Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
JANUARY 9, 2020
Candidates File For Mayor, Aldermen Seats—Deadline January 21st Candidate filing for open mayor and alderman positions have been light, with only one candidate each filing for the position of mayor and aldermen seats in Ward 1 and Ward II as of Monday, January 6th. No candidates had filed for the Ward III alderman seat as of Monday, January 6th. In Ward 1, Jayci Stratton’s current seat is up for election and Stratton has filed for re-election. In Ward 2, Yolanda West has filed for re-election as well. In Ward 3, Bob Headley’s seat is open for election. Mayor Mike Todd has filed for reelection; no other candidates had filed
as of Monday, January 6th. Former aldermen Chuck Johnston indicated on social media he planned to run for mayor. Reached for comment, Johnston stated he planned to file and is in the process of compiling necessary paperwork. Candidates for City offices may file for such offices during normal business hours (8:00am—5:00pm Monday through Friday) until 5:00pm on January 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 711 Main Street, Grain Valley. The election will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
Voters will decide February 4th on a $7.5 million no tax increase bond renewal to fund capital improvements for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD). CJCFPD serves the communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo, and portions of unincorporated Jackson County.
Approximately $3 million of the bond will be used to replace two aging fire engines and a ladder truck. Funds will also be used to update safety equipment for replacement fire trucks, replace emergency medical equipment, repair and remodel existing facilities, including HVAC updates to units nearing 30 years of use. CJCFPD Fire Chief Jeff Grote
Vol. 3, No. 1
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Good News
GVHS Students Participate in District Honor Band
CJCFPD Bond Issue Set For February Vote
see BOND on page 3
After months of practice, GVHS band students selected for the District Honor Band traveled to University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO to play at Hendricks Hall on Saturday, January 4th. Pictured left to right: (Front row) Emily Knowles, Ezra Whitaker, Zack Jenkins, Emily Stokes (Middle row)Braden Fulk, Brooke Florida, Jack Martin, Jack Temples (Back row) Michael Cluney, Shane Pence, Alex Clements, Tristan Spooner Photo by Mr. Daniel Berard, Director of Bands GVHS
week’’s edition In this week Police Blotter
2
Looking Back
3
Business News
4
Community Voices
5
Sports
7
Community Calendar
8
Sports:
Lady Eagles Pull Away From Warriors
Photo credit: Valley News staff
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Lane Closures at 1-435 and 1-70 Could Cause Delays Due to inclement weather in the forecast for later this week, Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) Kansas City has adjusted its timeline regarding work at the I-435 and I-70 interchange. This work includes various lane closures. All work is weather permitting. This work includes a traffic switch for northbound I-435. Once this phase of work is completed, northbound traffic will cross over to the southbound lanes with traffic moving in two lanes each direction. This pattern will remain in
place until the new northbound lanes and bridges are constructed. Crews will also have one lane of the ramp from westbound I-70 to northbound I-435 will be closed for retraining wall construction daily beginning at 7:00am until 5:00pm through Friday, January 10th. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, leave early, or consider alternate routes. This is all part of the I-435 and I-70 construction project and it will have significant impacts on traffic for two full construction seasons.
Assessment Department Reports 8,600 “Unread” Emails Following Review Jackson County provided an update on the status of unprocessed appeal applications submitted by email in a press release on January 8th. According to the release, following review of an email account managed by Board of Equalization (BOE) staff, the Assessment Department found approximately 8,600 “unread” emails. The release stated the Assessment
Department assigned staff to review those emails for any unresolved BOE appeals. A review by the Assessment Department determined that approximately 3,800 unresolved BOE appeals were contained in those emails. The department is working to make contact with those appellants and ensure that those BOE appeals are properly processed.
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
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Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of December 25-30, 2019. December 25, 2019 200 Block Broadway 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney I-70 East Bound 600 Block Yennie 800 Block Apple Grove Ct 1000 Block Cedar
Property Damage Disturbance Agency Assist (BSPD) Disturbance Area Check Check Well Being
December 26, 2019 1200 Block Valley Ridge Dr 1800 Block Elmwood 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 500 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 300 Block Park, Buckner Barr Rd/US 40 Hwy 200 Block Barr Rd 200 Block Barr Rd 300 Block Monroe, Oak Grove Ryan Rd/Cross Creek
Property Damage Assault Disturbance Stealing Area Check Citizen Contact Check Well Being Identity Theft Agency Assist (BPD) Abandoned Auto Citizen Contact Noise Complaint Agency Assist (OGPD) Motor Vehicle Accident
December 27, 2019 1000 Block Persimmon Dr NB BB 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Long 800 Block Sankar 800 Block Lee Ann 1100 Block Willow
Unattended Death Area Check Identity Theft Stealing Alarm Assault Citizen Contact Burglary
December 28, 2019 WB I-70 26MM 500 Block Minter 1000 Block Willow
Agency Assist (MSHP) Alarm Stealing
1300 Block Pecan 100 Block Parker Tabs 400 Block Oakwood 700 Block Main St 600 Block Scenic Barr Rd/Sawgrass 1100 Block Seymour 800 Block Capelle 1300 Block RD Mize 700 Block Main St
Found Property Stolen License Plate Area Check Property Damage Animal Neglect Area Check Alarm Citizen Contact Assault Disturbance
December 29, 2019 600 Block Valley Ridge Dr 1100 Block Willow Eagles/Sni A Bar 400 Block Laura 1300 Block Addie 1900 Block Eagles Pkwy
Residence Check Stealing Area Check Area Check Abandoned Auto Suspicious Person
December 30, 2019 1800 Block Elmwood 1200 Block Echo Ridge, Buckner 700 Block Main St Eagles Pkwy/Minter 300 Block Front St 1300 NW Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 900 Block Willow 300 Block Willow Old 40 Hwy/BB 1200 Block Phelps Ct 800 Block Harvest 700 Block Main St
Residence Check Agency Assist (BPD) Citizen Contact Area Check Citizen Contact Civil Standby Stolen License Plates Citizen Contact Suspicious Auto Citizen Contact Area Check Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Citizen Contact
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Looking Back: The Pink Hill Methodist Church by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
The Pink Hill Methodist Church was organized in 1871 with thirteen charter members; J. M. Adams, Elisha Moore, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, Frank Youree, E. P. St Clair, Mrs. Leanna Mann, Truce Duncan, C. E. St Clair, Mrs. Mary St. Clair, Mrs. Lucy Cundiff, Briton Capelle, Mrs. S. B. Keshler and J. W. Mann. The church was purchased from George R. Carlyle and his wife in 1871 and deeded to the first trustees; J. M. Adams, Frank Youree, Ephram Lane, Clinton Mayes, William Gilliland, Briton Capelle, Levi Potts and their successors. The church structure was started in the fall of 1871 and completed in the spring of 1872. Timber was plentiful and the church was built with native lumber, cut, hauled to the sawmills and sawed into lumber. All of the work was donated and the total cost of the 36 x 48 feet building with 14 feet high ceilings was $3,000. The building originally had two doors – one for the ladies who sat on one side
BOND
of the church and a second door for the gents who sat on the other side. The unpretentious church had two stoves and two chimneys, but no steeple and no spire. In 1873, the parsonage was built and the first Sunday School was organized. By 1875, the congregation had grown to 300, its highest membership. Between 1875-1877 approximately one-third of the population of Pink Hill and vicinity were members of the Pink Hill Church. The hopes of rebuilding after the Civil War, a school, and a church were not enough to bring the railroad to Pink Hill. With the completion of the Chicago and Alton to Kansas City in 1878, Pink Hill became the mother church for churches established at Oakland, Grain Valley and Oak Grove. By the end of the century all that remained at Pink Hill was the school, the church and one general store which burned in 1903. The little church struggled on, but never had the numbers it had once
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highlighted two additional projects included in the bond package. “One of the most important upgrades for citizens are technology updates to storm warning sirens. We will update 34 outdoor storm warning sirens and add four new sirens. Most people don’t know that we are working with civil defense era technology on our warning sirens. Currently, when we test sirens monthly, we have to send a person to each siren to stand and ensure each is working properly. With new technology, we can monitor each siren from a central computer,” Grote said.
The bond package also provides for the replacement of personal protective firefighting gear. “We have seen a rash of cancer in firefighters across the country, and our industry has become much more aware of the risks and how to protect firefighters in the field. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we want to be ahead of the curve in replacing outdated gear to protect them from the hazards they face,” Grote said.
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enjoyed. In 1909 the church organized the Epworth League for young adults. That same year the Ladies Aid was organized. Both organizations included social activities and reached out into the community. They still hoped to keep the church alive. In 1921, fifty years after the dedication, the first Home Coming was held on the first Sunday in June. The yearly affair celebrated its highest attendance in 1926 when there were 250 people present for the morning service. In 1945, electric lights were installed in the sanctuary. But in 1946, when the 75th anniversary was observed attendance was poor. In 1949, the church building was badly in need of repair. Interest had dwindled and attendance was low and irregular. It was evident that something had to be done. With the labor of men, women, and children, old and young, members of the church and the community
accomplished something of a revival. New roofing, new siding, new walls, and ceiling, new doors and various other improvements were made. 1953 saw a new basement added to the church and the Ladies Aid had a new meeting place. The members of the church celebrated the 100th anniversary in 1971. After that date attendance again dwindled. With modern churches, and better educated ministers, the population sought other congregations. The church closed in May 1977.
Note: Early church records, membership rolls and some of the original furnishings can be viewed at the Grain Valley Historical Society. Learn more about the Grain Valley Historical Society at www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
Business News
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Meinershagen Shares Tax Tips at January Luncheon With the merriment of the holiday season behind us, the start of a new year brings less festive realities for businesses and individuals, including tax preparation and planning. Lorne Meinershagen, CPA, Managing Member of Meinershagen & Co., brought some practical advice and levity regarding business tax issues to the Grain Valley Partnership’s January luncheon. Meinershagen reviewed how the structuring of a business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, etc.) can impact a business owner’s liability as well as issues related to taxes. Meinershagen emphasized the importance of reaching out to and establishing a relationship with a trusted tax advisor, preferably prior to setting up a business, to ensure the business is
structured in a way to best protect the owner from liability and ensure proper tax planning. Meinershagen & Co. provides tax planning and preparation for businesses and individuals, preparation of financial statements, consulting on business start-up needs, payroll services, accounting software support, and assistance with business and personal tax problems. To schedule an appointment, call 816 -847-0536 or visit www.floydmeinershagenandco.com. The Partnership’s February luncheon will be held Tuesday, February 4th. For more information about the Grain Valley Partnership and their upcoming events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
Lorne Meinershagen, CPA, Managing Member of Meinershagen & Co., spoke to Grain Valley Partnership members about tax tips and strategies for businesses at the Partnership’’s January 7th luncheon. Partnership Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios
Newmark Grubb Zimmer Arranges Sale of Multifamily Portfolio in Grain Valley The Newmark Grubb Zimmer Team of Michael VanBuskirk, SIOR, CCIM, CRE, Chris Robertson, CCIM and Trenton Wahl successfully brokered the sale of a 36-unit multifamily portfolio located at 201-219, 223-225 Barr Road, Grain Valley, Missouri. The property was 100% leased at closing. The Seller was T&T Real Estate, LLC, and the Buyer was an investor based in Utah..
Photo credit: Newmark Grubb Zimmer
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Truman Heartland Community Foundation Welcomes New Board Members Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to welcome six new members to their Board of Directors: Mike Kelly, Kelly Thomas McGee Group, representing the Lee’s Summit/ Lake Winnebago Advisory Board; David Mayta, Mayta Community Volunteer; Marcia Napier, Community Volunteer, Napier representing the Blue Springs/Grain Valley Advisory Board; Rosalie Newkirk, Newkirk BerganKDV; Bridgette Shaffer, Shaffer Truman Medical Center – Lakewood, representing the Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board; Mike Watkins, Watkins Raytown School District (ret.), representing the Raytown Advisory Board. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a public charity
committed to improving area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. Founded in 1982, THCF serves the region with assets of more than $51 million and annual grants surpassing $4 million. Through the Community Foundation, donors can set up their own donor advised funds, 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. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call 816836-8189.
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A Decade of Giving in Eastern Jackson County by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation As we head into 2020 – a new year and the start of a new decade – your Community Foundation is looking back on our last ten years and the impact our donors have made on charitable giving in Eastern Jackson County. In 2010, Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) established the Heartland Legacy Society to recognize community members who by leaving a gift to their Community Foundation in their estate plans will continue to support meaningful causes in the community. Now with 152 members, the strength of our community’s charitable future will be guided and secured by these forward -thinking individuals. This impact is best seen in our annual community grants program. In the last ten years, the amount available to local nonprofits has almost doubled, from $162,968 awarded in 2009 to $306,954 awarded this year. The investment possible through our
grants program has been bolstered by two legacy gifts in the last decade. In 2009, the JD Browning Endowment Fund was established to support nonprofits in Lee’s Summit and has since awarded $466,000 in 105 grants. In 2014, the first grants from the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children’s Education were awarded. Since then, 55 grants have been awarded totaling more than $654,000. The grantmaking made possible by Mr. Browning and Dr. Jelley will continue to make an impact in our community year after year. The first Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Award was presented in 2010. Created in honor of former THCF CEO and President Dr. Paul M. Thomson, the award recognizes the important role of financial advisors in our work to promote charitable giving in the region. In the last ten years, partnerships with advisors and their charitable-minded clients have helped your Community Foundation grow from 556 funds and assets of $25.9 million in 2009 to 733 funds and assets of $51.6 million to date in 2019.
Additionally, annual grants from fundholders have increased 44 percent since 2009, with more than $4.5 million in gifts to nonprofits so far in 2019, a new record. As our assets have grown, so has our desire and capacity to be a catalyst for positive change. In 2010, the Jackson County Free Health Clinic established its own 501c3 and changed its name to the Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County. Launched in 2000 as a Truman Heartland community initiative, at its peak, the clinic was serving close to 700 patients and was a primary health care provider for more than 2,000 area residents. This year, we finalized eight years of work by our Community for All Ages Coalition. Engaging more than 60 members from different sectors, the Coalition developed new resources and facilitated collaboration to work toward an inclusive, age-friendly community. Together, with the generosity of many of you and your neighbors, the past ten years has been an era of growth for charitable giving. Our community thrives when we come
together; helping those most in need, addressing community needs and working toward a better future. So, as we collectively ring in the new year – Your Community Foundation toasts your generosity and all that we have accomplished together in the last decade, and all that we will accomplish together in the decade ahead! Cheers!
Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $51 million and annual grants surpassing $4 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
This Year’s Winter Reading Challenge Will Ask Readers To “Imagine That!” Fantastical stories have been around since before the written word and this year’s challenge will highlight books that tell stories of fantastical worlds, simple fables, and urban legends filled with characters as real as the family next door. Mid-Continent Public Library’s (MCPL) Winter Reading Challenge is an opportunity for adults to celebrate the enjoyment and gratification of leisure reading and earn a 2020 commemorative Winter Reading Challenge coffee mug by reading five books in two months and
qualify to win a special grand prize trip for two to Universal Orlando Resort.
2.
To participate: 1.
Check out the “Imagine That!” Suggested Readings lists for suggestions in print and electronic formats! Titles selected by Library staff will complement the fantasy theme and provide a quality reading experience that is entertaining, thoughtful, and surprising. Information about the program will also be available at all MCPL
3. 4.
5.
branches in mid-December. Adult readers (18+) may join online (sign up for a Beanstack account) or at any MCPL location. Registration for the Challenge will open on January 15th. Read any five books between January 15 and March 15, 2020. Participate in online discussions hosted by MCPL via the Winter Reading Challenge Facebook Group page. List those five books on the online Reading Log or on the log in the
6.
back of the Winter Reading Challenge booklet. Participants may begin logging books online on January 15th. If you complete the Challenge and log five or more books online or turn in your log at a branch by March 15th, visit any library location by April 2, 2020 in order to receive a limited edition 2020 Winter Reading Challenge mug.
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Are Your Kids Using Mobile Devices Safely and Responsibly?
Hunters Harvest 12,002 Deer During Fall Alternative Methods Season
(StatePoint) Does your child have a digital device? They are in good company. Fifty-three percent of children own a smartphone by age 11, and 84 percent of teenagers have their own phones, according to Common Sense Media. While there are many great benefits to being digitally connected at a young age, there are certain issues families should address. Consider these suggestions for safer, more responsible mobile device use:
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 12,002 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the fall firearms deer season, December 28th January 7th. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 315 deer harvested, Franklin with 297, and Pike with 261. The harvest total for last season’s alternative-methods portion was 12,109. Archery deer hunting continues statewide through January 15th. For more information on deer hunting in Missouri, see MDC’s 2019 Fall
1) Discuss Privilege and Trust. Have a casual, open-ended chat about the privilege and responsibilities of device ownership. Ask questions about whether their friends own devices, and what they’re most excited to use it for. 2) Set Clear Agreements. Setting clear rules about device usage is essential. Depending on your child’s age, you may agree that the device only to be used for certain purposes (for example: contacting you, FaceTiming relatives, doing homework). Even with older kids and teens, it’s important to discuss appropriate online behavior, healthy digital habits and “screen etiquette.” Consider putting together a “contract” to be displayed somewhere visible. 3) Buy a Protective Case and Warranty. Devices are easy to lose or break -especially by kids. Consider buying a durable case and screen protector as additional presents, and definitely purchase a warranty through your carrier or a third party. Finally, make sure you have a location monitoring app installed on your child’s device, which offers peace of mind, saves headaches coordinating pickups and can help you locate lost devices in a pinch. 4) Download a Parental Guidance App. Download a parental guidance app onto your own device, such as OurPact, which allows you to install a simple profile on your child’s device. Then, you can
remotely set up automated schedules for when internet and apps are unavailable, or block access manually to the device for a specified period of time. With such features as URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, you can be engaged with how your child uses their device, letting you enjoy the peace of mind knowing they aren’t playing Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja past bedtime when they should be snoozing. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com. 5) Screen Applications for Quality. Make sure all apps installed on your child’s device pass your approval. It’s good practice to have the App Store blocked using a tool like OurPact. This way, when your child wants to install a new app, you can research it together. 6) Practice What You Preach! Kids are more likely to respond to actions over words, so make sure that you’re setting a good example. Don’t send emails at the dinner table. Never text and drive. Make eye contact when you talk. Last but not least: always put relationships -especially with your children – before devices. For peace of mind, be sure your child is using their digital device safely and responsibly.
Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where
permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/ files/downloads/2019FDT.pdf
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested alternative--methods 12,002 deer during the alternative portion of the fall firearms deer season, December 28th - January 7th.. Photo credit: MDC
Go Ahead—Take a Nap! (SPM Wire) Americans are notoriously sleepdeprived, which can have unpleasant and even dangerous effects. And while a nap can alleviate fatigue, increase alertness and improve mood, for years napping was considered to be a pastime more appropriate for little children and the sick than healthy adults. But the tides are changing. National Sleep Foundation encourages napping, citing improvements in alertness, performance and mood as benefits. So here are a few tips on getting the most out of your daytime snooze: Find a comfortable spot. A bed is the best, but is not always available. If napping in a chair or on a couch, make sure your neck is well-supported to
avoid sore muscles. Use a sleep mask and earplugs. Sometimes disconnecting from your surroundings can be difficult, even when you’re tired. Cutting out noise and light can help. Use a nap as a caffeine substitute. If you find yourself reaching for coffee because you can’t stay awake, consider taking a nap instead. Close your eyes and get some shut-eye -- it will help relieve tiredness instead of postponing it until the caffeine wears off. But remember to keep your naps to a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes, lest they interfere with a much-needed good night’s rest!
Wayne’s World Wayne’s World will return to Valley News next week.
Sports
Page 7
Lady Eagles Pull Away From Warriors by John Unrein
The Lady Eagles Basketball team turned in an impressive performance with their victory over the visiting Smithville Warriors on Monday, January 6th by a score of 53 to 34. Grain Valley used efficient and unselfish ball movement with their passes to find open post players, shooters, and cutters to the basket. This was attained primarily by the Lady Eagles attacking the third side of the defense with their crisp passes around the arc and to the post. The game plan worked, as it wore down Smithville in the second half and afforded Grain Valley to build a sizable lead. Top offensive performers for Grain Valley included Senior Keely Hill and Freshman Grace Slaughter. Hill produced 9 points, 9 offensive rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a strong showing. Slaughter was robust as well while pouring in 25 points, pulling down 4 offensive rebounds, and 2 assists of her own. Hill’s efforts were aided by her growing ability to box out in the paint, not giving up ground in the post defensively, and looking to pass first to open players when on the perimeter. “At practice we have worked on getting lower in our stance defensively, which allows you to be lower on their leg or knee when turning towards the basket and boxing out when a shot goes up. That has made it easier to be aggressive when rebounding,” Hill said. “Offensively it’s the best when I see an open teammate sneaking to the basket and get them ball to score. I have to hide my smile. I got two of those tonight while I was on the perimeter.” Slaughter is the tallest player listed on Grain Valley’s roster at 6’ 1” tall. The freshman is also listed as a point guard in the program but displayed versatility in both handing the basketball and being comfortable scoring around the goal in the post. “I was excited to play Smithville tonight because I know they are a conference opponent and a tough team. We were pumped to match up against them and played one of our best games of the season,” Slaughter said. “The key offensively tonight was we were unselfish. Hitting the open man and a willingness to cut and continually move has been an area of improvement for us. On the defensive side, we talked and that helped us be aware.” The Warriors game plan included spreading the floor in trying to locate open three point shooters behind the arc and people motioning through the lane to force close outs by Grain Valley. Head Basketball Coach Randy Draper’s squad was up for the challenge. The Lady Eagles were vocal in calling out the needed switches in their man to man defense in thwarting much of Smithville’s game plan.
Grace Slaughter wins the game starting tip off for the Lady Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff Drawing perimeter assignments against the Warriors and not allowing easy looks at the basket were juniors Jordyn Weems and Malia Guttierrez. The four fouls committed collectively by both players prevented easy shots and forced Smithville to try and earn points at the foul line instead. Draper was pleased with his team’s effort in picking up the win. “We talked after the game about how good the sharing of the basketball was offensively tonight. This team is starting to figure it out that you are hard to guard if you will share it all the time. We cut, we want to pass to our teammate, and that makes us fun to watch right now,” Draper said. “Our kids were on top of the needed switches defensively. We work on that every day but it’s really nice to see in a game and they didn’t keep secrets from one another. The communication came naturally. This was a great win.” Draper continued, “Keely is one of the best defensive rebounders that’s ever played here. She will box you out and is a tremendous outlet passer. If your open, number 4 is going to get you the ball. She’s also getting her shot rolling which will be huge for us.” “When people ask me about Grace and what position she plays, I just say yes. That’s due to her versatility. What’s neat is how her teammates are playing off that and what she can do for the good of our team.”
Malia Guttierrez attempts a three point jump shot. Photo credit: Valley News staff
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Community Calendar Monday, January 13, 2020
Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Free. Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members Board of Aldermen Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 S Main 7:00pm
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Winter Birding 101 Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:30am—11:30am Winter is a great time to explore nature through birding. Discover which birds make Missouri their winter home, learn how to identify them, and create a feeder for birds to enjoy. Register online: www.mymcpl.org/ events
Friday, January 17, 2020
Snake Feeding Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, Blue Springs 3:00pm—3:30pm Walk-in (all ages) Nerds Unite: Teen Lock In Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:00pm—8:00pm Register online: www.mymcpl.org/ events
Monday, January 20, 2020
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Hall closed Grain Valley Schools closed
Monday, January 27, 2020
Board of Aldermen Meeting Grain Valley City Hall, 711 S Main 7:00pm
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