Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
December 13, 2018
Vol. 1, No. 26
FREE
Board Approves 2019 Budget, Appoints Chief of Police in Final Meeting of 2018 The Board of Alderman voted to approve the 2019 budget during a brief final meeting for the year on December 10th. The budget, estimating revenues at $4,161,133, includes $300,000 under Capital Projects to engage 3 architectural firms to develop plans for a new Grain Valley Civic Complex at the former Sni-A-Bar farm property owned by the City. Work will include designing the complex, finalizing cost information for the project, and engaging the public in the process through public hearings and community engagement. City employee compensation was also on the agenda, with an ordinance
to establish the 2019 Full and Part-time pay scales tabled. City Administrator Ryan Hunt requested the item be tabled until they have completed the compensation implementation schedule.
The Mayor requested that a 2.6% cost of living adjustment effective January 1st be approved, and the motion was unanimously approved. The board voted down a proposal to authorize the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Springsted Waters for executive search services at the cost of $24,500 for the purpose of recruitment services to select and appoint a Chief of Police. The use of classified advertising in
Beale Appointed Police Chief
James Beale was appointed Chief of Police for the Grain Valley Police Department during the December 10th Board of Alderman meeting. Beale had been holding the position of Interim Chief since the retirement of David Starbuck in June of 2018.
James Beale has been appointed as Chief of Police for the Grain Valley Police Department, effective immediately. Beale had been holding the position of Interim Chief since the retirement of David Starbuck in June of 2018. Chief Beale previously served as Captain with the Grain Valley Police Department and has been with the department since 2009. “It’s an honor and privilege to serve Grain Valley. It’s a great community in which I’ve developed many great relationships,” said Chief Beale. Chief Beale’s law enforcement experience spans 3 decades. His first experience was with the Air Force Reserves as a Military Police Officer. He then worked as a police officer for the DMV (Washington, D.C. metro area). Chief served in the US Army from 1990 -94, where he was part of Operation Restore Hope, a humanitarian operation in Somalia. Prior to joining the Grain Valley Police Department, Chief Beale worked for the Independence Police Department.
August did not produce any candidates for the position. Following the public meeting, the Board voted during an Executive Session to appoint Interim Chief James Beale as Chief of Police effective immediately. Election filing for the April 2019 election began on December 11th and will end on January 15th. 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. In other business, Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported the Community Center will change its opening time from 5:30am to 8:00am effective January 1, 2019. The next meeting of the Board of Alderman will be held at City Hall on January 14th at 7:00pm.
Good News
GVHS Eagle Joins CMU Eagles
Regan Porter, daughter of Ron and Holly Porter of Grain Valley, signed her national letter of intent on December 1st to play softball for Central Methodist right--handed pitcher was joined by University (CMU) in Fayette, Missouri. The right family, coaches and future teammates for the ceremony at CMU. Regan is a senior at Grain Valley High School where she is involved in the culinary competition team, Concert Choir and the Youth Advisory Committee. Photo credit: Holly Porter
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
Page 2 School Board Approves Elementary Boundary Changes Effective 2019-20 School Year The Grain Valley School Board approved proposed changes to the elementary school boundaries during a workshop on December 6th at district offices. The vote was unanimous by those in attendance; board members Jeff Coleman and Julie Groff were not in attendance at the December 6th meeting. Following a presentation to the Board of Education on September 20th in which district administration outlined the need for both an addition at North Middle School and redistricting at the elementary to address overcrowding, a steering committee of residents convened to come up with a redistricting plan at the elementary level. Redistricting will provide the district 5-10 years of time before needing to consider adding a 5th elementary school. The boundary adjustments will result in approximately 90 students each transferring from Matthews to
Stony Point, from Matthews to Sni-ABar, and from Prairie Branch to Matthews, effective with the start of the 2019-2020 school year. The result will provide Matthews and Prairie Branch with room to grow roughly 90 students each over the next 6-10 years. The boundary adjustment also addresses concerns that Matthews Elementary students are split between North and South Middle Schools. Under the changes, all Matthews students will transition to North Middle School. Matthews neighborhoods currently within the boundary for South Middle School will attend Stony Point or Sni-ABar under the proposed changes and attend South Middle Schools. The District will initiate a process to reallocate personnel within the four elementary schools as needed in January, and elementary schools will develop transition plans for affected students and their families.
Streamlined Application for Local Scholarships Due February 1st College bound students looking forward to a long holiday break may want to devote some free time to check out local scholarship opportunities. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) has launched a new general scholarship application to help graduating high school seniors and college students maximize scholarship opportunities. “Thanks to our generous donors, Truman Heartland has more than $200,000 in scholarships available for students,” Rachael Cassiday Watkins, THCF’s Director of Programs and Donor Services said. “With our new general scholarship application, students can submit just one application and we will match them with scholarships that they may be eligible to receive.” The deadline for THCF’s general scholarship application is February 1 and must include transcripts with final fall 2018 grades. Applicants have until February 11 to submit additional documents for each scholarship that is a potential match. Scholarships may
require additional items, including, but not limited to, essays, letters of reference or statements about participation in certain activities. “Now is a great time to get started,” Watkins said. “Students can save as they go, so while they’re waiting for fall transcripts, they can answer the application questions, start working on essays and request letters of reference from specific people in their lives.” In 2018, Truman Heartland awarded $287,000 in scholarships to 218 local students. Scholarships are available for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and technical degrees. Some scholarships will not be included in the new general scholarship application. Deadlines and requirements vary. Visit https://www.thcf.org/GrantScholarship-Seekers/Scholarships to learn more and begin the application process. For questions or assistance with scholarships, please contact Rachael Cassiday Watkins at watkins@thcf.org or 816-912-4185.
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 28-December 4, 2018. November 28, 2018 1800 Block Pond Ave 500 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 800 Block Woodland 1200 Block Graystone 200 Block Jefferson West City Limits 1200 Blk Valley Ridge Dr 600 Block Yennie 800 Block Ryan Rd 1000 Block Primrose Ct 600 Block Silverstone 1200 Block Hampton Ct
Disturbance Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Parking Complaint Parking Complaint 911 Hang Up Prisoner Transport Alarm Check The Well Being Disturbance Suspicious Person Open Door Citizen Contact
November 29, 2018 500 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Motor Vehicle Accident 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block NW Woodbury Motor Vehicle Accident 200 Block Barr Rd Motor Vehicle Theft 700 Block Main St Harassment 1300 Block Jefferson Alarm 200 Block Front St Check The Well Being
700 Block Nelson
Citizen Contact
700 Block Main St 100 Block Cross Creek 40 Hwy & Sni-A-Bar
800 Block San Kar 100 Block Harris
Residency Check Alarm Alarm Stealing Check The Well Being Stealing from Auto Missing Juvenile Burglary Suspicious Auto Found Property Alarm Agency Assist Alarm Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Alarm Check The Well Being Citizen Contact Alarm
December 1, 2018 Willow & Sni-A-Bar 300 Block Main St 1200 Block Pamela 1300 Block Jefferson 700 Block Main St
Area Check Alarm Alarm Alarm Stealing from Auto
November 30, 2018 1400 Block Willow Dr 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 1400 Block Cross Creek 200 Block Harris 100 Block Walnut 1600 Block Hilltop 700 Block Main St 1100 Block Christie Ln Rust & Whitney 700 Block Main St 300 Block Crestview EB I-70 on Ramp 100 Block Armstrong McQuerry & Deer Creek 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Jefferson 900 Block Long
600 Block Yennie Eagles and Jackie 600 Block Green Dr 1200 Golfview Dr 700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Motor Vehicle Accident Assault Suspicious Person Disturbance Shots Fired Warrant Confirmation
December 2, 2018 1200 Block Valley Ridge Dr Property Damage 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 1100 Block McQuerry Peace Disturbance Montana Rge & Graystone Area Check 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 800 Block San Kar Trespassing 1800 Block Rosewood Disturbance 600 Block Charlette Suspicious Vehicle 1100 Block Ephraim Open Door December 3, 2018 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Main & McQuerry 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Warrant Surrender Warrant Arrest
3300 Block Outer Belt Rd 500 Block Main St 700 Block Tisha Ln 1000 Block Foxtail 700 Block Main St 700 Block Foxtail Dr 1300 Block Jefferson 1600 Block Highview December 4, 2018 1000 Block Sandy Ln (CJC) 400 Block Laura Ln 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Walnut 200 Block Hannah Ct 1000 Block Ryan Rd 200 Block Jefferson 1100 Block BB Hwy 1400 Block Willow Dr 200 Block Jefferson 1000 Block Sandy Ln 700 Block Laura Ln
Property Damage Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle Animal Bite Citizen Contact Disturbance Alarm Burglary Agency Assist Burglary Harassment Warrant Surrender Citizen Contact Animal At Large Suspicious Activity Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Assist (OGPD) Area Check Citizen Contact 911 Hang Up Check Open Door Burglary
Additional calls: Domestic Violence (2) Suicidal Subject (1)
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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Page 3
Protect Your Pets This Winter
What is a Burpee?
Winter weather arrived early this year, and we all know how brutal Midwest winters can be. As we all try to battle the cold, we need to remember that our pets need warmth too. Oak Grove Animal Control Officer Maureen Keedwell encourages pet owners to be aware of the amount of time their pet can safely be outside in winter months. “As a responsible pet owner, you need to take into consideration your pet. For instance, a small short haired dog like a Jack Russell or Chihuahua should not be out as long as a big double coated dog like a Husky,” Keedwell said. Use caution once the temperature gets below freezing. Keedwell recommends setting a timer for 10-15 minutes once you let your pets outside to help you remember when to bring them indoors. Pet owners should also take precautions when walking their pets. Sweaters are helpful for breeds without thick coats. After a walk, pet owners should clean wipe their paws and bellies to prevent any ingestion of salt or ice melting chemicals. For pets who live primarily outdoors, Keedwell suggests several steps to ensure their comfort and safety. First, pets should have an outdoor shelter that is big enough to allow them to stand up and move around. Warm bedding is also necessary and Keedwell suggests straw as a simple option. “Straw works best for bedding. I know a lot of people feel more comfortable to use blankets, but blankets often get drug out and get wet. If the owner really wants to use blankets, I suggest they use them in combination with the straw,” Keedwell said. Owners should also ensure that outdoor pets have access to fresh food and water and suggests getting an electric heated bowl to prevent the water from freezing. In extreme cold, outdoor pets should be brought indoors, even if just to a
Many people have a love/hate relationship with this cute sounding exercise. Others may have no idea what it is. Burpees are featured in many workouts, from gyms to fitness classes to videos. There are countless variations and modifications, use the following tips to ensure proper form and function and build from there.
with a timed goal of 30 or 60 seconds of burpees. They can be done anywhere and make a nice addition to any workout. Also a great couch potato workout: see how many you can do each commercial break!
1)
by Abie Groes, Student Writer
garage or basement area. Keedwell also advocates for the safety of cats during the winter months. Cats often search for warm places, such as a warm car engine or tire. Keedwell suggests honking your horn or banging on the roof of your vehicle before starting the engine to startle the cat out of its hiding spot. Outdoor hazards such as antifreeze and snow piles can also be an issue. Snow piled along a fence can create an easy
by Sally Whitaker
2) 3) 4) 5)
Festive sweaters may be fun, but they can also provide needed warmth on chilly walks for dogs without thick coats. Photo credit: Abie Groes
way for your pet to escape their yard. Spilled chemicals such as antifreeze are also a hazard. Keedwell warns that pets are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze and encourages all residents to wipe up any spills. There are brands of antifreeze which are pet-safe and will help eliminate the hazard. Keedwell encourages citizens to call animal control if they believe an animal does not have proper access to shelter, bedding, and warm water or food. For more information, residents may contact Grain Valley Animal Control at (816) 8476250.
Start in a standing position, squat all the way to the floor, placing your hands on the floor, shoulders over hands. Keep your legs together and jump back to a plank. Do a push up (advanced) or hold plank (beginner). Keep your legs together and jump or step your feet to your hands. Jump up! "Reach for the sky"
In the beginning, completing just a few burpees can be challenging. You can omit the jumping or the push up and add back in as strength increases. Add them to your day gradually, by doing 1, 2, 3, and slowly building or go
So, what does a burpee do for you?
Constant movement elevates the heart rate providing a burst of cardio. The jumping works short twitch muscle fibers, challenges balance, as well as strengthening the legs. The push up works the chest, arms, and abs.
As with any other exercise, make sure you are in good health and can safely perform the exercise.
Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.
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Business News
Grain Valley Remembers a Friend The business community in Grain Valley was rocked this past weekend upon hearing the unexpected news that Developer Jim Kissick had passed away Saturday, December 8, 2018. “As the news came in of his passing, a flood of thoughts came across my mind. My heart hurt of course for his family, work-family, and friends, but also for Grain Valley. Jim Kissick did not just own properties here. He treated Grain Valley and the community as if it were his home away from home. He impacted many lives, many of whom probably don’t even realize it. Jim gave more than he ever received and that is how he wanted it,” said Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership. Jim Kissick was the President of Kissick Construction and a fourth generation Kissick in the business. He, along with some other local partners, also operated Valley Properties here in Grain Valley. Though he lived in Leawood, KS, Jim was very much a part of this community. As a matter of fact, he was just recently honored as the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Outstanding Citizen of Grain Valley for 2018. He held a seat on the Board of Directors for the Grain Valley Partnership and influenced several Grain Valley organizations with his business sense and work ethic, as well as his generosity. Some of those organizations were the Grain Valley School District, Bright Futures, Grain Valley Assistance Council, and of course, the City of Grain Valley and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Jim
was a friend to local businesses. “The influence that Jim had here at the Grain Valley Partnership went further than monies given. He was the kindest man I ever met. Jim was a humble man and his success was not measured monetarily. His belief in our vision as an organization gave us strength, inspiration, and value. He had a way of leading, guiding, and teaching that gave confidence to all that were around him. Jim was a very successful business man, but his greatest accomplishment was helping those around him be successful,” Lindsey said. Manager of Valley Properties, Kelly Smith, said “Jim came to me 6 years ago this month and asked me to manage his properties in Grain Valley. I was so grateful but did not know the first thing about managing properties. I was scared to death, but he kept telling me ‘you can do this’. I remember calling him multiple times a day and felt like I was such a bother as he had Kissick Construction to run and, as everyone knows about Jim, he was the busiest man in Kansas City. But Jim was always available no matter what! And he was the most patient, kind, caring person to me. Over time, things got easier for me and for him and the properties here in town, partly because Jim gave me the confidence I never had before I worked for him. He believed in me when I did not. He taught me to always be kind and to do the right thing even when I did not want to. He taught me to always give back, no matter if it was with my time, if I only had $5 to give or
if it was simply a thank you card. He truly cared about everyone and always had a helping hand to anyone and everyone! There will never be another boss, or friend like Jim! It was an honor and privilege to work for him. I was excited to go to work every day because of him, that was the kind of person he was. You just always wanted to be and do better! Thank you, thank you, Jim Kissick for believing in me! I will never have more respect for any person more than I had for Jim.” “Kissick Construction has helped change the face of Main Street in Grain Valley in recent years by redeveloping buildings and significant investments in properties in the area. The impact that Jim and his company have had on the economic development in Grain Valley is beyond measure,” said Grain Valley Mayor Michael Todd. Pastor Darryl Jones of Crossroads Church stated, “Jim is one of those good, good men, a friend to many of us and to Grain Valley. The mere mention of his name elicits comments highlighting his goodness, his generous heart and his care for this community. He carried himself with such humility, peace and joy - goodwill toward all men. He was the hallmark of the glad tidings brought to us by the angels those many years ago on the first Christmas.” Jim’s accomplishments are far outside the Grain Valley city limits. Kissick Construction was part of the construction of the KC Live area in the Power and Light District in 2006, volunteered to assist in the demolition
of 75 unstable and dangerous, abandoned homes in 2015, performed the infrastructure work for the Veterans Community Project in KC which provides “Tiny Houses” for Veterans. Kissick has had a major role in the rehabilitation of sewer and water lines for Kansas City, MO. The Kissick family has endowed a scholarship through the College of Civil Engineering at the University of Missouri, Jim’s Alma Mater. Additionally, Kissick Construction contributed to refurbishing Lafferre Hall in the College of Engineering at MU. Jim has served on numerous boards in the Kansas City area, including 17 years with St. Teresa’s Academy and the Heavy Constructors Association. He was currently serving as the President of the National Utility Contractors Association. His company has helped construct sports stadiums for Rockhurst High School, Notre Dame de Sion High School and St. Teresa’s Academy. His company has also done underground pipe work and has built bridges for the state of Missouri. Lloyd J. “Jim” Kissick, III built a pretty impressive resume for himself over the last 25 years since he brought back the family business. He’s left a pretty large footprint all over the Kansas City Metro. But here in Grain Valley, though we honor and admire his vast accomplishments and generosity, today we just mourn our loss and celebrate the life of a friend. Farewell, dear friend.
Grain Valley Partnership Welcomes the Following New Partners: Exclusively Dogs KC Ping Pong Deep Dive, LLC Money Mailers 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.g rowgrainvalley.org
Community Voices
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Wayne’s World
The Power of a Moment by Wayne Geiger
It was an exceptionally dark night with bumper to bumper Christmas traffic. I made my best attempt to be cool, calm, and collected, but I was on a tight schedule and losing the battle. The stop and go traffic brought dreariness, frustration, and anxiety. “What in the world is going on?” I complained, “I’ve got way too much to do to be sitting here!” And then I saw “the problem”. The problem was the Magic Tree (470/Lee’s Summit). “Seriously?” I fumed, you’ve never seen a Christmas tree before?” Then, like a beautiful sunrise, the Magic Tree illumined the darkness and, I too, was captivated by the electric moment. The tree was beautiful and magical. Brilliance in the midst of barrenness. I slowed down, captivated by its beauty, experiencing the power of the moment. I was the problem and I almost missed it. During the Christmas season, good things can rob us of the best things. Like a swinging pendulum, our attitudes swing back and forth between A Wonderful Life and Ebenezer Scrooge. The problem, of course, is the villain--the Grinch who attempts to rob us of the joy and essence of the season. For me, there are three main Grinches of the season.
The Grinch of Busyness
During the season, we are bombarded with an endless array of parties, kid’s events, baking, concerts,
packages to mail, office parties, Christmas cards, and get-togethers; not to mention our normal routine. Our social calendars fill up fast and we find ourselves constantly on the run and, if honest, we get a little stressed and a little cranky, or so I’ve been told. The challenge is planning and controlling our schedule, ensuring that we have a good balance between the things we are obligated to do and things we choose to do. Part of the season should include fun, happy, delightful times with family and friends, or even just the opportunity to relax in front of the fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa watching a sappy movie on the Hallmark Channel. This can be wonderfully therapeutic. These times of relaxing and refreshment should be planned and placed on our social calendar. Then, when one of those “unexpected invitations” comes up, it’s not untrue to say, “I have a commitment that night” (only WE need to know that the commitment is to our sanity and includes furry slippers, a cozy couch, and fuzzy blanket).
The Grinch of Shopping
Shopping can be a delightful experience, but when combined with the business of the season, it can also add to our stress level. Just this week I was talking to a friend who said, “I haven’t done any shopping and I’ve got four kids!” Unfortunately, we’ve bought into the
marketing trap that believes the “season” is synonymous with “shopping.” Gift-giving is a part of the season, but certainly not the main part. We need to rethink that. And then there is the giving to others. We’ve all experienced that awkward moment when someone, outside of our immediate social circle, surprised us with a gift and we were taken aback. We then felt compelled to get them something in return. Reluctantly, at times, we shop for people we barely know, giving them items they do not want or need, with money we don’t really have. That’s probably where the idea of “regifting” came from. Our gift-giving should be fun, but also strategic and purposeful. Rather than focusing on the price tag, we should strive to create lasting memories and heartfelt experiences. It should also be contained within our budget. Homemade cookies can be a great way to involve the kids in giftgiving, can be fun and memorable, and not be too expensive. The Grinch of Decorating As we drive around our community, we get to experience many beautiful lights and displays. I admire the way some people use their creativity to express themselves during the season. To be honest, I loathe decorating (this comes as no surprise to my wife). I’m more of an appreciator of fine art rather than an artist. I just carry the ladder and
put the lights where she says. I have had to learn, over the years, to realize that my help in decorating is one way I can show love. Remembering that, helps me to endure, if not enjoy, the experience. One of my favorite decorating memories is the first year my wife and I were married. We bought a tree but could not really afford to buy ornaments. That year, we made our own. She took little, colorful, business cards with Bible verses about the Christmas story and put glitter on them. We hung them on the tree with red yarn. I still smile when I think about that first tree. The process of decorating should be family-oriented and fun. The finished product should be personal. If you choose to go all Griswold, or if you’re married to this person, try to see the bigger picture and enjoy the power of the moment. The holidays can be a busy, stressful time, but we can choose to fight back. We can take control of our lives and schedules and not allow the Grinch to keep us busy with good things while forgetting the best things. In the midst of all the craziness, we can create ways to slow down and celebrate the power of a moment.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Church Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.
Looking Back: Pink Hill and Stony Point by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
The history of the Pink Hill and Stony Point settlements are documented in a collection entitled “Grain Valley History” on display at the Grain Valley Historical Society Museum. The journey of Lewis and Clark through this area established Fort Point, which later became Fort Osage. This fort was established as a part of the U.S. factory system for the purpose of trading with Native Americans and pioneers in the area. The Osage tribe was located in this area. Their presence created an
environment for trade that many Americans flocked to partake in. The abundance of animals for trapping and their valued furs caused Fort Osage to thrive. The settlements of Pink Hill and Stony Point were near this lively trading and trapping activity. One of the towns from which Grain Valley grew was Pink Hill, which was located near the present Pink Hill Road north of Grain Valley. In her book, “Jackson County Pioneers”, Pearl Wilcox wrote, “Pink Hill was placed on the map by the United States Post Office in 1854,
the year the town was born.” Pink Hill was located 20 miles east of Independence and three miles north of Oak Grove. Wilcox described Pink Hill as a thriving village that had two woodworking shops owned by Squire William and Phil Sterns, a blacksmith shop owned by Michael Womacks, three general stores and many residences built by J.D. Wood. Erma Doty, a resident of Grain Valley, wrote a history of Stony Point in 1934 while she was 12 years old and attended
school at Stony Point. Stony Point was located three miles south of Grain Valley. It was termed “Stony Point” because of the apparent numerous stones in the area. “The Stony Point community was outstanding among all others because it could boast of having a school, church and store, or trading post as it was called in those days,” Doty wrote. “There were only two trading posts in eastern Jackson County, one at Pink Hill, the other at Stony Point.”
Obituaries
Page 6
Lloyd James Kissick III
Lloyd James “Jim” Kissick III suddenly passed away at his home in Leawood, KS on December 8th, 2018. He was 68. Jim was born on September 4th, 1950 in Kansas City, MO to Lloyd James Kissick Jr. and Mary Catherine (Bauers) Kissick. He was the only brother to his much-loved sisters Karen, Connie, Susan and Kim. He began working for his father’s construction company, Kissick and Son Construction, at the young age of 12. Through construction and sports, he formed a special bond with his father that lasted until Lloyd Jr’s death in 1974. He attended St. Peter’s Catholic School and Rockhurst High School. While at Rockhurst High School he became a passionate fan and later a valued sponsor of Rockhurst Hawklets sports. After high school he went on to his beloved alma mater, the University of Missouri where
he received a master’s degree in civil engineering. In 1976 he met a beautiful blonde named Cecelia Ismert while working as the Director of Public Works for Jackson County (MO). Jim fell head over heels in love with her at first sight and they began their 39 year marriage on June 16th, 1979. He was the proud father of 3 sons, Lloyd IV (Marie), David (Monica) and Patrick and a cherished grandfather to Graciela, Lloyd V, Lucia, Gianna, Charles and Rose. Being a father and grandfather was his greatest joy in life and he always treasured the many moments with them at sporting events and at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was a best friend, mentor and hero to his boys and loved to share stories and pictures of his grandchildren with friends and coworkers. Jim was an avid sports fan. He was a season ticket holder with the Mizzou Tigers, Kansas City Royals and was a Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder for over 50 years. Often times you would find Jim surrounded by his sons, many of his nieces and nephews and closest friends in parking Lot C of Arrowhead Stadium. Jim was famous for his tailgate parties before Chiefs games. Jim was the President and Co-Founder of Kissick Construction Company. He and his nephew Peter Browne founded the company in 1994. Taking a gamble on himself, he decided to take a leap of faith and invest nearly every dollar he had into starting the company despite having 3 young children at home. Though he was building a company, he still made time for his most important job: being a father
and husband. He would coach his boys in basketball and attend every one of his sons’ sporting events or extracurricular activities, all the while working 14-16 hour days building his company. His passion, hard work, honesty and loyalty helped transform Kissick Construction from a small construction firm with modest roots into a $100 million firm with over 400 employees. Jim was a pillar in the construction community and a mentor to so many. He was highly respected within the industry and was involved in the construction industry through various boards and projects. This included the Heavy Constructors Association, St. Teresa’s Academy Board of Advisors, The University of Missouri Civil Engineering Alumni Advisory Board of Directors, a member of the Civil Engineering Academy Distinguished Alumni at the University of Missouri and the Kansas City Area Development Council. He was an irreplaceable figure in the construction industry. Along with his family, his friends and his career, Jim had a passion for the NAIA basketball community. Continuing the legacy his father started in the 50s, he supported the NAIA basketball tournament each year through the Honorary Coach Program and sponsored countless NAIA events. He formed a special relationship with Georgetown College, a small liberal arts college in Georgetown, KY. Jim loved to cheer on the Georgetown College Tigers throughout every season and was a prominent figure on the bench during their 2013 NAIA National Championship.
Georgetown College honored Jim with his very own championship ring, which was proudly on display in his office for everyone to see. There is a Kissick Construction banner hanging proudly in the Davis-Reid Alumni Gym. Jim Kissick will forever have a special place in the Georgetown College community. Jim was an avid golfer who always enjoyed playing around with his sons and many friends. You could often see Jim enjoying a cigar at his lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks aboard his antique Chris-Craft boat. You could also see him at the helm of his Regal run-about with his beautiful wife, his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren in tow. He was famous for his big bear hugs and his charismatic personality. He was loved and cherished by so many and will be dearly missed amongst his enormous group of family, friends and the entire Kansas City construction industry. Visitation will be 4-8:00PM, Friday, December 14th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 815 E. Meyer Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64131. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life following the burial at the St. Teresa’s Academy Gymnasium, 5600 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64113. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Truman Heartland Community Foundation Jim Kissick Memorial Fund. Please share a memory at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.
Sports
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Eagles Boys Basketball Drops Home Opener to Kearney by John Unrein
The Eagles Boys Basketball team returned home on Wednesday, December 11 after starting the season on the road for nearly a month. Grain Valley dropped their first home game by a score of 59-39 to the visiting Kearney Bulldogs. Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick was active during the game with work rebounding on the boards and his play inside the lane. “We are still defining roles. It’s been a tough process because we have a couple of guys who are going to be a big part of our team. When we got our whole roster together, I think we’ll make a big jump,” Eagles Head Coach Andy Herbert said. Currently, the boys’ varsity roster is made up of four seniors, five juniors, and one sophomore. “It has been good for some other guys to get minutes that they may not have gotten if we were completely healthy. At this point, we have no room for error. Once we get some of the mental and effort errors out of the way, we’ll continue to improve. We should be a team that is tough to beat in January and February,” Herbert said. The Eagles are back on the road to face conference rival Platte County on December 14th.
Senior Kevin Gutierrez attempts a free throw from the foul line.
Photo credit: Valley News staff
Boyer Earns NJCAA All-American Honors Metropolitan Community College Freshman Kailey Boyer has earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Honorable Mention All-American honors for women's soccer. Boyer is one of 33 players from 151 NJCAA Division 1 women’s soccer teams to receive All-American honors for 2018. Boyer had 10 goals and 1 assist her freshman season for the Metropolitan Community College Wolves. She started off her college career with a hat-trick against Coffeyville Community College during her first game and finished with an important goal in the NJCAA Region XVI final, where she helped MCC win their first regional title for women's soccer since 2011. Boyer is a 2018 graduate of Grain Valley High School and is pursuing a radiologic technology degree.
Metropolitan Community College Freshman Kailey Boyer is one of 33 players from 151 NJCAA Division 1 women’’s soccer teams to receive All All-women American honors for 2018. Photo credit: Metropolitan Community Colleges
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Junior Josh Kilpatrick attempts a shot on goal in the first half. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Community Calendar December 15, 2018 The Community Table 11:00am—1:00pm Faith United Methodist, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway A free community meal at Faith UMC every third Saturday of the month. December 15 & 16, 2018 Talk to Santa 1:00pm—4:00pm Santa’s House in Armstrong Park Sponsored by FOCUS for Grain Valley Visit with Santa; donations welcome. Parents may bring camera/phone for pictures. Guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for GVAC. December 17, 2018 Storytime with Mrs. Claus 6:00pm, 6:30pm, or 7:00pm Santa’s House in Armstrong Park $4 per child; registration required Mrs. Claus will entertain children big and small with her favorite Christmas stories . Parents are welcome to take photos. Register online: https://grainvalley.recdesk.com/ Community/Home December 18, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street
December 21— 21— January 2, 2019 No school—Holiday Break
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January 8— March 5, 2019 Citizens Police Academy 6:00pm—9:00pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street Opportunity for citizens to gain firsthand look at daily operations of the GVPD. K9, swat/tactical, investigations, firearms safety & training, and more. Obtain application at www.cityofgrainvalley.org, call 816-8476250, or email cvanderlinden@grainvalleypolice.org for more information. January 14, 2019 Board of Alderman Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main January 19, 2019 Princess Party 1:00pm—2:30pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S. Main Street $12/princess ages 3 to 9 Register online at https:// grainvalley.recdesk.com/Community/ Home
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