January 14, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 2
O n l i n e w e e k l y a t w w w. g r a i n v a l l e y n e w s . c o m
Planning & Zoning Approves Conditional Use Permits, Site Plan For Panda Express The Planning & Zoning Commission met via videoconference on January 13th, approving several action items, including a proposed site plan for a Panda Express drive-thru restaurant. The proposed restaurant will be located on the northeast corner of the Interstate 70 westbound exit ramp and Buckner Tarsney Road. Restaurant representatives on the call stated a late summer opening date is planned for the 70 seat restaurant. The commission also approved a one -year conditional use permit for Kustom Cruzers and an amendment to an
approved conditional use permit for Eagle Convenient Storage, following a lengthy public hearing for both issues. With two current commission officers absent, the commission voted to table the election of officers for 2021 until the next meeting. The commission also reviewed accomplishments in 2020, noting an increase in single-family residential permits. The City approved 162 permits in 2020, up from 149 in 2019. The next scheduled meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission will be held February 10, 2021 at 6:30pm.
Board begins new year with busy agenda The Board of Aldermen met virtually January 11th, beginning the new year by approving a series of resolutions and ordinances. The board approved resolutions to continue an agreement with Mid-
America Regional Council (MARC) to allow residents to participate in the 2021 regional household hazardous waste collection program, and an agreement with Jackson County for stormwater project funding. The board also
see ZONING on page 2
Sustaining Members Thank you to our first sustaining members for their support of local news. Join them in supporting YOUR local news at https://www.grainvalleynews.com/store/p7/sustainingmember.html.
Cathy Allie
Katherine McCarthy
Rose and Steve Brashears
Marcia Napier
Shannon Grubb
Sarah and Jerry Vaughan
Phillip Hanson
Jeff Wolff
Chuck Johnston
John and Cory Unrein
Leon Maberry
In This Edition: Looking Back: The Sni-A-Bar Voice
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Planning and Zoning considers Panda Express
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Your Health: No More Fad Diets
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Sports: Aumua among Eagle grapplers that love wrestling
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Cover Photo: GVHS Girls Basketball open tournament with win. See page 10.
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Jackson County amends dining restrictions Jackson County issued a new health order on January 13th, amending dining restrictions for bars and restaurants. Under the new health order, Jackson County bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol until midnight with a hard exit for all patrons at 12:30am. All other provisions related to indoor dining remain in effect. The new order takes effect at 12:01 am Thursday, January 14, 2021 and does not apply to businesses in the cities of Kansas City, Missouri or Independence. The new health order relaxes guidance from a previous order issued in November 2020 that required bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m. due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County. “Let me be clear – our situation has not improved over the past two months.
COVID-19 cases are up, our 14-day percent positive remains high as well as hospital capacity,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “However, to remain consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, lessen confusion among residents and create fairness for Eastern Jackson County businesses, we have decided to move forward in this manner. It is still dangerous to gather in large groups, so I urge residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.” Residents and businesses with questions about the new health order should contact the Jackson County Health Department by phone at (816) 404-9883 or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.
Good News: Virtual celebration for MLK Day With many traditional events celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day canceled due to COVID-19, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) annual event will continue virtually. SCLC’s celebration on Monday, January 18th, will be available virtually via Zoom at no cost. The event, “Good Trouble at the Ballot Box: The Resilience of Black Voting Power”, will include a panel discussion led by U.S.
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, DMO, and featuring Congresswoman Rashida Talib, Detroit; Congressman Hank Johnson, Atlanta; and Congressman Dwight Evans, Philadelphia. To register for the free Zoom event, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/sclc-greaterkc-2021-dr-king-jr-virtualcelebration-tickets-134928381421
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) will offer a virtual panel discussion via Zoom on Monday, January 18th at 5:30pm. There is no cost to attend; registration is required. Image credit: SCLC Greater KC
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BOARD continued from page 1
Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department
approved an agreement with Ron’s Auto & Truck Towing LLC to provide towing services from January 2021 until January 2024. The continuation of an agreement with Grain Valley Schools, outlining expectations and responsibilities of School Resource Officers was approved unanimously. Grain Valley Schools provides funding for one of the SRO positions and portions of two other positions. The board approved the continuation of OATS transportation services for seniors and disabled residents. OATS Inc. manages scheduling for the program, which provides transportation to medical appointments and other errands at the cost of $1/per way.
The third of three annual payments to the Grain Valley Partnership was approved, and the board granted approval for 400 water meters to be purchased as a part of the City’s ongoing meter replacement program. Police Chief Beale reported the department has hired one officer and is looking to add three more officers and fill a police clerk position in the near future. During Mayor and Aldermen comments, Mayor Johnston and Alderman Stratton both praised City crews for their work in clearing roads during the most recent snow event. The Board will meet virtually on Monday, January 25th at 7:00pm.
daily calls for service log for the week of December 30, 2020—January 5, 2021. December 30, 2020 Broadway & Sni-A-Bar Broadway & Sni-A-Bar 400 Block Laura Ln 700 Block Main St 100 Block Royer Ln 700 Block Main St December 31, 2020 1100 Block Golfview Dr 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Ashley Dr
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Harassment Suspicious Person Suspicious Vehicle
800 Block Valley Woods Dr 200 Block Main 1500 Block Hilltop 100 Block Royer Ln
Stolen Vehicle Citizen Contact Stealing from Motor Vehicle Area Check Disturbance Alarm Suspicious Vehicle Area Check Careless and Imprudent Driver Alarm Disturbance Missing Person Suspicious Vehicle
January 1, 2021 700 Block Main St 1600 Block Woodbury 800 Block Greystone 600 Block Broadway 700 Block Main St 1 Block OOIDA Dr 700 Block Main St 12th & RD Mize Rd 900 Block Willow 1500 Block Erin Ct Jaclyn Dr & Hannah Ct
Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Parking Complaint Check the Welfare Missing Animal Alarm Check the Welfare Assault Noise Disturbance Civil Standby Suspicious Vehicle
January 2, 2021 Main St & McQuerry 900 Block Sandy Ln 1500 Block Erin Ct
Motor Vehicle Accident Welfare Check Civil Standby
Sni-A-Bar & Cross Creek 800 Block Lakeview Dr 800 Block Valley Woods Dr 1700 Block Hedgewood Dr BB Hwy S of Duncan Rd Sni-A-Bar & Cross Creek
200 Block Main 900 Block Ryan Rd 1300 Block Jefferson 200 Block Main Hedgewood and Duncan 800 Block Harvest Dr 200 Block Main
Suspicious Activity Suspicious Activity Alarm Suspicious Activity Suspicious Person Agency Assist (BSPD) Suspicious Person
January 3, 2021 600 Block Whitney US 40 Hwy WB from Sni-A-Bar Buckner Tarsney & Woodbury 700 Block Main St
Alarm Area Check Area Check Scam Calls
January 4, 2021 31000 Block Argo Montana Ridge & Sni-A-Bar 1300 Block Crestwood Dr 1400 Block Buckner Tarsney 700 Block Main St US 40 Hwy and Main St 200 Block Broadway 700 Block Cross Creek Dr 1200 Block Eagles Parkway 1400 Block Maple Dr 1000 Block Burr Oak Ln
Alarm Motorist Assist Motor Vehicle Accident Stealing Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Activity Stolen Vehicle Suspicious Vehicle Alarm Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle
January 5, 2021 100 Block McQuerry Rd 200 Block Katy Ct 1000 Block Willow Dr 700 Block Main St Valley Woods Dr & Long Dr
Abandoned Vehicle Truancy Parking Complaint Stealing Vandalism
Valley News Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @grainvalleynews
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Looking Back
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Looking Back: The Sni-A-Bar Voice by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Often genealogy searches lead me to a dead end because of my inability to verify a person’s name. In a large family several off-spring might name their children after a parent or grandparent, leaving me no precise answers. This frustration led to my investing in another online program, Newspapers.com. It not only helps me find wedding announcements and obituaries, with family names and dates, but I can also look up pioneer newspapers. In researching old newspapers with news of Grain Valley, one can begin with The Kansas City Times and Star, circa 1880, The Buckner Star, circa 1890s, The Buckner Tribune, circa 1897, The Jackson County Examiner, circa 1898, or The Examiner, circa 1898, which became The Independence Examiner in 1905. I find the articles to be most informative and fascinating like this news item that appeared in “Missouri Notes” in The Kansas City Star on January 17, 1905. It read “Grain Valley people must get noisy very easily. The Grain Valley correspondent of The Sni-A
-Bar Voice says: Everybody is loud in their praise of the new gasoline lamp which the ladies bought for the church.” Okay, so it is not the most earthshattering news. When I put The Sni-A-Bar Voice into the search line, I came up with the following information. The first issue of The Voice (serving Sni-A-Bar Township) was published by David C. Herrington (my great, great uncle) in Blue Springs, MO, in July, 1901. It also gave me 1,283 hits with the word Sni-A-Bar. While I have only gotten through about half of them, I want to share one I found to be quite amusing. It appeared in December, 1914. Missouri Man Tells of the Most Remarkable Results of His Printing It pays to advertise. “We are doing a superfine line of advertising in our office just now,” says the Sni-A-Bar Voice, “and our sale bills are the talk of the county. Week before last we got out an order of bills for a farmer north of town and they were so attractive and nifty that he couldn’t begin to take care of the crowds that
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The "Missouri Waltz", became the state song of Missouri under an act adopted by the General Assembly on June 30, 1949. Lee Edgar Settle, a well known ragtime piano player wrote and played, The Graveyard Waltz, which was the actual melody for the "Missouri Waltz" was first published in 1914. Sales increased substantially after Missourian Harry S. Truman became president, and it was reported that the "Missouri Waltz" was
his favorite song. Although, when asked about his feelings the following reply was published by the White House: "President's attitude towards the song? He can take it or leave it. Is it really his favorite? No. Does he play it often? No. Is Margaret ever heard singing it? No. What is the President's reaction to the song's adoption as the Missouri as state song? See answer to first question." The song is played by the University of Missouri's Marching Mizzou at every home football game to a unique marching style in ¾ time.
flocked to the sale. After getting top price for every animal, implement and article on the bill the auctioneer simply couldn’t stop. The people just clamored for more. The farmer, in the hopes of driving them away, put up his mother-in-law. She brought $160 on the hoof. Then he offered his mortgage for sale. A lifelong friendship between two old neighbors was shattered as each tried to outbid the other. It was finally knocked down to the richest man, who was promptly knocked down by the poorer. He sold the weeds along the roadside. He sold a gold brick that he bought in Chicago at the World’s Fair. He sold the ruts in the road in front of his place and then offered to sell the secret of where he had the sale bills printed. We cannot give the results as the returns are not all in. They are bidding yet. That’s the kind of sale bills we print.” – Sni-A-Bar Voice. This “advertisement” drew the attention of newspapers throughout the Midwest. As I stated, I’ve only
perused about half of the over twelve hundred hits for Sni-A-Bar, but I found the story reprinted in The Kansas City Times, The Sedan Times Star (Sedan, Kansas), The Shreveport Times (Shreveport, Louisiana), The Overbrook Citizen (Overbrook, Kansas), The New Era (Davenport, Oklahoma), Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania), and The Sun (Glasco, Kansas) to name a few. I don’t know how much business they received from their ad, but they certainly got attention. Over the new few weeks, I hope to find more stories to share from the newspapers that have served Grain Valley over the past century.
Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society at 506 S. Main on Wednesdays or visit us online at ww.grainvalleyhistory.com and Facebook (@grainvalleyhistory).
Business
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Technology resolutions for 2021 by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert Let's face it, 2020 was tough. A fresh start is what many of you are looking for in 2021, so when you resolve to make positive changes to your personal life, take a moment to make some resolutions for your digital life as well. Just like good personal habits help you live a longer and fuller life, good tech habits help your technology last longer and prevents you from falling victim to many of the scams out there that threaten your tech devices and your personal data. There are so many habits you should pick up when it comes to using your technology. Here are the 6 important ones you need to use in the coming year. 1. Configure Your Devices to Automatically Backup to a Cloud Storage Service. You can easily replace your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Your data such as baby's first photos, wedding pictures, holiday videos, can't be replaced when lost. Even if there was a chance to reclaim those old files can cost thousands if you let us at Integral attempt to retrieve them from you. External hard drives can be used for backup, but most of you won't remember to plug them in your devices to have them backup. Resolve this year to have your devices automatically backup that information to the cloud. Unfortunately, there are no free services that allow you to do this, but most backup services average around $70 a year which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your files are safe and secure. Not sure what to use? Windows and Macintosh Computers: Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) Will automatically backup your items to the cloud and keep older files for up to 30 days. iPhones and iPad: iCloud. (www.icloud.com) Apple starts you off with a small amount of storage for your tech devices, but for a small monthly fee, you can increase that storage to backup all of your important files on your iPhone, iPad, and even your iMac and Macbook.
Android Phones and Tablets: Google Drive. (www.google.com) Google follows the same model as Apple by giving you a free amount of storage space, but for a small monthly fee you can have all of your Android devices and your Windows and Apple computers backed up to the cloud. 2. Use a Password Manager to Store Those Passwords. Hopefully, you're using different passwords for all of your online accounts. If you're not, you're risking identity theft and having your personal online accounts compromised. Cybercriminals are using a method called Credential Stuffing to get access to your information. With all of the data breaches that have occurred over the years, the is a good chance your user information is sitting on the dark web. Once your information is obtained, a criminal just needs to use your credentials to log in. Making sure you have a different password for each of your online accounts is a great deterrent. Keeping track of all of those passwords is the challenge, which is why a password manager is a good tool for you to use. Not the most secure method, but storing those passwords in your favorite browser is better than using the same passwords for your accounts. Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera all offer an option to store your passwords. If you want a little more security, use LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or DashLane (www.dashlane) to store those passwords. 3. Have a Good Balance between Screen Time and Real Life. Technology has been a great tool during the pandemic allowing us to stay in contact with family and friends, but if you've seen "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, you know technology is designed to keep you addicted and plugged. It's even worse for younger members of your family with social media creating a host of mental and physical ailments. iPhone users can take advantage of Apple's Screen Time to track and control your smartphone use. Android users can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on your devices. It helps if you block or unfriend negative
people on your social media accounts. Also, set certain areas in your home as 'no tech' zones to help curb the amount of time you spend staring at your devices. 4. Get Rid of those old Tech Devices. Doesn't matter if you give them to family members, charity, or recycle them, make 2021 the year you get rid of those old technology toys. I'm talking old gaming systems, computers, laptops, phones, headphones, and cords. Someone can use that old tech. Before you give away those devices, wipe them clean. The easiest way to wipe these devices clean is to do a full reset. Before you do, make sure you back up all your information like documents, pictures, and videos to an external hard drive or to a cloud storage service. 5. Add a Little 'Green' to Your Tech. One of the great things about technology is all of the environmentally friendly tech that is available. Focusing on 'green' tech can help your home and office finances. The first thing you should do is to replace your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs can save you up to $6 a year. A small amount when you think of one bulb, but think about how many bulbs you have in your home or office. If you haven't already, you should also invest in a smart thermostat to help with your energy savings. Some utility companies will provide them to you, but once you have one in your home or office, you can program a schedule to make sure there is no waste when it comes to your utilities. You can also take it a step further by setting up a smart home with your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. 6. Reevaluate Your Tech Subscriptions. Many products are going to a subscription service. The upside is these products keep you up to date with the latest versions of your software products. The downside is these subscriptions are designed to keep taking money out of your pocket as most companies sign you up for ongoing subscriptions rather than monthly or yearly subscriptions. Check your banking and credit card statements to make sure you aren't being charged for products you are no longer using. While you're at it, contact your cable and Internet providers to
make sure you're getting the best package that offers faster internet services. Sometimes companies will modify their TV or Internet package for a lower rate and not inform their current customers. Yes, 2020 was not an easy year and we all could use a clean slate. Think of 2021 as a reset for yourself and your tech devices. In this digital age we live in, take the time to reevaluate your relationship with your gadgets, and make technology a healthier component of your life. Looking for More Useful Tech Tips? Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People' every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer or technology help? 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. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
Education Metropolitan Community Colleges releases Fall 2020 Dean’s List Metropolitan Community College has released the Dean's List for the Fall 2020 semester. The 2,865 students who received Dean's List recognition earned a GPA of at least 3.5 while being enrolled in six or more credit hours. Gabby Marie Aber Trevor A Bartlett Rebecca Boom Stephanie Sue Branson Dane Bridges Brittney R Bryant Amanda Capek Deaton Joeseph Carroll Aubrie Clarke Kirby O'Meara Evans Elizabeth Louise Favor Alexis D Fletcher McKenzy Nicole Gauert Dominic Grisafe Cardona Kyle R Hammond Kylie Josephine Hawkins
Kaylee Lynn Hutchens Kala Joiner Ethan Syver Kalthoff Brittney Rose Konko Payton Rylee Lawhead Theo Emmett Luce Megan Marsh Hayden Dallas Mitchell Madison Montgomery Haley Michelle Myers Alex Samuel Perez Sam M Petralie Andy Andres Reyes Alexandra V Salinas Stacey Renae Schilling Ashley Danelle Stumpenhaus Shuyler R Sullivan Kayla M Townsend Kristen Waters Jill Breanne Wenger Gavin Lane Wolfe
“LIFE’S MOST PERSISTENT AND URGENT QUESTION IS, ‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS? ’ " - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Building children’s emotional resilience amid uncertainty (Family Features) For parents facing uncertain school schedules, new ways of working and concerns about the health and safety of their families, life in a pandemic is stressful enough. Add in the potential for children to feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with the unfamiliar and many families feel they are in no-win situations. Keeping children home can help minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, but limits their contact with friends and teachers. On the other hand, sending kids to a center or school to learn and socialize with others can lead to concerns about exposure to COVID-19. Parents can breathe easier knowing that child care programs with proper safety practices in place do not spread COVID-19, according to a Yale University study that surveyed 57,000 providers nationwide. "Families have much to consider when it comes to making a decision about what is best for them," said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer of KinderCare Learning Centers. "Fortunately, their fears quickly turn to relief once they see our health and safety protocols, the success we have had keeping our children and staff safe and how excited their children are to be with friends and classmates. Once you move past the difficult decision, the rewards are profound." When it comes to selecting the best option for your family, keep these considerations in mind: Putting safety first. When considering a center or school, make sure it's not only following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health department guidelines when it comes to masks and social distancing, but look for
additional safety measures such as restricted access to classrooms, health screenings upon entry, handwashing throughout the day and frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Knowing the steps teachers and staff take to keep children safe can help confirm you're making the best choice for your family. The social and emotional benefits to returning to school or child care. According to a ParentsTogether study, nearly half of parents surveyed said their child is struggling with mental health or behavioral problems because of the pandemic. Children typically thrive with social stimulation and outlets for strong emotions, two things that are challenging for many families to offer right now. School can provide children with a safe place to continue their social, emotional and academic development, enhanced by the opportunity for social interaction with people outside of their immediate families. Making the transition easier. "Routines can be comforting to children," Dr. Yalow said. "Just think about how excited they are to rejoin their friends and teachers after a typical summer break. We have seen that enthusiasm magnified this year as children have returned to our programs." Once children settle into a more typical routine, parents can feel a sense of relief seeing them engaged in learning and interacting with their peers and teachers. When it comes to sending your child to school or a child care program during the pandemic, every family has to make the decision that feels best for it. When you're ready, there are safe and engaging programs available for your child.
Environment
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Fate of monarch butterfly up in the air by Brittany Callan, The Beacon After a years long effort by conservationists for the monarch butterfly to be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined the pollinator is a good candidate, but other species take precedence. Citing finite resources, the agency plans to work on higher priority species before evaluating whether monarch butterflies should be listed as endangered or threatened. “Forty-seven species have gone extinct waiting for their protection to be finalized,” said Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This decision continues the delay in implementing a national recovery plan which monarchs desperately need.” The population of monarchs has been declining for the last 20 years because of factors like climate change and insecticides. In Kansas and Missouri, habitat conservation efforts for the monarchs are strong, but alone aren’t enough to preserve the species. “It is never good news when we find that listing an animal or plant is warranted,” said Charlie Wooley, regional director of the Great Lakes region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which led the review. “It means there are tough challenges ahead.” In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations to list the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act, according to Lori Nordstrom, assistant regional director for ecological services at U.S. Fish and Wildlife. The agency started its status assessment of the species in 2016, one that Wooley called one of the most rigorous ever conducted by the agency. The agency looked at populations of the species worldwide, although populations in North America were the main focus, and compiled and analyzed information about monarchs’ life history, biology, and current and future vulnerabilities, Nordstrom said. The agency predicted the outcome of the species based on availability of milkweed and nectar sources needed by the butterfly; availability and quality of the wintering habitats for the butterflies; exposure to pesticide;
effects of climate change; and conservation efforts to restore habitat. Monarch caterpillars can only feed on milkweed, so the plant is important to their survival. On Dec. 15, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it found that adding the monarch butterfly to the list of threatened or endangered species was “warranted but precluded,” meaning the agency will review the status each year to see if its listing is still needed. If the butterfly’s status is still “warranted” in 2024, the agency will have worked through its list of species with higher priority and then evaluate if the monarch should be listed as threatened or endangered, Nordstrom said. There are currently 161 species in the U.S. with a higher priority than the monarch, Nordstrom said, including the Blanding’s turtle and golden-winged warbler. Monarchs in the U.S. are made up of an eastern population, which contains 90% of the world’s monarchs and winters in Mexico, and a western population, which winters in California. The eastern population fell from an estimated 384 million monarchs in 1996 to 60 million in 2019. The western population sharply fell from 1.2 million in 1997 to fewer than 30,000 in 2019. Over the next decade, there is less than a 10% chance the extinction of the eastern population, which includes monarchs found in Kansas and Missouri, is inevitable, Nordstrom said. In contrast, there is up to a 68% chance the western monarch population will become extinct in that time. Conservation efforts Monarchs undertake a journey unlike any other butterfly. Each year, they fly up to 3,000 miles south to reach their wintering destination — using environmental clues like the position of the sun — to know when they should start traveling and where to go. They cluster together on trees to stay warm through the winter, and their offspring begin a multigenerational trip back north once spring arrives. Orley “Chip” Taylor Jr., director of Monarch Watch, an educational outreach program based at the University of Kansas, has seen the monarchs at their wintering site in
A monarch butterfly perches on a milkweed. File art/The Beacon. Mexico and calls it a spiritual experience. “You go there and you look at masses of butterflies and realize that these are survivors of incredible journeys,” Taylor said. “You can see the struggle to replicate in this migration, the struggle to survive.” When he started Monarch Watch’s butterfly tagging program in 1992, Taylor said he was surprised that 500 people responded to his news release asking for volunteers in The Des Moines Register. In the nearly 30 years since it was founded, the organization has grown its conservation nationwide to nearly 31,000 registered monarch waystations, which are habitats for monarch butterflies created and maintained by the general public. Monarch Watch also works with the public through free milkweed programs, distributing more than 1 million milkweeds. It also works with plant nurseries to distribute free milkweed to schools and educational nonprofits or property owners with two or more acres aiming to restore the land’s native habitat. “I think people want to have a role and feel active and have a positive impact on things,” Taylor said. “Being able to create habitat is a very positive action, and getting rewarded by seeing the butterflies come to the habitat you’ve created is very positive.” In some of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ efforts, like trying to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, Wooley said there isn’t much role for the
public. But helping conserve the monarchs is an action the public can easily help with. “With monarchs, we are so impressed with the way the American public have raised their hands, gotten engaged, planted milkweed on their public properties and their backyards, developing wildflower gardens that help monarchs and other pollinators, and getting involved in prairie restoration projects,” Wooley said. But Taylor with Monarch Watch said the current level of conservation still isn’t enough to deal with the monarch butterfly’s overall loss of habitat. “We could easily use a couple hundred thousand monarch waystations to have better monarch conservation,” Taylor said. While there are many people who want to step up and contribute to monarch conservation, there need to be more programs available that provide an easy way for people to help, he said, and those conservation programs cost money and need to ask for support. The bottom line? People need to be better stewards of the planet, Taylor said. “To keep things like monarch butterflies going, we have to deal with climate change. If we ignore it for much longer, we will not have monarch migrations.” The Beacon is an online news outlet based in Kansas City focused on local, indepth journalism in the public interest.
Home & Garden
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January Gardening Calendar by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S., Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension Houseplants Weeks 1-4: To clean heavily encrusted clay pots, scrub them with a steel wool pad after they have soaked overnight in a solution consisting of one gallon water with one cup of white vinegar added. After the deposits are removed rinse the pots in clear water. A brief soak in a solution of one gallon of water with one cup household bleach added will help sanitize the pots. Weeks 1-4: Some plants are sensitive to the fluorine and chlorine in tap water. Water containers should stand overnight to allow these gases to dissipate before using on plants. Weeks 1-4: Wash the dust off of houseplant leaves on a regular basis. This allows the leaves to gather light more efficiently and will result in better growth. Weeks 1-4: Set the pots of humidity-loving houseplants on trays filled with pebbles and water. Pots should sit on the pebbles, not in the water.
Weeks 1-4: Allow tap water to warm to room temperature before using on houseplants. Weeks 1-4: Fluffy, white mealy bugs on houseplants are easily killed by touching them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Weeks 1-4: Insecticidal soap sprays can be safely applied to most houseplants for the control of many insect pests. Weeks 1-2: Quarantine new gift plants to be sure they do not harbor insect pests. Weeks 2-4: Amaryllis aftercare: Remove spent flower after blooming. Set the plant in a bright sunny window to allow the leaves to fully develop. Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Fertilize occasionally with a generalpurpose houseplant formulation.
ice or snow should be pruned off promptly to prevent bark from tearing. Weeks 1-4: Check stored summer bulbs such as dahlias, cannas and gladioli to be sure they are not rotting or drying out. Weeks 1-4: To reduce injury, allow ice to melt naturally from plants. Attempting to remove ice may damage plants further. Weeks 1-4: Use sand, bird seed, sawdust or vermiculite to gain traction on icy paths. Avoid salt or ice melting chemicals as these may injure plants. Weeks 1-4: Make an inventory of the plants in your home landscape. Note their location and past performance. Plan changes on paper now. Weeks 2-4: Sow pansy seeds indoors now.
Ornamentals Weeks 1-4: Gently brush off heavy snows from tree and shrub branches. Weeks 1-4: Limbs damaged by
Miscellaneous Weeks 1-4: Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns. It may injure turf grasses. Weeks 1-4: Keep records of your garden this year. Weeks 1-4: Store wood ashes in sealed, fireproof containers. Apply a dusting around lilacs, baby's breath, asters, lilies and roses in spring. Do not apply to acid-loving plants. Excess ashes may be composted. Weeks 1-4: Check all fruit trees for evidence of rodent injury to bark. Use baits or traps where necessary. Weeks 1-4: Cakes of suet hung in trees will attract insect-hunting woodpeckers to your garden. Weeks 1-4: Brightly colored paints applied to the handles of
tools will make them easier to locate in the garden. Weeks 1-2: Seed and nursery catalogs arrive. While reviewing garden catalogs, look for plants with improved insect, disease and drought-tolerance. Weeks 1-2: Old Christmas trees can be recycled outdoors as a feeding station for birds. String garlands of peanuts, popcorn, cranberries, fruits and suet through their boughs. Week 1: Christmas tree boughs can be used to mulch garden perennials. Week 1: If you didn't get your bulbs planted before the ground froze, plant them immediately in individual peat pots and place the pots in flats. Set them outside where it is cold and bury the bulbs under thick blankets of leaves. Transplant them into the garden any time weather permits. Weeks 2-4: Try sprouting a test sample of left-over seeds before ordering new seeds for spring. (Roll up 10 seeds in a damp paper towel. Keep moist and warm. Check for germination in a week. If fewer than half sprout, order fresh seed.) Week 4: Swap seeds and information with gardening friends.
Gardening Calendar supplied by the staff of the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening located at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri. (www.GardeningHelp.org) Call MU Extension in Jackson County, 816-482-5650, for more gardening information.
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Your Health
Page 8
No More Fad Diets by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD that a large amount of weight can be lost quickly, if fewer than 1,000 calories per day are to be eaten, if special foods need to be purchased, if no risks are provided or if large advance payments or long-term contracts are required. Although not nearly as enticing as flashy diets or celebrity endorsed supplements, the best way to lose weight and keep it off is a balanced diet and regular exercise. Not only will you lose weight with this approach, you will improve your health as well. So how do you get started implementing a well-balanced diet and exercise plan without following a premade meal plan, supplements or exercise gimmicks? Follow these three steps and you will be on your way.
January 19 is National Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day. Yes, there really is an official day for it and it is the third Tuesday in January each year. If you are like most Americans, at one time or another you have tried a diet fad or gimmick that promised quick and easy weight loss only to find that the weight you lost was gained back in less time than it took to take it off. But how can you spot a fad diet? A red flag should go up if it promises
Step 1: Create a Vision What would you like your life to look like in 1, 5 or 10 years? This isn’t a number on the scale. This is the big picture of your well-being. Describe your ideal state of physical and emotional health. What does that look and feel like? Create a vision board by using pictures of your vision if it helps. Step 2: Determine Your Goals Goals get you to your vision. These can be reevaluated and changed along the way. Long-term goals are goals you want to reach in 6-12 months. Shortterm goals are goals you want to reach in 3-6 months. Examples of long-term
goals are to complete in a 5K race or to lose 50 pounds or to increase your strength and muscle mass. Short-term goals may be to run 2 miles or to lose 20 pounds or to bench press 200 pounds. Whatever your goals, make them SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based. An example of a SMART goal is: I will run 2 miles per day on 3 days of the week (M.W,F) Step 3: Write Down Weekly Habits Habits are what you do daily/weekly that get you to reach your goals. These are the important things that create a lifestyle change if done consistently. Examples of habits are eating 3 servings of vegetables each day or walking for 30 minutes daily outside. Small habits help you reach your goals and can add up to BIG changes in your health, fitness, and well-being. By following these three steps you will be on your way to a healthy new lifestyle. And remember, consistency, not perfection, is the key to a permanent lifestyle change. Slow and steady always wins the race Need a healthy dinner idea to meet your vegetable goals? Try this veggiepacked Minestrone on a cold evening:
Minestrone Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound spinach, chopped 1 large potato, peeled and chopped 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock ½ cup small dried pasta 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add spinach and potato and sauté for 2 minutes longer. Add tomatoes and rosemary and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potato and pasta are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the beans and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Nutrition: Serving Size: 1 cup Per Serving: 260 calories, 10 grams protein, 41 grams carbohydrate, 9 grams dietary fiber,6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 300 milligrams sodium. Recipe: Make Every Day Mediterranean by Oldways
Healthy, safe and affordable home cleaning tips (StatePoint) When it comes to keeping your home healthy, safe and clean, it’s all about balance. Using the following tips, you can make 2021 the year you perfect your cleaning technique affordably: Get Prepped Before getting started, wash your hands. Not only does it help you to avoid spreading germs, it’s also a great way to get into a cleaning mindset. You can also give yourself a little motivational boost by putting on some great tunes. Check out the Ultimate Cleaning Playlist on Spotify, which features danceable hits spanning decades, or create your own. According to the experts, a bit of preparation can even streamline your efforts. “Before any cleaning session, I take a few minutes to de-clutter. This makes the
process of dusting and wiping down surfaces so much easier,” Erin Chase, AlEn Cleanfluencer and busy mom of four, said. Strike a Balance Contrary to what you might assume, there’s no need to use a disinfectant cleaner on every surface, even in the age of COVID-19. High-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, remotes and countertops should be disinfected daily. You should also be sure to disinfect after visitors, and continually disinfect surfaces touched by sick household members. However, it’s important use strong cleansers mindfully. The power of bleach is a great way to disinfect properly where and when it’s needed. Be sure to use approved products, such as Cloralen Disinfectant Bleach, and follow the instructions on the label.
Don’t use bleach on porous surfaces and never mix cleaning products -- in particular don’t mix bleach with ammonia. This can result in dangerous fumes you shouldn’t breathe. Go Green When You Can For everyday messes, use naturallyderived cleaning products, such as Art of Green wipes and sprays, which are hardworking and safe for sensitive skin, making them good choices for “over and over” cleaning around kids and pets. Voted a 2020 Product of the Year by more than 40,000 consumers, Art of Green works on many surfaces and comes in two uplifting scents, Lavender Eucalyptus and Citrus and White Flowers. You can also help protect the planet by choosing products from companies committed to building a cleaner, more
sustainable world. Many products from AlEn USA are made with sustainable ingredients, and the company recycles more plastic than it uses. To learn more, visit alenusa.com, artofgreen.com and cloralen.com. Celebrate a Job Well-Done “Cleaning is an opportunity to refresh your mindset,” adds Chase, who makes sure to celebrate a job well done with self -care rituals. “After cleaning, I always wash my hands and apply my favorite hand lotion.” With a few smart cleaning tips, you can create an environment that helps protect the health and safety of your family and your pets.
Outdoors & Recreation
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MDC offers free virtual backpack camping workshop January 22nd by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Walking into the wild with shelter and food in a backpack is a good way to experience Missouri’s unspoiled natural places. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual backpacking workshop from 1:00pm—2:00pm on Friday, Jan. 22nd. This event for all ages will help individuals and families get started backpack camping. Participants will learn to plan for safety and comfort. Tips on how to pack
everything needed for a multi-day backpacking trip will be presented. The session will be taught by Lisa Richter, an MDC naturalist who hiked the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. Missouri has many scenic trails open to backpackers. Registration is required for this online virtual program. To register, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZEa.
Backpack camping is a portal to adventure amid scenic places. MDC will offer a free online virtual backpack camping session on Jan. 22. Photo credit: MDC
Free virtual clinic February 7th on crossbow hunting by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation
The crossbow, an ancient form or archery, is enjoying new popularity as a tool for hunting and target shooting. A free virtual online clinic about hunting with crossbows will be offered from 1:00pm—2:00pm on Sunday, February 7th, by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC staff will discuss crossbow types, features, and hunting
considerations. The online presentation will include demonstrations of crossbow loading and shooting. Trouble shooting and safety tips will also be offered. This clinic is open to all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZEn
MDC will offer a free virtual clinic Feb. 7 on selecting and using crossbows for hunting. Photo credit: MDC
January program offerings at Burr Oak Woods Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center offers the following programs this January: Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour Tuesday, January 19, 2021 2:00pm to 3:00pm Register by January 19 Magical moments in nature are waiting for you! Go on an adventure with a Naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail close to the nature center. Notes: Dress for the weather. Program will be all outdoors, weather permitting. If it is very cold and/or there is more than light rain/ sleet/snow program will be cancelled.
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY.
Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour Tuesday, January 26, 2021 2:00pm to 3:00pm Register by January 26 Go on an adventure with a Naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you
explore on a trail close to the nature center. Discover Nature: Mammal Mania! Tuesday, January 26, 2021 3:30pm to 4:30pm Register by January 25 Join a Naturalist to learn about the groups of mammals in Missouri and common to rare species. See the outdoors from wild mammals’ point of view as we head out on the trail and look for signs of mammals. Notes: Dress for the weather. Meet in front of the nature center. Program will be all outdoors, weather permitting. If it is very cold and/or there is more than light rain/sleet/snow program will be cancelled. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs. To register for programs, call 816-228-3766.
Sports
Page 10
Lady Eagles open tournament with sound win by John Unrein The Grain Valley Lady Eagles basketball team opened the Pleasant Hill Basketball Tournament with a win over the Pembroke Hill Raiders, 71-44 on January 11th. The Lady Eagles opened the game with full court pressure that led to turnovers and transition scoring opportunities for Grain Valley. The result was an 18-3 first quarter lead for the Lady Eagles that they continued to build on as the game progressed. Sound floor spacing, movement without the basketball, decisive passing, and avoiding turnovers permitted the Lady Eagles to top the 70 point plateau. Furthermore, the Lady Eagles continue to grow in their ability to find open looks at the basket by being disciplined offensively. This feat is significant as seven Grain Valley freshmen and sophomores saw significant playing time on the court during the contest. Grain Valley sophomore point guard Grace Slaughter led all scorers with 35 points, to which she added 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. A strong supporting cast around Slaughter included fellow sophomore Ella Clyman and freshman McKenah Sears. Clyman would add 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Sears would have one of her strongest outings during her young varsity career. The freshman’s stat line included 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. “We came out ‘boom’ ready to play, and wanted to attack being on who we were to defend. We have worked a lot in
Emma Jane Ogle drives the lane. Photo credit: Valley News staff
practice on full court press and denying passing lanes when applying pressure,” Slaughter said. “Ball movement tonight was big in us getting the looks we did (at the basket). I am proud of my team and how we played.” Clyman added, “My hustle tonight was the contribution I made to our win. Boxing out led us to be good on the boards. Our intensity and willingness to work as a team was fun to watch.” Sears concluded, “My faith in the Lord has led to the growth in my abilities. My teammates supporting me has been huge as well. They are always there for me. I am learning that when I drive (to the basket) there will be people open like Grace and Ella. Coach (Randy) Draper puts us in the correct spot as well.” Lady Eagles head basketball coach Randy Draper was satisfied with how his team performed as the second seed in the tournament against the seventh seed Raiders. Draper acknowledged that the youth of his team contributes in different ways with the bottom line being that they are connected by being basketball players who enjoy the game. “The press we started the game with tonight was predetermined, but it’s something that I like to do anyway. The mindset of it pushes our team to be engaged and on point from the outset,” Draper said. “The growth and belief in themselves that the youth of this team is displaying is special. Our hope has always been
Pictured left to right: McKenah Sears, Grace Slaugher, and Ella Clyman. Photo credit: Valley News staff that we would keep marching and that everyone would move forward. Tonight, was a good gauge that members of this team are making big steps (of progress), and they will need to continue as our competition ahead will be tough.” Draper added, “Grace is hard to guard, because of the dilemma of who do you guard her with. She can post, drive, and pull up from long and intermediate ranges. She is not fun to guard. Our offense continues to grow in that we
are not playing to her (Slaughter), instead we are playing through her. There’s a difference, and if we continue to do that, things will continue to be good for us.” The Lady Eagles improve to 5-3 on the season with their win. The Pleasant Hill Basketball Tournament continues with the consolation game on January 14th and the Championship game on January 15.
Freshman guard Finley LaForge attempts a three point shot. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Sports
Page 11
Aumua among Eagle grapplers that love wrestling by John Unrein Three distinct things garner your attention upon entering the Grain Valley Eagles wrestling building behind the high school: a sign taped to the door requesting that a mask is worn upon entering the facility, a large cutout of an Eagle in a wrestling singlet, and the ritual of spike ball being played by those who get to practice early. For those of a certain age or unfamiliar with spike ball, think of an equivalent of four square being played by contestants as they spike a ball into a small trampoline net. The benefits of the game become easily apparent with the agility and quickness required by participants, not to mention the laughter and smiles that accompany the competition. Such is the design of Eagles head wrestling coach Jeff Bowman who is in his second year at the helm. Bowman is notably proud of his team, including freshman Sevi Aumua. The 151 pound weight class grappler loves wrestling for the competition it brings, the camaraderie from being around her teammates and coaches, and
the confidence gained from learning self -defense. Aumua’s entry to practice coincides with that of her quiet and unassuming nature. Her male teammates are quick to say “Hi” and share the latest funny Tik Tok video or Snapchat from a group of friends. Aumua got started in wrestling through attending the meets and practices of her younger brother. Her parents noticed how Aumua paid keen attention to what was happening and encouraged her to consider taking up the sport. From her first club practice, Aumua was hooked and has continued wrestling at the high school level. “I feel like there are people who think that girls can’t wrestle. I have met that criticism, and I would like that myth destroyed. I am a competitive person that likes winning. The joy you get from a win brings enjoyment to the whole team. It is an accomplishment past you,” Aumua said. “I like going to the weight room in the summer to get stronger. I stay busy with schoolwork and playing multiple
sports. I play football in the fall and soccer in the spring as well.” Aumua’s competitive streak was also apparent for the Eagles this fall. Aumua could be identified more by her long black braided hair coming out of the back of her helmet instead of shying away from contact at the line of scrimmage. Evidence of this could be heard as much as seen from the “popping” sound that would come from Aumua pulling from the offensive guard position and kicking out the edge defender on the Eagles “down” or offtackle trap running play. When Aumua does find time to relax, she enjoys nature walks and writing poetry. Counting how many animals she can hear or see on a jaunt to unwind is equally matched by creating rhymes that demonstrate expression. “My long term goals include figuring out what college to attend. I am focused on wrestling and hope it can bring me a scholarship in the future. I Freshman wrestler Sevi Aumua (left) with am just a freshman, but I look forward Grain Valley High School wrestling head to my future.”
coach Jeff Bowman (right). Photo credit: Valley News staff
Heart of Eagles defense commit to new college homes by John Unrein Being a college freshman on a new campus can be full of trepidation. A typical eighteen or nineteen year old may ask themselves, “How will I react being away from home?” or “Will I meet people that can become my friends?” And do not forget “Will the cafeteria food be good, and will I excel academically at this level?” Add to that list the rigors of being a student athlete committed to playing NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football that will be assimilating to the new culture of a second family. You can see how all this may be a big moment in the life of a young person. Such is the future for Grain Valley High School seniors Donovan McBride and Hunter Newsom. McBride has recently announced his verbal commitment to play NCAA Division I football for Murray State University. The school is situated in Murray, Kentucky and nestled in the Southwest corner of the state. The 2020 enrollment listed for the university is 9,569 students and the Murray State
Racers are under the direction of Dean Hood, a 30 year veteran of college football. McBride is happy with his scholarship offer and pleased with the way that Murray State has stayed in touch with him throughout the recruitment process. The 6’ 4” 270 pound defensive lineman will be playing in the nearly 17,000 seat Roy Stewart Stadium next fall. “I had a lot of schools reach out to me during the recruitment process. I chose Murray State because of their consistency. They made it a point to ask how my family was doing, to check with me to see how my grades were, and how my football season was going on a weekly basis. They no doubt want me to be a part of their program,” McBride said. “Obviously, I am little anxious about what is ahead. Some of the guys I will be facing are going to be bigger and stronger initially, and some will have kids for crying out loud.” McBride continued, “On the other
hand, I am ready to play football again. I miss it. I am looking forward to being a part of a team that have eleven guys on each side of the football ready to get after it.” McBride’s unselfishness was on display this fall for the Eagles. Starting along the offensive line as a center and learning the position over the summer paid dividends for Grain Valley head football coach David Allie. McBride would play both ways along the offensive and defensive lines, including both at defensive tackle and defensive end as a member of the Eagles black shirt defense. The Eagles would march on to a 10-2 record that would consist of a share of the Suburban Conference White Division Football Championship. “Donovan McBride has meant so much to the team for four years. It seems like yesterday that he was a 7th grader coming to our Youth Camp, impressing the coaches at all positions, not just on the line. He was such an athletic and hardworking player then; we knew there would be something
see EAGLES on page 12
Seniors Donovan McBride (L) and Hunter Newsom (R). Photo credit: Valley News staff
EAGLES continued from page 11 special for him in his future and for the future of GVHS football. He did not disappoint,” Allie said. “He has been a four-year starter and letter-winner for us and brought a level of consistency and accountability to our defensive unit that will be hard to replace. He brought that same stability to the offensive side during the 2020 season as well, and for a player of his size and strength, it amazed us that he rarely asked to come off the field and sometimes had to be dragged to the sideline to get rest.” Allie added, “His numerous All Conference, All District, and All State awards attest to his ability as a player, but that is just part of what made Donovan such a great member of the Eagle Football Family. Besides his physical prowess and maturity, he has also always been emotionally mature. Of course, kids are kids, and he would sometimes do the silly things that adolescent males do. But for a great majority of the time, and when our team really needed to look to somebody for leadership and guidance, Donovan was that pillar of confident strength.” “We have counted on him for so long he has become a "fixture" on our defense. I know it will almost feel surreal to step on the field next year and realize that he (and a few of his classmates) are no longer on the team.” Number 25 for the Eagles will have a new home as well this fall. Newsom has
announced his verbal commitment to the University of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The public university is in Rapid City, South Dakota and had a 2020 enrollment of 2,529. The Hardrockers play Division II NCAA football and are under the direction of head coach Charlie Flohr. The 6’ 1” 200 pound Newsom double dipped both as a linebacker and running back for the Eagles this football season. Newsom’s enthusiasm for tackling and his ability to avoid blockers will be on display northwest of Grain Valley in 2021. Newsom was frequently a captain for the Eagles during the pregame coin toss. A mantle of leadership earned and well deserved by Newsom. One that Allie is proud to have coached and will miss next season as new leaders emerge in the Eagles program. “Hunter Newsom is one of the finest leaders we have ever had at GVHS. One true mark of a leader is that they use every resource available to improve themselves. Hunter was blessed to have two really good leaders (Kole Wagener and Seth Dankenbring) precede him at Inside Linebacker, and he took their examples and improved on them,” Allie said. “He was also very coachable, willing to take constructive criticism and work on the little things that his coaches, and that he himself, saw that needed to be improved. In addition to his adaptability, he was also relentless on the field and in the weight room. He is a prime
example of why wrestlers make great football players and vice versa – the only way to make him quit attacking is to carry him off on a stretcher.” “HIs internal drive to succeed made him a great linebacker and running back for us and such hard-nosed play inspired his teammates and helped him become one of the most award-winning players in GVHS history. His selection as First Team Coaches and Media AllState, three different recognitions for Defensive Player of the Year, the AllSimone Team, our team's Napier Award (a legacy award given to the most outstanding Eagle football player), and a handful of other awards are tribute to how good of a player he was.” Allie concluded, “However, I have a feeling that to him, the most meaningful award he won as an Eagle football player was being elected team captain. His resilience and perseverance showed in the classroom as well, being recognized three times as part of the Academic All-State Team. But if you ask the best thing about him, no matter whether he was excelling on the field and in the classroom or if he was suffering under a pile of weights or running sprints, he always had a smile on his face and was happy just to have an opportunity to be there.” Both McBride and Newsom have committed to continue as student athletes at the post-secondary level. The Eagles are likely to have other
seniors who will be blessed to receive scholarship offers and make announcements in the coming days and weeks. No doubt a sign of hard work and commitment. “It definitely fills us with pride to see a player who has toiled and sweated for four years be able to reap the rewards of his hard work and effort on the field and in the classroom,” Allie said. “To me, football is the greatest sport in the world, but most of us are only able to play it competitively for a short time. Any chance that a person can get to continue playing this ultimate-ofsports is cause for celebration. Unfortunately, the truth is even fewer will be lucky enough to play this (or any) sport professionally, so they will have to prepare for a career outside of the game.” “That is the true reason to celebrate these young men getting the opportunity to continue playing; it means they are getting a chance to go to school to receive training for their future career. When you add the multiplying effect of being exposed to even more lessons from the great game itself, networking with more friends and acquaintances while in college, and simply growing and maturing into adulthood, the opportunity for a scholarship to play a sport becomes one of the most valuable things a person could ever receive.”
Community Calendar Friday, January 15—March 15, 2021 Winter Reading Challenge Adults 18+ embrace the enjoyment and gratification of leisure reading and earn incentives. www.mymcpl.org Friday, January 15, 2021 Virtual Storytime 10:00am—10:20am Join library staff for virtual storytimes
for your littles (and maybe for you too)! Stories and songs, brought directly to your home. www.mymcpl.org/events Monday, January 18, 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Hall closed Grain Valley schools closed
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 PPP Loan Forgiveness Update 11:45am—1:00pm Virtual event Did you receive a PPP loan? Did you use the funds but don’t know what to do next? Join us as Stephanie Parris of Guardian Accounting Services walks through the PPP Loan Forgiveness application. www.mymcpl.org/events
Monday, January 25, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Virtual meeting via Zoom Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com/ eventscalendar
Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found at www.grainvalleynews.com