Valley News: April 18, 2019

April 18, 2019

Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com

Draper Reflects On Hall of Fame Career

by John Unrein

Grain Valley Lady Eagles Head Basketball Coach Randy Draper was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 13th.

Draper has many fond memories of a career that has been spent giving time and knowledge to others.

Getting the honor of having a conversation with Coach Draper is always a joy. Anyone who listens will leave with a smile and something

positive that they may apply to their life.

Coach Draper’s career started during the 1985-86 school year at Madison, Missouri which is approximately 12 miles east of Moberly on Highway 24. Draper recalls it like it was yesterday.

“The town’s population was the same size as my high school graduating class of 640 people. I still remember the sign outside of town. It was a good first job to have. My players were patient while I was young and learning what to do.

Vol. 2, No. 16

FREE

Residents Asked To Improve How They Recycle While people in the Kansas City region continue to recycle, contamination — non -recyclable items mixed in with recycling – has become a serious issue, both in the metro area and nationwide.

Good News

With Earth Day rapidly approaching on April 22 and thoughts turning to environmental issues, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) is asking

see RECYCLE on page 2

Boys Tennis Ties For First In Kirksville

see DRAPER on page 5

Lady Eagles Basketball Coach Randy Draper was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 13th.

Photo credit: John Overstreet

The Grain Valley High School boys tennis team tied for first at the Kirksville “Under Lights”” Tournament on April 1111--12. In singles play, the Eagles tied for first the Lights against tournament hosts Kirksville and Trenton. Not pictured with the team is sophomore Jesse Arnold. Photo credit: Grain Valley Eagles Tennis

Local News

Page 2 RECYCLE continued from page 1 residents to improve how they recycle.

The MARC SWMD, a regional solid waste planning agency for local governments, has come up with the five ways to help people recycle better.

This list is based on the top contaminants in the area’s recycling stream, the top materials currently being sent to the landfill, and the top materials people searched for in 2018 on RecycleSpot.org.

Shipping materials Cardboard boxes can be recycled both at curbside and at drop-off recycling centers. Air pillows, bubble wrap and shipping envelopes can be recycled with your plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and big box stores such as Target and Walmart. Always deflate air pillows and bubble wrap before recycling.

Electronics (e(e -waste) Anything that runs on a cord or battery is recyclable. This includes items such TVs, computers, smart phones, hair dryers, coffee makers, flashlights and watches. The following businesses accept e-waste: Best Buy, Office Depot/ Office Max, Staples and Midwest Recycling Center. Always call first as acceptable items vary among businesses that accept them. E-waste is not accepted in your recycling bin.

Food waste Do not put food in your recycling bin or paper food containers such as disposable tableware, frozen food containers, takeout boxes, fast food containers and paper coffee cups. These types of containers are not recyclable because they are coated with a thin layer of plastic.

Hazardous waste Expired, unwanted, or unused prescriptions and medicines can be disposed of at your local police station or pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens.

Medical sharps such as needles should be put into a tightly closed, puncture-resistant container such as a detergent bottle and placed in your trash. There are also mail-back programs available.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any item with Danger, Warning or Caution on the label and includes paint, automotive fluids, lawn and garden chemicals, pesticides, cleaners, batteries, fluorescent bulbs and many beauty products. HHW can be properly disposed through your local HHW program.

Personal hygiene items such as diapers and toilet paper are not recyclable. Diapers belong in the trash, toilet paper in the toilet.

None of these hazardous items are accepted in your recycling bin.

Plastics Most plastic bottles and containers with numbers 1-7 on the bottom are recyclable. Exceptions include Styrofoam food and drink containers and hazardous substance containers – automotive fluid, pesticides, etc. These are not recyclable in the Kansas City area due to their low value and high contamination.

Many plastic bags and film are recyclable and should be taken to a grocery store or big box store such as Walmart or Target. Plastic bags and film are not accepted in your recycling bin.

For more information on how to recycle better, visit RecycleSpot.org and download the Recycle Better flier, or call the Recycling Information Line at 816474-8326.

Household Hazardous Waste Event April 27th at Pink Hill Park Grain Valley residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste during a collection event on Saturday, April 27th from 8:00am—12:00pm at Pink Hill Park, 2715 NW Park Drive, Blue Springs.

The event is free for residents of Grain Valley and other member communities of the Regional HHW Program.

Paint and paint-related products, automotive fluids, batteries, lawn and garden chemicals, glues and adhesives, and household cleaners will be accepted.

No business waste is accepted. This includes nonprofits, churches, homebased businesses, and rental property owners.

Valley News

Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print.

Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer

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

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of April 3-9, 2019.

April 3, 2019 700 Block Main Street Stoney Point Road 1400 Block Golfview Drive 700 Block Main Street 300 Block Harris 200 Block Harris Main/I 70 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street 400 Block Elizabeth 2300 Block NW Lindenwood Court AA/Buckner Tarsney 700 Block Main Street 400 Block Walnut 700 Block Montana Ridge

Exparte Violation Agency Assist (JCSD) Theft Harassment Disturbance Disturbance Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Suspicious Person Agency Assist (CJC) Alarm Agency Assist (JCSD) Citizen Contact Area Check Disturbance

April 4, 2019 2300 Block NW Lindenwood Court 600 Block Broadway 400 Block Oakwood 1200 Block Phelps Court 600 Block Walnut 700 Block Main Street 1900 Block Rosewood 400 Block Walnut 600 Block Yennie

Alarm Agency Assist (JCSD) Vandalism Suspicious Person Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Warrant Arrest Stand By to Prevent Disturbance

April 5, 2019 1100 Block Ephraim 1100 Block Blue Branch 700 Block Main Street 1100 Block Ephraim 200 Block Cypress 700 Block Main Street 1800 Block Elmwood 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney

Alam Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Parking Complaint Stealing Noise Complaint Disturbance

April 6, 2019 700 Block Tisha 1100 Block Ryan 800 Block Williow 1200 Block Pamela 1 OOIDA Dr 1100 Block Sycamore Nicholas/Whitney 1100 Block Scenic

Dog Bite Alarm Stand By to Prevent Alarm Found Property Alarm Vehicle Blocking the Road Property Damage

600 Block Nelson 700 Block Crestview Terrace 1700 Block Helen Court 400 Block Orion 300 Block Jefferson 800 San Kar

Alarm Area Check Open Garage Door Area Check Alarm Vehicle Accident

April 7, 2019 700 Block Main Street 1200 Block Lakeview Drive Pecan/Red Oak 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Crestview Terrace 700 Block Main Street 1200 Block Mary Court 5300 Block Barr Road

Citizen Contact Alarm Area Check Harassment Harassment Counterfeit Bills Agency Assist (CJC) Barking Dog

April 8, 2019 Old PD 400 Block Rust Court 600 Block SW Creek Ridge 400 Block Eagles 700 Block Main Street 40 Highway West Bound 700 Block Main Street 1100 Block Valley Ridge 1600 Block High View Butterfly Trail 600 Block Cross Creek 900 Block Ryan Rd

Abandoned Auto Identity Theft Parking Complaint Alarm Citizen Contact Area Check Fraud Alarm Barking Dog Disturbance Disturbance Stand By to Prevent

April 9, 2019 800 Block Cedar Ln 600 Block Ryan Rd BB Hwy / Duncan Rd US 40 Hwy / Sni-A-Bar Blvd 1400 Block Burr Oak Ct 900 Block Cedar Ln

Suspicious Auto Citizen Contact Vehicle Accident Vehicle Accident Alarm Alarm

Additional calls: Suicidal subject

Page 3

The Most Egg-Citing 90 Seconds of Spring Focus for Grain Valley hosted its free annual Easter Egg Hunt at Armstrong Park on Saturday, April 13th for a crowd of eager children. The Easter Bunny kicked off festivities at 10:00am, and over 6,000 eggs stuffed by volunteers were snatched up by eager hunters in less than 2 minutes.

“We’re the biggest kids out here,” Focus for Grain Valley volunteer Sheila Arnold joked. “We have a lot of fun and are happy to put on this event for the community.

We get families from all over the area join us every year.”

Photo credit: Valley News staff

Claire, Will, and Macy Bushey found a quiet spot to empty their eggs following the lively hunt.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

Check Out Our Community Calendar!

View or add your community event free at www.grainvalleynews.com.

Maddox Reed, 8, of Grain Valley, sorts through his haul following the Focus for Grain Valley Easter Egg Hunt at Armstrong Park.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

Business News

Page 4

Life Simplified With Go 2 Girl Errand Service The demands of work and family life can often be overwhelming, even for those with a strong network of family and friends. Add in an emergency, and life can become exceedingly difficult.

Even without an emergency, an extra set of hands to help with errands, checking on a loved one, or to wait on a repairman sounds like a dream come true. Deb Dominick, owner of Go-2-Girl, is here to meet those needs and more.

Dominick understands first hand that regardless of how much support one has from family and friends, everyone needs outside help now and then. After chest surgery a few years ago, Dominick found that even with great support from family, there were times that they could not be around to help her with basic tasks. As a successful entrepreneur, Dominick felt there were certainly others in her predicament and her business, The Go2-Girl, was born.

The concept is simple. Deb’s mission is to make life easier for her clients by providing a variety of on-call services.

These include, but are not limited to, the following: Car Service: Airport, concert, or around town Child care (day or night) Document pick-up/drop-off service General errands: dry cleaning, pharmacy, etc.

Home services: house sitting, waiting for a repairman New Mother Helping Hands service

Office assistance/personal assistant Party planning and decorating

Pet-sitting, grooming appointments, and vet visits Senior Services: companion, cook, laundry, pick up meds Shopping Services: gift, grocery, personal, meal delivery Single parent support

Certified Wedding Coordination

Prospective clients first meet with Deb for a pre-interview to get to know each other and discuss their needs. The pre-interview is a great opportunity to

build familiarity, so that when an emergency does arise, Deb and her clients are not strangers. Deb noted this is particularly important for families with children.

“I recently got a call from a client who is a single mother. Her 14-year old daughter was home alone while she was at work and had called her mom feeling uneasy about being alone. I was able to stop by for a visit and put them both at ease,” Dominick said.

“That’s why the pre-interview is so important. Everyone is going to have an emergency sometime. This way, we have met, and the details are ironed

out ahead of time.”

Dominick really enjoys working with older adults as well and is often asked by children of elderly parents to simply be a friend.

“I had a daughter call and ask me to visit with her mother who was lonely. I went over and watched a movie with her and helped her do her laundry. It’s simple, but it’s so important to her well -being and the daughter’s peace of mind.”

Even a cat stuck in a tree is no match for Dominick. One of her clients, a single mother, called Dominick to troubleshoot how to get her kitten down from a tree. After a few phone calls and Facebook pleas, Dominick was able to find a tree professional who came out to get the kitten down at no charge.

Dominick started this business after over 40 years as the busy owner of a successful DJ business in the Kansas City area that grew to manage 1,2001,300 shows per year.

“This business has been so rewarding and I am having so much fun with it. After 40 years of intensity, it is nice to do work that is filling my soul.”

Rates are generally $10/hour, and cash, card, or check payments are accepted.

To reach Deb Dominick with The Go 2 Girl, call 816-246-4665, email g2gdeb@gmail.com, or visit Go 2 Girl on Facebook.

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

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Page 5 DRAPER continued from page 1 I coached both basketball and baseball.

The baseball part was interesting with me being a college tennis player.”

The roots of influence to get into coaching run deep for Draper. He identifies his Dad and former Mizzou Head Basketball Coach Norm Stewart as the two people who have had the greatest impact on his values as an educator.

“I remember going to my Dad’s games and watching him. I definitely had a role model in knowing how to act in my future profession. I was also fortunate enough to work for Coach Stewart two years as a student assistant as well as a graduate assistant. I learned an awful lot,” Draper said.

The game of basketball has evolved during Draper’s time on the sideline.

He’s embraced innovations to the game that have come and are potentially on the horizon.

“My first job when I started, there wasn’t a three-point line. It’s changed the game a lot for the better. I also think we will see the shot clock at the high school level at some point in the future.

People shouldn’t worry about the shot clock. The game is now played faster and that’s fun to watch,” Draper said.

Coach Draper’s grin gets a little wider and the pace of his speech faster when speaking about what he’s enjoyed the most about coaching.

“There’s nothing like having a team.

There’s something about a group with a common goal willing to sacrifice for the greater good that’s special. The relationships you develop through coaching are lifelong. People don’t realize the time you spend together as a team chasing goals. I’ve never found anything else quite like it.”

“Competition is a value we need to embrace and participating in activities allows for that to happen. Everything doesn’t happen perfectly in life. Things still get done when things don’t go well.

You learn to count on yourself and others

when you compete in a team sport. You learn how to work with other people in life and have confidence in yourself when you choose to compete,” Draper said.

Seeking first to understand and then being understood is a lesson in listening and patience that many from Coach Draper’s generation possess. He will provide advice if asked. When posed with the question of what guidance he would offer young people in his profession, he paused and gave three suggestions.

“First, you need to understand the most important part of being an educator are the interpersonal relationships and that they reward you for a long, long, time if you put in the effort. Next, put the kids first. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy it. We get stressed in the profession and we forget it’s a game that’s about having fun.”

Being a Grain Valley Eagle has been special to Coach Draper.

“I’ve been here long enough that I’ve coached in class size 2, 3, 4, and 5 all at Grain Valley. I’ve seen a lot of change.

Our student body is into activities and rooting for their fellow students. It’s a big challenge to keep some of the small school advantages while getting bigger and the school has done a great job with that. Our student body is still connected, and it makes game days a lot of fun.”

“I’ve been really lucky to be here. I’ve been at Grain Valley for 24 years and I still love it. I was out of coaching for 5 years while my son went through. I told my wife recently that I’ve been appreciated by Grain Valley. I’ve been smart enough to stay doing what I love to do and that’s important,” Draper said.

An individual like Coach Draper who connects with a community and gives selflessly has profound positive influence. A link to Coach Draper’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech can be found at www.grainvalleynews.com.

Around Town: Night of Jazz

The Grain Valley Eagle Jazz Lab was one of three jazz bands that performed during the annual Night of Jazz concert on April 16th. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Missourians Reminded To Keep Wildlife Wild As Missourians begin to head outdoors during the long-awaited spring season, they may encounter a variety of newborn animals. Though the young wildlife can pull on the heartstrings, and oftentimes appears to be abandoned, that’s usually not the case.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds residents to avoid interfering with newborn or young animals as it can do more harm than good.

“Young animals are rarely orphaned,” MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell said. “If the young is left alone, the parent will usually return. Parents are normally out searching for food and cannot constantly attend to their offspring.”

Russell added that baby birds are a common newborn people want to help.

“If you see a chick on the ground hopping around and it has feathers, leave it alone and bring pets inside because it is a fledgling and the parents are nearby keeping an eye on it,” Russell said.

“Fledglings can spend up to 10 days hopping on the ground while learning to fly. If you find one that is featherless, you can return it to the nesting area if possible, as it probably fell out of the nest.”

Dogs catching baby rabbits and lawn mowers running over nests are other common issues.

“Rabbits seldom survive in captivity

and can actually die of fright from being handled,” Russell said. “Even if the animal is injured, return it to the nest because the mother will most likely return.”

Despite what many think, wild mothers do not abandon their young because of a human scent, and most newborn animals do not survive in captivity.

“While people have good intentions, the care and rehabilitation of wild animals requires special training, knowledge, facilities -- and permits,” Russell explained. “Without such care, wild animals will remain in poor health and could eventually die. And it is illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit.”

Russell also noted that wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can also carry parasites, disease, and can damage property.

“Native wildlife can carry mites, ticks, lice, fleas, flukes, roundworms, tapeworms, rabies, distemper, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, and skin diseases,” Russell said. “Some of these can be transmitted to humans.”

Although tempting to take them into homes, the best help people can offer wild animals is to leave them alone.

For more information on Missouri’s many native wildlife species, visit the MDC online Field Guide at www.nature.mdc.mo.gov/discovernature/field-guide/search.

Community Voices

Page 6

Wayne’s World

Atheism: A Leap of Faith

by Wayne Geiger

The celebration of Easter is upon us. Easter means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. To some, it means the changing of the season and the celebration of new life.

To others, it means the changing of the clothes. I remember being forced to dress up on Easter and wear my fancy, new “Easter clothes” as my mom called them. I wasn’t allowed to play football in them either.

Easter also means tradition. Out and around, we see bright colors, cuddly rabbits, colorful eggs, and lots of candy.

Some of our Easter traditions are a little strange and demand explanation.

Take the Easter bunny and Easter eggs for example.

The origin and usage of bunnies and eggs is a bit of a mystery, but most sources agree that these symbols have pagan origin and represent fertility and the arrival of spring.

Personally, I found the Easter bunny frightening growing up. As an adult, however, I do appreciate seeing the photos of terrified children being forced to take their picture with the furry beast.

As a kid, my favorite part of Easter was the candy. Peeps, the little marshmallow chicks that come in various, bright colors have been around for about sixty-years. Peeps are the most popular, non-chocolate Easter candy, selling more than 1.5 billion each season.

And if you like to bite the heads off first, you’re in the majority. About twothirds of people eat the head first.

Perhaps this is our small way of getting back at the Easter Bunny.

Naturally, Easter is a religious holiday. It is the day when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the tomb. The Bible says early in the morning, as the sun rose, the “Son” rose.

He emerged victorious from the tomb on Sunday, “the first day of the week.” This indicated not only chronology, but theology.

Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week to close and securely lock the door of death behind him and become the path to eternal life.

Although countless theories abound as to “when” the first Easter was, no one knows for sure. The traditional

celebration of Easter is dependent, not upon the season, but upon the lunar cycle. According to TimeandDate.com, “since Easter happens on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, it can fall on any date between March 22 and April 25.” With the focus on the lunar cycle, I wonder why retailers haven’t ditched the Peeps and chosen to go with Moon Pies. You heard it here first.

The celebration of Easter is a polarizing event. “I’m an atheist” said someone proudly in a conversation recently. I was a little taken aback by his passion. I certainly don’t mind anyone sharing their opinion, as I often do, but as he continued, he seemed to suggest that atheism was the product of a superior knowledge or enlightenment. I got the feeling that he may have felt that Christianity was an ignorant, uninformed “leap of faith.”

I guess he was partly correct. I won’t argue that Christianity is a leap of faith.

But, if you really think about it, so is atheism. In simplistic terms, a theistic view suggests that God created something out of nothing. That’s a huge leap. An atheistic view (often called “big bang”) suggests that there was nothing, but then out of that nothing something was created and then it morphed into what we have today. That’s a gargantuan leap.

But Christianity is not a blind leap. It comes from an informed position. Many of our greatest scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, and artists like Copernicus, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, Johann Sebastian Bach, J. R. R. Tolkien, Michelangelo, and so many more, were dedicated Christians.

Christianity is also transformative.

Followers of Jesus Christ have sought to change the world. I am ashamed of those who have used religion to manipulate or cause pain. I am keenly aware of times in history when this was true. However, these atrocities were done in the name of religion, not in the name of Jesus. Perhaps a discussion for another time.

It was Christians in our country who recognized the need for education. Early schools were not products of the state but were started by the church. The same is true in higher education.

Harvard University, for example, considered to be one of the most elite and prestigious universities in America, was founded by Christians in order to

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promote Christian education.

Christians also worked diligently to transform society. During the industrial revolution, children worked in factories alongside adults. It was the church that led the way to ensure human rights and the protection of children. It was also the church that established early hospitals, cared for the poor, the disadvantaged, and the dying.

My own personal faith journey is an informed journey. I have studied the claims of Christianity and world religions for almost twenty years and found the evidence for the claims of Christ overwhelming. Some of that evidence has been erased from our modern history books.

In 2015, the Barna Research Group reported that 13-percent of millennials did not believe in a historical Jesus. The survey was not about faith, but whether Jesus was a “real person” that actually lived. Thirteen-percent felt he was a mythological figure, like the Easter bunny.

It seems in an attempt to separate church and state, our educational system has erased foundational truths.

Quoting the late, Dr. Billy Graham, “There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived, or that Alexander the Great died at the age of 33.”

If you’re intrigued or want to study deeper, I would recommend a book by Lee Strobel. Strobel, who has a law degree from Yale, worked as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune as an

investigative reporter. As an adamant atheist, he decided to use his journalistic and investigative training to disprove Christianity. I won’t spoil the ending. His book is called “A Case for Faith.”

In addition, to reading, I would like to invite you to investigate the claims of Christ personally. There are many great churches in the Grain Valley area and surrounding communities. Isn’t it worth an honest evaluation? If it’s true that Jesus is the Son of God who died for the sin of the world, was buried, and rose again three days later, that has major implications, doesn’t it?

For me, it’s a win-win. If there is no such thing as God, no judgment, and no eternity, then I will have lived a wonderful life of happiness and contentment while trying to make a difference in this world. In the end, they will put me in the ground just like everyone else, and I will be no more.

However, if the claims of Christ are true, then I have wisely invested my life in following him and laying down a solid foundation for eternal life. I will live forever in eternal bliss one day. And, what’s more, on Easter, I still get to eat moon pies.

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

Page 7

Looking Back: The History of Stony Point

by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

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

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

Submit your community news and events to news@grainvalleynews.com.

Page 8 Missouri Legislative Update State Representative Jeff Coleman, 32nd District

House Members Continue to Stand in Defense of Missouri Taxpayers (HB 1094) The House has given preliminary approval to legislation that would give Missourians a break on late payment of taxes. The bill comes in response to issues within the Department of Revenue that have resulted in many Missourians owing more income tax or getting smaller tax refunds this year.

For months a special House oversight committee has investigated issues within the department. The House Special Committee on Government Oversight found not only that the department had an error in its withholding tables, but also that the department had failed to alert Missourians about how the tax code was changed and what it could mean for them.

The bill would block late payment penalties on tax debt owed to the state by individual taxpayers through the end of this year. It would also waive any interest owed on such debt until May 15.

For those who might pay penalties before the bill would become law, it would require that those Missourians receive refunds.

Supporters of the bill said it’s important to note that while some Missourians could see greater tax bills this year, changes in the federal tax code mean their overall debt is down.

The legislation now requires a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate. The Speaker of the House has said the House Special Committee on Government Oversight will continue to investigate what caused the withholding problems and how the department responded.

Other Bills Sent to the Senate HB 400 would expand the Missouri Returning Heroes Act to include combat veterans that served prior to September 11, 2001 and combat veterans who are eligible to register to vote in Missouri, registered to vote in Missouri, or are current Missouri residents. Additionally, this bill would place a cap of 30% on tuition and fees for qualified combat veterans pursuing graduate degrees, but not professional degrees, for a period of 20 years after an honorable discharge.

Supporters say the bill would offer financial assistance to veterans pursuing graduate degrees at public universities in Missouri. Additionally, supporters say the bill would incentivize veterans to move to Missouri to attend public universities and would assist public universities if they are experiencing a shortage of students.

HB 728 specifies that except if the party in interest is a minor, in any action involving the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 5 or 7 of

the Missouri Constitution, such action must be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. Supporters say the bill would require plaintiffs to be named in cases where people want to sue to remove religious symbols because such plaintiffs currently hide behind unknown names. They say the bill would treat claimants the same no matter the viewpoint, which would hopefully reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits.

the 5th most taxing districts when compared to other states. Also, supporters claimed that a cap of 14 percent on the combined sales and use taxes in the state would be appropriate considering there is no taxing district in the state that is currently at 14 percent.

Supporters also say this type of tax places the tax burden on individuals with lower incomes.

HB 229 establishes a rebuttable presumption that child custody arrangements that award equal parenting time are in the best interest of the child. Supporters say that even with the passage of the shared parenting legislation, mothers are still presumed to be the better parent and fathers are not given equal parenting time. All cases should be looked at in the best interest of the child, not in the best interest of each parent.

HB 700 says that grandparents may file a motion to modify a decree of dissolution when they have been unreasonably denied a right to visit their grandchildren for a period of 30 days. Supporters say there are numerous societal problems leading to grandparents raising grandchildren for large portions of their grandchildren's lives and terminating that relationship, or making it difficult, does not benefit the young children. This bill still leaves actual visitation orders up to a judge, but shortens the time at which a family can ask for intervention.

HB 265 requires all nonfood items sold in the state capitol to be made in the USA. Supporters say it makes sense for the people's capitol building to sell products made by Missourians, when possible, but to at least be made in the United States.

HB 272 changes the laws regarding the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board. It provides that all state agencies shall involve affected small businesses in the development of rules. The bill further provides that the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board shall be an autonomous entity of the Secretary of State's office. Supporters say the Secretary of State is willing to take over this board and provide administrative support to restore it to its original function serving as a voice of and intermediary for small businesses in regulatory matters.

HB 374 requires after August 28, 2019, any political subdivision imposing a sales tax increase that requires voter approval to place certain information on every ballot associated with the proposed increase. Supporters say Missouri is currently the 14th highest state in the nation when compared to other states' combined local and state sales and use tax. It was pointed out that Missouri has

HB 160 authorizes the Public Service Commission, during a general rate proceeding, to set a separate, lower fixed charge or customer charge for lowincome customers of water corporations and sewer corporations. Supporters say that there are currently programs in place to help low-income customers with gas and electric utilities, but there is not a program to help water or sewer customers.

HB 942 allows multiple employer selfinsured health plans having a certificate of authority approved by the Director of the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration to offer such plans to the public.

Supporters say the bill will allow insurance brokers to actively market and sell these association self-insured health plans. Currently, they are prohibited from marketing these plans. This will help small businesses to be able to get less expensive health insurance because they will be joining with other small employers making a larger group of insureds thereby sharing the risk with a larger pool.

HB 83 exempts short-term major medical policies from several health insurance mandates and allows such policies to have a term of less than one year.

Supporters say the bill will exempt shortterm policies from many health insurance mandates and increase the term limit from six months to a period of less than a year. This could help families get more affordable health insurance coverage.

HB 65 adds powdered alcohol to the definition of intoxicating liquor used in state liquor control laws. Supporters say the bill will help prevent alcohol abuse and poisoning in children and young adults. This product can be consumed in various ways and is in need of regulation similar to liquid alcohol products. Many other states regulate powdered alcohol in a similar manner.

HBs 746 & 722 specifies that other persons specially appointed to serve orders of court shall also receive $10 for orders they serve. The additional $10 shall be deposited in the Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund. Supporters say sheriffs in the areas that receive money from these funds can barely afford to keep good employees because they cannot afford to pay them a competitive salary, so this fund helps a lot. Many sheriffs were able to get off government

assistance because of this fund. In the same areas, most people know the sheriffs, so it can be difficult to serve individuals, which is why private process servers are used. Supporters say it would be very helpful to be able to charge the additional $10 for those, too.

HB 606 authorizes school boards to contract with municipalities to transport high school children for a primary bus route. Additionally, the bill prohibits districts from the use of self-driving or autonomous school buses for transportation of students. Supporters say the bill allows a district a measure of local control over the district's transportation costs. This bill also encourages collaboration between a municipality and a district to save tax dollars in a safe efficient manner. This bill will also help both the city and the school district to develop routes that will benefit students and allow for buses to serve a new population.

HB 745 requires courts to notify school administrators of any change in a child's custody, where a child is a person under 18 years of age, within one business day of the change, and for the school to acknowledge the change notification within one business day. Supporters say the bill will help prevent child endangerment and ensure that custody orders are enforced promptly to prevent harm.

HB 372 modifies provisions relating to employment security. A claimant may not be determined ineligible for unemployment benefits because of not actively and earnestly seeking work if the claimant is temporarily unemployed through no fault of his or her own and has a definite recall date. This bill changes the definite recall date from eight to four weeks, which the Director of the Division of Employment Security may extend to eight weeks. Supporters say the bill promotes people getting back to work as soon as possible.

HB 568 authorizes a political subdivision to hold a vote on whether to cover emergency fire and police telecommunicators, jailors, and emergency medical service personnel as public safety personnel members in the Missouri local government employee's retirement system (LAGERS). Supporters say the bill will authorize political subdivisions to cover emergency fire and police telecommunicators, jailors, and emergency medical service personnel as public safety personnel under LAGERS. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I may be of service. If you would like to access all bills passed, please go to https://www.house.mo.gov/ LegislationSP.aspx?focusedID=Bill List.

Thank you for the privilege to serve and the honor to represent the 32nd District!

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

Page 9

MDC Urges Residents to Avoid Planting Problematic Pear Trees The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages homeowners and landscapers to avoid planting Callery pear trees this spring.

Though these trees bear beautiful white flowers in the springtime, looks can be deceiving.

The Callery pear tree is often found for sale as Bradford pear, Cleveland Select, Autumn Blaze, or Aristocrat. It is a highly invasive species that multiplies quickly, flourishes in a variety of poor growing conditions, and reduces biodiversity by crowding out native Missouri plants.

The trees were introduced as ornamental landscape trees in the 1960s and became popular because they were inexpensive, grew relatively fast, and

provided beautiful blooms. However, the species has since become notorious for its poor branch structure, cross pollination problems, and that stinky smell.

“Different varieties of these ornamental pear trees were planted close to each other, which allowed them to cross pollinate and take over natural areas,” said Forestry Field Program Supervisor Russell Hinnah said. “But they’re also a poor landscaping choice because they don’t do well in storms, often losing limbs or splitting apart.”

MDC urges Missourians to remove pear trees and plant native trees instead.

“The best plan is to select species native to Missouri, and there are several great options,” Hinnah said. “Serviceberry

trees produce similar showy white blooms in the spring and have small red fruits that attract wildlife.”

Other great alternatives include American plum, hawthorn, eastern redbud and Missouri’s state tree, the flowering dogwood. Hawthorns provide bountiful fruit and attractive fall color.

Dogwoods thrive in shady areas but can be difficult to grow.

Read more about the negative effects of the Callery pear tree at http:// tinyurl.com/y36ybzse.

To learn about native trees for landscaping, planting tips, backyard tree care, and more, visit mdc.mo.gov/treesplants/tree-care.

The Callery pear tree, also known as the Bradford pear, was a common tree planted in the 1960s, but has since become an environmental nuisance. MDC urges Missourians to go native when planting trees.

Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

Page 10

Do Dinner “In” Tonight

by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD

What’s for dinner tonight? Dinner at home. A growing trend for the evening meal is that more and more families are choosing to prepare and eat meals at home. Reasons for the return of homecooked meals include family time, budget, and wholesome meals.

budgets.

Meal Time is Family Time Preparing and eating meals together as a family has real value for family relationships and children’s success. It provides quality time for conversations, passing on traditions, and strengthening the family. Studies show teens who eat frequent meals at home are at decreased risk for substance abuse and do better in school.

Wholesome Meals When you prepare meals at home, you have more control over the personal preference of family members, along with the nutrient content of that meal.

Home-cooked meals tend to have higher intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. And portions are more easily controlled.

Comfort foods are making a big comeback for meal times. Grandma’s pot roast or Mom’s mac and cheese bring back warm memories and are finding their way back to the table for meals.

Try this tasty beef recipe for dinner tonight; it will become a family favorite.

CostCost-Saving The current economy and rising costs have people re-thinking meals prepared at home as a way to save money. People are taking advantage of private-label store-brands, ad specials, and buying in bulk as ways to keep on track with

Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com.

The information is not intended as medical advice.

Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Peppered Steak Salad with BalsamicBalsamic -Parmesan Dressing Serves 4

All you need 1 (10 oz) beef sirloin steak Coarsely ground black pepper 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette 3 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese 1 (12 oz) pkg salad blend 1 large eggs, hard-cooked, peeled and sliced 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Croutons, optional All you do 1. Season steak with black pepper. Grill to desired doneness. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

2. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinaigrette with Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

3. Arrange one-fourth of the salad blend in each of 4 salad bowls. Top with strips of steak, egg slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with vinaigrette.

Sprinkle with croutons, if desired.

Nutrition facts per serving: 200 calories, 10g fat, 4.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 80mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 3g sugar, 19g protein.

Daily values: 70% vitamin A, 20% vitamin C, 10% calcium, 10% iron

Tips For Top Rate Tomatoes

by Cory Creed, Field Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension Platte County, MO

When it comes to starting tomatoes in the spring, one of the most important things to keep in mind is temperature.

Whether that be the temperature of the soil you plant in, or the temperature of the air around, cold is the enemy of this tropical transplant.

That’s what makes this spring particularly frustrating for tomato lovers in the Kansas City area. As lows plunge back into the 30’s, the 55-60 degree soil temperatures needed for growth seems still far away.

Fortunately, April is a great time to start your own transplants indoors.

University of Missouri (MU) Extension offers an excellent publication, G6570 Starting Plants Indoors from Seed, which is available for free from http:// extension.missouri.edu, or may be purchased for $0.75 from your local extension office.

If you are selecting your transplants from the store in early May, it is best to look for stocky, compact plants 6-10 inches in height. Larger plants already flowering or with fruit on them will not yield as well when transplanted, and transplants taller than 10 inches with no fruit, are likely either past the recommended 5-6-week transplant window or have been stretching for light while growing in less than ideal conditions. As a general rule, in central Missouri, May 5 to 20 is the approximate average planting time.

It is important to know that there are

two main types available to select, determinate and indeterminate. indeterminate The difference is that determinate tomatoes come into production all at once and produce a very reliable bulk crop that is best suited for canning or processing in some way. Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, produce flowers and new fruit all season long, and so will often end up with greater overall production that is instead spread across the summer.

When setting any transplants, if possible, plant on a cloudy, wind-free day, or in late afternoon when the sun as not as intense. Radiation from the sun can damage a transplant’s vulnerable roots, so limiting exposure is key.

Research has shown that removing the leaves from transplants, except for those in the top 2-3 inches, results in better transplanting success. Tomatoes are also somewhat unique in that they like being planted a little deeper than most.

Burying down to the area where the first leaves attached, will allow the tomato to send out extra roots, and better deal with our harsh summer growing conditions.

As to where to plant, tomatoes flourish in well-drained soil, require a minimum of 8-10 hours of direct sunlight, and need approximately 12 inches of water per week. If the site you are looking at lacks any of these key features, you may look into container gardening or raised beds to create more ideal conditions.

Being tropical plants, most tomatoes will grow in Missouri until killed by either disease or frost. Disease can decimate the garden if not properly planned for, and in this case, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure yourself fewer headaches down the line.

Promoting good airflow, limiting moisture on the leaves, and practicing good sanitation are three of the most critical.

Good airflow and dry leaves are best achieved by planting with at least 2-3 feet between plants and 4-5 feet between rows, and by using mulch and drip irrigation to limit the splashing of water off the soil into the canopy.

Sanitation simply means cleaning up your garden when the season is done.

Many diseases can over-winter in leaves, stems or fallen fruit, and can build up in severity over time if not removed from the garden. Even practicing good sanitation is not always enough though, and so it is also a good idea to rotate the area you plant your tomatoes from year to year, whether it is another spot in the garden, or more ideally another spot in your landscape.

More information on tomato production, including selected varieties for Missouri, can be found in MU Extension guide, G6461 Growing Home Garden Tomatoes, which is also free online or available for $0.50 from your local extension office.

5 Tips To Avoid Pet Obesity (Family Features)

With an estimated 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the United States considered overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, maintaining adequate nutrition throughout a pet’s life is a major part of a pet owner’s duties. While it may seem like a simple task, some pet parents struggle to find the balance between proper nutrition and adequate exercise.

To help put your pup or cat on the road to healthy living, consider these tips from Dr. Jennifer Freeman, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert: Choose the Right Food Understanding what’s in your pet’s food can help you put into context the type of nutrition your dog or cat is or isn’t consuming. Start by reading the ingredients on the food label and pay special attention to the first three ingredients; take note that they’re typically listed in descending order, meaning the major make-up of the food is listed first. While each animal has its own unique nutritional needs, make sure your pet consumes an adequate amount of protein.

Avoid Table Scraps One of the first and easiest steps you can take in improving pet nutrition is to avoid feeding table scraps, including cooked bones from poultry, pork and other meals as they can be potentially dangerous to an animal’s digestive tract.

Additionally, they can sometimes splinter into shards and cause choking or damage to the esophagus and intestines.

Mix Up the Everyday Meal Pumpkin puree is a source of fiber that can help with digestion and weight management in pets. If your pet has diarrhea or constipation, or your veterinarian recommends your pet lose a few pounds, try adding pumpkin to its diet.

Practice Healthy Portion Control Keep in mind your pet’s weight and breed when considering the proper amount of food to provide and consider speaking with your veterinarian to help ensure you’re not overfeeding. Treats can be a good way to reward proper behavior and display affection, but too many tasty morsels can lead to numerous health issues, including obesity, arthritis and diabetes in overweight cats.

Exercise Regularly All pets need exercise, but consider age, breed and current state of health when determining the extent. Most dogs require at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, achieved through entertaining and interactive physical activities like walking, running, playing fetch and more.

Freeman recommends shorter spurts of exercise for cats, such as 2-3 play periods around 5 minutes long. In addition to the positive physical benefits of proper exercise, these types of activities can also help keep your pet from becoming bored, potentially reducing the temptation for undesirable behaviors.

Sports

Page 11

Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft

by John Unrein

This time of the year is affectionately known as “Draftmas” for die hard football fans.

Thursday, April 25th through Saturday, April 27th are the upcoming dates of the annual selection meeting for the National Football League. The first round of the draft will be held on Thursday. The second and third rounds on Friday and the final rounds four through seven will be held on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs were one overtime possession from advancing to the Super Bowl in January. Change has been common at One Arrowhead Drive since then. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has replaced Bob Sutton. The team has transitioned to a 4-3 defense.

Personnel moves to upgrade the new scheme have been frequent. The Chiefs have added via free agency Linebacker/ Defensive End Jeremiah Attaochu, Cornerback Keith Reaser, Defensive End Alex Okafor, Linebacker Damien Wilson, and Safety Tyrann Mathieu who Head Coach Andy Reid recently identified as the leader of the defense in spite being a new face in the locker room.

The team also swapped Safety Eric Murray for former Cleveland Browns Defensive End Emmanuel Ogbah. The first glimpse at how all these new pieces fit was provided when the Chiefs started their offseason workout program the week of April 15th.

The Chiefs currently possess eight picks in the upcoming draft. That may change as General Manager Brett Veach is not shy about moving up in the draft to assure he comes away with the players he’s targeted.

Last year would be a prime example.

Veach traded up to the 46th spot in the second round to draft Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Breeland Speaks. He was later aggressive again trading the 86th and 122nd overall picks to move up 11 spots in the draft to select Florida State Defensive Tackle Derrick Nnadi with the 75th overall pick in the third round.

Below is a breakdown of who the Chiefs might select in an effort to gain the conference trophy that bears their founders namesake (the AFC Lamar Hunt Championship Trophy).

Round One, Pick 2929- Jerry Tillery, Defensive TackleTackle- Notre Dame Tillery possesses good quickness for a man his size. He led the Fighting Irish last year with a team high 8 sacks on the season. He also contributed 3 forced fumbles, 30 tackles (10.5 which were for a loss), and five quarterback hurries.

Tillery was no stranger to the opposing team’s backfield. He played the final 8 games of last year with a torn labrum in

his shoulder displaying toughness. The shoulder checked out as healed at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. A front four of Speaks, Jones, Tillery, and Okafor has the potential to generate a significant pass rush for the Chiefs.

Round Two, Pick 6161- Lonnie Johnson, CornerbackCornerback- Kentucky Johnson has the height, size, arm length, and athleticism the Chiefs covet at cornerback in their new scheme. Former Kentucky Wildcat Defensive Coordinator and current Chiefs Linebacker Coach Matt House’s familiarity with Johnson doesn’t hurt in vouching for his abilities.

Johnson competed well last year versus SEC wide receivers. The Chiefs had a confirmed pre-draft visit with him scheduled April 4th.

Round Two, Pick 63 (from the Rams via the Marcus Peters trade)trade)- Terry McLaurin, Wide ReceiverReceiver- Ohio State McLaurin’s ability to get separation and polished route running caught the attention of scouts at the Senior Bowl.

His determination to catch contested footballs and the speed he showed at Ohio State is impressive as well. The Buckeye ran a blistering 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine along with a 37.5 inch vertical jump.

McLaurin’s ability would provide an insurance policy at wide receiver with Tyreek Hill’s status still up in the air.

Round Three, Pick 9393- Josh Oliver, Tight EndEnd- San Jose State Oliver is a mismatch problem for opposing defenses at 6’4” and 250 pounds. His senior numbers included 56 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns. This was with him being the center of attention for opposing teams.

Oliver adds depth to the Chiefs Tight End position that does not possess anyone with significant experience in the league past Travis Kelce who is coming off ankle surgery.

Round Five, Pick 168168- Alex Barnes, Running BackBack- Kansas State General Manager Brett Veach has an admitted affinity for big 220 pound plus backs who run hard and can catch the football. Barnes posted the most bench press reps of any running back at the combine with 34.

The Chiefs think enough of him to have conducted a private workout with him already. This selection provides the organization which depth at the position.

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Round Six, Pick 203203- Emeke Egbule, LinebackerLinebacker- Houston Egbule has been moving up draft boards late in the process. He may not last until this spot in the draft. He was originally projected as a mid to late round selection.

Egbule started all 13 games in his senior campaign. He was all over the field compiling 69 tackles (5.5 for loss), two sacks, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

Round Six, Pick 216 Compensatory PickPickSione Takitaki, LinebackerLinebacker- BYU The BYU Cougar product is a prototypical SAM Linebacker in the 4-3 Under Scheme Spagnuolo likes to deploy as his base defense. He can set the edge in the run and jam the tight end at the line of scrimmage. Takitaki led his conference with 7 passes defended. He would compile 69 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks and four forced fumble recoveries during 2018.

It would not be surprising to see Brett Veach trade up for either Egbule or Takitaki. The Chiefs have stockpiled extra draft compensation with an additional 2nd round pick from the 49ers in the 2020

draft via the trade for Dee Ford.

Round Seven, Pick 218 (from the 49ers)49ers)Paul Adams, Offensive TackleTackle- Mizzou The 6’6” inch 315-pound Adams is hard to miss. He started games at Right Tackle for the Tigers in 2018. Adams held his own against the relentless pass rushers in the SEC conference.

His long arms and movement abilities for a man his size could give the Chiefs some nice depth at tackle along the offensive line depending on where Andrew Wylie and Cam Erving end up on the depth chart this season with the return of Dr. Laurent Duvarney-Tardif and Center Austin Reiter replacing the departed Mitch Morse who left to the Buffalo Bills via free agency.

Photo credit: iStock Photo

Community Calendar April 20, 2019

Flights of Fancy Mega Kite Festival MCC-Longview Campus 10:00am—5:00pm Great American Kites & Events will put on a professional display featuring mega kites, power kites, stunt kites and the world’s largest windsock. Free.

April 22, 2019

Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free.

Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members Board of Aldermen Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST 7:00pm

April 24, 2019

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST 6:30pm—8:30pm

April 27, 2019

Drug Take Back Event GVPD Parking Lot, 711 Main ST 10:00am—2:00pm Residents are encouraged to bring unused or expired prescription and over the counter medications to the event on April 27th. No questions will be asked. No syringes will be accepted.

April 29, 2019

Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free.

Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members

May 1, 2019

Senior Citizen Luncheon Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 11:30am—1:00pm RSVP by calling 816-847-6293 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org. $3 suggested donation.

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

The City Wide Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 18th.

Reserve your ad in the directory today— today—the deadline for ads is May 9th.