. Porky's Blazin Bar-B-Q 9512 S Buckner Tarsney Road Observed an unlabeled chemical bottle, chemical bottle was immediately dated. Corrected on site. Grain Valley South Middle School 901 SW Ryan Rd. Sandwich and yogurt cooler thermometer missing from the cooler. Corrected on site.
Quik Trip # 259 1110 N. Buckner Tarsney Rd. Noticed soda spill on the floor by the bag in the boxes. Corrected on site. Noticed a bucket of sanitizer in the kitchen area too low in chemicals. Corrected on site. Noticed a box of plastic to go cups on the floor. Corrected on site. Cheezteak Company 1452 SW. Eagles Parkway The nozzles on the lobby soda machine had a buildup of dirty grime. Corrected on site. The lid and outside of the 5 gallon bucket of sugar had a build up of dirt and dust. Correct by 4/5/21. The cutting boards had stains and a large amount of deep cut marks. Correct by 4/5/21. Failed to provide current food handler permits. Three employees. Correct by 3/6/21. Sonic Drive In 706 N. Main St. Noticed the scoop in the bin was buried by the bread in the bin. Corrected on site. Noticed the monitors over the ice cream topping had a soil build up. Correct by 2/5/21. Handwashing sink in the area did not have trash cans. Correct by 2/5/21. Taco Bell 1101 N Buckner Tarsney Rd. Walk in cooler and freezer had cardboard debris. Correct by 4/6/21. No paper towels at the handwashing sink. Corrected on site. Employee placed paper towels at the handwashing sink. Vent hood over the steamer had black build up. Correct by 4/6/21. El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 102 Buckner-Tarsney Rd. A. Boxes of food were stored on the floor of the walk in cooler (REPEAT). B. Food container was missing its lid in the food storage area (REPEAT). Correct by 4/10/21. Broken floor tiles along the wall, under the rice container in the food storage area. Correct by 4/10/21. Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 3/11. Temp-Stop #117 723 Main Street Food was being labeled for discard at 10 -14 days from the day is was thawed. CORRECTED. Manager immediately redated the food because it has been prepared less than 7 days before. Wet wiping cloths were stored on the counters when not in use. Correct by 3/28/21.
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The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 27-February 2, 2021. January 27, 2021 I-70 EB Pamela and Jefferson 1200 Block Eagle Ridge 1200 Block Graystone McQuerry and Lefoltz 600 Block Walnut 900 Block Hawthorn Ct
Shut Down Interstate Agency Assist Traffic Control Stealing Motor Vehicle Accident Traffic Control Check the Well Being Suspicious Activity
January 28, 2021 600 Block Yennie 500 Block Bailey 600 Block Whitney Ct 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Check the Well Being Stealing Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact
January 29, 2021 1200 Block Valley Ridge 600 Block Yennie 200 Block 3rd St 600 Block Yennie 300 Block Jefferson 200 Block Gregg St US 40 Hwy & Sni-A-Bar 100 Block Broadway 1300 Block Jefferson 1300 Block Valley Woods Ct January 30, 2021 BB Hwy & Echo Ridge 700 Block Tisha Ln 1300 Block Foxtail 700 Block Main St
Warrant Arrest Check the Well Being Follow Up Unattended Death Agency Assist (GPD) Warrant Attempt Area Check Agency Assist (OGPD) Alarm Agency Assist (CJC)
Officer Assist Suspicious Person Unlawful Use of a Weapon Motor Vehicle Accident
100 Block Eagles Parkway 200 Block Concord Cir 1300 Block Jefferson
Alarm Suspicious Activity Alarm
January 31, 2021 900 Block Cedar 1300 Block Jefferson 5300 Block Barr 1400 Block Cottonwood 200 Block Jackie 900 Block Willow Dr 1300 Block Sycamore 1300 Block Blue Branch 600 Block Sunset
Stealing Alarm Parking Illegally Agency Assist (CJC) Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Noise Complaint
February 1, 2021 600 Block Jefferson 1100 Block RD Mize Rd 1200 Block Eagle Ridge 700 Block Main St 1100 Block McQuerry 1400 Block Persimmon Dr 1400 Block Willow Dr 100 Block Nelson Dr 1300 Block Jefferson
Stealing Residence Check Stealing Citizen Contact Trespassing Stealing Disturbance Harassment Alarm
February 2, 2021 200 Block Jefferson 400 Block Orion 1200 Block Eagle Ridge 900 Block Maplewood Ct 700 Block Main St Blue Branch & Sni-A-Bar 100 Block McQuerry
Tampering/Stealing Parking Complaint Stealing Suspicious Activity Identity Theft Suspicious Person Alarm
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Looking Back
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Looking Back: The Jackson County Sentinel by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Following the demise of The Jackson County Democrat (1955-1966) ,The Jackson County Sentinel began publishing Grain Valley news. Just under the paper’s name we see the statement “Jackson County’s oldest newspaper – Since 1866.” According to the Missouri State Historical Society, this date refers to The Independence Sentinel which began publication in 1866. Information from the January 7, 1971 issue of the Sentinel (50 years-ago) stated that it was published weekly by Kansas City Suburban Newspapers, Inc. and the publisher was Lois Lauer Wolfe. A couple of years later, Information from the mask head of the Jackson County Sentinel, published on February 8, 1973 reads as follows: Published weekly by KANSAS CITY SURURBAN NEWSPAPERS 1105 Main St., Blue Springs, Mo., 64015 Second-class postage paid at Blue Springs, Mo. 64015 (combined with and continuing the Jackson County Democrat, Blue Springs Herald, Buckner Record, Sni-A-Bar Voice and Wellington Free-Press. All legal and mailing rights reserved.) The conclusion I have drawn from my research is that community newspapers in many small towns went from syndicated stories of state and national news with some “local news” and “gossip” to an area newspaper written by professional journalists. The Sentinel carried stories of interest to all of Eastern Jackson County
but you could no longer learn who had dinner with whom on Sunday, who spent the day shopping in Independence or which relatives were visiting from out of town! One of the big stories in 1973 was in regard to Missouri Attorney General John Danforth’s 8-point ruling for school districts who charged fees for classes such as industrial arts, home economics, and art supplies in elementary school. The ruling also covered rental of uniforms such as band, cheerleading, and sports, and the requirements for soft-sole shoes in physical education classes. “The right to receive free instruction at a free public school,” said the opinion, “extends only to the right to be free from required charges imposed as part of the curriculum.” At the same time, students could be held responsible for library fines, lost books or destruction of property. And on a lighter note, the January 7, 1971, edition had this photograph and story of Konstantine Kotzambasis, the Greek American Field Service foreign exchange student at Grain Valley High School during the 1965-66 school year. Over the past 55 years, Costas has made several trips back to Grain Valley, and members of the Doty family have visited him in Greece and Australia, his current home. While on vacation in 2017 several members of the Grain Valley community visited with Costas and his children in Sidney. In the 1971 article he said, “If anyone
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society would like to come, I would like then to know they should feel welcome and find me. I will do my best to make them feel at home and have a good time.” As one of those travelers, I can assure you that he indeed did just that!
Next Week: Rippe’s Valley News Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society at 506 S. Main on Wednesdays or visit us online at ww.grainvalleyhistory.com and Facebook (@grainvalleyhistory).
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society While trivia this week should probably mention the 1970 KC Chiefs who defeated the Minnesota Viking by a score of 23-7 to win the 1970 Super Bowl IV, I will also mention Larry
Dean Young, a walker from Sibley, Missouri who won a silver medal in the 1964 Olympics in Mexico City. Fifty years ago (1971) in Columbia, Missouri, he set the American record for the 30 mile walk in 4 hours, 11 minutes, 59.4 seconds.
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Business
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Ten tips to support small business (BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult on small businesses. Whether it's a local eatery, service provider, retail store or another type of business, when you shop small, you're supporting a real person who is striving to keep his or her entrepreneurial dream alive. "Small businesses are the heart of our country and Ball® home canning products business," says Kris Malkoski, CEO of the Food Business Unit at Newell Brands. "We have been moved by the love our small business customers have shown their communities this past year. Still many small businesses are facing hardships and they need our support now more than ever." You can personally help make a difference by considering 10 simple ways to support small businesses: Shop now: No need to wait for a sale or special event. By shopping now you're putting much-needed funds into a small business that is depending on income each month to make ends meet and keep doors open. Reverse shopping: Rather than thinking of the recipient and then where to shop for a gift, think of the shop first and then the recipients that would most like items from that particular business. Go online: For small businesses that offer e-commerce options, be sure to consider online orders that ship directly to your home. This is a safe and convenient way to support your favorite businesses. Shop in person: For businesses with physical locations, visit shops in person if you can use proper safety measures. If you know what you want, many businesses let you order ahead and opt for curbside or doorway pickup as well.
Consider gift cards: Not sure what to buy? Gift cards are always one of the most desired gifts, so if you need to send a little love to a loved one, wrap up a gift certificate in a beautiful card and feel good about your present choice. Leave reviews: Online reviews can make a big difference for small businesses in expanding clientele. Go online and leave rave reviews for your favorite stores and why others should support them as well to help spread the word. Be vocal: In addition to online reviews, talk up your favorite small businesses among friends. From independent restaurants to local service providers, use your voice as a powerful tool to build their reputation and support growth. Partnerships: Look for small businesses who partner together to offer products or services that complement each other in packages, such as a gift basket bundle featuring your favorite local treats. You'll support multiple businesses at once and often get a discount compared to buying separately. Double up: For businesses like independent coffee shops or bakeries, consider a larger order. For example, go with that grande latte and order two dozen cookies to share with your neighbors. Be patient: Small businesses are dealing with a multitude of challenges these days, from supply chain holdups to sluggish shipping and beyond. Your kindness is valued and your patience is crucial during these times. "Actions big and small will help make a difference," Malkoski said.
Centerpoint among top 5 percent of hospitals for clinical outcomes according to Healthgrades Centerpoint Medical Center — part of HCA Midwest Health, announced they have achieved the Healthgrades 2021 America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award™. The distinction places Centerpoint Medical Center in the top five percent of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed across the U.S. for its superior clinical performance according to Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. “This national acknowledgment of Centerpoint Medical Center’s best-inclass quality and clinical excellence for our patients is truly an honor,” Centerpoint Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Bret Kolman, FACHE, said. “To receive this recognition during the pandemic is a testament to the extraordinary contributions and dedication of our exceptional team of clinicians and staff who are deeply committed to delivering high-quality and compassionate care to patients. I am grateful to work beside them and it is a privilege for us to serve patients and their families every day, during their greatest time of need.” From 2017 through 2019, patients treated in hospitals achieving the award had, on average, a 27.4 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award, as measured across
19 rated conditions and procedures for which mortality is the outcome. Centerpoint Medical Center’s recent quality achievements include: Recipient of Healthgrades 2021 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ One of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™ in 2021 One of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery™ in 2021 Recipient of Healthgrades 2021 Critical Care Excellence Award™ Recipient of Healthgrades Vascular Surgery Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021) Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ‘A’ Get With The Guidelines® Heart Failure Silver Plus Recipients of the Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award stand out for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. During the 2021 study period (Medicare Fiscal Years 2017-2019), these hospitals showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients in the Medicare population across at least 21 of 32 most common inpatient conditions and procedures — as measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and inhospital complications).
Crosetti Health and Wellness opens February 15th Crosetti Health and Wellness will open February 15th at 510 N. Main St. Prescription medication, over the counter drugs, medicine delivery, adjunctive therapy, a lactation support room, and attracting health specialists (from podiatry to dermatology) to
work out of his store is the goal for Dr. Sean M. Crosetti. Business hours will be 9am-7pm Monday through Friday, and 9am-1pm Saturday. Crosetti Health and Wellness can be reached by phone at 816-847-6930.
Partnership resumes monthly luncheons March 2nd The Grain Valley Partnership will resume its monthly luncheons on March 2nd at the Grain Valley Community Center. Partner businesses
may register for the luncheon via the website, www.growgrainvalley.org, via the Events Calendar.
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COYOTES continued from page 1 fruits, vegetables, birds, insects, carrion (dead animals) and common household garbage,” Meister said. Coyotes typically breed in February and March. Females give birth to four or five pups about 60 days later. “Because food requirements increase dramatically during pup rearing, April through May is when encounters between humans and urban coyotes are most common,” Meister said. At that time, coyotes are on the move more seeking food, and may act more aggressively toward any animal they see as potential competition, like family dogs. So how can encounters between coyotes and people be minimized? These three things are key: food, scare tactics, and vigilance. First, ensure that your yard or property has no food sources readily available to coyotes. “If food is deliberately or inadvertently provided by people, the adult coyotes and their pups quickly learn not to fear humans and will develop a dependency on these easy food sources,” Meister said. He urged dog and cat owners not to leave pet food outside, to securely cover all trash containers, and consider waiting to put trash containers out as close to pick up time as possible. Think about bird feeders too. “While coyotes are usually not interested in
bird food,” said Meister, “bird feeders attract rodents, especially squirrels, which in turn attract coyotes.” It’s also a good idea use scare tactics to instill fear of humans into coyotes. If a coyote should approach or be seen in the yard, Meister suggests doing everything possible to make it feel unwelcome. This could include yelling or making other loud, threatening noises, throwing rocks, spraying garden houses, or blowing air horns. If its encounter with humans is unpleasant, a coyote will be less likely to come back. Finally, vigilance regarding pets is extremely important. Meister recommends pet owners not leave their pets outside unattended, especially during the hours of dusk, nighttime and dawn. These are the periods coyotes are most active. Owners should be with their pets and have them in constant view during these times. Installing a fence around yards may also help. Fences should be at least six feet high and dug into the ground six inches deep, so the agile and resourceful canines cannot jump or dig under them. More information on dealing with nuisance coyotes can be found at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zaa, or in a free brochure obtainable by writing: Controlling Conflicts with Urban Coyotes in Missouri, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Or email pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov.
BOARD continued from page 1 Kustom Cruzers Collision Center, instead extending the permit for three years. The second reading of the recommendation will be heard at the next scheduled meeting on February 22nd. Kustom Cruzers was granted a conditional use permit in 2004 to operate salvage/tow yard at 704 Squire Court. Shortly thereafter, the business moved to 350 NW Jefferson and continued to operate the tow yard under the assumption that the prior conditional use permit was active. City code states otherwise, necessitating a the new application. The Board approved the purchase of
two new patrol cars for the police department, at a cost of $82,168.88. The capital item was approved previously as a part of the 2021 budget. In other business, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the Parks and Recreation department to submit an application for grant funding to install an all-inclusive playground at Armstrong Park. The Board also appointed Mike Switzer to the Park Board for a three year term. The next scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, February 22nd at 7:00pm at City Hall.
Share the love this National Donor Day (SPM Wire) National Donor Day, aptly recognized every Valentine’s Day on February 14, is an annual opportunity to share you love and compassion with friends, family and your community. Here are a few ways you can take part: 1. Register to be an organ donor. Registration is quick and simple and could save lives. To learn more, visit donatelife.net. 2. Contact a blood center. Communities are in constant need of
whole blood, platelets and plasma to keep patients healthy. If you’re eligible to donate, consider making an appointment, particularly if you’ve recovered from COVID-19. Your donation could help those with the virus fight it. 3. Spread the word. Talk to friends and family about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and your decision to become an organ donor, as well as the importance of donating blood.
Fall in love with these Valentine’s Day décor ideas (StatePoint) As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, celebrations may include romantic dinners, Galentine’s Day plans or even family fun. The experts at Dollar General have provided a few budgetfriendly decor ideas that everyone will love. Romantic Night in for Two Make a night in special by adding a few romantic details around the home. Spruce up the dining table with a vase of fresh roses, candles and a decorative tablecloth—all of which is available at your local Dollar General the week of Valentine’s Day. Also consider filling the room with colorful heart-shaped balloons and bowls of sweet candies. Dress up a wall or mantle with a banner and some of your favorite photos. Pitch a blanket fort in the living room for a fun indoor movie night. Decorate it with a holiday-themed blanket and pillows to help create a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day. Be Mine, Galentine For those spending the holiday with friends, incorporate all the fun Valentine’s Day decor into a Galentine’s Day celebration. Assemble a pictureperfect balloon arch by taping or
stringing together pink, white, red and heart-shaped balloons. Create another space for photos by hanging streamers and a heart-shaped garland from windows or walls. Fill glass vases with red and pink candies for a charming coffee table centerpiece. Lastly, a message board could provide a fun opportunity for gathering gals to express appreciation or positive quotes. This can easily be celebrated digitally by distributing Galentine’s Day kits to friends, so everyone can that share in the decorating and celebrating. DIY Valentine Crafts For a fun family night in, set aside time to create crafts with the kids. Crafting can be a great way for kids to express themselves, plus their creations can serve as cost-effective decorations. One example is to hang a paper heart chain, like a garland, above a fireplace or along kitchen cabinets. For this easy and adorable craft, gather red and pink craft paper, ribbon or string, scissors and tape. Cut out hearts and a small hole in a corner to string ribbon or string through. For more holiday decoration inspiration and ideas, visit dollargeneral.com and browse under the Inspiration tab.
State News
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Missouri lawmakers eye federal funds to cover cost of mistakenly paid unemployment by Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent A legislative committee may have found a way to relieve all the debt of Missourians who were mistakenly paid too much from federal and state unemployment programs after COVID-19 crashed the economy. The best part for lawmakers? They might be able to use federal funds, instead of general revenue, to cover the cost to the state unemployment fund. During a hearing of the House Special Committee on Government Oversight, there was bipartisan support for waiving debts due to mistaken payments from federally funded relief programs. “Certainly, on the federal portion, we are in lockstep agreement on that,” said Rep. J. Eggleston, R-Maysville. Republicans resisted doing the same for debts owed to the state unemployment fund until state Rep. Peter Merideth, DSt. Louis, reminded them that late last year, Gov. Mike Parson was ready to move up to $500 million in CARES Act money to the fund rather than return it to Washington. A supplemental appropriations bill was passed to authorize the transfer. The deadline for extending CARES Act funds was extended, so the transfer was never made. That means the money is still in the state treasury and available for a variety of purposes. If the transfer had been made, Merideth noted, it would have left the fund with a large balance and “prevent any hit for business paying in the future and it would probably reduce the amount they would have to pay going forward.” If CARES Act funds could be
transferred to the unemployment fund in December, Merideth said, there seems to be no reason a small amount couldn’t be used to cover unemployment overpayments. State Rep. Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob, said that his biggest concern about forgiving debt to the state fund was making sure it remained solvent. He told Merideth that he was seeking answers about whether the funds could be used to cover debts as the hearing continued. “I would rather spend federal dollars here in Missouri rather than elsewhere,” Cupps said. The exchange came during a hearing on six nearly identical bills and a resolution intended to forgive a part or all of the approximately $103 million in overpayments that flowed through unemployment programs. Thousands of Missourians have received notices that they were given too much in unemployment last year, with the amounts ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The committee took no vote Wednesday, but committee Chairman Jered Taylor, R-Republic, said he will have a bill combining the proposals ready in time for a committee vote next week, probably on Monday. He said he wants to get the bill to the House floor as soon as possible. Merideth is the sponsor of a resolution asking Parson to waive the debt for federally funded programs. Parson, however, has repeatedly said he wants the people who received overpayments to return the money regardless of its source. During a House Budget Committee
hearing on Feb. 2, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui said most of the overpayments were due to mistakes, not fraud, as her agency delivered almost $5 billion in payments in 2020. None of the bills heard Wednesday waive debt for payments obtained by fraud. Overpayments occur in a number of ways. As she briefed the budget committee last week, Hui said the state rushed to begin paying benefits and adjusted the amounts later as information about employer objections or other data was found. There are overpayments every year and the state is obligated to recover them, she said. What made 2020 different, she said, is that there were hundreds of thousands of people receiving payments and the payments were much larger because of federal supplemental aid. During the oversight committee hearing, members said they were sympathetic to the hardship that repayment could cause people who remain unemployed or are working for less than they earned before the
pandemic. “I think we can all agree to give back the federal portion, because they say forgive it,” Cupps said. The CARES Act passed in March 2020 added $600 per week to regular unemployment benefits. It also created relief programs, paid through the unemployment system, for workers who lost jobs not covered by regular unemployment. A week after the CARES Act was passed, the U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance to states that overpayments could be forgiven “if the payment was without fault on the part of the individual and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.”
Rudi Keller covers the state budget, energy and the legislature. He’s spent 22 of his 30 years in journalism covering Missouri government and politics, most recently as the news editor of the Columbia Daily Tribune. Keller has won awards for spot news and investigative reporting. www.missouriindependent.com
Your Health
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Have a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD Day that makes their hearts happy and keeps them healthy. For the Kids Kids love getting Valentines and treats on this special day. Most kids also love fruit. Try these Fresh Fruit Pops and watch their faces light up. They are also fun to make, so let them join in the fun! Fresh Fruit Pops Just stick a skewer into a strawberry or a chunk of banana, dip it in your child’s favorite yogurt and then roll the pop in granola. These are super easy and can be kept in the refrigerator or try them frozen for a cool treat.
Valentine’s Day usually conjures up images of heart shaped boxes, beautiful cards, roses and chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Why not make this Valentine’s Day a healthy one? It is Heart Month after all. So why not plan a Valentine’s
For a Romantic Date Night Staying in this Valentine’s Day? Why not create a healthy dinner of salmon, roasted asparagus, wild rice pilaf and a green salad. And for dessert you can’t go wrong with these Greek Yogurt and Strawberry Phyllo Cups. A meal chock full of heart-healthy foods. Omega-3 fats from the salmon, heart-healthy whole grains and fruits and veggies that are always good for your heart.
Wild Rice Pilaf 1 1/3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth ½ cup wild rice, rinsed 2 scallions (white parts only), thinly sliced ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 2/3 cup brown rice Directions: Combine broth, wild rice, scallion whites and pepper in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in brown rice; return to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 30-35 minutes more. Remove from heat and let stand covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. Greek Yogurt and Strawberry Phyllo Cups Phyllo mini cups – 15 cups Strawberry Greek yogurt Sliced strawberries ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: Heat oven to 325 degrees. Follow package directions for crisping Phyllo cups. When done, set aside to cool. Remove caps from strawberries and slice in to thin slices Spoon Greek yogurt into cooled Phyllo cups Top cups with a 2-3 strawberry slices In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips for 30 seconds or until totally melted. Stir. Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate over each filled Phyllo cup. Serve immediately. Can be stored in refrigerator until ready to serve. These are great with raspberry Greek yogurt and a raspberry garnish on top too!
Jackson County Health Department COVID-19 Testing Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations next week (February 15-19): Monday: Lee’s Summit This is a Drive-Thru Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063 Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210315823614851 Tuesday: Grandview This is not a drive-thru clinic Metro Christian Fellowship- 2217 High Grove Rd. Grandview, Mo. 64030 Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210345487427862 Wednesday: Blue Springs This is not a drive thru clinic
Blue Springs- Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210325495614857 Thursday: Lee’s Summit This is a drive-thru Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063 Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210316381814853 Friday: Independence Not a drive-thru Independence- Independence Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050 Registration Link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210324505414846
Home & Garden
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MDC offers virtual bluebird and winter birding programs by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Blue here, red there, maybe even black and white. Songbirds brighten up backyards and woodlands in February. Their colors stand out against the browns, and if snow, the whites of winter. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer two free virtual programs to help people attract birds to feeders and to learn more about them. Birds are interesting for color and motion alone. But when a creature weighing ounces can survive winter’s icy cold with a layer of feathers and live to produce young in spring, they become intriguing. Speaking of blue, bright blue, MDC will offer a virtual program about the eastern bluebird and their place in Missouri’s ecology from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11. Stephanie Kemp, MDC naturalist at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs, will look at the history of successful bluebird conservation efforts. Participants will learn how to attract bluebirds to their backyard. A hint, a
correctly built and placed bluebird house helps. This program is open to all ages. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ Za2. MDC will present a virtual winter birding program from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Kristen Muelleman, naturalist at the Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City, will cover avian habitat, bird feeding, and gear that comes in handy when bird watching. The instructor will offer basic tips and tricks that help with identifying bird species. Participants will learn about birds commonly visiting feeders in western Missouri, and how to call them by name. What feed various bird species prefer will be discussed. "I plan to discuss other resources to provide for birds in addition to food and feeders that will make your yard more enticing," Muelleman said. "Specifically, how sources of fresh water or placing your feeder near good cover, and providing nest boxes, can create a well-rounded habitat to support a variety of birds year-round."
Songbirds brighten winter, and MDC will offer two free virtual programs on bluebirds and attracting backyard birds during February. Photo credit: MDC
Maintaining a sense of normalcy while routines stay disrupted (StatePoint) With the roll-out of the vaccine taking place slowly, it may be awhile longer before life returns completely to normal. However, if you have been working remotely, it may be a good idea to reincorporate some of the elements of your regular routine into your schedule now. Not only will maintaining a sense of normalcy help you to feel more productive and more like yourself again, it could also help make the transition to the workplace smoother when it does occur. Here are a few ways to go about it: • Rise and shine: Have you let your morning schedule slide into chaos during the pandemic? Now is the time to get back to your regular hours. Get to sleep each week night at your pre-pandemic bedtime and set your alarm for your regular wake hour. With no commute, you may find yourself with some extra time in the morning. Use it to get organized for the day, exercise or check items off your todo list. • Get dressed: Dress as though you are heading into the workplace. Wear pants that don’t have an elastic waistband, do
your hair and wear accessories. Regain your sense of style and feel good about how you look. • Structure your day: When working remotely, it’s easy to feel like the workday has no clear beginning or end. For better work-life balance, try to structure your day as you once did, setting regular business hours. Be sure to include breaks so you don’t experience burnout. And, if your weekdays once included time for socializing with colleagues, make time for it now. Set up a virtual coffee meeting, lunch or happy hour. • Use tech tools: Stay accountable to your new schedule as well as your fashion goals with wearable tech, such as the Casio Edifice Watch. Featuring five alarms, a stopwatch, countdown timer and a two-year battery life, this waterresistant timepiece can be a highly functional tool as you transition back to a regular schedule. If working from home long-term has you feeling sluggish and unproductive, get back to your regular schedule. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can help get you out of the rut.
Outdoors & Recreation
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Monitoring and research key to MDC’s Natural Resource Management by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Nature is a cared-for resource, so biologists and foresters for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will be measuring and monitoring creatures and their habitats in the year ahead. Some are new projects. Knowing how species and ecosystems are faring is important for managing forests, fish, and wildlife. “Research helps us understand the biological mechanisms of natural resources that we are trying to manage,” said Kasey Whiteman, an MDC resource science supervisor at St. Joseph. “Monitoring helps us see the impact of actions on those resources. Research helps us know what to do and monitoring helps us know how well things are going.” Fisheries MDC fisheries biologists and researchers have started a four-year study of flathead catfish at Truman Lake, Smithville Lake, and some small impoundments. Bottom-dwelling flatheads can live 20 years or more and are a popular native game fish. But they are difficult for biologists to study. MDC has modified electrofishing techniques that will help them study flathead populations for sizes, ages, growth rates, and genetics. “We want to collect a variety of information to better manage these fisheries and track their status over time to sustain or improve fishing opportunities for anglers,” said Zach Ford, MDC game fish ecologist at Clinton. MDC staff will also survey anglers on the Missouri River about their preferences and goals when fishing for big-river species such as blue and flathead catfish. Serving people who enjoy the outdoors is a major factor in resource management decisions. MDC will begin a study of invasive Asian carp in the Missouri River and tributaries. This federally funded study is being done in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other states, Whiteman said. Biologists want to learn Asian carp spawning habits and population trends in various locations, such as the Platte and Grand rivers. The carp harm the food chain and compete directly for food with native fish. They can overrun an area leaving little room for other fish
species. Biologists will use the information to develop plans to reduce Asian carp numbers. Wildlife Biologists will conduct breeding bird surveys in the Big Buffalo Creek and Upper Osage Grasslands. MDC works with private land owners and public land managers to improve habitats in these priority geographies. One focus in the Big Buffalo Creek geography will be a survey of spring warblers. Throughout western Missouri, multiple rare or endangered plant species, natural communities, and animal species will also be surveyed and monitored, said Krista Noel, MDC natural history biologist. “Prairie mole crickets are a species of conservation concern that we will be surveying for this year,” Noel said. “This tallgrass prairie species, the largest cricket in North America, only calls briefly at dusk making it difficult to survey multiple locations in one evening.” “Males use their clawed feet to dig special burrows that amplify the sound they make by rubbing their fore wings together to attract a female. This species has occurred on both public and private prairies in the past. But much data is needed to update the status of this species in the Kansas City region.” Benton County will be included in a wild turkey harvest study that biologists are preparing for the coming year. Next winter, MDC biologists will trap turkeys, gather data, and affix leg bands. Hunters can get rewards for reporting the leg bands. The goal is to determine a localized estimate of harvest rates, said Tony Elliott, MDC resource science supervisor at Clinton. Grasslands and woodlands Bumblebees, an important pollinator insect, are in a population decline. MDC this year will start a relative abundance assay of bumblebees, said Steve Buback, MDC natural history biologist. His work will also include an annual population assessment for regal fritillary butterflies in summer. They are a species of concern due to a severe loss of high quality prairie habitat. Biologists will also monitor native grassland restoration projects at MDC’s
Bilby Ranch Lake and Grand Trace conservation areas in northwest Missouri. Water quality and fish populations in prairie streams will be a monitoring focus in the Upper Osage Grasslands of west central Missouri, said Mike Allen, MDC fisheries management biologist. Allen will conduct fish surveys in Baker Branch and Brush Creek in St. Clair County. He will also work with volunteers sampling streams for water MDC biologists are starting a flathead quality monitoring.
catfish study this year in Truman Lake, Smithville Lake, and some small impoundments. Photo credit: MDC
Forests MDC foresters will be doing an inventory on a portion of the Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area near Cole Camp. They will tally information such as tree species, special natural areas or features, wood harvest potential, and needed sylvicultural practices such as thinning. Many more annual surveys, monitoring, and ongoing research projects will be done in 2021. Missourians value their wide variety of natural habitats and wildlife. These projects are a partial list of what MDC biologists, conservation agents, and field staff do for nature in their care. Pollinators such as this brown-banded
bumblebee are in decline. MDC staff will be doing a survey of the state's bumblebee population this year. Photo credit: MDC
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Sports
Page 10
Aumua places
Girls Swim and Dive takes second at conference meet After a season made challenging by COVID-19, Girls Swim and Dive rallied to take second at the Suburban Conference championships at Belton High School last weekend. “We had an amazing weekend and I'm so proud of these girls for all their hard work this season. They had so many season and lifetime bests. It was so fun to watch and see how excited and proud of themselves they were,” head coach Kara Liddle said. “I'm impressed with our 2nd place finish behind a strong Belton team. Our
first in districts
divers had a great meet Thursday night and the swimmers carried the momentum Friday and Saturday. By no means was this an ideal season, but they overcame every obstacle put in front of them and finished so strong. I'm going to really miss this big group of Seniors but I'm also excited for our future as a program.” Diver Hayden Meyer won the diving competition, with a state qualifying score of 428.30. Diver Madison Rogers placed third.
The 400 Free Relay team of Maddie Epple, Peighton Ireland, Bailey Reich and Olivia White finished second at the Belton conference meet . Photo credit: GVHS Swim & DIve
Freshman wrestler Sevi Aumua (left) with Grain Valley High School wrestling head coach Jeff Bowman (right) placed first in the Girls District competition on Saturday, February 6th. Aumua is the first female district champion in Grain Valley history. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Seventeen GVHS student athletes participate in signing day ceremonies Seventeen students athletes participated in signing day ceremonies at Grain Valley High School on February 3rd. The following students signed their intent to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level: Cheer - Maddi Mayfield, Avila University Baseball - Cole Arndorfer, HannibalLaGrange University Baseball - Parker Bosserman, Kansas City Kansas Community College Baseball - Jacob McAhan, MidAmerica Nazarene University Basketball - Keeton Maxon, Southwestern College (KS) Football - Jack Bailey, Quincy University Football - Quincy Jones, Hastings College Football - Cole Keller, Washburn
University Football - Zach Kirk, Baker University Football - Hunter Newsom, South Dakota School of Mines &Technology Football - Parker Stone, Quincy University Soccer - Raena Childers, University of Kansas Softball - Malia Gutierrez, Johnson County Community College Softball - Haley Martin, Central Methodist University Volleyball - Clara Gower, Quincy University Volleyball - Kelly Kilpatrick, Missouri Valley College Wrestling - Shane Duckworth, Missouri Valley College
Sports
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The Chiefs Super Bowl hangover may last awhile by John Unrein The sun did rise for Chiefs Kingdom following their 31-9 loss in Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on February 7th. “Tompa Bay” is now title town again. Patrick Mahomes spent much of the game scrambling to extend plays, completing only 53% of his pass attempts for 270 yards and two interceptions. The Houdini like effort by the Chiefs quarterback to find a way to keep his team in the game was to no avail. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles put forth a defensive game plan that may end up in Canton, Ohio in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bowles would call a zone defense with two deep safeties on first and second downs predominately. Third down would see the mixing in of man defense so that the 24 year football coaching veteran (dating back to being the defensive coordinator at Morehouse College in 1997) had the option of
bringing pressure. The result was a previously prolific Chiefs offense that did not score a touchdown during the Super Bowl. Kansas City would only be able to muster 9 points from three Harrison Butker field goals on the Buccaneers home field at Raymond James Stadium. Bowles has ascended through the coaching ranks since playing college football at Temple University for then head coach Bruce Arians. Bowles would enter the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 1986 and go on to enjoy an 8 year NFL career with the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. Bowles would be reunited with Arians in Tampa Bay at the start of the 2019 season, after a prior stint with Arians in the same capacity with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2014. Mahomes, Chiefs head football coach Andy Reid, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and tight end Travis Kelce all acknowledged
the strong game plan that Bowles organized after the Super Bowl. “Todd Bowles, he did his thing tonight. They just had a better game plan,” Hill said during the postgame press conference. Reid added, “Todd (Bowles) had a good plan, but like I said, I could have done a whole lot better job of putting these guys in a better position to make plays. My guys busted their tails and it just didn’t work.” Kelce concluded, “It’s frustrating. It felt like one of those days where anything you did, they had an answer for it.” Time will tell if the coaching effort by Bowles will get him another opportunity to be an NFL head coach after a previous tenure at the helm of the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018. The Chiefs organization will turn their attention to the start of the new league year on March 17th that will coincide with the opening of free agency. The NFL salary cap has been adjusted for the 2021 season due to the economic strain from profit lost by franchises during the current pandemic. As first reported by Field Yates of USA Today, that is $23.2 million less than the 2020 salary cap. The adjusted salary cap for next season was no doubt a sobering projection for general managers across the league who planned to have over $200 million to work with during 2021. The Chiefs will receive some relief rolling over $5.1 million in unused salary cap space from this season to next. This number is subject to change as the NFL will conduct audits of each team’s salary
iStock photo cap for the 2020 season. Various sources have the Chiefs $1718 million over the salary cap heading into the start of the new league year. Something Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach will have to address through trades, contract extensions, contract restructuring, or cuts. That is the opposite way franchise leadership would prefer to be headed after a painful Super Bowl loss. Thus, the Chiefs Super Bowl hangover begins. The Chiefs currently have 16 unrestricted free agents heading into the 2021 season. The list of those to hit the open market for Kansas City include starters and those who contributed significant playing time to the team this season. The following is a list of soon to be Chiefs free agents (ages listed will be for the beginning of the 2021 season). Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Age 28 Alex Okafor, Defensive End, Age 30 Daniel Sorenson, Safety/Nickel Linebacker, Age 31 Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback, Age 29 Damien Wilson, Outside Linebacker, Age 28 Demarcus Robinson, Wide Receiver, Age 27 Austin Reiter, Center, Age 30 Kelechi Osemele, Guard, Age 32 Mike Remmers, Offensive Tackle, Age 32 Anthony Sherman, Fullback, Age 33 Tanoh Kpassagnon, Defensive End, Age 27 Daniel Kilgore, Center, Age 34 Mike Pennel, Defensive Tackle, Age 30 Antonio Hamilton, Cornerback, Age 28
see CHIEFS on page 12
CHIEFS continued from page 11 Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Age 29 Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Age 27 Compounding the list of things leading to the current Chiefs hangover is the injury status of offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. Fisher went down with a ruptured achilles in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. His injury is paramount for several reasons. Fisher protects the blindside of Patrick Mahomes. The two time Pro Bowl selection (2018 and 2020) of Fisher at left tackle speaks to what his peers, fans, and fellow coaches think of his abilities. The recovery time to rehabilitate from a ruptured achilles is from 4 to 12 months. That puts the 2021 season of the 30 year old former overall number 1 pick during the 2013 NFL Draft in jeopardy. Schwartz left the field on October 19th against the Buffalo Bills with a back injury and has not returned. The 31 year old right tackle has been a four time AllPro (2016-2019) since signing as a free agent with the Chiefs in 2016 from the Cleveland Browns. Schwartz is also a member of the 2010 decade Pro Football Focus All-Decade Team. Being on the wrong side of 30 does not statistically speak well to the longevity of Schwartz’s career as the retirement whispers among pundits and the media has started. Having extremely talented bookend tackles was by the design of former Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey. Quarterbacks at any level have a better chance of completing passes if they are upright. Especially young ones like Patrick Mahomes who the Chiefs traded up to draft 10th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Injury replacement offensive tackles Mike Remmers and Andrew Wylie for the Chiefs gave their best effort in the Super Bowl against a strong Tampa Bay pass rush. Remmers had previously battled back and groin injuries during the season before filling in for Fisher at left tackle. Wylie suffered an ankle injury in the AFC Championship game that he played through while shifting from right guard to fill in at right tackle for the injured Schwartz (with Remmers moving from right to left tackle) during the Super Bowl. The result of the position shifts for both players left Mahomes under constant pressure on football’s biggest stage. Offensive tackle is definitely a position that the Chiefs will need to address this offseason with limited salary cap space and without a plethora of high draft choices. The following is a list of Chiefs draft picks heading into the NFL Draft on April 29-May 1. The team is also projected to pick up as many as two compensatory picks on day three of the draft due to free agency loses from last season that are not listed below. Round 1, Pick 31 Round 2, Pick 63 Round 3, Pick 95 Round 4, Pick 127 Round 5, Pick 159 Round 7, Pick 223 The Chiefs history of picking at 31st and 63rd overall is a mixed bag. Kansas City has previously selected offensive
tackle Trezelle Jenkins and running back Elijah Gibson with the 31st pick in 1995 and 1966, respectively. The franchise picking 63rd overall has led to the recent selections of free safety Juan Thornhill and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. This conundrum of selections demonstrates that the NFL Draft is not always an exact science when it comes to finding starting players with longevity. Furthermore, it statistically becomes harder to find immediate starters past the second round as you look through the history of the draft. Despite a 14-2 regular season record, the Chiefs have work to do on the defensive side of the football as well. Replacing four starters on a defense that was ranked 16th overall during the regular season, including 14th against the pass and 21st against the rush might provide some sleepless winter nights for Veach despite the team’s recent success. The final element compounding the post-Super Bowl letdown headache for the Chiefs is the retention and hiring of the coaching staff. Running Back coach Deland McCullough has already announced he is leaving Kansas City to return to the University of Indiana football program. McCullough will serve in the same capacity in Bloomington, Indiana as the Hoosiers running back coach, with the added responsibility of Associate Head Coach. Reid has suggested that the Chiefs organization could re-sign offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy during the week of February 15th. Bieniemy recently made the interview tour for head coaching positions within the league only to come away empty handed again. Mahomes has lauded Bieniemy in the past for his ability to hold professional players accountable. Not letting Bieniemy walk would be a welcomed site for Reid and the Chiefs locker room. There is much to celebrate regarding the accomplishments of the Kansas City Chiefs back to back Super Bowl appearances. The Chiefs erased a 50 year title drought by winning the Super Bowl LIV in 2020. To be able to watch the Royals parade in 2015 and the Chiefs parade in 2020 was a joy for Kansas City sports fans young and old alike. The Chiefs have also won five straight AFC West titles under Reid’s leadership. The scope of the work to be done this offseason to keep the Chiefs in contention within a league ripe with parity is a daunting task. Doing it under the guise of a Super Bowl hangover will test the leadership of Veach, owner Clark Hunt, and the entirety of the Chiefs front office, scouts, and coaching staff.
Community Calendar Friday, February 12, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am Join library staff for virtual storytimes for your littles (and maybe for you too!). We will have stories and songs, brought directly to your home. www.mymcpl.org/events Monday, February 15, 2021 President’s Day City offices closed Grain Valley Schools closed Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00pm—3:00pm Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail close to the nature center. Registration required. www.mdc.mo.gov Creating Videos for Social Media 5:30pm—7:00pm Virtual program hosted by MidContinent Public Library If you’re struggling to engage your audience and you’re ready to try something new, tune into our class about how creating videos for social media can help you connect with your customers and increase your page’s visibility. www.mymcpl.org/events Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center
Monday, February 22, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Virtual meeting via Zoom Friday, February 26, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am Join library staff for virtual storytimes for your littles (and maybe for you too!). We will have stories and songs, brought directly to your home. www.mymcpl.org/events Saturday, February 27, 2021 Fishing Skills: Reel Maintenance 3:30pm—5:00pm Get your trusty reels in tip top shape before spring weather arrives. Registration required: 816-228-3766 Monday, March 8, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Virtual meeting via Zoom March 15—19, 2021 Spring Break Grain Valley Schools closed Friday, April 2, 2021 Easter Break Grain Valley Schools closed
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