Valley News: June 18, 2020 by grainvalleynews

Valley News JUNE 18, 2020

www.grainvalleynews.com

Pool, City Facilities Reopen; Senior Luncheons Postponed A bit of normalcy has resumed at City Hall, the Community Center, and city parks with the reopening of some facilities and programs. The Grain Valley Aquatic Center opened Saturday, June 13th, and City Hall reopened June 15th. The Community Center resumed normal hours of operation on June 8th. “We still have some programs/classes that we just are not able to offer due to social distancing restrictions but the Fitness Center and Gymnasium are open again and we are taking room rentals,” Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies said.

“The ﬁrst weekend of the pool went really well. We never reached capacity, but we had a nice steady flow of patrons both Saturday and Sunday and are really appreciative of everyone's patience with the COVID-19 restrictions that we had to implement.” While playgrounds remain closed, all other park amenities are currently open to the public with some restrictions per Phase 2 of Jackson County's Recovery Plan. Davies is hopeful playgrounds can reopen in Phase 3 of the County’s plan. Baseball/softball ﬁeld rentals have been very popular this month, according

Vol. 3, No. 24

FREE

Good News: Library Resumes Select In Branch Services

see CITY on page 2

Mayor Todd Concludes Term After More Than A Decade Of Service To City Mayor Mike Todd concludes his term on June 22nd after 16 years of service to Grain Valley. Todd began his service to the City of Grain Valley in 2004 as an Alderman and has served as Mayor since 2010. Grain Valley has seen historic growth during Todd’s tenure. Todd and the Board of Aldermen were part of the planning and infrastructure of the development of the area surrounding the I-70 interchange area and Rosewood Hills and Woodbury subdivisions. Todd has also been involved in several community building

efforts in the City, including the Trail or Treat event established 8 years ago, establishing the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund two years ago, and the formation of the Grain Valley Youth Engagement Services (GV YES). “It has been a great experience for myself and my family. We got to experience a lot of wonderful things from lighting the Mayor's Christmas Tree to dressing up at Trail or Treat to many more. It has given me a chance to really give back to my community and at the same time has shown my daughter what service to one's community is,”

see TODD on page 2

Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) resumed select in-branch services on Tuesday, June 16th. The ﬁrst hour of inbranch service will be reserved for customers ages 60+ and other members of populations vulnerable to COVID-19. Curbside service, launched on May 18th, will continue to be available for customers to pick up items they have put on hold. During this next phase of Library service, customers will be allowed inside MCPL branches for no more than 90 minutes per day. Limited public computers will be available for use as well as printing, copying, and faxing services and indoor use of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi continues to be available outside of each of the Library’s branches 24-hours a day. Customers are asked to maintain social distance while utilizing all available library services and are encouraged to wear masks inside the branches. Customers without masks

may be asked to put on a libraryprovided mask if they need staff assistance while using a public computer. Services that are still not available include: browsing shelves, meeting room usage, gathering in large groups, and using children’s computers. Prizes for the Summer Reading program will be mailed rather than picked up at the branch, and in-person library events are postponed. Virtual events are available on MCPL’s social media pages. Library services will end one hour prior to each branch’s normal closing time to allow for additional cleaning. All returns must continue to be placed in the outdoor book drops. Returned items will be retrieved from the book drops and quarantined for at least 72 hours before being checked back into the Library’s collection. This time will not count against due dates and ﬁnes will not be assessed until July 1st.

Local News

Page 2

Police Blotter

TODD continued from page 1 Todd said. “There are lots of things I'm proud we accomplished as a community. We have had tremendous commercial and residential growth while at the same time keeping Grain Valley one of the safest cities in Missouri. We've lowered our tax levy several times while keeping our services at a great level for our residents. Over the last several years we have really seen community pride when it comes to our events. Attendance at these events has gone up and it really helps to keep that small town feel. Throughout all of this, it is also important to me that we have continued to be able to offer senior citizen discounts on water along with free Community Center memberships. One of the things I'm most proud of is our staff. I'm probably biased, but I truly believe our city employees are the best group of city staff you will ﬁnd in the state of Missouri.” Todd and his wife Tosha have worked alongside a team of volunteers

to coordinate the Grain Valley Fair and parade for several years. The Fair added a 5K event two years ago, the proceeds of which benefit local nonprofit organizations. Todd will remain active with the Fair committee, who has recently teamed with the Grain Valley Partnership to offer Food Truck Fridays in downtown Grain Valley beginning June 19th. As Todd steps away from City leadership, he says he is proud of the work completed and will miss working with the community and City staff in this capacity. As for things he won’t miss, he could only think of one thing. “Unfortunately, with the rise in social media we have seen negativity increase as well. Not just in Grain Valley, but everywhere. I won't miss the negative attacks based on half-truths and inaccurate information. After these years, it’s still difficult to sit back and see it occurring, but in the position of an elected official you can't really respond for a number of reasons.”

CITY continued from page 1 to Davies. “We can allow practices on our ﬁelds in Phase 2, just no tournaments. So several of these youth teams have been practicing in preparation for tournaments scheduled in surrounding counties where tournaments are

allowed.” One popular program not returning in the near future are the monthly senior luncheons. The July senior luncheon has been canceled, and future luncheons have been postponed until further notice.

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of June 3-9, 2020. June 3, 2020 Valley Cir 500 Block NW Willow Burr Oak Ln 700 Block Main St Red Oak Ct 400 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Jackie 1200 Block Phelps 1300 Block NW Lindenwood 1100 Block Main St 700 Block Meadow June 4, 2020 McQuerry Rd 200 Block NE Katie Ct Cross Creek/Stonebrook 100 Block Cross Creek 2200 Block Broadway 29000 Block E 24 Hwy 200 Block Woodbury Main & Broadway 200 Block Main St June 5, 2020 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St South City Limits 1000 Block NE McQuerry Rd Minter/Addie Ln Hilltop Ln 700 Block Cross Creek Dr 1200 Block Hillsboro BB Hwy/McQuerry 600 Block Jefferson 800 Block San Kar 700 Block Greystone 600 Block Crestview Casey/Jefferson June 6, 2020 Golfview/Meadow 700 Block RD Mize Rd

Burglary Stealing Suspicious Juvenile Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Property Damage Counterfeit Bills Identity Theft Citizen Assist Alarm Disturbance Alarm

Suspicious Person Suspicious Juveniles Recovered Stolen Motorcycle 911 Hang Up Agency Assist (OGPD) Agency Assist (JCSO) Alarm Animal in Roadway Citizen Contact

Lost Property Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency Assist (Buckner PD) Check the Well Being Debris in Roadway Suspicious Person Harassment Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Assault Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Agency Assist (JCSO)

I70 Hwy 2300 Block Hedgewood 100 Block Rock Creek Ln Muriel/Meadowood 800 Block Lee Ann 700 Block Main St San Kar/S Outer Belt Rd 800 Block San Kar 800 Block San Kar I70 Hwy/East Off Ramp 700 Block Main St

Agency Assist (MSHP) Suspicious Activity Disturbance Parking Complaint Alarm Recovered Stolen RV Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Motor Vehicle Theft C&I Driver Disturbance

June 7, 2020 1400 Block Willow 400 Block Hamilton Ln 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block NW Sycamore Main St/I 70 Hwy 700 Block Main St 1200 Block NW Boxelder Ct

Trespassing Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Theft Motor Vehicle Accident Found Property Citizen Contact

June 8, 2020 1900 Block NW Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 100 Block Walnut S Buckner Tarsney 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St BB Hwy/Ryan Rd 100 Block S Buckner Tarsney Rd

Parking Complaint Identity Theft Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Assist (JCSO) Stealing Burglary Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Motor Vehicle Accident

June 9, 2020 1500 Block Eagle Ridge Dr 500 Block NW Willow 800 Block Country Hill BB Hwy/Duncan Rd 700 Block Main St 800 Block Lee Ann 700 Block Main St East City Limits 400 Block Rock Creek Ln 200 Block Parker

Harassment Citizen Contact Solicitors Agency Assist (JCSO) Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Agency Assist (Buckner PD) Stealing Citizen Contact

C&I Vehicles Stolen RV

Valley News Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer

Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @grainvalleynews

Have Valley News delivered weekly to your inbox. Sign up for our weekly email at www.grainvalleynews.com. Guest columns, Community Proﬁle recommendations, and news ideas are welcome via email: news@grainvalleynews.com.

Join the conversation online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleynews).

Page 3

Looking Back: 1932 May Festival by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society When Grain Valley’s ﬁrst brick school burned in 1925 it was replaced by a new $75,000 building considered to be one of the ﬁnest schools in Jackson County. The new building had both a gymnasium and a stage. Any one graduating from GVHS between 1926 and 1964 received their diploma on that very stage. Students also performed on that stage. From vocal music and band concerts to musical revues and plays, it was the cultural center of Grain Valley where many of us “old-timers” remember with fondness our “great times” on stage. The photo above of the 1932 May Festival was undoubtably one of those great times. While we will never know how the yearly festival began, it may have been influence by the famous Ziegfeld Follies. The follies, a musical spectacular, were the American version of Folies Bergere of Paris. Begun by Florenz Ziegfeld in 1907, the follies came to the Amsterdam Theater in New York in 1913. They lasted into the 1930s and had a tremendous influence on American musical theater.

Student performers for the 1932 May Festival , held on stage at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society Since we will never know her motivation for producing and directing the May Festival, I am going to believe Mrs. Scott, the music teacher, was influenced by Ziegfeld, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin and others to bring entertainment and culture to our town. As for the photo, there are no names

but I do recognize Linnea Snow and Paulina Farley, the ﬁrst two girls on the front row. I also know their dresses, along with many others in the photo, were made from crepe paper. Costumes made from crepe paper was very popular back them. The rabbits on the front row are wearing long

underwear, but judging from the size of it, I’m thinks it must have belonged to an older, and much bigger, brother!

Visit the Historical Society to see this and many other photos from Grain Valley “back in the day.”

Healthy Summer Grilling by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD

Tracey Shaffer is a registered and licensed dietitian and owner of KC Nutrition Coach in Eastern Jackson County. She can be reached at tracey@kcnutritioncoach.com.

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs and Asparagus

Grilled foods can be a very healthy choice, but you may have heard that grilled foods may increase the risk of cancer. So what are the facts? Are grilled foods healthy or not? Grilling over high heat releases fat from cooking meat. While this way of cooking can be very heart healthy due to the release of these fats from meat, according to the National Cancer Institute some potentially harmful chemicals can form when fat burns over an open flame. Other chemicals form when high heat causes a chemical reaction in the cooking meat. Animals exposed to very high levels of these harmful chemicals, called carcinogens, may develop cancer. The jury is still out on whether these carcinogens affect humans, but there are some limited scientiﬁc studies suggesting that high consumption of well-done, fried, and barbecued meats is associated with various types of cancer. Don’t let these studies scare you away from grilling. There are some general guidelines to make grilling safer. Here are some tips: Clean the grill before cooking! The leftover char from that last cookout contains the chemicals we are trying to avoid.

Avoid direct exposure of meat to open flame and avoid prolonged cooking times. Cook your meat thoroughly, but don’t overcook it – use a thermometer to achieve the proper internal temperature. Flip meat frequently as it cooks. This reduces the amount of harmful chemicals produced during cooking. Cook lean meats. Remove skin and visible fat before grilling and choose leaner cuts to reduce the amount of fat that releases from the meat. Remove heavily charred or burned crust from the meat before consuming. Try grilled vegetables and fruits instead of meat. Vegetables and fruits are not only tasty when grilled, they contain little to no cancer-causing chemicals Grilled meats can be healthy and delicious. By following the tips above you will avoid any potentially dangerous chemicals and enjoy your outdoor summer meals. Try this delicious recipe for your summer outings:

Serves: 4 Ingredients: ¼ cup garlic-flavored olive oil ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp lemon zest 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp 1 Vidalia onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 pound asparagus, trimmed Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Combine olive oil, cayenne pepper and lemon peel. Set aside. On each of 8 skewers, thread shrimp, onion and bell pepper. Lay asparagus side-by-side and pierce onto 2 wooden skewers to form a raft. Place asparagus rafts and shrimp kabobs on the grill. Brush with olive oil mixture. Grill kabobs over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done. Grill 10 minutes, turning once. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition per serving: 300 calories, total fat 16 grams, saturated fat 2.5 grams, cholesterol 170 milligrams, sodium 170 milligrams, total carbohydrates 12 grams, protein 26 grams

G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY.

www.grainvalleynews.com

Business

Page 4

As Missouri Reopens, Unemployment Requirements Return As Missouri continues to reopen under the Show Me Strong Recovery effort and businesses resume operation, the Missouri Department of Labor’s (DOLIR’s) Division of Employment Security (DES) announces the return of unemployment requirements. Work Search Activities Resume Beginning with the week of July 5, 2020, individuals wishing to continue to receive unemployment benefits (including the $600 federal supplement available through July 25, 2020) will be required to perform work search activities that had been lifted for those that had filed a coronavirus-related unemployment claim. Work search activities are required for programs including regular Unemployment Insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Extended Benefits (EB), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). Individuals with an employer-submitted recall date, in approved training, and those employees on the Shared Work program will be exempt from the work search requirement. All other claimants will be

required to perform and report three work search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits. Union members with a hiring or referral hall may contact their hall three times per week or attend training for the required number of work search activities. Qualified work search activities include, but are not limited to, filing an application (online or in-person) with an employer or through job posting sites or attending a job fair, job interview, reemployment service or skills workshop. Part-time employment performed during a week is credited on a per-day basis. Missouri Job Centers are available to assist unemployed workers with these requirements by providing customized job searches through jobs.mo.gov, job fairs, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) appointments, workshops to help develop and refine skills and other training programs. Employers are encouraged to post job openings on MoJobs. For more information about services available through the Missouri Job Centers, visit jobs.mo.gov.

Employer Account Charges Will Resume Also beginning July 5, 2020, employers will once again be charged for unemployment claims against their account. Employers wishing to reduce the amount of charges being made against their accounts are encouraged to report employees that either refuse to return to work or are receiving pay through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Employers can report those instances through their UInteract account or by visiting labor.mo.gov and clicking on “Report Employee Work Refusals” or “Report PPP Wages Paid to Employees.” Separately, guidance will be provided related to the Shared Work program and any continued waiver of employer account charges. Waiting Week Resumes for All New Unemployment Claims For those filing for unemployment in Missouri on or after July 5, 2020, a waiting week requirement will again be imposed. The waiting week is the first week of a claim for which the individual is eligible for unemployment benefits but during this week, such individual is

not paid benefits. Individuals who are approved for benefits may receive compensation for the waiting week as the last payment on the regular unemployment claim. The DES reminds unemployed workers that they should report any earnings (including PPP payments) and any work refusal when filing their weekly request for payment. Failing to do so will result in an overpayment of unemployment benefits. Any overpaid benefits (including the $600 federal supplement) will have to be repaid before an individual can receive any future unemployment benefits. Additionally, failing to report earnings and work refusals can be considered fraud and the individual could be subject to fines of up to 100 percent of overpaid amounts and criminal prosecution. For questions regarding Missouri unemployment, please utilize the DES virtual assistant at labor.mo.gov and visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus

Jackson County Announces Paid Parental Leave Policy In a press conference held June 17th, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., in coordination with the Women’s Foundation, announced a paid parental leave policy for public employees. The executive order establishes up to 12 weeks of guaranteed paid parental leave for all eligible County staff following the birth or adoption of a child. The new paid parental leave policy, which adds an additional seven weeks to the current policy of ﬁve weeks, extends to same sex parents and takes effect immediately. “Many people struggle to care for their families, go into debt or even lose their jobs for simply having a baby. Today, we’re sending a message that families come ﬁrst at Jackson County. We’re sending a message that quality of life is important to us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr said. “Our new, expanded paid parental leave policy is equal, adequate and accessible. It ensures our Associates, no matter their job, salary or status, have the opportunity to be there for the most precious moments of their lives. With the support of the Women’s Foundation, we are proud to be a leader in this nationwide effort and encourage others to join us by taking a stand for working parents to build stronger families.” The County’s new paid parental leave policy includes the following highlights: Up to 12 weeks of leave at 100% of the eligible staff member’s pay. Applies to mothers and fathers equally, and to both parents if they are eligible County staff. Can be taken all at once or intermittently.

An eligible staff member must start the paid leave within 12 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child. Allows County staff who have experienced an eligible birth or adoption within the 12 months prior to the policy’s effective date to access additional paid leave. “Childbirth and parenting a newborn are physically and mentally hard. It takes time to heal, time to get on a schedule, time to prepare for childcare, time to care for a partner,” Whitney Miller, new mother and Department of Collection Director said. “New parents deserve the time to put all of their energy into their new baby so they can return to work feeling more prepared and focused. This new policy gives associates at every level of County employment just that and I hope today’s action by the County Executive encourages other public entities to follow his lead.” “When children are born, it’s all hands -on deck for families. Having time to spend together and support each other makes the lives of mom, dad and baby less stressful and more joyful,” Matt Davis, father of two and Jackson County Associate said. “This new policy demonstrates that Jackson County values their associates and their families, is considerate of their health and well-being and is forward-thinking about policies to make this organization a better place to work.” Expanding access to paid parental leave has been a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which has been working to educate public ofﬁcials on the importance of the beneﬁt,

advocating for 12 weeks of paid parental leave at 100% pay for state employees. As a result, the Women’s Foundation has helped secure paid parental leave to more than 100,000 state employees in Missouri and Kansas. "Paid family leave empowers women, their families and helps build thriving communities,” Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO said. “The commitment County Executive White and his team have made to strengthen Jackson County’s economy and associates' families sets a new standard for both state and local governments.” Women’s Foundation research, commissioned in partnership with the

University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, found that paid leave programs prevent families from falling into poverty, reduce reliance on public assistance, recruit and retain talented employees and increase worker productivity. It also found about 35% of the country believes expanding paid leave should be a top government priority. County Executive White’s announcement today comes on the heels of the County fully implementing the recommendations from a compensation study that ensured all county associates are making a competitive and living wage.

Education

Page 5

Local Students Named To

MCC Releases Spring Dean’s List

Missouri State Dean’s List

Metropolitan Community College has released the Dean's List for the Spring 2020 semester. The 3,265 students who received Dean's List recognition this semester earned a GPA of at least 3.5 while being enrolled in six or more credit hours.

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean’s list. The following students from Grain Valley were named to the Spring 2020 Dean’s List: Paityn Forgey Kaylyn Gasser Mackenzie Jenkins

Christopher Minx Angelina Navarro Kaitlyn Petty Jakob Rogers Skylar Schmidt For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale).

Grain Valley: Jessica Arends Gregory Allen Armstrong Julia Marie Bagby Cortnee Jean Barnett Bianca Bautista Taffy Ann Beachner Stephanie Sue Branson Bailey Michelle Burney Breanna Bunney Breanda Carlton Angel Castillo Amanda Nicole Cole Jadalyn Crozier Morgan Elizabeth Crozier Ryan Leann Erwin Elizabeth Louise Favor Alana Maria Gorman Matt Ryan Green

Ethan L Grisham Kyle R Hammond Jackson Adam Hoover Andrea Marie James Brittney Rose Konko Lisa Kay Kutzner Payton Rylee Lawhead Elizabeth Lawrence Jacquelyn Renae Lowe Kaylee Michelson Aby Leann Miller Hayden Dallas Mitchell Spencer Owens Sam Petralie Andy Andres Reyes Allison Ericka Riker Rebecca Rubak Maria Cruz Ruiz Albor Brenda Salgado Jake Anthony Spangler Peyton William Temple Montana Vaughn Jill Breanne Wenger Hillary Danielle Wheeler Robert Hayden White Adam Christopher Williams

Kids Are Online More These Days, Here’s How To Keep Them Safe (StatePoint) Children are spending more time online due to social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the internet can be an amazing gateway to knowledge and a tool to connect with family and friends, if parents and caregivers don’t follow certain precautions, it can also pose safety hazards. Indeed, the United Nations has warned that the increased unstructured time online has put millions of children at greater risk of both cyberbullying and of being exposed to harmful content. Experts note that in the same way ﬁnancial scammers have been working in overdrive to exploit the current crisis, the internet has also seen a surge of online predators targeting children. Fortunately, there are effective actions parents can take to help keep kids safe online so that they can

continue to reap the educational and social beneﬁts of online use. Have a Dialogue: While you may be working remotely or otherwise occupied, if possible, try to spend time in the same room as your kids during the day so you can keep tabs on them. An open dialogue can go a long way toward establishing mutual trust between generations. Parents should have a respectful discussion with children about what kinds of activities they are engaging in online and who they are communicating with. This discussion should include what constitutes inappropriate content. Let kids know they can come to you if they are being sent images or messages that fall into this category. Steer Children to Quality Content: From free educational gaming apps to the online educational resources offered

by museums and your local library, actively encourage your kids to explore the wealth of positive content designed for students and young people.

any time. With the app, parents can even view screenshots of kids’ digital activity on Apple devices (this feature will be available on Android soon.)

Update Devices: Be sure to keep your family’s devices safeguarded from hackers and malware by installing the latest updates.

“These abilities allow families to create and maintain a well-balanced schedule, while also offering parents a valuable tool for protecting their kids from unsafe content and people,” Michele Havner, director of marketing for Eturi Corp., makers of OurPact said.

Use New Tools: New tools can help parents effectively keep screen time in check. One tool for parents is OurPact, a screen time management solution. Parents can limit app access automatically for recurring activities like school or bedtime, and can block or grant internet access on a child’s device

To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com. While the current crisis has created new online hazards that families should be aware of, parents can be proactive about keepings kids safe.

Community Voices

Page 6

Musings From The Middle: A Tribute To Frank V. Colton, 1935-2019 by Cathy Allie I am guessing it just started as one trip to a ballpark on one of their vacations, likely to catch that team playing his beloved Cardinals, which led to my dad to decide to visit almost every major league ballpark in the country and one in Canada, all with my mom as his co-pilot. My parents made swings out west and swings to the northeast, and many swings through St. Louis, dutifully pinmarking each stop on a map displayed at home. Friendly patrons snapped their photo at each game, and dad frequently reported back to me on the beer and peanuts quality at the ballpark. Mom was a good sport through that and his many adventures: repairing old MGB and Triumph cars, a brief stint with camping, a two round a week golf habit, and learning to play a couple of instruments. He returned the favor by supporting her interest in the arts and music. We lost my dad to this earth in December, but sadly, we had gradually lost his spirit and his mind to dementia prior to that. It was arduous, particularly on Mom, who had to provide almost round the clock care the last couple of years, and to see the man we loved reduced to sometimes garbled thoughts and speech. The cruelty of diseases effecting the mind is almost unbearable. My dad was a patient, yet impatient man. He had the patience to research and publish a book about his beloved hometown country club, the patience to faithfully rehab his arm after a shoulder surgery, and the patience to apply fertilizer, winterizer, and weed and feed to his yard each year, a task I have yet to accomplish. He was patient enough to fly ﬁsh a little and to hunt quail and ducks, but told me he never had the heart to hunt deer. He loved a good piece of fried quail with drippings gravy. So do I. He was patient when letting grandkids pull on his ears and nose and crawl all over him or when giving them rides on his John Deere lawn tractor. He enjoyed an occasional episode of Peppa Pig or Thomas the Train long after the kids no longer watched them. He was much less patient with drivers who failed to use turn signals or obey trafﬁc laws, students at the medical school where he worked who didn’t want to study, and occasionally his children, who for some reason could never remember to turn off lights when they left a room. My dad was a funny, yet serious man. He loved one-liners, waited for the

Wayne’s World will return next week.

minister’s joke each week during the sermon, and wrote clever song lyrics to sing while he played his guitar. In his younger days, according to Mom, he and his college buddies got a kick out of The Three Stooges and their antics, so he wasn’t above some of the sophomoric stuff. In later years, he loved Cheers and could recite many of Norm and Cliff’s lines from memory. He was not stand-up-comedian type funny, but he was mischievous, and he had pretty good timing. I can picture his face and a little sideways smirk he gave right before cracking wise. He loved a funny greeting card almost as much as the present that accompanied it. I remember he would answer the phone when my sis and I were in junior high and high school by saying “Colton’s summer home. Some are home and some are not. Who do you want?”. Or maybe if a boyfriend said, “Is Cathy home?” when they called, he might just say, “Yes, she is” and hang up. After all, he had answered the question, right? He invited a couple of my dates to the back deck to have a beer with him while I finished getting ready. The ones I was able to forewarn refused the beer and made it through the test, but a couple of really cute ones couldn’t resist a sip. Here’s to potential lost loves! My brother is an absolute hoot, and I can’t help seeing a little of dad in him. Somebody told me the other day that I was funny, and somehow it made me miss my dad a lot. I would do anything to hear him tell a joke again. He was more serious about his faith, first as an altar boy, then as an usher, and always a regular attender at church. He was also pretty serious about being on time. He was always the first one ready, urging us all out the door (see reference to impatience here…). And I bet I could count on one hand the number of times he didn’t work his 9 to 5 shift, at his desk in at least a sport coat and a worst a collared shirt, shoes with a coat of polish applied the night before, taking exactly one hour for lunch. I can attest to the fact that if Dad worked for you, you got your money’s worth. My dad was loyal, almost to a fault. You learn a lot about loyalty when you are a Missouri Tiger football and basketball fan. A season ticket holder at Mizzou for many years, sometimes my dad’s misery over their performance was almost palpable. But when he passed away, his closet still contained plenty of Mizzou gear, and he wore a Tiger watch on his frail arm until the very end. My dad was also loyal to his St. Louis Cardinals and spoke fondly about games with his dad and grandad at old Sportsman’s Park. I have a highly treasured picture of my dad and me on the way to probably the last game he watched at Busch Stadium, his ball cap

placed jauntily on his head, clothed in a Musial jersey. You would have been hard pressed not to ﬁnd a Card’s game or pro golf event on his TV at home on a Sunday afternoon, the time of day when he

freedom it gave me, and he piddled with it just enough to keep it running. He gifted me the example of strong work ethic, and my own work ethic has been a point of pride through the years. He gave us the gift of believing in all of

Frank Colton with his wife Linda. Photo courtesy Cathy Allie. checked the insides of his eyelids for cracks. He saw many of the greats play golf and proclaimed Scotland to be too beautiful to describe after he went to St. Andrews. His collection of books about baseball and golf would embarrass most sports libraries. My dad was a purist, but he liked to try new things, too. He followed the rules of golf the way they were written in Bobby Jones days, scoffed at baseball’s designated hitter rule, liked a baked potato with his steak, and told me once he preferred a wrapped gift to a gift bag delivery. But when KFC came out with crispy chicken in addition to original, he would have a piece of both. And he had a Callaway and one of those fancy longer putters in his golf bag, even though he preferred the old clubs he had regripped multiple times. My dad gave me lots of gifts, both the tangible and metaphorical kinds. He gifted all of us with intelligent conversation and the knowledge that home was a safe, loving place to express an opinion or learn one. He enjoyed the gift of music, and in particular James Taylor and saxophonists who could play jazz, but he could name lots of classical pieces by ear. He and mom gifted me my ﬁrst car, a yellow VW Bug, whose heater was questionable and whose floorboards were thin. I loved that car and the

us. The best story I have about that was when as a young driver I was in an accident that was not my fault. The adults involved blamed me, but Dad believed me. He turned into Perry Mason, entering a plea in small claims court. We sat at the intersection, timing the trafﬁc lights, had my engineer uncle help us with a to-scale diagram of the accident site, complete with tiny moving cars, and rehearsed his opening statement. We ate Chinese at the fanciest place in town to celebrate our less than $500 victory. Perhaps the greatest gift he gave our whole family was loving my mom. Even this last fall, when many things were hard for him to do, he attended her choral concert and almost cried when he heard their beautiful songs. He claimed he could hear mom’s voice amid them all, and my guess is he truly could. I wanted to type this column before he passed away and never did it, a regret I will live with a long time. I have been telling myself that it was perhaps because my dad was hard to quantify, but in reality, a tribute seemed such a small gesture of what I felt for him. I can only hope that by sharing him with you now, near a time we celebrate our fathers, I have honored him in some way.

Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Ofﬁcer.

Community Voices

Page 7

Community Profile: David “Sam” Luttrell Eastern Jackson County resident Sam Luttrell has been the owner of Absolute Automotive in Grain Valley since October of 2008. Luttrell’s first taste of success as a mechanic occurred at 14 years of age when he replaced his first head gasket on a motor. It was out of necessity for his father’s vehicle to assure he could still get back and forth to work. Luttrell was hooked and that has blossomed into a 30 year career. “My Mom would tell you that I took my Tonka truck apart and put it back together out of curiosity to find out how it works at the age of five. I’ve always had a natural mechanical aptitude,” Luttrell said. The decision of location on where to open Absolute Automotive was not an easy one for Luttrell. There were already auto mechanic shops in Grain Valley with established reputations. The building at 104 SW Eagles Parkway in Grain Valley was the most economical fit. “Some of the buildings in the area that I was looking at to rent or buy wanted between $5,000 to $6,000 a month. I was able to secure our current location for significantly less. That was the difference, as the larger amounts would have left me wondering how we would have made the monthly payment,” Luttrell said. Grain Valley News recently received a nomination for Luttrell to be featured as a Community Profile. The recommendation highlighted Luttrell’s honesty and his ability to communicate well with his customers. It would go on to also mention Absolute Automotive’s up front pricing and their timeliness of service in completing auto service and

repair jobs. A complete menu of maintenance, diagnostic, and repair service descriptions and costs are found on Absolute Automotive’s website (www.absoluteautomotive.net). Everything from used car pre-purchase inspections for $67.50 to a tire rotation for $25.00. Looking for the phone number to Luttrell’s shop (816-847-5252) via Yellow Pages online will also reveal an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. The coronavirus pandemic and recent flow of business has led Luttrell to put off getting a haircut. The result was being mentioned as a Jerry Garcia look alike of the Grateful Dead by a recent customer. Luttrell accepted the observation with his usual smile and deep chuckle. “The Saturday when they announced the shutdown was when I was supposed to have my last haircut. My wife is a fan of actor Sam Elliott and that’s the look she wanted me to go for. I said okay and I’ve let it grow. It’s pretty shaggy right now,” Luttrell said. Satisfaction after three decades in the industry still comes for Luttrell when he solves a problem that’s been a mystery. Especially, a complicated electronic problem. Computers have made the diagnosis of these types of issues easier. However, they still often involve the process of elimination and problem solving by a skilled human who pays attention to detail “Figuring out the right answer is rewarding. I’ll have something that I’ve been ﬁghting all day long and then wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning and realize what I should check next,” Luttrell said. “Finding what works will lead you to

Sam Luttrell is the owner of Absolute Automotive in Grain Valley. Photo credit: Valley News staff what doesn’t. We get a common powertrain control module code P0171 or that the oxygen sensor is lean on bank one. That doesn’t necessarily mean the oxygen sensor is bad. It’s a possibility, but what usually causes the code is unmetered air entering the engine. All engines today measure how much air is going into them. This allows them to know how much fuel to add and how the oxygen sensor should like when it gets the correct amount.” Luttrell continued, “If you have a vacuum line off, a hose that

deteriorates, the oxygen sensor will go lean and when it goes out of it’s operating window, the computer will send the code. It’s not an exact science. Provided diagnostic codes point you in a direction and you have to conﬁrm the issue and cause.” Luttrell works by appointment at Absolute Automotive and is open from 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Have a suggestion for a community proﬁle? Email news@grainvalleynews.com

Xi Iota Phi Continues Learning About Our National Parks by Linda Ebert and Debbie Reardon The Xi Iota Phi Chapter continued our year celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and special days! A ritual was held in January for Bobbie Brubeck who progressed to Master’s Degree. Valentine Queen Diana Boyce was honored with a dinner and card shower in February. Sharon Simpson also celebrated a milestone birthday in February! We were happy to welcome the return to our chapter of past members Diana Boyce and Lisa Addington! Our national park programs continued in February with Karen Blau on the Florida Everglades and Haleakala national park in Hawaii by Diana Boyce. Debbie Reardon gave us parliamentarian readings on the meaning of Beta Sigma Phi and the qualities and attributes to look for in choosing our Woman of the

Year. Our service projects included delivering snack bags to Ronald McDonald house in January and food donations to Grain Valley Community Services League in February. Election of ofﬁcers was held in March and the new board members are as follows: President Debbie Reardon, VicePresident Diana Boyce, Recording Secretary Sharon Simpson, Treasurer Debbie Woods, and Corresponding Secretary Bobbie Brubeck. Due to the pandemic shut down, Xi Iota Phi did not meet in April or May and put our activities on hold, including some special spring events. We are very much looking forward to starting back up in June when we will wrap up last year’s unﬁnished business and begin our new year!

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.

Your Health

Page 8

Sips Of Summer: The Value Of Hydration by Megan Callahan, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian Are you drinking enough water? To ﬁgure out how much water you need each day, take your body weight in pounds and divide that in half – that’s how many ounces of water per day that you should be drinking for your body to function properly. For example, a 150 lb. person needs 75 ounces of water per day. You need even more water if you exercise or have a very active job or if you work outside in the heat. When you sweat and breath, you lose tiny droplets of water and all of that needs to be replenished. Other liquids can contribute to your water intake (i.e. milk, coffee, tea), but water should be the main liquid you drink throughout the day. Every system in our body needs water: It regulates our body temperature, helps eliminate waste, carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, helps lubricate our joints and keeps our organs functioning properly. Water is crucial for our immune system, quality

of sleep, memory and our mood. If a person is just 5% dehydrated, he or she will feel sluggish and may experience a lower mood and concentration level. Infusing water with fruit and herbs is a refreshing way to make drinking water more exciting, and perhaps help you reach your daily water goal. To enjoy a refreshing strawberries and thyme combination, here’s all you do: Add 7 sliced strawberries and 3 sprigs of thyme to 1 quart of water. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for a more intense flavor. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps support our immune system, and thyme is known for its herbal calming properties. Another wonderful “spa-like” combo is lemon and cucumber. To make this, here’s all you do: Slice ½ cucumber and ½ lemon and add them to 1 quart of water. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for a more intense flavor. Cucumber are high in water themselves with an earthy flavor,

and lemon is high in vitamin C and is a gentle diuretic which helps “cleanse” the body. Another tip to help you stay hydrated: Eat fruits and vegetables that have a high water content such as cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli, cantaloupe, grapefruit and pears. This is yet another benefit of eating fruits and vegetables each and every day. If you’re drinking enough water – congrats! Keep up the good work! If you’re not drinking enough water, think about what steps you could take to accomplish this. You could fill a pitcher with water and your favorite fruit or veggie and herb combo, place it in the fridge and set a goal to have consumed your recommended amount by the end of the day. Or keep your favorite water bottle available and decide how many times you need to drink and re-fill it throughout the day. Write down your goal and track how many days you achieve that goal. Make it fun! Involve

your friends or family in your endeavors. Enjoy summertime and soak up the heat – but remember to provide and replenish your body with all-soimportant water.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).

THEME: COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS ACROSS 1. Angelou and Rudolph 6. Mason's load 9. Bobby Pickett's "Monster ____" 13. Infection from contaminated water or food 14. Formerly Cassius Clay 15. Slow, musically speaking 16. ____ Ste. Marie, Ontario 17. Bonding words 18. Like draft beer 19. *Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice 21. *Tropical cocktail favorite 23. Motion of approval 24. *Home of pisco sour 25. Smoker's residue 28. Big butte 30. *It has both white and dark rum 35. Popular BBQ side 37. Pea houses 39. *Hold your drink aloft in honor 40. "Downton Abbey" countess 41. Subject of 17th century Dutch mania 43. Cote d'Azur locale 44. Teatro alla Scala offering 46. Sushi selection 47. Kind of jeans ﬁt 48. *She famously disliked the eponymous drink 50. Chesterﬁeld or ulster 52. Bro's sib

53. Long and lean 55. Petting spot 57. *Negroni and boulevardier ingredient 61. Time for the big bowl games 65. Unethical loaner's practice 66. Designed to guarantee equal rights 68. Cooler manufacturer 69. #38 Down, pl. 70. Atlantic catch 71. Musical ensemble 72. Rodeo Drive tree 73. It's of the beholder 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g. DOWN 1. Difﬁcult situation 2. Antioxidant-rich berry 3. Common contraction 4. Kind of wrench 5. TV's popular portmanteau 6. Let it down to relax? 7. *____ fashioned 8. D in LED 9. Take-out handout 10. Nay sayer 11. Sun, e.g. 12. Indigenous people of northeast Arizona 15. *Nespolino fruit 20. Highly skilled 22. Elbow rest 24. Portable lock

25. Fancy tie 26. Ski run 27. Sheik's bevy 29. *Whiskey ___ 31. Charged particles 32. Flip side, pl. 33. Binary digits code 34. Things on a list 36. "Star Trek" speed 38. Fodder holder 42. Eloise's residence 45. Quiets 49. Otitis organ 51. *Popular mixer, pl. 54. Brother's daughter 56. Should 57. Turning point 58. World's largest continent 59. *To warm wine or cider and add spices 60. Junior ball 61. Green gemstone 62. Burn-soothing plant 63. Agitate 64. Yesteryear 67. *First name in cola and grenadine

Page 9

Missouri Voters Now Eligible To Cast Mail-In Ballots During the August primary and November general elections in 2020, Missouri voters will be eligible to cast ballots by mail with notarization of the ballot envelope, and voters in at-risk categories for contracting or transmitting COVID-19 are eligible to

vote by absentee ballot without obtaining notarization. To access the application for mail-in ballot, visit https://www.sos.mo.gov/ elections/goVoteMissouri.

Automotive

Page 10

Now’s A Prime Time For A Car Seat Safety Review (BPT) - Although many families aren't driving as much these days, it's always important to make sure you are keeping your kids as safe as possible in the car. Now that we're spending more time at home, this is a good time for parents and caregivers to brush up on expert advice for choosing, installing and properly using car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Making sure your child is buckled up correctly, on every car trip, is one of the best ways you can protect their health. Stay safe on short trips Most drives these days may be quick jaunts for necessary errands or appointments, but that doesn't mean it's safe for kids to skip their car seats or ride up front. According to a new study from the National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three caregivers point to short trips as a reason they've sometimes skipped the car seat or booster seat. But a car crash can happen anywhere, at any time,

which is why kids must be buckled in correctly every time. And no matter where you're going, children under 13 should always ride in the back seat. Practice installation Now that you're not rushing to get your child in the car for school or activities, take this opportunity to review your vehicle and car seat manuals and practice accurate installation. Many parents and caregivers report particular difﬁculty in securing lower anchor attachments and tethers, so if your car seat has those features, take additional time practicing those steps. Note that most car seats should be secured with either lower anchors or seat belts, not both. Check your child's weight and height Keep in mind that the right car seat or booster seat for your child is based on their size as well as their age. Check your child's height and weight against their current seat's recommended limits.

To keep them as protected as possible, don't move them to the next seat type until they've exceeded either of those limits. Even if they beg and plead, you're the parent, and you know best. Register for safety updates The last time you bought a car seat, do you remember ﬁlling out an online or mail-in form to register it? If you're not sure, take a few minutes to go online and register so you can receive important safety updates from the manufacturers, including recalls. Protect older kids too For their own safety, kids 8 to 12 should use a booster seat until they outgrow its size limits or get big enough for adult seat belts. You'll know they're ready for a seat belt alone when it lies snugly across their shoulder and chest without crossing their neck or face, with the lap belt snugly crossing the upper thighs (not the stomach). Even if they're ready for an adult seat belt, children

Photo credit: iStock Photo under 13 should never sit in the front seat. During these times of uncertainty, one thing you can control is how you keep your children safe in the car. For tips, interactive tools, and videos to help you choose and use the right seat, visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.

5 Reasons To Accelerate Your Car Maintenance (BPT) - Car maintenance is often a scheduled chore when you're regularly driving. However, if you're driving less due to the current environment, maintenance can easily become a lesser priority or even completely forgotten. Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index found that as daily driving decreased because of the coronavirus pandemic, nearly one -third (30 percent) of Americans have done less car cleaning and maintenance too. But car maintenance is always important, especially as drivers around the country gradually resume their travels and hit the road. Hankook Tire found that 60 percent of Americans expect to take more car trips moving forward, and with that in mind, offers ﬁve reasons why it's important to keep up with regular car maintenance: 1. Safety First and foremost: Regular car maintenance helps increase safety

when driving. This is especially important if your car has been parked for a while. Be sure to check your fluids (oil, washer, coolant, etc.) and inspect the tires to make sure that they haven't lost their pressure. After all, the Gauge revealed 70 percent of Americans have not regularly been checking tire pressure during the pandemic. Low tire pressure can lead to several issues such as poor performance, premature wear, and higher rolling resistance which can impact fuel efﬁciency. 2. Save time and money Consistent car maintenance also helps extend the overall life of not only your tires, but the systems that drive them, including the engine, suspension, brakes, and transmission. With the median price of a set of tires (4) ranging from $300600, investing in regular tire upkeep such as rotations and alignment when necessary, helps deter more costly repairs down the road - making both

your car, and your money, go further. And, you'll save time! Regularly scheduled basic maintenance appointments traditionally don't take too long - and some dealerships even offer special pick-up and drop-off appointments, so you never have to leave the comfort of your home. 3. First place performance Just like a regular gym routine helps keep your muscle groups firing on all cylinders, regular trips to the mechanic can provide the same benefit to your car! Whether it's a crushing leg day (suspension) or a cardio bout (engine), routine inspection of your shoes (tires) will help you maximize your workout traction so you're ready for the next round and running at peak performance. 4. Cleanliness While cleaning the vehicle's interior and exterior was the primary maintenance measure (40 percent) Americans took at the height of quarantine, the idea of clean cars goes beyond just dust on the dashboard and sanitized seatbelts. It keeps the environment clean, too. Little maintenance checks add up to a big environmental impact. For example, regular oil changes contribute to a cleaner engine and lower vehicle emissions, while properly inflated tires can contribute to better fuel efficiency. 5. Vehicle value When the time comes to upgrade your vehicle, one of the first points of inspection is on the inside. A vehicle's

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

Photo credit: iStock Photo internal condition is one of the key factors in determining its worth, so it's best to keep everything well-oiled and running smoothly, even if you don't have any immediate plans to trade it in. While Hankook recommends adhering to your particular vehicle's outlined maintenance schedule, there are a few things that drivers can do on a regular basis to provide added value. Every month, double-check to make sure both headlights and taillights are working, fluids are topped off, and your belt and hose systems are running smoothly. Use the penny test to check your tire's tread. In addition, keeping a vehicle maintenance log helps you stay organized and ensure good habits that can have a real impact when it comes time to trade in. If any issues do arise, Hankook recommends getting your vehicle checked out by a certiﬁed mechanic before getting back behind the wheel.

Sports

Page 11

Summer Racing Heating Up At Valley Speedway by John Unrein Grain Valley resident Doug Link summed up his current post-quarantine boredom well when he stated, “I’d watch two turtles race at this point. I’m glad racing is back in the Valley.” Unseasonably warm early summer weather was not enough to deter those who gathered to watch a Saturday night full of racing at Valley Speedway on June 13th. Link was joined by friends Jeff Kappelman and Chris Monk to take in an evening of fun and checkered flags. “I love sprint cars. The smell, the noise that comes from a giant engine in a small car. You can’t beat it,” Link said. “Midget car racing is the best show here. Not the taxi cabs you see in NASCAR, instead sprint cars are the original extreme sport. Dirt tracks like these are the proving grounds and the minor leagues for those ascending to stock car racing.” Link concluded, “I don’t race personally though because that’s a good way to go broke.” Valley Speedway track owner Dennis Shrout wears many hats in preparation for and during racing. The labor of love it takes to organize things to promote the best experience possible for racing is apparent. Shrout can be seen on a tractor prior to racing, pulling an aerator to keep the track smooth and avoid compacting. Next, Shrout will support the ground crew in rolling the hose and getting the track moistened to the right level in limiting dust and dirt debris. The final step occurs when Shrout leads All Terrain Vehicle racers around the infield, so they are certain of the layout of the course. High atop the stands is the press booth at Valley Speedway. Inside resides public address announcer Greg Clemons. A former racer himself, Clemons has announced racing for 25 years and is an ambassador for the sport that has an unbridled enthusiasm for the competition that occurs on the track. “And with the green flag waving, the drivers will drop the hammer on the pedal,” is a catch phrase that Clemons delivers with spunk at the start of racing. Clemons will remind you that Valley Speedway is 221 miles from Knoxville, Iowa, the hub of dirt track racing for may fans. Clemons is also honored to point out talented drivers that frequent racing in Grain Valley. “Jeremy Curless in the #33 car, racing E Mods, is from Grain Valley. Gene Claxton also on the track tonight was first here in overall points last season at Valley Speedway. We’ve also had well known drivers like Tony Stewart and Brian Brown race here before,” Clemons said. “The friends that are made during racing and in the pits make this feel like a family. I went to the races as a young

Racers speed around the track June 13th at Valley Speedway. Photo credit: Valley News staff kid because my father was a pastor and he said the pre-race prayer. That hooked me.” “When I started racing, I asked my dad to attend and say a prayer. He responded by saying, ‘No, I talked to the Lord about it and he said you guys were on your own’ with a big smile. He deﬁnitely had a good sense of humor.” Clemons continued, “Once you’re a racer, you’re always a racer. There’s just something about going as fast as you can with others around you. You want to beat those guys and that’s all there is to it. That leads to a lot of respect between competitors.” “Open wheeled racing can lead to drivers going over one another’s tires and send cars tumbling during crashes. Safety has strengthened over the years and drivers spend a lot of money on things like full containment seats, better helmets, and HANS devices (Head and Neck Support device that help reduce the likelihood of skull fractures).” Safety is also on the mind of Emergency Medical Staff at Valley Speedway. Cold towels are available to cool down with at the ﬁrst aid station. The Shrout family has also installed misting jets to shower fans as they visit the concession stand or on their way in and out of the track. Families, friends, dates, and children of all ages are present for racing in Grain Valley. Here are results from racing at Valley Speedway on June 13th.

Asher[1]; 7. 22-Steve McDowell[10]; 8. 42Gene Claxton[11]; 9. 73M-Charles McCartney[9]; 10. 57-Randy Ainsworth [3]; 11. 55-Ryan Medeiros[12]; 12. 23Danny Thompson[7]; 13. (DNF) 73-Bobby Grove[13]; 14. (DNF) 33-Chad Risinger[15]; 15. (DNF) 11-John Murray[14] Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 57-Randy Ainsworth[1]; 2. 73T-Truman Asher[6]; 3. 91J-Jaylen Wettengel[5]; 4. 11P-Jeremy Price[4]; 5. 42-Gene Claxton[3]; 6. 22-Steve McDowell[8]; 7. 73-Bobby Grove[7]; 8. (DNF) 33-Chad Risinger[2] Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 81X-Dan Charles[1]; 2. 5 -Dakota Foster[3]; 3. 81A-Austin Charles [6]; 4. 73M-Charles McCartney[2]; 5. 23Danny Thompson[7]; 6. 55-Ryan Medeiros[4]; 7. (DNF) 11-John Murray[5]

B Modiﬁeds A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 5-Dakota Foster [5]; 2. 81A-Austin Charles[2]; 3. 81X-Dan Charles[4]; 4. 91J-Jaylen Wettengel[6]; 5. 11P-Jeremy Price[8]; 6. 73T-Truman

Dirt Demons A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 2C-Cody Munkers [1]; 2. 117-Levi Cox[7]; 3. 10B-Jeremy Byﬁeld[3]; 4. 2-Mikel Folbert[10]; 5. 5Nick Deoliveira[6]; 6. 121-Eric Schmidt[5];

E Mods A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 74-Justin Asher[1]; 2. 28-Shawn Burns[2]; 3. 10 4-Colton Couch[4]; 4. 2-Kit Bailey[3]; 5. 86-Doug Brisbin[5]; 6. 33-Jeremy Curless[6]; 7. (DNF) 42-Dalton Krysa[8]; 8. (DNF) 75Rayce Martin[9]; 9. (DNF) 96-Zach Mason[7]; 10. (DNS) 59-Alex Crawford; 11. (DNS) 23T-Tyler Cochran Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 28-Shawn Burns[1]; 2. 86-Doug Brisbin[2]; 3. 10 4-Colton Couch [5]; 4. 42-Dalton Krysa[4]; 5. 75-Rayce Martin[6]; 6. (DNF) 23T-Tyler Cochran[3] Heat 2 (6 Laps): 1. 2-Kit Bailey[1]; 2. 74Justin Asher[4]; 3. 33-Jeremy Curless[2]; 4. 96-Zach Mason[5]; 5. 59-Alex Crawford[3]

7. (DNF) 1-Jason McCaulley[2]; 8. (DNF) 31Joseph Mick[4]; 9. (DNF) 14-Robert Chase [9]; 10. (DNF) 51M-Trevor Digby[8]; 11. (DNS) 63-Shane Digby Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 2C-Cody Munkers[4]; 2. 10B-Jeremy Byﬁeld[2]; 3. 117-Levi Cox[1]; 4. 5-Nick Deoliveira[5]; 5. (DNS) 63Shane Digby Heat 2 (6 Laps): 1. 1-Jason McCaulley[3]; 2. 31-Joseph Mick[1]; 3. 121-Eric Schmidt [2]; 4. 51M-Trevor Digby[4]; 5. 14-Robert Chase[6]; 6. 2-Mikel Folbert[5] Pure Stocks A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 10-David Schrills [2]; 2. 23-Bobby Ohrenberg[5]; 3. 42Dakkota Brisbin[3]; 4. 14-Cody Ohrenberg[4]; 5. (DNF) 19-Richard McCaulley[1]; 6. (DNF) 117-Jim Cox[6] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 19-Richard McCaulley [2]; 2. 10-David Schrills[4]; 3. 14-Cody Ohrenberg[1]; 4. 42-Dakkota Brisbin[5]; 5. 23-Bobby Ohrenberg[3]; 6. (DNS) 117-Jim Cox ATV Open Amateur A Feature 1 (6 Laps): 1. 78-Tyler Werle[1]; 2. 00-Aron Meek[2]; 3. 16-Ashton Mullins [3] Heat 1 (5 Laps): 1. 78-Tyler Werle[3]; 2. 00 -Aron Meek[2]; 3. 16-Ashton Mullins[1] ATV Open Money A Feature 1 (6 Laps): 1. 00-Jonathan Roberts[1]; 2. 11-Chris Stout[2]; 3. 2-Danny Pliler[3]; 4. 45-Aaron Stephens[4]; 5. 420 -Mathew Eppenauer[5] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 00-Jonathan Roberts [3]; 2. 11-Chris Stout[5]; 3. 2-Danny Pliler [1]; 4. 45-Aaron Stephens[4]; 5. 420Mathew Eppenauer[2]

Our advertisers support your local news. Support Small Business. Shop Local.

Community Calendar Friday, June 19, 2020

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Food Truck Friday Nights Corner of Main and Walnut 4:30pm—9:00pm

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm City Hall, 711 Main Street

Saturday, June 20, 2020 Destruction in the Valley Demo Derby Gates open at 11:30am; pit party Noon—1pm $15/adults, $6/kids 5-12 Valley Speedway, 348 E Old US 40 Hwy

Monday, July 13, 2020

Monday, June 22, 2020

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm City Hall, 711 Main Street

Sni Valley Graduation 7:00pm Jan Reding Community Room and Lecture Hall, Grain Valley High School

Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm City Hall, 711 Main Street

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Exploring Google Drive 1:00pm—1:30pm Join us for a quick introduction to Google Drive and the popular services it houses—Google Docs and Google Sheets. www.mymcpl.org/events

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Excel—Two Important Formula Concepts 1:00pm—1:30pm Why is there a $ in my formula? Why am I getting an incorrect answer to a simple formula? Learn two of the most important formula-writing concepts in Excel. www.mymcpl.org/events

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Grain Valley High School Graduation Commencement Ceremony 7:00pm Community of Christ Auditorium, Independence

National Night Out Event Details TBA

Saturday, September 26, 2020 City Wide Clean Up Event www.cityofgrainvalley.org

Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com.