Valley News
APRIL 2, 2020
www.grainvalleynews.com
Behind The Scenes, Educators Spent Spring Break Preparing For Online Learning While this year’s spring break wasn’t quite what many students had hoped for, teachers and administrators certainly did not envision spending their break planning to teach remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Grain Valley students returned to school as homeschoolers the week of March 23rd, the mostly seamless transition was made possible due to the behind the scenes work from teachers and administrators. Dr. Beth Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, spearheaded the transition to a flexible learning plan and said the success of the transition was due to the team effort at all levels.
“There are really too many people to name when I think about how our flexible learning plan has come together. The elementary instructional coaches (Emily Twiehaus, Jane Wallace, Sonya Manz, and Kendra Carpenter) and instructional technology coaches (Audrey Harrison and Emily Hannah) have been absolutely essential in creating, implementing, and supporting our flexible learning plan. This group, along with all lead building administrators came to work at the district office for two full days and worked nonstop to put together the initial plan. I jokingly referred to our curriculum work room as the “Situation Room” for those two days. And we haven’t stopped. We just
Vol. 3, No. 13
FREE
Good News
Grain Valley Distributes Disinfectant To Residents
see SCHOOLS on page 2
Students continue their studies from home, thanks to the behind the scenes efforts by Grain Valley Schools teachers and administrators. Grain Valley High School art students continue their work, including Vanessa Gonzalez, a Photography II student working on dramatic portraits (photo above left), and Kenzie Lair, an Art and Design Foundations student exploring paper weaving (work above right). Images courtesy Lauren Snodgrass, GVHS
Mayor Mike Todd, City of Grain Valley, distributed a disinfectant product called Xtreme, which is manufactured by local business Heartland Energy Group on March 30th. The disinfectant, Xtreme, is a non-toxic cleaning solution for fighting and killing germs, bacteria and viruses that can be spread throughout the air or on surfaces.
Approximately 400 bottles of the product were distributed during a drive through event in the parking lot of the Community Center. An additional opportunity for residents to receive the free product will be scheduled on an evening in the coming week, and will be announced through the City of Grain Valley’s social media channels.
The Grain Valley Historical Society requests your assistance in documenting this historic time in our community. Your stories and photos are
encouraged via Grain Valley Historical Society’s Facebook page (@grainvalleyhistory) or may be sent by email to news@grainvalleynews.com.
A Request To Preserve Our History
Page 2 SCHOOLS continued from page 1 transitioned to online virtual meetings to continue planning. It truly was an unbelievable team effort,” Mulvey said. “Having our middle and high schools equipped with 1:1 Chromebooks was a great head start for our secondary students, teachers, and administrators. Nearly 100 percent of teachers in these schools actively use a digital learning management program such as Google Classroom or Canvas as a hub for classroom communication, resources, and learning activities. This made their preparation more manageable. For elementary and secondary students, we also wanted to be sure we provided equal amounts of offline and online learning activities and resources. We continue to monitor and track families who may need help with reliable internet access or a device for elementary kids to use in the home.” Emily Twiehaus, Instructional Coach at Prairie Branch Elementary, and her fellow coaches are now transitioning from the “situation room” to supporting teachers. “Right now we are working to support classroom teachers with planning and fine tuning our process all while reassuring everyone that we are all doing the best we can under these unique circumstances,” Twiehaus said. “We are so fortunate to have truly amazing teachers who are working so hard to connect with their students and support them with learning while at home.” District teachers went through much the same process during spring break, working with their peers to develop lesson plans and seeking out resources for students. Matthews Elementary Kindergarten teacher Amber Magee emphasized the process has been a learning experience for everyone. “It takes a dedicated team to raise a child and I think we are proving that now more than ever. As a kindergarten teacher, my main concern for children during this stage in their development is the screen time proponent. As an adult, my screen time is through the roof! I just hope that we are providing a variety of technology activities and tech-free options to encourage balance,” Magee said. “Most kindergartens in Grain Valley have implemented purposeful play in their daily schedules this year. This is a 45-minute workshop model that provides direct instruction on social skills and time to problem solve social situations naturally through play. This movement in Grain Valley is truly wonderful and shows the commitment of the district for educating the whole child. While children won't have that ‘social’ aspect with other children around them at home, it is critical for all elementary school children to have that play time throughout the day. By encouraging solo free play time, children can still develop important skills like creativity and empathy during these few weeks at home.” GVHS Spanish teacher Julie Lever and her department worked via group text to share ideas and resources. “We all agreed that we should finish the novels our students were reading before quarantine and then give them some supplemental assignments to practice grammar and just work on fun topics to keep from starting over when we return to school. Our technology department and learning coaches have done a tremendous job of putting
resources together for teachers. There is something for everyone, even those with little technology experience,” Lever said. GVHS Math teacher Cody Beyers and his fellow department members worked diligently over spring break to put technology resources to use and ensure the students were comfortable using them. “The math department sent about 300 messages to each other trying to make sure we were all on the same page with what lessons should look like for week one of virtual learning. Once all of us had some sort of understanding of what the lessons should look like for our students, we got to work creating multiple lessons. Our main goal for week one was to introduce students to various online platforms and websites that we are going to use during our time of virtual learning. We wanted to make sure students were comfortable with using all of the amazing tools that are offered online. The teachers used Google Docs so we could all collaborate on different lessons, share resources, and easily communicate. Google tools such as docs, sheets, and slides have been extremely valuable to us during this time,” Beyers said. Some classes, such as physical education and art, seem less adaptable to online learning, but teachers have figured out ways to keep learning going in these areas. GVHS Art teacher Lauren Snodgrass put her creativity to work in the kitchen to find materials all students could access. “I wanted to be sure I could offer lessons that would encourage students to experiment and create art with whatever they had around the house. I spent quite a bit of time trying to find an alternative for paint and printmaking, mixing Jello powder and ketchup and other household condiments. The results were acceptable; the smell a little less so. I began recording videos and taking photographs of my process to help show students what we were trying to accomplish with each project,” Snodgrass said. “Overall, I think the first week was very successful. I was so proud to be part of the math department and part of the team at GVHS. The amount of support that the teachers in our building offer each other is really incredible. Obviously, there were some hiccups, because everybody's learning how to navigate things in these strange times. I was really proud of our students during this time. They produced really highquality work and have remained extremely positive and encouraging during this time,” Beyers said. At the middle school level, teachers like North Middle School social studies teacher Nathan Perry, are pleased with how the first week has gone, but understand the change can be difficult for students. “Many students have been waking up early to start their work, and communications between teachers and students have been amazing. Many, many students have emailed me saying how much they miss school and their friends, even adding in that they thought they would never say that. I think this has been the greatest challenge, too. Not seeing their peers, not being able to simply raise their hand to ask a question, or not being in their normal routine has been pretty difficult for many of my students,” Perry said. Learning to handle difficult situations like these is a valuable lesson in itself, and Magee said teachers and counselors
are ready to help parents. “I just made a video for my class where I told them I was feeling sad because I am missing my students and coworkers and I want to go to school. Communicating feelings through words is a huge skill to model and kids need to know that it is okay to feel big feelings. They also might need more help in knowing what to do with big feelings. Our counselors have great resources on this, so I highly recommend reaching out to your school's counselor to learn more about how you can help with emotional regulation during this time,” Magee said. While the transition can be stressful, there are many benefits for teachers and students. Many students have reported to teachers that they are enjoying the extra time they have to spend with family and to devote to outside interests. The transition also offers students and teachers the opportunity to expand their online learning skills. “Many of our students will be required to take some sort of online class once they graduate high school. This could be an online college class or training program for a job. Until this point, a majority of our students did not have any online learning experience,” Snodgrass said. Parents who have been taking on the role as teacher might think teachers are relishing this time away from the traditional classroom. But just one week into teaching from home, it is clear that the teachers miss the daily interaction with their students. “I miss their smiles and their stories. I even miss the brutal honesty that kindergarteners have like when they tell me I should really brush my hair ‘a little better’ or if my shoes don't match my outfit. I love hearing children play and the stories they create through it. On the last day before spring break, my day was filled with busily preparing materials should a shut-down occur and I didn't get to interact during play time with them as I usually do. When we return, I know for a fact that I won't ever be too busy to accept a make-believe cake from a student anytime soon,” Magee said. “I miss the relationships and meaningful interactions. Sure, I can see my students through Google Meets or in video responses, but it’s truly not the same. Being able to talk with groups of my students throughout the day every day is what makes teaching so fun. I love students telling or showing me about the dance showcase, their picture they finished drawing by hand, or that their sibling is coming home from college. This is genuine conversation and relationship building, and it is much more difficult to do in this situation--but not impossible,” Perry said. “I miss my students so much. Teaching is my passion and it's difficult to sit behind a screen instead of interacting in the classroom because that's part of what is so rewarding in my job. I worry about my students and I'm heartbroken for my seniors that might not get to experience a lot of the activities and events that make senior year so special,” Lever said. “I really miss the collaborative aspects of our classroom. It was very typical to
GVHS art students Noah Krueger (top left), Jaquelyne Escobedo (top right), and Kaitlyn Lemery (above) are working on creating patterns using printmaking techniques. Photos courtesy Lauren Snodgrass see students help one another, ask questions, give suggestions, and ultimately grow and learn together. But mostly I just miss checking in with my kids -- their ridiculous banter, stories, thoughts on current events, updates on sports, activities, and life,” Snodgrass said. “I hope that this time away from my students truly makes them appreciate the relationships they have with me, and all of their other teachers. I know I've reflected alot the past 2 weeks and this is the biggest takeaway for me: I never realize how much of an impact students have on me until I don't get to see them for a few weeks. I appreciate my time with them, and I hope they feel the same way about me,” Beyers said. Many parents have been quick to extol the work teachers do now that they are serving as primary facilitators in the learning process. Memes and humorous stories of parents feeling pressure to create an idealized homeschool experience abound. The advice from teachers is to relax, rely of the professionals when needed, and try to have some fun along the way. “Some might believe that teachers are in the business of creating great students. While we do focus on educational skills through their schooling, our main focus is creating great humans who positively affect our world. Learning during this time does not always have to be math and reading. Maybe it is something big like encouraging an active lifestyle or teaching recycling. Or maybe it is teaching things like responding to people when they say "Good morning", or waiting to eat until everyone has food in front of them. Don't feel defeated if this was the only thing you could teach one day. Feel proud!,” Magee said. “This is new to all of us! Give yourself, your child, and everyone else a little bit of grace. I do not think anyone could have predicted what it would have looked like, so we are all trying to go about this as best as we possibly can while putting the needs of our students first. Check in with your children. Have conversations with them and ask what they need help with. It could be scheduling their work, they could be anxious about the unknown, or that they cannot see their friends as they used to,” Perry said. “Give yourselves (and your kids) buckets full of grace! Don’t stress over every detail of the activities and resources we are providing. When in doubt, keep it simple and remember to try and have some fun,” Mulvey said.
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Looking Back: O’Connell’s Tonsorial and Barber Shop by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
As a young girl I remember my grandmother telling me about owning a millinery shop. I wish I had paid more attention and asked more questions. I have no idea where it was located, but apparently it was next door (on the right) to John O’Connell’s business. The small building may have been on the east side of Broadway (Main) between Walnut and Front Street. The information on the back of this photo includes the business name and the date, 1910. Tonsorial comes from the Latin tonsorius, "of or pertaining to shearing or shaving." You're most likely to encounter this adjective in a humorous or overly formal context, and it can describe anything that has to do with cutting hair or shaving. The two men in the photo are identified as Jerry Sweeney and John O’Connell. The dog shall remain nameless! Jerry Sweeney was born about 1840 in Ireland. In the 1910 United States Census he was listed as 70 years-old, single and living as a border in the Edward Williams home. (Tommie Webb, owner of Warren Webb Hardware was also a border in the Williams home). I found no further information so I don’t know if he has a relationship to the Sweeney family who owned a large piece of land on Sweeney Road, a milelong road between Duncan Road and Pink Hill Road, ¼ mile east of Buckner Tarsney. John O’Connell was born in St. Louis in
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society 1875. His parents were James and Martha Elizabeth (Richardson) O’Connell. James died when John was about 4 years-old. His mother then married Dennis Costigan and they moved the family to Jackson County in the early 1880s. In 1906, O’Connell married Creola Warren, the daughter of William A. and Nancy Warren and the sister of Ellsworth and William Durwood Warren. If you read last week’s article about
the Warren Webb Hardware you can begin to see that Grain Valley was indeed a small town and it must have seemed as if everyone was related. When you consider the three O’Connell children along with the six Costigan children and their spouses you can connect to the Richard family, the Elliott family, the Herrington family, the Houston family, etc..
In later years, O’Connell owned a business on U. S. Highway 40 (Eagles’ Parkway) south of town. But that’s a story for another week!
Learn more about the Grain Valley Historical Society at www.grainvalleyhistory.com. Follow Grain Valley Historical Society on Facebook (@grainvalleyhistory).
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of March 18-24, 2020.
March 18, 2020 US 40 Hwy/Sni-A-Bar 200 Block Amanda Ln 1200 Block Pamela 700 Block Main St 100 Block Main St Crestview 1400 Block SW Eagles Pkwy 300 Block Front St 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 600 Block Sunset Eagle/Scenic 800 Block Shorthorn
Agency Assist (BSPD) Check The Well Being Parking Complaint Stealing Recovered Property Shots Fired Alarm Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle Suspicious Person Suspicious Vehicle Agency Assist (CJC)
March 19, 2020 2200 Block Hedgewood Dr 700 Block Meadow 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Hoot Owl 300 Block Front St 2500 Block Mitchell 700 Block RD Mize Rd 800 Block Meadowood 500 Block Broadway
Suspicious Vehicle Agency Assist (CJC) Animal Control Disturbance Suspicious Activity Disturbance Agency Assist (OGPD) VIN Verification Check The Well Being Alarm
March 20, 2020 600 Block NW Jefferson 1200 Block NW Valley Ridge Dr 600 Block BB Hwy 600 Block Creek Ridge Dr (Cherokee County SO)
Disturbance Citizen Contact Property Damage Agency Assist
700 Block Main St 1200 Block Phelps Dr 500 Block Joseph 700 Block Main St I 70 Hwy 200 Block NE Hannah Ct
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Suspicious Vehicle
March 21, 2020 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 600 Block Westview
Warrant Confirmation Citizen Contact Suspicious Juveniles
March 22, 2020 1100 Block Christie Ln 1500 Block Cross Creek
Property Damage Loud Noise
March 23, 2020 100 Block SW Eagles Pkwy 1400 Block SW Eagles Pkwy 700 Block Main St 100 Block SW Eagles Pkwy 700 Block Main St 700 Block Albatross 700 Block Main St Jefferson/Valley Ridge 100 Block S Buckner Tarsney Rd 100 Block Sunny Ln 1400 Block Willow 2100 Block Hedgewood 100 Block Sunny Ln
Alarm Disturbance Suspicious Activity Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Juveniles Agency Assist (EMS) Citizen Contact Alarm Citizen Contact
March 24, 2020 700 Block Main St 600 Block Cross Creek 1100 Block McQuerry 300 Block Front St 600 Block Yennie 900 Block Deer Creek 600 Block Westview Jefferson 100 Block Jenson 200 Block Jefferson 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney
Citizen Contact Check The Well Being Private Property Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance Alarm Suspicious Person Suspicious Person Agency Assist (CJC) Agency Assist (CJC)
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
Business News
Page 4
4 Easy Ways To Erase Your Online Identity by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert
It's shocking the amount of information that is online about each and every one of us. A few years ago, it was fun to get on Google to see how much information there was about me. Of course, most of that information was from SEO information about my company Integral, social media posts or from the many TV segments I've appeared on. Now, a Google search will turn up personal information on me and the rest of you too and that's a pretty big problem. If you're like me and you want to take control of your privacy and online data, here are some tips to get you started Data is king in our digital world and it turns out many large companies have been collecting and selling our data for years. Sometimes that's not too bad of a thing when Amazon knows what we like to purchase and makes suggestions of compatible products, but when you have the general public, ex romantic partners, online bullies and abusers getting a hold of your private information, it becomes a major problem. If you want to be a little more incognito online, here's what you need to do: 1. Google knows everything, but it can help you take control. Google knows a lot about you, but you can use the search engine to find out what information of yours is in the public domain. This is important because it can also show what information the average joe or jane can find out about you. Do a quick Google search on yourself and find out what information is being shared. Start the removal process from Google by
visiting this link https:// support.google.com/websearch/ troubleshooter/9685456 Keep in mind Google can only remove so much about you from the web. For information about you that is being shared on specific web sites and blogs, you will have to contact the owner of the web site to get your information removed. 2. Make Yourself Invisible. Strangers can get quite a bit of information from you on social media and if you're worried about people spying on you, you might be tempted to delete your accounts. One of the quick ways you can keep hidden on social media is to change your name to something else. This will work for a while as many social media platforms frown on this and it's against the terms of service. Instead, you should keep your accounts private so they can only be viewed by people you 'friend'. Here's how to do that for each social media platform: Twitter: To change your privacy, open Twitter on a web browser. On the left navigation, click More > Settings and privacy. On the main pane, click Privacy and safety. Twitter protect your tweets Beneath the Tweets section, click Protect your Tweets. A confirmation box will pop up, so click Protect. This only protects your tweets. An extra step is needed to protect your entire account. Go to your profile and click Edit Profile to customize the visibility or the information contained within most of these elements. Facebook: Unfortunately for Facebook, people can always find your Facebook profile
unless you've blocked them. There are several steps to keep your account safe. Open Facebook in a web browser and click the dropdown arrow and then click Settings. Next, click Privacy from the left-hand navigation. From here, you can customize the visibility of your profile. Only Me and Friends of Friends are the two most secure settings. The most secure way to protect yourself on Facebook would be an alias. Again, this violates the Terms of Service so I will leave that up to you if you decide to do it. It also helps if you use a profile picture that isn't of you.
floating on the dark web. If this is the case, move on to step 4...
Instagram: Your account can be seen by the public unless you set your account to private. To set your account private, go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) Tap Settings, then tap Privacy > Account Privacy then Slide Private account on. As with Facebook, you want to change your profile picture and consider using an alias to keep safe.
It's not an easy process to keep your information private, but if you follow the above steps you can start to keep your data off the Internet.
Linkedin: Fortunately, Linkedin has privacy settings that you can turn on to keep your account secure. From a browser, click on the ME option from the Linkedin menu, then click on Privacy Controls heading. From there, you can change others can see when they view your profile. 3. Find out if you've been 'pwned'. Data breaches are one of the ways your information makes it out in the public domain and www.haveibeenpwned.com is a great way to find out if your data has been leaked. Visit the website and enter your email address. If you've been 'pwned' it's a good chance that your information is
4. Pay to Have Your information Removed. There are several services that have popped ip in recent years that allow you to keep your information safe from data brokers. A services like Delete.me https://joindeleteme.com/ will keep your information off all of the web sites where the public can find information about you. You can also use Unroll.me to kill those web-based subscriptions that you were automatically signed up for.
Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on our YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
Free Online Business Directory To Support Local Businesses To assist our readers in supporting local
businesses during this unprecedented time, we are providing a free local business directory through June online at
www.grainvalleynews.com. View the full directory with detailed information from each business at
www.grainvalleynews.com/businesswww.grainvalleynews.com/businessdirectory.html.
There is no cost to add your business to
the directory—complete the form on our website to add your business.
Support Small Business— Business—Shop Local.
Business News is sponsored 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.
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Community Voices
Page 5
Musings From The Middle: I Need An App For That by Cathy Allie
My phone screen is crowded with apps that I have downloaded either because I believed they would make my life easier, or my kid forced me to, to keep up with her myriad activities. Through my apps I follow my church, two school districts, my neighborhood, my bank balance, my car dealer’s recalls, two local craft stores, local high school sports, my realtor, the high school band, and our dance studio. I can get and give cash to friends via an app, and I can track my favorite baseball team’s progress in real time—that is if they ever play again. I can be sound asleep and a notification from an app shoots me straight up in bed. I search frantically only to find it is telling me that overnight my app has updated and has more new features I will never use. I have a Paula Deen app that I don’t remember downloading, and I cannot get rid of. I have removed it from my screen several times, and it just reappears. Kind of like she does after her latest weight loss or newest hairdo. At least every suggested recipe has butter, one of my lifelong friends. And more new apps appear on the horizon every day. My daughter’s school even offers a class for our brilliant youngsters to design new apps and figure out how they might work. My daughter has never taken the class, and I have to say I am kind of glad. I would imagine her first venture would be an app that provides snarky, single syllable, monotone answers for any parent inquiry with just the tap of a button or methods for increasing eye-rolling stamina. But since I have been cleaning
closets and drawers during our COVID-19 induced isolation, I have been thinking about cleaning up my apps, or at least replacing them with some I might just enjoy and not need. Why hasn’t someone invented the cattle prod app? I think it could be called MOO, and here is how I envision it would be used. I would load my contacts list and then I could ‘gently’ prod someone to complete a task or finish a thought. I think the app could contain a numerical attachment for the strength of the prod. For instance, if we are two days into waiting for my daughter to clean her bathroom, maybe she gets the prod at level five; four days in and the intensity increases to seven. Most commuters could surely use an app to help them on their morning drive. Oh sure, I have seen the apps that help us with the traffic flow, sending us alerts for road closures and backups. But someone needs to invent one that predicts what stupid thing the driver in front of us will do. While I am sure they will still do the stupid thing, the app might automatically launch calming music in the car or release a lilac vanilla scent through the car vents to mitigate the road rage. I would love an app called WTH that scans a stain on my family’s clothing and not only identifies it, but also suggests a pre-treatment method before it goes into the wash. I have spent hours determining the difference between chocolate and blood, simultaneously willing myself not to ask the offenders questions about how the stain appeared. And while we are on the subject of laundry, what about an app that
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matches socks by color, size, and owner? I hate that task so much that I have been known to buy new ones rather than match them. What about an app that we turn on the first time we meet a person to help us determine right away if we should invest time in being friends, maybe called Besties? I visualize the screen giving me a little read out: 40% appreciative of sarcasm, 50% likely to overeat at a barbecue restaurant, and only a 10% interest in yard work of any kind. Yes! She’s a keeper! Some apps could be helpful to me in my older age. If I have my phone in hand, maybe the You Always Screw Up Names app tells me the name of the person I pass by in the grocery BEFORE I call them by the wrong name. Perhaps another one scans drug store shelves for things I might need when I injure myself putting on a pair of those mismatched socks because I bent the wrong way.
My friend has an app that suggests side dishes for main course meals she wants to prepare. She has another one that allows her to enter ingredients in her pantry and it comes up with a recipe for her to make. I would like an app that then further encourages that friend to double her recipes and bring them to me and my family to eat. It’s the neighborly thing to do. I will conclude with my best idea for an app: one that dispenses a common sense pill for me to share with a friend who has been making questionable choices. I would just say, “Here, you have been acting stupid, and my app tells me you need a pill. Take this.” Only people who had previously shown good common sense would be able to download this app, so the market might indeed be rather small.
Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.
Community Voices
Page 6
Wayne’s World
Reach Out And Touch Someone by Wayne Geiger
For many years, AT&T was a household name. They were responsible for building most of the telephone networks that we use and were the largest corporation in the world. For more than a decade, they used the slogan, “reach out and touch someone.” Naturally, since they were a telecommunication company, they suggested that they do this using the telephone. We have all been affected by these days of social distancing. To be honest, I was practicing social distancing before it was a thing. I’ve always liked my space. But, although I identify as an introvert, I find myself missing social contact. I miss hanging out with friends and seeing fellow church members. No matter your personality type, we’re all wired that way. We need to connect to other people. One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of Jesus and a leper:
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean (Mark 1:40-42). Leprosy, also known as “Hansen’s disease”, is a painful and debilitating disease. Leprosy is an infection caused by bacteria. The disease discolors the skin, attacks nerve endings, and can affect the eyes and nose, and loss of hair. In days of old, it was believed that leprosy would cause a person’s fingers and toes to rot off. In reality, the disease affected nerve endings which
removed the suffers ability to feel pain. Thus, those with leprosy were known to step on sharp objects or even burning coals and not feel any pain. This caused infection and eventually tissue loss which affected the extremities. Your chances of getting leprosy are pretty low. According to the CDC, about 150 people in the United States contract leprosy annually. Thankfully, the disease is preventable and treatable. One way not to get leprosy is not to eat armadillos. They are the only known animal, other than humans, known to carry the disease. Many cases in the U.S. are in the south where people actually eat the critters (on the half shell, I imagine). During biblical times, leprosy was clearly an issue. There were many lepers mentioned in the Bible. Those who suffered from the disease were considered to be socially and religiously unclean. In that culture, they also considered the disease to be a curse from God. There are two whole chapters dedicated to leprosy in the Old Testament. Here is a portion. As for the leper who has the infection, his clothes shall be torn, and the hair of his head shall be uncovered, and he shall cover his mustache and cry, 'Unclean! Unclean!' "He shall remain unclean all the days during which he has the infection; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp (Lev 13:45-46). Talk about social distancing! Not only were they to live away from everyone else, but social interaction was forbidden. Adding insult to injury, they were to cry aloud to let other passersby know they were in the vicinity. My favorite part about the story of Jesus and the leper is not that Jesus healed him, but how he healed him.
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There are two beautiful parts to the story. First, the leper recognized that Jesus had the ability to heal him. He must have seen Jesus in action and believed. In his mind, there was no doubt as to Jesus’s ability. What the leper wanted to know was, would He? The leper said, “If you will [or if you’re willing], you can make me clean.” Jesus lovingly answered, “I will [or I am willing”] be clean. God did not see the leper as socially or religiously unclean. He looked past his exterior. He saw him not for what he was, but what he could become. Such is the heart of God. The second beautiful part to this story was how Jesus healed him. Throughout the gospels, Jesus healed people in many different ways. He healed some people with just a word. He healed one blind man by spitting on the ground, making mud, and placing it on the guy’s eyes. Some people, Jesus healed from a distance. Others, Jesus healed up close. What’s amazing in this story is that Jesus “stretched out his hand and touched him.” He obviously didn’t have to touch him. He chose to touch him. We are not told how long this guy had leprosy, but however long it was, he was ostracized by society. He was a loner. Jesus, the Son of God, reached out and touched this social outcast who had not been touched in a very long time. I have seen several positive things happening during this challenging time. I’ve seen people reaching out to God and praying more. I’ve seen people interested in spiritual things. In addition, I’ve seen families getting back to basics. They’re playing games, making crafts, and just having fun. That’s a really positive thing! Finally, I’ve also seen people
reaching out and connecting in various, new ways. Out of necessity, people are going to church online and connecting with small groups through mediated technologies. These are really good things. Like you, in these days of mandatory social distancing, I find myself adjusting to a “new normal.” Like most churches, for the last several weeks, as a pastor, I have shared messages with our church family through Facebook live and our YouTube channel. When I’m delivering these messages, I am standing before an empty church building—or at least no more than 9 people—six feet apart. I’ve been asked, “isn’t that weird?” I generally respond by saying, “not really.” And then I explain, “when I’m speaking to the empty room, I visualize regular attenders who would be sitting in their particular seats. I see their faces and remember their stories.” But, on the other hand, there is an emptiness that I feel. I miss the human connection. I miss the opportunity physically reach out and touch someone. For now, the best we can do is look for alternate methods to connect to one another. So, pick up the phone and encourage someone. Send an oldfashioned letter or send a text. Look for creative ways to connect with others— especially those who live alone. Today is a good day to reach out and touch someone—just make sure there’s at least six foot of distance between you. This challenging time is a good reminder that we were built to connect with God and to connect to one another.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
Your Health
Page 7
Now’s The Time To Teach At-Home Nutrition (Family Features) With a lot of parents facing the challenge of keeping housebound kids happy and healthy, this is the perfect time to teach kids the basics of nutrition and eating right. Consider these simple suggestions from Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, health and nutrition communications manager for Dole Food Company.
have a play kitchen or some kind of play food. Use this as an opportunity to act out how to create a healthy kitchen with activities like making salad, setting the table, peeling bananas and washing dishes. This can help young children become more independent, learn what to expect and grow into little helpers at family mealtime.
Healthy Snack Time Taste Tests – Sometimes it feels like kids can snack all day long on easy-to-grab crackers, chips or cookies. Next time they reach into the snack pantry, try incorporating a taste test or food critic activity to encourage something different and more nutritious.
Sensory Activity – One idea that can work for school and at home is making a sensory box. Simply place a fruit or two inside a tissue box and have children put their hands inside then try to guess which fruit it is by feeling it.
Food Groups Focus – Get kids involved in making dinner by setting a rule that each food group must be represented. Give them a warmup activity by asking which food groups are found in family favorites like chicken soup, lasagna or meatloaf. Asking kids to guess which ingredients are used in these dishes and identifying which food group each ingredient belongs to can help them understand dietary balance.
Recipes for Fun – If you’re preparing a meal, it could be a good time to teach children of reading age how to review a
Reading Time – From food labels to children’s books to cookbooks, there are plenty of reading materials to choose
Purposeful Playtime – Many households
recipe. Evaluating ingredients to learn how food transforms from raw to cooked or how a dish is created can help kids learn kitchen skills.
THEME: COFFEE AND TEA
ACROSS 1. Bookie's number 5. Parents org. 8. Slang for microwave 11. Time distortion 12. One with biggest share? 13. Like a case of appendicitis, possibly 15. Decanter 16. Knowing about 17. Mister in Madrid 18. *Usually served on ice, 2 words 20. Barber's sound 21. Accepted truth 22. Took a load off 23. Artist's office 26. Excites passions, 2 words 30. Comic book cry of horror 31. Rude or sarcastic 34. Chips, perhaps 35. Roleplay 37. Chinese "way" 38. Ice floaters 39. 100 centavos 40. Merry 42. Table scrap 43. Breastbone 45. *Double shot of espresso 47. Feather's partner 48. Not here 50. Nickname for Putin? 52. *Revolutionary event 55. *"Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us," he wrote 56. Research facil. 57. Typically used in the fairway 59. Goodbye to amiga 60. Plenty 61. Why not 62. *Black tea, in China 63. Bard's "before" 64. Pay close attention
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from that reinforce healthy eating habits. Exposing children to fruits and vegetables outside the kitchen is a subtle way to show that nutritious ingredients are part of everyday life. Explain the Bathroom Routine – Make sure to wash hands and explain that this is a way of washing away germs to stay healthy. Also explain why brushing teeth is important by reminding children that food can get stuck in teeth and cause cavities. Find more kid-friendly recipe ideas at dole.com plus nutritional tips, free printables and other healthy fun on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.
DOWN 1. Be in the red 2. Crows' cousins 3. Actress Barrymore 4. More like rumors 5. '70s Ford model 6. Native American emblem 7. Dwarf buffalo 8. Pueblo tribesman 9. On top 10. For each 12. Cosmetic cabinet staple 13. Allegro ____ in music, Italian 14. *____ Perk from "Friends" 19. Exit plus s 22. Eye infection 23. Oozes 24. Article of faith 25. Romanov's edict 26. *A ____ of tea, in U.K. 27. Prowl around 28. Embryo cradles 29. Green pasta sauce 32. One on the list 33. Faux one 36. *Equal parts espresso and warm milk 38. Fauna's partner 40. Hudson's Bay Company original ware 41. Experts 44. Nose channels 46. Kick the bucket 48. Between countertenor and baritone 49. Make this, not waste 50. Affected by the moon 51. Went down a slippery slope 52. Kitchen flooring choice 53. Tried follower 54. Bygone era 55. *The Revolutionary one followed #52 Across 58. The Simpsons's neighbor
Your Health
Page 8
A Well Stocked Pantry
Black Bean Quesadillas Total time: 15 mins Servings: 4
by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
In the midst of our quarantine, a well -stocked pantry is key to making healthy, budget-friendly recipes at home. Take a look at your pantry and hopefully it is not only full of highsugar, high-sodium snack foods. Check out these healthy pantry staples to keep your diet in check for the next month.
No salt added canned vegetables: frozen vegetables are good choices too if you have room in your freezer
Healthy Pantry Items:
Beans/Lentils: low-fat refried, black beans, pinto beans or lentils (dried or canned) make a great high-fiber, highprotein addition to any meal
Nuts/Seeds/Nut Butters: Whether it is walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds or any natural peanut butter, they all have healthy fats and are a source of protein.
Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian and owner of KC Nutrition Coach, online nutrition and fitness coaching. She can be reached at tracey@kcnutritioncoach.com
Whole grains: popcorn (not microwave), whole-grain crackers, whole-wheat pastas, brown rice, old-fashioned or steel-cut oats, whole wheat tortillas, bread, pita bread. Healthy oils: olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil LowLow -sodium canned tomatoes: diced, crushed or any type of canned tomatoes and tomato-based pasta sauce.
Canned fruits: look for no sugar added or canned in juice LowLow -sodium broths: good to have on hand for many recipes
Canned/Packaged Tuna: look for “packed in water” Garlic/Onion: great for adding flavor to many recipes and shelf-stable Here is an easy recipe for lunch or a quick dinner using some pantry staples. These quesadillas only take 15 minutes to make and you can use black beans or pinto beans. Add some guacamole and serve with a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
A Doctor’s Common-Sense Approach To Heartburn Relief (StatePoint) Indigestion is on the rise worldwide and is especially prevalent in the U.S. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. While it’s a common issue for older people due to aging, it’s now a growing problem for younger adults as well, who report increasing bouts of indigestion, upset stomach, and anxious stomach, which may be linked to stress and hectic lifestyles “When the acid in your stomach rises into your esophagus, that’s when you know you have heartburn,” Dr. Ken Redcross, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and
Caring Relationship with Your Doctor” said. He explains that heartburn is more than just a minor discomfort, and it can impact daily life. Suffering from indigestion and heartburn? Dr. Redcross recommends a few simple measures that may help you find relief. When embarking on a new diet to improve health and wellness, the last thing you may expect to suffer from are digestive issues. But a sudden change to one’s diet is frequently the source of heartburn. Keto diets in particular can trigger heartburn as the diet requires upping the intake of fat, which takes longer to leave the stomach. If you are starting a new diet, it can be helpful to
change your diet more gradually. Indigestion from travel is common, as being away from home often means eating unfamiliar foods and keeping odd hours. When on the go, (or all the time) stick mostly with tried-and-true foods you know that sit well, attempt to keep a regular eating schedule, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Eating too fast or too much can also contribute to indigestion. Slow down and savor your food. Also, consider consuming smaller portions at a time. Try to incorporate some movement into your daily routine, particularly after
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, preferably pepper Jack (if you want some heat) ½ cup prepared fresh salsa (see Tip), divided 4 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided Directions: Combine beans, cheese and ¼ cup salsa in a medium bowl. Place tortillas on a work surface. Spread ½ cup filling on half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas in half, pressing gently to flatten. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 quesadillas and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and quesadillas. Serve the quesadillas with avocado and the remaining salsa. Tips Tip: Look for prepared fresh salsa in the supermarket refrigerator section near other dips and spreads. Nutrition Facts per Serving: 375 calories; 16.3 g total fat; 4.5 g saturated fat; 13 mg cholesterol; 608 mg sodium. 486 mg potassium; 45.1 g carbohydrates; 10.2 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 13.2 g protein; 182 IU vitamin a iu; 7 mg vitamin c; 89 mcg folate; 241 mg calcium; 3 mg iron; 18 mg magnesium.
Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2010
meals, as lying down directly after eating can be a source of indigestion. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is another important factor in managing indigestion. Know your triggers. For some, certain foods like citrus, spices, fatty food, and alcoholic or caffeinated beverages can trigger symptoms. Knowing your specific triggers can help you avoid them. For a happy, healthy belly, learn your indigestion triggers and be prepared to manage symptoms.
Home & Garden
Page 9
April Gardening Calendar Adapted from information from the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening located at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri.(www.GardeningHelp.org). Additional information provided by Cathy Bylinowski. There is so much do in the garden in April. It can be overwhelming. Prioritizing projects in your yard or garden that are most important to you is one way to organize spring tasks. Do not forget to enjoy the sheer beauty of the green beginning of spring. COVID 19 changed our lives this year, but gardening can help provide healthy exercise, stress relief, and nutritious food. Observe preventative measures to protect yourself, your family, and friends from COVID 19. Here is a helpful link to more information- https:// extension2.missouri.edu/covid-19resources-public Contact Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, University of Missouri- Jackson County for more information on vegetable gardening, landscaping, native plants, and other horticulture topics. Enjoy spring! Ornamentals When buying bedding plants, choose sturdy transplants that have not begun to flower. When crabapples are in bloom, it is time to plant hardy annuals such as violas outdoors. Winter mulches should be removed from roses. Complete pruning promptly. Remove only dead wood from climbers at this time. Cultivate lightly, working in
some compost or other organic matter. Fertilize established roses once new growth is 2 inches long. Use a balanced formulation. Begin spraying to control black spot disease. Examine shrubs for winter injury. Prune all dead and weakened wood. Groundcovers can be mowed to remove winter burn and tidy plants up. Raise mowers to their highest settings. Fertilize and water to encourage rapid regrowth. Shrubs and trees best planted or transplanted in spring, rather than fall, include butterfly bush, dogwood, rose of Sharon, black gum ( Nyssa ), red bud, magnolia, tulip poplar, birch, ginkgo, hawthorn and most oaks. Break off rims from peat pots when transplanting seedlings; otherwise, they can act as a wick to draw moisture away from the roots. Evergreen and deciduous hedges may be sheared. Prune the top narrower than the base so sunlight will reach the lower limbs. Easter lilies past blooming can be planted outdoors. Set the bulbs 2 to 3 inches deeper than they grew in the pot. Mulch well if frost occurs. Native Plants Enjoy, but do not disturb the many wildflowers blooming in woodlands throughout Missouri. Look for flowering dogwoods and redbuds in bloom. Oaks, hickories,
and maples bloom. Lawns Mow cool season grasses at recommended heights. For complete details, refer to University Extension Guide #6705, Cool Season Grasses. Topdress low spots and finish over seeding thin or bare patches. Vegetables Finish transplanting broccoli, cabbage, and other cole crops into the garden. High phosphorous fertilizers help get transplants off to a quick start. Plants started indoors should be hardened off outdoors in a protected place or cold frame before being transplanted into the garden. Finish sowing seeds of all cool -season vegetables not yet planted. Make succession sowings of these crops for a steady supply. Asparagus and rhubarb harvests begin. Remove flower stalks from rhubarb plants, if they develop. Keep your hoe sharp. Do not allow weeds to get an early start in your garden! Thin crowded seedlings from early plantings of cool season crops such as beets, carrots, lettuce, and radish. A rain gauge on a post near the vegetable garden keeps track of precipitation so you know when to water. Most crops need about 1 inch of rain per week between April and September.
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Fruits If you want blemish-free fruits applications of insecticides and fungicides will be needed. Consult University Extension Guide Sheet #G6010, Home Fruit Spray Schedule for more information Plant bare-root or potted fruit trees as soon as the soil can be worked. Protect bees and other pollinating insects. Do not spray insecticides on fruit trees that are blooming. Orange, jelly-like galls on cedar trees spread rust diseases to apples, crabapples and hawthorns. Begin sprays for fire-blight susceptible apples and pears using an agricultural streptomycin. Spider mites and codling moths become active on apples. Miscellaneous Natural Events Honeybees are swarming. If you see a swarm in an inconvenient place, notify a local beekeeper organization to find a new home for these beneficial insects. Hummingbirds return from their winter home in Central America.
Top Ways To Lighten Up Your Home Workspace (StatePoint) Many people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive. “No matter which room becomes your workspace, proper lighting plays a key role in avoiding fatigue, eye strain and other discomforts,” said Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications, Progress Lighting. Begin by defining your workspace. Setting up on the kitchen or dining table can work -- temporarily. The upside is that it’s quick and easy. But these rooms are typically high-traffic areas, leading to distractions. Plus, you might have to pack up work at mealtimes. Instead, repurpose a small table and chair and place it in an out-of-the-way spot, such as a stairwell or bedroom corner. Next, think about lighting. Layering light is a basic technique that should be used in every room, but especially home offices.
“Balance the lighting for different times of day. Natural light for day, layered light for afternoon and task lighting at night,” recommends Piper Stromatt, lead designer and partner for Curate Custom Homes. “There are three layers of light to consider: ambient or general light, task lighting and decorative or accent lighting.” Select a location with a good source of ambient light. Natural light is ideal: it diffuses throughout the space, bouncing off walls and ceilings to cut down on glare that can reflect on the computer monitor and the shiny desk surface. “When selecting ambient light sources, the goal is to illuminate the entire space without creating undue glare and contrast, which can lead to headaches and eye strain,” says Kis. “If possible, avoid using overhead ceiling fixtures as the primary source of lighting. If that’s the only option, use a dimmer switch to vary light levels as needed.” Positioning your workspace correctly also helps. For rooms with natural light,
place your desk perpendicular to the window, ideally facing north or south so that sunlight doesn’t cast shadows at certain times of the day. If an overhead fixture is the only light source, situate your workstation so that the light shines from behind it. “Make sure your home office suits your performance under particular lighting conditions,” says Stromatt, who recommends the following tips: Don’t set your monitor in front of the window; the bright background light shining behind the screen causes eye strain. Place your chair at least arm’s length from the screen so that it can be seen without reading glasses or squinting. Add LED tape lighting behind your monitor or under a desk for diffused light. Use solar shades to soften lighting and lessen heat.
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After setting up a glare-free workstation, add task lighting. Use dedicated light sources such as desk lamps for tasks like paperwork and filing. Place direct task lights on the opposite side of the hand you write with to avoid casting shadows onto your work. Finally, add accent lighting for visual appeal. Frame your workspace with desk lamps or install a permanent fixture on a dimmer switch, such as a pendant hung directly over the desk. Wall sconces can throw light on decorative objects in the room. Lighting can make or break a home office. Be sure to set yourself up for maximum productivity and comfort.
Sports
Page 10
Officiating Profile: John Kilmer by John Unrein
Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah has mountains as the background setting for Utah State college football games. The same can be said for War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming that hosts the Wyoming Cowboys and their opponents during Saturdays in the fall. Access to such beautiful venues can be gained by a ticket or years of hard work. For Grain Valley resident John Kilmer, years of climbing in the officiating profession has led to the latter. A Friday afternoon flight from KCI out west to work a Saturday game prior to returning home on Sunday has become a normal routine during football season. Kilmer relishes the opportunity to stay close to competition. Twenty-eight years as a high school football and basketball official, along with 4 years officiating high school track and field is an indication of the dues Kilmer has paid to rise in his chosen part time avocation. He can still be seen on Friday nights under the lights in the Kansas City Suburban area working football games as well as on the basketball court during the winter months. Kilmer has not stopped wanting to be a part of high school contests as a Missouri State High School Activities Association official. “Officiating can become addictive. It brings you close to athletic contests. You want to be invisible walking into a hotel before or after a game. That’s kind of the goal,” Kilmer said. “I started out working as many high school games as I could. Pop Warner on Saturdays as well. I began attending college officiating camps in the spring. My first opportunity to work a college game came after participating in a camp in Conway, Arkansas.” Kilmer has been a Division I and II college football official for twenty-two years. Thirteen years in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Conference along with work in the Western Athletic Conference, Southland Conference, and eight years in the Mountain West Conference round out Kilmer’s resume. Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho on the campus of Boise State University is Kilmer’s favorite stadium to referee a game. Especially, a cold weather one. That many miles of travel have led
MSHSAA official and Grain Valley resident John Kilmer officiates a high school basketball game. Photo credit: John Overstreet Kilmer to have more than a few good stories to tell and only one that he wanted to share. “Our crew was scheduled to work a Division II postseason football game in Minnesota. We met at 5:00 am in Platte City by the airport to travel north together in an RV. We were all relaxed in the cab when he heard a loud noise and started to smell something. We had run over a dead deer on the side of the road and his antler had become lodged in a tire,” Kilmer said. “We had to find a truck stop where we could buy a new tire and get it installed. We still managed to get there in time for the pregame meeting the night before.” Kilmer is thankful for the numerous mentors he’s had on his officiating journey. So much so, that it’s one of the keys to becoming a successful official in Kilmer’s view. “Work as many games as possible. Finding someone to be a mentor at the level you want to be at eventually is
vital as well. The Greater Kansas City Officials Association is a good organization to join. Most officiating assignments come from the scheduling of the association or a conference supervisor,” Kilmer said. The current officiating shortage at the high school level in the United States is problematic. Kilmer has specific thoughts on what can be done to overcome the issue and continue to assure fair play for participants. “Coaches and athletic directors at the high school level need to become more involved in encouraging their former athletes to become officials. Coaches and athletic directors know their former players the best and have the access to recruit them,” Kilmer said. Kilmer continued, “Behavior in athletics is hurting young officials. Sportsmanship needs to be improved. We try to keep our focus in what’s going on with the field or court.” “You acquire thick skin. When a coach is upset, its usually not personal. They are fighting for their kids and their program. That’s a good thing to remember.” MSHSAA does not require member officials to belong to certified local officials’ associations. They do strongly suggest they join one whenever possible. Many important ideas and officiating methods can be learned from a membership in a local official’s association. The Greater Kansas City Officials Association is registered with MSHSAA and has met the criteria as a certified
local association. Those who have questions or are interested in joining GKCOA may contact them at info@gkcoa.org. The following are seven steps listed on MSHSAA’s website to help new officials. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR STUDY. Textbooks are made available through your state association, such as rule books, case books, interpretation meeting folders or handbooks, the Officials Manual and the MSHSAA Journal, which contains many items of importance to officials. Game rules are generally complex, and you don't learn them without extensive study. Many experienced officials still average several hours each week of solid study of the rule’s publications. There is no sadder spectacle than an official who doesn't know the rules. You learn the rules by means of thorough intensive study. ATTEND ALL RULES INTERPRETATION MEETINGS WITHIN YOUR REACH. They are arranged for the purpose of reviewing old rules, explaining new ones and giving positive interpretations on the trickier ones. It is also a good place to get acquainted with fellow officials, coaches, and athletic directors. ATTEND MECHANICS CLINICS WHEN AVAILABLE. Knowing and understanding proper positioning will enable you to make the right call.
see KILMER on page 12
Sports
Page 11
Chiefs Salary Cap Tightens As NFL Draft Looms by John Unrein
National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell has given the green light for the league’s 85th annual selection meeting to go on as scheduled for April 23-25 of this month in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kansas City Chiefs started the week of March 30th exactly $177.00 under the $198.2 million salary cap according to NFL reporter Field Yates. A personnel move in the form of release or trade will likely be occurring by the Chiefs, as they will need money under the cap to sign this year’s draft class. The Chiefs have been mildly active in the free agent market this offseason. General Manager Brett Veach has indicated an interest in retaining as many players from the Super Bowl LIV (54) roster as possible. Veach has reached one-year contract agreements with defensive tackle Mike Pennel, fullback Anthony Sherman, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, all of whom will be returning to Chiefs Kingdom for at least one more season. Kansas City’s front office has also acquired the services of offensive lineman Mike Remmers and cornerback Antonio Hamilton. Remmers is versatile enough to play tackle or guard along the offensive line, having started 14 games for the New York Giants during the 2019 season. Hamilton has been a special teams ace for the Giants. Last season witnessed Hamilton earn some playing time at cornerback as well. All of the Chiefs’ recent signees have come to agreement under the Veteran Salary Benefit of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Per the league’s website, this provision allows a player with at least four accrued seasons (for any team) to be given a one-year contract, paying them the NFL minimum salary according to their experience, but carrying the cap hit of a player with only two years of experience. The Veteran Salary Benefit also allow these players to be paid signing bonuses of up to $137,500, which count against the cap as they normally would. Add to the mix Exclusive Rights Chiefs Free Agents (having accrued two years of league service time or less) such as tight end Deon Yelder and offensive lineman Andrew Wylie, and the organization has been able to sign seven players for a total of $8.3 million that only count $6.1 million against the cap according to the National Football League Players Association and Over the Cap website. Not a shabby few weeks’ worth of work for Veach and his staff since the new league year started on March 18th. The Chiefs organization will now turn its attention to the draft. Goodell and the NFL front office recently highlighted how this year’s draft will be conducted differently in a recent press release statement. “Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the
2020 Draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have cancelled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions,” Goodell said. “Our staff is certainly mindful of the operational issues this presents, and our top priority is putting in place procedures that allow all clubs to operate on a level playing field so that the draft is conducted in a way that is competitively fair to all clubs. All clubs should be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters.” NFL teams have had to adjust their preparation for the draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All NFL player physicals and workouts have been stopped indefinitely for free agents and draft prospects by order of Goodell. Furthermore, all 32 NFL team facilities have been ordered to close until further notice. The draft will proceed as scheduled though and will be televised. The Chiefs still have holes on their roster to fill via the draft. Cornerback, linebacker, running back, and interior offensive lineman round out the team’s biggest areas of need based on current depth and talent. This list is in flux as the Chiefs could trade defensive tackle Chris Jones who has been tagged as the franchise player by the organization, as well as wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Dr. Laurent Duverney-Tardif is also a potential candidate for release with an $8.9 million 2020 salary cap number after putting in a gutsy subpar performance last season upon returning from a broken leg suffered during his 2018 campaign. The Chiefs currently have five picks in the upcoming draft. Mock drafts are currently ripe with the Chiefs selecting a variety of players from the listed positions of need. Here’s Grain Valley News mock draft for the Kansas City Chiefs. Round 1, Pick 3232- CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn, 55 -10, 198 Former wide receiver and track star who excels in bump and run coverage. Often locked up against the best wide receivers in SEC and passed with flying colors. His scrappy demeanor when competing and tackling has drawn praise. Running a 4.4 40-yard dash and having a 37” vertical jump at the combine doesn’t hurt either. Round 2, Pick 31 (63rd overall, part of the Dee Ford trade with the 49ers)49ers)- OL Robert Hunt, LALAF, 66-5, 323 College tackle and four-year starter who moves inside to guard for the Chiefs to
provide depth and compete for a starting job. Heavy hands and athleticism displayed at Louisiana Lafayette could translate well at the next level. The Chiefs like turning former college tackles into guards. See Andrew Wylie, Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Martinas Rankin, and Cameron Erving. Round 3, Pick 32 (96th overall)overall)- RB Zack Moss, Utah, 55 -9, 223 Has drawn comparisons to Kareem Hunt coming out of college. Power runner who packs a punch and is tough to bring down. Put up good numbers for the Utes throughout his college career. Solid pass catcher who chose to compete at the combine with a strained hamstring and ran a 4.6 40-yard dash. Round 4, Pick 32 (138th overall)overall)- CB AJ Green, Oklahoma State, 66-2, 202 Big bodied cornerback who plays physical on the perimeter. Tracks the football well through the air as his six college interceptions attest. Would be selected higher in the draft had he not run a 4.6 40-yard dash. Reminds me of
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Chiefs free agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland. Round 5, Pick 32 (177th overall)overall)- DE Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State, 66-5, 251 Relentless off the edge as a rusher. Uses his hands well to discard blockers. Has the size and length that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers in defensive ends. Provides insurance for the Chiefs if defensive end Alex Okafor does not return completely healthy from a torn pectoral muscle. Could be potential mid-round steal for Chiefs since he played at FCS school.
KILMER continued from page 10 JOIN A LOCAL OFFICIALS GROUP. There may be one in your area or not too far away. Many of these local groups meet regularly for rules discussion and for discussing common problems. The state sponsored meetings are important but local groups must take over in a followup program of rules study and interpretations. TAKE THE RULES EXAMINATIONS PROVIDED BY MSHSAA AND BY YOUR LOCAL GROUP. The National Federation examinations provide an excellent review and a thorough test. There is no finer review of the rules than the challenge presented in writing a good rules examination. SEE ALL THE GAMES YOU CAN, especially games worked by capable officials. It is one of the best ways to learn about the technique and mechanics of officiating.
Grain Valley resident John Kilmer with former Colorado State head football coach Jim McElwain. Photo courtesy: John Kilmer ALWAYS STRIVE TO IMPROVE. The game of officiating has no place for an official who doesn't want to improve him/herself. Here, you either get some place or drop out; you can't stand still. Give attention to such factors as rules examination grades, ratings received from schools and assistance from rules meetings.
Grain Valley Parks and Rec Closes Playgrounds; Trails and Greenspace Remain Open The Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Department, in accordance with the Jackson County Executive Order to stay in place, has closed all park playgrounds, picnic shelters and restrooms to the general public effective March 24, 2020. Parks, including trails and open greenspace, will remain open and available for patrons to utilize. In a
statement, the Department stated it “wants to make sure that during this challenging time, there are still outdoor opportunities available for your physical and mental well-being.� Residents are asked to practice social distancing guidelines, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others.
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