Valley News: November 29, 2018

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Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com

November 29, 2018

Budget, April Election on Board Agenda

Winter weather the day prior to the Board’s November 26th meeting, which closed local schools and many businesses, was a hot topic of conversation. Board members praised City road crews for their efforts to keep streets clear during blizzard conditions on Sunday. Community Development Director Rick Arroyo reported two crews began treating streets at 7:00am on Sunday, November 25th, dropping 56.6 tons of salt on Sunday, and another 33 tons on Monday. The Board of Alderman approved the first reading of the 2019 budget and fee schedule during its November 26th meeting at City Hall. In addition, the Board approved the first read of an ordinance authorizing the City Administrator to establish the 2019 full and part-time pay scale for City employees. The Board also voted to approve an ordinance calling for a general municipal election on April 2, 2019. One

seat will be open in each of the City’s three wards. Ward 1 Alderman Bamman, Ward 2 Alderman Totton, and Ward 3 Alderman Coleman’s seats will be on the ballot this year. Aldermen serve two-year terms. Those interested in becoming a candidate for the position of Alderman must be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident living in the City for at least one year before his/her election. Additionally, interested parties should also be a resident of the Ward from which he or she is elected. The first day for candidates to file for the General Municipal Election will be Tuesday, December 11, 2018 beginning at 8:00am, and the last day for candidacy filing will be Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 5:00pm. Alderman Coleman announced the November 26th meeting would be his last meeting due to his election as State Representative for the 32nd District. Mayor Todd and other

members thanked Coleman for his service to the City. In other business, the Board approved an ordinance changing the zoning near the area of Walnut and Yennie from R-1 Single Family to R-3 Multi-Family Planned Unit Development for Senior Housing. The proposed development will include 12 residential structures and a clubhouse/office building. The zone change will allow the area to be developed into an age restricted senior development, similar to the existing community of Blue Branch Manor. Residences will be restricted to residents age 55 and over, and rents will run approximately $800-1,100 per month. The board also approved a conditional use permit to allow for a convenience storage facility to be constructed on a 4-acre property along Eagles Parkway. The first phase of the development will include the construction of approximately 197

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storage units, office, and storm water detention basin. Phase two will include the demolition of the existing CW Saloon and the construction of an additional 58 storage units. The final plat of the Woodbury subdivision was also approved, which will add 68 single family residential lots to the addition and connect a number of dead-end roads, increasing the number of entrance and exit points. Finally, the Board approved the sale of 16 acres of land acquired as a part of the 2013 purchase of land with HabitatMissouri LLC. The land, located north of SW Tisha Lane, is zoned as R-1 single family. After addressing issues related to wetland mitigation, the Board agreed to a negotiated sale price of $320,000 with L&L Development LLC. The next Board of Alderman meeting will be held at City Hall on December 10, 2018 at 7:00pm. This will be the final meeting of 2018.

Good News

Holiday Spirit Alive in Grain Valley by John Unrein

Jim Garcia are Cindy Bell are two very important people. VIPS to be exact. They are both part of the Volunteers in Police Service within the Grain Valley community. Each one has dutifully ensured that the Santa Bus visits in Grain Valley neighborhoods are as safe as possible for all involved. Garcia and Bell are in their third year of volunteering for this program. You have probably seen them in your neighborhood at some point around the Thanksgiving Holiday. They drive in front of and behind the Santa Bus to form a barrier so that visitors of Santa are safe as well as motorists having an idea of what’s ahead of them. The only thing brighter than the yellow safety vests they wear are their smiles. Both get delight from their contributions.

“The enjoyment the kids get from this experience is great. Parents don’t have to go to the mall and fight crowds. Pictures taken with Santa Claus are free and downloadable. It’s a win for everyone” said Garcia. “It’s great to see the joy Santa has for kids. This is almost as fun as Shop with a Cop,” Bell added. The Santa Bus Tour will continue through December 16th in Grain Valley. There is no cost to visit Santa on the bus. If a child is unable to visit the bus, parents are asked to notify Santa and he will visit them inside. The Santa Bus is operated entirely by volunteers and supported through donations from local businesses and friends of the project. For more information on the Grain Valley Santa Bus, visit www.gvsanta.com.

Pictured L to R: Cindy Bell and Jim Garcia, Volunteers in Police Service for the Grain Valley Police Department. Bell and Garcia escorted the Santa Bus through Rosewood Hills and Woodbury subdivisions on Saturday, November 24th.

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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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. Mayor Mike Todd will turn on the lights of the Park, Main St., City Hall and the Community Center at approximately 6:15 pm. He will be joined by Grain Valley’s Kara Eaker, a member of the World Championship gymnastics team, and Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. In addition to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting, the free

event will include Christmas caroling with the 5th grade Honors Choir, free 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.

Santa’’s House in Armstrong Park Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children at Santa City’’s annual Holiday Festival on November 29th. The free event begins during the City Mayor’’s Christmas Tree lighting featuring World Champion at 6:00pm, with the Mayor gymnast Kara Eaker and Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. around 6:15pm.

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 14-20, 2018. November 14, 2018 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Valley Woods Ct 300 Block Front St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Persimmon Capelle/Walnut Old E US 40 Hwy 100 Block Armstrong 600 Block Jefferson Sni-A-Bar/Cross Creek 900 Block Scenic 700 Block Main St 1100 Block SE Prairie 1100 Block Burr Oak Ln November 15, 2018 700 Block Main St 1900 Block Rosewood 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1000 Block SW Foxtail 1200 Block Sawgrass 900 Block Ryan Rd 1300 Block Golfview 10th/Broadway I 70 Hwy

Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Found Property Motor Vehicle Theft Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Abandoned Auto Dealer Application Stealing Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Agency Assist (OGPD) Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Parking Complaint Fingerprints Citizen Contact Agency Assist (CJC) Alarm Citizen Contact Alarm Agency Assist (OGPD) Agency Assist (MSHP)

600 Block Walnut 100 Block Garden 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St November 16, 2018 1100 Block Hickory Ct 700 Block Main St 800 Block Willow Dr BB Hwy & Woodbury Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Main St & I-70 200 Block Crestview 700 Block Harvest Cir 300 Block Lois Ln 400 Block Minter Rd Foxtail & Stoney Point 500 Block Front St 200 Block Dogwood 1600 Block Eagles Pkwy November 17, 2018 Duncan & Dillingham 800 Block Orchard Ct

Disturbance Agency Assist (CJC) Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Parking Complaint Civil Standby Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Motor Vehicle Accident Check the Well Being Citizen Contact Disturbance Property Damage Area Check Disturbance Agency Assist (OGPD) Agency Assist (CJC) Traffic Control 5K Agency Assist (BSPD)

700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 40 Hwy & Sni-A-Bar 300 Block Rock Creek 400 Block Front St 1200 Block Sawgrass 800 Block San Kar 700 Block Lakeview Dr November 18, 2018 700 Block Joseph Cir 200 Block Harris 1300 Block Persimmon 700 Block Main St

Lost Property Agency Assist (OGPD) Standby to Prevent Standby to Prevent Area Check Assault Disturbance Check the Well Being Disturbance Noise Complaint

1800 Block Rosewood Dr 100 Block Eagles Pkwy 600 Block Cross Creek I-70 & Lefholz

Alarm Civil Standby Agency Assist (CJC) Warrant Confirmation Hit and Run Accident Warrant Confirmation Citizen Contact Trespassing Citizen Contact Area Check

November 19, 2018 500 Block Eagles Parkway 700 Block Main St McQuerry & Sunny Ln

Disturbance Repossession Motor Vehicle

500 Block Whitestone Dr 700 Block Main St

1100 Block Golfview Dr 1100 Block Hickory Ct 1800 Block Rosewood Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St West City Limits 600 Block Cross Creek 1100 Block Baytree Dr 900 Block Cross Creek Dr

Accident Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Stealing Citizen Contact Prisoner Transport Suspicious Activity Suspicious Vehicle Parking Complaint

November 20, 2018 2300 Block NW Hedgewood Dr Parking Complaint 700 Block Main St Fingerprints x 2 700 Block Main St Fraud 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 1200 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Suspicious Vehicle Main St/SW Eagles Pkwy Motor Vehicle Accident 1400 Block SW Blue Branch Dr Stealing 1200 Block SW Cross Creek Animal at Large 1200 Block NW Ashley Dr Unattended Death Additional calls: Order of Protection: 3


Page 3 Jackson County Offers Extended Weekend Hours for Tax Collection Jackson County will offer extended weekend hours for tax collection on the last three Saturdays in December at the County’s Independence courthouse location. The Historic Truman Courthouse, located at 112 W. Lexington in Independence, will be open from 8 a.m. – Noon on December 15, December 22 and December 29. Taxpayers can visit the Truman Courthouse during those times to make in-person tax payments, obtain a copy of their bill or ask questions. “The best way to avoid any issues is to not wait until the last minute. We understand people are busy and can’t always get to the courthouse during business hours,” said Whitney Miller, Director of Collection. “Our goal with extended weekend hours is to alleviate that stress for our customers by providing another level of convenience to navigate and complete this process. We are here to help.”

The Department of Collection mailed nearly 500,000 tax bills during the month of November. Individuals who do not receive a bill are still responsible for paying their taxes. Those who do not receive a bill by December 2nd should check their account online, call the Department of Collection at (816) 8813232, or visit in person to find out the amount due. Payment Options Online – To save time and avoid lines, taxpayers are encouraged to pay online via credit card, debit card or electronic check (E-Check). Online payments must be submitted by 11:00pm on December 31st to avoid penalty. Mail – Taxpayers can simply mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31st to avoid

penalty. In Person – All forms of payment are accepted in person at the Department of Collection Offices at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th Street) and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence during regular business hours. New, extended weekend hours are only available at the courthouse in Independence. Taxpayers must bring their form of payment and their tax bill. If they do not have a tax bill, they can visit the Department of Collection to have one printed. Taxpayers can also look up their account online and print the bill to avoid additional wait time. Drop Box – Drop boxes for property tax payments will be located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City and at the front door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in

Independence. Do not place cash in either drop box. All taxes are due by the December 31st. Jackson County offers relief for seniors through its Senior Citizen Quad Payment Program, which allows them to pay their County real estate tax bills over four equal installments in a year, if they meet the qualifications. The onepage is available on the Jackson County website, www.jacksongov.org, or at the Department of Collection offices. Individuals may also call (816) 881-3232 to have an application mailed to them. For additional questions, visit the Department of Collection webpage, email collections@jacksongov.org, call the Taxpayer Services Unit at (816) 8813232, or visit in person at the county courthouse in Kansas City or Independence.

GVPD Citizens Police Academy Begins January 8th The Grain Valley Police Department is offering citizens a unique opportunity to get a first hand look at the daily operations of

the department. The Citizens Police Academy guides participants through a number of topics, including K9, swat/tactical and bomb squad operations, accident investigations, and firearms safety and training. “This is a great opportunity to ask questions of law enforcement and other entities which work with law enforcement,” Sergeant Curtis VanderLinden said.

Citizens 21 years of age and older who pass a background check are eligible to participate. The program begins January 8th and continues each Tuesday from 6:00pm—9:00pm until March 5th. The majority of classes will be held at the Grain Valley Community Center. Applications for the Citizens Police Academy are available at the police department and online at www.cityofgrainvalley.org. The academy will be limited to 25 participants. One does not need to be a resident to attend, but preference will be given to residents of Grain Valley if the class is full. Applications are due by December 30, 2018. For further information, call 816-847-6250 or email cvanderlinden@grainvalleypolice.org.

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

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.

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 Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

(@grainvalleynews).


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Burr Oak Woods Nature Center December Programs Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is offering a number of free programs in December for nature lovers of all ages. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs. To register for events, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/events or call 816228-3766. Birds: Soaring Eagles December 8, 2018 1:00pm to 2:00pm No registration required (all ages) Bald Eagles are a powerful force in nature. Some stay in Missouri all year, but many more come to our state during the cold winter months to find food. Discover where you can go to see Bald Eagles in the wild. Little Acorns: Duck, Duck, Goose December 12, 2018 10:00am to 11:00am Registration required by December 11th (ages 3–5 with an adult). Missouri is a winter home to many kinds of ducks and geese. Find out how and why some migrate. Children will learn how to identify them by sight and sound, and then become scientists to discover how the right mix of feathers and oil help them to survive even in the coldest winter. Conservation Families: Night Tree December 13, 2018 6:30pm to 8:00pm Registration required on-line for each family member attending by December 12th (families with children ages 6+). Create a new holiday tradition with your family this year as we create edible decorations for the wild winter residents of Burr Oak Woods. Then we will venture out into the night forest to garnish a tree for especially for them. Dress to be outside for part of the program.

Wildlife: Missouri's Deep Sleepers December 15, 2018 10:00am to 11:00am No registration required (all ages). Do you sleep more during the winter? You're not alone, some of Missouri's critters take winter slumber to extreme levels. Some hibernate while others brumate. Come in to learn more about the sleepy animals living in this great state. Orienteering: Navigating with Map and Compass December 15, 2018 1:00pm to 4:00pm Registration required by December 13th on-line for each participant attending (ages 10+; ages 10–16 must be accompanied by a participating adult). Put away the smartphones, tablets and GPS receivers to learn to navigate through the woods the old school way… and have some real fun! This program will present the basics of topographic maps, a baseplate compass and how to use both tools to travel from point to point. Bring a water bottle and dress for trekking off trail. Discover Nature: Rockin' & Readin' Nature Tales December 29, 2018 11:00am to 12:00pm Walk-in (ages 2+). Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Nature Art: Holiday Nature Craft December 29, 2018 12:00pm to 3:00pm No registration required (all ages). Craft up some fun using nature-made materials! Walk-in anytime between noon and 3 p.m. to complete two onyour-own crafts.

We want to hear from you! Valley News welcomes your letters and news submissions. Send press releases and letters to news@grainvalleynews.com. Please include your full name and a contact phone # for verification purposes.

www.grainvalleynews.com


Business News Partnership, Students to Deliver Senior Baskets December 15th The Grain Valley Partnership and Grain Valley High School National Honor Society students have partnered to provide holiday baskets for Grain Valley seniors this holiday season. “For residents aged 75+ who receive a water bill from the City of Grain Valley, please expect the delivery of your Christmas Basket the

evening of December 15th. National Honor Society students will be delivering baskets to you. If you are not home when baskets are delivered, students will leave a note with information regarding how to claim your basket,” Tasha Lindsey, Grain Valley Partnership’s Director of Business Services said.’

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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

Saturday, December 8th 2:00pm—6:00pm

Randomly Beautiful 101 West Walnut Street Come in, grab a drink and snack, and have fun shopping! Vendors include: Scentsy, thirty-one bags and organizers, Peyton Bre children's clothing, Lularoe clothing, pur.pose jewelry, Doterra essential oils, Posh skin care products, Color Street nails, Turnaround Treasures, and Randomly Beautiful.


Community Voices

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Counting Blessings and Giving Thanks by Phil Hanson, President and CEO Truman Heartland Community Foundation

As we enter the holiday season, we are reflecting on the many reasons we at Truman Heartland Community Foundation have to be thankful and the ways we can help our donors make an impact on our community through their charitable giving. We are thankful for our hundreds of donors who are committed to making an impact on our community through their charitable giving. On November 16, we held our 23rd Annual Grants Luncheon with more than 200

attendees at Adams Pointe Conference Center. At the celebration we distributed more than $347,000 in grants to 60 local nonprofits on behalf of the 26 endowed charitable funds at the community foundation. Additionally, each year we reach out to our donoradvised fund holders and charitable partners with the opportunity to supplement the grant dollars available through the competitive grants program. We are so thankful to our donors and local partners, including the Junior Services League of Independence, the Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus and our own Youth Advisory Council, who lend

their support to local charities. This year, our donor advised fund holders and charitable partners generously provided an additional $64,000 in funding. We are very thankful for the generosity of our luncheon sponsor Stewardship Capital and appreciate the work of the local nonprofits who received these grants and who serve our community every day. Now is a great time to give back and show your support for your favorite charities. End of the year giving is critical to many nonprofits, and if you act quickly, your year-end charitable giving could potentially save you thousands in taxes this year.

Looking Back: Helpful Household Tips from 1951 by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

There are a number of gems from the past in the files at the Grain Valley Historical Society. Recently, I came upon a Household Guide from 1951, which was sponsored by the W.S.C.S. group of the Methodist Church in Grain Valley. The book contains 1,001 helpful household hints, many of which are quite humorous to look back on. The tips range from baking, cooking, and kitchen tips and timesavers, to household maintenance and the care and feeding of children. At right is a page from the guide with helpful tips

for children to consider. “Talk in a low, even voice. It denotes refinement,” is one tip offered to children in the guide. Another tip suggests parents shellac children’s games made of cardboard to make them last longer. To read more “Helpful Hints” from the 1951 Household Guide and other news from the Grain Valley Historical Society, sign up on our website to receive our monthly newsletter, The Voice.

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).

Pictured above is the Grain Valley Men’ Men’ s Basketball team, circa 1913. Players listed on the back of the photo: Theodore Love, ____ McQuerry, Clarence Mitchell, Elton Wyatt, Otis Williams. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society

In my September column, I encouraged everyone to think about their year-end tax planning and for those who are charitably minded, plans for year-end contributions to favorite charities. In light of the new tax laws and the doubling of the standard deduction, utilizing your donor advised fund to bunch your charitable contributions can be a great tax wise way to give back and still continue to itemize charitable deductions. But time is running out to take advantage of this charitable giving tool for this tax season. Create a donor advised fund, and maximize your yearend giving before it is too late.


Sports

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Girls Swim Team Opens Season School may have been canceled early this week due to winter weather, but the newly established Grain Valley High School Girl’s Swim Team made it to the Blue Springs YMCA to continue their third week of practice in preparation for their first meet. Head Coach Kara Liddle, coming off a successful first season this fall with the Boy’s Swim and Dive team, said the girls bring a different dynamic to their team.

Girl’’s Swim Team practices at the Blue Springs YMCA in preparation for their first meet on December 1st. GVHS Girl Photo credit: Valley News staff

“Swimming is not like any other sport. I love the feeling of getting in It’’s a the water at morning practice. It really good release and a great way school.”” to focus before heading to school. - Rachel Turpin, Junior

“The Girl’s team is quite a bit larger than this year’s Boy’s team, and there is a lot of excitement and energy with the team. We have a few girls with a lot of experience with local clubs, and many who are new to swimming. I have been so proud of how far they have come in just a few short weeks,” Liddle said. Thirty-five girls are participating on the team in its inaugural year, and Liddle said there is a good mix in terms of experience and age level. “We have three seniors joining us this season, which is great to see them trying something new in their final

year of high school. The more experienced swimmers have been great at mentoring our less experienced girls, and parents have really stepped up to support the team as well,” Liddle said. Junior Rachel Turpin comes to the newly established team with 6 years of experience swimming with local clubs. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to swim for my school. It was something I didn’t know I’d have the opportunity to do, and I’m really glad we have this opportunity,” Turpin said. While the thought of 5:00am

practices may not appeal to some, Turpin loves the opportunity to start her school day in the pool. “Swimming is not like any other sport. I love the feeling of getting in the water at morning practice. It’s a really good release and a great way to focus before heading to school,” Turpin said. Turpin plans to compete in 200meter Individual Medley (IM) and 100 yard backstroke. The Girl’s team heads to Blue Springs Saturday, December 1st for their first meet.

Matheny May Manage Royals After 2019 by John Unrein

Mike Matheny was recently hired by the Kansas City Royals as Special Advisor for Player Development. This raised eyebrows as Ned Yost’s current contract runs through the 2019 season. Logic suggests that Matheny becomes the manager in waiting to guide the team through the heart of their next rebuilding process. Matheny’s current role will allow him to get to know players, have a feel for the current talent across all levels of the organization, and be included in day to day decisions. Matheny’s resume as a player and manager has merit. He won four gold gloves as a catcher with four different organizations from 1994 through 2006. The former St. Louis Cardinals skipper finished in second place for National League Manager of the Year in 2015. This followed him leading his team to the playoffs in each of his first four years at the wheel. He is also one of the winningest managers in the history of major league baseball through his first

1,000 games. The Cardinals fired Matheny in July. This followed a 47-46 record to start the season. His team had not reached the playoffs since 2015. Rumors contributing to Matheny’s release by the Cardinals included being ranked last in the National League in team defense at the end of the 2018 season. The team committed a National League high 133 errors along with ranking last in team fielding percentage at .978. The corrosion of solid defense played by the Cardinals was apparent from the start of the season under Matheny. Current Royals manager Ned Yost shares a special place in team history. He oversaw the team’s ascension to back to back World Series appearances during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The Kansas City Royals were crowned World Series Champions in 2015 after defeating the New York Mets in five games. Yost suffered a scary fall from a deer stand ending in a broken pelvis and a long recovery last off-season. Yost’s recipe for success as the organization’s

manager has included playing solid defense, being aggressive on the base paths with the team’s speed, and looking for elevated pitches or fastballs early in the count on offense for batters to hit. There are benefits to former catchers being major league managers. Yost and Matheny both share these traits. They understand how to call a game behind the dish. Pitching sequences by location and type of pitch is something they know without being predictable. When and how to do a defensive shift is something that’s second nature to them since catchers typically signal those adjustments to the team as it’s relayed from the dugout. They’ve heard a ton of advice be offered by managers and pitching coaches during high stress situations as being a part of the conference on the mound. Catchers know who should receive the cut off throw from the outfield as they are usually the one shouting the instruction. Their defensive minds are aware of during

what pitching counts certain teams like to steal or attempt a double steal. Catchers usually endure more wear and tear on their body in comparison to other position players. These are the rigors of squatting behind home plate regularly along with trying to contribute offensively to their team. They know the difference between being hurt versus injured as well as anyone. Yost and Matheny both managed in the National League. They had to make decisions without a designated hitter in the lineup or when and if to pinch hit for pitchers. The double switch and late inning player substitutions are not foreign to them either. There aren’t many conceivable situations they can come across they haven’t seen before and handled with success. All of this matters. Yost at age 64 and Matheny at age 48 have forgotten more baseball than most people know. General Manager Dayton Moore appears to have a plan in place for leading the Royals into the future.


Community Calendar 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 December 3, 2018 Book Group 6:30pm—7:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch December 5, 2018 Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus 10:30am—11:30am Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch Registration required: https://www.mymcpl.org/events

December 5, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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 18, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

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The Valley News Service Directory provides an affordable and effective opportunity for businesses to advertise their services to readers. Space is limited; reserve your advertisement today! Cory Unrein, 816816-809809-7984 or cory@grainvalleynews.com.

GRAIN VALLEY NEWS LOCALLY FOCUSED. FAMILY OWNED. PUBLISHED WEEKLY.


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