Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
November 22, 2018
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lights Up November 29th The City of Grain Valley will host its annual Holiday Festival at 6:00pm on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Armstrong Park near City Hall, 711 Main Street. In addition to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting, the free event will include Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and cookies, visits with
Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an outdoor holiday movie. Parents are welcome to take photos during visits in Santa’s House. Attendees are also encouraged to visit the Grain Valley Assistance Council’s Gifting Tree to learn how you can help local families have a great Christmas.
Vol. 1, No. 23
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School Board to Consider Boundary Changes Dec. 6th As previously reported, Grain Valley Schools is considering a boundary change for elementary schools to address crowding at Prairie Branch and Matthews Elementary. A steering committee convened in October to develop a plan, and parent input was sought during a public meeting at Grain Valley North Middle School and through an online form on the district website.
The Grain Valley School Board reviewed the final proposal regarding elementary boundary changes at the November 15th board meeting. According to the district, the soonest the board would approve any changes to the elementary school boundaries is December 6th at 6:00pm during a board workshop at district offices. The meeting is open to the public.
Missouri State Parks encourages people to #OptOutside on Black Friday Missourians are being encouraged to opt out of the holiday shopping madness and instead opt for an outdoor adventure at one of the many state historic sites and parks on Friday, November 23rd. Missouri State Parks has joined REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op and specialty outdoor retailer, and its effort
to offer the outdoors as a healthy, natural alternative to the massive Black Friday crowds of holiday shoppers. Several state park sites are offering free tours on Friday, November 23rd. In addition, families who camp at a park or state historic site campground on Black Friday will receive a coupon for a free night of camping for a future stay. The
Good News
coupon will be issued to the campsite's primary occupant and is good for one year. “What better way to burn off the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie than to go to a Missouri state park or historic site," Ben Ellis, Director of the Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks said. “I want to
encourage everyone to get outside, hike, camp, and explore our historic sites. Make lasting memories this Black Friday.” For more information about Missouri State Parks’ #OptOutside event and a full listing of state historic sites offering free tours, please go to https:// mostateparks.com. mostateparks.com
Prairie Branch Students Step Up for Toys for Tots
The Prairie Branch Elementary Student Council completed their 7th annual project benefiting Toys for Tots this week. The student council raised $2,800, which they were able to spend this week purchasing 292 toys during their annual field trip. The students then delivered the toys to Richards-Gebaur Air Reserve Base. The Student Council will continue their efforts to support Toys for Tots with a school wide annual toy drive November 26th – December 7th.
Photo credit: Stacy Stiffler, Prairie co-Branch Elementary teacher and co sponsor Prairie Branch Student Council
G R A I N VA L L E Y N E W S LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com
Local News
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United Methodist Women to Host Nativity Celebration at Faith UMC The United Methodist Women of Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley will be hosting a Nativity Celebration at the church located at 1950 SW Eagles Parkway on December 1, 2018. Doors open to the public at 10:00am and close at 4:00pm. Admission and parking is free; guests are asked to bring a canned food item for the Grain Valley Assistance Council to assist families in need. Activities include the Nativity viewing, living Nativity performances
by youth of Faith UMC, children’s activities, open communion, and prayer and reflection offered by the Faith Care Team. Numerous nativities and creches from around the world will be on display illustrating how Nativities have become a Christmas tradition for so many families of various religious faiths. Announcements regarding the event https:// can be found at www.facebook.com/ faithumw.nativitycelebation.
State Receives Nearly $3 Million in Recreational Funding The Secretary of the Interior announced the state of Missouri will receive almost $1.86 million in federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This is in addition to the more than $1 million in funding allocated this summer from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds. This brings Missouri’s total budget for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants for federal fiscal year 2018 to almost $3 million. This is a dramatic increase from 2017, with $1.8 million apportioned to Missouri. “The additional funding will allow Missouri State Parks to grant more funding to communities throughout the state,” Ben Ellis, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks said. “Recreational opportunities for Missourians are important, not only for the betterment of public health and the enjoyment of the outdoors, but also for
quality of life. We are excited to partner with more communities to enhance their recreation.” Land and Water Conservation Fund grants are competitive grants to local governments and school districts for park development, including acquisition of new park land, development of new outdoor recreation facilities, and renovation of existing properties. Projects funded in 2017 include Northwest Missouri State University’s Horace Mann Outdoor Classroom, St. Joseph’s Bartlett Park Playground Renovation and Disc Golf Course Installation, Wentzville’s Heartland Park All-Inclusive Playground, and Kirksville’s North Park Complex Pee-Wee Fields ADA Accessibility Project. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit the web at https://mostateparks.com. Missouri https://mostateparks.com State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
300,000 Lights Illuminate Christmas in the Park More than 300,000 lights and 175 animated displays will illuminate the drive through Jackson County’s 31st Annual Christmas in the Park, a popular holiday tradition in Jackson County. “Every year we add an exciting new display to the Christmas in The Park experience,” said Michele Newman, Jackson County Parks + Rec Director. “This year, we’ve added a spectacular 50-foot lighted drive-thru entrance arch that will be programmed to sequence a variety of dazzling colors, patterns and effects.” “Our Parks + Rec staff is second to none,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The talent and expertise they have to design, create and install this massive display year after year is impressive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they do to keep this tradition thriving and the holiday season bright for families.” Since opening in 1987, more than two million people have made the drive through Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park part of their annual holiday experience. While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 41 area charities. Christmas in the Park will be open November 21st – December 31st. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 11:00pm. The drive-thru event is located at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Park Road (Two
miles south of I-470 off of View High Drive). For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.
Christmas in the Park will be open November 21st – December 31 st. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 11:00pm. The drivedrive -thru event is located at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Park Road (Two miles south of II - 470 off of View High Drive). Photo credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec
Holiday Cookie Contest!
Valley News is seeking your best holiday cookie recipes! Send your favorite holiday cookie recipe to news@grainvalleynews.com for a chance to win a $25 Hy-Vee gift card. Please include your name and phone number. Deadline for submissions is Monday, December 10th.
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 7—13, 2018. November 7, 2018 1700 Blk Buckner Tarsney Rd SW Eagles Pkwy/Minter Rd 700 Block Main St 200 Block Barr Rd 700 Block Main St 400 Block Front St 1200 Block Scenic November 8, 2018 200 Block Concord 200 Block Kimberly Ct 600 Block RD Mize Rd 300 Block Woodbury 2700 Block Dillingham 700 Block Main St 800 Block SW Hilltop Ct 1000 Block Montana Ridge
Alarm Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Leaving Scene of Accident Agency Assist (BSPD) Juvenile Issue Missing Juvenile
Recovered Stolen Vehicle Suspicious Vehicle Alarm Disturbance Alarm Citizen Contact Motor Veh Accident Alarm
900 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Main St Minter Rd & Addie Ln
Pedestrian Check Parking Complaint Agency Assist (JCSO)
November 9, 2018 6000 Blk Buckner Tarsney Rd 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Smith St 1300 Block Valleywoods Ct 2100 Block Sweetgum Ct 1000 Block Stony Point Rd Off Ramp I-70 & NB BB Hwy 200 Block AA Hwy
Check the Well Being Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Burglary Parking Complaint Alarm Area Check Alarm
November 10, 2018 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Barr Rd 700 Block Green Dr
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Burglary Animal Complaint
1100 Block Christie Ln 800 Block Nelson Ct 600 Block Tisha Ln 700 Block Main St 400 Block Coldwater Creek 900 Block Dogwood
Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Suspicious Activity Warrant Confirmation Noise Complaint Suspicious Vehicle
November 11, 2018 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Ashley Ln 1200 Block Scenic 900 Block Sandy Ln 800 Block Nelson Ct 800 Block Nelson Ln 400 Block Joseph Ct
Citizen Contact Lost Property Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Civil Standby Disturbance Suspicious Activity
November 12, 2018 Addie Ln & Minter Rd
Property Damage
2100 Block Sycamore 900 Block Sandy Ln 1000 Block Shorthorn November 13, 2018 100 Block Michael Dr 900 Block Willow 800 Block Nelson Ct 100 Block Eagles Pkwy 100 Block Armstrong 100 Block Outer Rd 1100 Block Willow Dr 300 Block Front St 500 Block Main St 500 Block Foot Hill Dr Oakwood & Hillsboro 1000 Block Dean Dr 800 Block Hilltop Ct
Agency Assist (CJC) Civil Standby Missing Juvenile
Check the Well Being Residence Check Civil Standby Citizen Contact Dealer Application Dealer Application Citizen Contact Agency Assist (DFS) Alarm Robbery Area Check Motor Vehicle Accident Animal at Large
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Community Profile: Breanna Siebel
Breanna Marie Seibel, Seibel Early Literacy Associate with the Mid-Continent Public Library, is a recent addition to the Grain Valley branch. Breanna came to the Grain Valley branch from South Independence and is excited to work with parents and their children to help them become lifelong learners.
their eyes light up and they are excited by their parent’s joy in their learning something new. Being able to facilitate that learning is so exciting.
branch working as a Page, I would help with Youth programs, and really started to see myself doing this as a career. I am finishing up my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, which goes in hand with my chosen field.
What brought you to this line of work? I’ve always had a child -like spirit and have always loved nurturing that spirit in children and helping them grow. I started out babysitting and working with church groups and bible schools.
Can you tell us about any upcoming events for children at the Grain Valley branch? We will actually be hosting a Create with Lego bricks: Christmas Tree on Saturday Dec. 1st from 11:00am to 12:00 pm (sign up online or at the branch). There is also an exciting Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Wednesday Dec. 5th from 10:30am to 11:30am (sign up online or at the branch; seating is limited).
I was tutoring while working on my degree to become a vet and people were always telling me I should be a teacher or go into early childhood education. Later, when I was at a
Siebel encourages parents to sign up their young children for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
The free initiative encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before starting kindergarten. Children completing the program receive a medal and certificate to display at home. Parents can sign up for the program online at www.mymcpl.org or at any branch.
MCPL offers a number of resources for parents at the branch, including these free Grow a Reader calendars.
How long have you been with MCPL? I’ve been with MCPL for nearly 4 years. Tell us about your job at the library. I am basically a facilitator to guide parents in helping their kids learn and prepare them for Kindergarten. The goal is to have everyone on the road to reading before Kindergarten. We build on literacy skills, and also build on fine motor skills by engaging in different activities during story time programs. We also provide activities during story time to help build social/emotional skills that they will need when they get to school. Imagination and play is a crucial part of learning, and we put them to use in story time. It’s a lot of fun! What is your favorite part of your job? I think my favorite part of the job is when you see kids make those connections—the ‘a ha’ moment where Everyone has a story—we want to hear yours! To nominate yourself or someone else for our Community Profile section, email news@grainvalleynews.com.
Paul Juarez, Grain Valley resident
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 Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
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Financial Health
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Protect Your Money From Scams by Daniel Strader, Vice President, Loan Officer, State Bank of Missouri
Email Links
During the holiday season, we tend to make a lot more purchases online for travel and gifts, so it’s especially important to be vigilant about protecting your money. Here are some of the most common scams to watch for:
Fake Websites and Apps
Scammers often create fake websites that are so similar to the sites of popular retailers, it easily tricks consumers into providing payment information. The scammers take your information and your money, but you never receive the products. Scammers have also developed fake apps that contain malware (malicious software such as computer viruses). When you download the app, the malware steals personal information from your device or locks it, holding it for ransom until you pay the scammers. Other types of fraudulent apps ask you to login using your social media or email accounts that could expose your personal information for the scammers to steal. Be careful of apps or websites that ask for suspicious permissions, such as granting access to your contacts, text messages, stored passwords, or credit card information. Also, poor grammar or misspelled words in an app’s description or on a website is a red flag that it is not legitimate.
Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or emails from unfamiliar sources. The links may lead to an illegitimate website attempting to get you to enter your credit card or other personal information. Some links may download malware to your computer when you click on them that can steal your banking information, including login identification, passwords, and credit or debit card numbers. These emails typically look very similar to ones sent by well-known retailers, banks, and other entities. Be on the lookout for emails that have typos or other obvious mistakes. In addition, be skeptical of email attachments described as coupons, rebates, or payment forms – they could include malware. And avoid email offers that seem “too good to be true.” If an email promises popular items for free or a surprisingly low price, it is probably a scam.
Making Payments on Unsecure Sites
Before paying for a purchase online, make sure the website you’re on has “https” at the beginning of its URL with a lock symbol:
This means the site has a protected network connection. Websites with “http” at the beginning of the URL with no “s” are more vulnerable to attacks by scammers who steal credit card information by monitoring network traffic. Also, be aware of pop-up windows that appear while you are on a website asking for your credit card information to receive coupons or to win free items. Legitimate companies do not ask for your personal information for those purposes.
Using Public WiWi-Fi to Shop or Access Sensitive Information
Wireless connectivity, also known as Wi-Fi, allows your laptop, PC, or mobile device to connect to the internet without a physical wire connection. Many restaurants, hotels, libraries, and other places offer free public Wi-Fi, which is convenient when you’re on the go. However, these networks may not be secure (since they either do not require a password or provide the same generic password to all customers for access) and may expose your personal and banking information to scammers looking to steal names, social security numbers, and bank account numbers. Avoid using public Wi-Fi to make purchases online, login to your financial accounts, or access other sites that have sensitive information about you. It’s also a good idea to stick with websites that have “https” encryption (discussed above) when in public places.
precautions you can take to protect your money while shopping online:
Package Delivery Confirmation Scams
This scam is especially popular during the holidays, when people receive gifts through the mail that they may not be expecting. The scammers call or email claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service or a major shipping company and state that you have a package waiting for delivery. To ensure the package is meant for you, you are asked to provide personal information, which the scammers steal to use to open credit accounts in your name. In response to this scam, the U.S. Postal Service explained it does not call or email people and ask for personal information if there is a problem with a delivery. Visit U.S. Postal Service Inspection Crime Alert for more information. Don’t let these scams dampen your holiday spirits. Instead, here are
In general, always use difficult-toguess, unique passwords on every account. If you’re using shopping apps, focus only on official retailer apps found on the retailer’s website or a reputable app marketplace, which offer stronger security. Never provide your debit or credit card information unless you are on a secure site, showing “https” at the beginning of the URL and the lock symbol. Think about implementing two factor authentication on your accounts. Two factor authentication requires you to provide two pieces of evidence when logging into an account. It presents an extra layer of security to make it more difficult for someone who isn’t you to log into your account. Monitor credit card bills and bank statements as well as app and other online transactions for unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Immediately contact your bank if you see anything suspicious. In addition, you may want to consider signing up for alert services. Many credit card issuers, banks, and mobile app providers offer services that notify you about certain account activities, such as recent logins from unrecognized devices.
State Bank of Missouri is happy to offer several free account management services for holiday shopping including our Mobile App for Android and Apple devices and the CardValet app for realtime debit card monitoring. Value and Premium checking customers also wishing to take advantage of holiday savings can use the BaZing! Mobile app for local and regional discounts and deals with merchants.
Business News
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Missouri Unemployment Rate Tied Record Low in October Missouri’s unemployment rate tied a record low in October, edging down another tenth of a point to 3.1 percent. In the history of the data set, which goes back to 1976, the only other time the state’s unemployment dropped this low was from October 1999 to January 2000. The jobless rate has decreased by a tenth of a point in each of the past five months and is now half a point lower than it was in October
2017. Missouri’s rate has been below the corresponding national figure for 42 consecutive months. The state’s non-seasonallyadjusted unemployment rate was 2.3 percent in October, compared to the U.S. figure of 3.5. Missouri nonfarm payroll employment grew by 4,000 jobs in October. In addition, September’s employment figure was revised up by 2,400, bringing the September jobs gain to 5,700. In the three
Partnership Seeks Sponsors for Senior Baskets Grain Valley Partnership is working with GVHS National Honor Society students to provide holiday baskets for Grain Valley seniors this holiday season, and businesses are invited to join in the effort. Business donors are needed to help raise $5,000 to provide food gift baskets for area seniors. Donor logos will be included in cards with
the basket and donors will be recognized in future editions of Valley News. To participate in this effort, businesses are asked to complete the form below and return to the Grain Valley Partnership office. For more information, contact Tasha Lindsey, 816-443-5162 or email info@growgrainvalley.org.
months since July, Missouri employers have added 12,500 jobs. Employment gains in October were concentrated in the private service-providing industries. Accommodation and food services added 2,500 jobs, while professional, scientific, technical services, health care and social assistance each added 1,600. In the goods-producing sector, manufacturing employment increased by 800 jobs.
Over the past year, Missouri nonfarm payroll has grown by 44,600 jobs, or 1.6 percent. Professional and business services employment grew by 12,600 over the year, while health care and social assistance added 12,100 jobs. Leisure and hospitality employment was up 9,100 jobs, while durable goods manufacturing increased by 8,100.
Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley. The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Learn more about the Partnership at www.growgrainvalley.o rg
Community Voices
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Much To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving in Grain Valley by Mayor Mike Todd, City of Grain Valley
I hope this edition of Valley News finds you and your family well this Thanksgiving Holiday. We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving in Grain Valley. Grain Valley continues to be an amazing place to live and our kids continue to thrive in one of the best school districts in the state. I know I am thankful for having had the opportunity to grow up here and to now have the opportunity to be raising my kids here. As many of you know, I also am an elementary school teacher. As I was writing this, I wanted to make sure to include some words for thought this Holiday Season. I think one
of my students nailed it with a poem she wrote: T is for being THANKFUL U is for UNITED Families R is for REMEMBERIING those not with us K is for KINDESS to each other E is for EVERYONE getting full on Thanksgiving Day Y is for YIPPEE for my mom’s famous turkey I hope that everyone can join me and my family on November 29th as we light up the Mayor’s Christmas tree, City Hall, and Main Street. The Holiday Festival is one of my family’s favorite events of the year, and we look forward to seeing everyone in attendance. In the past our event has been warm, cold, wet, and dry. But it’s always a
great way to kick off the holiday season in Grain Valley. Join us in Armstrong Park and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and music from our Grain Valley elementary honor choirs. Our choirs always do an amazing job ringing in the season in style. Don’t forget to check out the Grain Valley Assistance Council Angel Tree. This is a great opportunity to give back to our community and to those in need and to make someone’s holiday a bit brighter in Grain Valley. A little elf also told me that there will be some special guests in attendance as well for kids of all ages to visit! I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season from all of us at the City of Grain Valley.
Issues of The Broadcaster, available at the Grain Valley Historical Society. each of the four classes, the women’s basketball team, and the men’s basketball team. The Historical Society received the 1936 and 1938 yearbooks from Barbara Wilkinson whose father, Noel Wilkinson was a principal, teacher, and coach at Grain Valley from 1930 to 1938. The first page of the 1938 Student states it is the second yearbook of GVHS. I wonder if the Great Depression had any influence on the absence of a publication in 1937. I’m also curious as to why only two sports are recognized in both books; men’s and women’s basketball. There is no mention of football that was started in 1923 or baseball, which is mentioned in first issue of The Broadcaster. In 1963 The Broadcaster got a new
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, is open Wednesdays from 10am— 10am —3pm and by appointment. Visit the Historical Society’ Society’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
Please include your full name and a contact phone # for verification purposes. Valley News gladly accepts announcements of anniversaries, births, college graduations, engagements, weddings, and obituaries. There is no charge for text only listings. listings Additional celebration announcements are welcome (Eagle Scout, military graduations and honors, milestone birthdays, etc.). Facebook, Twitter, Instagram:
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by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
of Education, the faculty, the classes, a list of alumni beginning with the Class of 1909 and an activities section. The book included eight 3” x 5” photographs of the building, the faculty,
Valley News welcomes your letters and news submissions. Send press releases and letters to news@grainvalleynews.com.
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Looking Back: The Broadcaster If you were around Grain Valley between 1937 and 1960, you would have read the school newspaper, The Broadcaster. In the archives at the Grain Valley Historical Society there are two copies of the first edition printed 81 years ago on October 1, 1937. Here is an excerpt from the first edition. “The juniors and Seniors met a week ago last Wednesday, September 22, to elect a staff for the new school paper under the direction of Superintendent Farley. Six students make up the staff consisting of Editor - Pauline McQuerry, Assistant, Editor - Bob Jenkins, Literary Editor Erma Baumgardner, Advertising Manager - Mary Edna Costigan, Business Manager - Rhoda Lea Tesch, and Sports Editor Earlene Smith.” The article goes on to state, “The staff met on the following day to decide upon what course to follow. The paper is to be in booklet form and is to be called THE BROADCASTER. It will broadcast the news from G.V.H.S. It is to be published monthly for nine months at fifty cents per school year.” The previous year, 1936, Grain Valley High School published the first yearbook. Titled simply, The Student, it was compiled by Inter-Collegiate Press of Kansas City. The yearbook consists of 52 pages that appear to be printed on a typewriter and copied on a mimeograph machine. The contents include the Board
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name, The Eagles Cry. Yours truly was the editor during the 1963-64 school year. Our English teacher, Mary Harper, was our newspaper sponsor and Kathy Snow, the commerce teacher, helped with the production. It was still typed on manual typewriters (we had two electric typewriters which we all fought to use) with messy old purple ink and printed on the mimeograph machine. I remember staying late on several Thursdays to get the paper finished for Friday distribution. In the issue dated January 29, 1943, Miss Erma Baumgardner was listed as the faculty
advisor. During the 1960s-70s, Erma Baumgardner Doty was once again the newspaper sponsor at GVHS. Not surprisingly, GVHS no longer has a weekly or bi-weekly school newspaper. GVTV, the student operated TV station puts out a weekly program which students can access on their phones and computers. In recent years, The Talon has been a quarterly publication for students and the Eagle’s View, is a magazine published and mailed to all patrons of the Grain Valley R-5 School District.
Sports
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Five Eagles Participate in College Signing Day Five seniors participated in College Signing Day on November 14th during a ceremony at Grain Valley High School (GVHS).
“I have enjoyed making lifelong friendships and memories throughout my high school career. Coach Peterson has always supported me and believed didn’’t believe in in me even when I didn myself.”” - Gracelyn LaForge, GVHS myself. senior, heading to Johnson County Community College next fall. Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios
Senior Karly Tharp will continue her volleyball career at Missouri Western State University, and Varsity Volleyball Coach Keri Peterson believes she will continue to be successful on the court. “Karly has had a very successful 4 years. She has been our only starter in all 6 rotations and she has earned multiple awards over those years. She has done a great job setting and hitting for us. This past year, she was a 2nd team all-conference and all district,” Peterson said. Gracelyn LaForge will play volleyball at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and is excited to play with the Cavaliers in the fall. “JCCC was by far the best fit for me and I’m extremely excited to play with them next year. The coach was very welcoming, and I’ve heard nothing but good things from former Cavalier volleyball players about her. I loved how JCCC is close to home, but yet far enough for me to live there,” LaForge said. Peterson is likewise optimistic about LaForge’s future. “Gracie is a work horse. She continues to grow and wants to improve. She has also earned several awards over her past
Five GVHS students participated in College Signing Day on November 14th. Pictured L to R: Karly Tharp, Morgan Scott, Gracelyn LaForge, Brianna Carter, and Peyton Walter. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
3 years as a Varsity starter in the middle. This past year, she earned 1st team all-conference and district, and was also voted one of our team captains,” Peterson said. Another member of the Eagles Volleyball team, Morgan Scott, signed with Pittsburg State
University for Track. GVHS Softball players Brianna Carter and Peyton Walter also participated in Signing Day. Carter will head to Mid America Nazarene University, and Peyton Walter will play softball at Avila University.
Community Calendar November 26, 2018 Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main November 29, 2018 Holiday Festival 6:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main Lighting of Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies. December 1, 2018 Faith UMC Nativity Celebration 10:00am—4:00pm Faith UMC, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway December 1, 2018 Create with Lego Bricks: Christmas Tree 11:00am—12:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required: https://www.mymcpl.org/events
Grain Valley Branch Registration required: https://www.mymcpl.org/events
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December 5, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street December 6, 2018 Grain Valley School Board Workshop 6:00pm District Office, 31606 NE Pink Hill Rd. December 10, 2018 Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main December 12, 2018 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main
December 3, 2018 Book Group 6:30pm—7:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch
December 18, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street
December 5, 2018 Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus 10:30am—11:30am Mid-Continent Public Library
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