April 1, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 13
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
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County relaxes Good News: restrictions on capacity Scholar Bowl clinches for businesses, gatherings conference championship Jackson County has announced plans to modify protocols to the current health order, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity restrictions. County Executive Frank White , Jr. stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, the mask mandate and social distancing protocols remain in effect. The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021, the same day Phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan is activated, which opens vaccine eligibility to all Missouri adults. “Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made,” White said. “In order to do that, we must continue to wear face coverings and maintain our distance from others when in public spaces out of respect for those in our community who are waiting to be vaccinated. If we remain diligent in our prevention efforts, we will be one step closer to getting back some normalcy in our daily lives.” “Our health department is focused on increasing education of the vaccines that are available, providing access to them, signing up as many residents as possible
and getting vaccines in arms,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Schaffer, MPH, said. “We look forward to receiving increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks to continue our commitment to public health and safety.” The protocols that will be revised beginning April 9 include: All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https:// jacohd.org/covid-vaccines. Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.
Polls open 6am-7pm on Tuesday Polls for the April municipal election will be open Tuesday, April 6th from 6:00am—7:00pm. Grain Valley voters will elect an alderman in each of the City’s three wards on April 6th. In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver is running for re-election. Dale Arnold is also running for the seat. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton faces challenger Darren Mills. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass faces first-time candidate Kristen Rising. The Central Jackson County Fire
Protection District (CJCFPD) has placed two questions on the April 6th ballot, asking voters for their support in adding a second fire station on the north side of Grain Valley. Voters will also decide whether to attach to the Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. If approved, residents within the school district boundaries would be eligible for in-district tuition rates. To view a sample ballot and to find polling locations, visit www.jcebmo.org.
to head into postseason play Grain Valley High School’s Scholar Bowl team has had a successful season, recently winning the White Division Scholar Bowl conference championship. The four person team of seniors Carter Barnes, Teej Hayes, Lath Hicks, and junior Alex Brooks, led by Head coach Jordan Henson and assistant coach John York, are modest about the talents that have brought them to post-season play. Henson has worked with the team since they began high school, and is quick to praise their hard work and dedication. “This is a faithful crew. This is my fourth year teaching in the district, so I’ve worked with our seniors since they were freshman and now they’re about to graduate. We’re excited to see how the season concludes,” Henson said. In a style similar to the beloved quiz show Jeopardy, teams compete by answering questions from a variety of disciplines, buzzing in to answer and earn points. While each member studies to answer every question, they identified a few of the member’s strong suits. Barnes is especially valuable when it comes to science and mythology; Brooks is the go-to person for religion, world and natural history. Hayes can be counted on when a pop culture question “pops” up. This year, most of the competitions have been held via Zoom with online buzzers for competitors. The team has taken the changes in stride,
“There are always the random moments where the connection might not be particularly clear, but they’ve adjusted well,” Henson said. With most of the team graduating at the end of the year, the program is focused on rebuilding and recruiting new members, which has been a challenge in a year with virtual and hybrid school. The team members all agreed that Scholar Bowl is a great opportunity to compete with a close-knit group in an activity that allows for its members to participate in other activities at school and in the community. When asked what they enjoyed most about Scholar Bowl, the consensus was clear—winning. This is an experience the team has enjoyed quite a bit this year as they enter postseason play. Next up is MSHSAA District competition April 17th, and if the team is successful, they look forward to sectional competition in late April and state competition in early May. The team members are planning to pursue careers as diverse as the topics they face in competition. Hicks is heading to Missouri S&T to study engineering. Barnes will head to UMKC to study biology, and Hayes plans to study cyber security. Brooks is looking at studying to become a veterinarian or vet tech. Current GVHS students and incoming freshmen looking to continue the winning tradition of this current team may reach out to Mr. Henson or Mr. York.
In This Edition: Looking Back: Twenty-Five Years Ago
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Business: Partnership to host spring blood drive
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Musings from the Middle: The lies I tell myself
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Your Health: Cholesterol—the basics and type of treatment
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Sports: Thiessen puts a quartet in the net for Lady Eagles
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Cover Photo: Racing set to begin for 2021 season at Valley Speedway. Photo credit: Valley Speedway. Story on page 11.
Grain Valley High School’s Scholar Bowl team practices weekly in preparation for district competition. The team heads to District competition on April 17th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
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Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department
Event April 24th
daily calls for service log for the week of March 17-23, 2021.
March 17, 2021 400 Block of SW Graystone DR 1700 Block of Buckner Tarsney South Middle 700 Block of Main 300 Block of NW Woodbury DR
Property Damage Verbal Disturbance Alarm Citizen Contact Agency Assist Lee's Summit PD 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 800 Block of SW Highland Ave Welfare Check 1200 Block of NW Hickorywood CT Suspicious Vehicle March 18, 2021 1500 Block of Nicholas Old 40 HWY Old 40 HWY 600 Block of Yennie Golfview Cir
Verbal Disturbance Agency AssistJackson County Fallen Tree Verbal Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle
March 19, 2021 E Old 40 HWY & Valley Speedway Motor Vehicle Accident 400 Block of Walnut Disturbance 100 Block of Rock Creek Ln DWI 1100 Block of Bush Stolen Trailer 100 Block of Main ST Agency Assist Animal Control 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 400 Block of Laura Ln Suspicious Vehicle 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact Eagles Pkwy & Royer Area Check March 20, 2021 400 Block of Joseph Lane 800 Block of Hilltop Lane 700 Block of Harvest 1200 Block of SW Eagles PKWY 1100 Block of RD Mize 200 Block of Willow CT 800 Block of San Kar 800 Block of Graystone Cir 1100 Block of Main ST 200 Block of Willow CT 700 Block of Main
Suspicious Vehicle Fireworks Area Check Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Missing Juvenile Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Verbal Disturbance Area Check Motor Vehicle Accident
600 Block of Walnut 700 Block of Walnut 1100 Block of Bush 700 Block of Main
Assault Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact
March 21, 2021 100 Block of Rock Creek Ln
1000 Block of Cross Creek
Motor Vehicle Accident Area Check Fireworks Agency AssistBuckner PD Noise Disturbance Agency Assist-CJC Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency AssistBuckner PD Agency Assist-CJC
March 22, 2021 1100 Block of NW Woodbury 100 Block of W Broadway 100 Block of Old 40 HWY 300 Block of Woodbury DR 1200 Block of NW Ashley LN 200 Block of Cypress 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 1300 Block of Walnut
Alarm Verbal Disturbance Suspicious Person Stolen Property Area Check Agency Assist-EMS Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance
March 23, 2021 100 Block of Eagles PKWY 1500 Block of Jaclyn 600 Block of Yennie 1400 Block of NW Highview DR High View Dr 1100 Block of NW Eagle Ridge 700 Block of Main
Disturbance Agency Assist-CJC Abandoned Auto Area Check Traffic Complaint Area Check Citizen Contact
Leeann & Gateway 800 Block of Hilltop Lane Oak & Village LN 1900 Block of Willow 1000 Block of Cross Creek 400 Block of Joseph Lane 1200 Block of Phelps DR 200 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 300 Block of Park
GVPD to host Drug Take-Back If spring cleaning your medicine cabinet is on your ’to do’ list, Grain Valley Police Department is providing an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unneeded or expired medications on Saturday, April 24, 2021. GVPD’s Drug Take-Back event will be held on April 24th from 10:00am—
2:00pm in the GVPD parking lot, 711 Main. The event is free to all for safe disposal of prescription and nonprescription medications. No syringes will be accepted. For more information, call 816-8476250 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
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Looking Back
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Looking Back: Twenty Five Years Ago by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society After spending some time going thru old newspaper articles from twenty-five years ago, I continued to find stories about one woman and her impact on Grain Valley. Twenty-five years ago, at the age of 85, Veatrice Henson was chosen by the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce as “Volunteer of the Year.” For eight years, beginning in 1988, Mrs. Henson spent her Wednesdays as a volunteer at the Community Service League’s (now Grain Valley Assistance Council) food and clothing shelter. Her nomination included these words, “Rain or shine she does whatever is needed to be done. She’s the corresponding secretary, writing thank you notes to doners, and works in the pantry to fill food orders for clients.” She received the honor again in 2008.
Before moving to Grain Valley, Mrs. Henson spent her life in Springfield where she was born, married and raised her two children. She and her husband followed their children here in 1986. But the newspaper stories didn’t end at age 85 or with being named Volunteer of the Year. There was the story of her first airplane ride, an Angel flight used for humanitarian missions, when she was 87 years-old. There was a 90th birthday celebration. In 2005 (age 94) she was Grand Marshall of Valley Fair Days. The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen declared May 10, 2010 as Veatrice Henson Day. It was just after her 99th birthday. For her 100th birthday, she received world wide attention when she was chosen for Sprint’s All Together Now ad
Harper to compete in Miss Missouri USA Pageant Shaley Elizabeth Harper from Grain Valley, daughter of Daniel and Chandra Harper has been selected to participate in the 2021 Miss Missouri USA pageant. The pageant will take place May 1st at B&B Live Theatre in Shawnee. She will be competing as Miss Mizzou and will compete in swimsuit, evening gown, and personal interview. The pageant has two age divisions, and the winners will represent our state in the 2021 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant. Miss USA goes on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss USA pageant system stresses good morals, physical fitness, communication skills, social awareness, and community involvement. Harper is a freshman at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying journalism with a minor in textile apparel management. Harper aspires to work for E! as a red carpet correspondent.
Photo courtesy Shaley Harper
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campaign. She became known as the Sprint Lady and received Happy Birthday messages from hundreds of thousands of people around the world via emails, text and voicemail messages. She received the “Royal” treatment with a limousine ride to Kauffman Stadium, seats in the Royal Crown section and was seen several times of the Kauffman Stadium jumbotron screen. The night’s highlight was when the entire stadium sang Happy Birthday to her. Mrs. Henson continued to volunteer with the Grain Valley Assistance Council until May, 2017. Her life journey ended peacefully on August 29, 2017. She was 106 years-old.
Veatrice Henson, putting food on the shelf at Grain Valley Assistance Council (1996). Photo courtesy Grain Valley Historical Society.
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Did you know Missouri has been the birthplace of several famous actors. They include James Franciscus (Clayton), Dick Van Dyke (West Plains), Scott Bakula (St. Louis), Jane Wyman (St. Joseph), Janet Jones (Pattonville), Jack Okie (Sedalia), Jill Eikenberry (St. Joseph, Brad Pitt
(Springfield), Geraldine Page (Kirksville), Kathleen Turner (Springfield), Steve McQueen (Slater), Redd Foxx (St. Louis), Wallace Beery (Kansas City), Shelly Winters (St. Louis), Dennis Weaver (Joplin), Dee Wallace and Ed Asner (Kansas City) and Ginger Rogers (Independence) to name a few.
Business
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Grain Valley Partnership to host spring blood drive April 14th Community Blood Center (CBC) is the primary provider of blood and blood components to 70 plus hospitals and medical centers in the Greater Kansas City region. CBC and the Grain Valley Partnership will conduct a blood drive on Wednesday, April 14th from Noon— 4:00pm at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main ST. “When individuals normally think of essential community services, they often think about fire and police departments,” Kim Peck, Senior Executive Director of Community Blood Center said. “Community Blood Center and its donors are very similar to police officers and fire fighters. We make up a lifesaving team that is here to meet the needs of local patients. Our volunteer donors roll up their sleeves and do so without hesitation.”
In the greater Kansas City area, one in three people will need blood at some point in their life and nearly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. This means, nearly 600 donations are needed every day to meet hospital demand, and with a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished. Grain Valley residents can help by donating blood at the blood drive on Wednesday, April 14th from Noon— 4:00pm. The drive will be held at Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main Street. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting www.safealifenow.org/group and using group code EH27. For additional details, contact Dawn Eblen at 816-352-2342.
April Partnership Events For more information on the following Grain Valley Partnership events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
State News
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Missouri House Republicans reject efforts to fund Medicaid expansion by Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent The Republican majority in the Missouri House on Tuesday beat back every attempt by Democrats to restore funding for Medicaid expansion to the budget for the coming fiscal year. The House spent more than seven hours debating the 13 spending bills that comprise Missouri’s $32 billion spending plan for fiscal 2022 state operations. On voice votes, the House gave first-round approval to all 13 bills, plus a supplemental budget bill for the current year. On Thursday, roll call votes on all 14 bills will send the budget to the Senate for its input. The House version of the budget is $2.2 billion below the proposal made in January by Gov. Mike Parson, and the biggest difference is the absence of $1.9 billion for expanded Medicaid eligibility. Democrats started early and took every opportunity to put the money back – including an attempt to tap money promised by the $1.9 trillion federal COVID-19 relief bill passed early this month – but could persuade only a handful of Republicans to break ranks with the majority. “I think Medicaid expansion is wrong for Missouri,” House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage said. “I think it is wrong for the state budget.” Throughout the debate, Democrats argued the state’s unprecedented surpluses would be increased, not diminished, by approving the program. But Republicans argued that tight state finances won’t allow the new expense. “It is just stubbornness and cruelty to refuse this money,” said state Rep. Sarah Unsicker, D-Shrewsbury. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, promised that states would pay no more than 10 percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid eligibility to households with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty guideline, or about $17,775 annual for a single person and $36,570 per year for a family of four. The state pays about 35 percent of the cost of the existing Medicaid program. After years of fruitlessly trying to persuade the Republican-led
legislature to accept the deal, proponents used the initiative petition process to put it on the ballot and it passed in August with 53.3 percent of the vote. Parson’s budget estimated that 275,000 Missourians would receive coverage, at a cost of $120 million in general revenue and $1.9 billion overall. Since the budget was proposed, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which offers states that have not expanded Medicaid an incentive to do so by cutting the state’s share of the existing program by 5 percent. That change is worth about $1.15 billion to Missouri over the next two years. For education, the budget granted initial approval in the House includes $3.6 billion for public schools under the foundation formula, increases basic support for colleges and universities to the fiscal 2020 appropriation levels, an increase for all the institutions because a portion of that money was withheld. The budget also includes a 2 percent pay raise for state employees, plus additional raises for workers in the Department of Corrections to aid in recruiting corrections officers. It also has money for implementing the law to stop automatically charging 17-years olds as adults. Throughout the day, Democrats complained that billions of dollars are being allowed to accumulate unspent in the state treasury. The state general revenue fund is expected to have a surplus of more than $1 billion on June 30, while other unrestricted funds, some related to federal COVID-19 relief, are amassing balances approaching $500 million. The $1.9 trillion relief bill approved earlier this month will bring about $2.8 billion to the state for its general needs. “We are sitting on a billion dollars plus and we have more coming in and it is time we started spending it,” said state Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, as he unsuccessfully sought $50 million to eliminate rider fares on mass transit for a year. Smith, however, said he has no confidence that federal spending can be
House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, left, watches floor debate on state spending with Speaker Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold. Photo credit: Tim Bommel/Missouri House photo sustained. “They are deficit spending at an unprecedented rate,” he said.
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
Community Voices
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Musings from the Middle: The lies I tell myself by Cathy Allie I have been laughing lately at the memes about the lies we tell ourselves. One showed a book titled, “My House is Not That Dirty and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves.” Funny, not funny in my case. Some of the lies I have told myself have to do with food and eating habits, two of my very favorite topics. A recent fib is, “If I buy this huge water jug with the clever hourly markings and sayings on the side, I will drink all the water I am supposed to in a day.” Not only was it a lie, but now my bladder is talking about leaving home to find different work. The one day I drank all the water I was supposed to, a work meeting ran a little long, and I was due at school to pick up one impatient 15 year old. I dashed for the car without first considering a visit to the bathroom. Statement of fact: 1-70 during rush hour is no place to desperately need to pee. I saw a recipe this week that is for sure a lie people are telling themselves: you can take really ripe banana peels, coat them in myriad spices, and fry them to taste like bacon. Besides the original fallacy that anything would ever rival bacon’s sumptuous flavor, there are few ripe bananas around. I think most folks got used to being forced to eat all the bananas before they became overripe, so they did not have to eat one single more bite of mom’s Covid-19 Homestead Banana Bread. Three additional favorite dieter’s lies are 1. Fish tastes good (which just requires incredible gullibility to believe), 2. Anything fried in an air fryer is as good as pan fried (which I saw on a commercial I was watching while wiping REAL fried chicken grease from my chin), and 3. No one can tell the difference in skim and 2% milk (except that one looks like murky water and has absolutely no taste). Still others of my tall tales have to do with my talent and abilities. Lie number one is on display every day in my house, as I apparently once told myself I could mix patterns when decorating. I boldly tossed a striped pillow next to a floral one on my plaid chair. The result is sort of a Coat of Many Colors feel, and while one of my favorite Dolly songs, the mix I have created is not a good look in suburbia. I have also deceived myself about my ability to bring consensus to family discussions and decision-making. We have resorted to drawing straws or playing Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide even small things like dinner menus far more often than I care to admit. I have tried everything from having a list of meals to select from, to printing out my Pinterest recipe board, to suggesting only meals whose ingredients can be purchased using that
week’s coupons. “One of you JUST CHOOSE!” I scream when no one wants to decide anything, and my lie about being a consensus builder is exposed. Decisions about college ought to be a lot of fun in this consensus-builderless home. Other half-truths about my ability can be lumped into living too far in the past. I still peddle fiction about myself about being able to bend down without pulling a muscle, shoot three pointers, apply lotion to all parts of my back without my husband’s help, and remember people’s names. Another genre of lies has to do with health or appearance. They can be very common ones like, “Next spring I will be able to fit into those pants again” or “Tunic tops and elastic waist pants are not only comfortable but also stylish.” I have lied to myself over and over about getting in shape. And where did that phrase ‘getting in shape’ even come from? People need to learn their shapes a little better in pre-school. I mean round is a shape, right? Perhaps the biggest appearance lies have to do with makeup and hair. The cosmetic companies promise us there are lipsticks and eyeliners that will not smudge, but plenty of sweaty menopausal women will attest to clownlike lips and racoon eyes. A lie that ran rampant during Covid-19 quarantines went like this: “I can go another week without touching up my roots.” What remained in my hair after two missed hair appointments was a color that would best be called River Bottom or maybe Greige. Not pretty. When my stylist finally saw me, she wept with joy. Or maybe despair. Some lies I tell myself have to do with habits: I can watch just one more episode, eat just one more piece, read just one more page, hit the snooze button only once. I spout the falsehood, “I don’t need to write that down, I will remember it,” with full confidence, even though as I age this isn’t even a near truth. Today I didn’t even know it was today. Sad. As a serial shopper, I have lied about my habits. “There is no such thing as too many pairs of black pants or shoes,” I mumble, as I reach for a perfectly cropped pair from the rack. I am a night owl by nature, and an early riser by necessity. In my 30’s, I was not lying when I told myself, “I can stay up late and still wake up early.” Today, that would be like a Christmas miracle. Once after supervising my daughter’s slumber party, I fell into a Rip Van Winkle snooze from which ringing phones and shouting family members could not rouse me. I am still tired just writing about it. Oh, I can ring in the New Year, alright. But then I might miss St. Pats’ day
because I am still asleep. And no one wants to miss St. Pat’s Day, because…get ready for the lie…green beer on top of corned beef and cabbage is actually good for the digestion and not at all nauseating. Finally, there are some whoppers I have told myself that are just so outrageous, each is in a category of its own. For instance, “I can live without chocolate” should maybe be rephrased to say, “ I can live without chocolate on my scrambled eggs” or “ I can live without chocolate for 15 minutes,” both of which are far more accurate. Perhaps one of my least believable lies is about my aversion to some animals. If you ever hear me say, “I like bats because they eat mosquitos, and I like possum because they eat ticks,” move out of the way before my Pinocchio-like nose hits you. Can’t. Won’t. On some dusky summer nights, bats fly near our street lights. Not sure if it is my connection to Dark Shadows’ Barnabas Collins that has forever spoiled me on bats, but we had to move the
master bedroom to the back side of the house, free of street lights and bats. The only problem is now our bedroom faces a ravine which narrows into a little trickle of a stream, one that is just the perfect spot for a mama possum and her 637 babies to get a drink and then scamper back across my yard to hang by their tales from a tree I promised to trim earlier, yet another piece of fiction. I would just stay up all night to avoid these nocturnal animals, but we discussed earlier my need for sleep. I would like to write a book about all these fabrications, as I believe I would have a best seller on my hands with all you perjurers hanging around. I have selected the title, “My Academy Award Speech Will Fit Within the Time Limit and Other Lies I Tell Myself,” soon to be available at counterfeitcopies.com
Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.
Your Health
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Cholesterol—The basics and types of treatment by Sean M. Crosetti, MBA, PharmD, Crosetti Health & Wellness The other day a lady came into my pharmacy and during our conversation mentioned she has high cholesterol but is not taking anything for it as the side effects of the medications were too much for her. I informed her that there are new formulations of the old and completely new classes of anti-cholesterol medications, and of course there are supplements that either mimic medications or provide relief through different pathways. So, I figure there may be more than one more person who could benefit from this conversation and this article will hopefully help others. I will not spend words justifying the need for the maintenance of cholesterol. But I will detail why it is needed, where it comes from, which levels of each part are good, moderate, and bad, and provide a summary of the different ways to lower the body’s cholesterol. Cholesterol is an essential part of every cell structure, is needed for proper brain/nerve function, is the backbone to the creation of sex hormones, and helps transport fat soluble vitamins. The body gets cholesterol from not only its diet, but also from its own liver. This allows two pathways for us to reduce the body’s influx of cholesterol and thusly
reduce the total cholesterol in the body. To measure if your body has too much cholesterol, we measure three things in the blood: the LDL-Cholesterol, the HDL-Cholesterol, and total Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance, so it does not move through the mostly water-based blood in the body. Due to this, other molecules are necessary for its transport to the areas of need in the body; Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) are these transports. LDLs are the major molecules that transport cholesterol throughout the body, the issue with them is the LDLs seem to encourage the binding of cholesterol to the atrial walls which builds up a plaque that hardens the walls of the arteries. HDLs carry unused/unnecessary cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver for destruction (hence nicknamed “good cholesterol”). Below are the levels for LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol: LDL Less than 100 mg/dL 100 – 129 mg/dL 130 – 159 mg/dL 160 – 189 mg/dL 190 and above HDL Less than 40 mg/dL
Optimal Near Optimal Borderline High High Very High
Low, major risk factor for heart disease
60 mg/dL and above Considered protective against heart disease Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable 200-239 mg/dL Borderline High 240 and above High So, the options to reduce or maintain the body’s current cholesterol levels are changing your diet, exercise level, adding supplements, or prescription(s). It is good to discuss with your care provider which one, or combination, would be a good start. Diet – adding (or increasing) the intake of the following foods have been shown to decrease the cholesterol levels in the body: raw almonds, apples, bananas, carrots, cold-water fish, low fat dairy products (instead of whole), dried beans, garlic, grapefruit, margarine (based with plant sterols) oats, olive oil, raw pecans, salmon, strawberries, raw walnuts, soybeans, and water-soluble dietary fiber. Decreasing the amount of the following foods have shown benefits as well: Saturated fat, fatty meats, dairy (whole), and fried products. How much of each item and how often should be discussed with your care provider, nutritionist, or knowledgeable pharmacist to make sure you gain the best effect of these changes. Exercise – The American Heart
Association recommends 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise or activity 3 to 4 times a week to get the best gain on cholesterol reduction. Supplements – adding these following supplements to your daily regimen have also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the body: Chinese red yeast rice extract, apple pectin, CoQ-10, Fiber (soluble), Garlic, LCarnitine, Lecithin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Cayenne, and Cinnamon. Prescriptions – There are several different classes of cholesterol lowing medications and each one has its own benefit/risk factors (just like all the other options). It is best to have an honest discussion with your care team to find which variation of these options best suit your needs, capacity to maintain, and reduction of detrimental side effects. Remember to always include all supplements, vitamins, dietary regimens, etc. in your listing of medications for all your care providers.
Sean M Crosetti, MBA, PharmD, is Pharmacist in Charge and Owner of Crosetti Health & Wellness in Grain Valley. Crosetti Health & Wellness is located at 510 N. Main in Grain Valley. www.crosettis.com
Dietitian approved budget-friendly foods for diabetes by Megan Callahan, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian If you have diabetes or know someone with diabetes, you may think you need to spend a lot of money on healthier foods and compromise on taste. Not true! There are many great finds all over your Hy-Vee grocery store that fit your budget and your need to control blood sugars. You don’t have to purchase special foods, create complicated recipes or only seek out labels that boast “sugar-free” to eat well with diabetes. Here are the best 5 budget-friendly foods that are appropriate for managing your diabetes while still finding joy in the food you eat. All foods fit when living with diabetes. These healthy picks by your Hy-Vee dietitians can help take the guesswork
out of trying something new, provide a new twist on something familiar and still be budget savvy. Try Full Circle Power Bowls if you are looking for a fast lunch or dinner idea. “These bowls are a convenient plantbased meal, a delicious way to get your veggies, protein and healthy fats, and help you feel confident about your meal choice. The simple goodness with market-inspired flavors is a great source of fiber and protein – the perfect combo when it comes to blood sugar control,” Shannon Muhs, RD, said. Get a vegetable side ready fast with Hy-Vee Short Cuts Grill Pan Asparagus. Amy Cordingly, RD, likes to take the guesswork out of meal planning with already prepped vegetables that are
high in fiber, which can help you feel full longer after a meal. “Short Cuts asparagus is already washed and trimmed – no prep work needed. Just bake or grill for a quick side dish. By including non-starchy vegetables at meals, it helps with blood sugar management. They are low in calories and carbs, so make sure they fill up half your plate,” Cordingly said. Yes, you can have something sweet with Zoet Dark Chocolate. Cordingly is also a fan of dark chocolate. “Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all sweets. Dark chocolate tends to be lower in sugar than milk chocolate. Look for 70% or higher cacao and add-ins like nuts rather than dried fruit. The key is
portion size. Enjoy one to two squares of dark chocolate for a sweet treat after a meal.” Level up your breakfast with Hy-Vee One Step Original Bite Size Shredded Wheat. A well-rounded breakfast is important for people living with diabetes, including whole grain and produce. “This cereal is a good source of fiber to help slow the rise of blood glucose and keep you full longer. I like to top with fresh berries and pair with a few scrambled egg whites for a wellrounded diabetic-friendly meal choice,” Ashton Ibarra, RD, said. Power up your snack with Soiree
see DIABETES on page 12
Home & Garden
Page 8
Public encouraged to support hummingbirds through spring migration by Jill Pritchard, Missouri Department of Conservation Clean out those feeders and fill them with nectar – hummingbirds will soon arrive in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to learn more about these tiny fliers during their spring migration. “It’s time to prepare those feeders! Hummingbirds will start to make appearances in Missouri in mid-April,” MDC State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick said. “Some have already been reported in Arkansas.” Ruby-throated hummingbirds spend the winter in Mexico and Central American and begin their spring migration north as early as March. Kendrick explained hummingbirds can lose up to half their bodyweight during their journey. “During migration, many fly non-stop
over the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Gulf Coast of the U.S. – and then they do it again in the fall,” she said. “That’s why so many use feeders in the spring – they’ve just arrived, and they’re hungry!” The diet of a hummingbird consists of flower nectar, tree sap, and even small insects. Those who would like to put out feeders are urged to steer clear of adding red dye to sugar water. “Adding red dye to hummingbird nectar is completely unnecessary – the birds are still attracted to the red of the feeder and the dye could be harmful to the birds,” Kendrick stressed. “Hummingbirds drink the sugar water without the coloring. May as well save yourself a step and err on the side of caution.” To make your own sugar water,
dissolve one part sugar with four parts boiling water. Cool the mixture before filling the feeder and replace sugar water before it gets cloudy. In hot weather, feeders should be emptied and cleaned twice per week with hot water and a weak vinegar solution. In cooler weather, feeders can be cleaned once per week. The ruby-throated hummingbird is Missouri’s smallest nesting bird and the only hummingbird that nests in the Eastern United States. Despite their petite size, they make a big impact in the ecosystem. “Hummingbirds are important pollinators for many plants that require a long-billed pollinator and they also eat numerous insects,” Kendrick noted. “They bring a lot of joy to many people who
A female ruby-throated hummingbird refuels at a feeder. Missourians are encouraged to learn about these smallbut-mighty fliers during their spring migration. Photo credit: MDC feed and watch them, and draw people in to learn more about other birds and nature.” In addition to putting out feeders, growing native plants is another great way to help hummingbirds and other migratory birds.
Theme: Science 101 ACROSS 1. Type of tide 5. Sin over tan 8. Schooner pole 12. Part of temple floor plan 13. Made a basket 14. *Main artery in the body 15. *____-carotene 16. Swear, not curse 17. Reputation-damaging gossip 18. *Physicist of theory of relativity fame 20. Salty drop 21. Turn upside down 22. Mark on Pinterest 23. *Everything around us 26. Porch in ancient Greece 30. Not St. or Blvd. 31. Percussion instrument 34. "Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win" org. 35. Walks like Long John Silver 37. "Dog ____ dog" 38. Like TV or phone in 2021 39. Measuring roll 40. Catch in a net 42. Gorilla or orangutan 43. Pull-over parkas 45. *One of B-vitamins 47. Anger 48. Open disrespect 50. Full of excitement 52. *Explanations that can be tested and verified 55. Words to live by 56. Sword handle 57. Large West African republic 59. "Encore!" 60. Unrivaled 61. From a second-hand store 62. Cleopatra's necklace 63. Second solfa syllable, pl. 64. Makes stitches
DOWN 1. Pick up a perpetrator 2. Dueling weapon in "The Three Musketeers" 3. ____ Spumante 4. Treat for Dumbo 5. Witches' get-together 6. Egg-shaped 7. Made with stitches 8. *Product of mass and velocity of an object 9. *Equals length times width 10. *Alpha Centauri A., e.g. 11. Toni Morrison's "____ Baby" 13. Like rheumy eyes 14. On the move 19. Four-eyes' gear 22. Short for "politician" 23. Tiny European republic 24. Type of flu 25. Moderato, e.g. 26. Toupée spot 27. *Scientist Newton 28. *Wrist bones 29. More than occasional 32. Department store department 33. "Pow!" 36. *Mendeleev's ____ table 38. Bake, as in eggs 40. Make bigger 41. Persnickety 44. *Ar, inert gas 46. Bad blood 48. Use a shoe polish 49. *Smallest units of life 50. Jason's ship 51. Wheel inside old clock 52. God of thunder 53. Alleviate 54. Boatload 55. Tom of "Tom and Jerry" 58. Dog tags
Sports
Page 9
Lady Eagles open season strong as Platte County Soccer Tournament Champions by John Unrein The Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team has had an impressive first week of the season. Pleasant Hill, Kearney, and Staley all fell to the Lady Eagles during the Platte County Girls Soccer Tournament. Grain Valley outscored their opponents by a total of 12-3 during the week of March 22nd, winning the championship matchup against Staley by a score of 5-2 on March 26th. The Lady Eagles would put together a winning formula of turning on balls to gain offensive momentum, accurate passing, beating their opponent to most loose balls, and accurate shooting to secure the victory against Staley in the final game. An impressive feat considering the youth of Grain Valley’s roster. A fact not lost on Lady Eagles head soccer coach Tyler Nichol. “This has been a great start to the season for us. A little unexpected with the mix of veteran players along with starting five freshmen, but it has been huge for our confidence going forward,” Nichol said. “This group is very coachable. An example would be Meghan Knust in particular, as a holding midfielder, that is the starting point for our attack. She has been so confident on the ball, receiving it, turning, even under pressure to sneak
through a defense and find our attacking players.” Nichol concluded, “The smiles on the faces of this team says a lot. Watching freshmen score goals, exhale, and get the nerves out to be able to say they can play at this level leaves us ready to attack the rest of the season.” Grain Valley narrowly held the advantage in shots on goal against Staley by a 15-14 margin. Center midfielder Raena Childers was impressive for the Lady Eagles in compiling a hat trick during the first half. Equally as impressive to the precision of the senior’s shots on net was the speed displayed in getting open and past Staley defenders. Childers put on full display the reason why she is verbally committed to play soccer at the University of Kansas next season. Childers was not selfish offensively either, an example being her smooth assist to freshman Emma Thiessen along the left wing that resulted in Thiessen’s shot finding the back of the net with 28:02 left to go in the second half. This would be Thiessen’s reward for sprinting pass the Staley defense while remaining onside before displaying nifty footwork to set up the kick on goal. Rounding out the Lady Eagles scoring
Freshman Emma Thiessen passes the ball to an open teammate. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team wins the Platte County Soccer Tournament. Photo credit: Valley News staff would be freshman Kylee Bragaw. The opening goal of the game would come off Bragaw’s foot with 27:27 remaining in the first half. An accomplishment that would lead to a plethora of hugs from teammates at midfield prior to the resuming of play. Grain Valley seized that momentum and did not let up for the duration of the contest. “My teammates did a good job tonight opening space for me. I really respect them for that, especially with them being freshmen,” Childers said. Thiessen added, “I got really good passes and through balls from our center mids. My job is to make sure that I am not offsides to then create chances for our forwards. It was nice to get the
pass for the tap in late in the game.” Bragaw finished, “We passed well tonight due to us getting wide. Raena (Childers) dribbled to get open and laid it off to me for the goal.” Childers and Thiessen were rewarded for their strong effort by Nichol in getting summoned to the bench with 4:08 remaining in the second half. Nichol would proudly receive the box of Soccer Tournament Champion t-shirts after the game. The Lady Eagles proudly donned them and posed for celebratory pictures before heading towards the bus. The Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team (3-0) faced St. Michael the Archangel at home on March 29th (see article on page 10).
Senior Raena Childers dribbles the ball successfully through the Staley defense. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Sports
Page 10
Thiessen puts a quartet in the net for Lady Eagles by John Unrein Freshman Emma Thiessen was a standout for the Lady Eagles soccer team in their 6-2 win over the St. Michael the Archangel Guardians on March 29th. Thiessen managed to put not one, two, three, but four goals in net for Grain Valley. The first and final strikes by Thiessen that lit up the score board display her confidence and skill set. Thiessen would split two defenders at the top of the goalie box, leaving her off balance and sliding on her backside before successfully finishing the shot with her right foot on goal nine minutes into the first half. Equally as impressive was the left footed turn strike that flew past the Guardian goalie thirty-one minutes into the second half by Thiessen. Thiessen joined Raena Childers in producing a hat trick for the second consecutive game in a row for the Lady Eagles. “Getting open and receiving good passes from my teammates helped our success during this game. Us finding each other led to the ball getting to the back of the net,” Thiessen said. “I have played soccer since I was three years old. That allows me to know situations, like when the goalie will come out (from net), and what type of shot to try.” Grain Valley’s offensive outpouring was joined by Childers and Rian Handy, who each scored a goal eight and thirtythree minutes into the second half,
respectively. The Lady Eagles continue to control and push the ball into their opponents’ zone through awareness in spacing and accurate passing. Those elements combined with aggressively getting to loose soccer balls and turning to get possession have fueled Grain Valley’s 4-0 undefeated start to the season. Defense was equally at the forefront of the Lady Eagles win. Grain Valley doubled their opponents’ shots on goal by an 18-9 margin. Defender Sophie Broockerd and goalie Camihle Williams were decisive and physical in shielding their net. Broockerd’s capacity to read the pitch in front of her and cut off passes stymied several charges by the Guardians. Williams demonstrated proficiency in halting scoring attempts through knocking down and covering up shots. “Playing soccer since a young age and with my club team at a high level has boosted my confidence. My trigger in going for the ball is reading bad touches that lead to it popping too far out in front of my opponent. That is my sign to step up and gives me the time I need to get to the ball and control possession,” Broockerd said. Williams added, “I am to the point that I trust my judgment when I make a save and don’t even think about it. Afterwards, my thoughts turn to moving on to the next one because the game is not over. You have to have a short
Freshman Annabelle Totta sprints past the defense. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Freshman Emma Thiessen attempts a corner kick for the Lady Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff memory as a goalie if you give up a score.” “Soccer is hard. I am glad that I have a good defense in front of me. Our defensive line with Sophie (Broockerd) and Kelsey (Duett) are not shy about getting their body on people and getting after the ball. That is good.” Grain Valley has had equity of voice between players and coaches this season on the field during games. It is noticeable. The avoidance of praise or critique being too one-sided has led to the Lady Eagles adjusting quickly to what is needed on the field. A trend that Lady Eagles head soccer coach Tyler Nichol is enjoying at the outset of the season.
“You can see the growing confidence in our young players. That has been the best part to the start of this campaign. That combined with our two senior backs on defense (Broockerd and Duett). Both throw their bodies on the line all over the field. They are like keepers without hands with the way they interfere with things,” Nichol said. “It is gratifying to see Thiessen have the confidence to attempt the shots she did tonight. It means a lot to me in that I got to coach her club team growing up when she was younger, along with some of our other freshmen who are now as tall as me,” Nichol remarked with a smile.
Sports
Page 11
Racing set to begin for the 2021 season at Valley Speedway by John Unrein We all have our own reasons as to why we enjoy racing. It could be the unmistakable sight of a driver navigating a turn only to slingshot past an opponent on the straightaway. Perhaps it is the smell of burning motor oil or concession stand hot dogs. Maybe the loud crackle in our ears upon engines starting up is what got us hooked. Whatever the motivation, racing is set to begin again at Valley Speedway for the 2021 season. Dennis Shrout has a labor of love he engages in each year from early spring to late fall. The owner of Valley Speedway at 348 East Old US 40 Highway in Grain Valley has a lot on his plate as March ends and April begins. Shrout’s mind wanders from how many cars are finished and ready to race, to is all the necessary equipment ready for the season to start. The efforts continue in making sure staff is hired along with preparing food and beverage for the opening points race night on April 3rd before praying that mother nature smiles on everyone. Shrout would not have it any other way as racing resumes for families to enjoy in Eastern Jackson County. “In addition to our points racing schedule, we have five specials that include race teams from 20 states. We also do a monster truck show, two demolition derbies’, and a three mile
fitness course for the ladies called the Muddy Princess,” Shrout said. “We are also working on a Swap and Shop program that will include food trucks, hayrides, a bounce house, and walking trails. We continue working on a paintball project that will have people riding in buses around a course with targets set up.” Shrout concluded, “All of our programs are set up to be events for the entire family to enjoy. We are always working on new projects to utilize the facility.” The Oil Pressure racing website asked readers in 2019 why they chose to attend their local racetracks on race days. There were four popular answers that continually showed up in responses. The most common response was getting out of the house to enjoy doing something outside. That was followed by cheering for a favorite driver or event sponsored at the racetrack. Third was introducing the sport of racing or passing it on to a younger generation. The final universal response rounding out replies was “date night”. NASCAR racing is the fastest growing sport in terms of popularity in the United States. This can be attributed to the rules for racing being fairly easy to understand as well as fans relating well to drivers. Many NASCAR drivers started on a local dirt track like Valley Speedway
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and come from typical upbringings. Racing continues to become part of the American fabric, much like football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. A night of local racing awaits those yearning for the competition of speed at Valley Speedway.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit www.valleyspeedway.com.
DIABETES continued from page 7 Pearl Mozzarella. You don’t have to give up cheese when living with diabetes; however, it is important to choose ones to better meet your lower fat nutrition needs. Cheese has protein but is also may be high in fat and sodium. “Mozzarella cheese is protein rich and pairs well with carbohydrate foods for better blood sugar control. A 1-ounce serving of Soiree Pearl Mozzerella (about 8-9 pearls) is low in sodium and is naturally a reduced-fat cheese. The best part? It still has great flavor, texture and melts well,” Anne Cundiff, RD, said. Another nutrition bonus: Mozzarella provides calcium and vitamin D, which may reduce your increased risk for osteoporosis as a diabetic. Your Hy-Vee dietitians enjoy sharing all things delicious in the grocery store and are available to schedule your
personal nutrition tour in-person or virtually. Go to https://www.hy-vee.com/ health/default.aspx and find your dietitian.
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).
Community Calendar Friday, April 2, 2021 Easter Break Grain Valley Schools closed Monday, April 5, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Municipal Election Polls open 6:00am—7:00pm Information on polling locations and ballot issues may be found at www.jcebmo.org. Saturday, April 10, 2021 Spring Cleaning for a Cause 9:00am - 1:00pm Community of Christ Auditorium 1111 West Pacific Ave, Indep., 64050 With Spring quickly approaching, CSL and Thrift World are inviting you to start fresh by de-cluttering your home and donating non-perishable food, household items and gently used clothing. No matter the items you find within your home, chances are they can be beneficial to our neighbors in the community. For your convenience and to minimize contact, this will be a drive-thru collection located at 1111 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. ITEMS ACCEPTED: - Gently used or new clothing - Shoes - Handbags - Bedding - Small Appliances - Household items Do you have larger items such as furniture you are interested in parting ways with? Contact CSL at 816-254-4100 or info@cslcares.org to learn more about our pick-up service. Monday, April 12, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
Thursday, April 15, 2021 Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Dinosaur O’Dell 10:00am -10:40am Whether counting monsters, fixing spaceships, or swimming in peanut butter, Dino engages children with music and stories. www.mymcpl.org/events Monday, April 19, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Tech Talk: Cricut Design Space (Part 1) 1:00pm—1:30pm This series will cover a new user’s experience with his/her Cricut machine. Learn with Brityni as she gets to know her new craft device. www.mymcpl.org/events Saturday, April 24, 2021 Drug Take-Back event 10:00am—2:00pm Grain Valley Police Department parking lot, 711 Main Street Free to all for safe disposal of prescription and non-prescription medications. NO syringes. Monday, April 26, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST Saturday, June 5, 2021 City Wide Clean Up event 8:00am—2:00pm 405 James Rollo DR, Grain Valley City Wide Clean Up is a free annual service by our Public Works division. It is an opportunity for Grain Valley residents to dispose of unwanted items. Items that are not accepted include: tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, household cleaners/chemicals, air conditioner units, bagged trash, yard waste or clippings. Proof of residency is required. Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com/ eventscalendar