June 17, 2021
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
Vol. 4 No. 24
FREE
Community Profile: Bill Althaus by John Unrein Growing up there were two must read sports writers for me. One was Peter King of Sports Illustrated, and the other was Bill Althaus of the Examiner. King’s insight was second to none when it came to the National Football League. He could bring professional football alive. Althaus captured a story with concise writing while setting up and working through quotes better than any other columnist. It made you feel like you were at the event he was covering. Something that is a gift. Only one of those writers resides in Eastern Jackson County. More importantly, in the community of Grain Valley. Althaus and his wife Stacy are long term residents of Grain Valley and had an abundance of reasons for establishing roots here decades ago. “We wanted a small town feel, but I wanted a community close enough to Kansas City that I could still make it out to the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals as well as concerts downtown. We came out to Grain Valley on a weekend when the Eagles were playing football in the postseason. Buildings were decorated blue, and they had painted large Eagles in the street. It was something you would see in a Walt Disney movie,” Althaus said. “We fell in love with this town. That same weekend we bought a lot in Brigadoon Estates and six months later became residents. We have never regretted it one moment. What the school district has done with its growth academically and with activities, I could have never in a million years seen that happening. It has been fun to go along
for the ride.” Jacksonville Jaguars head football coach Urban Meyer said during a 2018 interview that the most important thing to do in a leadership role is to build trust. That doing so would allow for what was being offered to be embraced. Key ingredients among the formula Meyer stressed was to be yourself and find a message that others would find meaningful and listen to. The Twitter description offered by Althaus is an example of how he communicates with others. It is humble, straight forward, gracious, and displays longevity in the challenging profession of journalism. Althaus shares, “Started with a manual typewriter and now I’m Tweeting. What a memorable journey it has been. Thanks for sharing it. ThirtyNine years at the Examiner. Is that possible?” Relationship building and treating everyone he meets the same way allows Althaus to gain trust. The faith put in Althaus by others in the media, public education, and by student athletes has been gained through consistency in character. Something that has not gone unnoticed by Grain Valley assistant principal Mike Tarrants and local media mogul Brian Johnston. Tarrants was the activities director at Grain Valley High School prior to assuming the current role of assistant principal and being assistant football coach for the Eagles. Johnston is the owner of Sponsorship Focus and Preps
see ALTHAUS on page 10
Auditors give City a clean audit The Board of Aldermen met Monday, June 14th, passing a series of resolutions to authorize the installation of street lights in four development areas, including the Bush Business Park and
Greystone Estates subdivision. In addition, the Board received a report from Auditor Troutt Beeman & Co., giving the City a clean audit for 2020. The auditor praised City staff for their
see BOARD on page 12
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Did you know at one time the richest lead ore in the world was located in Bonne Terre, Missouri, and the surrounding area. When miners began excavating lead from beneath Bonne Terre, little did they know it would eventually be considered one of the best places to scuba dive in the country.
Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee and legendary sports writer Bill Althaus (right) recognized during the Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star game on June 10th. Althaus was joined on the field by wife Stacy and family friend Emmy Keller. Photo credit: David Rainey
Operations in the mine were halted in the early 1960s and over time it filled with crystal-clear water. It now has become an amazing cave tour, and a top freshwater scuba diving venue. It is so amazing that even National Geographic calls it "one of America's Top 10 Greatest adventures.'
In This Edition: Capitol Report: Rep. Jeff Coleman
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Looking Back: Order of the Eastern Star
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Your Health: Sunscreens
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Cover Photo: Blue skies over Grain Valley on June 16th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Good News: Grain Valley Blood Drive June 23rd The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main, on Wednesday, June 23rd from 3:00pm— 7:00pm. To schedule an appointment, call 1-
800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter GrainValleyCommunity. Donors will receive a a ticket to a Cedar Fair amusement park (including Worlds of Fun) while supplies last.
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Capitol Report
Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department
Representative Jeff Coleman, District 32 Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Signed into Law (SB 63) PDMP was passed by both the House and the Senate and passes by the Governor, however, I did not vote for this new law. I do however see some benefits to having it. Please contact me to get further information about my position. Legislation approved by the General Assembly to create a statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) was recently signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson. The PDMP will allow medical professionals to see their patients’ medication history, which will allow them to recognize signs of addiction and prevent dangerous drug interactions. The bill establishes the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring, which is responsible for collecting and maintaining the prescription and dispensation of prescribed controlled substances to patients within the state. “SB 63 will help provide necessary information to health care professionals and empower them to make decisions that better serve their patients and assist in fighting the opioid epidemic in Missouri,” said Parson, who called the bill a top priority for his administration. The bill limits access to private information to medical professionals, specifically prohibits the information from being used to deny firearm purchases, and includes a rolling purge of the data. Under the bill, patient information is considered a closed record under state law and will not be provided to law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial officials, or regulatory bodies for purposes not allowed under HIPAA. Parson noted that similar statewide prescription drug monitoring programs have been adopted in every other state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia and Guam, in an effort to address the opioid epidemic occurring
across the United States. The bill also extends the expiration date of the RX Cares for Missouri Program to August 28, 2026. Lawmakers Call for Special Session on Agricultural Issues The leaders of agriculture committees in the House and Senate have asked Gov. Mike Parson to call a special session to address some of the important agriculture issues left on the table from the recently-ended legislative session. The chairs and vice-chairs of the House Agriculture Policy Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee wrote a letter to the governor asking for a special session “to address a number of legislative items directly affecting agriculture in our great state.” The letter asks for the governor to include provisions contained in Senate Bill 37, which received widespread support during the regular session but ultimately did not pass. The bill deals with regulation changes for anhydrous ammonia. The lawmakers said it provides a “critical update to our current laws that will keep Missouri in line with federal standards and prevent possible intervention from the EPA.” Senate Bill 37 also extends the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority tax credit programs that are set to sunset on December 31 of this year. The letter notes these programs “have brought in $247 million in direct and indirect benefits to Missouri since 2000.” Additional provisions in the bill include a pilot program to allow recipients to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at local farmers markets, and tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel. The legislative leaders have also called on Gov. Parson to include provisions from House Bill 527, which would restrict the use of eminent domain for merchant utility lines. It would require all impacted county
see CAPITOL on page 4
daily calls for service log for the week of June 2—8, 2021. June 2, 2021 700 Block NW Albatross 600 Block NW Yennie Ave 1100 Block NW Pamela Blvd 700 Block Main St
Check the Wellbeing Suspicious Vehicle Alarm Citizen Contact
June 3, 2021 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Amanda Ln 1400 Block NW Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 500 Block N Bynum
Traffic Accident Citizen Contact Check the Wellbeing Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Agency Assist Lone Jack PD 1300 Block Stoney Brook Dr Residence Check 700 Block Main St Civil Matter 100 Block NE McQuerry Rd Alarm 400 Block Woodbury Dr Neighbor Dispute 1500 Block NW Eagle Ridge Dr Civil Standby June 4, 2021 1000 Block E Ryan Rd 200 Block Parker 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd 700 Block SW Cross Creek Dr EB I-70
Alarm Traffic Accident Traffic Accident Suspicious Person Agency Assist Highway Patrol 100 Block Cross Creek Dr Check the Wellbeing 1600 Block NW High View Dr Suspicious Vehicle 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact NW Woodbury Dr / Duncan Rd Suspicious Vehicle 200 Block SE Salem St Agency Assist Oak Grove PD I-70 On Ramp Motorist Assist 1400 Block NW Eagle Ridge Dr Animal Complaint June 5, 2021 700 Block Main St 1000 Block NW Burr Oak Ln 700 Block Main St 1000 Block SW Dean Dr 800 Block SW Harvest Dr 500 Block Main St 1000 Block NW Willow Dr 1600 Block NW High View Dr 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 2000 Block NW Rosewood Dr
C&I Driver 911 Hang up Custody Exchange Possible Disturbance Check the Wellbeing Assault Noise Complaint Check the Wellbeing Alarm Fireworks
June 6, 2021 WB I-70 On Ramp
Agency Assist Highway Patrol 800 Block SW Lee Ann Dr Animal at Large 500 Block Elizabeth Parking Complaint 400 Blk NE Coldwater Creek Dr Agency Assist Grandview PD, Attempt to Contact 1600 Block NW High View Dr Check the Wellbeing 1300 Block RD Mize Rd Disturbance 900 Block SW Abar Parking Complaint 1300 Block Valley Woods Ct Disturbance June 7, 2021 1200 Block of Sawgrass Stealing 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 100 Block of S Main Parking Complaint 700 Block of Main Civil Matter 1100 Block of McQuerry Property Damage/Theft Woodbnury & Pcan Suspicious Vehicle 1200 Block of NW Willow Verbal Disturbance 1100 Block of Broadway Agency Assist-OGPD-Verbal Disturbance 1400 Block of Minter Way Agency Assist-CJC 1600 Block of High View DR Welfare Check 100 Block of Sunny LN Verbal Disturbance 400 Block of Coldwater Creek RD Agency AssistGrandview PD 400 Block of SW Graystone DR Animal Bite 1100 Block of Ephriam DR Citizen Contact 700 Block of NW Main Harassment 200 Block of Gregg Alarm June 8, 2021 Duncan & Rosewood 1100 Blk of Buckner Tarsney RD 700 Block of Squire CT 90 Block of NW Jackie 700 Block of Main 100 Block of Sunny LN 1100 Block of NE McQuerry RD 700 Block of Main Meadow & Baytree 700 Block of Main 3700 Block of Rust
Traffic Complaint Trespassing Alarm Alarm Citizen Contact Verbal Disturbance Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Animal at Large
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 John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Michael Smith | Staff Writer, Sports Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
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Looking Back
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Looking Back: Liberty Chapter #413, Order of the Eastern Star by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society This photograph was given to the Grain Valley Historical Society by Winona Sharp Burgess. The photo was taken in 1945 and while it is labeled “Officers,” it must be a group photo taken on the night she was installed as Worthy Matron. At the Historical Society we also have her gavel which was made by John Perkins, Grand Patron. Others in the picture are: Front Row: Laura Whittlesey, Vera Holland, Winona Sharp, John Perkins, Roy Van Loon, Anna Louise Poage, Billy Poage and Cecil Poage. Row 2: Mildred Harmon, Ida Ryan, Lucy Perkins, Sarah Tate, Bess Herrington, Pearl Savage, May Raines, Madge Warren, Birdie Davidson, Grace Heohn Stillions and Rosalie Walker. Row 3: Floyd Sharp, holding David Sharp, Opal Faulkenberry, Emma Hoehn, Zelma Barnett, Charlene. Richard, Ruby Johnson, Angeline Covington, Charlie Johnson and Walter Hoehn. While all are deceased (except Billy Poage) many of these names are still known by residents of Grain Valley. Mrs. Winona Sharp Burgess helped to start the Historical Society and she has a room named for her at the Community Center. I have been wanting to share this photograph since April but I’ve had
limited success in learning more about the Order of the Eastern Star in Grain Valley. The Historical Society recently received a gift from Mr. Pat Costigan of Oak Grove. It is the History of Grain Valley, written by Mr. Frank Sebolt in 1937 or 1938. In the history he states, “At the present there are only four lodge organizations in operation. They are: Royal Neighbors, Modern Woodman, Eastern Stars and Masons. Previously there has been the Yoeman and the Modern Brotherhood of American.” While the date for the founding of Liberty Chapter No. 413 is unclear, it was consolidated with the Blue Springs Chapter in 1981so it must have existed for more than 50 years. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star are aged 18 and older; men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally, a woman would have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a Master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives as well as allowing Job's Daughters and Rainbow Girls. While in high school (1960s) I remember that Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls were both active
Liberty Chapter No. 413 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society organization in Grain Valley. According to their mission statement “Eastern Star strives to take good people, through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service as well as through precept and example, to
CAPITOL continued from page 3 commissioners to present a resolution of support for the proposed project to the Public Service Commission before proceeding. The letter notes the issue is “of great concern for agriculturalists and all Missouri landowners, and we have a duty to provide them with certainty moving forward.” Lawmakers Call for Special Session to Protect Police Budgets and Improve Public Safety A group of state lawmakers have asked Gov. Parson to call a special session focused on preventing cities from cutting funding for law enforcement. Republican lawmakers from both the St. Louis and Kansas City areas are calling on Parson to help
prevent cuts to the police departments in the state’s two largest cities. In St. Louis, the mayor has proposed a $4 million cut from the budget for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. In Kansas City, the Kansas City Council approved a $42 million cut to the budget for the Kansas City Police Department. Lawmakers expressed concern that the cuts are coming at a time when the rate of violent crime continues to increase in these areas. They noted St. Louis and Kansas City were two of the most deadly cities in the nation in 2020. St. Louis had its worse homicide rate in 50 years with 262 murders. Kansas City also set a record with 180 murders. Gov. Parson has not made a commitment to calling a special session
but a spokesperson from his office issued a statement saying, “Governor Parson believes in law and order, which means there must be brave men and women in uniform willing to enforce the law and protect victims. It is imperative that communities support our law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to keep Missourians safe. Any effort to defund the police is dangerous and irresponsible.”
build an Order which is truly dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness.” Mike Reeder, GVHS Class of 1966, was initiated in Liberty Chapter in February, 1975. He was the 2020 Worthy Grand Patron for Missouri. Visit the Historical Society to view other photos and keepsakes from the O. E. S.
Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions. If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-7511487, or email my office at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov.
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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THCF to honor local philanthropists at September gala This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Toast to Our Towns Gala, benefiting Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF). This year’s celebration of philanthropy will be September 25, 2021, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center. At the event, individuals, businesses, and organizations will be recognized for making a significant philanthropic impact in Eastern Jackson County and surrounding communities. Presented by Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., the in-person celebration will start at 7:00pm. THCF will award the Humanitarians of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and Service Awards during the event. Heartland Humanitarians of the Year, Jim and Mary Stilley. THCF will honor Jim and Mary Stilley for their efforts to promote education, embrace science and technology, and create a healthy, thriving community have made a lasting impact in Lee’s Summit and beyond. From early childhood education and historic preservation to domestic violence and genetic research, Jim and Mary are deeply devoted to improving their community’s quality of life. Serving on several Boards, both Jim and Mary are dedicated volunteers who freely give their time and talent. Mary served many years as a Board member on the Lee’s Summit School Board and
Educational Foundation and was a member of her church’s mission committee, local P.E.O. chapter, and the Hope House capital campaign committee. Jim kept himself busy by serving on various boards and committees for the Raytown Kiwanis Club, Jackson County Historical Society, Lee’s Summit Symphony, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Truman Library Institute, and Cave Springs Park. Jim spent nearly a decade volunteering his leadership to Truman Heartland Community Foundation as a Board member and past Chair. Both Jim and Mary have served on THCF Advisory committees, are fundholders and legacy donors, ensuring their philanthropic endeavors will continue to bear fruit for years to come. Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year, Continental Siding Continental Siding has been a fixture in the Independence community for nearly 40 years, with core values steeped in innovation and integrity. While Covid-19 forced many businesses to lay off employees and shut down operations, Owner and President Alec Cook continued to pay his 2,000 employees, even if they were unable to work. In addition, to further ensure the financial stability of both his employees and those they know and love during the crisis, he gave each employee a bonus and an additional
May Jobs Report Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased from April 2021 to May 2021, but the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by a tenth of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 6,000 jobs over the month, with job gains in both goods-producing and service-providing industries. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in May 2021, up from 4.1 percent in April 2021. With the initial wave of COVID-19 related layoffs now more than a year in the past, the six-figure over-the-year job losses that had characterized the Missouri labor market for the last nine months of 2020 and the first three months of 2021 were replaced with an increase of nearly 200,000 jobs from May 2020 to May 2021. Long-term improvement can be expected but short
-term shortages of semiconductor chips may hold down employment in manufacturing in the next few months. Total payroll employment increased by 194,900 jobs from May 2020 to May 2021, reflecting the recovery from the job cuts brought on by the initial wave of COVID-19 infections. All but one of the major private-sector industry groups shared in the increases, with the largest gain in leisure & hospitality (+74,500 jobs), followed by trade, transportation & utilities (+32,100 jobs), educational & health services (+27,300 jobs) and professional & business services (+19,700 jobs). The sole private-sector exception was financial activities, which lost 1,700 jobs. Government employment also increased over the year, with a gain of 16,000 jobs concentrated in state and local government.
$500 to pay it forward and help someone in need. When the pandemic impacted local fundraising events, like the SantaCaliGon Days Festival, Continental Siding worked tirelessly to find additional resources to help the Independence Chamber of Commerce continue its good work. These generous efforts set a high bar for other Chamber members, bringing in more than $75,000 in annual memberships to help sustain the Chamber and protect jobs. From funding scholarships for students at his alma mater, Truman High School, donating the company’s advertising budget to bolster local charitable giving, volunteering on numerous boards, and attending charity events, Alec and Continental Siding make a significant positive impact in the local community every day. Heartland Service Awards To recognize their extraordinary efforts in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, THCF will honor six local healthcare professionals with Heartland Service Awards to recognize their exemplary leadership during the crisis.
Centerpoint Medical Center - Lorraine Duncan, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medical Specialist Truman Medical Center Lakewood Laura Anstaett Peckham, RN, MHA, MBA, NEA-BC - Senior Director, Community and Family Medicine and Medicine Specialties St. Mary’s Hospital - Angela Haley, BSN, RN - Cardiology Services, Pulmonary Rehab, & Interventional Radiology Manager Lee’s Summit Medical Center - J. C. Ireland, DO - Critical Care Physician Saint Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit - Susie Krug, RN, BSN, MHA, CENP - Chief Nursing Officer Children’s Mercy Hospital - Amy Latimer RN, BSN, MSN, CPN - Department Director of Nursing For more information about Toast to Our Towns Gala sponsorship opportunities, table reservations, tickets, or those being honored, please visit www.thcf.org/Toast-to-Our-TownsGala or call 816.836.8189.
Lindsey selected to participate in 30th Leadership Missouri program Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director, Grain Valley Partnership, is one of thirty participants in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Missouri program. The Missouri Chamber is celebrating three decades of its exclusive professional development program. Founded in 1990, Leadership Missouri identifies current and emerging leaders to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the state. Due to the program being postponed for pandemic safety reasons in 2020, the 2021 participants comprise the 30th class. The class kicks off June 16 in Saint Louis and over the following seven months will travel to Kansas City, Joplin, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau and Chillicothe before concluding in
Osage Beach. “We designed Leadership Missouri to elevate the talent of our state’s leadership pool and establish a forum for sharing ideas and best practices. Over the past 30 years, all of our expectations for this program have been met — and more,” Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO said. “Leadership Missouri is no less vital today than it was at its founding. Right now, Missouri needs strong leadership to help us confront important economic competitiveness issues. We need leaders who can work across industries and regions to unite our state. That is exactly what Leadership Missouri provides and the Missouri Chamber is proud to be offering this experience for the 30th time.”
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Home & Garden
How and where to add plants in your home
July is National Blueberry Month
(StatePoint) So you want to become a plant parent? How do you make sure your new green “baby” will thrive in your home or apartment? When selecting the best spaces in your home for different types of plants, it’s important to consider light, humidity and maintenance required, as well as what benefits that type of plant will bring to the space. Wild Interiors, the leading grower in all things green, offers tips for success. To learn more, visit wildinteriors.com. From bathrooms to bedrooms to offices, you can make the rooms of your home healthier and more inviting by becoming a plant parent.
(SPM Wire) July is National Blueberry Month, and an excellent time of year to enjoy this delicious berry. Packed with nutrients and containing one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food, blueberries make a great snack on their own. However, here are three ways to creatively enjoy them this July. 1. Mix them into a smoothie: Smoothies are an easy way to pack more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Add vibrant color and a touch of sweetness to your next smoothie by adding one cup of juicy blueberries to the mix.
2. Top your salad: Whip up a savory-sweet salad and top it with toasted nuts, fresh blueberries, rich goat cheese and other seasonal flavors. 3. Wake up with pancakes: What’s better than pancakes for breakfast? Blueberry pancakes! Mix blueberries into your next batch of batter and take breakfast to the next level.
Your Health
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Sunscreens by Sean M. Crosetti, MBA, PharmD, Crosetti Health & Wellness With the temperatures already into the 90’s and the pools opening I feel it is a good idea to cover the two types of sunscreens available, their pros, and cons, and how to choose the one for you and your family in this situation. Before that let us discuss what UVA, UVB, and UVC are and why we need to be concerned with them. Ultraviolet (UV) light waves are not visible by the human eye and are classified by wavelength. UVA has the longest wavelength where UVC has the shortest. UVC and some UVB are filtered out by the Ozone layer of the atmosphere, which leaves the remaining UVB and all the UVA to affect your exposed skin. UVB with its shorter wavelength only penetrates the top layers of your skin causing inflammation and damage (aka sunburn); whereas UVA rays can cause damage deeper in the skin which could lead to cellular changes (cancer potential). Two types of sunscreens The two types of sunscreens (Mineral and Chemical) work through two different mechanisms of protecting the skin from damage. Mineral sunscreens stay on the surface of the skin and physically block the penetration of both UVA and UVB rays through scattering
and deflecting from the skin. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and absorb the UV rays. Once absorbed the rays are converted into heat and released through the skin. Which type of sunscreen you choose should be dependent upon not only the time/area you will be but also the activities in which you and your family will be participating. Review these pros/cons for both mineral and chemical sunscreens to help you make the appropriate decision. Mineral sunscreens pros/cons Pros Effective as soon as they are applied Block both UVA and UVB rays Not absorbed into the body Will not clog pores Cons Must be liberally applied (full coverage of skin) Visible as a white film on skin Can be rubbed, sweated, washed off easily Frequent reapplication Loose powder or spray-on types can be inhaled which can injure the lungs Chemical sunscreens pros/cons Pros Less product needed to fully cover area Product is easier to spread on skin
Not visible once applied Cons Some UVA exposure could happen Needs time to become active once applied Can exacerbate rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation Need for reapplication is dependent upon the amount of UVA/UVB rays absorbed, with no real indicator as to when the time for reapplication has approached. Absorbed into the body with no completed studies showing the effects of these compounds on the body in short term or long-term spans of time. Here are some things to consider as well with your choice: Read the ingredients Mineral – choose ones with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they have the most studies on their safety and effectiveness Chemical – avoid Oxybenzone (linked to numerous health risks) Lotions are the best form Sprays can be more convenient, but lotions dramatically reduce potential inhalation and lung exposure
time, but if you are going to be active in the water, or sweating/moving throughout the day, then a chemical type would be a better choice Apply properly It is better to apply a lower SPF lotion correctly than a high SPF incorrectly. Remember if it is a chemical sunscreen, there is a 20-minute wait period before it is fully active. Reapply At least every two hours place another coat on; especially if sweating or swimming and using mineral sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen in direct sun. I hope this helps you and your family in deciding which type of sunscreen is best for the situation you will be in and remember the best for today may not be the best for tomorrow.
Please feel free to reach out to us at Info@Crosettis.com, or your care provider, with any questions about this article. Let me know if you would like me to write about a topic of your interest.
Consider event Use a mineral type if you are going to be in direct sun for the majority of the
Celebrate Men’s Health Week by understanding recommended daily allowances by Tara Sallee, MS, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian It’s time to celebrate the men in our life! Men’s Health Week, celebrated Monday, June 14 through Sunday, June 20, helps raise awareness about preventable health problems found among men and boys. Historically, men have been more susceptible to certain diseases than women due to hormone differences. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States and can be preventable through diet and exercise. At Hy-Vee, individuals can meet with a Hy-Vee dietitian for
recommendations on how to prevent disease through a better diet, including discussing their individual recommended dietary allowance (RDA). RDA is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy people in a specific life stage. Simple steps men can take to improve their health include following their RDA, getting 30 minutes of daily exercise, reducing stress, getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night, having routine bloodwork done, and eating a lower sodium and saturated fat diet. The RDA for men aged 19-50 is as
follows: Carbohydrates 130g Fiber 38g Protein 56g Calcium 1000mg Phosphorous 700mg Potassium 4700mg Iron 8mg Sodium 1500mg Folate 400ug Vitamin C 90mg Vitamin D 15ug
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Education
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MCC releases spring 2021 Dean’s List Metropolitan Community College has released the Dean's List for the Spring 2021 semester. The 2,602 students who received Dean’s List recognition earned a GPA of at least 3.5 while being enrolled in six or more credit hours. Grain Valley: Hallee Kay Ballinger Trevor A Bartlett Bianca A Bautista Rebecca Boom Stephanie Sue Branson Elizabeth Louise Favor Sophia Freire McKenzy Nicole Gauert Kaiden Harris Kylie Josephine Hawkins Aaron E Headley Jackie Nicole Jozefkowicz Ethan Syver Kalthoff Jordan Renae Lamb
Megan Marsh Bailey Lorene McKay Hayden Dallas Mitchell Madison Montgomery Kevin Morris Haley Michelle Myers Leah Shae Niemeyer Alex Samuel Perez Sam M Petralie Mary B Phipps Danielle Nicole Picard Andy Andres Reyes Dalton Andrew Richard Diane Nicole Rodgers Rebecca Rubak Shannon Schlichting Angela G Strandburg Shuyler R Sullivan Matthew Sutliffe Travis Andrew Tovar Chelbi Marie Walk Gavin Lane Wolfe
Hinton receives scholarship Quaker Window Products in Freeburg, Missouri, announced fifteen recipients of this year’s Thomas M. Knoll Memorial Scholarships. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must have a parent or legal guardian working at Quaker or they must be an employee themselves.
Landen Hinton, a graduate of Grain Valley High School, is the son of Edward Cannon, a Delivery Driver for Quaker, and a recipient of this year’s scholarship. Hinton will be studying Accounting at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Fort Osage secures home for new CTC Entrepreneurial Studies program The Fort Osage Board of Education took action at their June 8, 2021, meeting to purchase the former Rockin B Mercantile and Coffee Shop located at 26911 E US Hwy 24, Buckner, MO. The property sits between the District’s main campus and Buckner, MO. “This is a tremendous opportunity for students and our community. Operating a business requires a set of skills that will help students well into the future. Beyond this learning experience for students, our goal is to create a welcoming environment for community members of all ages to enjoy,” Dr. Jason Snodgrass, Superintendent of Schools said. The business will be the new home of the Entrepreneurial Studies program from the Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage. Students in this program are from Fort Osage, Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Oak Grove school districts. Entrepreneurial Studies explores entrepreneurship through running a fully functional student run business. Students will learn about store operations, customer service, marketing and inventory management by operating the new business under the direction of their instructor and a food service manager. Other programs from the Career and Technology Center that will be involved the first year include the marketing and culinary arts programs. The business will be renamed by a committee of staff, students, and community members this summer. The entrepreneur students will begin class at
The Fort Osage School District purchased the former Rockin B Mercantile and Coffee Shop to use as the new home of the Career and Technology Center’s Entrepreneurial Studies program. Photo credit: Fort Osage School District the new location when school begins in August. A tentative opening of the coffee shop is scheduled for October 2021. Once open, the business will serve coffee and a limited food menu. Future plans include an event/meeting space for Fort Osage staff and the community. The student-run business is part of the District’s strategic initiative of Real World Learning that increases the number of graduates who leave high school ready for post secondary learning, work and life. “We are excited to further our work of ensuring all students are successful beyond high school by preparing them to continue their education or enter the workforce. This is just one of many opportunities Fort Osage is engaged in to provide real world learning opportunities for our students,” Snodgrass said.
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It’s fungus, mildew, and weed season Summer is finally here! The warm weather and long days are great for enjoying time with friends and family, but it also brings along three unwelcome guests to your backyard festivities – disease, weeds, and insects. From brown patch to crabgrass to grubs, Westlake Ace Hardware offers these tips to identify and treat some of the most common pests that plague lawns during the summer. Dollar spot is one of the most common diseases that plague lawns every summer. Easily identified as small, silver-dollar-sized patches of brown grass, dollar spot affects nearly every type of turfgrass – including fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass. The disease tends to occur from late spring into autumn, particularly after periods of heavy rain or humidity
and evening temperatures above 60 degrees F. In addition to keeping mowing heights around four inches and not overwatering the lawn during periods of excess precipitation and humidity, dollar spot and other turf diseases can be prevented and cured throughout the growing season with monthly (every four weeks) applications of a fungicide like BioAdvanced Granules. Powdery mildew is another common fungus that affects a wide variety of landscape plants. It’s easily identified as light gray or white powdery spots on leaves. Like dollar spot, powdery mildew thrives during periods of high precipitation and humidity and warm evening temperatures. Though rarely a fatal disease, it is unsightly and can rob plants of valuable nutrition – which
causes weak stems, slow growth, and fewer blooms. To help prevent powdery mildew, thin out and relocate susceptible plants to improve airflow, make consistent applications (according to label instructions) of a copper fungicide like Bonide, and remove dead or diseased foliage (making sure to disinfect the tools afterward). When it comes to common summer weeds, crabgrass is king. Found in all types of lawns, it gets its name from the stems that radiate out from the main clump – which resemble crab legs. It loves hot and dry weather, can spread quickly, and leaves thousands of seeds in the ground that can germinate in the spring. Though it is far easier to prevent crabgrass growth in the early spring with one or two applications of a “preemergent” that both feeds the
lawn and forms a barrier against weed germination, homeowners can also spot treat for it throughout the summer with a ready-to-use product like Ortho WeedClear. Insects like grubs, mosquitos, fleas, Japanese beetles, and ticks can devastate lawns and plants – and cause health issues for humans and pets alike. One of the best ways to prevent pests from ruining backyard summer fun is to avoid creating the right breeding ground for them. Regularly remove, replace, and clean all sources of water such as birdbaths – where pests like mosquitos can lay their eggs. Keep the grass cut and the landscape tidy, as overgrown areas make the perfect homes for all kinds of insects.
Theme: The 4th of July ACROSS 1. Steps to the river, in India 5. Hot springs resort 8. Meal in a shell 12. Driver's misbehavior? 13. *Grilling technique 14. Medal of Honor descriptor 15. Cracked open 16. What Knave of Hearts stole from Queen of Hearts, sing. 17. Raise one's rank 18. *July 4th pyrotechnic display 20. Hubble Space Telescope operator, acr. 21. Chip dip 22. i topper 23. *Main Street tradition on the 4th 26. Superlative of fumy 30. Ribonucleic acid 31. Store as fodder 34. Moonfish 35. Rose oil 37. Number cruncher 38. Fairytale garden dweller 39. Indian Lilac tree 40. Extinct type of zebra 42. Steampunk decoration 43. Did 2 + 2 (2 words) 45. Crocheted blanket 47. Swedish shag rug 48. Ancient port city in Israel 50. Smiley face 52. *First President to hold July 4th celebration at the White House 56. Snoop Dogg's "Gin and ____" 57. Medicinal succulent 58. Hit the bottle 59. Earthenware pots 60. View from a high-speed train? 61. Observer 62. "Glengarry ____ Ross" 63. G, in solfa 64. "The Fountainhead" author
DOWN 1. Former tennis pro Steffi 2. One who's made the pilgrimage to Mecca 3. Petri dish filler 4. Mother of Calcutta 5. Roebuck's partner 6. a.k.a. anorak 7. A in B.A. 8. *"No ____ without representation" 9. Unfortunately, exclamation 10. *Drink to wash down burgers and hot dogs? 11. Table scrap 13. Steal, past participle 14. What haters spew? 19. Crane or heron 22. Expecting woman's date 23. Life force in Sanskrit 24. Chipped in 25. What Motion Picture Association of America did 26. *Most popular July 4th decoration 27. Notable period 28. Polynesian island country 29. Feudal lord 32. Fish a.k.a. porgy 33. Beer acronym 36. *Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an ____" 38. Blooper 40. Sine ____ non 41. Old-timer 44. Force units 46. Wedding tossable 48. Jiggly dessert 49. Run _____ of the law 50. Type of sea bird 51. Agitate 52. Kickboxing moves 53. Miso bean 54. U.S. ____ in golf or tennis 55. Egghead 56. Leisurely run
Sports
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Keller named MVP, leads Team Missouri to 20-12 win over Kansas by Michael Smith The last three weeks have definitely kept recent Grain Valley graduate Cole Keller busy. On May 29, Keller earned all-state honors in the 400-meter run and the 4x200-meter relay at the Missouri High School State Track and Field Championships. Last Saturday, he led the Eagles baseball team to a second-place finish in the Class 5 state tournament. Even after all of that, Keller had no time to rest. This week, he was practicing for Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association BeYOUnion Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game. It’s a football game that featured some of the best seniors in the 2021 class from the Kansas City metro area on the Missouri and Kansas side. Early on, fatigue may have been a factor for the Eagle graduate as he was sacked three times and lost a fumble in the first half. Team Missouri and Keller didn’t have a great first 30 minutes as it trailed Team Kansas 9-6 at halftime. However, Keller found his rhythm in the second half and finished by completing 8 of his 13 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 21 yards to help lead Missouri to a 20
-12 victory, ending the state’s two-game losing streak in the annual contest. For his effort’s, Keller was named Team Missouri’s Most Valuable Player. “It’s pretty cool (to be named MVP),” Keller said. “I don’t know if I deserve it 100 percent. That’s just me being hard on myself. I appreciate the honor and recognition.” Kansas took a 12-6 lead late in the third period after Adam Young’s 20-yard field goal. A long kickoff return from Staley’s Rajon Hill set up Missouri at the Kansas 9-yard line. Keller took advantage by hitting Park Hill South receiver Eric Avery on a slant route during third down for a 9-yard touchdown pass, to put his team up for good at 13-12. “Oh (heck) yeah, he’s solid,” Keller said when asked if he was looking forward to playing with Avery before the game. “All the receivers were so talented and were great route runners.” “He came up to me and said, ‘The slant is open.’ The coach called the play, and I didn’t like the play, so I changed it to a slant. It was a hell of a call and a heck of a catch.” After Missouri got a stop on defense, Missouri scored on its next possession
when Keller ran 27 yards on a read option play that completely fooled the Kansas defense. His big play set up a 17yard touchdown run from Center running back Nosa Ohamnu. Grain Valley coach David Allie, who is the president of the GKCFCA, noted that Team Missouri ran a similar offense the Eagles had last fall, making it easier for Keller to adjust to playing in the all-star game. “They ran a similar-type offense and similar-type schemes that he was used to with us,” Grain Valley coach David Allie said, who was a volunteer at the event. “He made a good read there. He saw the defender commit to the running back and he pulled it and went.” “He did that for us quite a bit.” For Keller, playing in the game was a fun experience. “There’s so much talent out here, even the weak spots are strong,” Keller said. “To be around these guys and be around smart and talented football players definitely elevates your game.” Added Allie: “I am so happy for him to go out like that in his final high school game. What a career!”
Cole Keller was named Team Missouri’s MVP player. Photo credit: Michael Smith
ALTHAUS continued from page 1 KC, the founder of Vision Sports, has formerly worked for Royals Radio Network, and was the Corporate Partnership Sales Manager for the Kansas City Chiefs. Both men who have enjoyed a high degree of success in their own careers did not hesitate to shower Althaus with adoration based on the bonds they have shared over the years. “I have known Bill for 15 years since I came to Grain Valley High School as an administrator. I got to know him through the various activities that I was supervising,” Tarrants said. “Bill has also served as a mentor to my oldest son Blake (who is blind). Bill took him under his wing, mentored him, wrote a couple of articles about him, and has kept up with Blake throughout his college and early adulthood years. It was through this process that I saw the true qualities of Mr. Althaus. There was no benefit for Bill to help out Blake other than just being a good person.” Tarrants finished, “When Bill was inducted into the Grain Valley High School Hall of Fame, I could tell that it was truly an honor for him. Bill was very gracious and considered it as a personal award, not just a professional one.” Johnston echoed many of the
sentiments shared by Tarrants when reflecting on his relationship with Althaus. “I have known Bill for 25 years. It started when I began Vision Sports – broadcasting Blue Springs and Blue Springs South football games on radio. He was a big supporter of it and really helped us get it off the ground,” Johnston said. “Bill is so positive. I have never known a writer to create positive stories about everything he writes. He makes people feel like they are super stars. When my dad was alive, Bill would talk Detroit Tigers baseball with him. Specifically, Al Kaline who was my dad’s hero. I have never forgotten that.” Johnston concluded, “Bill is a good friend. He would do anything for anyone.” Althaus deeply cherishes the relationships he has forged. A reward for four decades of work came full circle for Althaus on June 10th. The Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association, an elite fraternity that is guarded by admission selection, inducted Althaus into their 2021 Hall of Fame class. Althaus is the only newspaper reporter to be inducted during the history of the GKCFCA Hall of Fame.
“It was an honor. Anthony Simone, who started the Simone Award, David Allie who is the president of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association, to see those people who have made such an impact in your life was a great reward,” Althaus said. “Thirty-nine years in one place in the newspaper business is unheard of, especially for a smaller newspaper like the Examiner. We still put out an award winning newspaper every day of the week, even with a smaller staff. It has been so much fun along the way. Some of my best friends now are people who I met when they were student athletes during their junior and senior years in high school.” “In the early 1980’s, I was the beat writer for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. My family watched Christian Okoye’s daughter when he would come to training camp. We got to attend George Brett’s wedding. We were roughly the same age. The persona of the athlete has changed today. It is more sterile now. You do not get to know people like you did back then.” Althaus added, “That is why I like covering high school sports so much now. A Friday night under the lights with
Althaus with GVHS 2021 graduate Cole Keller. Photo credit: Valley News staff a coach and team you respect, there is nothing better in the world than that.”
Grain Valley News selfishly enjoys getting to write Community Profile stories. The effort permits for the residents of our community to know about the fascinating people who call Grain Valley home. We are blessed to have individuals who give to those around them and deserve the spotlight. If you would like to nominate someone for a Community Profile, email news@grainvalleynews.com.
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Valley Speedway results: June 12, 2021 Dirt Demons A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 121-Eric Schmidt[1]; 2. 19-Richard McCaulley[3]; 3. 68-Darrick Brisbin[4]; 4. 14-Mikel Solberg[2]; 5. (DNF) 2-Robert Chase[5]; 6. (DNS) 15-Roman Stump; 7. (DNS) 13-Dylan Bruhn Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 121-Eric Schmidt[4]; 2. 19Richard McCaulley[1]; 3. 14-Mikel Solberg [7]; 4. 68-Darrick Brisbin[3]; 5. 2-Robert Chase[5]; 6. (DNF) 15-Roman Stump[2]; 7. (DNS) 13-Dylan Bruhn E Mods A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 1M-Mike Ryun[3]; 2. 21K-Coleman Browning[1]; 3. 86-Doug Brisbin[5]; 4. 33-Jeremy Curless[2]; 5. 26Devin Wetzel[9]; 6. 75-Rayce Martin[6]; 7. 00-Jason Ensley[8]; 8. 33W-Kevin White [7]; 9. 03-Jimmy Smith[11]; 10. 42-Dalton Krysa[12]; 11. (DNF) 65-Jason Smith[13]; 12. (DNF) 22-Dustin Dillon[10]; 13. (DNF) 55JJosh Marshall[4] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 33-Jeremy Curless[2]; 2. 21K-Coleman Browning[7]; 3. 86-Doug Brisbin[5]; 4. 26-Devin Wetzel[1]; 5. 00Jason Ensley[6]; 6. (DNF) 42-Dalton Krysa [4]; 7. (DNF) 65-Jason Smith[3]
Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 55J-Josh Marshall[1]; 2. 1M-Mike Ryun[4]; 3. 33W-Kevin White[3]; 4. 75-Rayce Martin[6]; 5. 22-Dustin Dillon [2]; 6. 03-Jimmy Smith[5] IMCA Northern SportMod A Feature 1 (25 Laps): 1. 81JR-Dan Charles [4]; 2. 81-Austin Charles[2]; 3. 93SS-Chad Shaw[6]; 4. T25-Tim Stallbaumer[10]; 5. 36-Brian Andrews[8]; 6. 73M-Charles McCartney[7]; 7. 15A-Allen Anders[5]; 8. 29 -Stanley Boose[11]; 9. (DNF) 24C-Marshall Cramer[1]; 10. (DNF) 75-Scotty Martin[3]; 11. (DNS) 50-Gary Holthaus Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 81-Austin Charles[2]; 2. 73M-Charles McCartney[5]; 3. 24CMarshall Cramer[1]; 4. 50-Gary Holthaus [6]; 5. (DNF) 15A-Allen Anders[4]; 6. (DNF) T25-Tim Stallbaumer[3] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 81JR-Dan Charles[3]; 2. 93SS-Chad Shaw[4]; 3. 75-Scotty Martin [2]; 4. 36-Brian Andrews[5]; 5. (DNF) 29Stanley Boose[1] IMCA Stars Mod Lites A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 64-David Raffurty [5]; 2. 41-Michael Raffurty[6]; 3. 46-Dillon
Raffurty[9]; 4. 3-Nathan Wolfe[4]; 5. 34Tyler Furrell[11]; 6. 75-Justin Raffurty[8]; 7. 73-Tony Kerr[3]; 8. 23K-Kaden Cochrun [10]; 9. 03-James Beebe[1]; 10. 10-Steven Culbertson[13]; 11. (DNF) 84-Joe Gunn[12]; 12. (DNF) 4K-Garrett Stonum[7]; 13. (DNF) 3XL-Josh Guy[2] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 3-Nathan Wolfe[4]; 2. 75 -Justin Raffurty[6]; 3. 41-Michael Raffurty [5]; 4. 03-James Beebe[2]; 5. 23K-Kaden Cochrun[7]; 6. 34-Tyler Furrell[3]; 7. 10Steven Culbertson[1] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 46-Dillon Raffurty[6]; 2. 64-David Raffurty[4]; 3. 4K-Garrett Stonum[5]; 4. 3XL-Josh Guy[2]; 5. 73-Tony Kerr[3]; 6. 84-Joe Gunn[1] Valley Powri Midgets A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 321-Chad Winfrey [3]; 2. 444-Kameron Key[2]; 3. 51-Joe Walker[1]; 4. 9-Morgan Frewaldt[7]; 5. 9XBrad Wyatt[6]; 6. 4C-Chad Frewaldt[4]; 7. 2C-Trevor Casey[5]; 8. 5H-Casey Hicks[8]; 9. 22-Tanner Allen[9] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 51-Joe Walker[5]; 2. 321Chad Winfrey[3]; 3. 2C-Trevor Casey[2]; 4. 9-Morgan Frewaldt[4]; 5. 22-Tanner Allen
[1] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 444-Kameron Key[3]; 2. 4C-Chad Frewaldt[1]; 3. 9X-Brad Wyatt[2]; 4. 5H-Casey Hicks[4] IMCA Stock Car A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 46-JJ Baumli[5]; 2. 67X-Brandon Williams[12]; 3. 94-Josh Steele[9]; 4. 03-Lance Dixon[16]; 5. 91Brad labonte[13]; 6. 211-Dale Eaton[8]; 7. 14C-Bill Carter[14]; 8. (DNF) 5-Jim Adkins [11]; 9. (DNF) 99-Brian Labonte[3]; 10. (DNF) X9-Brad Whitney[10]; 11. (DNF) 20X-Carson Masoner[4]; 12. (DNF) 17X-Jon Boller Jr[7]; 13. (DNF) 48X-Jim Masoner Jr[15]; 14. (DNF) 2X-Ricky Bobby[1]; 15. (DNF) 47X-Connor Masoner[2]; 16. (DNF) 34X-Mich Ross[6] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 34X-Mich Ross[4]; 2. 211Dale Eaton[6]; 3. 94-Josh Steele[7]; 4. 2XRicky Bobby[1]; 5. 20X-Carson Masoner[3]; 6. 5-Jim Adkins[2]; 7. 91-Brad labonte[8]; 8. 48X-Jim Masoner Jr[5] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 99-Brian Labonte[2]; 2. 47X-Connor Masoner[1]; 3. 46-JJ Baumli [3]; 4. 17X-Jon Boller Jr[5]; 5. X9-Brad Whitney[7]; 6. 67X-Brandon Williams[6]; 7. (DNF) 14C-Bill Carter[4]
LaForge named 2020-21 Lea Plarski Award winner GVHS graduate and Johnson County Community College student Gracelyn LaForge has been named the 2020-21 Lea Plarski Award winner, given annually to the NJCAA student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, and athletic ability. As a two-year starter on the Cavalier's volleyball team, La Forge excelled on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. Voted by her peers as a team captain, LaForge
was instrumental in Johnson County claiming the 2020-21 NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship title. In the national title match, the fourth -seeded Cavaliers defeated No. 1 Parkland in four sets. A consistent force on the front row, LaForge posted seven block assists, nine kills, and a .316 hitting percentage in her final contest with Johnson County. LaForge started in all of Johnson County's 29 matches this season, averaging 2.59 kills per set, a .359 hitting
percentage, and 0.75 blocks per set. These season efforts earned the outside hitter First Team All-America honors. LaForge's distinct leadership abilities and dedication on the volleyball court carried over to her efforts in the classroom. As an occupational therapy major, LaForge earned a 3.83 cumulative grade point average at Johnson County. In a demanding curriculum that is best known for the preparation provided to students who enter the workforce after graduation or transfer to a four-year institution, LaForge earned a perfect 4.00 GPA during multiple terms. The passion for occupational therapy that LaForge possesses in the classroom is evident in the actions she takes within the community. LaForge has dedicated time in her busy schedule to volunteer at a preschool, assisting children with special needs with development. With compassion for others, LaForge spent time during the summer of 2020 fundraising for and distributing packages to those in her local community that the COVID-19
Gracelyn LaForge has been named the 2020-21 Lea Plarski Award winner. Photo credit: NJCAA pandemic has impacted. Next year, LaForge will transfer to NCAA Division II Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO to continue her academic and athletic careers as a member of the Hawks' volleyball team. LaForge will be honored during the
see LaForge on page 12
LaForge continued from page 11 inaugural NJCAA Foundation Awards event, presented by the Nicole and David Tepper Foundation, held virtually on Thursday, June 24 at 5:30pm CST. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the inaugural class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame. The NJCAA's Lea Plarski Award is handed out annually in the name of former NJCAA President Lea Plarski as recognition of her tremendous service to the NJCAA and two-year college athletics. The former director of athletics at St. Louis Community College/ Florissant Valley, Plarski helped to
establish the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975. She served as VicePresident for Women from 1975-1990 when she made NJCAA history as the first female ever elected to the office of President, a position she held from 1990 -1996. In honor of her numerous accomplishments, as well as her undeniable dedication to the studentathlete, the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award was created. Since 1995, the award has been presented to an NJCAA studentathlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, athletic ability, and achievements – qualities that were the cornerstones of the Plarski "era".
BOARD continued from page 1 cooperation during the audit process and noted the increase in sales tax revenue and franchise tax payments in 2020. Grant revenue increased by approximately $950,000, thanks mainly to CARES Act funding. Following a public hearing, the Board approved the first reading of two ordinances changing the zoning of two tracts intended for the development
Greystone West. The planned development includes 13 four-plex buildings for a total of 52 units and 3 retail/office buildings, and a 3-story 48unit senior apartment building. Aldermen Cleaver and Knox voted against both ordinances. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, June 28th at 7:00pm.
Community Calendar Thursday, June 17, 2021
Monday, July 12, 2021
Community Development Event 5:00pm—7:00pm Armstrong Park Free fun for the whole family! Photo booth, games, raffle with awesome prizes, and more. Public works demos, citizen education. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks provided.
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
July 19—23, 2021
Food Truck Fridays Friday nights through September 10th 4:30pm—8:00pm Located in the lot behind Grain Valley Community Center See www.grainvalleyfair.org for weekly lineup.
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. Free— pre-registration is required. For more information and to apply, call 816-847-6250 or gvmopd@cityofgrainvalley.org.
Monday, June 28, 2021
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
Purple Peace Foundation’s “Cruise for Consciousness” Car Show 11:00am—3:00pm Armstrong Park, Grain Valley www.purplepeacefoundation.org.
Friday, June 18, 2021
Monday, July 5, 2021 Independence Day holiday City Hall offices closed
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