Valley News
January 24, 2019
www.grainvalleynews.com
Effects of Shutdown Felt By Local Residents The partial government shutdown enters its second month this week, with no apparent end in sight. Far from the political battle being waged in Washington, D.C., nearly 800,000 federal employees nationwide have been placed on unpaid leave or are working without pay. Locally, the federal government is the largest employer in the Kansas City area, with more than 18,000 employees. Valley News spoke to two Grain Valley residents who are directly impacted by the ongoing shutdown. Grain Valley resident Julie and her fiancé Joe [last names withheld at their request] are relying on credit cards to cover daily expenses. Joe is considered an essential federal employee and is continuing to work full time without pay. “Currently we are surviving with credit cards for day to day expenses. We have called our mortgage company and car loan creditors with the hopes of deferring payments during the shutdown. So far it sounds as if the only payment we can defer for February will be our mortgage payment after our water bill. I think our biggest concern is the interest charges we are going to accumulate while accruing this debt, or if we run out of credit before the shutdown is over. Honestly, it’s a financial nightmare because you are basically helpless and at the mercy of the government. You can’t draw unemployment or get another job because you’re still working your regular job, so you have no way to really make money to provide for your
family,” Julie said. “We have to tell our children that we can’t afford something as simple as getting something they want from the grocery store, or stopping to get lunch after a doctor’s appointment. It’s stressful knowing that you’re working but you may still get into a financial hole that could be difficult to dig out of later. Joe says he lucky he hasn’t had a heart attack from the stress,” Julie said. Those working as government contractors find their situations even more tenuous. A Grain Valley resident, who asked to remain anonymous, works for a government contractor and does not have the security of back pay when the shutdown ends. “I am frantically looking for another job. Day to day is very nerve racking. We never know when we are going back to work. The lack of knowledge is the most frustrating and makes daily life very hard. With the weather keeping me home a lot, I have a lot of stress. I am leaning on family to help and I thank God for my family,” she said. Donna Compton, Site Manager for the Grain Valley Assistance Council, has not yet seen an influx of residents affected by the furlough coming to the organization for assistance. “We are pretty sure the people who will be affected the most are those who will get February food stamps now and none in February. February and March are months that we are not as busy, as many people have received their tax refunds and don’t need as see SHUTDOWN on page 6
Vol. 2, No. 4
FREE
Good News
Eagles Defeat Panthers
Photo credit: John Overstreet
GVHS Senior Kendra Sibert sinks the final points for the Lady Eagles in their win over Oak Grove in the 21st Annual Sonic Showdown on January 21st. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Local News
Page 2
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 9-15, 2019.
The Start of the 2019 Legislative Session The First Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly began on Jan. 9, at noon. The day began with the swearing in of recently-elected senators, myself included. This provided an important opportunity to reflect on and ultimately renew our commitment to serving the people of Missouri. As I have spent time in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate, I know the legislative process can be a long and often difficult one. No matter what challenges we face in the Legislature, I know that every member of the Missouri General Assembly is committed to making our great state a better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, I am honored to serve as the chair of the Senate’s Economic Development Committee. This important committee will hear bills geared toward creating and retaining jobs, promoting the state’s tourism industry, community and business development and other economic development policies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to promote sound economic policies that keep Missouri’s economy moving in the right direction. Additionally, I will also be serving as a member of the following Senate committees: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment, Environment which considers legislation relating to the development of state commerce, the
commercial sector, consumer protection, telecommunications and cable issues, the development and conservation of energy resources and the disposal of solid, hazardous and nuclear wastes and other matters relating to environmental preservation;
Gubernatorial Appointments, Appointments which considers appointments made to Missouri’s various boards and commissions by the governor; Ways and Means, Means which hears legislation involving the state’s revenue and public debt, the assessment of real and personal property, the classification of property for taxation purposes and gaming; Small Business and Industry, Industry which hears bills related to the ownership and operation of small businesses in the state, as well as issues involving labor management, fair employment standards, workers’ compensation and employment security. There is much work to be done this legislative session, and I am eager to get back to work. It is truly an honor to serve as the senator for the 8th Senatorial District. If you ever have questions about legislation or state government, my office is here to serve you. Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573)751-1464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2019 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.
Correction: Tom Cleaver was not listed as a Board of Alderman candidate for Ward 1 in the January 17, 2019 print edition of Valley News. The corrected list of candidates is as follows:
Candidates: Ward 1: Dale Arnold, Tom Cleaver Ward 2: Chuck Johnston, Nancy Totton Ward 3: Shea Bass
Valley News
Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @grainvalleynews).
January 9, 2019 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Ephraim 1200 Block Long Dr 1200 Block Phelps Dr Main St & Broadway 1900 Block Broadway 200 Block Cypress 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 600 Block Yennie 700 Block Main St 100 Block Lee St 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Willow Dr 700 Block Main St McQuerry and I-70 January 10, 2019 BB Hwy and McQuerry 1400 Block Nicholas 900 Block Deer Creek 1200 Block Long Dr 700 Block Main St Main St & I-70 1000 Block Minter Rd 600 Block Yennie 1200 Block Foxtail Dr 200 Block Broadway 100 Block Sunny Ln 400 Block Front St Buckner Tarsney & McQuerry January 11, 2019 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1600 Block Nicholas Amanda Lane 200 Block Barr Rd Sni-A-Bar & US 40 Hwy 1200 Block Long Dr 700 Block Main St 600 Block Shorthorn 1700 Block Woodbury
Identity Theft Civil Standby Welfare Check Parking Complaint Debris in Roadway Agency Assist (OGPD) Parking Complaint Citizen Contact Repossession VIN Verification Property Damage Agency Assist (BPD) Stealing Civil Standby Fingerprinting Suspicious Activity
Area Check Abandoned Vehicle Stolen Auto Civil Standby Harassment Careless and Imprudent Driver Disturbance VIN Verification Check the Well Being Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle Missing Juvenile Stalled Vehicle
Alarm Missing Juvenile Leaving the Scene of Accident Animal Complaint Animal Complaint Stand by to Prevent Citizen Contact Welfare Check Peace Disturbance Parking Illegally Parking Illegally
900 Block Cedar Ln 1300 Block Ashley Ln January 12, 2019 Par & Scenic Duncan & Rust Rds 700 Block Main St Main St & I-70
Parking Illegally Disturbance
600 Block Whitestone
Parking Complaint Motorist Assist Tow Release Careless and I mprudent Driver Tow Release Animal Neglect Agency Assist (JCSO) Motor Vehicle Accident Animal Neglect
January 13, 2019 800 Block Montana Ridge 1100 Block Willow Dr
Citizen Contact Stolen Auto
January 14, 2019 1000 Block Ryan Rd 3300 Block Bell Chase Dr Broadway and Oak 1200 Block Long Dr 700 Block Main St 1500 Block Jaclyn Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Jefferson 1400 Block Hilltop Ln
Suspicious Person Missing Juvenile Area Check Check the Well Being Citizen Contact Fraud Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Stealing Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Alarm Disturbance
January 15, 2019 90 Block Baker 600 Block Broadway 700 Block Main St Kirby and Eagles 200 Block Parker 1000 Block Foxtail Dr 600 Block Creek Ridge Dr 3300 Block Outer Rd
Agency Assist (BPD) Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Traffic Control Parking Complaint Check the Well Being Suspicious Vehicle Alarm
700 Block Main St 100 Block Sunny Ln 700 Block Main St 300 Block Front St
Page 3
The Dreaded Check Engine Light
Why did it come on? What does it mean? How do I turn it off? by David “Sam” Luttrell Jr, Absolute Automotive LLC
Photo credit: Creative Commons
Most, if not all of us, have seen the dreaded “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” message illuminate on the dash. This is called a “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). They first appeared in vehicles in the early 1980s. The automotive industry started adding computers to
help control exhaust emissions and to improve fuel economy. Over the years, more and more computer systems have been added, making our vehicles much more sophisticated and complex. They control everything from creature comforts to parking the car for us. So why did your light come on? The main computer, sometimes called the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), monitors and controls the way your engine, transmission, and emissions system operate. The PCM monitors a multitude of sensors for information on things like how far you have pushed the gas pedal, to the amount of air that is entering the engine. The PCM also controls many electromechanical devices based on the information these sensors provide.
When the PCM detects a sensor that is out of its normal operating range, or one of the electro-mechanical devices malfunctioning, the PCM then sets and stores an “Error Code” and turns on the MIL. What does it mean? There are a multitude of possible “Error Codes” the PCM can set, it seems almost as many as there are stars in the sky. Some codes are for minor issues, like a loose gas cap, but an Error Code can also signal major issues that can cause engine or exhaust system damage. A flashing MIL indicates a more immediate concern, like an engine misfire happening at that moment. How do I turn it off? You will need a Code Reader or Scanner to access the PCM to read the stored codes. There are a variety of
cheap code readers for the DIY's, and much more capable scanners for the professional diagnostic technicians. Most automotive parts stores will read the error codes for free and clear them for you. Should the error code return, I urge you to take your vehicle to a professional automotive diagnostic technician. Please understand that if your PCM set a code, for example, an Oxygen Sensor code, that does not necessarily mean the Oxygen Sensor is bad, only that it has detected too much, or too little oxygen in the exhaust flow. I hope that this explanation of why the Check Engine Light illuminates is helpful. Please feel free to contact me at sam@absoluteautomotive.net if you have any questions or I can help in any way.
options, like a punching bag, yoga blocks, TRX cables, or other activityspecific equipment.
personal trainers will do just one or two sessions with a client looking for an athome training plan. Utilize a calendar to plot out what you will do each day, including rest days. Set up your space, create a plan, schedule your workouts just like other appointments, and make at-home fitness work for you.
Create a Home Workout Space by Sally Whitaker
Choosing to work on your fitness at home has many advantages, including: less time away from home/family, no gym memberships or class fees, convenience, and the element of intimidation or self-consciousness is removed. It also presents some challenges, like staying motivated to put in the time. Having an area devoted just to your workouts is important and does not require much space. A little planning goes a long way to build your home gym. Location Whether you have an entire room to devote to fitness equipment or just one corner, setting up a specific spot will help you to stay on track. Just like walking into the kitchen tends to lead us to grabbing a snack or drink, walking into your workout space will get you in the mindset to move. If you have a space large enough to
hold a plank or do a jumping jack, you have plenty of room. Equipment Yoga Mat - Great for yoga, Pilates, ab work, or more traction for standing and jumping. Dumbbells - Start with just one or two pairs, a weight that is manageable for 8-15 reps of an exercise, and a weight that is just a bit heavy. Check for sales to continue to add to your collection. Jump Rope - No treadmill, no problem. A jump rope will provide plenty of cardio and is great for interval training. Resistance Bands - A couple resistance options for strengthening and stretching will enhance your workouts by providing many options without taking up a lot of space. The above options are more than enough to get started. As you progress, you will be able to add more detailed
Storage If space is limited, proper storage is imperative. A bookshelf, basket, or even a storage tote are great options. Treat your space just like you would a gym, and wipe down your equipment, roll up mats and bands, and make sure everything has a spot to be stored. This will help you to begin each workout with a clean space and in the proper mindset. Accessories What helps you when it comes to your workouts? Will you want music? A mirror to check form? Bright lights or a small lamp? Having what you need close at hand will keep you from having to break from your workout to go get it. Plan Ahead Creating a workout routine is important. There are many resources online and in print that will provide specific plans. Additionally, many
You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.
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Business News
MO Chamber Medical Plans for Small Businesses Are you a small business who would like to offer health care insurance for your employees but have been limited due to rates being high or not being
able to qualify for group rate plans? We may have a solution. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please
reach out to Tasha Lindsey at the Grain Valley Partnership, 816-443-5162 or email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley. The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
Upcoming Partnership Events: Exclusively Dogs KC Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Wed Jan 30 2019 11:00am 1060 NE McQuerry Rd, Ste. F
Dr. Cathy Dowd, owner of Grain Valley Chiropractic LLC, began her practice in Grain Valley in 2017. Her practice has quickly grown, and an office expansion currently underway will allow for additional office space and additional services for patients. Grain Valley Chiropractic is located at 203 South Main in Grain Valley and can 816--443 443--5485. be reached by phone at 816 For more information, visit www.grainvalleychiro.com. www.grainvalleychiro.com.
Truman Heartland Community Foundation Adds Seven New Board Members Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) recently added seven new members to the Board of Directors: Julia Hampton, Hampton owner of
Julia Hampton, CPA, PC, representing the Lee’s Summit/Lake Winnebago Advisory Board; Bret Kolman Kolman, CEO at Centerpoint Medical Center; John McEvoy, McEvoy Attorney, representing the Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board; Randall Rhoads Rhoads, Public Office (ret.); Steve Shelton Shelton, Raytown Quality Schools, representing the Raytown Advisory Board; Allan Thompson Thompson, Community Volunteer; R. Dyan Zimmerman, attorney at Oswald Roam Zimmerman & Rew, representing the Blue Springs/ Grain Valley Advisory Board.
Founded in 1982, THCF serves the region with assets of more than $45 million and annual grants surpassing
$3.6 million. Through the Community Foundation, donors can set up their own family foundations, scholarship funds, field of interest funds, endowment funds, charitable gift annuities and many other charitable vehicles which utilize shared resources of the foundation to maximize the impact of their philanthropic dollars. In addition to donor services, the Community Foundation provides asset development for nonprofit organizations, gives grants to nonprofits, assists organizations in planned giving, and serves as a leader in addressing community issues. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call THCF at 816-836-8189.
February Luncheon Tue Feb 5 2019, 11:30am - 1:00pm After Hours at Floyd, Meinershagen & Co. Thur Feb 7 2019, 5:00pm—7:00pm 107 SW Eagles Parkway After Hours at Sandra Dee’ Dee’s Gifts Thur Feb 21 2019, 5:00pm—7:00pm
Partnership Welcomes
K9 Diversity Dog Training
K9 Diversity Dog Training held its ribbon cutting on Saturday, January 19th. The business is located at 515 Main Street. Photo credit: Grain Valley Partnership.
For more information on membership and upcoming Partnership events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org or call Tasha Lindsey, 816-443-5162.
Community Voices
Page 5
Wayne’s World
Miserable Comforters by Wayne Geiger
“I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Will your long-winded speeches never end?” (Job 16:2-3) The book of Job (rhymes with robe) is one of the oldest books in the Bible. Not only is it considered holy literature, but it is also recognized as a literary masterpiece. The purpose of the book centers around the question, “why does God allow the righteous to suffer?” If you haven’t read it, I won’t spoil the ending. As the story begins, Job suffers the unimaginable, heart-wrenching loss of his family. He struggles to understand why this would happen to him. In his mourning, he is joined by several friends who come to his side in an attempt to comfort him. Initially, they simply sit with Job and allow him to mourn. But then they make a fatal error. They open their mouths and try to explain the reason for Job’s plight and why he probably deserves to suffer. Job has some choice words for his friends, calling them, “miserable comforters” and notes their “windy words.” We might translate that in today’s vernacular as “a bunch of blowhards.” Attempting to comfort those who have suffered loss is a difficult. For one reason, we feel uncomfortable around people who are suffering. We feel as if
we were invading their privacy. In addition, we just don’t know what to say. We struggle to find words beyond the common, “I’m sorry for your loss.” One of the reasons we don’t comfort well is because we don’t mourn well. Many of us were raised being told, “don’t cry,” or “get a hold of yourself; you need to be strong.” So, we are left with the impression that expressing our grief is a sign of weakness and something to be avoided. Yet, grief is a natural emotional response to loss. Not only is it natural, but it is necessary. Although all of us will express our grief differently, the bottom line is, we need to mourn. However, grief is not something we just “get over.” Despite what we’ve been taught, there are no stages of grief. Years ago, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross authored a groundbreaking book on death and dying. She noted, what she called, “the 5 stages of grief.” Her research was done on those who were terminally ill, but somehow the terminology was applied to anyone going through grief. This was never her intention. But those 5 stages have left an indelible mark on those suffering with grief. They hope to discern what stage they are in to determine when they will be “done” with grief. Modern experts in the field of grief reject these stages and remind us that we don’t get over it. We learn, in time, to manage the pain and adapt to what has been termed, a “new normal.” So, how do we comfort the hurting?
We need to remember that we can’t explain or justify what happened and we can’t “fix” the person or make the pain go away. We must also resist the urge to offer “windy words.” We find the silence painfully awkward and feel compelled to interrupt the quiet with words of wisdom. We often repeat phrases that we have heard. In truth, people aren’t really looking for wisdom or for answers. They are looking for comfort. In addition, we don’t really know the answers for why they are suffering a loss. Let me offer a couple of phrases that we should eliminate from our vocabulary. First, “I know how you feel.” In truth, we don’t know how they feel. We all mourn and express our grief differently. It is unfair and unkind to assume that our past grief will bring them comfort. Instead, we should say, “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling. When I lost my husband, it was one of the darkest periods of my life.” Another phrase to remove is, “Well, you still have your other children” or “you’re young and can get married again.” Although these sayings may be factual, they will not remove the pain. Imagine losing an eye and someone saying, “well, at least you still have one eye.” The statement may be true, but it offers no comfort at the moment. One final phrase to remove is, “God just needed another angel.” Putting on my theological hat here, people do not “become” angels. People and angels are two different beings that God created, each with a purpose.
Also, to suggest that God, who has myriads and myriads of the heavenly host with Him in heaven, would need one more person is stretching it. God has no needs. None of us can attempt to speak for God and offer an explanation for the complexities of the universe. Phrases like these cause us to be “miserable comforters.” When visiting someone who is grieving, realize that just showing up means a great deal. Your presence will speak volumes. Another way to communicate love is to bring food, cards, memorabilia, and stories of what they meant to you. Say things about the departed like, “I will always treasure the memories,” or “I’ll always hold them in my heart as they helped make me a better person.” In speaking personally to the grieving person say, “My heart is so heavy for you” or “I will be by your side” or “You can feel safe to cry with me.” Naturally, use phrases that are sincere, personal, and appropriate for the relationship. The price of loving someone brings the potential of having to go through the process of grieving. Grieving is normal and natural. Should the unfortunate time arise when we need to offer comfort, rather than being “miserable comforters” may we offer meaningful comfort.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.
Looking Back: From the Sni-A-Bar Voice: Hen Survives 22 Days in Back of Buggy by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
We continue our look at excerpt from
The Sni-a-Bar Voice, “A Journal Devoted
Strictly to the Interests of Blue Springs and Eastern Jackson County.” D.C. (Dave) Herrington of Blue Springs, Missouri and son of M.M. Herrington, of Grain Valley, Missouri, was editor and manager from at least January 1903 to probably January 1911. According to Vol. XI dated January 5, 1911 #35, publishers were Almae C. Hall, Editor and Manager, and Wm. L. Hall, Assistant Editor. The following pages were extracted from film ordered from the State Historical Society of Missouri, 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, by Barbara Manners.
January 7, 1916
“Aunt” Jane Webb Dead Miss Sicily Jane Hudson was born April 6, 1825, in the state of North Carolina and came with her parents to Missouri in 1845. She was married to Larkin M. Webb, December 24, 1846, about 3 miles south
of Grain Valley. Of their 11 children, 8 living, 6 attended the funeral. Pneumonia caused her death, Thursday, December 23rd at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Missouri Storms in Kansas City. She was 90 years, 8 months, and 17 days old. The funeral was December 24th at 2:00 o’clock, exactly 69 years from the date of marriage. January 7, 1916 Headline: “About Some People” People” Indiana, Pa. Someone put a hen in the back of J.H. Stewart’s buggy and closed the flap. When Stewart opened the flap 22 days later he found the hen reduced to a skeleton but still living. It will recover. January 21, 1916 Grain Valley is having an epidemic of measles. They also had a case or two of poetical inspiration but we hardly think they are Divine and hope that it is not contagious.
This undated photo shows the interior of a barber shop owned by Charlie Johnson. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, is open Wednesdays from 10am— 10am—3pm and by appointment. Visit the Historical Society’ Society’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
Page 6
Community Voices
Celebrations and Transitions
Students Excel at Area Colleges and Universities
The following students from Grain Valley were named to the University of Missouri Dean’ Dean’s List for Fall 2018: 2018 Kendyll L Bailey, Sophomore, Health Professions Tyler James Baker, Junior, Arts & Science Emma Page Elrod, Senior, Arts & Science Benjamin Walter Hays, Senior, Meagan Janeen Hodges, Freshman, Journalism Kailey R Huffaker, Junior, Arts & Science Indiana L Jones, Sophomore, Engineering Nathan J Ryan, Senior, Business Brett M Tieman, Freshman, Education Hannah Lynn Welty, Sophomore, Health Professions The following students from Grain Valley were named to the University of Central Missouri Dean’ Dean’s List for Fall 2018: 2018 Mariah Arrocha Madelynn Baze Connor Brennan Brenna Christeson William Copenhaver Ruth Crosby Kim Davis Garrett Ewens Mercedes Gonzalez Mackenna Haney Colton Henry Alexis Koop Mason LaBruyere Samantha Mangiaracina Mandee McElwain Jessica McKinzie Mckenna Miller Megan Moore Jordan Morrison Reilly Myres Christopher Pack Morgan Reedy Jasmine Rockwell Caleb Ross Susannah Ross Haley Rothove Cecilia Savala Darby Scharfenkamp Kelsey Schmitz Cole Scholtz Courtney Sibert Lauryn Smith Kearston Thurman Christopher Vasquez This is YOUR Newspaper. Share Your News!
Have news to share? An event to
promote? Send press releases and tips to news@grainvalleynews.com.
Kole Vittetoe Alexandra Wallace Christian Wallace Melanie West Traycie Williams The following students from Grain Valley were named to the Metropolitan Community CollegesColleges Blue River Fall 2018 Dean’ Dean’s List: List Cortnee Jean Barnett Amber Basile Blair Renee Bowen Aaron Michael Brewer Brenda C. Carlton Cherie Lynn Creonte Breanna D. Duvall Ayla Anne Ehlers Adrianna D. Feuerstein Matt Ryan Green Faith Diane Groff Jacob Allen King Brittney Rose Konko James Reed Lower Jr Kaylee Marie Mickelson Amanda Marie Owen Seth T. Petersohn Jessie Corinne Riker Kelly Christian Smith Mason Lynn Smith Jake Anthony Spangler Kylee Ann Thurman Ashlyn KayJean Ungerer Sara Grace Unrein Robert Hayden White
SHUTDOWN
continued from page 1
much assistance. We are thinking it may be different this year,” Compton said. Nationally, lenders and utility providers are developing programs to work with furloughed workers. The City of Grain Valley has also implemented a program to defer water and sewer accounts for affected citizens. Mayor Michael Todd proposed a program to provide relief for affected citizens at the January 14th Board of Aldermen meeting. The program passed unanimously by the Board of Alderman allows federal government employees who are not currently receiving pay due to the shutdown to place their water and sewer accounts in deferment. The following qualifications must be met to request deferment: Citizens are eligible for the deferment program if an impacted federal employee is the account holder or co-account holder; Account holders or co-account holders with proof of current federal govt. employment credentials or ID are eligible; Account will be in deferment, so City of Grain Valley water and sewer services will continue as normal with the City carrying the balance until the shutdown ends or a maximum of 6 months (July 15, 2019), whichever is shorter; While in deferment, no late fees or penalties will be accrued; Upon the end of the shutdown or on July 15, 2019, the account holder will have 30 days to either pay the balance due or arrange a repayment plan. “The bottom line to this program is despite our differences, political beliefs
or level of government, all public servants work to ensure the quality of life remains uninterrupted within our expected level of service,” Todd said. “It is because of that commitment to the public and each other, I feel it’s critical that we help each other, whenever it is possible.” Residents who wish to qualify for the federal employee water/ sewer utility bill deferment program may do so by contacting the City of Grain Valley’s utility billing division, 816-8476280 or in person at 711 Main Street. Local businesses have also taken the opportunity to show support for furloughed workers by offering a variety of discounts. The Kansas City Mavericks are offering $10 tickets to all furloughed government employees for this weekend’s games against the Utah Grizzlies. “We felt like this was the right thing to do for our public servants who aren’t drawing pay through no fault of their own. We are happy to be extending this gratitude to furloughed government employees,” Brent Thiessen, our President & General Manager said.
Sports
Page 7
Eagles Scoring and Pressure Too Much for Griffins by John Unrein
The most physical team in competition usually catches the breaks or makes the most of their opportunities. The Grain Valley Boys Basketball Team did just that with their 66-35 home win against the Winnetonka Griffins on January 18th. The Eagles opened the game pressing and trapping their opponent
at half court. This led to early turnovers which Grain Valley capitalized on allowing them to jump out to a 28-15 halftime lead. “Tonight, was physical. That’s the part of competing in this new conference that you knew was coming. Until you are through it every night, you realize it’s a grind. We put
Junior Guard Caden Matlon sinks a three pointer. Matlon scored 18 points during the game. Photo credit: Valley News staff
the press in this week and the kids did a good job of executing. We wanted the game to be played up and down the court at a high tempo,” Eagles Head Coach Andy Herbert said. Grain Valley’s leading scorers on the night were Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick with 20 points and Junior Guard Caden Matlon with 18 points. Both exhibited a smooth shooting stroke on the evening in taking advantage of open looks they were provided by the Griffins defense. This came about by the unselfish passing on display by the Eagles as well as Senior Guard Kevin Gutierrez’s ability to break down the defense with quickness and drives to the basket. “Caden got us going in the first half. 16 of his 18 points came in the first half if I’m not mistaken. Winnetonka went into a triangle and two where they manned Junior Forward Gavin Oyler splits the double team for the basket. Matlon and Kilpatrick and zoned the Photo credit: Valley News staff rest of the team. When Josh and Caden score, we do well. When they don’t, we struggle. It was good to see “Those two guys were a huge lift them get going and help get our first and provided a physical presence home win of the season,” Herbert said. around the basket. Gavin is undersized The Eagles did not let up as the height wise but makes up for it with game progressed. Hustle provided by his strength and grit. Cole has the Junior Forward Gavin Oyler and length, but as a Sophomore you’re just Sophomore Forward Cole Keller helped not as big and strong yet. He’s got long put the game out of reach. Oyler ran arms that change shots on a regular the floor well and contributed basis. We’ve got a pretty good mix transition buckets while Keller’s two right now with our rotation,” said blocks and scoring under the basket Herbert. were solid. Grain Valley defeated the Van Horn Keller often gave up size to the Falcons at home January 22nd, next Griffins frontcourt without backing facing Oak Grove on January 24th. The down. Oyler was determined to not let team then meets Kearney for a his team sit on their lead. conference matchup on January 29th.
Grain Valley Hosts 21st Annual Sonic Showdown
Grain Valley cheerleader Dakota Vogel mid--air during the January 22nd Boys mid Basketball game vs. Van Horn. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Grain Valley’s 21st Annual Sonic Showdown began Monday, January 21st with a nail biter victory by the Grain Valley Lady Eagles who defeated Oak Grove 42-41. The Girls had a tough night on January 23rd as they fell to Oak Park, who won the tournament match 46-31. The Lady Eagles face Fort Osage Friday, January 25th at 7:00pm to battle for 3rd place in the tournament. Oak Park and Ray Pec will follow to determine the tournament champion. Grain Valley Boys Basketball defeated Van Horn Falcons 80-71 on January 22nd and will next face Oak Grove on January 24th at 5:30pm. The winner of the game will advance to Saturday’s championship game.
Gracelyn LaForge looks to move the ball to an open teammate during the home 42--41 game against Oak Grove on January 21st. Grain Valley Girls Basketball won 42 against the Panthers. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Community Calendar January 27, 2019 Community Church Service 6:00pm Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway Church service to celebrate the accomplishments of the Grain Valley Assistance Council and the support from the local faith community. In addition to the service, attendees will learn about the future growth of the Grain Valley Assistance Council, including the move to a new location to better serve the community. January 28, 2019 Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main February 2, 2019 Father/Daughter Valentine Dance 7:00pm—9:00pm Grain Valley Community Center Tickets are limited and must be prepurchased online at https:// grainvalley.recdesk.com. February 4, 2019 Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org February 5, 2019 Stranger Reads Book Club 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org
February 6, 2019 Grain Valley Senior Citizens Luncheon 11:30am – 1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main Please RSVP by one week prior to each luncheon, by calling 816-847-6293 or send an email to info@cityofgrainvalley.org. February 7, 2019 Mini Munchkins: All the Love Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main 6:30pm—7:30pm $7 per child per session Register online at https:// grainvalley.recdesk.com. February 9, 2019 Trivia Night for Grain Valley Assistance Council 6:00pm Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway Money raised will be used support the Assistance Council’s move to a new location. $100.00 per team of 8. 10 mulligans can be purchased for $10.00. Doors open at 6:00pm; play begins at 6:30pm. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks and drinks for the table; no alcohol. Players must be 16 years old.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The City of Grain Valley is now hiring for a Front Desk Attendant, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Apply online at https://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/employment/. Post your employment opportunities with Valley News; ads begin at only $5/week. Reserve your ad by emailing news@grainvalleynews.com.
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