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Local News
Grain Valley Welcomes Arrival of OATS Transit Service The Grain Valley Partnership and City of Grain Valley welcomed OATS Transit to the community during a ribbon cutting held at the Grain Valley Community Center on June 18th. City administration and staff worked with OATS personnel over the last several months to identify the need for this service through surveys and reaching out to community members. Sara Davis, West Region Director for OATS Transit, reported that Section 5311 federal funds support delivery of the program in Grain Valley. OATS service began in Grain Valley on June 1st. Davis indicated that approximately 10 trips had been
scheduled to date, and interest in the service continues to grow. The transportation service offers door to door or curb to curb service for residents 65 years of age or older or ages 18-64 with a disability. The service is available weekly in Grain Valley on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Trips will be limited to the Grain Valley and Blue Springs city limits. The cost is $1.00 per one-way trip. Fare cards may be purchased for $10.00 (10 one-way trips or 5 round trips). To schedule a ride, call 816-380-7433 up to two weeks in advance between the hours of 8:00am – 3:00pm.
Board Appoints
Interim Chief of Police The Board of Aldermen has appointed James Beale as Interim Chief of Police, replacing Chief David Starbuck, who recently retired. Chief Beale has been with Grain Valley Police Department for nearly 10 years and has served in the capacity of Captain for 3 ½ years. He brings a combined 34 years experience in law enforcement to the Department. Former Police Chief David Starbuck retired after serving in law enforcement for 42 years. Starbuck worked for the Kansas City Police Department for 25 years and retired in 2001. He then went on to work in field intelligence for the National Drug Intelligence Center for 9 years before coming to Grain Valley. In late 2014, Starbuck was appointed Interim Police Chief and then became Chief of Police in January 2015. “Chief Starbuck served Grain Valley well in his time here and he will be missed greatly by colleagues, as well as members of the community,” Mayor Mike Todd said.
Valley News
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 | Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
Mayor Mike Todd, along with officials from the City and Grain Valley Partnership, welcomed OATS Transit to Grain Valley at a June 18th ribbon cutting.
