Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Aldermen Prep Budget For First Read Nov. 25th The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen held a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, November 5th at City Hall to review the 2020 budget drafted with City staff. The proposed Community Campus loomed over several items in the budget, including plans to develop the Nichols building on Gregg Street, which was purchased by the City to be repurposed for community use. Currently, the Grain Valley Assistance Council utilizes one part of the building. Plans for further development will be delayed until the results of a planned April 2020 vote for a no tax increase bond issue to fund the community campus. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported work on two projects already approved by the board will be pushed into next year. A pedestrian bridge at Blue Branch Creek has been delayed until early next year, and trail construction along Dillingham
Yard Waste Center Open Through November
will be postponed until early next year when weather conditions are more favorable. Police Chief James Beale addressed questions from Ward I Aldermen Jayci Stratton regarding officers driving police vehicles home and the fuel costs incurred, particularly officers who live a great distance from Grain Valley. Beale reported he completed a study on current mileage costs and has already set restrictions on School Resource Officers driving vehicles home. Policies for the full fleet will be finalized in the coming months. The Board also included a 2% cost of living increase for City staff in the budget at a cost of $78,460. The Board of Aldermen will present the budget for a first read at their November 25th meeting and a second reading on December 9th.
Vol. 2, No. 45
FREE
Mid-Continent Public Library To Host Clothing Drive For Homeless Veterans Mid-Continent Public Library will host a clothing drive at all of its branches from November 12th through December 17th, which will benefit local homeless veterans served by Good Shepherd Hospice, an organization that offers services across 13 counties in Missouri. Good Shepherd collaborates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) through a program called We Honor Veterans, which works to improve the care veterans receive from hospice and palliative care providers. This drive is an extension of that initiative benefiting homeless veterans. “At Good Shepherd Hospice, our daily goal is to serve all those who we
encounter daily—patients, families, facility staff, the community, and our veterans,” Laura Bate, Community Liaison at Good Shepherd Hospice said. “If I cannot help at least one person a day, even in the smallest way—to smile, my day was not successful.” Throughout the drive, all MCPL branches will accept donations of new or gently used hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens in adult sizes. Participants in the drive are also encouraged to include a note of appreciation for the veteran’s service with the donation. After the drive has concluded, donations will be given to homeless veterans in the same counties in which they were collected.
Good News:
Amanda Brady Bowl For Epilepsy
Residents completing yard clean up projects this fall can drop off tree limbs and yard waste each Saturday through November at the Eastern Jackson County Yard Waste Collection Center, 37910 E Pink Hill Road, Oak Grove. Yard waste only; root balls and tree trunks are not allowed. The center is open Saturdays from 8:00am—4:00pm. Residential fees range from $1/bag of yard waste to $15 for a pick-up truck or small trailer. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. For more information, call 816-8477050.
The Purple Peace Foundation, a local nonprofit organization serving families with epilepsy, will host its annual Amanda Brady Bowl for Epilepsy on Sunday, November 17th at Lunar Bowl in Blue Springs. Bowlers are welcome to register as an individual or a team. The $25 registration fee includes 3 hours of bowling, shoe rental, and hourly door prizes. A silent auction will also be held to raise funds for the organization. “Not into bowling? Come on out for the great silent auction items that range from restaurant certificates to trips, and just hang out and enjoy the fun and camaraderie. It's a Chiefs bye week so you won’t miss the game,” volunteer Stacey Perry said. To register for the event, learn about sponsorship opportunities, and for more information on the Purple Peace Foundation, visit www.purplepeacefoundation.org.
Foundation’’s Amanda Brady Bowl for Epilepsy will be held Sunday, Purple Peace Foundation November 17th at Lunar Bowl in Blue Springs. Registration is $25/person. Photo credit: Purple Peace Foundation
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Cold Weather Cannot Deter Trick-Or-Treaters trick--or or--treaters in the Valley on A cold snap could not deter determined trick Halloween. View all the photos submitted on our Facebook page (@grainvalleynews).
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of October 23-29, 2019. October 23, 2019 500 Block RD Mize 1800 Block Hedgewood 200 Block Eagles Pkwy Eagles Pkwy/Main St Main St/40 Hwy
Tampering Area Check Citizen Contact Area Check Citizen Contact
October 24, 2019 Cross Creek/Ryan 1100 Block Golfview 100 Block E Harris 700 Block Main St 3300 Block South Outer Rd 600 Block Walnut 1300 Block RD Mize 100 Block Buckner Tarsney
Area Check Residence Check Dealer Certification Citizen Contact Area Check Disturbance Check the Well Being Citizen Contact
October 25, 2019 40 Hwy/EE Kirby 800 Block Mulberry Ct 700 Block Main St Main St/Harris 900 Block Ryan 400 Block Orion 1800 Block Mya Ct 300 Block Main 1800 Block Bradford Ct 3500 Blk Windemere, LS RD Mize/OOIDA 900 Block Deer Creek 1300 Block Jefferson St 1200 Block Eagles Pkwy 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Motor Veh Accident Alarm Fingerprints Area Check Alarm Citizen Contact Burglary Dealer Certification Suspicious Person Agency Assist (LSPD) Trail or Treat Suspicious Person Alarm Alarm Agency Assist (EMS) Citizen Contact
October 26, 2019 400 Block James Rollo 1100 Block Pamela 900 Block Cross Creek
Area Check Alarm Citizen Contact
1300 Block Persimmon Dr Oak Grove PD Valley Ridge Dr/Valley Ridge Ct 67th St/Harvard, Raytown 1100 Block Golfview 1200 Block Baytree I 70/24.8 MM 600 Block Yennie
Check the Well Being Prisoner Transport Motor Veh Accident Agency Assist (RPD) Trespassing Area Check Agency Assist (MSHP) Area Check
October 27, 2019 300 Block Front St 200 Block Rock Creek Dr I 70/Main St 1300 Block RD Mize 700 Block Main St 1100 Block McQuerry 3100 Block Slaughter Rd Hanna Ct/Amanda Jean Way
Harassment Agency Assist (RCSO) Escort HS Band Disturbance Citizen Contact Check the Well Being Agency Assist (JCSO) Trespassing
October 28, 2019 700 Block Main St 100 Block Eagles Pkwy 3300 Block South Outer Rd 500 Block Eagles Pkwy 600 Block Yennie 700 Block Main St
Fingerprints Citizen Contact Dealer Certification Motor Veh Accident Check the Well Being Citizen Contact
October 29, 2019 1600 Block Andeon 3300 Block South Outer Rd 1300 Block RD Mize 1200 Pamela 1300 Block RD Mize 711 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 100 Block Cross Creek 1300 Block RD Mize
Citizen Contact Dealer Certification Agency Assist (CJC) Parking Complaint Disturbance Ex-Parte Violation Fingerprints Fraud Check the Well Being
Valley News
Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @grainvalleynews).
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Looking Back: November News From The Sni-A-Bar Voice by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
The Sni-A-Bar Voice, described as “a journal devoted strictly to the interests of Blue Springs and Eastern Jackson County”, was managed from approximately 1903 to 1911 by D.C. (Dave) Herrington of Blue Springs and son of M.M. Herrington of Grain Valley. According to Vol. XI dated January 5, 1911, publishers were Almae C. Hall, Editor and Manager, and William L. Hall, Asst. Editor. The following snippets from past Novembers were extracted from film ordered from the State Historical Society of Missouri. From the November 30, 1906 Edition: Willie A. Adams and Miss Leora Smart married in Blackwell, Oklahoma Wednesday, November 28th. The groom,
son of George A. Adams from Blue Springs. Mr. Adams is a brother of Mrs. Cora Fields Duncan of Liberty, MO. Grain Valley felt the jar of the explosion Monday night. There was considerable excitement. A large quantity of powder and dynamite exploded supplies for a rock crusher about 12 miles from Blue Springs. It was voted to have a Christmas tree at the Christian Church. There is talk of a box supper at the school-house on Friday night before Christmas for benefit of a public library. Already have quite a collection of books from other box suppers.
From the October 29, 1915 edition: Zed O. Webb is going out of business in Grain Valley, moving stock to Blue Springs by November 15. From the November 26, 1915 edition: Mrs. Sarah Frances Herrington, wife of M.M. Herrington, died at her home just north of Grain Valley, Sunday morning, November 14, after an illness of more than four months. She is survived by her husband, nine children, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. From the November 9, 1917 edition: Mr. and Mrs. Willis Lynch received word that their son Riley arrived in France.
And some advice from the December 1917 edition: You will benefit yourself and help others by eating less sweets at Christmas time. Sugar is needed “over there”. The next Historical Society Meeting will be held November 21, 2019. Join us for a pot luck dinner at 6:00pm followed by our program and meeting.
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum is located at 506 South Main Street and online at www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
Business Brief: Caring Transitions Wendy and Dan Calvert are pleased to announce the launch of their new company – Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit. This new senior-focused relocation and estate-clearing company serves Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Independence and the surrounding areas. Caring Transitions’ speciallytrained professionals handle decluttering, organizing, packing, moving, resettling, in-home estate sales and online auctions, estate clearing and preparing homes for market. “Caring Transitions is a start-tofinish support service for transitions. From the moment you start organizing to resettling in your new place to getting your old house ready for
market, we can help every step of the way,” Wendy said. “As members of the sandwich generation, we saw the need for a company like Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit.” Caring Transitions’ services are perfect for managing the many aspects of a senior move, including assisting with the process of downsizing to provide a safer living situation, as well as for busy families and people clearing out the home of a loved one who has moved into assisted care or passed away. All of Caring Transitions’ services are customizable, so clients choose the solution that best fits their needs. Dan and Wendy live in Lee’s Summit. They have two married daughters – Lyndsi and Chris McCale and Courtney
and Jimmy Powell – as well as a son, Brian Calvert, and six grandchildren. They both have corporate backgrounds in project management – Wendy in construction and Dan in construction and e-commerce. Dan was semi-retired but, when Wendy’s company downsized, they decided it was time to start their own business journey together. Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit, which is part of the national Caring Transitions franchise, is bonded and insured and all employees are CRT trained and background checked. For additional information, call 816.272.4900 or visit www.CaringTransitionsLeesSummit.com
Dan and Wendy Calvert announce the company— opening of their new company —Caring Transitions— senior--focused Transitions —a senior estate--clearing relocation and estate company. Photo credit: Caring Transitions
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Business News
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How To Get Better Wi-Fi Coverage In Your Home Or Office by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert
In our digital world, a strong Wi-Fi signal is important to keep all of your smart devices working. If you don't, you won't be able to perform cool things like printing from your smartphone, streaming music or movies or interacting with Google or Alexa. Are you frustrated by the lack of WiFi in certain areas in your home or office? Are you not getting the Wi-Fi speed you're paying for? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you need to take a look at how your wireless is configured in your home or office. At Integral, we get calls all of the time from frustrated customers not getting good Internet speed and spotty wireless coverage. If you're one of those struggling with Wi-Fi, you might want to read on to find out what steps you need to take to get full wireless coverage. 1. Speed is King or Queen. Your Internet service provider doesn't control your wireless coverage, but your internet speed is important when it comes to streaming music or movies. It's possible that you already have good wireless coverage, but lousy internet speeds. If you're curious about what your current Internet speeds are, point your smart device to www.speedtest.net. This website will check your current Internet speeds which you can compare to what you're paying for. If you're not getting the speeds you want, contact your Internet provider to fix any issues with speed. One of the common problems with slow Internet is a slow modem. If you've had your Internet modem from your provider for over 5 years, it's time for a replacement. With most Internet companies, you can simply take your old modem in and exchange it for a new one.
2. Find Your Center. If at all possible, have your Internet provider company place your cable modem or wireless gateway in the center of your home or office on the main level. When your wireless router is in a central location, you get better coverage. Wireless routers transmit a signal similar to a mushroom which means if you place it in the basement, it will only cover the main floor. If it's placed in the attic, you will be sending more of your signal out of your roof. If your cable provider is unable to place your modem or wireless gateway near the center of your home or office, you will have to resort to the following options. 3. Check Out Power Line Adapters. A power line adapter allows you to send your Internet signal over the power lines in your home or office to an area that has poor coverage. You plug one powerline adapter in an outlet next to your router and another one in an outlet in an area where you want wireless. Once you install a power line adapter, you can use what's called a wireless access point to boost the wireless signal in an area that has a weak signal. A great brand of power line adapter to purchase is the TP-Link Powerline Adapter. For an access point, Ubiquiti makes the best wireless access points.
are capable of handling the faster fiberoptic speeds that AT&T, Comcast, and Google offer. If you’ve had fiber optic installed in your home and didn’t upgrade your extenders, it’s very possible you’re not taking advantage of the speed you’re paying for. A mesh system will help carry that super-fast fiber speed throughout your home. 5. Run Network Cable to the WiWi-Fi Trouble Area. Many people don't want to do it because of the cost, but actually running cable to the area of your home or office that has a poor signal and installing an access point is probably the best solution. Want to ask me a tech question? Point your email program to
burton@callintegralnow.com and send it in! If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals, and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
4. Mesh Might be the Answer. You might need a mesh network to fix your poor Wi-Fi. What is a mesh network? Well, think of it as casting a Wi -Fi net over your entire home or business. Usually, mesh networks consist of hubs that create a bubble to expand your wireless. Most homes and businesses need 2 3, but if you have a larger area to cover, you can easily add hubs to fix those nasty dead spots. Also, mesh networks
Business News is sponsored weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley.
The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
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River City Players Present The Fox On The Fairway The River City Players opens its Thirty-Seventh Anniversary Season with the comedy, "The Fox on the Fairway" by Ken Ludwig. Play dates are November 8 -9, 2019 and November 15-16, 2019. Dinner theatre will be held each night of performance. Nadlers will cater the dinner buffet that opens at 6:30 pm. Curtain time is 7:45 pm. The play will be held at the Lexington VFW located at 3109 Franklin Ave, Lexington, MO 64067. Sharon Propst directs the production. Tickets are $23/person (11-adult) and $16/child (0-10 years) for dinner theatre and $10/adult and $6/children for show only.
Bike Riders Invited To
“Trip The Light Fantastic”
In one of Jackson County’s more unique holiday traditions, “Trip the Light Fantastic” returns to Jackson County on Sunday, November 24th. Bicycle enthusiasts will enjoy a magical 4.5-mile ride up to and through the more than 175 lighted, animated displays that make up Jackson County’s 32nd Annual Christmas in the Park. “We hope that moving the event to Sunday night will be more convenient for participants and they’ll have the whole day to get creative, lighting and decorating their bikes,” Jackson County Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman said. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Lit/Holiday Decorated Bike and Best Lit/ Decorated Group before the ride gets underway. Those participating in the contests should arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to start time for their entry to be considered. There is no cost to participate and pre -registration is not required. Riders should arrive at Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex Parking Lot 3901 SW Longview Park Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO. Adult cyclists begin at 6:00pm; families begin at 6:20pm. At the finish line, cyclists will enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate at Gusto Coffee Bistro and photos with Santa compliments of the Bicycle Shack. Parental discretion is advised for riders under the age of 10 as the course can be dark and hilly in places. Headlights and helmets are required for this night ride.
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Contact Cory Unrein, 816816-809809-7984 or news@grainvalleynews.com.
Tickets are on sale at the following Lexington locations: NASB Bank, Bank Midwest, and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are also available at North Star Wellness in Richmond, NASB in Odessa, and The Red Shanty in Higginsville, or online through Ticket Leap at www.rcplayers.org. You may also purchase tickets from any cast member. The cast of "The Fox on the Fairway" (Pictured left to right): Hagen McCullum (seated). Misti Mckenzie, Pete Berney, Cindy Sause, Rex Simmons and Elle Eastman. Photo credit: Sharon Propst, RCP Publicity.
Community Voices
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Wayne’s World
Set The Prisoner Free by Wayne Geiger
Ricky Jackson spent some time in prison. In 1975, when Jackson was 18 years old, he was accused and convicted of a brutal robbery and murder. He was sentenced to death. Sometime later, his sentence was reduced to life in prison. All along, Jackson proclaimed his innocence. Then, in 2013, new overwhelming evidence was brought to light. Jackson was, what he has been saying all along, innocent. He was finally released as a free man. Jackson spent 39 years in an Ohio prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He did the time—but didn’t do the crime. He served the longest prison term for an exonerated defendant in American history. The thought of being incarcerated for that length of time—and being innocent the entire time—is beyond our imagination. Think of all the things that he missed and the moments he will never have back. Almost four decades behind bars. You may be a prisoner. True, you are not locked up. There are no bars restricting your freedom and there is no prison guard. But nonetheless, you are a prisoner. It’s a prison of your own choosing. Your prison is not physical but emotional and spiritual. Like most people, it could be that sometime in the past, someone has hurt you deeply. Thinking of them and the incident brings up issues of anger and resentment. It’s now causing you consistent and deep pain. You refuse to let go of the anger and resentment because you believe it gives you a sense of empowerment and control. In love, please understand, the unforgiveness you are harboring in your heart is slowly
eating you alive. You are a prisoner. Your cage is locked from the inside. You need to let it go. Forgiveness is something that I have personally experienced. Extending forgiveness to others is something that I have had to do. Extending forgiveness to some people was easy. Extending forgiveness to others was a process. To be honest, there were times when I didn’t want to do it. Times when I felt I was justified in my anger and times when I just thought it was plain unfair. But, as a Christian, I understand that extending forgiveness is not optional. I am commanded to forgive. You’ve probably seen the bumper sticker, “I’m not perfect—just forgiven.” That message is not meant to be an excuse to live out a lifestyle that is inconsistent with the gospel. Instead, the phrase should flow from a heart that understands the depth and sacrifice of forgiveness. Forgiveness originates from the heart of God and is the pearl that was produced from a heart of pain. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son” (John 3:16). God did not have to forgive. He chose to. None of us can say, “It’s not fair! God you don’t understand!” God understands the price of forgiveness. It cost Him His Son. God wants His children to act like Him. That means, God wants His people to extend forgiveness to others. The Bible says, “[bear] with one another and,
if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Col 3:13). People who have been forgiven should be the first to forgive.
Share Your Community News and Events! Submit news to news@grainvalleynews.com. Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
A couple of truths about forgiveness: First, please understand, when you forgive someone who has hurt you, it doesn’t automatically release them from the responsibility. Extending forgiveness is not about them. It’s about you. When you forgive it allows you to move on. The chains of anger and resentment that once held you prisoner fall helplessly to the ground removing that tremendous weight from your heart. You no longer allow that person to have control over you. Second, extending forgiveness does not mean that they are free from any penalty. Your forgiveness does not excuse their behavior or remove future retribution. It just means that you won’t be the one to do it. You don’t have that kind of power anyway. That judgment belongs only to God and they will have to deal with Him about that. The Bible reminds the believer, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but
leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” (Rom 12:19-20).
Our tendency is to bury and harbor the anger and bitterness in our heart. It’s a defense mechanism. We’re instinctively trying to protect a wounded heart. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. The workers at Yellowstone Park say that the powerful grizzly bear prefers to eat alone. However, he will allow one animal to eat with him: the skunk. The bears come often to eat at the place where garbage is dumped. The
grizzly can fight and beat almost any animal in the park, but it lets the skunk share its meal. It could easily kill the little creature in a fight, but it doesn't. He knows the high cost of getting even and decides it’s not worth it. Executing your own vengeance will always cost you something and it always leaves a mark. Finally, extending forgiveness does not mean that you have to maintain a relationship with that individual. If I choose to try to pet a neighbor’s dog through the fence and that dog tries to bite me, I can forgive the dog. But, at the same time, I’m not going to stick my hand through the fence again and try to pet him. I’ve learned my lesson. That ship has sailed. In the same way, extending forgiveness does not mean that you allow someone to be a place where they continue to hurt you. You just move away and move on. Forgiveness is not trite, it’s never easy, and it’s never free. God understands that. However, extending forgiveness is in our best interest. It breaks the chains of bitterness and hate that held us down and sets the prisoner free—us. It also says, “God you are the only One who can judge, and I release my hurt and pain to you knowing that you will bring justice.” In the end, it releases our mind and heart to be able to live in joy and freedom.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
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Grain Valley Hunter Finds Opportunity To Serve On Safari Dan Nix has lived in Grain Valley for 41 years and is a lifelong hunting enthusiast. He regularly hunts deer in Missouri and has hunted quail, coyotes, and hogs. He never had a desire to take his hobby beyond the States, but after winning a hunting trip to Africa six years ago, he was hooked. “I knew some people that had gone and they said you need to go. I never had any desire to go. I figured there was enough hunting in North America,” Nix said. Since his initial trip to South Africa, Nix has traveled to Namibia, and back to South Africa this past July. While some recent national stories have focused on hunters who go on big game hunts, Nix participates in managed hunts of specific animals that are processed and shared with local communities and orphanages. In his most recent hunt, Nix harvested a number of animals, including two wildebeest, a blesbok and steenbok (both antelopes native to southern and eastern Africa). “I wish I had gone 30 years ago. The hunts are really regulated and managed well by local professional hunters and guides. We had an opportunity to hunt specific animals that were no longer breeding. We went out and picked a specific female wildebeest out and they processed her. I stopped by the orphanage where the meat was donated and was able to take a tour. They were getting ready for lunch when we arrived. Their kitchen was impressive and looked just like a professional kitchen you would see in the states. The orphanage served 167 boys and girls.” Nix said that meat processed from the managed hunts is shared with the lodge hosting the hunts, the guide and hunters in charge, and then with the local communities. Most of the farming communities he has encountered share a communal kitchen and meat is shared among community members. “Every place that I’ve been and the people that I know that have gone have all experienced the same thing. Local families and orphanages all get a portion of the meat. Nothing is gone to waste,” Nix said. Nix was able to travel with his father, who is in his 90s and still hunts, to
Dan Nix of Grain Valley has traveled to Africa on three safaris in the last six years, most recently to South Africa. Nix participates in managed hunts with local professional guides. Meat is processed and distributed to local families and orphanages. Photo courtesy: Dan Nix Namibia. During a separate trip his father took to South Africa, a member of their group was able to assist in the hunt of a lioness who had been killing livestock and attacking people.
“Cats are a real problem in a lot of areas, and the conservation officials work with farmers and safaris to manage these hunts,” Nix said. “Every time I get over there, I think this is how the garden of Eden had to be. You
could be out in the plains or bush, and 10 miles away you’re in mountains. It is absolutely beautiful there.” Nix plans to return for another safari in 2021.
Page 8 Tips To Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season (BPT) - According to the National Retail Federation, 41.4 million people shopped exclusively online from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday in 2018. As the holidays approach, online shopping will continue to grow in popularity, helping families spend more time celebrating the season and less time struggling through long disorganized lines, fighting massive crowds of frantic shoppers, and worrying about whether that must-have gift will still be on shelves at the mall. While online shopping offers up a convenient way to purchase holiday gifts, many consumers are concerned about their delivered packages going missing. Ensuring your online holiday purchases are securely delivered can make your cyber shopping experience even more rewarding and stress free. Here are tips that will keep your packages safe and your holidays happy.
1. Give specific delivery instructions Most delivery services allow customers to set instructions. Ask your mail carrier to knock or ring the doorbell so that you are immediately alerted when a package arrives at your door. If snow, rain or any other weather issue is a concern, consider requesting that you mail carrier drop off packages in an outof-sight dry spot. Get creative with these drop-off locations and use other delivery points such as back porches, patios and exterior basement stairs.
shipped, out for delivery and delivered.
2. Sign up for delivery alerts Major mail carriers and delivery services have systems for tracking packages. You can use tracking numbers to determine where an item is, and when it should be delivered. Check with your delivery provider to see if you can sign up for alerts via email or text message for when your package is
4. Request a signature If you are ordering expensive items online, it is a smart idea to require a signature for delivery. By requesting a signature before a package is released, you can ensure that your online purchases are never left unattended. If you are not home at the time of delivery, the mail carrier will typically
Play free puzzles online: www.grainvalleynews.com/online-puzzles This week’s theme: World Cuisines
3. Team up with a neighbor Work with a trustworthy neighbor to mutually look after each other's packages. If a neighbor is home during an anticipated delivery, ask permission to have packages sent to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door. Return the favor whenever possible and bake a holiday treat or give a small thank-you gift to show your appreciation.
ACROSS 1. Caribbean vacation destination 6. "How Green ____ My Valley" 9. Elementary particle 13. His oyster? 14. Where couples are joined? 15. Most common vowel in English language 16. Relating to a node 17. E in BCE 18. Makes better 19. *Tex-Mex or California cuisine, e.g. 21. *Smörgåsbord, e.g. 23. Dwindle 24. In a frenzy 25. U.N. workers' grp. 28. Notary Public's mark 30. Vandalizing a car 35. Karl of politics 37. Priests' robes 39. Type of eclipse 40. One on a list 41. *Like cuisine in a fancy restaurant 43. Stalactite site 44. Las Vegas' main street 46. Very pleased with oneself 47. Location of ACL and MCL 48. John Cusack's time machine, 2010 50. Upper hand 52. Caribou kin 53. Student aid 55. Four quarters 57. *Pelmeni and borscht, e.g. 61. *Samosa and biryani, e.g. 64. Remove, as in a Pinterest post 65. Any doctrine 67. Spectator 69. Newman/Redford movie "The ____" 70. Cartographer's creation 71. "____ Line Is It Anyway?" 72. Carrying container 73. Sunday newspaper inserts 74. Editor's "Let it stand" marks
(BPT)
leave a note with options for rescheduling the delivery for a more convenient time or picking the package up in-person.
Holiday shopping is already stressful. Give yourself the gift of peace by trying out some of these package delivery tips, and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter.
DOWN 1. Grass bristle 2. Shingled house part 3. Pakistani language 4. Nonchalantly unconcerned 5. Rhymes at rap battling 6. One of Five Ws 7. Lungful 8. Tetanus symptom 9. Got an A 10. *Tom Kha Gai and Gaeng Daeng, e.g. 11. Horned birds 12. Classic TV series "_*_*_*_" 15. Israeli money 20. African sorcery 22. *Chinese pan 24. Egg white 25. *Coddle and soda bread, e.g. 26. Another word for Bingo 27. Not hidden 29. Regrettably 31. Exclamation of disgust 32. Absurd 33. Innie or outie 34. *Spanokopita, e.g. 36. Do like exhaust pipe 38. Wall support 42. Encourage, two words 45. Whimpering 49. Flapper's accessory 51. Funds 54. True inner self 56. Number of planets 57. Metal enemy 58. "Do ____ others..." 59. Rotisserie skewer 60. Cosine's counterpart 61. Mischievous fairies 62. Gel-producing plant 63. Hatchling's home 66. *Typical U.S. fare, acr. 68. Second solfa syllable, pl.
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Health & Fitness
Page 9
Football And Food
Loaded Potato Pigskins 6 Servings
by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
Whether you’re a football fanatic or couldn’t care less, we can all unite around one thing on weekend football games: the food. Watching your team is always more fun with friends, family and good food. But, with games every weekend, your healthy diet may get out of control. Top picks for game day include chicken wings, chili, meat and cheese trays, nachos, chips and dips galore. Often missing from the spread, however, are fruits and vegetables. If you’re afraid a veggie platter will play
second string to the standard fare, pull a kitchen quarterback sneak by incorporating fresh foods in creative ways. Imagine the cheers you’d get if you carved bell peppers into football-helmet shapes and used them to hold carrot and celery sticks. Watch the crowd go wild when you present a tray of dark chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated as miniature footballs. And savor a big win when guests throw back a few of your potato pigskins—a lighter and veggie-filled take on fried potato
skins. Fruits and vegetables can add more variety, nutrition and color to the traditional super spread—and that’s a touchdown any day.
Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Ingredients 3 large russet potatoes 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper 4 tbsp. light sour cream ½ tsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. garlic powder ½ c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 small tomato, diced ½ c. shredded cabbage Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. Arrange potato quarters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skins facing up. Brush olive oil over the skins of the potatoes. Sprinkle salt and pepper over potatoes. Bake about 20 minutes or until potato flesh is easily pierced with a fork and skins are crisp and golden. Allow potatoes to cool to room temperature. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream, oregano and garlic powder; stir until well combined.
(iStock Photo)
Hate Working Out? Try These! by Sally Whitaker
If the thought of lacing up running shoes or heading to the gym sends shivers up your spine, you are not alone. Traditional workouts are not for everyone, but most everyone needs to be active to stay healthy. There are plenty of options to sneak movement in without it feeling like traditional exercise. Dance Ballet to Ballroom, Tap Dance to TwoStep, there are many dance classes that will get you moving, grooving and having so much fun that you won’t know it’s a workout. Many dance studios offer classes geared towards adults of all skill levels. Volunteer Adopting a patch of road to clean up, clearing a stream of debris, building homes for people or pets—all of these will get you moving but keep your mind busy with the task at hand so it doesn’t feel like exercise. Martial Arts A beginner-level martial arts class will provide the basics of training without being too intense. You may be so focused on learning a new form of
Top each potato skin with a spoonful of diced tomato and shredded cabbage. Drizzle sour cream mixture over loaded skins and serve immediately.
movement that the time, and calories, fly. TRX TRX is suspension training—heavy straps with handles that are used as support and counter-weight for the body. While not a traditional, plugging away on the treadmill type of experience, the physical and mental focus required make it a challenge instead of a chore. Pickle Ball Think big ping pong or small tennis. Either way, Pickle Ball is a fun and fast racket sport available at most community centers. Most locations will have the equipment on-site to borrow so you can give it a try before buying any gear. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of
When potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a serrated knife to remove most of the potato flesh from each quarter, leaving just a quarter-inch of the potato skin. Return skins to the same baking sheet, skin-side-down. Sprinkle cheese over potato skins and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition facts 160 Calories per serving Amounts per Serving Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 15mg Sodium: 480mg Total Carbohydrates: 21gDietary Fiber: 2g Total Sugars: 2g Protein: 5g
(iStock Photo)
breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately.
Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.
Sports
Page 10
Eagles Strong In Consecutive Week Win Against Cardinals by John Unrein
The Grain Valley Eagles Football team improved to a 7-3 record with a 46-12 victory over the visiting Raytown South Cardinals on Friday, November 1st. It was the second week in a row that the two teams had faced off against one another. Each side knew what the other was going to do and had to find a way to stop their opponent. The Eagles were the first to find themselves on the scoreboard after a successful three and out stand by the defense and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown at the 10:55 mark of the first quarter. Senior Defensive Back William Lanear eluded Cardinal blockers in his path to perfectly time getting his hands on the football off the punter’s foot. Lanear was also able to corral the football successfully on his way to the end zone. Senior Kicker Jack Knust connected on the subsequent extra point try, and the Eagles never looked back as they took an early 7-0 lead. Grain Valley’s defense continued to set a physical tone in the first half only allowing one Raytown South touchdown. Both Senior Linebacker Tanner Bailon and Junior Defensive Back Brayden Terry contributed tackles for loss in the first quarter. The Cardinals punted or turned the football over on five of their six first half possessions. Raytown South attempted to get one on one matchups with Senior Wide Receiver Raevon Carter on the backside or single receiver side of trips formation. The Cardinals also tried getting him the football vertically or in the flat along the boundary by flooding levels of the Grain Valley defense. Grain Valley’s pass rush and coverage efficiency was able to limit the success of the Cardinals passing game plan. Eagles Head Football Coach David Allie was pleased with the performance of his defense. “From the get-go, we set the tone with the blocked punt for the score. That was awesome. The defense did a great job with the exception of one drive. They (the Cardinals) passed a little bit more then their ratio coming into the game of seventy percent pass and thirty percent run,” Allie said. “Our guys got some turnovers and pressure on their quarterback. Their team is full of great athletes, including number one (Raevon Carter), who did a great job on the fade as well as their quarterback breaking contain against us on occasion. Overall, our defense did a great job and got off the field a lot tonight.” The Eagles’ determination at the line of scrimmage on offense was also special. It was no mystery that Grain Valley was going to attempt to run through B gap from their first offensive possession of the game. The offensive line was up for the task of opening holes for Senior Running Back Jamore Goulden. Down blocking on trap and kick outs on halo running plays allowed for
the Eagles to own the line of scrimmage and B gap due to execution. Goulden would finish with 130 yards on 12 carries and 3 touchdowns. His contact balance at the linebacker and safety level of the Cardinal defense allowed him to bounce off or run through would be defenders for much of the game. “I love my offensive line. They make what we do work. I wanted to run hard in a district game my senior year and remind everyone who I am,” Goulden said. Goulden’s enthusiasm for his team’s win was matched by Junior Guard Jack Bailey and Senior Center Coleson Manade. “Our performance tonight was about pad level and how we had them schemed. We ran to where they weren’t and got leverage on them with our blocks,” Bailey said. Manade added, “We want to thank Coach Mike Tarrants tonight who couldn’t be here. He encourages us daily to assert our will on the opponent, and I feel we did that tonight.” The Eagles also had two injury concerns during the game. Junior Quarterback Cole Keller went down on an awkward tackle from behind with 7:40 left in the second quarter. Keller favored his knee and was only able to put limited weight on it as he walked with support of his teammates to the Grain Valley sideline. Senior Defensive Back Cavon Brooks was also injured and did not return. Brooks made a leverage tackle of a Cardinals wide receiver on the Eagles sideline in wrestling him to the ground with force. The weight of both players landed awkwardly on Brooks who appeared to have the air knocked out of him. Junior Wide Receiver Parker Bosserman spelled Keller in his absence and performed well in leading the Eagles offense on short notice. “Parker is a great player. The game was not too big for him tonight. We still have him throw the ball on occasion in practice and he throws the football on a couple of plays in our offense already,” Allie said. “Bosserman is Mr. Utility and is cool as a cucumber. He plays offense, defense, and special teams. It would be nice to have our starting quarterback back because of what he means to our offense. However, if worst case scenario happens, we have confidence in Parker, and he came in a tough situation tonight and performed admirably.” Grain Valley will next host the Grandview Bulldogs on Friday, November 8th at Moody Murray Stadium in a Class 4 District 7 playoff matchup. The Eagles narrowly defeated Grandview by a score of 6-3 during week two earlier this season.
Pictured: Senior Running Back Jamore Goulden (center) and the Eagles offensive line. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Senior Defensive Back William Lanear breaks up a pass attempt in coverage. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Cross Country Sends Three To State Three GVHS Cross Country team members qualified for state competition following the Sectional Championships held November 2nd at Liberty North High School. Ella Casey, Royce Fisher, and Valerie Holcomb will represent Grain Valley at the state competition Saturday, November 9th. “As a coaching staff, we have been very pleased with the progression we’ve made as a team this season. Our kids have all responded very well to the training and, more importantly, have worked together with a team approach that has fostered some success. We are very excited for our state qualifiers and look forward to seeing them compete at the State Championships,” Head Coach Nick Small said.
GVHS Cross Country team members Ella Casey, Royce Fisher, and Valerie Holcomb head to state Photo credit: GVHS Cross Country
Sports
Page 11
Eagles Shutout Cardinals In District Play by John Unrein
Big plays from individual performances allowed for the Grain Valley Eagles Boys Soccer team to shut out the Raytown South Cardinals during their district semifinal playoff game on Monday, November 4th. A stubborn defense led by Junior Defender Nathan Manning and Senior Goalie Bryant Madden combined for the shutout 3-Nil by Grain Valley over their opponent. Offensive scoring for the Eagles came off the foot of Senior Midfielder Jack Knust. His hat trick of three goals would be all the scoring his team would need to advance to the district final against the Kansas City East High School Bears. The Eagles offense maintained their shots on goal advantage ten to nine for the game. Grain Valley was able to get or retain control of the soccer ball at midfield throughout much of the game. This permitted them to use their speed to pass or dribble the ball with an offensive surge that left Raytown South without an answer. Grain Valley’s ability to stay on sides along with getting off a shot on goal prior to entering the Cardinal’s goalie box paid dividends. Knust’s first goal came with 7:03 left in the first half. Knust would follow that up with a scoring strike with 30:09 left in the second half, prior to completing his scoring on a penalty kick with 4:38 left in the game. “My teammates set me up tonight at the right time. I was fortunate enough to finish on those occasions and contribute to our win,” Knust said. “On the penalty shot, I wanted to see how he (the goalie) would approach me.
He was late to step and close out the distance between us and I was able to angle the ball to the right for the goal.” Grain Valley’s defense was likewise just as ungenerous. Manning used his height and timing successfully to make a tackle save for his team in the goalie’s box with 21:01 left in the second half. Preventing the goal changed the body language of Raytown South and detoured the momentum they were trying to build. “I knew they would be playing through number ten (Forward Riley Mickelson) a lot. I saw him running down the sideline. I understood they would try to slot one into the middle. I had to get in between the ball and the shooter,” Manning said. “Our coaches have been preaching all season to be proactive and not reactive. So, I found myself in the right place at the right time and made the save.” Madden would contribute to the shutout as well with five saves. Two of which included excellent individual effort. Madden timed the lean of his jump perfectly to make a fingertip save at the top of the crossbar during the first half. Furthermore, the Eagles goalie would dive forward on a scoop save with 12:34 left in the second half. Madden’s approach and grip under the ball would prevent a ricochet as the Cardinals offense closed in. “I had to get my body in front of the ball on the save in the second half because I knew they would be looking for the rebound. They had two of their
Pictured left to right: Senior Midfielder Jack Knust, Senior Goalie Bryant Madden, and Junior Defender Nathan Manning. Photo credit: Valley News staff most dangerous players close to the goal and I couldn’t afford them a second chance,” Madden said. “The shot in the first half I was ready
Senior Defender Joseph Prall clears the ball from the Eagles zone. Photo credit: Valley News staff
for since we have been rehearsing free kicks a lot in practice. Reading the ball off the kick allowed me to get up at the right time and prevent a goal in helping my team.” Eagles Head Soccer Coach Tyler Nichol was delighted with his team’s performance. “Between Jack (Knust) as our center attacking mid and our two forwards, they all have significant sudden speed. That benefited us tonight in our scoring. Especially, Jack with his low center of gravity and how he uses it to his advantage. Bryant (Madden) also came up big time. We’ve told him late in the year that he was going to have to come up with some big time saves that would make a difference in the game that we wouldn’t expect from him. He delivered on that tonight,” Nichol said. “Manning’s kick save was a high IQ play. You realize that the guys beat to the end line and your goalkeeper is pulled out of the goal, you got to get in between your man and the goal and prevent them from scoring.”
Boys Swim and Dive Finishes Season Strong; Lane Heads To State Grain Valley Boys Swim and Dive finished their season with a 4th place finish in the Blue Division, behind Kearney, Platte County, and Smithville. Junior Jackson Lane won the diving event and earned an Automatic State Score. Freshman Jadyn Cunningham
finished 3rd and Sophomore Ashton Barker finished 4th. Jackson will be representing the team next week in St. Peter's, Missouri at the state competition. “I am very proud of all the effort our boys put in this season and it was great
to see it pay off with so many best times and best scores,” Head Coach Kara Liddle said. “All of our swimmers made it back to Finals (Top 16) in either their individual or relay events. Senior Jase Tipton finished in the Top 8 in both of his
events, 200 IM and 100 Fly. Junior Jordon Jarman finished Top 8 in the 100 Free and 50 Free.” Girls Swim and Dive practice begins Monday, November 11th at 5:00am.
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Community Calendar Saturday, November 9, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Trivia Night for Grain Valley Assistance Council Door open 6:00pm; Games begin at 6:30pm Register by: Friday, November 1st. More info: janreding@earthlink.net
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Cocoa with a Cop Mid-Continent Public Library, 101 SW Eagles Parkway 10:30am
Monday, November 11, 2019
Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Free. Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Social Media and You Mid-Continent Public Library, 101 SW Eagles Parkway 2:00pm For adults. Registration required. www.mymcpl.org/events
Grain Valley High School STEM Fair GVHS Commons, Gym, Auditorium 6:00pm—8:00pm Open to middle and high school students and parents. 50+ STEM related groups confirmed to attend. Music with Mar Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway 10:00am—11:00am Brain based music and movement classes for children birth—5 years. $5/class. 816-847-0008 Park Board Meeting Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main 7:00pm
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Angela’ Angela’s Army 5K and 1 Mile Family Stroll 9:00am Prairie Branch Elementary www.angelasarmy5k.org
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Commercial Building For Rent. 1000 sq. ft. available immediately. Zoned light industrial. Brandon 816-517-1529