Valley News: May 20, 2021 by grainvalleynews

May 20, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 20

O n l i n e w e e k l y a t w w w. g r a i n v a l l e y n e w s . c o m

County mask order expires, vaccines open for teens 12-15

Carpino set to retire with commencement speech in sight Pete Carpino joined the faculty at Grain Valley High School in the Fall of 2015. Head football coach David Allie was part of the recruitment effort that influenced Carpino’s decision to join the district. The two best friends have shared many milestones together since agreeing to become Eagles, including back to back football district championships in 2019 and 2020. Carpino is no doubt proud of the accomplishments attained during his educational career. The physical education teacher values relationships above all else, though. That is apparent to anyone who has ever watched Carpino teach, coach, or enjoy time around his co-workers. It was also part of the overwhelming sentiment shared by students and community members when compiling feedback for this story. Their words explain the legacy of Carpino’s influence. “I voted for Coach Carpino to speak at our commencement because it seemed ﬁtting. He had coached a lot of us and was fun guy to look up to. That along with the fact that he was leaving the high school the same time we were,” Parker Bosserman said.

The Jackson County health order, which required masks in indoor businesses and places of public accommodation, expired the afternoon of May 14th. . The announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s revision to its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. The new guidance states that individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can resume activities — both indoor or outdoor, large

or small — without wearing a mask or social distancing. Exceptions to this new guidance include health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and public transportation. According to CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pﬁzer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a singledose vaccine, such as the Johnson &

see COVID on page 5

Good News: GVHS teacher and coach Pete Carpino was elected by the 2021 graduating class to deliver a speech at graduation. Carpino will retire at the end of the school year. Photo courtesy Grain Valley Schools Cole Keller contributed, “We chose Coach Carpino to speak at graduation because he has had such a great impact on a lot of us. He is interested in what is best for us and keeps it real with us.

see CARPINO on page 4

Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Now that the pandemic is waning perhaps a road trip is in your future. Consider a day trip to Fulton, Missouri. In the small college town you will ﬁnd the Winston Churchill Museum. It's a small museum dedicated to the life of Sir Winston Churchill that was built after he gave his legendary "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College. The

FREE

museum is underneath the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, a 12th century church from the middle of London, redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren in 1677, that was relocated to Fulton. Outdoors there's a Churchill statue, and chunks of the Berlin Wall arranged into art by his granddaughter, Edwina Sandys. Arizona may have the London Bridge, but Missouri has the Berlin Wall.

In This Edition: Looking Back: Birdie Potts

Business: April Jobs Report

Technology: How can I stop apps from tracking me on my phone?

Sports: Grain Valley completes spring sports conference season with 13 undefeated record Cover Photo: Grain Valley High School Bands celebrated seniors during its May 18th concert at the high school. Photo credit: Valley News staff

MCPL’s Summer Library Program kicks off June 1st Mid-Continent Public Library’s annual Summer Library Program for all ages will begin June 1 and run through August 24. This year, the Library is asking kids and teens to read for 20 minutes a day for 20 days. Those who do will earn a free book and the chance to win prizes. Adults can earn a commemorative enamel pin by setting a good example and reading for 20 minutes a day as well. In recognition of Missouri’s bicentennial in August, the theme of this year’s program is “Show Me!”

Participants don’t have to just read traditional books; every time a reader engages with text, or practices early literacy skills, this can count toward their daily reading. All reading can be tracked online through a free tracking app called Beanstack or on paper logs that can be picked up at any MCPL branch.. More information about the program, including how to sign up and log reading, can be found at mymcpl.org/ShowMe.

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Jackson County Food Inspections Report Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:: Lin’s Kitchen 111 SW Eagles Parkway 1.) There is an air gap on the bottom and the side of the back door. 2.) The screen on the back door has tears in it. Correct by 6/22/2021. Observed bowls being used as scoops in the flour, sugar, and rice, bowls were removed. Corrected on site. 1.) There is a signiﬁcant buildup of food debris and trash underneath all equipment in the kitchen especially under the shelving where flour/sugar/rice is stored, three compartment sink, near hand sink, the corners, the utility closet, near back exit door, and the metal racks. 2.) The wall where the knives are stored has a buildup of food debris. 3.) All metal shelving and underneath equipment sitting on shelving has a buildup of food debris. Correct by 6/22/2021. The outside of the mixer has a buildup of food debris. Correct by 6/22/2021. Porky’s Blazin Bar-B-Q 9512 S Buckner Tarsney Rd There was cardboard on the shelving in the reach in cooler, cardboard was removed. Corrected on site. Price Chopper #325-Grocery/Dairy/ Produce 1191 NE McQuerry Rd. No violations recorded. Three Pigs BBQ 35406 E Truman Rd Temperature device was not located onsite to check internal temperatures of food. Correct by 6/27/2021. Floors had accumulation of build up under equipment. Repeat. Correct by 6/27/2021. Food handler was not provided. Correct by 5/28/2021.

Noticed that the clean utensils handled were not upright. Employee washed the utensils and turn the handles upright. Corrected on site. McDonald’s 712 N Main St Noticed empty boxes on the walk-in cooler and freezer floor. Trash bins in the kitchen area were overflowing. Correct by 7/3/2021. Papa Murphy’s 1203 Buckner Tarsney Rd Observed a bowl being used as a scoop, bowl was removed and replaced with scoop with handle. Corrected on site. Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 6/10/2021. El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC 522 S Main St Multiple foods in the make ready bottom cooler were out of temperature compliance. Food was immediately discarded, and a re-inspection will be conducted on 5-17-21 to make sure cooler is holding food at proper temperature. Raw sliced beef 47*F, Raw chicken breast 49*F, Shrimp 51*F. Correct by 7/1½021. Price Chopper #325 -Kitchen/Deli/Salad Bar 1191 NE McQuerry Rd Handwashing sign missing on one of the hand sinks in the kitchen area. Corrected on site. Price Chopper #325 – Bakery 1191 NE McQuerry Rd No violations recorded. Price Chopper #325 -Meat/Seafood 1191 NE McQuerry Rd Both paper towel dispensers were empty. Corrected on site. Employee placed towels in the dispensers.

Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 5-11, 2021.

May 5, 2021 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Walnut 400 Block of Walnut 1300 Block of Blue Branch DR 700 Block of SW Shorthorn DR 3300 Block of South Outer 500 Block of Lakeview 700 Block of Main 3300 Block of Outer Belt RD 700 Block of Greystone 1200 Block of Phelps DR 1000 Block of Sandy LN 1400 Block of Eagles 100 Block of Eagles 700 Block of Main 1800 Block of Madi CT 1100 Block of Pamela BB & Pink Hill 1200 Block of Cedar LN 2500 Block of Amanda LN

Assault Welfare Check Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Alarm Motorist Assist Citizen Contact Alarm Suspicious Activity Parking Complaint Possible Theft Suspicious Activity Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Suspicious Auto Agency Assist-JCSD Alarm Burglary

May 6, 2021 700 Block of Main 1100 Block of Sawgrass 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Rock Creek LN 500 Block of N Main 1300 Block of Broadway 1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Walnut

Motor Vehicle Accident Animal Control Citizen Contact Found Property Alarm Property Damage Welfare Check Citizen Contact Civil Standby

May 7, 2021 900 Block of Sandy LN 900 Block of S Minter RD 700 Block of Main 1200 Block of Pamela BLVD 800 Block of NE Albatross DR 600 Block of Yennie 700 Block of Main EE Kirby & Eagles PKWY 1000 Block of Scenic Butterfly Trail Young & Cannon 1200 Block of SW Eagles PKWY 700 Block of Main

Agency Assist-BSPD Burglary Physical Disturbance Stealing Stealing Alarm Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Noise Complaint Area Check Citizen Contact

May 8, 2021 1100 Block of Golfview 800 Block of San Kar 1700 Block of Buckner Tarsney 1100 Block of McQuerry RD 800 Block of Graystone

Disturbance Agency Assist-CJC Disabled Vehicle Suspicious Person Area Check

700 Block of Main Broadway & Valley 900 Block of Foxtail 500 Block of Hamilton 400 Block of S Outer RD 1400 Block of Minter Way 1100 Block of McQuerry RD 700 Block of NW Scenic 800 Block of NW Poplar CT 1100 Block of Sandy 400 Block of Whitestone 400 Block of S Broadway Parker & Broadway 500 Block of Minter Duncan & Woodbury 34000 Block E Old 40 HWY 700 Block of Main

Citizen Contact Physical Disturbance Welfare Check Noise Complaint Agency Assist-CJC Alarm Suspicious Person Verbal Disturbance Alarm Stealing Stolen Motor Vehicle Agency Assist-OGPD Area Check Stealing Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Citizen Contact

May 9, 2021 1400 Block of NW Red Oak 2200 Blk of NW Hedgewood DR 1200 Block of Phelps CT 1400 Block of NE Mary CT 300 Block of Woodbury BB & Duncan 800 Block of Lakeview 1300 Block of NW Hilltop LN 700 Block of Main 1200 Blk of SW Dakota Star CT

Alarm Noise Complaint Area Check Physical Disturbance Area Check Agency Assist-BPD Motor Vehicle Accident Animal At Large Citizen Contact Stealing

May 10, 2021 1100 Block of McQuerry RD 100 Block of E Harris 1200 Block of Pamela 1300 Block of Foxtail 200 Block of E Harris 200 Block of Cypress 1000 Block of Sycamore

Citizen Contact Stolen Motor Vehicle Citizen Contact Agency Assist-CJC Civil Standby Disturbance Property Damage

May 11, 2021 1100 Block of Golfview 200 Block of Cross Creek 1100 Blk of SW Blue Branch DR 300 Block of Walnut 1300 Block of Jefferson Duncan & Rosewood I 70 & Broadway 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 200 Block of S Main 100 Block of James Rollo 1200 Blk of S Buckner Tarsney

Welfare Check Area Check Area Check Area Check Alarm Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Assist-OGPD Prisoner Transport Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance

Sushi Avenue 1191 NE McQuerry Rd No violations recorded.

The Pub and Patio 640 Yennie St Noticed a small plastic cup without a handle in the shrimp cocktail sauce. Corrected on site.

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Looking Back

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Looking Back: Birdie Leellen Potts by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Even in 1921, Birdie’s family were long time residents of Jackson County, speciﬁcally Van Buran Township and later Sni-A-Bar Township and Grain Valley. At the time of his death, January 26, 1913, her grandfather Levi Potts (HarrisPotts Road) was said to have resided in Jackson County longer than any other resident. He was born in Simpson County, Kentucky in October, 1828, and came with his parents to Jackson County when he was but a year old. Mr. Potts, a member of the Quantrell squad, participated in the 1862 raid in Lawrence, Kansas. Earlier in 1849, he had crossed the plains in quest of gold. According to his obituary, before his death and with a wealth of experiences to draw from, he became an interesting story teller and was the idol of all the children in his neighborhood. He married Sinia Emily Slaughter and they are both buried in the Slaughter Cemetery. One of his sons, Josiah Martin Potts, married Lydia Margaret Alley. Birdie Leellyn was their daughter. I had the privilege of knowing Birdie for many years. She was a stalwart member of the Grain Valley Methodist Church (now Faith UMC) having joined in 1915. In 1989, Birdie read a “centennial moment” each Sunday for a year. She not only helped to preserve the history of our Church; she also revealed many personal stories. One week she talked about the difﬁculties of traveling the three plus miles to Church in a wagon on rainy Sundays. She had known many of the early members. She told stories of the old pot belly stove that warmed the congregation on cold mornings. She was there when the Ladies’ Aid was begun. She knew about the work of the

Birdie Leelllen Potts’s Grain Valley High School diploma. Photo courtesy Grain Valley Historical Society. Churches in Grain Valley during the Depression and World War II. Money from her aunt’s will helped to build the addition to the church in the early 1950’s. I could go on and on. Birdie was also active in the community with membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Oak Hill Garden Club and later the Grain Valley

Historical Society before her death in 1999. The histories she wrote for her church and the O. E. S. continue to provide a valuable resource for the Historical Society. Birdie became a young widow in 1933 when her husband, Harvey C. Brown passed. Their son, also Harvey, was quite young. In 1938 she married

Alexander S. Davidson. A Scotsman, Alex was employed by Sni-A-Bar Farms. He died in 1970. Birdie remained at her farm until her death. Like so many graduates of Grain Valley High School, she loved her family, her Church, her community and her school!

Blue Springs Xi Iota Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Updates Since COVID, Xi Iota Phi has been having their monthly meeting at Meyer’s Funeral home in Blue Springs to be able to social distance safely and still be able to get together with everyone wearing their masks. We ended 2020 celebrating Christmas with most of our members in attendance. We held a shortened meeting so we could enjoy our gift exchange and each other’s company. We purchased gifts from the Salvation Army Angel tree for children in our area for Christmas and some of our members volunteered to help with the “Postcards from Santa” project put on by Lee’s Summit downtown. Debbie Woods presented a Program on “Home is a reflection of who you are”. The program was about thinking outside the box with the decorations you have, the different functions that they can serve, and how to make them pleasing to the eye. Debbie gave examples for us to see by bringing

things she uses around her home, whether they are heirlooms, or changing them to different rooms for different purposes. Decorating can be fresh and uplifting. We chose to not have a January meeting and then didn’t have one in February due to the bitter cold. In March we received thank you notes from the family of Gennessee Norland, Karen Sutton, Linda Ebert, Karen La Jaunie, and Chris Smith for sending sympathy and thinking of you cards. An email was sent to members from Sharon Simpson about how she enjoys staying connected even though she has taken a leave of absence because of COVID. For our Service projects we have donated to the Ronald McDonald house, Community Services League, and Hope House. We celebrated our Valentine Queen Chris Smith with a card shower and dinner at Sandy’s restaurant in Blue

Springs. Karen Blau gave a program on inventorying and placing value on your family heirlooms and collectibles. We held our welcome back ritual for Karen LaJaunie in March. In April members attended a surprise birthday party for Karen as well, it was a complete surprise and a lot of fun. At our April meeting Diana Boyce gave a program about The Willows Home of Kansas City and how it was an adoption hub for children from all over the United States from 1905-1969 We celebrated Founder’s Day with dinner at Sinclair’s where our Woman of the Year was revealed and she is Debbie Reardon. Debbie was presented with a “Giving plate” for her gift. The next calendar year’s theme was announced

and Bobbie Brubeck gave a program on the Women’s Suffrage Movement and some of the women of Missouri that played a part in it. For May we continued having our meetings at the funeral home and we are having our Mother/Daughter Tea at the Christian church on 15th Street. Finally, we held elections for ofﬁcers for the new sorority year. Our new Executive Board is Linda Ebert, President, Karen La Jaunie, VicePresident, Karen Blau, Recording Secretary, Kim Meyers, Corresponding Secretary, and Lisa Addington, Treasurer. We will conclude our year with Ladies Night out.

G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S Locally focused. Family owned. Published weekly. Online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com

Business

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April Jobs Report Missouri non-farm payroll employment showed little overall change from March 2021 to April 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 600 jobs over the month. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in April 2021, down from 4.2 percent in March 2021. The Missouri labor market showed an increase of nearly a quarter million jobs from April 2020 to April 2021. Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point in April 2021, dropping to 4.1 percent from the March 2021 rate of 4.2 percent. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic now a year in the past, the April 2021 rate was 8.4 percentage points lower than the April 2020 rate. The rate had reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in July 2018, before gradually edging up to 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The rate decreased monthly for the rest of 2020,

reaching 4.4 percent in December, and has continued gradually downward through the ﬁrst four months of 2021. Missouri’s unemployment rate has been below the national rate for every month since February 2020. The national unemployment rate increased from 6.0 percent in March 2021 to 6.1 percent in April 2021. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 126,758 in April 2021, down by 1,303 from March’s 128,061. Improved weather and the gradual return to a post-COVID economy helped to push the state’s not-seasonallyadjusted rate down to 4.0 percent in April 2021, four-tenths of a percentage point lower than the March 2021 notseasonally-adjusted rate of 4.4 percent. The corresponding not-seasonallyadjusted national rate for April 2021 was 5.7 percent. A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 12.5 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 12.3 percent.

Join the Grain Valley Partnership for it’s May Coffee Connections event.

Friday, May 21, 2021 8:00am Grain Valley Partnership Ofﬁce, 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley See you there!

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Technology

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How can I stop apps from tracking me on my phone? by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert It's common knowledge that big tech companies like Facebook, Google, or Twitter are tracking you through the apps you're using on your smartphones and tablets to target you with ads. When these companies know your personal habits, such as where you live, where you shop, and what you do for entertainment, it helps them personalize ads that are directly targeted to you. Fortunately, companies like Android and Apple are stepping up to the plate to help keep your information and lifestyle private. If you're looking to keep your information out of the hands of big tech, follow these steps to put an end to tracking for your Android and iPhone devices. Both Android and Apple devices use an IDFA or special "ad ID" for tracking smartphones. Companies who want to gather information can use your IDFA to track you across different apps and websites which allows them to gather your app usage habits. You have always had the ability to turn off app tracking on your smart gadgets, but the release of Apple's iOS 14.5 made major headlines last month as not only did it make apps unable to track you unless you give them permission, but it also alerts you what apps are using your IDFA to scan your other apps to get information

about you. There are good reasons why some apps need to track your location. For example, your navigation apps won't work well if they aren't able to know your location. It's one thing to have one app using your IDFA, but it becomes scary when they begin using other apps to look for more information about you. You might be surprised which apps are gathering information about you. Here's a list. Social media: You knew this already, right? Streaming: Your favorite streaming service knows what you're watching, where you're watching it, and which family member is watching. Deals and coupons: Yes, you can ﬁnd some great deals with these apps, but they are also checking out your shopping habits to target you with ads for more stuff. News and weather: These apps have the ability to know your location ... because you want to know the local forecast, right? Car insurance: Are you a good driver? I hope so, as that car insurance app knows your location as well as knowing how fast you drive. Want your apps to stop tracking you? Here is how you do it! How to prevent App tracking on an Android phone. At the time of this writing, Android

COVID continued from page 1 Johnson vaccine. “While this is welcome news for many, we cannot forget that this virus is still present and poses a risk to our residents, especially those who are not fully vaccinated. People are still contracting COVID-19 and dying from it. We need everyone to take personal responsibility and get vaccinated so we can truly put this devastating virus behind us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. Businesses and other spaces continue to have the right to set their own mask requirements for entry. Masks will still be required in county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors until further notice. In an email to district parents on May 16th, Grain Valley Schools announced they have discontinued the mask mandate effective immediately, later clarifying that Jackson County will continue to require masks be worn on school buses. The district stated it would "strongly recommend face coverings for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, consistent with Jackson County ofﬁcials and CDC guidelines." Additionally, the district reafﬁrmed persons not fully vaccinated who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 will still need to be isolated for 14 days. The COVID-19 vaccine is now widely available, and vaccines are now available for teens aged 12-15.

Local options include Crosetti Health and Wellness, located at 510 N Main in downtown Grain Valley. The pharmacy currently offers the Moderna vaccine and expect a shipment of Pﬁzer vaccine soon. Those seeking a vaccine may walk -in during regular business hours.. The Jackson County Health Department continues to offer vaccine clinics. Appointments can be made by calling 816-404-6415 or registering on their website. Visit jacohd.org/covidvaccines for more information. Those who are homebound and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may call the MARC vaccine registry helpline at 816-421-4980 or 800 -593-7948. Phone lines operate Monday—Friday from 9:00am—4:00pm. The State of Missouri also offers a “Get A Ride” website, covidvaccine.mo.gov/ride/#region_a, which outlines a number of providers offering free rides to those needing to access a vaccine. Locally, the OATS Transit service will transport residents. “The science is clear – these vaccines are extremely effective in limiting community transmission and protecting the most vulnerable among us,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH said. “We encourage everyone age 12 and older to take advantage of this important tool to help us end the pandemic.”

devices don't have the robust features that iOS 14.5 has as far as letting you know which apps are spying on your other apps. If you want to stop app tracking, you have to turn off location tracking entirely. On a Google Pixel 4, go to Settings > Location and toggle Use location off. On a Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, go to Settings > Location and toggle it off. This turns off all location tracking, so no apps will be able to access your location, but it also means that you can’t locate your phone with 'Find My Device' if it goes missing. You also won't be able to use Google Maps or any other app that relies on on-location services. How to prevent App tracking on iPhone. Apple is helping you stay ahead of those apps tracking you with the release of iOS14.5 Anytime an app wants to use your IDFA, you will get a prompt asking if you want the app in question to track your activity across other apps and websites. You can conﬁrm or deny the action. These default settings allow you to get a

good idea of which apps are tracking your information across all of your devices. If you don't want to deal with a prompt every time an app tries to read the IDFA and stop tracking altogether, you can do the following: Go into Settings. 2. Select Privacy. 3. Select Tracking. 4. Switch the toggle to OFF for 'Allow Apps to Request to Track' I'm sure you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that changing some settings on your phones can help boost your privacy and prevent big tech companies from following you across the internet. Let's hope more companies step up and do more to protect our personal data.

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.

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CARPINO continued from page 1 Since he is retiring, it is only right he gives a goodbye speech.” Jordyn Weems added, “Ever since we were freshmen, Coach Carpino said he was going to graduate with us – and he did!” Riley Bown continued the adoration with, “Having Coach Carpino speak at the Class of 2021’s graduation is special because of how much he is involved with our school. He is a varsity assistant football coach and a girls varsity assistant basketball coach. Both of those programs have had a big impact on our school over the last couple of years. He is also someone that a lot of people know around our high school and this community.” Hunter Newsom concluded, “We selected the right person for the job in choosing Coach Carpino to speak at graduation. He has been with us these past four years and made an impact on many of us. Also, with him going into retirement, we felt like it had to be him speaking since he was here at the start of our journey and is now leaving us.” Two hallmarks of Carpino are that he is prepared and honest. Even if it meant late hours watching game ﬁlm with little sleep or the truth not always being what a student athlete wanted to hear. Both attributes have served Carpino well throughout his career and his time at Grain Valley High School. Something not lost on John Overstreet. The longtime Grain Valley resident has been a staple on the sideline taking pictures for the community during many of the contests that Carpino has coached in. The following are memories Overstreet has compiled in reflecting on his time around Carpino. “Memories of Pete Carpino…For those Eagles fans with gray whiskers, a nemesis of sort from days gone by. The orchestrator of more than one

heartbreaking loss on what were once the grassy (real grass) football fields of Oak Grove and Grain Valley High Schools. A guy whose actions and abilities demanded the respect of an opposing team’s players, coaches, and even their fans. And while most of us did not know Pete Carpino back then, we all knew about Coach Carpino’s successes on the field. What I have learned in the past several years of watching him work with our kids during brisk, late season football games, or the hardwood basketball courts of mid-February, makes me glad that Grain Valley was able to snag him for the short time we did. And yet, there is a little streak of jealousy there too, as I realize what we missed by not having him there to guide our kids for the entirety of his career. Pete likes to win, and I believe he does everything in his power to do so. But more importantly, Pete likes to see kids win, and he has the innate ability to get them to do everything in THEIR power to do so. What the kids do not always see, is that while Pete is coaching them to win at sports, he is also coaching them to win in life. That practice makes perfect, either on the court or in a career. That preparation wins games and finishes projects on time. Things they can use every day for the rest of their lives, learned from a guy who walks the sideline of a high school football game. From the sidelines, I am blessed to see up close how coaches interact with their student athletes. Pete knows how to (and perhaps more importantly, when to) point out a player’s mistakes and how to correct them. He knows when to be stern, and when it is more important to be supportive. In a late season basketball game a few years ago, in a less than stellar season, a bench player drained a three pointer from well

outside her range. As I looked across the floor at the Eagle’s bench, the ﬁrst person I saw jump to his feet and cheer was Pete. The game was lost, and the season nearly over, but the smile that was on that girl’s face as she ran by him standing near the bench will forever dwell in my mind. As the minutes ticked away in the last football game I attended, and the scoreboard left little doubt as to how the season was to end, I paid particular attention to the man who was likely coaching the sport for the last time. His attention was directed to players and other members of the coaching staff, shaking hands, wiping tears, giving out hugs. Yep, we were lucky to have him for the time we did, but you cannot help but wonder about what might have been. Pete Carpino, the guy I respected in Oak Grove Orange, and learned to love in Eagle’s Blue. Best wishes to you, my friend. I hope you enjoyed your time here as much as we enjoyed having you.” Carpino is looking forward to speaking at commencement at 7:00pm

on May 26th at Cable Dahmer Arena. Carpino is equally as excited to spend the next chapter of his life with his wife in retirement. Thinking about what has been and what is next leaves Carpino being true to his character in being a man of few words. This time around it appears to be due to what his experience at Grain Valley High School has meant to him. “It is a great feeling to know that so many kids nominated me to speak at graduation. I did not expect it. I am humbled to be speaking at the ceremony,” Carpino said. “I feel very lucky to have had this position (teaching and coaching) at the high school. I will miss it. The daily conversations with my co-workers and students that led to relationships were the best.” Congratulations to Coach Carpino for a career spent serving others. Grain Valley High School and the community of Grain Valley are thankful for your contributions. Your impact will live on and be dearly missed.

2021 Graduates

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Congratulations to the 2021 graduates of Grain Valley High School and Sni Valley Academy! Dakota Allison Arlette Andrade Gage Andrus Cole Arndorfer Avery Arndt Jesse Arnold Jacob Arp Michael Ash Isabella Ayala Sidney Aycock Abigail Bailey Jackson Bailey Jayla Bailey Ryan Ballard James Barnard Carter Barnes Emma Barnes Alexis Battle Kristin Bennett Cassidy Benshoof Amira Benton Elijah Berry Braedyn Bersuch Logan Berthelson Aidan Blankenship Dylan Boehmer Aidan Jacob Boland Parker Bosserman Riley Bown Kaden Boyer J'Aire Bozeman Tyler Bracken Austin Bragaw Sophie Broockerd J R Brown Michael Brown Austin Bruntmyer Erica Buchanan Layla Buletti Christopher Bullock Collin Burge Zachary Burkett Harlee Burrows Vivian Callaghan Courtney Camp Julieta CaraveoChacon Jeffery Carter Ethan Cary Jordan Casey Abigail Castle Raena Childers Lauren Chrisman Collin Clemens Michael Cluney Calea Coffey Shelbee Collins Mackenzie Coney Jackson Cooper Ashley Coppedge Brynn Crall Taylor Creswell Keely Crichton

Meah Crist Courtney Crowder Alyssa Cyphers Carter Day Tyler DeBerry Dominick Dickerson Allison Douglass Jonathan Dowhower Riley Downey Dakota Driver Shane Duckworth Kelsey Duett Quentin Dunham Samuel Dyer Kara Eaker Annalynn Earley Alexia Eden Camrynn EgbertOates Hayley Elkins Alexander Engram Madeline Epple Rojelyn Farlin Jesse Layton Farrell Robert Fegers Brooke Florida Hunter Forkner Nathan Frederick Sophia Freire Whitney Frost Hailey Futch Shane Gallagher Ge'Wannie Goins Vanessa Gonzalez Brooklyn GoodenBrooks Teagan Goodloe Clara Gower Jacob Grasher Jarrett Grifﬁn Jakob Groom Braeden Guffey Hannah Gulick Malia Gutierrez Mercedes Haase Tyler Hagan Ethan Haile Samantha Haley Marie Hall Quinten Hall Seth Hammond Skyler Hanner Keyley Harms Halle Harshman Olivia Hartigan McCayla Hartung Ian Hawks Thomas Hayes John Haywood Jaydon Heard Noah Hess Kaitlyn Hessenius Lath Hicks

Robert Hicks Jesse Hillyard Chloe Hininger Landen Hinton Jake Hipsher Jackson Hobbs Valerie Holcomb Quinlan Holland Mason Hontz Bryan Hoover Samuel Horton Kyla Huber Hailey Huerter Kaylyn Huff Kyla Hunt Cody Hunter Emma Ireland Jayden Jacobson Jordon Jarman Pierson Jaynes Adaira Johnston Adriana Jones Mikhayla Jones Quincy Jones Nickolas Julien Gabriel Keeton Gabriela Keim Cole Keller Catherine Kellough Cole Kelly Tabitha Kerns Kasey Kilburn Dayton Killion Kelly Kilpatrick Zachary Kirk Trent Knox Tristan Kortgard Emma Kratz Aidan Kroenke Alexander Kroenke Kacie Kubis Jackson Lane Dylan Larry Larry Lauritzen Peyton Lauritzen Graci Ledezma Audrey Lehmann Kaitlyn Lemery Vincent Lin Aubrey Loges Molly Luchsinger Lily Luttrell Hannah Lytle Alyssa Mahurin Gracie Malicoat Nathan Manning Haley Martin Kennedee Martin Melina Martin Jaden Mason Keeton Maxon Madison Mayﬁeld Jacob McAhan

Joshua McAnerney Richard McBride Autumn McCartney James McCord Joshua McCoy Kaylee McKinley Paige McPheron Martin McPherson Jr Katy Melton Braedyn Menzsa Cameron Mickelson Konleigh Miller Lanie Miller Sean Minton Bailey Moore Aubree Morris Madelyn Morris Emma Moss Jeni Moss Colin MoszczynskiRivas Mason Mreen Matthew Mueller Victoria Myer Hunter Nading Jamie Naudet Dalton Neale Hunter Newsom Reese Nicholas Lilly Ogle Tylan Olamiju Heather Parcel Cameron Parker Bhakti Patel Kaden Patel Cole Pearce Shane Pence Savanah Pepper Amelia Perry JayOnna Perry David Peterson Kayla Pierce Jayson Piper Grace Pittman Teran Potter Megan Prier Brayden Pritchard Ashlynn Pruett Tatenda Pumure Dakota Quinones Collin Raymond Bailey Reich Piper Rice Leslie Rockwell Brandon Rodgers Anna Romo Tre Rosales Scott Roselli Brianna Rosito Arraya Ross Nikolas Rowland Alexis Ruhlman Caydon Russell

Jessica Salyer Adisen Sampson Sage Savala-Jackson Neil Schmidt Keaton Schnurr Kierstin Schwirtz Carley Scott Reese Servi Jacob Sharp Oskar Shick Lauren Shinoski Colby Siems Henry Simon Mayci Simpson Jeremy Alan Sims Collin Smith Connor Smith Tyler Solarski Hailee Solomon Jozlyn Sopher Branden Staton Chloe Stephens Paiton Stevens Brett Stewart Payton Stewart Emily Stokes Parker Stone Andrew Story Ryan Summerlin Tennessee Taffner Alex Tan Mia Tarantola Brayden Terry Lane Tompkins Alaina Valverde Zachary Vasquez Imani Vaughn Carter Vrlenich Brooke Walker Sky Walton Matthew Watkins Jordyn Weems Nathan Weidt Rylie Weimer Chelsey Wernex Darrion Wernex Tatum West Justin Wheat Paul Wheaton Ezra Whitaker Olivia White Emma Whitlow Garret Whittle Jacob Wilcox Jesse Williams Kiara Williams Madison Williams Sydney Williams Tessa Williams Aurora Wilson Autumn Wilson Aidan Winter Benjamin Wolfe

Taylor Wood Ethan Woodrome Alena Workman Ami Wyman Keegan Yancey Trent Yardley Joseph Yearout Phillip Young II Jayden Yung Nika Zaragoza

Sni Valley Academy Graduates Ayden Albertson Zakary Bates Robert Crawford Jr Dimitri Daggett Hailey De Los Reyes Makayla Dunsmore Emma Duplantis Olivia Edenﬁeld Tyler Elliott Nathanial Generaux Jackson Groshong Kyle Gustin Brenden Hendrix Boston Kreie Kaleb Ludwick Jaden Madrigal Parker Maynard Jacob Melton Jacob Norris Matthew Richards Jordyn Riebe Avery Rogers Emma Russi Hailey Saenz Camber SavalaJackson Quentin Schmidt Connor Smith Rain Stevens Veronica Strup Lanie Taylor Samuel Trober Gwenevere Walls

2021 Graduates

Page 8

I want to congratulate my granddaughter, Taylor Wood on her high school graduation.. Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning. Go conﬁdently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.

Congratulations Kasey Kilburn!

We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Love your Memaw and Papa

Congratulations Landen!

Anna Romo

We are super proud of all you have accomplished in high school and look forward to the journey ahead. Mizzou, honors college, new dreams and memories...your mountain is waiting! Love you inﬁnity! - Mom, Dad, & Lucy

Anna is a member of National Honor Society, FBLA and Student Government. She is graduating in the top 10 % of her class with a 4.4 GPA. Anna will be attending Mizzou in the fall. Congratulations Anna!

Congratulations Kaden!

We are so proud of you.

Kennedee Raye-Hannah aka BOOBOO, We are so proud of you! You have the whole world ahead of you and we can't wait to see what amazing things you do! Never stop believing in you! We love you more than you know! Mommy, Joe, Bryson, Jansynn, Bradey, Tabby, Beebs, Nana & Family

Congratulations Jaden!

Congratulations Isabella Ayala!

We are so proud of you! We know you will do amazing things in college and beyond! Thank you for being the best son and the best big brother we could have ever imagined!

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. We can't wait to see what the future holds. Keep chasing your dreams. We love you to the moon and back!

We love you! Dad, Mom, Bailey, & Taelor

Love, Mom and Todd

Collin and Connor Smith We are so proud of both of you and excited to see what the future has in store for you! Love, Dad and Mom

Congratulations to all the 2021 Graduates! Valley News

Home & Garden

Page 9

May Gardening Tips by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S., Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension May is a great time to start a vegetable or ornamental garden, to plant shrubs and trees, and to take care of the lawn. Here are some tips to help you get started on a wide range of gardening activities: Outdoor ornamentals: Pinch back mums to promote compact, bushy growth. Lightly side-dress perennials, including spring bulbs, with a 5-1010 or 10-10-10 fertilizer, being careful to avoid the center or crown of the plant. Some common ground covers suitable for sunny locations include Ajuga, creeping phlox, and creeping juniper. Do not remove spring bulb foliage prematurely or next year's flower production will decline. Foliage should be left to feed the bulb via photosynthesis. Bulbs can be moved or divided as foliage dies. Bulbs can also be marked for fall transplanting and division. Prune blooming shrubs right after flowers have faded if needed. Check for newly hatched bagworms on evergreens and conifers. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g7250 The Bagworm in Missouri https:// extension.missouri.edu/g7250. Vegetable Gardening: Plant tomatoes in warm soils. Mulch around plants and use support stakes or cages at planting time. Control caterpillars on broccoli and cabbage plants by handpicking or use biological sprays such as B.T. (bacillus thuringiensis) or Spinosad. Watch for striped and spotted cucumber beetles now. Both may spread wilt and mosaic diseases to squash and cucumber plants. Remove rhubarb seed stalks as

they appear. Plant peppers and eggplants after soils have warmed. Plant sweet potato slips now. Begin planting sweet corn at two-week intervals. For good pollination, plant in block formation with a minimum of 4 rows. Isolate sweet, supersweet and popcorn varieties to prevent cross pollination by separating varieties by 250 feet apart or a difference of 14 days. Plant multiple plantings of cilantro or keep bloom heads cut off. It tends to go to seed quickly. Herbs planted in average soils need no extra fertilizer. Too much may reduce flavor and quality at harvest. Scout for insect and disease problems in the garden. If you use a pesticide, please follow the directions on the label. Fruit Trees and Berries: Follow fruit tree spray guide by the University of Missouri Extension. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedule https:// extension.missouri.edu/g6010. Don't spray insecticides while fruit trees are in bloom. Protect pollinators. Fungicides, however, can still be sprayed. Keep on top of weeds in the strawberry patch. They can quickly get out of hand. Weeds are detrimental to strawberry plants. Begin training new shoots on fruit trees. Prune unwanted shoots as they appear. Mulch blueberries with pine needles or aged sawdust. Continue thinning peaches and apples to promote large fruit size and prevent limb breakage.

G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S Locally focused. Family owned. Published weekly. Online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com

Lawns: Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass Mow lawns at 3.5–4 inches, frequently (once a week) if lawn is quickly growing. Do not mow too short! Restrict nitrogen applications to 0.5 lb. Nitrogen per month or less, particularly quickly available soluble forms. Apply postemergence broadleaf herbicides for summer weeds. If needed, start postemergence control of crabgrass, goosegrass or nutsedge near the end of the month. Watch for ﬁrst brood of sod webworm which is rare. Apply curative insecticides only if needed. Zoysiagrass Wait for lawn to completely green up prior to mowing at a height of 1.5–2 inches. Later in the month, monitor for large patch disease which is prevalent in wet springs.

Mulching and Weed Control: Four to ﬁve layers of newspaper will serve as an effective mulch in the garden. Water the newspaper as it is applied and cover it with sawdust or straw to weigh it down, to reduce the white glare and prevent it from blowing away. If weeds get out of control this summer, consider smothering them out with black plastic or heavy cardboard weighted down to keep the wind from blowing it away. Have fun gardening this month! Enjoy the cool and sunny weather. Get ready for summer! Visit the main MU Extension website to ﬁnd more horticulture information- https:// extension.missouri.edu/ To subscribe to the free online monthly newsletter Missouri Environment and Gardens and other MU Extension garden related publications, visit this websitehttps://ipm.missouri.edu/ subscribe/

Your Health

Page 10

Supplements to help fight COVID-19 by Sean M. Crosetti, MBA, PharmD, Crosetti Health & Wellness With the loosening of the mask mandates and the weather becoming a reason, not a hindrance, to go out, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about supplements that have been shown to help your body fight off not only COVID-19, but most other infections. Vitamin C Everyone should have heard by now that Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is very beneficial in boosting a person’s immune response. The main benefit is that it increases the rate at which the body destroys and absorbs the invading virus/bacteria/fungus. The consensus seems to be 500 mg of Vitamin C three times daily with food (to decrease the side effect of heartburn and to improve absorption). Something to remember, if you are using the chewable tablets, please rinse your mouth as the remaining ascorbic acid on your teeth may lead to cavities.

Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) not only helps with the absorption of Calcium to help strengthen bones, it also helps strengthen the “glue” that holds the cells of the lungs together. This will help stop foreign entities from entering your body. There are some studies that show people who are deﬁcient in Vitamin D have increased risk of catching COVID. There is not a ﬁxed amount to take daily in regard to maximizing the affect for COVID blocking but the daily recommended amount for people under 50 years of age is 400 to 800 IU per day and 800 to 1200 IU per day for people over 50. Something to know is this is one of the four vitamins we can overdose on (Vitamins D, A, K, E). So, if you decide to take more than the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D, please have your care provider measure the Vitamin D level in your blood and help you choose the correct dosing.

Zinc Zinc plays a vital role in helping the immune system stay at optimal capacity, plays a strong part in the respiratory tract’s ability to clear mucus, and strengthens the same glue between the lung cells as Vitamin D does. The dosing of Zinc above 50 mg a day is not recommended as prolonged high dosage can lead to copper depletion. Something to know, starting Zinc can lead to loose stools and stomach discomfort if taken on an empty stomach. This will last for a bit while your body adjusts to this new regimen. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) NAC improves the movement of the mucus out of the body by making it more slippery and works in the creation of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. The dosing for this is 2400 mg at ﬁrst then 1200 mg twice a day for 14 days. Something to consider, this supplement is used to treat people who overdose on Acetaminophen so taking those two together will cancel them out.

Can food affect your mental health? by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD May is Mental Health Awareness Month which is a time to recognize and support behavioral health care all year long. Here are some facts and ﬁgures regarding mental health: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. Although there is no conclusive evidence that a poor diet puts you at risk for a mental health disorder, there is plenty of evidence that suggests a healthy diet can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even if you have a case of the blahs from dreary weather or staying at home too much, what you choose to eat can make a difference. Have you ever had a bad day at work

and find yourself grabbing chocolate, alcohol, caffeine or “junk foods”? These foods can give you a quick energy boost and/or a temporary sense of calm, but may leave you with low energy and a low mood later on. Sweets and fats trigger the pleasure centers in the brain which is why when we are feeling down or having a lot of stress, we choose cookies over carrot sticks. A diet involving a high intake of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, high fat dairy products as well as a low intake of fruit and vegetables has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Conversely, a Mediterranean-style diet which has lots of vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, nuts and whole grains, can reduce the symptoms of depression. Keeping a balanced diet with a moderate and steady amount complex carbohydrates keep blood sugars consistent and less likely to negatively affect your mood. An example of a balanced meal would be a small sweet potato, a portion of fish or chicken, and fruits and vegetables which will nourish your body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and have also been shown

to boost happiness. Over time, eating foods without a lot of nutrients can lead to nutritional deﬁciencies. Nutrients important to a healthy mood include: Folate Iron Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) Magnesium Potassium Selenium Thiamine Vitamin A Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Zinc Try this Spanish Garlic Shrimp recipe to boost your mood. Add a green vegetable and whole grain crusty bread to make it complete. Tracey Shaffer is a registered dietitian and certiﬁed health coach and owner of KC Nutrition Coach in Eastern Jackson County. She can be reached at tracey@kcnutritioncoach.com. You can visit her website at

kcnutritioncoach.com.

NAC also interacts with nitrate medications for heart conditions so consult your care provider if you are thinking of starting with NAC. Additive effects Vitamin C, D, and Zinc taken together have been shown to boost the individual beneﬁcial effects of each as well as some of the side effects (gastrointestinal issues are the main side effects – nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). So, hydration becomes even more important as your body is not only potentially ﬁght off an infection, but is also handling the increase in the demand for water from the GI tract if you experience side effects. Please feel free to reach out to us at Info@Crosettis.com, or your care provider, with any questions about this article or if you would like me to write about a topic of your interest.

Spanish Garlic Shrimp Serves: 4 Calories: 250 calories Source: The Foodie Physician Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, ﬁnely chopped ¼ teaspoon chili flakes 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ⅛ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Instructions: Pour the oil into a large sauté pan and add the garlic and chili flakes. Turn the heat up to medium high. As the pan heats up, the oil will slowly get infused with the flavor of the garlic and chili (do not let the garlic get brown). Once the oil is hot and the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan. Season them with the paprika, salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes, until they just turn pink, stirring often. Add the sherry and lemon juice and cook another 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced and shrimp are cooked. Sprinkle the parsley on top.

Page 11

“Remodeling for Accessible Homes” guide offers ideas for making houses more accessible Homeowners in our region have a new tool to help them with ideas to renovate their homes as they get older and/or their abilities change. “Remodeling for Accessible Homes,” produced by the First Suburbs Coalition and KC Communities for All Ages, provides ideas, sample floorplans, cost estimates and other resources for those who want to update their houses to better serve their changing needs. In 2005, the First Suburbs Coalition released its ﬁrst “Idea Book,” which was

a guide for renovation for owners or prospective buyers of homes built between 1940 and 1970 who want to modernize their homes. “Remodeling for Accessible Homes” builds on those design ideas with concepts of universal design, which helps make homes and public spaces accessible for persons of all ages and abilities. Universally designed homes offer features like graded step-free entrances, wider doors and hallways,

main-level bathrooms and bedrooms, front-control stoves, and space to maneuver wheelchairs and walkers, to name only a few. “Remodeling for Accessible Homes” can be downloaded at www.marc.org, along with other Idea Books from the series.

G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S Our advertisers support your local news. Support Small Business. Shop Local. Theme: Screen-Free Playtime ACROSS 1. Ivory, in the bathroom 5. Letter of the ____ 8. Kiln for drying hops 12. Marine eagle 13. Mufﬁn Man's Drury 14. Zest 15. Landlord's collection 16. Chieftain in Arabia 17. Frequently precedes "nonsense" 18. *Tabletop fun (2 words) 20. Passage in a coal mine 21. Clear the whiteboard 22. Sean's mom Yoko 23. Alpine structure 26. Slabbered 30. Clothing border 31. Incense burning container 34. Gauche or Droite, in Paris 35. In a frenzy 37. Unagi 38. Fancy necktie 39. Eye protection, sing. 40. Not dangerous to health 42. Dwight the President 43. Worked the dough 45. *Screen-free message 47. Hairpiece, slangily 48. Libra symbol 50. Buenos ____ 52. *Dirty hobby? 56. African prairie 57. Like family lore 58. Don't let it hit you on your way out 59. *Ten-pin establishment 60. Challenge 61. Purse to match a gown 62. Lake of Scottish lore 63. *Between 'game' and 'match' 64. Deliver a tirade

DOWN 1. Belgrade native 2. Dessert sandwich 3. Pavlova, e.g. 4. Tube-nosed seabird 5. Tibetan priests 6. Japanese cartoon 7. Used to be 8. *Explore the great ____ 9. ____ spumante 10. Editor's mark 11. Craggy peak 13. Ofﬁcial emissary 14. Bird-deposited fertilizer 19. Same as schlock 22. Famous Bobby, on ice 23. *Sidewalk art medium 24. Macho man 25. *Tell jokes, e.g. 26. Sub station 27. Permissible 28. Extract a memory, e.g. 29. Try to prevent 32. It's not a want 33. ____ Bernie Sanders, abbr. 36. *Guessing game 38. Administer an oil 40. "Don't make me ___!" 41. With pleasure 44. Full of bunnies? 46. Full of gentleness 48. Ranee's wrap 49. *Macrame or wood carving, e.g. 50. Expunge 51. Bodily disorders 52. Hermes and Apollo 53. 'I' in Greek alphabet 54. Person, place or thing 55. John Wayne's "True ____" 56. Delivery vehicle

Page 12

Outdoors & Recreation

MDC offers free outdoor skills sessions for youth at Burr Oak Woods by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a great way for youths to start the summer. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a series of free outdoor skills sessions in early June for youths ages 8 -11 at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. These sessions will help youngsters learn or improve an outdoor skill such as ﬁshing or canoeing. Burr Oak Woods staff and volunteers will teach the skills in two separate sessions on weekdays starting June 1 and ending on June 16. The sessions are from 8:30am to Noon and from 12:30pm—4:00pm. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed in all sessions. Block 1 will include target shooting with air rifles and archery, plus canoeing. Instructors will teach basic gun safety and skills with air rifles at target ranges. Participants will learn about archery equipment, shooting techniques, and try their skills with bow and arrows. The session will move to the Burr Oak Woods education pond for training in canoe paddling and float trip gear. All

paddlers will wear personal floatation vests while on the water. In Block 2, participants will learn about fishing, orienteering, and atlatl. Instructors will teach basic fishing skills. MDC will provide tackle and bait. In orienteering, youths will learn how to use compass and map to find their way through the outdoors. The atlatl is an ancient tool that was used for hunting and protection. A carved wooden stick is used to hurl a long dart at targets. Throwing the atlatl is an ancient skill but has become a modern challenge sport. Both blocks will be offered in various morning and afternoon sessions. Participants will need to dress for the outdoors. Registration is required. To register, visit the MDC events page for the Kansas City region at https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Z6L. Scroll down through the event listings to find the outdoor skills block listings for Burr Oak Woods. For more information about Burr Oak Woods, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/ burroakwoods.

Fishing and throwing the atlatl will be two of the six skills taught. Photo credit: MDC

MDC offers free Missouri River catfishing clinic June 5-6 by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri River is big, and so are many of the catfish that swim within its flowing water. A free catfishing clinic on the river will be offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6. Participants will learn about catfishing on the river and how to prepare their catch for cooking. The sessions will include actual fishing time on the river. This program is appropriate for families including children age 13 and older. The first session will start at noon on Saturday, June 5, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. “We'll learn all about building various types of set lines and how to use them to target the Missouri River's blue, flathead, and channel catfish,” John Rittel, MDC community education assistant said. “Then in the evening, we'll head out on the river in MDC boats to set trotlines, jug lines, and limb lines for catfish.” There will be a break in between instruction at Burr Oak Woods and the journey to the river to set lines. Participants will have a short opportunity to eat dinner between the orientation and time on the river. They should bring their own snacks, water, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Afternoon is likely to be hot, morning will be cool. “We'll meet again bright and early on Sunday morning and head out on the river to collect the fish that we caught overnight,” Rittel said. “We'll end the morning with a catfish cleaning demonstration and participants will have an opportunity to clean some of the fish we catch.” MDC will provide all equipment including PFDs (life vests) for each person. Participants are welcome to bring their own Coast Guard approved PFD if they prefer. PFDs will be required on MDC boats at all times. This program is dependent on safe weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted if conditions are not acceptable on the weekend of the event. COVID-19 safety protocols such as encouraging face masks when in close proximity will be followed. All participants must register separately. Due to limited space in the boats, please do not bring any participants who are not registered for this event. For additional information or for assistance with registration, contact Rittel at john.rittel@mdc.mo.gov. To register for this event, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrw.

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MDC will offer a free Missouri River catﬁsh clinic June 5-6, which will include time setting and running lines on the river. Photo credit: MDC

Sports

Page 13

Grain Valley completes spring sports conference season with undefeated record by John Unrein “Proud to be an Eagle” read the Twitter post for May 14th from Grain Valley High School Activities. The cause for celebration was Grain Valley ﬁnishing the spring sports conference season with an undefeated conference record. Baseball, boys track, girls track, boys tennis, boys golf, and girls golf all won Suburban Conference titles. A feat worth celebrating due to the hard work put forth by student athletes, coaches, and administration. Making the achievement even more special is that it is the ﬁrst time for a clean sweep in the history of Grain Valley High School, per Activities Director Brandon Hart. “Grain Valley has been close to this accomplishment, but there have always been one or two programs that fell short in the conference standings. Winning a conference title is a nice

accomplishment for each individual program, but when considering each title on its own, I would not consider it a major accomplishment,” Hart said. “However, when you consider that all six spring sports accomplished this task in a single season, it demonstrates a school culture where athletes and coaches support each other. We have multiple kids that can participate in various spring sports because of the culture of Grain Valley. I see baseball kids attend soccer games and vice versa.” Hart finished, “Success and winning is contagious in a positive environment, and we have been fortunate this spring season to reap the benefits.” Team unity, making competition fun, and coaches providing specific instruction that is well received by student athletes has been a noticeable

formula for success by the Eagles. The boys varsity baseball team dyeing their hair blond during the 2019 season displayed unanimity. The girls varsity track team this spring conducting an informal dance party after the team stretch at the start of practice has provided more than a few smiles. The directions given by head tennis coach Randy Draper on how to follow through on a backhand swing catches the attention of his players. Success has pushed the Eagles sports programs further into a growth mindset. Continued progress is the goal. An expectation that starts with Hart and continues through the coaching ranks. “It does not matter how many conference titles you win; successful programs always seek improvement. We have never won a MSHSAA state championship, and I know every coach and player strives to win a state championship,” Hart said. “However, the goal of a high school educational program is never to win. The goal is to focus on the preparation and processes it takes to be successful. If we can accomplish this goal, winning conference, district, and state titles will follow.” Hart added, “We are proud of our accomplishments this spring, and we celebrate our successes, but we also understand there is always more work to do to get better.”

“...the goal of a high school educational program is never to win. The goal is to focus on the preparation and processes it takes to be successful. If we can accomplish this goal, winning conference, district, and state titles will follow.” Brandon Hart, Grain Valley High School Activities Director. Photo courtesy Grain Valley Schools Getting to be a student athlete means that you get to put your school’s name on your uniform and represent it doing something that you love. The lessons learned through competition and sportsmanship tend to last a lifetime. Bonds created with teammates and coaches are something rarely forgotten. Grain Valley continues to add the pride associated with winning to their identity.

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Sports

Page 14

Childers scores 100th goal in Eagles win over Ruskin by John Unrein Smiles adorned the faces of the Lady Eagles post-game team huddle following their 14-0 victory over the visiting Ruskin Golden Eagles on May 17th. An object was being passed around the team in concealment prior to the secret getting out. The item was a 100th goal inscribed game ball commemorating Raena Childers scoring landmark during her career at Grain Valley. A plateau the senior reached by scoring ﬁve goals during the opening round of the Class 3 District 14 tournament match. “Our goal has been to remain consistent down the stretch. That has made practice tough recently. Our motivation for that is as we advance through the postseason, competition will become increasingly tougher,” Childers said. “I made scoring a hundred goals something that I wanted to accomplish this season. It is pretty amazing. I did not realize until after the game that tonight was when I reached that achievement.” Childers concluded, “What I want most is the next win. We have a high ceiling as a team and must take things as we progress through districts and sectionals one game at a time.” Grain Valley was consistent in their approach on offense throughout the game. The Lady Eagles maneuvered the soccer ball through their middle three

while looking to ﬁnd their forwards for wide shots on goal. Success of the strategy implemented by Lady Eagles head soccer coach Tyler Nichol may be found in the 27-2 shots on goal advantage for Grain Valley against their opponent. “Our speed of play tonight was good. We were decisive on when to dribble or take players on. Scoring opportunities were created by the blend of passing and shot accuracy we presented,” Nichol said. “Our focus now turns to our next game. At this point in the season, regardless of who your opponent is, you must prepare like it is a state championship game. You are facing single game elimination. The girls on the team have named it ‘May Madness’ appropriately.” Nichol continued, “Raena (Childers) is a phenomenal player. Obviously, someone who is going on to play at Power Five Division One school speaks to her talent level. The character of Raena the person and the way she carries herself as a leader is even more important.” Joining the strong supporting cast for the Lady Eagles were forward Annabelle Totta and goalkeeper Camihle Williams who would score two goals and provide the shutout in net, respectively. Both Totta and Williams represent part of the youth of Grain Valley’s varsity

The Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team huddles to celebrate their Class 3 District 14 tournament win and Raena Childers 100th career goal. Photo credit: Valley News staff roster that are making contributions as underclassmen. At the point of twenty one games into the season it is not hard to believe that both have matured past their age on the soccer field. “We moved the ball tonight through keeping our heads up and finding players that were open. None of us were selfish. It is fun to continue to win and we will push to state hopefully,” Totta

said. Williams added, “We were strategic tonight about keeping things simple. That allowed us to score. I am prouder of my team than the shutout in goal tonight. They made this possible.” The Lady Eagles soccer team moves their record to 18-2-1 on the season as they advance in the playoffs.

Valley Speedway Results: May 15, 2021 Dirt Demons A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 121-Eric Schmidt[2]; 2. 13-Dylan Bruhn[1]; 3. 10B-Jeremy Byﬁeld[3]; 4. 68-Darrick Brisbin[4] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 13-Dylan Bruhn[2]; 2. 121Eric Schmidt[4]; 3. 10B-Jeremy Byﬁeld[1]; 4. 68-Darrick Brisbin[3] E Mods A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 1M-Mike Ryun[1]; 2. 42-Dalton Krysa[3]; 3. 65-Jason Smith[4]; 4. 33-Jeremy Curless[8]; 5. 86-Doug Brisbin[5]; 6. 75-Rayce Martin[6]; 7. 96SR -Todd Brill[7]; 8. (DQ) 21K-Coleman Browning[2] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 1M-Mike Ryun[2]; 2. 42Dalton Krysa[3]; 3. 65-Jason Smith[1]; 4. 21K-Coleman Browning[8]; 5. 86-Doug Brisbin[5]; 6. 75-Rayce Martin[7]; 7. 96SRTodd Brill[4]; 8. 33-Jeremy Curless[6]

IMCA Northern SportMod A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 12X-Steven Clancy [2]; 2. T25-Tim Stallbaumer[7]; 3. 81JRDan Charles[5]; 4. 66X-Chris Wright[4]; 5. 96-Cody Brill[13]; 6. 75K-Kameron Grindstaff[9]; 7. 42-Gene Claxton[3]; 8. 7TWTyler Wood[1]; 9. 75S-Sebastian Wolfenbarger[14]; 10. 81ISH-Jeff Jackson[10]; 11. 211 -Tim Eaton[11]; 12. 81-Austin Charles[6]; 13. 29-Stanley Boose[15]; 14. 24C-Marshall Cramer[12]; 15. 02-Kraig Maple[8] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 12X-Steven Clancy[3]; 2. 81JR-Dan Charles[6]; 3. 75K-Kameron Grindstaff[8]; 4. T25-Tim Stallbaumer[7]; 5. 42-Gene Claxton[5]; 6. 81ISH-Jeff Jackson[4]; 7. 24C-Marshall Cramer[2]; 8. 75SSebastian Wolfenbarger[1] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 81-Austin Charles[6]; 2. 66X-Chris Wright[5]; 3. 7TW-Tyler Wood [1]; 4. 29-Stanley Boose[3]; 5. (DNF) 02Kraig Maple[7]; 6. (DNF) 211-Tim Eaton[4]; 7. (DNF) 96-Cody Brill[2]

IMCA Stars Mod Lites A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 46-Dillon Raffurty [10]; 2. 4K-Garrett Stonum[4]; 3. 3-Nathan Wolfe[5]; 4. 47-Ed Griggs[8]; 5. 1JR-Justin Kinderknecht[9]; 6. 64-David Raffurty[14]; 7. 75-Justin Raffurty[7]; 8. 98-Jeff Raffurty[1]; 9. 03-James Beebe[11]; 10. 5DDustin Dennison[15]; 11. 34-Tyler Furrell[2]; 12. 25-Andrue Halpain[13]; 13. 73-Tony Kerr [3]; 14. 84-Joe Gunn[12]; 15. 41-Michael Raffurty[6] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 4K-Garrett Stonum[4]; 2. 41-Michael Raffurty[5]; 3. 1JR-Justin Kinderknecht[7]; 4. 75-Justin Raffurty[6]; 5. 98-Jeff Raffurty[2]; 6. 03-James Beebe [1]; 7. 25-Andrue Halpain[8]; 8. 5D-Dustin Dennison[3] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 46-Dillon Raffurty[6]; 2. 3-Nathan Wolfe[3]; 3. 47-Ed Griggs[5]; 4. 73-Tony Kerr[2]; 5. 34-Tyler Furrell[1]; 6. 84-Joe Gunn[7]; 7. 64-David Raffurty[4]

Valley non wing Sprint car A Feature 1 (25 Laps): 1. 38-Cody Baker[1]; 2. 12-Wesley Smith[3]; 3. 77-Jack Wagner [2]; 4. 74-Xavier Doney[8]; 5. 15B-Quinton Benson[4]; 6. 2H-Luke Howard[5]; 7. 93Taylor Walton[6]; 8. 41-Brad Wyatt[13]; 9. ST1-Lane Stone[9]; 10. 73-Samuel Wagner [11]; 11. 00E-Broc Elliott[16]; 12. 17K-Braden Knipmeyer[15]; 13. 2-Jason Billups[10]; 14. 7M-Heath Murry[12]; 15. 88-Chad Tye[7]; 16. 33L-Mark Lane[14] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 15B-Quinton Benson[1]; 2. 77-Jack Wagner[7]; 3. 93-Taylor Walton [3]; 4. 88-Chad Tye[5]; 5. 2-Jason Billups [2]; 6. 7M-Heath Murry[4]; 7. 33L-Mark Lane[6]; 8. (DNS) 00E-Broc Elliott Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 38-Cody Baker[5]; 2. 12Wesley Smith[4]; 3. 74-Xavier Doney[1]; 4. ST1-Lane Stone[3]; 5. 2H-Luke Howard[8]; 6. 73-Samuel Wagner[6]; 7. 41-Brad Wyatt [7]; 8. 17K-Braden Knipmeyer[2]

Sports

Page 15

Strong showing at district track meet leads to third place overall finish by both teams by John Unrein Mother Nature pushed back the starting time of the Class 5 District 7 track meet at William Chrisman High School on May 15th. Patience with the weather was taken in stride by both Grain Valley boys and girls track teams as the meet started to unfold. Each team would earn a highly respectable third place finish at the meet. A showing that was aided by eight first place individual or relay finishes by Grain Valley. Grain Valley First Place Finishes Girls 100 Hurdles- Jayonna Perry (16.07) Girls 300 Hurdles- Jayonna Perry (46.08) Boys 400 Dash- Cole Keller (49.04) Boys 800 Dash- Collin Clemens (1:58.36) Boys High Jump- Carter Day (1.90m) Girls Javelin Throw- McKenah Sears (39.26m) Boys 4x200 Meter Relay- Jacob McAhan, Logan Pratt, Carter Vrlenich, and Cole Keller (1:28.57) Boys 4x400 Meter Relay- Carter Vrlenich, Keagan Hart, Logan Pratt, and Cole Keller (3:22.81) Grain Valley’s numbers in track have been strong this season. In part due to the recruiting effort of coaches like David Allie. A fact that Lady Eagles head track coach Brian Winckler was quick to point out. Winckler was joined by head boys track coach Eric Stone in throwing praise at the student athletes and assistant coaches who have been instrumental in the success of both teams this Spring. “The quality of work ethic from the girls this season has been impressive. Our coaching staff has done a tremendous job of getting kids out for this sport. Our numbers are way up this

season, for a total of 60 more boys and girls out for track when compared to last year. That is pretty impressive considering going through COVID-19,” Winckler said. “Our chemistry has not been affected by the jump in numbers either. We continue to see personal bests by our kids as the season progresses.” Winckler continued, “Coaches being willing to have conversations with kids about running track has helped. Coach Allie has done a tremendous job. We have more throwers than we ever had. His ability to identify talent and get it out for this sport has been great.” “Kids are having fun and that has spread through word of mouth. We start every practice with a group stretch and a dance party on the girls side.” “We measure our success by results and level of intensity. Our goal is to get out and compete against the best. We have done that all year. This is the toughest district in the State of Missouri, and we are excited that we get to be a part of it.” Stone had no hesitation conveying how enjoyable this season has been for him personally after not getting to watch kids compete last season due to the pandemic. A point of pride for Stone is the fact that there were ﬁrst time district performers at the meet. Something that is only matched for Stone by the willingness to compete his team has displayed consistently. “At the end of the day, if this team competes and lets the chips fall where they may, that is all you can ask. The comradery on display within our team as well as those that we are matched up against is fun to watch,” Stone said.

Eric Rhymes ﬁnishes tenth in the boys long jump at 5.94 meters. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Ella Casey ﬁnishes 6th in the girls' 3200 race with a time of 12:12.28. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Community Calendar Saturday, May 22, 2021

Monday, June 14, 2021

Swap and Shop at Valley Speedway 348 E Old 40 Hwy, Grain Valley Text 816-506-6345 to reserve your space. Free hay rides and bounce house for the kids.

Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST

Monday, May 24, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST

Friday, May 28, 2021 Grain Valley Schools—Last Day of School 2-hour early release

Saturday, May 29, 2021 Grain Valley Aquatic Center opens For hours and admission information, visit www.cityofgrainvalley.org.

Friday, June 4, 2021 Movie in the Park: Trolls World Tour Armstrong Park Movie begins at dark (approx. 8:30pm) Free event—bring your own chairs/ blankets.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 City Wide Clean Up event 8:00am—2:00pm 405 James Rollo DR, Grain Valley City Wide Clean Up is a free annual service by our Public Works division. It is an opportunity for Grain Valley residents to dispose of unwanted items. Items that are not accepted include: tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, household cleaners/chemicals, air conditioner units, bagged trash, yard waste or clippings. Proof of residency is required.

July 19—23, 2021 Camp Focus For youth who have completed grades 6 -12. Conducted by Grain Valley police ofﬁcers and Volunteers in Police Service Camp Focus provides youth with an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons through education and mentoring. Camp will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Jackson County Health Department. Free—pre-registration is required. For more information and to apply, call 816-847-6250 or gvmopd@cityofgrainvalley.org.

Sunday, August 1, 2021 Purple Peace Foundation’s “Cruise for Consciousness” Car Show 11:00am—3:00pm Armstrong Park, Grain Valley www.purplepeacefoundation.org.

September 13, 2021 Citizen’s Police Academy Sessions begins on September 13th Classes include: Informational classroom training Hands-on experience Interaction with Grain Valley Police Force For more information, email cvanderlinden@grainvalleypolice.org.

Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com/ eventscalendar

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