Vol. 4 No. 48 | November 25, 2021 | www.grainvalleynews.com
Board approves first reading of 2022 budget The Board of Aldermen met November 22nd, approving the first reading of the 2022 budget. Aldermen Knox asked if the two additional police officer positions discussed in the last board workshop were included in the 2022 budget, and City Administrator Ken Murphy confirmed the addition had been made. The board approved the budget’s first reading, to be approved
during the next meeting on December 13th. In other business, the board approved a resolution stating the statutory authority of the Grain Valley Park Board. The resolution essentially outlines the Park Board’s authority to be more involved with the future of designated park land and the funding sources for such land.
Police station study group continues work
The citizen study group of representatives from each Grain Valley’s three wards met again on November 23rd to debrief after a tour of several area police stations. The tour included stops in Lawrence, Merriam, and Kansas City, KS, to gather ideas for a proposed police station in Grain Valley.
The group discussed material options and amenities that may work well for Grain Valley, and will continue to develop a plan over additional sessions, culminating in a public open house on December 14th from 6-8pm (location TBA).
Good News:
Santa Bus tour begins Saturday One of Grain Valley’s beloved holiday traditions, the Santa Bus, begins its tour this Saturday. Below is this year’s schedule. Santa would like to remind parents of babies or those with special needs who may not be able to wait outside or travel to the bus, to please let Santa’s helpers know. Santa will be glad to come inside for a visit. For more information, visit www.gvsanta.com.
(Orange) Dec. 4th | 9 AM until approx. 7
(Yellow) Nov. 27th | 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (First Saturday after Thanksgiving ) Grayleigh Park, Rosewood, Whispering Park, and Woodbury subdivisions (Green) Nov 28th 10 AM until appox 7 PM (First Sunday after Thanksgiving) Everything North of I-70 other than Grayleigh Park, Rosewood Whispering Park, and Woodbury subdivisions
PM (Second Saturday after Thanksgiving) Everything between 40 Hwy and I-70
see SANTA BUS on page 8
School Board meeting recap A standing room only crowd was on hand at the beginning of the Grain Valley Schools board meeting on November 18th, as recognitions of the district’s Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Girls Golf, and Boys Swim and Dive topped the agenda. Each team was recognized for successful seasons and respective visits to State competitions.
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Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Dr. Beth Mulvey reported both in-person and virtual options for parent-teacher conferences were offered, with a participation rate of over 90% across the district. In addition, Mulvey mentioned a meeting with Metropolitan Community Colleges
see SCHOOL BOARD on page 8
The Santa Bus begins its tour throughout Grain Valley this Saturday, with the help of Valley’’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). File photo. Grain Valley
In This Edition: Looking Back: Christmas in the Valley
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Business: 12 Days of Christmas
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Your Health: Dental hygiene tips for caregivers
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County’’s Christmas in the Park at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Cover Image: Jackson County Complex (two miles south of 11--470 off of View High Drive) began Wednesday, November 24th and continues through December 31st. Hours are Sunday— Sunday—Thursday 5:30pm— 10:00pm Friday— 5:30pm— 11:00pm. from 5:30pm —10:00 pm and Friday —Saturday from 5:30pm —11:00 pm. Photo credit: Jackson County Parks+Rec
2 Police Blotter
Jackson County Food Inspection Report 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: El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC 522 S Main Street Multiple spray bottles were not labeled with the name of chemical inside. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Inside the ice machine had accumulation of black build up. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Observed ice buildup around the opening of the reach in freezer. Observed ice buildup in the back of the reach in cooler. Correct By:12/25/2021 Knives were observed stored in the crevice between the prep table and shelf. Knives were cleaned and sanitized and placed on clean portion of table. Observed bowls stored in several containers of spices, sugar, and flour. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Observed dishes stored in hand washing sink next to dish washer. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Observed several containers of food stored in the walk in cooler not covered. Correct By:12/25/2021 No paper towels available at the hand washing sink. Correct By:12/25/2021 Prepared food containers in walk in cooler were not dated with discard date. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Observed raw chicken stored above raw shrimp in the reach in cooler. Chicken was moved to the bottom of the shelf. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Price Chopper #325 -Kitchen /Deli/ Salad Bar 1191 NE. McQuerry Rd. Noticed a lot of fruit flies in the kitchen sink area. Correct By:12/25/2021 Noticed that the smoke meats in the hot case did not have sell by dates on the packages. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Noticed employee jacket on package food. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Noticed that sanitizer buckets on the prep table near food. Corrected On:10/26/2021 Mactan Asian Market 1438 SW Eagles Parkway Observed several cases of food stored on the floor in the back storage area and on the floor in the service area. Correct By:12/25/2021
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 102 Buckner-Tarsney Rd. Observed aluminum covering shelving in the reach in cooler and on the shelf in the beverage station. Cardboard was observed being used to cover shelving by the back door. Correct By:12/27/2021 Observed reach in cooler in the beverage area with accumulation of ice buildup. Correct By:12/27/2021 Under the cook top had accumulation of debris. Gaskets to the reach in prep table had accumulation of buildup and debris. Beer cooler shelving had accumulation of black build up. Correct By:12/27/2021 Observed two jugs of chocolate milk past discard date 10/24/2021. Corrected On:10/28/2021 Observed no temperature measuring device located in the tall reach in cooler by the beverage area. Correct By:12/27/2021 Observed gaskets to the tall reach in cooler with torn and broken gaskets. Correct By:12/27/2021 McDonald’ McDonald’s 712 N Main Observed liquid build up on the frappe machine nozzle. (cleaned and sanitized) Corrected On:10/28/2021 No temperature measuring device in the reach in cooler next to the egg cooker. No temperature measuring device in the prep reach in cooler next to the oven. Correct By:12/27/2021 Observed liquid spills/debris in the cabinet under the drink station in lobby. (next to the old ketchup dispenser) Observed liquid spill/debris in the cabinet under the frozen drink station. Correct By:12/27/2021 Shifting Gears Bar & Grill 511 Main Street No violations recorded. Country Oak Village 101 Cross Creek Dr No violations recorded. Valley Nutrition 201 N Main Temperature measuring device was missing from reach in cooler. Correct By Jan 2, 2022. Iron Kettle Brewing 508 N Main Observed an unlabeled chemical bottle, chemical bottle was labeled. Corrected On:1¼/2021. The dish machine in the bar area has a black colored buildup. Correct By: 1/3/2022
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The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 10-16, 2021. November 10, 2021 100 Block of Sunny LN Golfview DR & Tyre RD 700 Block of Main 500 Block of SW Eagle s PKWY 1100 Block of NW Willow 100 Block of Sunny LN 1400 Block of Valley Woods CT 600 Block of NW Gateway DR 700 Block of Main 800 Block of San Kar DR 1300 Block of SW Foxtail DR 700 Block of Main 1100 Block of Pamela BLVD 600 Block of Walnut November 11, 2021 700 Block of Main 1100 Block of Blue Branch Eagles & Minter 1000 Block of E Ryan RD Amanda Jean & Greystone 200 Block of N Cypress 1400 Block of NW Red Oak CT BB & North of RD Mize 700 Block of Main 200 Block of NW Aaron LN 700 Block of Main 1200 Block of NW Pamela 800 Block of SW Meadwood DR Woodbury & BB West Bound I 70 Ramp & Main 600 Block of Buckner Tarsney 6200 Block Minter Rd 1300 Block RD Mize Rd I-70 and Sterling Rd 700 Block of Main St 700 Block of Main St November 12, 2021 700 Block of Main 900 Block of Deer Creek 1400 Block of NW Olympic DR I 70 1100 Block of NW Baytree 700 Block of Main ST Eagles & Cross Creek 600 Block of Murial 100 Block of Main Ridgeview & Gateway 700 Block of Main
Noise Complaint Suspicious Vehicle Warrant Verification Citizen Contact Physical Disturbance Stealing Parking Complaint Agency Assist-CJC Citizen Contact Follow-Up to Previous Property Damage 911 Hang Up Warrant Verification Alarm Follow-Up to Stealing Past Citizen Contact-Via Phone 911 Hang Up Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Vehicle Suspicious Vehicle Area Check Welfare Check Welfare Check Citizen Contact-Via Phone Civil Standby C & I Driver Complaint Abandonded Auto Property Damage Welfare Check Motor Vehicle Accident Property Damage Agency Assist-Traffic Control Abandonded Auto Prisoner Pick-up / Transport Agency Assist - BSPD Agency Assist Children's Mercy Warrant Verification Suspicious Activity Alarm Area Check-Stranded Driver Animal Bite-Dog vs Dog Peace Disturbance Abandoned Auto Suspicious Person Suspicious Person Abandoned Auto Citizen Contact-Via Phone
1200 Block of Boxelder
Citizen Contact
November 13, 2021 800 Block of Mulberry CT 800 Block of San Kar Creek Ridge Nelson & Highland 1400 Block of NW Eagle Ridge 1000 Block of Scenic 1400 Block of Golview DR 1300 Block of Valley Woods 1000 Block of Rock Creek LN 1600 Block of Eagles 1200 Block of Phelps CT
Harassment Suspicious Activity Suspicious Vehicle Area Check Disturbance Verbal Disturbance Peace Disturbance Area Check Civil Standby Trailer ID Property Damage
November 14, 2021 100 Block of Sunny LN 200 Block of Pebblebrook 1300 Block of Broadway 100 Block of Main 600 Block of NW Woodbury 200 Block of Valley DR 700 Block of Lakeview DR 100 Block of Eagles 500 Block of Main
Agency Assist-CJC Area Check Alarm Stolen Auto Area Check Public Service Accidental Shooting Littering Citizen Contact
November 15, 2021 1300 Block Jefferson 200 Block EE Kirby 2700 Block S Dillingham Rd 700 Block SW Tisha 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St tion and Parole Monkey Mountain 800 Block NW Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 1100 Block NW Cedar Ln 700 Block Main St 300 Block Front St November 16, 2021 1800 Block Rosewood Dr 600 Block NW Silverstone Cir 1500 Block NW Nicholas 1500 Block NW Nicholas 500 Block Main St 1100 Block NE McQuerry 700 Block NW Eagle Dr 1200 Block SW Eagles Pkwy 200 Block Harris St 800 Block San Kar 700 Block NW Eagle Dr Additional calls for service: Suicidal Subject: 1 Domestic Violence: 1 Order of Protection: 1
Stealing Suspicious Person Harassment Disturbance Citizen Contact Agency Assist - ProbaCitizen Contact - Lost Cat Check the Welfare Citizen Contact Alarm Recovered Stolen Auto Check the Welfare Suspicious Vehicle Stealing from Auto Disturbance Agency Assist - OGPD Fraud Check the Welfare Stealing from Auto Check the Welfare Citizen Contact Follow-up Investigation Stealing from Auto
Looking Back
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Looking Back: Christmas in the Valley by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
Today is Thanksgiving and while it is a day to be with family and remember all for which we are thankful, it is also the official start of the Christmas season. In Grain Valley that includes many traditions both old and new. “The holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s produces some of life’s favorite
memories.” This quote comes from an insert in The Pointe published on December 15, 2004. It was part of an article written by Ray Gurney, the minister at Cross Creek Baptist Mission. Titled “A Grain Valley Christmas,” the insert included a letter from the North Pole, letters from city officials, photographs of the annual tree lighting ceremony, the historical society homes tour, and the Santa Bus. It was the center page of the insert that I found most entertaining. “Letters to Santa were shared from 3rd and 4th graders at Matthews Elementary. Today these young students would be at least 25 years old. I wonder if they got their wish? (I apologize in advance if the misspelled words embarrass any of the former students! They are shared with you as written.)
Dear Santa, I’m glade that you are coming to my house because you are going to deliver presents. I hope you have a great tripe. Are you taking care of your reindeer. Sincerely,
Cody Hughes Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a puppy, a fold out chair, a nutcracker, tokeo brat, CD’s, regaler brat, earrings, PJ’s, books, boots and shoes, and an American gurl doll. Love Alissa Spradley Dear Santa, I’v been wanting a dog all my life. I wanted to know if you could bring one for me. If not, could you bring me some ideas. I would also like a hamster, mine died. I would like a black bear hamster. I would like a lot of stuff but my room is clean, so not that much. Sincerely, Danelle Picars
Photo credit: From “A Grain Valley Christmas”,”, The Pointe, December 14, Christmas 2021
Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? How many presents do you give to children? What does the North Pole look like? How many houses do you have to go to? How is Mrs. Claus? Do you get cold up there? It snowed a little here to. I’m from Missouri. Sincerely, Michael Pellham
Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I have been great and I did what they asked me to do. I think of others first. Santa, all I want for Christmas is my family and a white Christmas. Love, Jessica Ault I will conclude with a quote from an article in the same insert written by David Hackett, former minister at Faith United Methodist Church, “Christmas is a time for dreaming and for children.”
Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print. Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
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Business Partnership launches Local First Grain Valley The Grain Valley Partnership has launched a new campaign—Local First Grain Valley—to promote local businesses to residents. The year-round campaign will kick off during the holiday season with a 12 Days of Christmas event from November 29th—December 10th, including a
shopping passport program, raffle tickets for every $10 spent at participating businesses, and a window decorating contest for local businesses. Follow Local First Grain Valley on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @localfirstgv.
Community Voices
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Opinion: Missouri will benefit greatly from infrastructure bill Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II
As we celebrate our National Day of Thanksgiving this week, I am grateful that Congress was able to come together to pass a generational bipartisan infrastructure bill for the American people. Last week, I watched from the White House lawn as President Biden officially signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. Not only am I proud to have supported this long overdue investment in our national infrastructure—the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Eisenhower administration—but I am overjoyed knowing that Missouri and the heartland will benefit tremendously from the public projects, quality services, and good-paying jobs it will provide. I have said it many times before and the notion still rings true—the needs and challenges facing our rural communities are not intrinsically different from those of their urban and suburban counterparts. No matter where you come from, every American wants a quality job that keeps a roof over their head and food on the table, a safe community that everyone can take pride in, and a future filled with opportunity for their children to achieve the American Dream like so many have before us.
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act not only recognizes this but contains key provisions that will help make that a reality in every community throughout the Show Me State. This public works bill will create tens of thousands of jobs across Missouri and provide valuable opportunities to countless students, families, and small businesses. For example, as technology advances and the digital divide widens, I frequently hear from constituents in Odessa, Richmond, Marshall, and other towns in my district about the lack of access to quality, high-speed internet. To address this divide, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide a minimum of $100 million to ensure 330,000 Missourians who currently lack internet service are able to access this critical infrastructure. Entrepreneurs and families will be able to grow their small businesses, stay connected to information, and be part of a growing workforce. Seniors will be able to utilize tele-health services that save time and money. Students will have access to online classes that were previously unavailable. However, to make quality internet fully accessible, it has to be affordable. That’s why Congress included the new Affordability Connectivity Benefit, aimed at helping 1.6 million low-income families in Missouri afford internet service. Just
like the interstate highway system was needed to transport people and goods, online networks act as a vehicle to transport information and allow communities to grow and flourish—and that’s precisely what we’re hoping to see once this investment in broadband starts making its way back home. When it comes to the nation’s other physical infrastructure, much of it was designed in the 1950’s. Since then, our population has almost doubled as our roads and bridges, many of which have reached or far-exceeded their lifespan, continue to be overstretched. As a result, the average driver in Missouri pays $742 per year alone in transportation repairs. To lower costs, increase economic activity, and create quality jobs, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will send more than $7 billion to pave brand-new roads, construct new and replace failing bridges, and make improvements to rail and port infrastructure that are critical to Missouri’s agriculture industry. This will allow economically significant bridges to be repaired and our ports expanded so that farmers, ranchers, and small businesses can deliver and receive their goods at lower costs. Last but certainly not least, Missouri currently has the 6th most lead service pipes still in use in the country. No parent should have to worry about their child drinking lead-contaminated water that can cause serious health problems and hinder brain development in kids.
The infrastructure package will provide Missouri with enough federal dollars to remove every lead pipe in the state and replace outdated drinking water systems so that every household and public school has clean drinking water, keeping our kids safe and their future bright. America is at its best when we pull together to take on monumental challenges—and that’s when we make truly remarkable progress. President Biden has proven that we can still accomplish great things when we’re willing to set differences aside and focus on the common challenges before our great nation. The process of getting the bipartisan infrastructure bill to the president’s desk was messy. However, messy progress is still progress, nonetheless. Now, let us come together to leverage this federal funding for the betterment of every community across the Show Me State. Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.
Review: A special kind of people in Grain Valley
by Madison Johnson of Raymore Peculiar High School Lunch counter mornings and coffee shop nights will never be boring after Grain Valley's production of CURTAINS. A whodunit musical comedy awaits, perfect to make the whole family laugh. CURTAINS was originally produced in 2006, going to Broadway the year after. The narrative follows the plot of a murder happening of a musical's lead actress. The cast and crew get stuck in the theater as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi does his best to not only solve the murder, and soon to be murders, but also fix the show with his own little theater loving experience. With Frank Cioffi (Maddux Hughes), Carmen Bernstein (Harper Allie), Aaron Fox (Trae Selemaea), and Georgia Hendricks (Mak Robinson) all bringing exceptionally strong vocals, along with the chorus, pulling the show together and tying it with a bow. The harmonies in, "What Kind of Man?" stands out, and the completeness of, "Thataway!" makes the singing that much better. The combination of comedy and mystery work extremely well with this cast. Johnny Harmon (Katie Hobbs) is well memorable as a comedian throughout the show. Oscar Shapiro (Josh Poblete) also holds a comedic value special to this cast. Even the characters the audience
isn't necessarily supposed to enjoy, such as Sidney Bernstein (Luke Gniotczynski), who holds his stage presence well and is immediately memorable, and Daryl Grady (Forest Kruse) who makes their limited time on the stage worthwhile. The set and costuming is phenomenal. The transitions from one set to another are smooth and reminiscent of that of an actual musical rehearsal. The costumes are accurate to not only the western show the cast is performing in their show, but also accurate to the 1950's era the characters reside in. It is easy to hear the cast the entire show, even with the small mic troubles, the cast projects extremely well and is able to be heard all the way in the back of the theater. Select choreography (lead by Mak Robinson and Bailey Jinkens) is creative, balanced, and keeps both the cast and audience engaged in the song the entire time. The meta-humor of incorporating aspects of the tech, such as the light crew head, Gracie Havard, into the show makes it that much more enjoyable to watch. The never ending chemistry between characters, both good and bad, makes CURTAINS hilarious and beautiful. This company really is "a special kind of people, show people!"
Your Health
6 Dental hygiene tips for caregivers (StatePoint) November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to provide the 44 million family caregivers nationwide with tangible support that helps ease their burden. In honor of the month, the American Dental Association (ADA) is offering essential oral health tips and information. “Keeping your loved one’s mouth healthy is important for their oral and overall health, comfort, safety, nutrition and self-esteem,” says Dr. Jane Grover, MPH, director of the ADA's Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. “The combination of daily care and professional services equals the best chance for a healthy mouth. It can also help prevent other health problems from arising or becoming worse.” While the exact assistance you provide your loved one will depend on their individual abilities and situation, there are some important things every caregiver should keep in mind. The following information from the ADA can help get you started: 1. Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Floss or use other between-the-teeth
cleaners daily. Doing so will help prevent tooth decay (cavities), gum disease and bad breath.
hydration by having your loved one sip water, suck (not chew) on ice chips and use a humidifier while sleeping.
• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
2. If your loved one wears dentures, rinse them after each meal, brush them daily with denture cleaner and take them out and store them in water before bedtime. Try to discourage them from sleeping with their dentures in their mouth overnight, as that habit over time can lead to serious tissue irritation on the roof of their mouth.
5. Limit snacking and sugary drinks. Encourage the consumption of healthy foods and drinks, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and water, which are good for the mouth and the entire body.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away or becomes a daily concern
3. If your loved one is living with diabetes, pay special attention to their gums and mouth. Not only can gingivitis and dry mouth be signs of untreated diabetes, but research suggests that treating gum disease can actually help control blood sugar levels, decreasing the progression of the disease. 4. Dry mouth can affect older adults for a variety of reasons, including being a sign of diabetes and a side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is not just uncomfortable. It can increase the risk of tooth decay. To combat it, try an alcohol-free mouth rinse and encourage
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums
6. Make and keep dental appointments. Even people with dentures need to visit the dentist for an annual oral exam.
• Dark or discolored spots on teeth
7. Watch for symptoms that could signal larger issues. If your loved one shows any of the following signs, visit the dentist:
To access free oral health resources, including a caregiver’s guide to dental health, visit mouthhealthy.org.
• Pain or swelling in the mouth, face and neck • Sores, swelling or growths in the mouth • A change in the fit of dentures • Difficulty opening the mouth
• Loose or broken teeth, partials or dentures
“Tending to oral hygiene is an important part of caregiving. Managing both daily care and arranging for dental visits can help you keep your loved one healthy and happy,” says Dr. Grover. “And of course, don’t forget your own dental care. Being an effective caregiver starts with ensuring your own health and wellness.”
Missouri judge strikes down local health officials’ power to impose COVID-19 orders by Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent Cole County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Green on Tuesday ruled that health orders designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 that were issued by local health departments violated the Missouri Constitution. At issue in the case were regulations issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services allowing directors of local health agencies to issue orders, such as closure of businesses. In an 18-page order, Green wrote that DHSS unconstitutionally granted too much power to individual local health officials and directors. The state in effect bypassed the only entities under Missouri law granted the authority to issue these types of health orders, Green wrote, which includes county commissions, county councils and certain county health boards. “Missouri law also provides for criminal punishment for violation of a
public health law adopted by a county council or county commission,” Green wrote. The case, Green wrote, was about whether DHSS regulations can “abolish representative government in the creation of public health laws, and whether it can authorize closure of a school or assembly based on the unfettered opinion of an unelected official. “This court finds it cannot.” Green said all existing health orders issued unilaterally by local health authorities are “null and void.” A spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, whose office defended DHSS in the lawsuit, said in an email to The Independent that “we’re aware of the court’s ruling and are prepared to enforce compliance with the court’s order across the state.” Ben Brown, owner of a St. Louis
County restaurant and candidate for state Senate, was involved in the lawsuit, which was filed last year. He issued a statement saying the it was time to “make masks optional, end needless quarantines of Missouri’s children and go back to living productive lives while allowing individuals the freedom to choose how and when they interact with others based on each person’s or family’s personal decisions.” Mask requirements currently remain in place in St. Louis and St. Louis County. The Jackson County Legislature voted to end its requirement earlier this month, and the mandate in Kansas City ended Nov. 5 except for schools and school buses. Green’s ruling comes at a time when COVID-19 cases in Missouri are beginning to tick upwards again after weeks of decline. The state reported 1,900 COVID-19
cases Tuesday morning, with a sevenday average of 1,588 a day. That’s 12.6% higher than the previous week and 63% higher than one month ago. Missouri health officials have deemed 24 counties in Missouri as COVID-19 hot spots because of increasing numbers of people infected with the disease. More than 15,000 Missourians have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
www.missouriindependent.com Jason Hancock has been writing about Missouri since 2011, most recently as lead political reporter for The Kansas City Star. He has spent nearly two decades covering politics and policy for news organizations across the Midwest, and has a track record of exposing government wrongdoing and holding elected officials accountable.
Sports
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Eagles season ends against Indians after surpassing outside expectations by Michael Smith The Grain Valley Eagles hung tough during the first half against the visiting Fort Osage Indians on November 19th. A stingy Eagles defense forced three turnovers during the first two quarters of play. The trio of opportunities on the change of possession would not favor Grain Valley as they were turned away from points each time. Fort Osage would go on to win the Class 5 quarterfinal playoff game by a score of 35-0. The difference in the game was Fort Osage’s ability to move the football. The Indians would double their opponents’ total offensive output by amassing 381 total yards to the Eagles 191 total yards. Leading contributors for Fort Osage included Javen Hall who compiled 81 yards on the ground and a touchdown to match the efforts of Lorenzo Fenner who hauled in 6 receptions for 89 yards through the air. A determined Indians squad would emerge from the locker room at the start of the second half and run off 35 unanswered points in route to their victory. The win affords the Indians the right to advance to the State semifinal round against Holt on November 26th. Grain Valley leaned on the contributions of Caleb Larson and Keagan Hart throughout the contest. Larson would compile 55 yards on the ground, while Hart would provide 5 receptions for 65 yards. Defensively, the Eagles were led by Brody Baker, Gage Forkner, and Keagan Hart who attained 13.5, 11, and 4 tackles respectively. Hart showed determination on both sides of the football in not wanting his season to end. Hart was consistently in the right place during the first half as he would come up with a fumble recovery at the end of the first quarter. Hart would also add an interception at the 6:56 mark of the second quarter for good measure. Hart was aware of the toll that being on the field for 66 defensive snaps took on his team as he reflected on his team’s effort after the game. “We executed our defensive keys well early in the game. We wore out during
the second half due to being on the field for a long time. There’s nothing we can do about that except bounce back, line up, and play hard,” Hart said. “We were determined to stay together. We are a family. This game as well as this season showed that we have each other’s backs and that we never give up on each other. We are not worried about what others think of us. I left it on all the field, and I am proud of that.” The emergence of Hart’s leadership, along with that of his teammates has helped to squelch the void left by the likes Cole Keller, Jack Bailey, Hunter Newsom, and Donovan McBride. Last year’s seniors who during the two previous football campaigns helped the Eagles win back to back district championships. Their loss left many outside of Grain Valley wondering if the cupboard would be bare. Head football coach David Allie is proud of what his squad has accomplished this season. A third consecutive district championship and continuity with new players at key positions like quarterback, linebacker, and offensive line are hallmarks of what can only be accomplished by a veteran coaching staff. This is something Allie did not take for granted as he offered final reflections of his team prior to exiting the field. “Our defense had a great game plan for tonight. We were unable to capitalize on the opportunities we had, or that may have been a different second half for us. Credit them (Fort Osage) for their play tonight in getting this win,” Allie said. “Us being able to replace as many starters as we did going into this (season) speaks volumes to the buy in of our players and their belief in this program. We have preached not to worry what anyone thinks outside of this locker room, and it shows. We had great senior leadership.” Allie continued, “I cannot say enough about this group of seniors and what they did in the face of doubters and people outside of our program who wanted to lower expectations. This
group did not let anything phase them. They had great attitudes and worked hard while having fun at
practice. We appreciate their contributions.”
SANTA BUS continued from page 1 (Purple) Dec. 5th | 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Sunday after Thanksgiving) Everything between 40Hwy and Eagles Pkwy including Cypress St & Broadway East of Buckner-Tarsney, and Winding Creek subdivision (Blue) Dec 11th | 9 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Saturday after Thanksgiving) Everything bordered by Buckner Tarsney on the east, Sni A Bar on the north, and Cross Creek Dr on the west. (No Color) Dec. 12th | 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Sunday after Thanksgiving )
Everything bordered by Buckner Tarsney on the east, by Sni A Bar on the south and west, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north. (Red) Dec. 18th | 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Last Saturday before Christmas) Everything bordered by Cross Creek Dr on the east, Sni A Bar on the northeast, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north Dec. 19th | 10 AM until approx. 7 PM (Last Sunday before Christmas) *if needed* Any areas that were missed due to time constraints or weather.
SCHOOL BOARD continued from page 1 to discuss dual credit and dual enrollment options for high school students, anticipating new options for students arriving this fall. Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Dr. Nick Gooch noted the recent addition of a fourth technician for the technology department has increased the department’s ability to more quickly address student Chromebooks in need of repair. Deputy Superintendent of Student and Community Services Dr. Brad Welle reviewed enrollment growth, ultimately Welle reported elementary enrollment has been relatively flat, citing that K-5 enrollment as of October 1st sat at 1,941 students. This is the exact number of K5 enrollment eight years ago. “Now, if you live in the Prairie Branch
attendance area, that is probably the most foreign number to you. Because, as it turns out, all the growth we are experiencing in our district is all at Prairie Branch, which is offsetting declines at the other three elementary schools combined,” Welle said. Prairie Branch is at 91% capacity with 578 students this year, returning them to pre-2019 boundary adjustment levels. Welle shared with the board that the recommendation is to look at another boundary adjustment prior to start of 2023-24 school year. The board will meet in Executive Session on December 2nd and for its regular board meeting on December 16, 2021.
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Community Calendar November 2424-26, 2021
No school— school —Grain Valley Schools
December 2, 2021
November 2525-26, 2021 City offices closed 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall
Holiday Festival 6:00pm Armstrong Park Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting, including visits with Santa, elementary choir performances, hot chocolate and cookies.
November 25, 2021
December 13, 2021
Turkey Tracks 5K & Kids Run A fundraiser for Grain Valley High School Cross Country team 9:00am Grain Valley High School www.runsignup.com
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall
Add your community event free online at www.grainvalleynews.com.