Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
OCTOBER 8, 2020
Teachers, Administrators Adjust And Learn Along With Students A month in to the start of a truly unique school year, students have begun to adjust to new schedules and requirements related to COVID-19. While students adjust and learn, teachers and administrators have also been challenged to do so in their positions. Grain Valley Schools Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Beth Mulvey is pleased with the way teachers are facing this year’s challenges, but mindful of the stress managing in-person, hybrid, and virtual learning brings. “Overall, I am really pleased with how the first few weeks of school are going. We are still navigating new challenges every day and the workload for our
secondary teachers is off the charts. Managing essentially three lesson plans for each course (in-person, hybrid virtual, and 100% virtual) is stressful,” Mulvey said. “Our teachers want to make sure the quality and amount of direct teacher to student interaction is the best it can be and that is extremely tough given the circumstances. The twelve days prior to the delayed start in September were crucial in helping our teachers prepare and learn the tools needed to support students in the hybrid and virtual options. Our elementary virtual teachers are doing an amazing job learning essentially a brand new way of
see SCHOOL on page 5
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Jackson County was the twenty-sixth county founded in the State of Missouri on December 15, 1826. Until Louisiana became a state, we were part of the Louisiana Territory. In 1812, we became part of the Missouri Territory and Governor Clark divided the future state into 5 original counties; Cape Girardeau, New Madrid,
St. Charles, St. Genevieve and St. Louis. Jackson County was taken from part of Lafayette, which was part of Cooper County. Cooper was originally part of Howard County, which was part of Oregon County. Oregon County was carved from Ripley County which was taken from Wayne County. All of these counties were part of the original Cape Girardeau County.
In This Edition:
Vol. 3, No. 40
FREE
Relaxed Rules Mean More Fans For Friday Night Lights Jackson County has relaxed some rules for outdoor gatherings beginning October 9th. If a plan submitted by Grain Valley Schools is approved, the County will allow a few more fans in the stands for Friday night football games. In an email, Grain Valley Schools stated a plan had been submitted to increase capacity at the October 9th game to 20%. Masks, social distancing, and other safety protocols will continue to be required to limit potential transmission of COVID-19. Tickets remain limited, with student athletes participating in the game and visiting team receiving priority. The October 9th game is Senior
Night, so senior athletes will be issued additional tickets. Senior students may enter a lottery for remaining tickets for a limited student section. Tickets will not be sold, and only those with tickets will be allowed to enter the stadium. No concessions will be available. Grain Valley High School Eagles Media will continue to provide streaming coverage at https:// www.youtube.com/user/ GVHSEagleMedia. Valley News will also provide updates via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@grainvalleynews).
Good News: Household Hazardous Waste Event Saturday, October 10th Grain Valley is offering residents an opportunity to safely dispose of paints, household chemicals, batteries, and other household hazardous waste during its annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event from 8:00am— Noon on Saturday, October 10th at the Jackson County Public Works facility,
34900 E. Old US 40 Highway. The event is free for residents of Grain Valley and other member communities of the Regional HHW Program. For more information, call 816-7018226 or visit www.recyclespot.org.
Looking Back: In The Words Of Birdie Potts Davidson
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On The Ballot: Amendment 1
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Your Health: Flavors Of Fall
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Sports: Eagles Shutout Indians, Elevating Record to 6-0
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Cover graphic: Lady Eagles Tennis in District Semifinals. See page 11. Photo credit: Valley News staff
iStock Photo
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Jackson County Food Inspection
Police Blotter
Report
daily calls for service log for the week of September 23-29, 2020.
Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days: Quik Trip 1110 Buckner Tarsney Road Observed a leak under the threecompartment sink. Repeat violation. Correct by November 22, 2020. Sni-A-Bar Elementary 701 SW Eagles Parkway Observed two dented cans on the canned good storage shelf. Corrected on site. Employee discarded both cans. Correct by 9/22/2020. Grain Valley North Middle School 31608 N Pink Hill Road Massive ice buildup on the floor and the condenser of the walk-in cooler. Correct by November 7, 2020. Casey’s General Store 1111 Buckner Tarsney Road Observed a cardboard box being stored in the walk-in cooler that had an accumulation of black/green discolored build up. Corrected on site. Manager discarded the cardboard. Correct by 9/29/2020. The cutting boards to the sub make table have an accumulation of black build in the cracks and are unable to be cleaned and sanitized properly. Correct by 1½8/2020. Observed a container of sliced tomatoes stored in the sub make table that has an accumulation of green/black build up on
the outside surface. Corrected on site. Manger discarded the tomatoes. Observed multiple wet sanitizing cloths being stored on counters. Correct by November 28, 2020. McDonald’s 712 N Main The three-compartment sink no longer has a tight-fitting seal to the wall. Correct by 1½9/2020. Observed sticker residue on the outside of multiple food containers. Correct by November 29, 2020. Monkey Mountain Park Concession Stand 35007 E Old US 40 Observed multiple dead insects inside the bottom of the reach in cooler. Corrected on site. Employee removed all dead insects. Stony Point Elementary 1001 SW Ryan Road No violations recorded. Grain Valley South Middle School 901 SW Ryan Road No violations recorded. Essex of Grain Valley 401 SW Rock Creek Lane No violations recorded. Casey’s General Store 101 S Buckner Tarsney Road No violations recorded. Country Oak Village 101 Cross Creek DR No violations recorded.
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department
September 23, 2020 700 Block Joseph Cir Rust and Whitney 700 Block Main St 200 Block Woodbury 600 Block Joseph Cir 800 Block Harvest 600 Block EE Kirby 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Area of Tisha Ln 1000 Block Dean Dr 1200 Block Hillsboro 700 Block Main St 800 Block Leeann Dr
Stealing from Auto Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Stolen Vehicle Stealing from Auto Trespassing Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Residence Check
September 24, 2020 1800 Block Oak St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 800 Block Cedar Golfview and Meadow 900 Block Cross Creek 1000 Block Foxtail Dr 1100 Block Sycamore 200 Block Willow Ct 200 Block Michael 800 Block San Kar
Agency Assist (OGPD) Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Alarm Suspicious Person Stealing from Auto Alarm Suspicious Activity Suspicious Activity Area Check Trespassing
September 25, 2020 1100 Block Hilltop Dr 400 Block Graystone Dr 100 Block Nelson WB I-70 23.6 MM 900 Block Persimmon Ct 1 Block OOIDA Dr 1100 Block Sawgrass 1000 Block Persimmon Ct 800 Block Woodland Buckner Tarsney & Woodbury 600 Block Montana Ridge Ryan Rd & Cross Creek 1400 Block Maple 1600 Block High View Dr
Disturbance Agency Assist (CJC) Citizen Contact Agency Assist (MSHP) Stealing from Auto Illegal Dumping Stealing Stealing Agency Assist (CJC) Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Vehicle Stealing Missing Juvenile Area Check
September 26, 2020 1100 Block Ephraim Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 900 Block Dogwood Sibley & Lake City Sibley & Jefferson 30000 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Joseph Cir 1500 Block Jaclyn Dr 1800 Block Madi Ct Main St and Walnut
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Agency Assist (BPD) Agency Assist (BPD) Agency Assist (JACO) Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Stealing Check the Well Being
September 27, 2020 200 Block 3rd St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Ashley Dr 700 Block Whitestone 1200 Block Phelps Dr
Property Damage Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Burglary Disturbance
September 28, 2020 700 Block Main St 700 Block RD Mize Rd 600 Block Yennie 700 Block Main St 500 Block Centurion Ct 500 Block Montana Ridge Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 500 Block South St 700 Block Eagle Dr 1100 Block Baytree 1100 Block Dean Dr
Citizen Contact Suspicious Person Suspicious Activity Issued Citations Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Stealing Stealing Alarm Shots Fired Harassment Agency Assist (BSPD)
September 29, 2020 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1000 Block Stony Point Dr 700 Block Main St 600 Block Yennie
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Standby to Prevent Warrant Confirmation Disturbance
Valley News Jackson County Offers COVID-19 Testing
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.
Jackson County continues to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities throughout the county at mobile locations. Events next week include:
Thursday, October 15th: Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy., Raytown
Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader
Monday, October 12th: Lee’s Summit: Old Fire Station #3, 210 Sw Pryor Rd.
Friday, October 16th: Unity of Independence, 14304 E 39th ST, Independence
Tuesday, October 13th: Metro Christian Fellowship, 2217 High Grove Rd, Grandview
Advance registration is requested and may be completed at https:// jacohd.org/events/ Walk-ups will be taken on a limited basis.
Wednesday, October 14th: Grain Valley Community Center, 713 N Main ST
Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager
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: Continued From Last Week… In The Words Of Birdie Potts Davidson by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The founders of Grain Valley wanted to locate it west of the present site but Britton Capelle, who owned the land, didn’t want a town on his place. Mr. Graves and Mr. Ashcroft asked for the town to be further east and here it was located. In 1888, Dr. Kinger and Dr. Storms seemed to be among the first to build houses in the village.* Adams Spindal was a mechanic, blacksmith, cabinet maker and casket maker. He made a small casket and placed it atop his roof to advertise his caskets. Mrs. Arnoff build a hotel and served travelers from far and wide. I feel I should include Stony Point, as it was a town much earlier, a few years before the Civil War. It was 2 ½ miles south of Grain Valley. Rocks and stones were everywhere, therefore the name of Stony Point. A board school house was constructed on the peak of a hill to be the center of education for boys and girls of the neighborhood. The interior was simple and bare. The crude seats were huge logs split in half and
supported by blocks and placed on each side of the room. There were no desks, their few treasured books were kept on the floor. They could not afford to pay the teacher much, so it was a short term in midwinter, for then there was no work for the older boys to do at home. A store or trading post was established by Mr. Jake Gregg. He was also the Postmaster, having a crude Post Office in the corner of his store. Broad minded citizens felt the need for a place to worship. Soon a building was erected in the Valley about 2 miles west of the store. It was called Pleasant Valley Church. It was Methodist. On August 25, 1863 General Thomas Ewing issued Order No. 11. Everyone (not pledging their allegiance to the Union) moved out of Jackson County. They returned in 1866 to find a lot of destruction. The church was badly in need of repair. The members decided to build in a new location on the old Gore farm near the Perdee Chapel Cemetery. Levi and
Sinia Emily (Dillingham) Potts (Birdie’s grandparents) and family were members there. The store had been destroyed during the war. Mr. Marshall Crawford built a new store on his 32-acre farm ½ mile west of the old store site and he too served as postmaster receiving no salary except 60% of the sales of stamps. The mail was carried once a week from Independence by Mr. Booth. In 1873, Mr. Crawford sold his land and store to Mr. James H. Cannon for $40 an acre ($1,280). In addition to running the store, Mr. Cannon served as Justice of the Peace and performed several marriage ceremonies in the little village. Nearby there was a grist mill operated by Mr. Enoch Russell. Not far away he also ran a sawmill. In 1878, the railroad was built 2 miles north of Cannon’s store. In a short time he selected a new location just south of the railroad crossing and here erected a store and moved his merchandise to
Grain Valley. Purdee Chapel was sold and much of the lumber was used to build the Methodist Church in Grain Valley in 1889. The economy was very poor. We could earn very little, if any money. A penny for Sunday School, a nickel for Church, but we gave what we could. We joined the church and promised to support it with our presence, our prayers, and our money. We were happier and our ailments and problems of the week seemed fewer when we could attend church on Sunday. There were many homes in Grain Valley prior to 1888. (She may have meant 1878.) Birdie Potts Davidson (1901-1999) was a life-long resident of Grain Valley. She is a 1921 graduate of Grain Valley High School. She joined the Methodist Church in 1915 and was a lifelong member. She wrote this history for the church centennial in 1988 and 89.
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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Tips To Stop Domestic Abusers From Controlling You Through Tech Devices by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is designed to bring awareness to and end domestic violence. Domestic violence affects millions of people every year and includes, both women and men, of every status, race, religion, and culture. Most people think it just involves physical abuse but it also involves verbal abuse, stalking, and isolation. Unfortunately, as technology advances, abusers find new ways to continue abusive treatment through GPS tracking, text messages, email, cyberbullying, and social media stalking. As a technology expert, I am always looking at ways I can help people get more from the technology they use to increase there quality of life. If you or someone you know is suffering domestic abuse through technology, here are some tips that can help you stop your abuser from harming you through technology. Abuse in any form is about power and control and technology can enable abusers to terrorize their victims from vast distances. My team and I have encountered victims of technology abuse over the years and it seems to be getting worse. Most modern tech devices don't take much expertise to use and most features can be controlled from the abuser's smartphone. A quick search of your computers, smartphones, and tablets can give your abuser access to your passwords for your online accounts. These can include, social media, banking, smart home, and security, even your vehicle. They can even bypass being on your blocked caller's list by use spoofing technology to talk to you or leave threatening voice mail messages. They can take control of your smart home locking you outside of your home or use your smart home hubs to harass you and your family. An abuser can log into your cloud accounts and download personal photos to use to blackmail you. They can also use GPS features on your smartphone, automobile, and fitness tracker car to track you and know your daily habits. Social media can even be used as a means to control you as well.
accounts being logged into at times the person wasn't on or near a smartphone or computer. What's worse, pictures that were taken meant for personal use can wind up on social media as a means to control or blackmail the victim. Take special note of when you log into your accounts and be very careful what you are sharing on your social media accounts. Most online services keep a log of when and where accounts were logged in, so you can also check account logs to see when your accounts were logged in.
Take steps to protect your devices from your abuser by following these steps:
4. Use a passcode on your devices rather than a fingerprint or facial recognition. There are some abusers that have become wise enough to unlock your devices with your fingerprint or your face when you're asleep. Passcode technology is more secure, so if you're able to get rid of fingerprint or facial recognition as a login for your devices without arousing suspicion do it. Speaking of passwords, I know many of you are used to saving your passwords in email accounts, the note app on your phone, and even on cloud-
1. Recognize the warning signs. When encountering victims of domestic technology abuse, I always hear the same warning signs such as their abuser always knowing where they are and who they are spending time with. I hear other things as noticing that email and social media accounts being tampered with, emails that they didn't delete ending up in the trash can, people unfriended that they didn't unfriend. There is also the sign of online
2. Take an inventory of all of your technology. In our digital age, everything is connected to the cloud which is why it's important for you to make note of all your gadgets. Smartphones, computers (including your kids), smart home items, and your car could be used by your abuser. Take special care if your abuser gave you any of these items or set them up as they could have been configured to spy on you. Also, take note of any accounts that you may share and accounts you have shared your login information. Family accounts that come with Android, Windows, and Apple automatically update all devices when you make changes. Apps and changes you make to your devices will be updated on all devices. This means your abuser could be tracking and harassing you with the information you previously shared. In your defense, you can use the family account settings to see if there are devices you don't recognize on your account. If you see some, they could be your abuser's device. 3. Check out the apps on your devices. Sometimes an abuser will install software on your smartphone or computer that can track your keystrokes, your location, phone logs, and text message. If you notice your smartphone isn't holding a charge like it used to, you could have what's called 'stalkerware' installed on your devices. Also if you have any family tracking software installed on your devices, remember those can track your location as well.
based services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, but you need to get out of that habit. These cloud-based accounts sync to the cloud so if your abuser has access to those accounts, they will see any changes you make to documents stored on your devices. Depending on your situation, you might want to wait until you make the following changes to your smart devices. When abusers start to lose control of you and are no longer able to access your tech devices, their behavior usually escalates. Once you get into a safe place, you want to have a technology security expert check out your devices, but here are something you can do in the meantime: 1. Change the passwords for all of your devices and online accounts. Seems like something most people would remember, but they don't. Use the inventory of your tech devices and online accounts to help you change those passwords. When you change account passwords, your abuser may get notified which why it's important that you're at a safe place. You should also establish new email and social media accounts (if you can't rename them) creating account names that do not tie into you in any way. When you're creating those new accounts, make sure you set up 2-factor authentication on your accounts, which will alert you when there is unauthorized access attempted on your accounts. You should consider using a password manager such as the one built into your browser or LastPass. A password manager will help you generate secure passwords that your stalker won't be able to guess as well as helping you remember all of those new
account passwords you will have to create. 2. Perform a factory reset of all of your devices. It's important to perform a factory reset on your devices as this will wipe out any 'stalkerware' and device settings that are allowing your abuser to track your movement. Devices include desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, kids' devices, smart home, and even your automobile systems. For your automobile, you will have to call the manufacture to get this done. Before you perform a factory reset on your devices, make sure you perform a full backup of the information on all of your devices. If you share a mobile carrier account with your abuser, you might consider dropping that account, leaving your phone, and creating a new account with your carrier. If you're unable to do that, consider a prepaid phone plan. 3. Change your privacy settings on your social media accounts. Believe it or not, your social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, Snapchat and TikTok can be found with a quick Google search. If possible, change your name on these accounts to an alias (you should change your profile picture as well) to keep your accounts safe from the prying eyes of search engines. Take the time to change your privacy settings on your social media accounts on your computers and your devices to make sure you aren't sharing your friend lists and that your social media account will show up online and that the tracking features built into social media software
see TECH on page 5
On The Ballot
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On The Ballot: Constitutional Amendment 1 Missouri voters will be asked to decide on extending term limits for several statewide elected officials, including Leiutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Attorney General. Constitutional Amendment No. 1 would extend the two term limit that applies to the Governor and Treasurer positions to these statewide offices. The measure is not estimated to have any impact on taxes or create any cost savings. Missouri is one of eight states to limit the governor to two terms in a lifetime and one of 23 states with no term limits for lieutenant governors. Thirty-one states, including Missouri, set no term limits for secretaries of state, and Missouri is one of 33 states with no term limits for attorneys general. In 1970, Missouri voters approved a two-term limit for state treasurer, and is one of five states to limit the treasurer
to two terms. The state auditor position is currently without term limits; 16 other states have no term limits for auditors. The bill’s sponsor, Missouri State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R), stated the voters have indicated support for term limits and the measure is intended to bring consistency to top level positions. “The voters of Missouri have made it clear they emphatically support term limits. This measure will bring consistency to our term limits for all state officials and prevent them from becoming career politicians,” Luetkemeyer said. Reached for comment, State Senator Mike Cierpiot stated, “I support extending term limits to all offices”. In a recent interview with Valley News, State Representative Jeff Coleman said he is not in favor of term limits.
TECH continued from page 1 and apps don't reveal your location. You want to change the privacy settings for web-based email accounts such as Google as sometimes these accounts can reveal your physical location. 4. Use a service to remove your identity off the Internet. Data collection sites get your information from a variety of sources and it can be hard to track down every location where your personal information will appear. Services like Unroll.me and Delete.me can make sure your personal information stays off the Internet. You can also send a request to Google, Yahoo, and Bing to have your information removed from search engines. If you suspect that an abusive partner is using technology to spy on you, seek help. Report the abuse to your local authorities. Visit a public location like a library, or your doctor’s office and ask to use their phone to call your local domestic violence shelter, the National
Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799SAFE), or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE). If your calls are being tracked, call your local services hotline, like 211 or 311, and ask to be transferred to a local resource center. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. 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.
SCHOOL continued from page 1 educating kids. So far the feedback from families in this option has been very positive. All in all, I think we are doing the very best we can in the craziest of situations.” At the elementary level, most students have returned to the classroom full-time. James Pinney, principal at Matthews Elementary said the students have adjusted well to the new routines implemented due to COVID-19. “We have had a great start to the school year. The district did a great job of creating protocols (masks, maximizing space, cleaning routines, hand washing) and providing the resources to support those protocols. Our students and families have done a great job following those expectations and understanding the importance of staying healthy and safe,” Pinney said. “Our staff and students have truly missed each other and everyone is doing their best so that we can continue to learn at school. Also, our virtual students, families and teachers are doing a great job of being patient as we navigate these uncharted waters with virtual learning.” At the middle school level, students are either on a hybrid model or all virtual model, and South Middle School Jim Myers said the teachers spent several weeks before students returned focused on learning how to best work with students. “The school year started in August for our staff with two weeks of self-paced professional development focusing on effectively utilizing Google Classroom as an instructional and communication tool. and on delivering instruction in the Blended Learning Model. Audrey Harrison, our technology instructional coach, created these learning opportunities for our staff,” Myers said. “The hybrid learning model is a new experience for our students and families as well. In a hybrid learning model students have to take greater ownership in their learning and this has been an adjustment for our students. Our teachers and students are working together to meet this challenge.” “I am very proud of how our students and teachers have embraced this
challenge. We all would rather have our students face to face every day., but in the meantime, we will do the best we can to serve our students and families,” Myers said. High school students are also attending either hybrid or all virtual classes, with students taking only four classes per nine week quarter. Grain Valley High School (GVHS) principal Jeremy Plowman said the staff is thrilled to have students back in the classroom and cannot wait for the day when all 1450 students return. “I can't even put into words how wonderful it is for all my staff to have students back at least a few days during the week. That is what educators live for,” Plowman said. Plowman said students have adjusted pretty well to the many changes they face, but some hybrid students struggle with motivation on days they are not in a physical classroom. “As we are only doing 4 classes per 9 week quarter, we need to move quickly and learn a lot of material in a short time. Some students are still struggling with the idea that their virtual days are not ‘off days’. 100% virtual students and hybrid students need to be selfmotivated to work on learning activities 3-4 hours minimum per day when they are working from home,” Plowman said. Fall sports activities at the high school level have continued with some normalcy. GVHS Activities Director Brandon Hart is pleased students have had an opportunity to compete this fall. “All things considered, I think the Fall season has gone extremely well. We have had a few challenges, but we have been able to provide our kids an opportunity to participate and compete. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, has been telling families they cannot come and watch their child/grandchild play,” Hart said. “Although the atmosphere is not a typical, high school atmosphere, the players and coaches have adjusted well and have made the most out of a challenging situation. I don't feel like the play on the field has been compromised, and I could not be more pleased with the way our kids and coaches have stepped up to manage our situation.”
Community Voices
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2020 Has Shown Us Why America Needs Journalists by Randy Evans There is one week set aside each year to salute newspapers for the important role they have played in our nation, a role that goes back to the beginning of these United States. This year, however, waiting until October 4-10 and National Newspaper Week has been difficult, because the coronavirus pandemic and a variety of major news events across our land have tested newspapers, and our communities, in ways we might never have fathomed. Taking stock of the contributions by newspapers, large and small, serves as an important reminder of why our Founding Fathers wrote freedom of the press into the Constitution’s Bill of Rights --- and why the theme for this year’s National Newspaper Week, “America Needs Journalists,” is so appropriate. We have seen our lives and our communities change in dramatic ways because of coronavirus. In the early weeks, businesses closed their doors and government offices were darkened in response to directives that all but the most essential workers should remain at home to guard against
spreading the disease. Newspapers scrambled to protect their employees, too. But newspapers still needed to be produced to serve their readers and communities and to fulfill that vital information function the Founding Fathers envisioned. Journalists quickly educated themselves on the coronavirus and shared that knowledge with readers. They kept their communities informed -- telling readers where tests were available, reporting on local test results, sharing the heartbreaking news of deaths, and alerting people about employment changes at local businesses. Journalists turned to their kitchen tables, spare bedrooms and basement offices to take the place of the newsrooms where they had gathered with colleagues a few weeks earlier. While the locations changed, the core mission of newspapers did not. Newspapers have long served as “watchdogs” over government. The pandemic magnified the significance of this role because the virus closed most government offices, and meetings of school boards, city councils and county officials moved onto Zoom. Reporters have always tried to be vigilant over the way state and local
Wayne’s World Will return next week. Revisit previous columns at www.grainvalleynews.com/news
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governments use tax money and make decisions. But in 2020, journalists also have worked to keep up with the dynamic nature of the coronavirus testing data. They have tried to make sense of the metrics government leaders have relied upon in making decisions on mask wearing, social distancing, and back-to-school directives. The most potent tool of newspapers continues to be the spotlight. They shine it on problems that need to be addressed and on solutions that ought to be considered. They shine it on stories that are heartwarming and uplifting. At other times, they shine it on topics that might raise the blood pressure of readers. There has been a long tradition of newspapers advocating for the public’s access to government meetings and records so citizens know what their government is doing, or not doing. This is hugely important now and long term, because government should conduct its business --- really, it’s the public’s business --- in open, not in secret, so citizens have the opportunity to share their views on forthcoming decisions. The important work of newspapers stretches far beyond government buildings, however. Newspapers are
there to introduce readers to interesting people. They tell their communities about events that are coming up. They provide the stuff that finds its way into families’ scrapbooks and onto the doors of refrigerators --- news items about awards received, honors bestowed, touchdowns scored, prizewinning pigs shown at local fairs, and on and on. And in times of great distress --during killer hurricanes and tornadoes, horrendous floods and wildfires --newspapers step up in ways that truly can make the difference between life and death. Newspapers have done that this year, once again being the go-to source for vital details the public needs --- the lists of places where people can charge their cellphones, laptops and medical equipment, the locations of shelters and meal distribution sites, and places where people can get drinking water or provide a helping hand to those in need. The immense challenges we all have dealt with this year clearly underscore the fact that America needs journalists.
Randy Evans is executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. He was a newspaper reporter and editor in Iowa for 42 years.
Your Health
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Flavors Of Fall by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
Tracey Shaffer is a registered and licensed dietitian and owner of KC Nutrition Coach in Eastern Jackson County. She can be reached at tracey@kcnutritioncoach.com. Fall brings an abundance of flavorful, seasonal foods that are packed full of nutrition! October makes us think of apples, pumpkins and slow cookers. Now is the time to take advantage of these flavorful fall foods and the nutrition they provide.
Apples More than 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the U.S. There is sure to be a variety to please even the pickiest eater! The saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has scientific merit. One study found eating an apple a day helped reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol. Regular apple consumption has also been linked to weight loss, improved gut health, cancer prevention and reduced inflammation. There are many ways to add apples to your daily diet. The easiest way is to wash and eat! Or add chopped apples and a dash of cinnamon to oatmeal before cooking it for a flavorful fall treat. Apples and oatmeal make a great fall combo in bars, cookies and breakfast breads as well. Keep in mind, apples ripen six to 10 times faster at room temperature, so if you want your apples to last longer, store them in the refrigerator. Pumpkins Pumpkin contains B-complex, vitamins A, vitamin C and vitamin E, carotenoids, folate, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and other
antioxidants. They are specially favored for their rich content of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Pumpkin promotes eye health, boost immunity, can help relieve inflammation and more. Pumpkin may not be the healthiest in muffin form, but you can add pumpkin to soups, stews, hummus and pasta sauce. Try adding pureed pumpkin to smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal for a nutritional boost and added flavor. Slow Cookers There is nothing better than walking in the door to the smell of dinner ready to eat. Slow cookers help with planning which sometimes can be the hardest part of putting a meal together. And slow cookers aren’t just for dinner. You can cook steel cut oats overnight for a heart-healthy breakfast, or make some homemade applesauce for a delicious and nutritious snack. Whether it is a soup, a stew, a pot roast or pulled pork, nothing says fall quite like a slow cooker. Try this delicious recipe for Pumpkin Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal:
Pumpkin Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal Serves: 6 Ingredients: Cooking spray 4 cups water 2 cups steel cut oats 1 cup coconut milk 1 ½ cup pumpkin canned 1 ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice ½ cup maple syrup, pure 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt Directions: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to help prevent the ingredients from sticking during the cooking process Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, stirring to combine Cover and cook on low for 8 hours Once done cooking, the oatmeal look like it has too much liquid; this is normal. Give the finished oatmeal a good stir before serving hot. Store leftovers in the fried for a week or in the freezer for a month.
Editorial cartoon by Terry Wise, Kentucky syndicated cartoonist.
Automotive
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Survey: Pandemic Has Shifted How Americans View Travel (BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable, unavoidable impact on the world - from the way you conduct business, to how you shop for groceries. It may have even shifted your idea of what is important in life. According to Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index, Americans say spending time with family is a top priority. In light of everything 2020 has brought so far, Americans are shifting gears with a renewed emphasis on things they may have previously taken for granted: from time spent with loved ones, to road trips to favorite vacation destinations, and even, surprisingly, the daily commute. The rise of the road trip For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in vacation plans. But Hankook found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Americans are still hopeful and excited about the idea of an upcoming vacation. And more than likely, that vacation will be a road trip. As consumers remain skeptical of traveling by plane and other forms of public transit, they are finding a safe hygiene haven in their own vehicles. According to the survey, 60% of Americans expect to take more road trips because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many expect a rise in road trip plans enabling travelers to explore while still safely adhering to social distancing guidelines. So, who are they going with? Even as restrictions lift, Americans remain
uncertain about traveling with people outside their households. At the same time, they don't necessarily want to travel with everyone in their household. When asked who Americans would most like to travel with after the pandemic restrictions ease, the top choice was their significant other or spouse (40%), indicating a desire to spend some quality time together. Traveling with a spouse or significant other was more than twice as popular as the next most popular choice: traveling with your children (18%). Redefining the daily drive Americans' preference for wheels over wings doesn't stop when it comes to planning their next vacation. It will also have a significant impact on the daily commute. Americans widely agree automotive travel will be the top form of transportation after the COVID-19 pandemic eventually subsides (62%). Only a small percentage of people expect to regularly use other forms of transportation - including public transit (9%), ride sharing (7%) and trains (6%) with the same regularity. Of course, nobody knows what that regular rush hour might look like, as offices across the country look for ways to safely stagger workforces and encourage working from home to allow for proper social distancing. Many will continue to avoid commutes altogether as companies encourage employees to keep working from home. When the
Photo credit: iStock Photo time is right to resume your daily commute to work or school, make sure your vehicle is ready for the job as well by checking your tire pressure, any flat spots developed from prolonged parking and that A/C and heating systems are ready.
Overall, it's clear that one of the many perspectives the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped is Americans' attitudes toward driving. What may have once been a daily drag might now be a necessary change in routine, and a welcome opportunity to spend time with the people that matter most.
Outdoors & Recreation
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Fall Colors Appearing In Western Missouri by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Virginia creeper vines are scarlet in the treetops. Yellow is appearing in leaves on hackberry and pawpaw trees. Peak fall color is on the way, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges people to head outdoors and enjoy autumn’s sensory pleasures. Shorter daylight hours, along with sunny days and cool nights, triggers fall color in trees that shed their leaves each autumn. All three factors are currently producing bright color changes in Western Missouri. Shorter days reduce photosynthesis, causing green chlorophyll in leaves to break down and allowing yellow pigments to appear more visible. Leaves in trees such as maples and oaks produce sugars on sunny days that get trapped in the leaves when cool nights slow leaf processes. That prompts reds and purples to appear. Nature has variety. An area receiving plentiful rain through summer may have more vibrant color than a dry or drought -stricken area, but not always. Too much moisture can trigger leaf diseases, too. The Kansas City area had a dry June, a wet July, then a dry September. Some trees dropped leaves early due to dry conditions. Yet plenty of trees still have
healthy leaves turning colors or staying green until peak color time in mid- to late-October. Some trees wait till early November to get showy, depending on weather. A drive on country roads with forests or open woodlands is a good option for seeing color. Bluff areas with varied tree species are often colorful, such as the Missouri River bluffs. Many MDC conservation areas have service roads or marked hiking trails open for an autumn stroll. Color is found in cities, too. Often older residential neighborhoods have large trees that produce spectacular color. Another tip, besides looking up at trees, is to remember to look down at freshly fallen leaves. During peak color times, leaves hold their color for a few days after they drop. Look downward at trails and sidewalks as you hike, especially after rain moistens leaves. If a variety of trees are present, a vibrant collage of colors and leaf shapes will be underfoot. Listen to sounds, too. The wind-rustled leaves sound urgently raspy in autumn. A pleasant, musty smell of fallen leaves in decay signals that fungi and bacteria are producing
Tree-lined streams are a good place to see fall color, as are rocky bluffs and hilly woodlands. Fallen leaves briefly present interesting colors and patterns, too, in midto late-October's peak color season. Photo credit: MDC nutrients for next year. MDC provides updated reports on the progress of fall color changes throughout Missouri, including for the Kansas City and northwest regions, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4E. To find a MDC conservation area near
you for a colorful hike or drive, in rural or urban areas, visit https:// nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ places.
Verify Hunting Regulations Before Hunting At Conservation Areas by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Autumn brings the hunting seasons, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) provides many natural areas open to the public for hunting. Some conservation areas offer wetlands for waterfowl or uplands with small game such as rabbits. Others welcome hunters pursuing big game such as deer and wild turkeys. But hunters should carefully check the regulations for each area before a visit. Special regulations or boundaries for that area may apply. For example, the Nodaway Valley Conservation Area in Holt County is managed primarily for waterfowl hunting. But the area also has other upland areas open for small game hunting. However, the use of lead shot in shotguns is prohibited for any type of hunting on the area. That regulation is in place for 37 of MDC’s conservation areas, including many in western Missouri, as it protects wildlife from lead poisoning.
Many types of non-toxic shot are effective and available to hunters. Nodaway Valley also has special waterfowl hunting zones, refuge zones, and somewhat different waterfowl regulations for the portion of the area east of the Nodaway River. This is one example of how MDC conservation areas managed to maximize benefits for wildlife, habitat, and people. A hunter should know each area’s regulations and boundaries. Archery deer hunters, for example, may find special regulations in place for tree stand use. Some conservation areas have specific regulations regarding hunting methods allowable on the area. A quick reference source is MDC's 2020 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting & Regulations Information booklet. It is available where permits are sold and online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z6j. Many MDC areas also have noshooting zones as a safety precaution
for public buildings, private property, or parking areas. Hunters should also respect the boundaries between public use areas and private property and not trespass. All trash must be carried home for disposal. Pick up spent shot shells to leave wild lands natural for the next hunters. MDC’s Mo Hunting app let’s hunters use digital devices such as cell phones to obtain permits, find places to hunt, and check regulations. To get the app, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoQ. For a handy MDC web page to check for areas with non-toxic shot requirements, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Zgt. The page also has a useful list of shotgun shell shot types that meet the requirement. Autumn is a wonderful time to head outdoors in Missouri for many activities. To learn more, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.
MDC provides hunters public lands for hunting with a wide variety of habitats and wild game. Hunters should check specific regulations about methods, boundaries, and restrictions for each MDC conservation area before heading afield. Photo credit: MDC
Sports
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Eagles Shutout Indians, Elevating Record To 6-0 by John Unrein The anticipation ended and the Grain Valley Eagles sideline erupted as a pass to the end zone from Fort Osage quarterback Greg Menne fell to the ground incomplete on 4th down to the end the game. The shutout remained intact by the Eagles black shirt defense as they improved to a record of 6-0 with their 35-0 victory over the Fort Osage Indians on October 2nd. The Eagles were unyielding in creating sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers against their opponent. Grain Valley’s defensive line has been without an essential cog over the last two weeks. Senior Quincy Jones has been out with a shoulder injury. The combination of Josh McCoy, Ethan Schaaf, Grant Ward, and Sawyer Farris have teamed with Donovan McBride to make a formidable rotation up front for the Eagles. “Quincy (Jones) is out right now and he’s a major contributor. We’ve been telling those guys, especially Schaaf, who’s a young guy that works his tail off every day to keep grinding. We are getting better each week,” McBride said. “We keyed on their wing back tonight in making a ‘rhino’ call because we knew they were going to run. Our coaches continue to evaluate film and put us in the correct position to make plays. It makes our jobs easier to do as players.” McBride, Farris, and McCoy each had a .5 sack and one tackle for a loss in treating the offensive lineman in front of them like turnstiles and spending a good portion of time in the Indians backfield. Elbow lifts and arm under techniques by the Eagles defensive front reigned as they executed
fundamentals taught to them by defensive line coach Erik Stone. The wry smile of Eagles defensive coordinator Pete Carpino after the game said it all. Grain Valley held Fort Osage to 106 yards of total offense on 59 plays, good for only 1.8 yards per play by the Indians. Carpino was quick to praise the effort of his coaches and players in preserving their shutout victory. “Our defensive line did great. That group is starting to gel. We’ve also got a good one in Quincy Jones that we are looking forward to getting back. Guys that have ‘motors’ like they do, it makes a big difference. They might get beat on one play, but the next one they go at it again,” Carpino said. “We talk and coach fundamentals a lot. We emphasized it at the half along with taking care of their gap of responsibility up front. We were gap sound pretty much the whole game and that leads you to play good defense.” “Coach (Erik) Stone is a relentless football coach. He continually drills the defensive line. Just when you think he should stop, he does it some more. It makes a huge difference in the confidence of our kids. We’ve got some talented kids now and it pays off.” Carpino continued, “I’ve seen Coach Stone coach kids hard who probably wouldn’t play on Friday night end up being really good contributors because they bought into what he was teaching. He’s an incredible coach. Our entire defensive staff does a great job. I can just put an umbrella up at practice and watch (Matt) Curts, (Dominic) Giangrosso, (Ben) Andes, and (Erik) Stone go to work,” Carpino stated with a chuckle.
Left to right: Eagles teammates point to the 6 on Trent Knox’s jersey to celebrate their 6-0 record. Photo credit: Valley News staff The consistent pressure faced by Fort Osage led them to turn to fade passes and quick wide receiver screens to the outside of their formations. Grain Valley cornerbacks Trent Knox and Brayden Terry were up for the challenge. Both were fluid in turning their hips, leveraging inside position, and pursuing to the ball carrier. Knox would force a key Fort Osage turnover at the 7:50 mark of the second quarter to go along with his 2 tackles. Terry would rack up 1.5 tackles as well, and both provided tight coverage on the outside of the Eagles defense. “We had a big focus on their receivers. We let their short game happen (in front of us). Our job was to come up and secure the tackle in getting them on the ground. We gave them space (cushion) in our drops so that they didn’t hurt us with the vertical routes,” Knox said. “I was successful in seeing the football (on the turnover) and punched it out before I hopped on it.”
Terry added, “They were trying to hit screens on us and got a few early in the game. The last one, I saw what they were going to do and came up and put a hit on the receiver.” Rounding out the sound defensive effort by the Eagles was the play of linebackers Hunter Newsom, Zach Kirk, and Jayden Jacobson. Newsom would compile 14.5 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss. Kirk would continue his effective timing on blitzes and add 2 sacks to go along with his 7.5 tackles. Jacobson continues to be active in setting the edge (not allowing rushers to his outside shoulder) on his side of the defense. The senior outside linebacker would compile 4 tackles, including a .5 tackle for loss. The confidence from their wrestling backgrounds displayed when tackling is apparent by Newsom and McBride. There is little hesitation in capturing an opponent’s legs and getting them on the ground. A benefit reaped from being a multi-sport athlete.
see EAGLES on page 11
Left: Donovan McBride and Hunter Newsom celebrate a big play by the Eagles defense. Right: Keller takes off down the Eagles sideline. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Sports
Page 11
Lady Eagles Falter Late Against
EAGLES continued from page 10
Patriots
“The biggest thing with wrestling, and Donovan (McBride) can attest to this to, is that it helps you understand leverage. It gives you confidence in the timing and quickness of using your hips in getting to someone’s legs. That is why wrestlers make the best football players and vice versa,” Newsome said. Offensively, Grain Valley continued their streak of scoring at least 30 points in each game they’ve played this season. It was not without adversity though. Fort Osage, under the leadership of head coach Brock Bult game planned against the Eagles rushing attack and found success early in the contest by “pinching” (crossing the face of the offensive tackle or tight end in front of you to the inside gap) their defensive ends. This limited the previous success Grain Valley has enjoyed with running their “down” (off-tackle trap with a backside pulling guard) play. Eagles head football coach David Allie responded by running outside with option plays, sweeps, and attacking the Indians single high safety with vertical passing route combinations. This mixture yielded 355 total yards for Grain Valley’s offense in what was a sensational night for quarterback Cole Keller. Keller would rack up 145 yards on the ground to go along with 89 yards passing. The improved fundamental footwork of Keller when throwing the football under Allie’s tutelage has led to improved accuracy. Evidence of this can be found in Keller’s two touchdown passes that were executed with pinpoint precision. Keller synchronizing the turning of his hips to the receiver and his back leg planted firmly in the ground while his lead leg is out in front has permitted his elbow to stay up and his hand come
by John Unrein The Grain Valley Lady Eagles softball team dropped a late lead against the visiting Truman Patriots on October 6th. The Patriots would score three runs in the top of the 7th inning to push ahead for their 4-2 victory. Grain Valley pitcher Hailey Hemme hung tough on the pitching slab despite not having her usual pinpoint control during the first inning. The sophomore hurler would go on to strike out 13, walk 2, and only give up one unearned run during the first six innings before Truman found success late in the game. “I feel like I pitched good today, but it was not my best. I couldn’t have done as well as I did today without my defense behind me and Malia’s (Gutierrez) clutch hit,” Hemme said. “I pitched better as the game went along by focusing on what I can control. We have to let this game get behind us and focus on district games (upcoming).” Hemme was aided by the defense of first baseman Ella Clyman. The top of the fifth inning witnessed Clyman stretch to her right and grab a line drive in the top of her glove that was headed to right field, ending the inning. Clyman would turn in another gem during the top of the 7th inning with a diving catch attempt in foul territory near the Eagles dugout that was ruled a trap and not catch. The effort drew applause from her dugout as well as fans from both schools in attendance. Lady Eagles second basemen Malia Gutierrez had a successful day at the plate going 2 for 3. Her second hit was the biggest, producing a home run to left field that just cleared the fence during the top of the sixth inning. The drive by Gutierrez put the Eagles ahead temporarily. Grain Valley’s entire bench greeted Gutierrez at home plate after she rounded the bases. Gutierrez plays on the same summer softball league team as Truman pitcher Myel White. The two exchanged glares after Gutierrez called time late in her at bat in the sixth inning prior to White
starting her windup. The game of cat and mouse paid off for Gutierrez as she didn’t miss the fastball offering that was centered over the plate. “I was trying to back my team today with my approach at the plate. I am proud of this team in that we put our hearts on the field and left everything out there,” Gutierrez said. “I play on the same summer team as the pitcher (Myel White) and I had to think of her as not my teammate to be successful. I switched things up by stepping out (during my at bat). I still love her and she’s a good pitcher.” “We are going to give it everything we have during district play. We have a stacked roster. We know where we should be and have to make it happen.” Lady Eagles head softball coach Garrett Ogle was upbeat with the advice he shared with his team after the game. Ogle encouraged his players to realize that their season was not over, reminding them they have the opportunity to be conference or coconference champs and that they still have a district title to go win. “We’ve had composure all year long. There have been a lot of tight games we’ve played in this season. I think we’ve won five or six one run games so far. This team’s poise has been impeccable,” Ogle said. “I had it in the back of my head that Malia (Gutierrez) was going to come through in the sixth (inning). After that I had faith in our defense and pitching that we were going to shut them out the rest of the way and get a victory.” Ogle continued, “(Hailey) Hemme is a great competitor as well. Her hard work lends her to understand what’s not working and figure out what is. She doesn’t panic and works her way through.” Grain Valley’s record moves to 20-4 on the season. The Lady Eagles will play the Belton Pirates on October 8th prior to the start of the Class 4, District 7 Tournament from October 13th-16th.
Eagles second baseman Malia Gutierrez stands ready at the plate. Photo courtesy Valley News staff
over the top cleanly in his release. Eagles wide receivers Carter Vrienich and Parker Bosserman each hauled in touchdown passes from Keller in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. “Boss (Bosserman) requested the fade pass. When it’s someone like him, you’re going to trust him that it’s there. Sure enough, I put it up there and he made the catch,” Keller said. “The one before the half to Carter (Vrienich) was a great play call. The safety was my read and I moved to get a better a look. ‘V’ (Vrienich) made a great catch and an even better run to extend our lead. I had a lot of time behind the line tonight.” Allie appreciated his team’s effort along with finding opportunities for improvement after the game. “We tried to find creases offensively that we could take advantage of. They did a good job of pinching their defensive ends against us, which we turned to the outside in our adjustment with moving the football,” Allie said. “One thing I didn’t like was they (Fort Osage) had ‘juice’ or the energy to start the second half. We did not match it early on and then caught fire. We need to come out of the half better than that.” “Our kids continue to believe in one another. The shutout by our defense tonight was awesome.” Allie concluded, “Cole (Keller) is a confident player. Teams are going to continue to account for his running ability. His improved footwork (while passing) is a testament to him being committed to his craft. He has bought in and wants to play college football. He’s a sound leader for our team.” Grain Valley (6-0) will host the William Chrisman Bears (1-5) at Moody Murray Stadium on October 9th.
Lady Eagles Make A Racket In District Semifinals The Grain Valley Lady Eagles tennis program advanced to the District Finals with their 5-0 win against Belton on October 6th. The win moves the Eagles to an overall record of 5-7 for the season. Individual winners for Grain Valley against Belton included Kylee Bragaw and Emma Thiessen. Doubles victors included Chelsea Gorden and Finley LaForge, along with Kennedi McCord and Bailey Jinkens. Grain Valley did have four other competitors who were leading their matches when play was halted due
to the win threshold needed for district play being reached with five. Lady Eagles head tennis coach Randy Draper was satisfied with the outcome of the district semifinal win along with keeping an eye on what is ahead. “Anytime you have the opportunity to play for a District Championship it is a big deal. I am pleased with our progress as a team, so this is a good time to play,” Draper said. Grain Valley will next host Belton (5-6 season record) on October 8th.
Community Calendar Saturday, October 10, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Household Hazardous Waste Event 8:00am—Noon Jackson County Public Works Facility 34900 E Old US Highway 40 Oak Grove MO 64075
Stay-At-Home Book Club 7:00pm—8:00pm Virtual book group via Zoom. www.mymcpl.org/events
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Skeet: Introduction to Skeet 8:00am—10:30am Lake City Shooting Range, 28505 E Truman Road Register: 816-249-3194
Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30pm Visit www.cityofgrainvalley.org for meeting location/dial-in information.
Friday, October 16, 2020 Native Plants: Wicked Plants of Missouri 10:00am—11:00am Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, Blue Springs Join us for a fun look at plants behaving badly. Registration required (adults) 816-228-3766
Biz Action Learning Circle Week 6: Look Before You Leap 10:00am—Noon Business owners can’t be strong in all areas. We will assess our strengths and explore resources to help account for the areas we need to grow or learn. www.mymcpl.org/events
Monday, October 12, 2020
Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com/ eventscalendar
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 S Main
see MAYOR on page 5
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