Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
JANUARY 16, 2020
Vol. 3, No. 2
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YMCA’s Active Older Adults Program Finds Home In Grain Valley The weather last Friday may not have been very welcoming, but the sound of laughter and smell of coffee emanating from the First Baptist Church, where the YMCA’s Active Older Adults programming has found a home in Grain Valley, could make any visitor feel warm and welcome. When the Blue Springs YMCA closed at the end of October, the close-knit group of members who attended Active Older Adult programming found themselves without a home. Kathy Sather, Active Older Adult Coordinator with the YMCA since 1998. was thrilled the program was able to find a home quickly in Grain Valley. “The Blue Springs YMCA closed on October 30th and we were up and running here (at First Baptist Grain Valley) on November 4th.
see YMCA on page 3
Members of the Active Older Adults program with the YMCA participated in a Tai Chi for Arthritis class on January 10th at tthe he Grain Valley YMCA at First Baptist Church Grain Valley. Kathy Sather, Active Older Adult Coordinator, leads the class. Photo credit: Valley News staff
New Candidates File For City, School Board Seats Candidate filing for mayor and board of aldermen positions with the City as well as the Grain Valley school board began December 17th, and a number of new candidates have filed in the new year. Two candidates have filed to challenge Mayor Michael Todd, who is up for re-election in April. Jeff Craney and Chuck Johnston have both filed as
candidates for the mayoral race as of January 13th. Additional candidates in Ward II have also filed since December. In Ward I, incumbent Jayci Stratton has filed for re-election. Ward II incumbent Yolanda West will face two candidates: Joey Burgett and Rick Knox. In Ward III, Bob Headley has filed for re-election. Candidates for city positions may file for such offices during normal business
Good News
Girl Scout Troop 744 Competes in Robotics Challenge
see CANDIDATES on page 8
In this week’ week’s edition Police Blotter
2
Business News
4
Wayne’ Wayne’s World
5
Looking Back
6
Sports
11
Community Calendar
12
Sports:
At left: Senior Caden Matlon makes a shot during the Eagles game against Clinton High School on January 14th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
The STEAM Team, a first year FIRST Lego League team, recently participated in the City Shaper Robotics Challenge. The STEAM Team consists of girls who belong to Cadette Girl Scout Troop 744 from Grain Valley, MO. There are 3 parts to the Competition – an Innovation Project, CORE Values, and the Robot Challenge. The girls worked together and achieved the City Shaper Project Award-Research for their Innovation Project. They also received very high marks on their CORE Values Presentation and exemplified exceptional teamwork. During the robot challenge, they were given a series of missions and programmed the robot to score points and then completed their missions three times. The team was a Qualifying Tournament Winner and is advancing to the FIRST Lego League Championship for the Greater KC Region.
Photo credit: Michelle Hunt
Page 2
Board of Aldermen Approve Ordinance to Place Bond Issues on April Ballot The April election topped the January 13th Board of Aldermen agenda. The board passed an ordinance to place two questions on the ballot authorizing a total of $38,850,000 in bonds for the purpose of building a community campus at the old Sni-A-Bar Farm property. The ordinance, authorizing a City election to be held on April 7, 2020 to consider two ballot questions for the purpose of approving General Obligation Bonds to fund the municipal complex building project passed with Aldermen West as the only no vote. The first question would authorize $23,500,000 worth of bonds while the second would approve $15,350,000 for a total of $38,850,000. State law permits a city to incur up to 10% of the City’s assessed valuation for general purposes and an additional 10% for infrastructure improvements, for a total of 20%. The city would utilize most of its current bonding capacity for each purpose. The term of the bonds will be 20 years which is the maximum allowed. The city plans to host an open house at the current city hall on January 30th to give residents an opportunity to view current facilities for city staff and the police department. Reservations will be required as space is limited; information
regarding the open house will be posted soon on the City website. In other business, the board voted a resolution to continue an agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District to provide a Household Hazardous Waste collection service to the residents of the City of Grain Valley. The Board also passed a resolution to renew an agreement with Ray County Sheriff’s Office to provide detention services for persons arrested by Grain Valley Police Department, pending release by court or bond. A resolution to contract with the Grain Valley Assistance Council for home delivered meals and a resolution continuing OATS bus service in Grain Valley were also passed. The board also approved a $25,000 payment to the Grain Valley Partnership for economic development services. This is the second year of a three year agreement with the Grain Valley Partnership. The next meeting of the Grain Valley Board of Aldermen will be held at Grain Valley City Hall on Monday, January 27th at 7:00pm.
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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
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 1-8, 2020. January 1, 2020 WB I-70/28.8 MM 600 Block SW Crestview 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 900 Block Shorthorn 800 Block Nelson Ct 700 Block Main St Seymour/McQuerry 900 Block Foxtail Dr 100 Block Walnut 900 Block NE Deer Creek Thieme/Walnut 1300 Block Ashley Dr 600 Block Main St 1400 Block Mitchell St, OG 900 Block Abar Rd 700 Block Woodland 1600 Block Hilltop Ln 100 Block Sunny Ln
Agency Assist (MSHP) Stealing Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Parking Complaint Stand By to Prevent Stolen Auto Trespassing Stealing Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Parking Complaint Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency Assist (OGPD) Noise Complaint Noise Complaint Alarm Area Check
January 2, 2020 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 100 Block Sunny Ln EB AA 618 Tisha Ln 1200 Block Eagles Pkwy Kirby/Willow Eagles/Sni-A-Bar
Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Area Check Area Check Agency Assist (BSPD) Alarm Area Check Area Check
January 3, 2020 1200 Block Phelps Dr 1000 Block Baytree 1200 Block Phelps Dr 3300 Block S Outer Belt al 800 Block Graystone 700 Block Main St 1400 Block Valley Woods Ct
Abandoned Auto Warrant Arrest Missing Juvenile
January 4, 2020 700 Block Main St 300 Block Front St 1300 Block Stoneybrook Dr 900 Block Ryan Rd 500 Block Main St 900 Block Deer Creek 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Main St/I-70 1500 Block Pond 700 Block Main St
Fingerprints Property Damage Agency Assist (CJC) Alarm Alarm Check the Well Being Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Agency Assist (CJC) Disturbance Suspicious Person
Parking Complaint Agency Assist (DFS) Civil Stand By Dealer License Renew-
1000 Block Stoney Point 1500 Block Nicholas Dr 3300 Block S Outer Belt 1600 Block Hedgewood
Agency Assist Missing Juvenile Alarm Alarm
January 5, 2020 400 Block Creek Ridge Dr 100 Block Main St 800 Block Woodland 400 Block Graystone 700 Block Main St 100 Block Baker, Buckner Eagle Ridge/Hill Top 800 Block Woodland 1300 RD Mize Rd 500 Block Main St Long/Meadow 1300 Block RD Mize Rd 100 Block Main St 1400 Block Nicholas Dr
Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Agency Assist (BPD) Area Check Agency Assist (CJC) Disturbance Disturbance Suspicious Person Disturbance Stealing Disturbance
January 6, 2020 1300 Block RD Mize Rd 700 Block Main St 400 Block Jefferson 700 Block Main St 100 Block Main St 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 2100 Block Hedgewood 300 Block SW 1st St, OG McQuerry/Sunny Lane 700 Block Main St 700 Block Harvest Circle
Citizen Contact Area Check Alarm Citizen Contact Stealing Stealing Property Damage Agency Assist, OGPD Disturbance Ex Parte Violation Alarm
January 7, 2020 1400 Block Buckner Tarsney 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 600 Block Main St 700 Block Nelson 1200 Block Valley Ridge 1200 Block Valley Ridge 1300 Block Willow Dr 700 Block Main St
Property Damage Citizen Contact Identity Theft Hit & Run Fraud Hit & Run Disturbance Fraud Alarm Unattended Death Identity Theft
January 8, 2020 19th St/Broadway, OG 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Agency Assist (OGPD) Stand by to Prevent Citizen Contact
Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
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YMCA
continued from page 1
We have been up and running and just staying busy trying to implement programming over here. The church has been tremendous to us,” Sather said. Long time members and friends Johna Hays, Lillian King, and Lana McGinnis worked on a puzzle while Sather led a Tai Chi for Arthritis class. “Of course we miss the pool, but we missed our family more. We consider this our community and our family,” member Johna Hays said. Lana McGinnis believes the programming offered through the Active Older Adults program is vital to keeping seniors active and engaged. “It means a great deal to me. If you don’t have something like this, even though I have family living with me, I’m sitting there in the living room staring at the TV. I have nothing to do and no one to talk to. But I come down here, and these women are my lifeline to sanity. I don’t think anyone would think that this wasn’t a good thing,” McGinnis said. Johna Hays and her sister were members at the Blue Springs YMCA and followed the program to Grain Valley when it opened in November. “When we first joined, we just needed an outlet. We needed a place to go. We were lonely. This is our home and this is our family. Kathy (Sather) has just bent over backwards doing everything she can to keep getting programs going and get new people to come in. She’s just amazing,” Hays said. Friendships made often extend beyond the time they spend together at YMCA programs.
YMCA Active Older Adult program members Lana McGinnis (left) and Lillian King (center) visit and work on a puzzle with fellow member Johna Hays. Photo credit: Valley News staff “When I was sick, they (Johna Hays and her sister) took me to doctor’s appointments, brought over food, and came to visit. I don’t know what I would have done without them. They were my angels,” McGinnis said. The center is open Monday—Friday from 9:00am—3:00pm. A wide variety of programs are offered, including Tai Chi, yoga, line dancing, Silver Sneakers
programming, game days, potlucks, movie days, service projects, Bible study, and regular field trips. An upcoming field trip to the Genghis Khan exhibit is planned for March. Memberships are $20/month and include all programming, with the exception of fees for field trips and special classes. Programming is held at the First Baptist Church, 207 W. Walnut
ST, Grain Valley. There is ample accessible parking on site. For more information on the Active Older Adults program, visit www.kansascityymca.org/ grainvalleyaoa or www.facebook.com/ grainvalleyYMCAAOA/.
Business News
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Secure Your New Holiday Tech Gifts by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! I'm sure many of you got some awesome high tech gifts from your friends and loved ones. It doesn't matter if you got some smart home items, computers, phones or tablets, you need to remember to set up those tech gifts in a way where they aren't going to be compromised by hackers. Cyber-criminals are always on the prowl for your personal information so it's in your best interest to make sure those new tech toys are going to be safe and secure in the coming year. Not sure where to start? These tips should help you get started in the right direction. 1. Create strong security for your online accounts. Usually, the difference between you getting hack and not getting hacked is the strength of your passwords. With our digital society, most of our online accounts are web-accessible. This makes it convenient for you to get access to your stuff, but that means criminals can get access to it too. Using secure passwords means you minimize the risk that your devices will be hacked. Make sure all of your devices and online accounts have 2 Factor Authentication enabled. Also, you will want to make sure you're not using the same password for your devices and online accounts so you don't fall victim to 'credential stuffing' or hackers using your breached information hiding on the dark web to access your stuff. Also, keep tabs on data breaches by visiting www.fightingidentitycrimes.com
and find out if you've been breached by going to www.haveibeenpwned.com 2. Stop Your Devices From Spying on You. Smart devices are great because of all of the information that they allow us to access. The downside, these devices are keeping track of what you view and what you read. Many Smart TVs use a feature called ACR, or “Automatic Content Recognition.� This feature scans what you watch and sends the data to marketing firms to they can send targeted ads to you. Google and Amazon are guilty of using your recordings to develop their software. Ring users can potentially have their home and office locations made public because of their neighbors' software features. Fortunately, each of these devices allows you to enable privacy settings and remove your user information. 3. Setup Your Devices to Perform Automatic Backups. If you got new tech devices as gifts that store data, make sure you have set up automatic backups for them. You never know when your devices will get hit with a virus, ransomware or just fail. You have many options to choose from such as Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) Google Backup and Sync (www.google.com) and iCloud Backup (www.apple.com). 4. Don't Let Your Neighbors Know What Gifts You Purchased. It's tempting after the gift exchange is done to set those old boxes on the curb. Yes, those boxes are out of the house, but you're also advertising your new tech to thieves who are looking to
enable the tracking features of your devices. The GPS feature built into your devices will help you recover your device if' it's lost or stolen. If you have Apple products, you can enable the 'Find My' feature for your iPhone, MacBook Pro or iPad. If you have a Windows 10 device, you can enable Windows tracking and Android computers, phones and tablets have the "Find My Device' feature.
get some holiday tech gifts of their own. Break those boxes down and hide them in closed lid recycling containers to keep them out of prying eyes. If you have space, you might want to keep those boxes. Most tech gear is under warranty for at least a year. If you keep your boxes, it's easy for you to ship your items back if you need warranty repair. If you like selling your old tech items, they have more appeal if you resell them in the original boxes.
Tech gifts sometimes make the best gifts to receive during the holiday season. In our digital age, you need to take extra steps to make sure your devices are protected from cybercriminals and thieves to ensure that you're able to enjoy your gadgets safely and securely for a long time.
5. Update Your Devices On a Regular Basis. Hackers are always looking for new ways to get into your devices and the companies that make your hardware devices are aware of this. When a bug or security flaw is discovered, hackers will take advantage of this. That's why hardware and software companies work hard to patch your gadgets to keep you safe. It's always important to make sure you update your software and hardware devices.
Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. 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 our YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.
6. Register your devices. I never used to register my devices, but I do now. So much changes with tech devices such as product recalls, updates, and security vulnerabilities. When you register your tech gear, you will always know what your warranty is, if there are any product updates and get faster access to tech support if you have problems with your devices. In some cases, registering your device can help you recover your devices if they are stolen.
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.
7. Enable Device Tracking for Mobile Items. All smart gadgets are sought after by thieves which why it's a good idea to
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Wayne’s World
The Right to Fail by Wayne Geiger
I was concerned about Joey (that’s not his real name). Joey came into my public speaking class and announced sheepishly that this would be his fourth time! I smiled and said, “Well, I’m not sure what happened the other three times, but I’ll help you get through this class. Perhaps the fourth time will be the charm. After all, no one wants to take public speaking more than once!” Joey looked unconvinced. Joey was a good student; he just had a few tough breaks. Like many kids, he had come to play sports. Getting an education was secondary. Unfortunately, the sports thing didn’t work out. He was drifting. He lacked purpose. Joey was a little timid, but he surprised me. He was pretty sharp and was completing his work. I imagined great things for him. He wasn’t much of a talker and was a closed book. He approached me at the end of class in week three saying, “I’m gonna need you to sign this.” He gave me a form and a pen. I had seen this form several times before and it was no big deal. It was a validation that a student was coming to class. I tried to make light of it, “Just the date and my name so that they knew you came to class?” I asked. “Yeah, I just got in some trouble,” he said. “No need to elaborate,” I responded. “I’m just glad you’re here and you’re doing well.” Joey missed a class, but no big deal. He told me in advance. Then, at about week ten Joey missed two in a row. He was still on track to pass, but he missed a couple of vital assignments. I sent him an email saying I missed him in class and to let me know that he was okay. I promised any type of aid to help him get back on track. No response. He missed the next class too—it was
now three in a row. I sent him a desperate email pleading for information assuring him that, although it was late in the semester and he was way behind, he could still pass the class. Silence. In frustration, I contacted the head of the Communications department and explained my dilemma. “I’ve never really had this happen,” I complained. “I’m not sure what to do.” She gave me some great advice. “It’s a tough thing to deal with, Wayne, but students have the right to fail.” She was right. His absence was hitting me hard and I was taking it personally as if I had let him down. I am passionate about education now and a perpetual student, but, it hasn’t always been that way. My mind went back to my senior year in high school. I was always just a mediocre student in school. Things really went downhill the last couple of years. I just barely skated by in eleventh grade and then tanked as a senior. I wasn’t unintelligent, I just didn’t get it and didn’t want it. As a senior, I just decided to skip school. Not just days, but weeks. In fact, I missed more than a month. I wasn’t sick. I just didn’t want to go and hid it from my mom. “Who needs an education?” I thought. As a senior in high school, I was a lead guitar player in a band and my future was already laid out. I was going to be famous. I was also into drugs and the party life. I could care less about school. Several dramatic events changed the course of my life. First, I was busted for not being in school and my mom found out. The school allowed me to enter a work program where I went to school half a day and worked half a day. In addition, I would have to go to summer school. I ended up graduating with my
class, but on the day of graduation, they handed me a blank piece of paper. My diploma would not come until after the completion of summer school. I begrudgingly finished. The second dramatic event was being taken home in handcuffs by the local police for possession of drugs. Because I was seventeen, I was taken home and not to jail. I was in big trouble and had to go before a judge and perform community service. The final life-altering moment was recognizing my need for a savior and entering into a relationship with God through Jesus and getting involved in church. Some years later, something clicked. I believed God was calling me to become a pastor. Now, I actually wanted to go back to school and get an education. By now, the educational fires had been lit and I was passionate about learning and excelling academically. A switch had been turned on. It was called a “mishap”. On January 24, 1961, a U.S. B-52 bomber carrying two hydrogen bombs broke apart over rural North Carolina. The two bombs fell into a field. Thankfully, they didn’t detonate. The results would have been catastrophic as the bombs were 250 times more destructive than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Finding the two bombs became priority number one for our military. The first bomb was routine. A safety parachute deployed, and the weapon landed safely and remained in one piece. Crews were easily able to find, deactivate, and haul the bomb away. The second bomb proved more troublesome. The major problem with the second bomb was that the parachute did not deploy. The bomb catapulted to earth at 700 miles an hour. Although it did not go off, it was deeply buried in a swamp. Crews worked frantically to find the
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component that contained the arm safe switch and the 92 detonators burrowed in the swamp. When they found the arm safe switch, they were horrified to find it was in the “on” position. They deactivated the device. It then took the crew 8 days to find and remove all the explosive material. The core, however, was never recovered. It is still buried in rural North Carolina and believed to be about 200 feet below the ground. The best that workers could was to encase the area in concrete. Most of this information was a mystery and hidden from the general public. The details about the “mishap” were not fully known until 2013 when the information was declassified. The story is unbelievably frightening. The event could have been devastating. I wish Joey’s story ended differently. Joey never came back to class and I never heard from him again. With him went a piece of my heart. Maybe because I saw part of me in him. Joey failed the class. He chose to. I couldn’t force him to care or force him to pass. He was one of the ones that got away. But, Joey’s story is still being written. It’s his story and it’s classified. Every semester I look to see if he’s on the roster, but it hasn’t happened yet. One day, perhaps, he’ll be there, and who knows, maybe the fifth time will be the charm. Success is up to him. The switch just needs to be turned on. When it does, I’d like to be there to see it happen and I’d love to be a part of the process. Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
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Community Voices
Page 6
Looking Back: The Broadcaster (1940-44) by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
A few weeks ago I ran across a bound copy of “The Broadcaster - - 1940-44.” I don’t know where it came from or how the Historical Society managed to secure it. I believe it must have been in the high school library for a time because there is a library pocket on the inside front cover and because three people wrote their name on the first page: Lawrence Brown, sophomore, 1952-53; John Cadle, senior, 1956-57 and Linda Turner. Over the next few weeks, I will be taking some excerpts from the book as a way to convey “life in Grain Valley” 80 years ago. Enjoy! The Broadcaster was published semimonthly by the students of Grain Valley High School. In 1940 the editor was Sue Caldwell, a senior. Dorothy Salvage was the associate editor, Eugene Lang was the
business manager; Robert Wolfe and Hebert Sebolt were the managing editors. The headlines throughout were not real exciting; Senior News, North Bus Changes Route, Gossip. The paper seems to report the facts; however, “gossip” was a popular topic. The first story was titled School Year 1940-41. There were 94 students enrolled; 20 green freshmen, 37 sophomores, 17 juniors, and 20 seniors. In 1940 was the term “green freshman” considered bullying? From the first article I learned that on Wednesday everyone met in the auditorium (gymnasium with a stage) for an assembly. Mr. Paul Farley, the superintendent, presented the school rules and thanked Mr. Johnson, the custodian, for having the building in good
order. Students picked their classes on Wednesday, which makes one wonder what they did on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday morning group pictures were taken and the music teacher held tryouts for the school glee club. By Friday, it was stated “everything seemed more real to everyone” as the first week of school was underway. Over the next few weeks I hope to share some of the articles written by students at GVHS. Although they were penned over 80 years ago, I believe you will find they could have been written last week. For example, “What is Patriotism” (September 27, 1940) contains the following paragraph. If democracy is to live in the world, we must teach patriotism at home so the
future generation may be well versed on the subject. For if the affairs of our local communities are turned over to designing politicians and self-seeking interest, the ideals of patriotism will soon be forgotten. James Monroe once said, “A free, virtuous and lightened people must know well the great principles and causes on which their happiness depends. I believe if we could realize how the love and service to one’s country helps bring happiness, we would make this world a better place in which to live.” Hopefully, you will enjoy learning more about our town through the eyes and ears of the youth of that time.
Learn more about the Grain Valley Historical Society at www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
Guest Column: School Board Candidate Jeff Wolff by Jeff Wolff
My name is Jeff Wolff and I have submitted my name as a candidate for the Grain Valley school board election on April 7th. I’d like to introduce myself and explain my decision to run for this position. I hope you take time to read it and consider me as a worthwhile recipient of your vote. I am a 13-year resident of the Grain Valley school district, and although we live slightly outside the city limits, I own a couple of businesses in town and fully consider myself a citizen of Grain Valley. We have three boys who are currently enrolled in the district—a 3rd grader and 5th grader at Prairie Branch Elementary and a 7th grader at North Middle School. I am proud that my sons attend Grain Valley schools. I believe it to be a well-run district with an excellent administrative team. I am not running a campaign because I am angry with the status quo or because I want to enact wholesale changes. Rather, I want to be a part of the future of Grain Valley and help ensure that quality leadership remains in place and do my part to see that the board is constantly evaluating new ideas about how best to educate our children. Please do not feel that I am running against any particular incumbent board member—I am simply offering myself as a new face who would like to be a part of the team. My personal background: I have a Journalism degree from the University of Missouri, and I consider myself a good writer and clear communicator with an ability to differentiate fact from opinion. I am also a business owner in Grain Valley, where I develop property, build homes and own and manage rental properties. My wife and I are also owners of the Snowie Shaved Ice company, although if I win this board seat, we will likely need to pass that business on to another owner to avoid conflicts of interest with the school district and our personal finances. Like many school board members across the country, I do not have a background as an educator. However, I do have leadership skills that I feel will
translate well to a school board position. For the last four years I have served as the board president of a 60-member nonprofit music group that I sing with. My responsibilities included fundraising, event and travel planning—including a concert tour in England and Sweden—and planning and maintaining the annual budget. Many members of that group are public school music educators in the metro area, so I have routine conversations with them about what is impacting their abilities to be effective teachers. After four years in this leadership role, I have recently stepped down from that position with the intent to be more active in my community instead. I am also a member of the Grain Valley Partnership and through my business activities I have developed a good working relationship with both the city administrators and the board of aldermen. A strong bond between the city and the school district is extremely important to the health of the community. So why am I running for school board? Last year I was asked by Dr. Brad Welle to serve on a steering committee to help determine the new boundary lines and help think through the most recent redistricting. I enjoyed this opportunity, and I felt the process was handled with professionalism and real, honest empathy toward the families who would be affected by the move. I was impressed with how transparent and available the administration made themselves to explain the reasons for the moves, and how receptive they were to legitimate concerns and questions from current board members and those of us who served on the committee. I would like to be a part of that type of operation on a regular basis. I am a progressive voice. I would like to come into the role with challenging questions and new ideas about how to best improve the education environment for our children. Some of these ideas are quite simple and stem from my own curiosity about how things could be better. For example:
Why do elementary school students only receive one recess? Is there research that shows that one longer period of free time is better than two shorter ones interspersed during the day? Can we improve the nutritional value of snacks? My kids are always bringing home Doritos and cookies. What if we eliminated those in favor of healthier snacks such as yogurt and low sugar granola bars instead? Why are we not recycling in our schools? Could a private company sponsor green spaces to teach the children the value of recycling and reusing instead of simply throwing everything away? Why can’t middle schoolers enroll in both band and choir during the same semester? Is there a workaround available for those who express this interest? Are our schools fully energy independent? Can we install more solar arrays in order to reduce the carbon footprint? If so, what rebates are available that could offset the cost to the district and the taxpayers? Some topics are more systematic and can’t be addressed in a simple answer. This is where I’m interested in developing more complex plans for change and growth: How can we increase teacher salaries and/or benefits to ensure that we’re retaining the top talent for our students? How can we continue to advocate for the arts being just as important as the core studies (STEAM vs. STEM)? How do we continue to balance teacher autonomy in their lesson plans while also keeping in mind curriculum checkpoints and benchmarks? Experienced teachers should be trusted with tailoring lesson plans to their students’ needs. Can we make sure that students who succeed in vocational and technical studies are held in the same esteem
and merit as those who pursue honors courses and athletics? Keeping tabs on demographics and growth patterns in the community to determine how to manage our limited bonding capacity and using those funds to upgrade or build new facilities in the best way possible. All studies indicate that the later in the morning that high school classes start, the higher the test scores. Why, then, do we continue starting high school so early in the morning despite evidence to the contrary about this being good? I have many more questions and pet issues that I haven’t listed here—this is just a sampling of a few that I have (or have been asked by others) that I’m particularly interested in getting answers to. This is where having a new face on the board can be of benefit to the community. Incumbents may be more likely to say “that’s just the way it’s always been” instead of evaluating valid questions from members of the public. As a new voice on the board, I would welcome the ability to ask questions and to advocate for our students, parents, and teachers. A growing school district needs to be proactive as well as reactive. As a longterm real estate investor and builder, I constantly have to think about two, five, ten, and twenty years down the road. I also must make quick decisions when problems come up in real time, but I do take pride in thinking through projects extensively before making a decision. This is an election where there are more candidates than there are available seats. This post is simply an attempt to introduce myself as a fresh, progressive voice and to present myself as a qualified candidate for the board. I have the utmost respect for this district and I’d humbly ask that you consider me as worthy of your vote on April 7th. Thank you for your time!
Editors Note: Guest columns and letters are welcome and may be sent to news@grainvalleynews.com.
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Health & Fitness Healthy Eating and Exercise: The Key to Lasting Weigh Loss by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD We have all seen that friend, coworker or relative that has recently dropped a lot of weight and fast. When we ask what they did to lose the weight they tell us the latest fad diet and we begin to wonder if that isn’t the way to go. It’s easy to get caught up in the promise of popular diets but it’s also easy to get confused. Unfortunately, nearly all of those who follow a fad diet with quick weight loss gain all, and sometimes more, of the weight back. The worst part is that because quick weight loss plans tend to cause you to lose muscle, the weight gained back is fat, not muscle, and you end up worse off than when you started. Fad diets are flashy and they sound easy. But unfortunately weight loss is not easy and most fad diets fizzle. If you want to be a successful loser, evaluate weight loss plans carefully and look for these red flags. Magic or miracle diet – There are no magic foods or miracle diets that magically melt away fat. What works for
one person is not guaranteed to work for another. No need to exercise – The key to successful long-term weight loss is regular exercise. Simple activities like walking or biking are important for healthy weight and for overall good health. Easy – Weight loss is not easy. Successful weight loss requires making positive changes to both eating habits and physical activity patterns. Eat specific foods – No individual food can cause weight loss. Weight loss means sticking to healthful eating habits that include a variety of foods. Quick weight loss– loss Studies show that gradual, steady weight loss increases your chances of maintaining a healthy weight. Aim to lose one to two pounds per week. Lists good and bad foods – There are no good foods or bad foods, just good
diets and bad diets. All foods can fit into your weight loss plan in moderation. Look for a plan that you can realistically follow for the rest of your life. Ultra low calories – Diets with less than 1200 calories don’t have enough nutrients to be healthy. And, a diet very low in calories leads to binge eating and muscle wasting. You can succeed at losing weight. The key is to be patient and do some research before jumping into the latest fad. Healthy eating and exercise are the only tried and true strategies for losing weight and keeping it off. A healthy diet begins with breakfast. Get out your slow cooker and have a healthy breakfast waiting for you in the morning. 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.
Overnight Oatmeal Serves 8 (½ cup each). Non-stick cooking spray 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats 4 cups water or skim milk ¼ teaspoon salt, optional All You Do: Coat 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Stir together oats, water and salt, if desired, in slow cooker*. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or overnight or until nearly all water or milk is absorbed Stir well before serving. Serve with assorted toppings, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. *Some slow cookers have a LOW setting that is too high and may burn the oatmeal if left overnight. Check your slow cooker to make sure that the LOW setting doesn’t boil the oatmeal.
Home & Garden
January Gardening Calendar by Donna Aufdenberg, MU Extension Horticulture Specialist, Cape Girardeau County, MO Outdoor Flowering Plants and Ornamentals Gently brush off heavy snows from tree and shrub branches. Limbs damaged by ice or snow should be pruned off promptly to prevent bark from tearing. On warm days, check to see if any perennials have been heaved by freezing and thawing of soil. Firmly press down any that have lifted and cover with at least 2 inches of organic mulch. Plan herbaceous flowerbeds. Changes can be made early in the spring.
than a week for a germination test.
Vegetable Gardening Review your vegetable garden plans. Start small. Increase garden size as your time and needs dictate. As garden catalogs arrive, think of crops and varieties that you want to try. Before ordering new seed, do a germination test to gauge viability on leftover seed. Put a few seeds in a wet paper towel. Keep moist and warm for about a week. If less than half germinate, it is probably best to purchase new seeds, especially vegetables. Keep in mind that many native plant seeds have a longer germination period. They need more
Miscellaneous Take time to relax and read all of those horticultural magazines and garden books that you did not have time to look at during the busy holiday season. Draw a map of your garden and make copies of it. Beds usually stay in the same place year after year, but the crops rotate each year. Each year, take a clean copy of the plan, fill it in, and use the back of the plan to record notes. Keep each year’s plan for easy crosschecking of varieties, rotations, etc. Start thinking FRUIT TREE MAINTENANCE. Plan to prune your trees and apply dormant oil in the next couple of
Indoor Plants Wash the dust off houseplants leaves on a regular basis. Clean leaves can gather light more efficiently and will have better growth. Start new plants from cuttings to revive overgrown plants. Do not over-water plants during the winter months. Always check the soil for dryness before watering. If plants seem to dry out too fast, make sure they are sitting away from areas near heat vents or draftier areas.
months, February to March. Here is a link to a spray schedule- https:// extension2.missouri.edu/g6010 When spraying fruit trees, make sure that you spray the whole tree and not just the part that you can reach. Consider starting the following annual and perennial flowers from Seed Indoors under lights or in a greenhouse. These flowers need 6 to 12 weeks from seed to transplanting. Follow the directions on seed packages for specific seed starting recommendations- Alyssum, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Foxglove (Digitalis), Gomphrena, Marigold, Nasturtium, Nicotiana, Pansy or Viola, Purple Cone Flower, Purple Hyacinth Bean, Rubeckia, Salvia, Snapdragon, Vinca, and Zinnia. Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture, Greene County, MO region says that while it may be the dead of winter, there are plenty of gardening projects to do. There is nothing better than thumbing through the catalogues on a cold winter night and dreaming about the upcoming growing season. Call your local MU Extension office if you have questions about germinating specific types of seeds. Winter is a good time to take a tour through your garden.
Wild Bee balm Monarda fistulosa adds
interest
to
landscape.
the
winter
garden
and
Photo by Cathy Bylinowski, University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Instructor Make notes of what you want to do differently. Begin a garden journal this year. Make weekly notes of what is in bloom and the dates, plant combinations that worked well, and anything else you would like to remember. Winter is a great time to attend gardening classes. Check the Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City website, http://www.mggkc.org/, for upcoming educational classes and events. Many garden-related non-profits in the region also provide educational classes. The Kansas City Gardener, a monthly publication, often available free in libraries and MU Extension offices, is also a great source of information on local and regional gardening and horticulture education classes. Contact MU Extension- Jackson County, in Blue Springs, MO, 816-2525051, for more gardening information.
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MCC-Blue River Fall 2019 Dean’s List Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has released the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. Across MCC’s five campuses and online, 2,933 students received the academic honor. (The college’s fall enrollment was 16,063.)
To make the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours. Below are the students named to the Dean’s List from the Metropolitan Community College’s Blue River campus:
Cortnee Jean Barnett Shea Bass Bianca A Bautista Brielle Rae Bonner Bailey Michele Bunney Breanna Bunney Marcel Anthony Canady Angel Castillo Elizabeth Louise Favor Megan Elyssa Goring Ethan L Grisham Aaron E Headley Kayley K Heitman Jackson Adam Hoover Brittney Rose Konko Laura Kreglo Caleb James Krell Payton Rylee Lawhead James Reed Lower Jr
Hayley Marie McElwee Kaylee Marie Mickelson Spencer Owens Alex Samuel Perez Sam M Petralie Andy Andres Reyes Allison Ericka Riker Victoria Ross Nicholas Royer Sadie Ruiz Gabe Douglas Sebastian Brandon Christopher Shippy Logan R Simpson Jake Anthony Spangler Angela Stein Peyton William Temple Kylee Ann Thurman Jill Breanne Wenger
Local Students Named to William Jewell College Dean’s List William Jewell College has announced several area students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester. The honor recognizes students with a grade-point average of 3.7 or above enrolled in at least 14 hours. Those earning a spot on the dean’s list include from Grain Valley, Alex Hein,
Chance Lister and Victoria Pascoe. William Jewell College is located in Liberty, Mo., 15 miles from Kansas City. The critical thinking college guides students to live what they learn, engage in the world and prepare for meaningful lives of leadership and service.
CANDIDATES
continued from page 1
hours (8:00am—5:00pm Monday through Friday) starting until 5:00pm on January 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 711 Main Street, Grain Valley. Three positions are open on the Grain Valley school board and five have filed as of January 13th. Candidates include Janice Reding (incumbent), Tisha Homfeld (incumbent), Jeff Coleman (incumbent), Jeff Wolff and Justin Wulff. The top three vote earners in the April election will be seated as School Board members for three-year terms beginning in April. The election for both City candidates and school board candidates will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020. In order to be eligible to vote you must be registered
at your current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election in which you wish to vote. Residents may register in person at the Jackson County Election Board office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050 or any one of the authorized locations in this jurisdiction. Locations in Grain Valley include the Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley branch and Grain Valley City Hall. Residents may also print and complete the Missouri Voter Registration Application form found at the Election Board website, www.jcebmo.org, and deliver in person to JCEB or mail to Jackson County Election Board, P.O. Box 296, Independence, MO 64051.
Candidate Profile Valley News will feature a candidate for City or Grain Valley School board in the weeks leading up to the April election. This week, we profile Jeff Craney, candidate for Mayor. “I've been a resident of Grain Valley for close to 11 years, my spouse is Joey Burgett. I am a retired USAF member and currently work at Whiteman AFB as a civilian employee for the 442nd Fighter Wing over seeing all facilities for new construction, remodels, and airfield maintenance and repair. We have two daughters Bridgette and her husband Craig residing in Independence, Kaitlin and her husband Don with our grandson James who live in Windsor Missouri. I am running for mayor for the following reasons: I want to see a more transparent government, I support a more supportive community for all military citizens, both Active Duty, Reserves and Guard. More communication between the city and residents of our community is necessary. I have extensive experience in budgets, fiscal responsibility, administrative, and management of personnel and resources. I want to hear from all residents of the city. My contact information is bridgenkatesdad@gmail.com.”
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Notice is hereby given to the registered qualified voters of Central Jackson County Fire Protection District of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Board of Directors of
said Fire District has called a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. The official ballot will be substantially in the following form:
SAMPLE BALLOT CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY, FEBRURAY 4, 2020 QUESTION Shall Central Jackson County Fire Protection District of Jackson County, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $7,500,000 for the purpose of improving, renovating, repairing, furnishing and equipping existing District facilities and acquiring fire trucks and other firefighting apparatus and equipment, including acquiring and equipping two fire engines and one ladder truck, upgrading communication systems and technology, and acquiring personal protective equipment and other firefighting and EMS equipment? YES NO
Page 9 This Year’s Winter Reading Challenge Will Ask Readers To “Imagine That!” Fantastical stories have been around since before the written word and this year’s challenge will highlight books that tell stories of fantastical worlds, simple fables, and urban legends filled with characters as real as the family next door. Mid-Continent Public Library’s (MCPL) Winter Reading Challenge is an opportunity for adults to celebrate the enjoyment and gratification of leisure reading and earn a 2020 commemorative Winter Reading Challenge coffee mug by reading five books in two months and
qualify to win a special grand prize trip for two to Universal Orlando Resort.
2.
To participate: 1.
Check out the “Imagine That!” Suggested Readings lists for suggestions in print and electronic formats! Titles selected by Library staff will complement the fantasy theme and provide a quality reading experience that is entertaining, thoughtful, and surprising. Information about the program will also be available at all MCPL
3. 4.
5.
branches in mid-December. Adult readers (18+) may join online (sign up for a Beanstack account) or at any MCPL location. Registration for the Challenge will open on January 15th. Read any five books between January 15 and March 15, 2020. Participate in online discussions hosted by MCPL via the Winter Reading Challenge Facebook Group page. List those five books on the online Reading Log or on the log in the
6.
back of the Winter Reading Challenge booklet. Participants may begin logging books online on January 15th. If you complete the Challenge and log five or more books online or turn in your log at a branch by March 15th, visit any library location by April 2, 2020 in order to receive a limited edition 2020 Winter Reading Challenge mug.
Play free puzzles online:
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ACROSS 1. Wheel stopper 6. "Stinging" Muhammad 9. Greek portico 13. She turned to stone, mythology 14. Loud noise 15. *Like many football fans 16. At full speed 17. VHS successor 18. Omit 19. *Miami ____ 21. *They won their first two Super Bowl appearances 23. Time division 24. Do like phoenix 25. "Swan Lake" steps 28. It often follows tooth or back 30. What oars do 35. Part of a jousting outfit 37. Dickens! 39. Donkey in Mexico 40. Glazier's unit 41. *Like Bud at a party 43. Farm structure 44. Fraternal letter 46. Miso bean 47. Make wet 48. Unmoved 50. Agitate 52. Tasseled hat 53. Colloquial approval 55. Opposite of paleo 57. *Tonowanda ____, shortest-lived team in NFL history 60. *Hard Rock ____ 64. In the buff 65. Rapscallion 67. It's common? 68. What time does 69. Lawyers' league 70. Load carrier 71. Extend credit 72. Nonclerical 73. Roommate annoyance
DOWN 1. Angler's enemy 2. Type of cotton fiber 3. Sound of pride 4. Do like a good citizen 5. Family subdivisions 6. Contributes 7. *54 8. Lemur from Madagascar 9. The only one 10. *Ronde to Tiki or Maurkice to Mike 11. *Gambling ____ 12. Pirate's "yes" 15. Echo 20. *Popular stadium snack 22. Nile reptile 24. Clergy house 25. *Halftime show sponsor 26. "Encore!" 27. *What halftime performer does 29. 43 Across residents 31. "That hurts!" 32. Measure of alcohol 33. Jagged, as a leaf's edge 34. *Halftime performer 36. Highway hauler 38. Boxer's last blow 42. House coat 45. Not seeing eye to eye 49. Tiny Tim's guitar 51. To the lowest degree, pl. 54. Relating to axis 56. Theater to Socrates 57. Leafy green 58. Similar 59. *Hall of Famers Ed or Andre 60. Neuter 61. Division word 62. ____ agreement 63. Bébé's mother 64. *Super Bowl owner 66. Wharton degree
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY.
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Driven to Last: Car Care Tips for 2020 and Beyond (BPT) Did you know that one in four Americans keep their cars for an average of seven years or more? Nearly another third (29%) say they typically own their car for three to four years. With Americans keeping their vehicles on the road for the better part of a decade, it's important to implement consistent maintenance habits to ensure a smooth ride. Hankook Tire, whose latest Gauge Index survey examined how long drivers keep their cars, rounds up tips for drivers looking to keep their cars cruising well into the 2020s: 1.
Keep it on the calendar Whether consistency comes based on a mileage amount or a specific date on the calendar, setting and keeping regular tune-up appointments is a simple way to keep your car healthy. Regular maintenance inspections can be a great time to evaluate other parts
of your car, not just what's beneath the hood. For example, most drivers (78%) also use their maintenance routine as a chance to check their tires. And, be sure to examine your windshield wipers and headlights to see if they need to be replaced. 2. Adjust for the seasons Hankook also found that over twothirds of Americans (69%) say all-season tires are interchangeable with winter tires. In some cases, that might be true, but if you live in a climate with drastic weather swings as the seasons change, that can be like saying your favorite Tshirt is suitable for a frigid winter storm. Winterizing your vehicle when the temperatures drop can help it last not only through the colder months, but also avoid potentially bigger problems down the road. Consider swapping the allseasons for a set of winter wheels. 3. Repair and replace (when needed)
Apply Online Starting Feb. 1st for MDC Spring Turkey Hunts by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2020 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/ springturkeyhunts. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th. The spring turkey hunting youth weekend will be April 4th and 5th with the regular spring season running April 20th through May 10th. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC
2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in March. To learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri, visit MDC's website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/ species/turkey Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or
Apply online during February for MDC spring managed turkey hunts at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation. through the MDC free mobile app -- MO Hunting -- available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices..
Share Your Community News and Events! Submit news to news@grainvalleynews.com. Community organizations may also post events to our free community calendar at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Sometimes, a routine oil change will shed light on a maintenance issue that requires more attention. In that event, consider your repair vs. replace decisions carefully - is the option you're choosing a temporary bandage, or will it help lengthen the life of your vehicle in the long run? For many, this depends on what needs replacing, and whether that part is considered "essential." For example, only 30% of drivers will replace their tire pressure monitoring system sensors if they were to break. However, these sensors can offer vital information about the pressure in your tires, which has a lasting impact on your entire driving experience. 4. Clean it up Keeping your car clean is about more than just appearances - it can also help keep it running smoothly for much longer because dirt and grime can cause corrosion to the paint and even more,
especially if it gets into the mechanics of the car. For those driving over salted winter roads, regular car washes become an even more significant step to extending your vehicle's lifespan, as winter road salt can be particularly corrosive. No matter if your vehicle is brand new, or you're looking to hold on to an old-timer a little longer, these tips from Hankook tire can keep you steering straight into the next year, decade and perhaps even beyond.
Sports
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Eagles Defeat Clinton in Pleasant Hill Tournament by John Unrein
One word can be used to sum up the Grain Valley Eagles win against the Clinton Cardinals on Tuesday, January 14th. That word is hustle. The Eagles Boys Basketball team would stretch a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter into a 66-39 victory in their opening game of the 95th annual Pleasant Hill Boys Basketball Invitational. The hustle that defined Grain Valley’s win was a team effort. Seniors AJ Salisbury, Caden Matlon, Josh Kilpatrick, Gavin Oyler, and Seth Dankenbring were all active in providing contributions in helping to assure the outcome. Salisbury is becoming a swiss army knife for the Eagles, capable of fulfilling many roles for the team. “All of us played our tails off tonight. Coming off the North Kansas City loss last week we wanted to turn the page and play our best. We as a team found a good rhythm tonight moving the basketball and finding who’s open,” Salisbury said. “My teammates have really good court vision. We were unselfish tonight in moving the basketball and it paid off. Doing that allowed us to have fun and win the game.” The tools that Salisbury is continuing to develop in his repertoire of shooting, passing, rebounding and defending are padding the stat sheet as well as his team’s confidence. Salisbury would score 17 points, contribute 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 1 assist on a night that saw himself and the rest of Grain Valley’s starters head to the bench with four minutes left in the final quarter with the outcome secured. Eagles Boys Basketball Head Coach Andy Herbert is not surprised by Salisbury’s growth or the effort he put forth in the team’s win. “AJ is our band aid guy. He’s the one that not enough people talk about, but when you look, he’s typically doing something good. He doesn’t say much and he’s a tough nose kid that plays the game the right way,” Herbert said.
“He’s (Salisbury) a great cutter without the basketball and our guys did a good job finding him in open spots tonight. That unselfish play was part of the formula for our win.” Matlon and Kirkpatrick were active in creating offense for the Eagles when screens and ball movement did not yield open shots against Clinton’s man to man defense. Matlon weaved through defenders driving the lane for contested layups. Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick would drift from the post to the arc in locating open looks at the basket. Both would finish with 14 points. “Matlon created a lot for us in the second half. He wasn’t his typical explosive self tonight. He got banged up in practice yesterday. His IQ allows him to see things happen before they develop on the court. We have guys that have played together for so long that they know what the other one’s going to do and that contributes to our success,” Herbert said. Dankenbring and Oyler divided five fouls among them in avoiding the Cardinals having easy scoring opportunities. Their hustle on the defensive end of the court for the Eagles allowed them to play sound man to man defense for much of the game. Herbert reflected on where his team is at during this point of the season. “I thought last Friday (against North Kansas City) we took a step. Every year there’s a game where you see things click for your team. I thought last Friday in our loss we figured some things out that we will need moving forward,” Herbert said. “The chemistry and comradery that have always been there were solidified through the adversity we faced. This is a good and tough group that like each other and that matters as it can’t be replaced. I don’t know as a coach if your ever completely where you want to be, but we are in a pretty good place right now moving forward.”
Senior AJ Salisbury attempts a free throw. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Senior Gavin Olyer attempts a shot at the post. Photo credit: Valley News staff
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S
LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Community Calendar Friday, January 17, 2020
Snake Feeding Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, Blue Springs 3:00pm—3:30pm Walk-in (all ages)
Nerds Unite: Teen Lock In Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:00pm—8:00pm Register online: www.mymcpl.org/ events
Monday, January 20, 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Hall closed Grain Valley Schools closed
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Music with Mar Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway 10:00am Brain based music and movement classes for birth—5 years old. $5/class 816-847-0008
Field Trip— Trip—YMCA Active Older Adults Grain Valley Historical Society and Lunch at El Tequilazo Mexican Call 816-914-6195
Monday, January 27, 2020
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 Board of Aldermen Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 S Main 7:00pm
Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com.
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Contact Cory Unrein, 816816-809809-7984 or news@grainvalleynews.com.