Valley News: Februry 21, 2019

Valley News

February 21, 2019

www.grainvalleynews.com

Winter Continues Its Grip on the Area Snow storms heading in to the President’s Day holiday closed schools, businesses, and created massive headaches on area roads. Winter’s grip on the area continues this week with schools and businesses delaying or canceling school on Wednesday, February 20th due to inclement weather.

According to National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, there have been 42 days at KCI with at least a trace of snow on the ground since November.

Despite repeated snow events, the City of Grain Valley Public Works Department is well supplied for any remaining storms this season.

Patrick Martin, Public Works Maintenance Superintendent, reported over 450 tons of salt and 5,000 gallons of calcium chloride have been utilized this season.

“Currently, we have plenty of supplies on hand for the next couple storms. We have been prepared for all events and have not at any point this season been crucially low on supplies,” Martin said.

Grain Valley Schools were closed on Friday, February 15th and again on Wednesday, February 20th due to inclement weather.

A devastating 47 car pileup occurred on westbound 1-70 at Oak Grove on

see WINTER on page 3

Vol. 2, No. 8

FREE

Good News

Fire Prevention Topic of Conversation at March 6th Senior Luncheon Eddie Saffell, Deputy Chief with Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, will be speaking regarding fire prevention at the Grain Valley Senior Luncheon on March 6, 2019. The menu for the luncheon is glazed ham, hashbrown casserole, green beans, a biscuit, and chocolate brownie.

Grain Valley Senior Citizens Luncheon is held monthly from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main. A $3 recommended donation accepted at the door. Each luncheon includes entertainment, an informative speaker, and raffle prizes.

Bingo is held immediately following

the luncheon for those who would like to participate.

Please RSVP by one week prior to each luncheon, by calling 816-847-6293 or send an email to info@cityofgrainvalley.org.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

see CITY on page 5

A 47 car pileup closed down westbound 11--70 at Oak Grove for several hours on Friday, February 15th. Linda Henderson, age 74, from Platte City, MO, died as a result of the accident.

Photo credit: Fox4KC

Local News

Page 2

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of February 6-12, 2019.

Important Tax and Real ID Updates Tax season can be an unpleasant time of year, even during normal circumstances. Tax codes and the required forms can be confusing and give any person anxiety. This confusion may be compounded by news about an issue with the state’s withholding tax tables. As you prepare to file your taxes, I think it is important to know what the issue is with our state’s withholding tax table.

Simply put, because of changes in the federal tax code and a longstanding error with the Missouri Department of Revenue’s tax withholding tables, some employers were under-withholding from their employees’ paycheck during the 2018 tax period. This error has since been corrected, but the federal changes mean withholding now works differently. What does this mean for the average Missouri taxpayer going forward?

Because these issues caused employers to withhold less than they should have from employees’ paychecks, there is a chance you will be impacted at filing time. For instance, if you typically receive a refund from the state, it may be smaller than it has been in previous years. If you typically have to pay in, it may mean you have to pay in more. Bottom line, it does not mean that you will be paying more taxes than you should have. At the end of the day, your tax bill will be the amount you were supposed to pay all along.

As you prepare to file your taxes,

because of the changes at the federal level, I recommend reviewing your W4s to make sure they are up to date for the future. If you have questions about your 2018 return or need additional assistance with your taxes, please call the Department of Revenue at (573) 522-0967. You can also sign up to receive automatic text and email alerts regarding the status of your state tax return at dor.mo.gov/returnstatus/.

Lastly, I would like to provide an update on Missouri’s efforts to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. This federal law is meant to strengthen standards for state-issued IDs following the Sept. 11 attacks. DOR expects to have REAL ID-compliant driver licenses available beginning March 25, 2019. While REAL IDs are important for air travel and entering federal facilities, there is no immediate need to seek a REAL ID and risk overwhelming DOR on March 25.

Missouri has received an extension for REAL ID enforcement through Oct. 1, 2020, meaning current, non-complaint IDs will continue to be accepted until that time. With over a year before a REAL ID is required, there is plenty of time to get your compliant form of identification.

Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573) 751-1464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2019 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.

February 6, 2019 600 Block Walnut St 1300 Block Valley Woods Ct 500 Block Walnut St 200 Block Walnut St Walnut & Charlotte Sts 700 Block Scenic Ln 700 Block Main St 800 Block Valley Woods Dr 1000 Block Ryan Rd 300 Block Yennie St

Agency Assist (CJC) Animal Complaint Animal Control Agency Assist (CJC) Animal Control Abandoned Vehicle Citizen Contact Assault Alarm Citizen Contact

February 7, 2019 1100 Block Valley Ridge Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 600 Block Silverstone Ct 300 Block Walnut St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block RD Mize Rd 1500 Block Whispering Ct 1400 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd

Alarm Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Agency Assist (CJC) Alarm

February 8, 2019 900 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Main St Sni-A-Bar and US 40 Hwy 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Phelps Dr 300 Block Old 40 Hwy 100 Block Locust 1000 Block Foxtail Dr February 9, 2019 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 900 Block Ryan Rd Valley Woods Dr & Long 600 Block Valley Ridge Cir 800 Block San Kar 700 Block Main St

Alarm Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Stolen Vehicle Trespassing Agency Assist (OGPD) Check the Well Being Alarm Alarm Check the Well Being Stealing Leaving the Scene of Accident Citizen Contact

800 Block Ryan Rd 1000 Block Blue Branch

Disturbance Agency Assist (CJC)

February 10, 2019 800 Block San Kar 900 Block Ryan Rd 1300 Block Valley Woods Ct 700 Block Main St 800 Block Ryan Rd

Disturbance Alarm Peace Disturbance Citizen Contact Assault

February 11, 2019 1200 Block Golfview Dr 1200 Block Phelps Dr Auto 1000 Block Sandy Ln 7000 Block Dillingham Rd US 40 Hwy & EE Kirby Rd 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 600 Block Jefferson St 400 Block Main St 1100 Block Main St 700 Block Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St February 12, 2019 700 Block Main St S Outer Rd & Main St 300 Block Woodbury Dr 1900 Block Hedgewood 300 Block Jefferson St Broadway and Amanda 700 Block Main St 600 Block Yennie 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Scenic 200 Block Pebblebrook West Bound I-70 MM 25.2

Animal Complaint Recovered Stolen Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Check the Well Being Stealing Vehicle Check Open Gate Disturbance Agency Assist (JCSO) Civil Standby Stealing Civil Issue Stolen Vehicle Confirmation Motorist Assist Animal at Large Burglary Alarm Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity 911 Hangup Agency Assist (MSHP)

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 | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer

Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @grainvalleynews).

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Page 3 Desire to Learn About Community Led to Appointment WINTER continued from page 1 A desire to have his “finger on the pulse of the community” led newly appointed alderman Shea Bass to begin attending Board of Alderman meetings.

“As a resident and parent in the City, I began attending the meetings to learn more about the community. There are not many people who attend the meetings, but what happens in these meetings affects everyone,” Bass said.

Bass works in construction management and lives in Ward 3 with his wife and two young children.

Former Ward 3 Alderman and current Missouri State Representative Jeff Coleman vacated his seat in December. Bass credits Coleman for

giving him helpful advice when he was considering running for a seat on the board.

Bass is focused on learning about his role and the needs of his constituents.

“I am compiling a list of concerns I have heard from residents so far. Road maintenance and snow removal are popular topics, as is the increase in residential construction on the north end of town,” Bass said.

Mayor Todd appointed Bass on February 11th to fill Coleman’s open seat until the April election.

Bass is running unopposed in Ward 3. The General Municipal Election will be held April 2, 2019.

Shea Bass was sworn in as Ward 3 Alderman during the February 11th board meeting. Photo credit: City of Grain Valley

Friday, February 15th. Linda Henderson, age 74, from Platte City, MO, died as a result of the accident. Henderson’s husband, James Henderson, age 75, remains at Centerpoint Medical Center recovering from injuries sustained in the accident.

In a statement, the family expressed their appreciation for the support and prayers received from concerned residents and asked for privacy as James Henderson recovers.

A Go Fund Me account has been established to help the family and can be found at http://www.gofundme.com/ james-and-linda-henderson.

Absentee Voting Begins February 19th for April 2nd Election Absentee voting began February 19th in Jackson County for the April 2nd Election. Absentee voters may vote in person Monday—Friday, 8:30am—5:00pm at the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050. The office will also be open Saturday, March 24th, and Saturday, March 31st from 8:30am— 12:30pm.

In order to receive an absentee ballot by mail, voters must send in a written request, with the following exceptions: A parent may request a ballot be mailed to their child or vice versa but the request is required to be made in person at the Election Board office; A person may request a ballot be mailed to their spouse, but the request is required to be made in person at the

Election Board office.

Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received in our office no later than 5:00 pm on the second Wednesday prior to the election in order to mail out a ballot.

Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received in the Election Board office no later than 5:00pm on the second Wednesday prior to the election.

Requests for the April 2, 2019 General Municipal Election must be received on or before Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

For more information on absentee voting and to download an application, visit https://www.jcebmo.org/voterinformation/absentee-voting/.

Voters must be registered by March 6, 2019 to vote in the April 2nd election.

Downtown Jackson County Courthouse Reopens County staff and community members were welcomed back to the downtown Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, on February 19th with breakfast pastries and coffee as the facility reopened for business as scheduled.

“It was great to see everyone come back through the doors excited and happy to be back,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “This has been a very difficult process for everyone, but I am proud of the tremendous display of teamwork to keep the County moving forward.

Today was our small way of saying thank you.”

The building has been closed since January 31 when a large underground water line outside of the downtown courthouse burst causing significant flooding in the basement.

On February 4, a secondary water line break occurred inside of the courthouse, resulting in significant cosmetic damage to multiple floors on the east side of the building.

Over the past two weeks, county staff and contractors have been working around the clock to dry out the affected areas and begin the restoration process. Work included repairing or replacing water-damaged ceilings, walls, carpets and furniture.

Additionally, a qualified environmental testing firm conducted tests to ensure that the environment was safe prior to county associates

return to work.

Some areas of the courthouse remain under construction and closed to the public. Those areas are the five damaged courtrooms and offices on the east side of the fourth, fifth and sixth floors, as well as the Court Administration area on the third floor.

Crews will remain on site and will continue to work for several months to restore the building and necessary spaces.

“We must invest in this courthouse if we plan to continue to use it, but we must also understand that regardless of the improvements we make, this will still be a nearly 90-year-old building,” White said. “We are working with an architect to ensure we’re doing all we can to preserve the integrity of the historic building as we put together a long-term plan to ensure it remains functional for generations to come.”

Due to ongoing construction, citizens are advised to arrive early to conduct county business.

Additionally, the offices of the Clerk of the County Legislature and Legislative Auditor will operate from 201 W. Lexington Avenue, Suite 201, in Independence for the remainder of this week.

Information regarding the location of trials and hearings can be found on the 16th Circuit Court’s website at www.16thCircuit.org.

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. welcomed Jackson County Courthouse staff and community members back to the downtown courthouse on February 19th. The building has been closed since January 31st due to flooding from two water line breaks.

Executive’’s Office Photo credit: Jackson County Executive

Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.

Page 4

Business News

CJCFD Releases 2018 Year in Review Central Protection

Jackson County Fire District released its

2018 Year in Review, highlighting service statistics, internal and

external education efforts, risk reduction programs.

and

Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley.

The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.

Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org

Upcoming Partnership Events: March Partnership Luncheon Tuesday, March 5, 2019 11:30am—1:00pm March Business After Hours Thursday, March 14, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm March Coffee Connection Friday, March 15, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper April Partnership Luncheon Tuesday, April 2, 2019 11:30am—1:00pm Business After Hours Thursday, April 11, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm April Coffee Connection Friday, April 19, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper

Grain Valley Partnership Businesses: As a part of your partnership, you are entitled to a sponsored article in the Business section of Valley News.

To schedule an interview to highlight

your business, contact Cory Unrein, cory@grainvalleynews.com.

Home & Garden

Page 5

The Endless Pursuit of Organization

I Couldn’t Be The Only One

by Chelsey Lauer, Founder and CEO, JLB Simplify Home Organizing

In the summer of 2015, I found myself knee deep in too much stuff, and I had become unaware of the decline to the condition of my home. I was so caught up in keeping up with work, kids, and this whole “adult life”, and no one seemed to prepare me for the fact that I began to ignore the most ordinary and boring parts of life.

I quit opening mail, left baskets of laundry everywhere, and my once organized basement was unrecognizable. We all have our long list of “life is just too hard sometimes” and our homes tend to take the biggest beating when that list gets too long.

I even received a few shut off notices from utility companies, not because we couldn’t pay but because I lost the bill in one of my piles and simply forgot. If you had asked me in 2014 if this was a person I would ever become, I would have said it was impossible, as would my husband and anyone else who knew me.

Yet, on the morning of August 7th, 2015, I set on my back porch holding back tears, hoping my kids would sleep

just a little bit longer so I could try to figure out how my home had fallen apart so fast. I couldn't stop thinking there had to be a better way and that I couldn’t be the only one.

There had to be other people like me who were hardworking but who just had too much life thrown at them; people who now saw their home as a place of stress instead comfort.

This then became my passion, to create a service for people who weren't just looking for organization or to become a minimalist, but people like me who just needed some help to get their home back under control after too much life seemed to happen and they didn’t know where to start to put the pieces back together.

During the development of JLB Organizing method I wanted to understand why my brain, an organized, spreadsheet loving, and detailed orientated brain was now on the verge of a panic attack even at the thought of opening mail. What I learned through research, personal experience, and years of helping others get organized is there are always two things to blame: your brain and life.

The JLB Organizing method may seem backwards to most mainstream organization rules. However, what I

found was most organizing self-help books were long and covered so many topics that I was normally to overwhelmed to want to read them.

I also found the fun Pinterest post demotivating because you had to declutter and make decisions to achieve the finish product. If you are to overcome with anxiety, sadness, anger, or any of the emotions that come up when even thinking about decluttering an area of your home then those images are just a reminder of the hole you have found yourself in.

What I have learned through my personal and work experience is that we all feel our homes should be better, and that we must be failing by societies standards. I can assure you, you are not failing!

My goal is to teach people how to deal with the feelings of being overwhelmed with the condition of their home. I don’t support the technique of making you feel guilty for struggling to let things go, we all have our reasons behind why we keep what we keep. I recommend learning to make decisions by baby steps and realizing you don’t have to do it all at once.

My hope with this column is that it will help people realize that the pursuit

or organization can seem endless because your life is endlessly changing, but that you are not alone in your struggle and there are techniques and tips you can learn to better manage your home.

We are all good at something and you can learn to be better at organizing and creating systems that work for your life and your family. It doesn’t have to happen overnight and, in most cases, like all aspects of your life, your organizing systems will be a constantly evolving process.

I look forward to sharing what I have learned in over a decade of organizing others as well as myself with you!

Until next time, Chelsey Lauer

Chelsey Lauer created JLB Simplify Home Organizing in 2015 after realizing that sometimes life throws to much at you and no matter how hard you try, your home continues to be a cause of stress and endless clutter. Her goal is to help people feel back in control of their home and running a business and raising 3 boys, she knows all too well how quickly a clean organized house can become a cluttered mess.

Spring Gardening

by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Educator, University of Missouri Extension Service

Watching the snow fall as I write this, it is hard to imagine weather conducive to planting a garden being around the corner. Sooner than later it will be time to get those sought-after spring crops in the ground and on their way to a quick harvest and your favorite salad, stir-fry, or casserole.

What is your favorite spring vegetable crops?

Sugar snap peas? Onions? Carrots?

Arugula? All these crops grow best in the cool weather of spring. As soon as the soil in your garden space is moist, not wet, and can be cultivated into a seed bed with a crumbly texture in late February and March, go ahead and direct seed these spring crops.

Lettuce, radishes, mustard greens, and kale are just some of the crops that can be on your list to plant by seed.

These crops will tolerate a light freeze and frost and continue growing.

Onion sets and onion plants Both are available in your local garden supply stores. Onion sets are small bulbs that will give you green onions to use in salads and other dishes in 40-50 days. Onion plants

mature a little faster and should provide usable green onions in 30-40 days.

If you want to get larger onions to harvest later in the spring or early summer be sure to provide adequate water on a weekly basis. Harvest and cure large onions when the green tops fall over.

Potatoes Potatoes are a rewarding crop. While many people think St. Patrick’s Day is the best planting date for potatoes, Dr. David Trinklein, University of Missouri Horticulture Specialist, says that it is usually a couple of weeks too early.

If the soil temperature is not above 45 degrees F, seed potato pieces can be killed by freezing temperatures or rot in the cold, wet soil. Late March through early May, when the soil temperatures go up to around 78 degrees is a good time to plant potatoes.

Sugar snap peas Eat the whole pod of these peas, fresh from the garden. I often eat them all before I get inside! If you do manage to get a bowlful into the kitchen, they are great steamed or stir-fried. They

Spring crops such as sugar snap peas are a great addition to your favorite salad, stirstir-fry, or casserole.

Photo credit: iStock

are sweet and crunchy. Kids love them.

They are a great addition to the spring garden.

Plant sugar snap pea seeds in a crumbly moist seedbed. Peas and other legumes benefit from a coating of inoculant, special bacteria that allows the pea roots to get more nitrogen from the soil. Inoculant is available in small bags from garden supply stores.

It should improve your pea crop yield.

Most varieties of sugar snap peas are vining crops and will need a trellis to grow on. Some varieties of sugar snap peas are shorter and self-trellising.

Be sure to keep your seed beds

Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.

moist until your spring vegetable crops sprout. After they begin growing and have a set of true leaves, you can switch to watering around the roots once a week.

Watering thoroughly and deeply is beneficial to most crops. Ideally vegetable crops need one inch of water per week. If the rain does not provide it, you will have to water.

Check out the University of Missouri Extension websitewww.extension2.missouri.edu for information on how to plant and manage a wide range of vegetable crops. You can also access the Master Gardener Core Manual chapters on vegetable gardening at no chargehttps://extension2.missouri.edu/mg5 Call the University of Missouri Extension office in Blue Springs, 816252-5051, or contact the Master Gardener Hotline, 816-833-TREE (8733), 24-hour voice mail or email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com for more gardening information.

Happy Spring Gardening!

Community Voices

Page 6 Wayne’s World

Confessions of an Introvert 2.0

by Wayne Geiger

I’m not stuck up. I’m not mad. I don’t have indigestion. I’m just an introvert, or so I thought. I didn’t always think I was an introvert. In fact, for many years, I kind of assumed I was an extrovert.

I was confronted with the truth many years ago when I worked as a morning show host at a Christian radio station in New Orleans. It was a pretty sweet gig. I just had to be myself. As a bonus, I got to drink coffee and eat apple fritters from 5-9 AM. One particular day, our station consultant, Tom, and I were talking. I remember saying something like, “I work in radio because I love engaging with people!” He looked shocked and said, “Uhhh, no, you’re a classic introvert who prefers to hide behind a microphone.” His words hit home and something clicked.

It was Carl Jung, who in the 1920s, performed research on personality and developed the terms "introverted" and "extroverted." According to Jung, extroverted people seek and thrive on social interactions and are generally outspoken and outgoing.

In contrast, introverts tend to be quiet and reflective. They find social interactions draining and need alone time to recharge their batteries. Jung’s work is still popular and used in a number of personality tests including Myers-Briggs and Big Five Aspects Scales.

Tom’s revelation caused me some major introspection. My mind traveled

back in time. I was always the shy guy in school. I desperately wanted to fit in with the cool kids but seemed to lack the proper social and communication skills. I felt a little awkward in social settings and was not the best conversationalist beyond a quick remark about the weather. Honestly, I just never had anything to say.

After this interaction with Tom, I concluded, “I’m an introvert!” It was somewhat exciting and freeing. I was home.

As time went on, I felt uncomfortable with the label of introvert. For one reason, I just hate labels and the belief that we can cram our personalities into a neat, little box.

Another reason was, being an introvert just didn’t seem to fit me all the time.

True, there are times when I prefer little to no social interaction. In fact, there are days when I could sit at my computer and would be fine if someone simply shoved coffee and pizza through the doggie door at regular intervals.

But, on the other side, I love to listen to people’s stories and learning new things. I really enjoy being with people—just not everyone all at the same time. I prefer my relationships to be deep rather than wide.

Researchers have come up with a third term for people like me: ambiverts. About 68-percent of the population fall into this category. When I first heard the term, I determined, “That’s me with the latest upgrade! I’m kind of like an introvert 2.0!

But my ambiversion still needed

revision. What bothered me was that some of the research suggested that ambiverts operate as both introverts and extroverts but choose one or the other depending on the occasion.

Then a little light went on. I remembered a communication term known as “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy.” In short, Self-Fulfilling Prophecy suggests that, at times, we might think something will happen and then act in such a way as to actually cause it to happen.

For example, if you believe, “nobody in the office likes me” you have a belief system. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy suggests that your belief could cause you to act differently around your coworkers. For example, you may avoid your coworkers, refuse to make eye contact, use body language that suggests you are closed off to them, or walk around with an angry scowl.

Then, at the end of the day, when no one is nice to you, you say, “See, I knew no one in the office liked me.” And yet, the reason they did not like you was because they assumed you did not like them first.

Could it be that ambiverts are the same way and simply adjust to the social challenges set before them? I began to dig deeper and stumbled upon a 2017 article in Psychology Today

by Caroline Beaton. She wrote, “Research shows that we feel how we act (when we smile, we feel happier) and we act how we believe (if we believe we're introverted, we act that way).”

The gist of the article was that

introversion and extroversion are a myth. She concluded, “Hopefully continued research on ambiversion and situational personality can shed light on what introversion and extraversion really are: self-limiting beliefs.” I found her comments interesting and insightful.

Now, to be honest, as much as I appreciated her article, I’m not in the camp that suggests we get rid of the terms introvert and extrovert. In fact, a great deal of research has shown that it is a “thing.” But, maybe it is also true that I don’t need to be limited by a psychological label. Maybe, a great deal of who I am is who I choose to be.

To be sure, my innate nature is to be quiet and shy and I struggle in social settings. In addition, I do, at times, prefer, if not need, to be alone.

However, I can also choose not to be a prisoner of a predetermined list of behaviors assigned to a particular label.

I can choose, if not create, my own path.

I may not always remember that. So, if you happen to see me at a social gathering, don’t think me to be rude or conceited or feel the urge to offer me a Tums. Instead, invite yourself into my “personal zone” (2-5 feet) and engage me in conversation. But, don’t be surprised if I say, “terrible weather we’re having” and invite you to tell me your story.

Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.

Foundation Accepting 2019 Grant Applications from Local Nonprofits Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) welcomes nonprofit organizations located in or serving citizens of Eastern Jackson County to request funding for 2019. Approximately $125,000 is available through the Community Grants Program with an additional $125,000 from the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children’s Education Fund.

In 2018, through the Competitive Grants Program, THCF issued grants totaling more than $347,000 to 60 nonprofit organizations. An entire list of grant recipients can be found at http:// www.thcf.org/Grant-ScholarshipSeekers/Grants-Recipients.

Organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of local government or public education institutions located in or serving individuals or communities in Eastern Jackson County (defined as East of I-435) are eligible to apply for Community Grants funding for Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation; Adult or Non-Traditional Education;

Community Betterment; and Health and Human Services proposals.

Organizations applying for Wildlife Preservation in Missouri funding are not restricted to serving Eastern Jackson County. Applications from across the state of Missouri are encouraged.

Applications for Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education must be focused on educational initiatives for children, ranging from early childhood through traditional post-secondary education.

Proposals that take an innovative approach to education, focus on at-risk youth, or that are collaborative with other organizations are encouraged.

The Jelley Family Foundation endowment originated when long-time resident of Blue Springs, Dr. Carl Jelley entrusted the Truman Heartland Community Foundation with a substantial gift upon his passing to support children’s education in Eastern Jackson County. The first grants in his honor to support children’s education

were made in 2014.

THCF is hosting a Grant Application Workshop on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 3 p.m. at Midwest Public Risk, 19400 E. Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO 64055. Nonprofits interested in applying for funding in 2019 are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP for the workshop by emailing Rachael Watkins at watkins@thcf.org.

Applicants may apply for both the Community Grants program and the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children’s Education, but not with the same proposal. Programs are eligible for funding for up to three consecutive years. After three years of funding have been awarded for the same program, that program becomes ineligible for one year. Applicants are still eligible to submit proposals for different programs. Exceptions to this rule will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Complete application guidelines can be downloaded and submitted online at http://www.thcf.org/Grant-

Scholarship-Seekers/Grants Jelley Family Foundation grant seekers must submit their applications

by Monday, March 18, 2019. Community Grant seekers must submit their applications by Monday, April 8, 2019.

Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a public charity committed to improving area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good.

Founded in 1982, THCF serves the region with assets of more than $43 million and annual grants surpassing $4 million.

In addition to donor services, the Community Foundation provides asset development for nonprofit organizations, awards grants to nonprofits, assists organizations in planned giving and serves as a leader in addressing community issues. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call THCF at 816.836.8189.

Community Voices

Page 7

Looking Back: Grading Up Beef Cattle at Sni-A-Bar Farms

by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

Apparently, William Rockhill Nelson was a lover of good livestock who believed that systematic breeding with well-chosen purebred sires would quickly improve common herds of cattle and eliminate economic waste.

In 1912, Mr. Nelson completed the purchase of 1,755 acres of land in Sni-ABar Township, Jackson County, MO. The tract comprised two farms, one devoted chiefly to the production of the purebred sires used in the work and the other to the operation of grading up the main herd.

The following year 200 “common red cows” –as he called them—were purchased at the Kansas City Stockyards. These animals, shipped there from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska for slaughter, were the foundation female stock for the breeding operation.

In order to have cows that would breed, cows were from 4 to 5 years old, fair to good quality, judged from a market standpoint, of good size and showing evidence of Shorthorn breeding and also of being reasonably good milkers. A few had calves at side but most of the cows were with calf and dry. These calves provided a reference point for judging the first cross.

Those calves showing unmistakable evidences of dairy breeding and those showing Hereford or Angus characteristics were discarded because Shorthorn bulls were used in the demonstration and it seemed desirable to work with only one breed.

Because one of Mr. Nelson’s goals was to help the average farmer, the equipment and arrangement of the farm was typical of what the average farmer could provide and Nelson decided his stock should have no better feed or care than would be possible on any farm.

Mr. Nelson had a definite purpose and plan. He was 71 years old when he acquired Sni-A-Bar Farms, and he completed the selection of the foundation stock only a few months before his death on March 7, 1915.

Under the conditions of his will, the breeding operations were to continue for 30 years from the time of his death.

Next week learn about the Nelson Trust, and the Board of Trustees.

Pictured at right: USDA Circular No. 14 dated September 1926, entitled Sni--A-Bar “Grading Up Beef Cattle at Sni Farms”.”. Photo credit: Grain Valley Farms Historical Society.

The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, 10am— is open Wednesdays from 10am —3pm and by appointment.

Society’’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow Visit the Historical Society the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).

Community Profile: Paul Juarez Paul Juarez recently moved to Grain Valley from Oak Grove, and while the face not be familiar, you may know Juarez from his Real-Stick drawings he posts on the Valley News Facebook page. A book of his drawings is scheduled to be published this spring and will be sold in stores and online.

Juarez has always drawn, and upon the urging of a friend a few years ago, began posting his drawings on social media. His Real-Stick drawings feature two stick figures who Juarez said are caricatures of Juarez and his wife.

Juarez lives with his step-daughter and has 2 daughters and one son.

His drawings are also a creative outlet to help deal with health issues.

Juarez has been on dialysis for over 2 years and is trying to get on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

“It’s an uphill battle, and it seems that if you have money, you’re good. If you don’t, it’s more of a battle,” Juarez said.

Medications that come after the transplant total $5,000 month, so Paul is working to save money for posttransplant medications and to meet the

requirements of getting on the transplant list.

“I was working and was getting cramps all the time and couldn’t figure it out. It was winter time, and I thought maybe I was getting pneumonia because I was having a hard time catching my breath, so I finally broke down and went to see a doctor. I was at the store with my wife the next day and got a phone call from the doctor’s office telling me to drop everything and get to the hospital. They told me I was in renal failure and kept me in the hospital for 10 days,” Juarez said.

“I didn’t believe them at first, because I just thought I was sore from lifting at work and over-tired. I got several opinions from other doctors, and they all agreed,” Juarez said.

He is no longer able to work due to his condition, but is focused on improving his health and staying positive. Cooking is a passion and Juarez loves how sharing a meal is a way to connect with family and friends.

By being mindful of the foods he eats, Juarez has lost 50 pounds and is very conscientious of ingredients and food

labels.

Juarez said his experience. It really makes you appreciate life.

“I stay up at night to prepare for dialysis and sometimes I get scared.

I try not get depressed like I see other people do, but it is hard. It’s always in the back of your mind, the thought that ‘what if this doesn’t work?’. So, I am focused on trying to eat right and being appreciative. Even the Grain Valley resident Paul Juarez. Photo credit: Valley News staff snow that everyone complains about is beautiful if you choose to look at it that way,” Juarez said.

A Go Fund Me account has been set Everyone has a story—we want to hear yours! up to assist Juarez with medical bills, and we will post this information to the To nominate yourself or someone else for our Valley News Facebook page.

Community Profile section, email You can also view Juarez’s posts on our page and periodically in Valley news@grainvalleynews.com.

News.

Page 8

Health & Fitness

Warm Up and Slim Down

by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD

Do you tend to eat a big dinner?

Maybe even fill your plate up twice? Or have another snack later in the evening?

If eating too much at dinner and through the evening hours is keeping you from slimming down, a simple solution may keep you trim. It’s soup.

Soup is warming, satisfying and filling, to help you stick to fewer calories.

All soups are not created equal. Try a bowl of broth-based soup like chicken and noodles, vegetable beef, tomato or even minestrone. Basically any soup without cream or cheese will have a slimming effect. Many soups are low in fat and cholesterol and provide many vitamins and minerals.

According to research, having a bowl of soup before a meal will cause you to eat significantly fewer total calories. In fact, people who had soup before the meal ate an average of 100 calories fewer than people who skipped the soup.

Soup is convenient, so you can skip the fast-food lane. Soup is satisfying and might reduce your stress. Relax and savor the flavor. Chicken soup may even help you get over a cold. So have a bowl of soup today and one tomorrow.

Try the following recipe. It’s sure to warm you up and help slim you down!

Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com. The information is not intended as medical advice.

Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Photo credit: iStock

Timothy Lutheran To Host Live Well Community Fair More than 27 organizations and ministries that promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellness will be featured in a community fair on March 2, 2019 from 9:00am—3:00pm at Timothy Ministries, 301 E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs.

There is no cost to attend and registration is not required. The first 300 visitors will receive a complimentary tote celebrating the inaugural event.

In addition, tours of the Early Childhood Center and Timothy School, located at Timothy Ministries, will be given. Lunch items will be offered for sale by the Timothy Lutheran Youth Ministry.

Participating organizations include: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Blue Springs Family YMCA Break Time (Shepherd’s Center) Camp Encourage CJCares Compassionate Friends Comprehensive Mental Health Services Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care Good WORKS Career Center Habitat for Humanity Hillcrest Transitional Housing Hope for Healthy Smiles—and dental bus

Hope After Suicide Loss Hope House If Not For Grace Ministries Impact Ministries Joshua Center/Sunshine Center LCC Comfort Dogs Midwest Transplant Network Newhouse Rachel House / Pregnancy Resource Center Rainbow Center Solace House/Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care St Mary’s Medical Center Women Endowing Education Bus For a list of participating organizations, visit the Timothy Lutheran Ministries website at www.timothylutheran.com and click on the link on the front page.

Page 9

Capitol Report: State Representative Jeff Coleman Excerpted from Representative Coleman’s February 14th Capitol Report

The past two weeks have been very eventful for me. I am honored to have been named Vice Chair of the Missouri House of Representatives Economic Development Committee by Speaker Elijah Haahr. I look forward to working with all of the committee members to help move our great State forward with economic growth.

While in Session, I had the pleasure of meeting with several members of the local School Boards last week. I had a great visit with Dr. Snow, Superintendent, and Board MembersJan Reding, Julie Goff & Michael Hackett of the Grain Valley School District. They were in Jefferson City for the Missouri School Board Association Legislative day.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Blue Springs City Council member Jerry Kaylor, and City Administrator Eric Johnson. It is always good catching up with familiar faces. I enjoy having visitors from the District so much!

Rounding out this week was a busy schedule of meeting with members of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA). I appreciate the time they took to stop and visit with me, so we could discuss the important issues that both current teachers and retired educators face.

Legislative Update House Gives FirstFirst-Round Approval to Important Workforce Development Bill (HB 225) Members of the Missouri House of Representatives gave initial approval this week to legislation meant to put thousands of Missourians on a fast track to develop the skills they need to obtain good-paying jobs. The bill would create a new state financial aid program known as Fast Track that would address workforce needs by encouraging adults to pursue an industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need.

Fast Track is a needs-based scholarship targeted at adults age 25 and older who are working toward a certification, undergraduate degree or industry-recognized credential for a high demand occupation. To be eligible, a student must be at least 25 years of age, not have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, and have an adjusted gross income of less than $40,000 for an individual and $80,000 for a married couple filing jointly. If approved, a Missourian could attend an approved Missouri postsecondary institution of their choice and have their tuition and fees paid for by the program. The program is a “last-dollar” program and will be applied after all federal non-loan

aid, state student aid, and any other governmental student financial aid are applied.

The bill now requires a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate.

Legislation Approved to Create Mental Health Awareness Month (HB 108) The House gave approval this week to legislation that would have Missouri join the federal government in making May “Mental Health Awareness Month,” and in making July “Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.”

The sponsor said it is important to raise awareness because untreated mental health issues contribute to things like unemployment, disability, homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, and suicide.

She said, “Early identification and treatment of mental illnesses have proven to be vital to any recovery process. Stigma association with mental illness prevents many individuals from seeking the necessary treatment.”

Another member who spoke in support of the bill said it is “very important, and it’s not just about an awareness month. It’s about education and empowering people to let them know it’s okay to not be okay, but it is okay to seek help.”

The sponsor of the bill added, “The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act on it, and one way to do this is for us in Missouri to enact the Mental Health Awareness Month.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Sends Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Legislation to the Senate (HB 188) The House gave final approval this week to legislation that would create a statewide monitoring program for drug prescriptions. Supporters say the bill would combat the abuse of prescription drugs and help prevent conflicts between medications.

Opponents question how effective such a program is in fighting the opioid epidemic, and worry that it would violate Missourians’ constitutional right to privacy.

Known as the Narcotics Control Act, the bill would require the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to establish and maintain a program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of all Schedule II through Schedule IV controlled substances. The bill would require information on these drugs being prescribed and dispensed to be reported within 24 hours. By the year 2022 the information would be updated in real time. In response to the security concerns, supporters say the bill contains numerous protections to ensure data is encrypted so that private information remains private.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Approves Bill to Enact “Hailey’ Hailey’s Law” Law” (HB 185) Another bill headed to the Senate is meant to better protect children by improving the state’s Amber Alert system. The bill is known as “Hailey’s Law” in honor of Hailey Owens, who was abducted and murdered at the age of 10 while walking home from a friend’s house.

The legislation would require the Amber Alert System to be tied into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES), which is the computer system that allows all law enforcement in Missouri to communicate. That means once an officer enters information about a missing child into MULES, it would at the same time be available to the Amber Alert system.

The bill would also require the state’s Amber Alert System Oversight Committee to meet at least once a year to discuss ways to improve the system. Currently there is no requirement for that committee to meet.

If you would like to track legislation you can visit this website: www.house.mo.gov . First, click on the “Legislation” button located horizontally across the top of the webpage, and then either enter the bill number or keywords into the search bar, or click on one of the categories in the “Reports” column located vertically on the left-hand side of the webpage.

Please don’t hesitate to call, send an email or drop in my office if you have any questions, need help with a State issue or just want to say hello. Thank you for providing me this wonderful opportunity to be of service to the great people of the 32nd District.

Sports

Page 10

Wrestlers Complete Season with Strong Showing at State Grain Valley High School (GVHS) Wrestling sent seven student athletes to the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships February 14-16th. Heading to Columbia were Mitchell Alexander (138), Caleb Benshoof (132), Ethan Grasher (152), Trent LeGrotte (145), Donovan McBride (HW/285), Hunter Newsom (170), and Jaden Worthington (220).

Alexander finished third and Newsom placed sixth in the Class 3 championships.

Head Coach Jesse Whitson is proud of his team’s effort over the weekend.

“I thought all the guys competed hard.

Hunter Newsome did a great job this weekend. He was a dark horse going into the weekend as an unranked wrestler in the state and came away with a 6th place finish. He did a great job of improving throughout the course of the season and it all paid off last weekend,” Whitson said.

“It was great to see Mitchel Alexander finish his career with a 3rd place finish.

He has battled through a lot over the past few seasons. It was great to see him achieve the goal of earning a medal this weekend and finish his career with a win over an opponent who had beaten him multiple times this season. He showed the heart and fight that we saw from our athletes all year.”

Senior team members were instrumental to the success of the program over the past four years, and their efforts off the mat have earned two

academic honors and one the opportunity to continue his career in college.

Mitchel Alexander and Hunter Newsom will receive academic all-state honors this season for having a 3.5 GPA or higher and for their performance at the state tournament.

Caleb Benshoof, a 3-time State placer, will wrestle next year at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. “This group of seniors did a great job of carrying this team over the past four years. Many of them were four-year starters and helped contribute to 3 consecutive top ten team finishes, including a 4th place finish their sophomore year. If it wasn't for their efforts, we would not have had the success we did over the past four years,” Whitson said.

In the offseason, Whitson is encouraging his current and incoming athletes to wrestle at MoWest Championship Wrestling Club throughout the spring and summer while competing in off season freestyle and Greco tournaments.

“I would also like to see them commit themselves to getting stronger in the weight room and maintaining a good level of conditioning on a year-round basis. Wrestling is a lifestyle, not just a seasonal sport, and I would like to see more and more of our athletes committing to and living that lifestyle this offseason,” Whitson said.

Girls Swim & Dive Conclude Season at State Competition GVHS girls swim and dive team finished their first season with an inaugural trip to the state competition..

Diver Hayden Meyer finished fifth with 346.90 points at the Girls Swimming and Diving Championships February 14— 16th in St. Peters, MO.

Abigail Castle finished 15th with 312.25 points. Piper Barnard qualified for state but did not emerge from early rounds.

Junior Rachel Turpin finished 21st in the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 1:03.44 in the preliminary round on February 15th.

Senior Mitchel Alexander (138) finished his high school wrestling career with a 3rd place finish at the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships in 14--16th.

Columbia February 14 Left to Right: Coach Matt Cox, Wrestler Mitchel Alexander, Coach Jesse Whitson Photo Credit: Mavrick Alexander

MO Dept. of Conservation Provides More Rainbow Trout for Winter Fishing in Kansas City Area

by Bill Graham, MO Department of Conservation Anglers who love to catch rainbow trout received a Valentine’s Day gift in the Kansas City area. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Feb. 14 provided a fresh stocking of trout at six lakes. Wither snow or sun as winter wanes, trout await.

MDC’s winter trout fishing program provides anglers an opportunity to catch a popular fish close to home.

Trout are not native to Missouri. But they have been stocked in cold-water rivers and lakes in the southern portions of the state. In winter, they can also survive in urban lakes and ponds farther north.

The trout were raised at MDC Bennett Spring Fish Hatchery and brought by truck to area lakes. Coot and Plover lakes at MDC’s James A. Reed

Memorial Wildlife Area received 1,000 trout each. Chaumiere Lake in Kansas City’s park in the Northland received 875 trout. At Liberty, ponds 3 and 4 at Fountain Bluff park each received 500 trout. Biologists released 500 trout in the lake at Kearney’s Jesse James Park.

Johnston Lake in Raymore got 809 trout.

MDC’s winter trout fishing at these lakes began with a stocking in November. Some of the sites will be stocked again in March. Currently, anglers may need to wait for a weather warmup to clear ice from lakes at some stocking sites.

Anglers fishing for winter trout generally use spinning, spincasting, or flyfishing gear. Small spinners and jigs are often used with spinning gear. A

variety of flies work when using a flyrod.

Statewide trout fishing regulations apply. All Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 must have a valid fishing permit, and all non-residents over age 15 must have a fishing permit. The daily limit is four trout. To keep trout, all anglers must have a Missouri trout permit. Pole and line methods only are allowed, and each angler may have no more than three fishing poles.

The most up-to-date information on MDC’s winter trout stockings in the KC Metro Area is available by calling 816525-0300 and listen for the cue for the trout hotline.

Tips for catching winter trout in urban lakes are found in an online Missouri Conservationist magazine

MDC's winter trout fishing program close--to to--home gives angler's a close opportunity to catch the popular sport fish in community lakes.

Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation story, https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zpq. For more information on trout fishing throughout Missouri, visit http:// mdc.mo.gov.

Sports

Page 11

Lady Eagles Basketball Fights Hard in Comeback Effort in Loss to Pirates

by John Unrein

The Grain Valley girls basketball team could not protect a 24-23 halftime lead in their loss to the visiting Platte County Pirates on Monday, February 18th.

The Lady Eagles were able to attain the early lead due to playing tough defense and their timely shooting. First half highlights included two first quarter three pointers by Junior Forward Keely Hill and timely drives to the basket and free throw shooting by Senior Forward Gracelyn LaForge.

“I was pleased with our effort tonight as we’ve been playing well. We continue to find the identity of our team. I think the first half we played simple and aggressive basketball and that’s who we are. We missed a couple of shots late in the half that we needed to make and would’ve given us more space (with our lead) heading into the half,” Head Girls Basketball Coach Randy Draper said.

Turnovers and missed assignments on defense by the Eagles allowed the Pirates to regain the lead during the second half. Platte County turned the table, playing tough defense themselves as well as capitalizing on

turnovers with good shooting. This allowed them to take the lead by the end of the third quarter by a margin of 36-43.

“There were two possessions back to back in the second half where we lost their shooter at a time of high priority and we didn’t get it done. We went from up one to down five and the game gets dictated differently after that.

That’s the beauty of close basketball games in that every possession matters,” Draper said.

Play become heated during the final quarter. The Lady Eagles maintained their composure while continuing to compete. Senior Guards Kendra Sibert and Brittney McKay became even more active in their efforts to score as the game winded to a close with a final score of 56-66.

The Eagles cut the lead down to single digits with three minutes left in the fourth quarter refusing to have the door slammed on them in their comeback efforts. McKay and Hill led all scorers with 20 and 15 points respectively.

“One of the things I love about this

Junior Forward Keely Hill with a free throw attempt.

Photo credit: Valley News staff team is that we have competitors and they don’t back down. That makes it fun to coach. It’s fun to go to work with this group. Brittney and Keely have been through tough situations in

games and are good shooters. On top of that, our sharing of the basketball has improved and if your open, we’re going to get it to you,” Draper said.

Eagles Boys Basketball Down Pirates in Conference Matchup

by John Unrein

The Grain Valley boys basketball team kept the accelerator on the floor during their 71-43 win against the visiting Platte County Pirates on Monday, February 18th.

The game was moved to Grain Valley North Middle School due to power issues at the high school. The change in scenery did not affect the play of the Eagles. Senior Forward Josh Kilpatrick had a strong offensive showing as the Eagles leading scorer with 24 points.

Head Boys Basketball Coach Andy Herbert was pleased with his team’s effort.

“I thought we did a good job early establishing the inside and were able to exploit them there as well as handling their pressure. We turned it over a few too many times for my liking. However, we did a good job of getting guys rotated and covered up, as they are a good three-point shooting team,” Herbert said.

The Eagles hustled for loose balls and made determined drives to the basket in breaking down their opponent throughout all four quarters.

This permitted them to expand their lead as the game unfolded.

“Playing hard doesn’t take talent.

The ability to block out, the ability to take care of the ball doesn’t require talent. Kevin (Gutierrez) does a good job offensively of breaking things down and finding open people. When you get that initial break down, you are always attacking a close out and our guys understand how to play the game. We don’t run a ton of plays, we let our guys play the game and they’re good at that,” Herbert said.

The Eagles boys basketball team returns home on Friday, February 22nd.

Their opponent for senior night will be Raytown South.

Upcoming Prep Events Basketball: Boys JV vs. Raytown South @ Grain Valley High School Friday, February 22nd at 5:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity vs. Raytown South @ Grain Valley High School Friday, February 22nd at 7:00pm

Soccer: Girls Varsity Jamboree vs. Pleasant Hill, St. Teresa’s @ Pleasant Hill High School Monday, March 11, 2019 at 5:00pm

Senior Forward Jesse Schultz with the layup.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

Community Calendar February 25, 2019

Hands Only CPR Grain Valley Community Center 713 Main Street 6:30pm—7:15pm This is a free noncertification (no cards issued), educational opportunity made possible by a partnership with Grain Valley Parks and Recreation and Saint Luke’s East Hospital.

Register online at http:// grainvalley.recdesk.com in person at the Grain Valley Community Center.

Registration deadline Feb. 21!

Building a Capsule Wardrobe Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:15pm www.mymcpl.org/events Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm

February 28, 2019

Grain Valley Schools Late Start

March 11, 2019

Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm

March 12, 2019

Using a Mouse and Keyboard Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—4:00pm www.mymcpl.org/events

March 13, 2019

Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am www.mymcpl.org/events

March 21, 2019

Kindergarten Registration Event Held at all Grain Valley Elementary Schools 4:30pm—6:00pm Children must be at least five years old on or before July 31, 2019 to attend Kindergarten in 2019-20 school year.

March 2, 2019

Live Well Community Fair Timothy Ministries, 301 E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs.

9:00am—3:00pm

Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

March 4, 2019

Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events

March 5, 2019

Stranger Reads Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events

March 4, 2019

Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events

March 6, 2019

Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am www.mymcpl.org/events Grain Valley Senior Citizens Luncheon

11:30am – 1:00pm

Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main

Please RSVP by one week prior to each luncheon, by calling 816-847-6293 or send an email to

info@cityofgrainvalley.org.

March 11, 2019

SelfSelf-Defense for Teens Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events

Grain Valley resident April McCart shared the view from her neighborhood on February 16th following yet another snow storm. Photo credit: April McCart Share the view from your neighborhood!

Submit photos via Facebook (@grainvalleynews) or email to news@grainvalleynews.com.

Please be sure to include your first and

last name for photo credit, and a contact phone or email for verification purposes.