Valley News
February 14, 2019
www.grainvalleynews.com
Board Appoints Shea Bass to Ward 3; Begins Planning Process for Municipal Complex Shea Bass was sworn in as Ward 3 Alderman during the February 11th Board of Alderman meeting, filling the open seat left by Jeff Coleman. The meeting also included the Board’s approval of a resolution which allows the City to enter into an agreement with Sapp Design Associates, Architects P.C. The architectural firm will be spearheading the planning process relative to the City constructing a municipal complex at the Sni-A-Bar Farms property, located at the northwest corner of Sni-A-Bar and Buckner Tarsney in Grain Valley. Sapp Design will begin the process by assessing the current property to determine the best options for the more than 60 acres to be purposed for placement of a new municipal complex, which may consist of a City Hall, Community Center, Aquatics Facilities and
Shea Bass was sworn in as Ward 3 Alderman during the February 11th board meeting. Photo credit: City of Grain Valley support facilities. The community will be invited to
Vol. 2, No. 7
FREE
Good News
Celebrations and Transitions
CPL Hughes Completes Service The family of CPL Kaleb Hughes is welcoming him home after completing four years of service with the United States Marine Corps. Hughes is a 2015 graduate of Grain Valley High School and an Eagle Scout. His family has lived in Grain Valley since 2011. Hughes was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California and his military occupational specialty was Motor Transportation. Hughes received four letters of appreciation during his service and earned the rank of corporal in 2018.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Turner.
see CITY on page 5
Looking Back: Nelson Comes to Grain Valley by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
Over the next few weeks I will be writing about the vision of William Rockhill Nelson and the establishment of Sni-A-Bar Farms in Grain Valley. Much has been written about Sni-A-Bar over the past hundred and six years but the Historical Society continues to have inquiries about the farm. Because Grain Valley has grown so rapidly since the last newspaper article was published in August, 1999 perhaps it is time to tell the story again. Photo courtesy of Grain Valley Historical Society.
William Rockhill Nelson was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 7, 1841. His father was a newspaper man who, for a short time, owned The Sentinel newspaper, which became the Fort Wayne New Sentinel, but he was much more renowned as a nursery owner. His maternal grandfather, William R. Rockhill was a farmer and politician in Fort Wayne. Young William attended the University of Notre Dame, which accepted high school students. After two years, Notre
Dame reportedly asked that he not return. He was admitted to the bar in 1862; however, he never practiced law. Before coming to Missouri he was a campaign manager in the unsuccessful bid by Samuel J. Tilden for the presidency, and he attempted to run a store in Savannah, Georgia, but it failed. His time in the south earned him the nickname “The Colonel”, even though he never served in the military. Nelson and a partner, Samuel Morss,
see NELSON on page 6
Local News
Page 2
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 30—February 5, 2019.
Ending the Kansas-Missouri Border War The Senate’s Economic Development Committee, which I am chairman of, is responsible for considering legislation to keep Missouri competitive and attracting businesses to our state. It also is expected that our policies will be balanced and use our resources wisely. A bill I am sponsoring and that was heard in committee on Feb. 5 is part of that effort. Senate Bill 182, commonly referred to as the “border war bill,” which I presented to the committee on Feb. 5. This bill reauthorizes the ban on incentives to businesses relocating from certain areas of Kansas, including Douglas, Johnson, Miami or Wyandotte Counties, to the Kansas City Metropolitan area, and vice versa. This is not about punishing businesses or making the Kansas City Metropolitan area less viable in the eyes of potential job creators. In fact, it’s the opposite. Our current policies allow businesses to relocate from Kansas border counties into Missouri, and vice versa, and claim incentives and tax benefits, without ever creating net new jobs in the area. By moving a matter of miles, or in some cases blocks, these businesses receive incentives that
cost taxpayers millions of dollars. This is a costly policy that must end, which is exactly what SB 182 intends to do. We cannot sustain an economic border war with Kansas. Already, Missourians and Kansans have spent over $335 million shuffling businesses back and forth over state lines. By gaming the system and wasting important incentives, we are robbing ourselves of real opportunities. These are lost opportunities that could have led to real job growth, instead of simply shuffling employees across state lines. Once before, the Missouri General Assembly passed such a ban, but it was allowed to lapse in 2016. With a new governor in Kansas, I am hopeful this renewed effort will help end a costly border war that has yielded few results. I look forward to moving forward with SB 182 and passing it out of the Missouri Senate in the near future. Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573) 7511464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2019 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/ Cierpiot.
January 30, 2019 1200 Block Phelps Dr Front and Gregg Creekside Village 100 Block Cross Creek 900 Block Stoneybrooke 1200 Block RD Mize Rd 400 Block Orion 1400 Block Buckner Tarsney 200 Block Jefferson St 200 Block Jefferson St 1000 Block Ryan Rd
Agency Assist (CJC) Animal Control Animal Control Animal Control Agency Assist (JCSO) Assault Alarm Alarm Alarm Animal Abuse Alarm
January 31, 2019 1200 Block Ashley Ln 600 Block BB Hwy 200 Block Harris St 1100 Block Pamela 500 Block Jefferson St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 400 Block Crest View 1000 Block Sandy Ln
Area Check Burglary Agency Assist (OPD) Alarm Suspicious Auto Warrant Confirmation Warrant Confirmation Property Damage Suspicious Person Citizen Contact
February 1, 2019 1200 Block BB Hwy 900 Block Redbud Dr 1300 Block Phelps Dr I-70 & Main St 100 Block Buckner Tarsney 1300 Block Valley Woods 600 Block Walnut St 200 Block Royer Graystone & Sni-A-Bar 1200 Block Willow Dr US 40 Hwy & OOIDA 1100 Block Smith St 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Windcrest Ct 1300 Block Persimmon Dr 1100 Block Valley Ridge Dr 700 Block Main St
Open Door Agency Assist (CJC) Alarm Agency Assist (MSHP) Shots Heard Animal Complaint Harassment Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle Disturbance Area Check Agency Assist (BSPD) Stealing Agency Assist (CJC) Check the Well Being Alarm Recovered Property
February 2, 2019 800 Block Highland Ave
Stolen Auto
Rockhill and Hereford 600 Block Yennie St 500 Block Main St 1200 Block Eagle Ridge Blvd 700 Block Eagles Pkwy 700 Block Main St 600 Block Yennie St Sni-A-Bar Blvd & Lee Ann Cir
Suspicious Party Standby to Prevent Leaving the Scene Stealing Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Assault Motor Vehicle Accident
February 3, 2019 1100 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block AA Hwy 700 Block Tisha Ln 700 Block Main St 1000 Block Mountain View Ct 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Broadway St AA Hwy & Minter Rd 400 Block Wolfcreek
Civil Standby Warrant Confirmation Alarm Noise Complaint Citizen Contact Alarm Area Check Citizen Contact Suspicious Party Noise Complaint
February 4, 2019 1100 Block RD Mize Rd Sni-A-Bar Pkwy & Willow Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St Main St & I-70 1300 Block Stoneybrook Dr 1100 Block Valley Ridge Dr 1100 Block RD Mize Rd 1100 Block Valleywoods Dr
Burglary Hit and Run Stealing Identity Theft Traffic Control Check the Well Being Alarm Animal At Large Alarm
February 5, 2019 700 Block Main St 300 Block Jefferson St 800 Block Capelle St 300 Block Rock Creek Ln 1000 Block McQuerry 100 Block Michael Dr 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney 900 Block Sandy Ln 2700 Block Dillingham Rd 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1000 Block Ryan Rd Eagles and Minter
Missing Juvenile Alarm Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Auto Illegal Parking Animal Neglect Towing Citizen Contact Alarm Civil Matter Citizen Contact Alarm Suspicious Persons
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 John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
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Page 3 3 Steps to Preserve Your Precious Photos and Videos by Burton Kelso, Chief Technology Expert, Integral Computer Consultants
We all have them. I know I do. Old photo albums, slides and video tapes take up precious space and they are rotting away in our closets and garages. Thanks to modern technology, we can freeze time and preserve those slides, videos, and old photos before they are forever lost from inevitable damage. Not sure how to do it? Here's some ways you can keep those memories forever. 1. All in One Printer. If you have photos and slides and they are in good shape, I suggest that you use your All in One Printer to scan those images into your computer. One of the best models to perform this task is the HP Officejet Pro 8710. With a tray feeder, you can scan a lot of photos in a
short amount of time. 2. Photomyne (www.photomyne.com (www.photomyne.com) www.photomyne.com) If you don't have access to an All in One Printer, you can download this app which allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to scan in those images. One of the best features of this app is that you can scan in groups of images from photo albums, which means you don't have to risk damaging photos trying to get them out of the photo album. It even has an auto cropping and editing feature which will help you save time. 3. Forever Studios (www.foreverstudios.com) www.foreverstudios.com) If you're one of those unfortunate people that has photos that have suffered damage at the hands of time, dust, mold or vermin, you can ship your items off to Forever Studios. They offer a wide variety of services such as photo restoration, VHS to DVD, 8mm transfer, and photo and slide digitization.
Don't let the excitement of preserving your photos make you forget one of the most important steps. You need to back up your digital photos to prevent you from losing them forever. It's not wise to only save your memories to your computers, smartphones, tablets. Disaster can strike at any time. There are many ways to back up your data. You can back up your photos using an external hard drive such as the Western Digital My Passport (www.westerndigital.com). This device along with Windows backup software File History or Macintosh backup Time Machine will keep your memories safe. Want to keep that information safe in the cloud? Use Carbonite (www.carbonite.com). At $70 a year for unlimited backup of your pictures and videos, it is a great bargain. Probably one of the best ways to back up that data is to save it to Google Photos. Google offers a utility called Backup & Sync which will automatically upload those memories. The best thing
about Google Photos is that you get free unlimited backup of photos and videos. You can also share your account with your family members, allowing your relatives to view your collection of photos or add their own photos for a joint online family album.
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. I can be reached by email at burton@integralcomputerconsultants.c om If you have any questions about your technology and your devices, please feel free to contact us at Integral. Our friendly tech experts at Integral are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us at www.integralcomputerconsutants.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
Grain Valley Residents #ShareTheLove This Valentine’s Day
The following Valentine messages from local residents were a part of our #ShareTheLove promotion. 50% of proceeds from these ads benefit Grain Valley Assistance Council. We thank them for their support of this effort.
Ross Camarda, you are the most
amazing man I know!! You are an incredible husband and Daddy, but even more, you are an exceptional Godly man and spiritual leader for our family. Thank you for always putting us first, and for taking such great care of my sweet girls and our home while I am at work. And thank you for always making us THE BEST FOOD EVER!!! I love you more...
Happy Valentine’s Day Grandma and Pop! Love,
Sara and Kate
Sarah Vaughan. Love you. More. Even.
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!” afraid!” - Robert Browning For John, from The Little Dictator
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Business News
Page 4
Spring Has Arrived at Sandra Dee’s
Despite the gloomy winter weather outdoors, the mood is cheerful inside Sandra Dee’s, located at 1203 Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C, in Grain Valley. Conveniently located in the center just west of Price Chopper, the shop has quickly gained a following. Sandy Shaddox, owner of Sandra Dee’s, opened her shop last fall and is thrilled with the response from the community. “People seem really happy that we’re here. Word of mouth has been really good. We had an excellent Christmas season, and we have a lot of repeat customers who come in for their gift needs and to chat,” Shaddox said. The store is truly a family business, with Shaddox staffing the shop most days and her teenage daughter and consignor friend filling in as needed. Several consignors are featured throughout the store, and Shaddox welcomes additional consignors. There is no booth rental, and Shaddox takes care of pricing and display. In addition to home décor, apparel, and gift items, the shop features a variety of personal care items, including Duke Cannon and Botanicals by Anita. The Botanicals by Anita line features bath bombs, body butter, deodorant, and soaps in a variety of scents. Candles and wax melts are popular items as well, including Swan Creek Candle Co. A number of items, including a variety of shirts and hoodies, are created by Shaddox. “I’m an artist at heart, and this is the dream job. It is great to turn your own key in the door everyday,” Shaddox said.
Shaddox designs many of the items in the shop, including a variety of shirts and hoodies. Photo credit: Valley News staff
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: www.growgrainvalley.org
Dee’’s, located at 1203 Buckner Tarsney Road, Suite C, Grain Valley, carries a Sandra Dee wide variety of gift, apparel, home décor, and personal care items. Sandra Dee’s is open Tuesday— Friday 10am—7:00pm; Saturday 10:00am—6:00pm; and Sunday Noon— 4:00pm. Follow Sandra Dee’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ Sandradeesgifts/.
February Coffee Connections Fri Feb 15 2019, 8:00am—9:00am Cosentino’s Price Chopper
After Hours at Sandra Dee’ Dee’s Gifts
Sponsored advertisement.
2018 Residential Permit Activity Slows From Prior Year
The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) recently released the December 2018 Residential Building Permit Statistics report of permit activity in the metropolitan area, which showed an 8% decrease from 2017’s totals, but returns to the 2016 level of activity. Local cities and counties permitted a total of 630 single family units in November and December. Multi-family unit permits (five or more units in one building) have surpassed 2017’s total, with 3,245 units permitted in 2018 compared to 2,434 in 2017. Attached homes continue to grow in popularity throughout the metro area with over 600 units described as either a villa or townhome permitted during 2018. Kansas City remains the top permitting city, with 809 single family permits issued in Clay, Platte, and Jackson counties. The Jackson county cities of Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit were the fourth and fifth busiest, with 382 and 372 single family unit permits issued, respectively. Grain Valley issued 7 permits in December and a total of 117 in 2018.
Upcoming Partnership Events:
Thur Feb 21 2019, 5:00pm—7:00pm
New Partners: Grain Valley Partnership Welcomes Dee’’s features a variety of home Sandra Dee décor and gift options for every occasion. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Grain Valley Partnership Businesses: To schedule an interview to highlight
your business, contact Cory Unrein, cory@grainvalleynews.com.
Washington Roofing and Insulation
Community Voices
Page 5
Musings from the Middle
I Think I Am Getting Old by Cathy Allie
Lately, I have had some true indicators that I might be getting old. Sure, the creaking and cracking of my joints when I first get up in the morning was a big hint, along with the climbing number from my birth certificate. The fact that now even the songs on the oldies station are too recent for me may also have been a not so subtle clue. But the more recent signs are cropping up at an alarming rate, and I feel myself being pulled into the quicksand of old age. Most days I feel like the brunt of a joke that begins, “You might be getting old if…” and here are some of the second halves of that joke. You might be getting old if the questions they ask you at the doctor’s office are about your diet, your bed time, and if you have any stairs in your house. Once the nurse’s aide has determined you have the proper fiber intake, are not burning the midnight oil, and you have hand rails in place for moving safely about, they give you the suggested list of tests, and you book eleven follow up appointments to have orifices you didn’t know existed checked. “At your age, we recommend…” is how they start the conversation, and six office visits later you have met your deductible for the next three years. The upside is I have found that compression socks now come in some fashionable color choices, and that I am relatively healthy…for someone my age.
CITY
You might be getting old if you have an irrational (or maybe not so irrational) fear you will get texting thumb from having to scroll so long to find your birth year when filling out online forms. Just last week I finally scrolled (and scrolled and scrolled) down to where my birth year should have been, and it literally said, “All birth years before … click here.” Yep. Me and all the folks born in the 1800’s just got lumped together. You might be getting old if you meet friends for Happy Hour and the first half hour of conversation is everyone’s most recent surgeries and medical procedure. Just last month, two friends’ colonoscopy results took us right through chicken wings and a pitcher of beer. And if you are one of the ones who has not been lucky enough to have a procedure to share, you find yourself seriously contemplating what illness will bring a fair share of the attention to you. Would dry eyes be believable? Should I pretend to have hearing loss? You might be getting old if you make a cultural reference from back in the day to someone you think is your age, and they give you a blank stare. I was at a craft store (because I guess us older people have time for crafts), and the lady cutting the fabric was singing along to the canned music overhead. I told her I remembered slow dancing to that particular song. She looked at me and smiled and said, “My Grandma used to play this song on that turntable thing she had.” Really? Your Grandmother? Surely
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public forums in the coming months in which their input will be encouraged regarding the future of the Sni-A-Bar Farms property. Representatives from City staff and Sapp Design will facilitate these meetings. An ordinance to transfer $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve to fund this project was approved unanimously. The Board also authorized the City Administrator to seek grant funding through the state’s Recreational Trails Program to close the gap in the current trail from Persimmon to the north end of the Rosewood Hills subdivision. The purchase of two new vehicles for City use were approved unanimously. A
work truck will be purchased to replace a 2005 vehicle currently used by the Codes Enforcement Officer. Additionally, a 2019 Ford F-150 will be purchased for the use of the Engineering Inspector. Resolutions to replace 24 aging picnic tables throughout the park system as well as the purchase of a 2-flume pool slide to replace the existing slide were passed unanimously. In other business, Community Development Director Rick Arroyo announced he will be leaving his position on February 15th. Arroyo has accepted a position as Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Independence.
then, she was a child bride. Sometimes I actually think before I make my ancient cultural reference and avoid embarrassment. I went to a Scout meeting with my daughter, and they were doing a really cool finance and budgeting exercise where they told what their dream job was, looked up the salary, and then determined if they could actually live on that salary. One of the leaders saw an online reference for hand models and shared that those models make surprisingly good money. In my head, I thought, well, wouldn’t Madge, of Palmolive commercial fame, be a good help to hand models? “You’re soaking in it,” the catty manicurist might have said. I zipped my lip before I fully revealed my age. Along the same lines, you might be old if you can remember the smell of Prell shampoo, have actually eaten Spam as a meal and not a dare, and made your own popsicles at home from powdered Koolaid you mixed yourself and poured into specially shaped molds. You might be getting old if you have a favorite burner on your stove. Enough said. And yes, I do. So do you, if you really think about it. You might be getting old when time is sort of a construct and really not a thing. For instance, you get invited to a wedding and you cannot figure out why the flower girl’s mother would be sending out the invitation until you realize the flower girl is actually old enough to be the bride. Time is just a construct when you begin to say things like “I think it was a couple of years ago,” and your friend points out it was in fact ten years, or “She graduated close to me,” and your classmate says, “No, that was her mother.” This is closely related to being surprised at the people who are now old enough to drive or to stay at home by themselves without a babysitter. You might be getting old if you have a
fear of Jeopardy categories that reference events after the 80’s. The history books I studied from in school basically stopped at the Vietnam War, so, yeah…I’ve literally got nuthin’. You might be getting old if you are walking around an antique mall stopping at every other booth to point out something you had as a kid to YOUR kid. Pleather Barbie cases, Corning ware, a jewelry box with a spinning ballerina, a bouncy horse, roller skates with pompons, a leather whip stitched coin purse, 45 records, any kind of actual realistic looking baby doll. Maybe I could have just stopped this thought simply at ‘you might be getting old if you are walking around an antique mall.’ And then there are just a few old age indicators that really need no explanation. You might be getting old if you are surprised when a man does not give up a seat for a pregnant lady or any person older than him, and that said pregnant lady has better tattoos than the fella who didn’t yield his seat. Or when a clerk fails to thank you when you have just spent a bunch of money at their store, when no one holds a door for you, and when the bank lobby is closed in favor of the drive through on a Friday when everyone is getting paid and wants to get some ‘weekend cash’. Or maybe your advanced age becomes obvious when white cotton socks feel so good on your feet that you convince yourself they look fine for work, when you ask the clerk at the shoe store about your favorite shoes and he directs you to a thrift store, or when you have seen both the original movie and its TWO remakes. If you will excuse me, I am going to slather on some Pond’s cold cream, see if I can catch a Lawrence Welk or Family Affair rerun, and have a little oatmeal before I go to bed, just to make sure I have the correct fiber intake for the day.
Community Voices
Page 6 Wayne’s World
A Love Story Made in Heaven by Wayne Geiger
I have a love/hate relationship with the Hallmark Channel. My wife has only the love part. She will even record episodes and watch the same show several times. I keep insisting that it will end the same way as it did last time. She is not amused at my amazing perception. Deep down, I know that she believes in true love. My complaint with the Hallmark Channel is that every show has a similar plot line. The characters and location are different, but the plot is virtually the same. Two people, two different backgrounds, both brought together by fate. Initially, there is dislike, distrust, or even competition; but underneath, there is a spark. Of course, no story would be complete without some type of antagonist or plot twist. The couple goes their separate ways hurting and empty. But, after the last, long commercial break, we find that true love triumphs, and the couple embraces in true love’s kiss. We’re left with the impression that they will live happily ever after. And there I am, pretending not to watch or care, but getting caught up in the story, a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Even though I know how it’s going to end, I’m a sucker for happy endings and, deep down, I guess I, too, believe in true love. As a Pastor, I’m convinced that every love story ever told or written is merely a reflection of a grandiose story—a love story made in eternity. This story is as old as time itself. It’s a story that is reflected in movies time and time again. In fact, if you were to merge the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, any Disney movie that involves a princess, The Matrix, and the Hallmark Channel, you’d get an idea. As scene one opens, the great king, who is wise, fair, and compassionate, rules over his kingdom with truth and justice. In his
NELSON
kingdom, there is love, intimacy and equality. But a vicious enemy, lurking in the darkness, rises out of the smoke, from the pit of despair. Driven by a dark, covetous heart, this dark lord, or great dragon as some call him, seeks to undermine the relationship between the king and his citizens. He seeks to replace love and light with hatred and darkness. The dark lord is crafty and knows that he cannot prevail in an attack against the king. So, instead, he chooses to attack those closest to the king’s heart: his citizens. The king is not unaware of this stealth attack and allows it to come. For, you see, the king is the author of this love story. The storyline was written to reveal the proof of his love. Under the cover of darkness, the great dragon, like a serpent, slithers into the scene to deceive the king’s citizens. His arsenal is filled with lies and deception. His goal is to undermine the sincere motives of the king and lure away the heart of the citizens—deceiving them with a deadly, evil potion. In a moment of weakness, enticed by the dark lord, they willingly drink the evil potion. The great dragon laughs in delight. By default, they have become outcasts having joined the dark side. They choose infinite rebellion over intimate relationship. The dark lord has won a major battle, it appears—at least for a chapter or two. The outcasts are engrained in the evil empire, enslaved by the dark lord, and imprisoned in seclusion and darkness. Like the dark lord they serve, they become a prideful, arrogant people of cruelty, consumed by hedonism and self-preservation. In time, the memory of the king disappears, and the outcasts actually come to embrace their captivity and admire the dark lord. Their eyes are blinded to the fact that they are in a prison constructed by their own choices.
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took over the Sentinel in 1879. In1880 they moved to Kansas City and started the Star. Nelson took over sole ownership of the paper within a few months. In 1882 he purchased the Kansas City Evening Mail and its Associated Press franchise in 1882 and started the Weekly Kansas City Star in 1890 and the Sunday Kansas City Star in 1894. Nelson bought the Times in 1901 and named it “The Morning Kansas City Star.” His business strategy called for inexpensive advance subscriptions, and his intention was to have a newspaper independent in politics, dealing with all men and all parties with impartiality and fearlessness. He advocated for Kansas City’s park and boulevard system and the construction of Convention Hall to host the 1900 Democratic National Convention. In addition to his newspaper duties he was interested in real estate development and created the Rockhill District with nearly 100 homes including
his own, Oak Hall. After his death, Oak Hall was demolished to make room for the Nelson Art Gallery. Around 1910 Colonel Nelson began acquiring small farms and in Grain Valley and in 1913 Sni-A-Bar Farms were registered with the State of Missouri. The farm’s mission was the development of improved breeding methods for livestock. Sni-A-Bar became one of the world’s leaders in animal health for more than 30 years. Mr. Nelson died on April 13, 1915.
Next week learn about GRADING UP BEEF CATTLE AT SNI-A-BAR FARMS, with information from the United States Department of Agriculture, Circular No. 74, published by the Government Printing Office in 1926.
Pictured at left: State of Missouri Sni--A-Bar Registration Certificate for Sni Farms, presented July 15, 1913. Photo courtesy Grain Valley Historical Society.
The dark lord’s grip upon the outcasts is strong and unrelenting. The only cure to this darkness is the power of true love. Although the king has the power to annihilate the great dragon at any moment, the king chooses, instead, to give the outcasts the opportunity to choose to return his love. The king’s rule is not by intimidation, but by invitation. According to the story, in order to release the outcasts, two things must take place. First, the ultimate sacrifice must be paid. The king must voluntarily sacrifice his only son, the crown prince. The second thing is that the outcasts must recognize their rebellion and openly and unconditionally confess their love and devotion to the king and crown prince. The king sends the crown prince to proclaim the conditions of the outcasts’ release. Seizing the opportunity, the dark lord and members of the rebellion capture the crown prince and, showing no mercy, humiliate, and brutally exterminate the prince. For several days, the evil and twisted members of darkness celebrate the apparent victory over the king. But the king, the true author of this love story, has a surprising twist in the story plot. Because love is the most-powerful force in the universe, the crown prince victoriously awakens from his slumber. His life was not taken. It was given. The outcasts who recognize their error, give their heart to the crown prince and transfer their allegiance from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Once her eyes are opened, she realizes that she was not an outcast, after all, but royalty. She is a princess and future bride of the crown prince. Her mission, now, is to illuminate and awaken other outcasts who live under the spell of darkness. The crown prince returns to the king promising his princess that he will one day return to bring her home forever. Having been outwitted and humiliated,
the great dragon is filled with rage. He unleashes his fury upon the princess causing great pain and havoc. But she cares not for her own life. She has tasted true love, will not relent, and presses on. Fearing that others will bet set free from their prison, the dark lord tightens his grip upon the outcasts of the dark country which begins to implode under the weight of arrogance and self-indulgence. As the ink begins to dry upon the final chapter and the last grain of sand falls from the hourglass, the king reveals his dramatic ending. With triumphant fanfare, the promised crown prince is revealed victoriously riding a magnificent, white stallion, wielding a righteous sword. The dark rebellion, overcome by the brilliant light of love and goodness, can offer no resistance and fall helplessly. The king brings an immediate end to the rebellion and the dark lord is found guilty of rebellion, sentenced to swift and eternal punishment. The crown prince extends his hand and invites the princess to come forward and take her prepared place by his side. In deep appreciation and love, she humbly bows at his feet. He smiles, raises her up, and lovingly gazes into the eyes of his beloved princess, tenderly placing his hands on her face. The former outcast is his long-awaited bride. She is home and in the presence of true love. No longer does she have to live in darkness, shame, fear, and pain. Her knight in shining armor has arrived. The crown prince escorts her to the royal carriage where, together, they ride off into the sunrise and live happily ever.
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.
Sports
Page 7
White Remembers His Baseball Idol Robinson by John Unrein
Jackson County Executive Frank White recently mourned the passing of Frank Robinson who was a long time Cincinnati Red, Baltimore Oriole, and Cleveland Indian. Robinson was inducted into Cooperstown during his first year of eligibility in 1982. The 14 time All-Star would be the only player in Major League Baseball history to be voted Most Valuable Player in both the National and American Leagues. Robinson played the game with intensity. He was not shy about standing on top of home plate in the batter’s box or sliding into a base hard through a fielder. This mentality contributed to Robinson winning the
triple crown in 1966 with a .316 batting average, 49 HR’s, and 122 RBI’s. Robinson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005 for courage and leadership displayed throughout his career. He has three bronze statues outside of major league ballparks (Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Camden Yards in Baltimore, and Progressive Field in Cleveland) as tribute to him as a legend of the game. Robinson would also go onto be the first black manager in Major League Baseball. Frank White recently commented on the passing of a legend.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of my baseball idol, Frank Robinson, who is the reason why I chose to wear the number 20 throughout my baseball career. Mr. Robinson as an athlete was a trailblazer, being the first black manager of the major leagues and the only player to win MVP in both leagues,” White said. “Off the field, he was a tremendous person with a good heart and a kind spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Robinson’s family during this difficult time. Baseball will truly miss a great man.” Manny’’s Baseball Land Source: Manny via tradingcarddb.com (Public Domain)
First Step is Key to Chiefs Pass Rush by John Unrein
Much has been made about the Kansas City Chiefs transitioning from a 3 -4 (three down lineman and four linebackers) to a 4-3 (four down lineman and three linebackers) defense under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The 4-3 defense is a one gap attack scheme, which means that each one of the four down linemen is responsible for penetrating a gap in disrupting the offense. Quickness becomes paramount. Tackles for loss in the run game, as well as sacks from the pass rush, benefit from those athletes who have an electric first step. Long time NFL defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, currently the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys is an advocate of first step get off, or how fast a defensive lineman can uncoil upfield at the snap. Marinelli believes that is the most important trait for a 4-3 defensive lineman to possess. You are hard to block if you are past the offensive lineman or get your hands on them first. Defensive lineman in Marinelli’s system are known as “rushmen,” not defensive lineman, to further emphasize the expectation. There are many characteristics that go into evaluating a defensive lineman, for instance, how well do they run the arc? This would be the shortest possible path around an offensive lineman to the quarterback. Think of this as how fast you could get your body around a large hula hoop on the ground. Or do they possess a strong inside hip? The player should be able to keep their hip closest to the offensive player moving forward without being knocked off line. Possibly, do they have long arms or levers that give them the opportunity for first contact against the offensive lineman? This matters because the ideal arm length for a starting NFL offensive tackle is 35 inches. The combatant that can get their hands
inside the others and on the numbers first is at an advantage. Is there punch in their hands when they contact the offensive lineman? It’s hard to sustain a block if your head snaps back or your eyes are looking up as the result of a jolt. New Chiefs defensive line coach Brendan Daly along with the Chiefs scouting department, will no doubt be reviewing game film of current Chiefs players, along with pending NFL Free Agents, and upcoming college players eligible for the draft in April. Assuredly, they will be checking to see how fast defensive lineman react to the snap of the center and how quick they accumulate power as they move forward out of their stance. Players who can get off the ball with triple extension on their power or back leg while their drive leg or front leg has a knee bent at a 90-degree angle so that they are pushing off on the balls of their feet are at a premium. You can teach a lot of what’s needed with hand fighting and fundamentals of defensive line play, but quickness is hard to teach. Many Chiefs fans are wondering how current starters like Justin Houston and Dee Ford will fit into the new defense. This is for good reason, with as much money as both are anticipated to make this upcoming season. Houston’s base salary will be $15.25 million. Ford, if he receives the exclusive right franchise tag, will receive a one-year contract that is an average of the five highest paid players at his position in the NFL. That’s substantial money to be tied up with two premium pass rushers. Two defensive ends on the current Chiefs roster that should not be forgotten are Tanoh Kpassagnon and Breeland Speaks. Both were 2nd round draft picks out of Villanova and Ole Miss respectively. The transition to the new defensive scheme may come seamlessly for both as they were down lineman in college. Each one has seemed to be more
comfortable with their hand in the grass at the end of the line of scrimmage instead of being a stand up outside linebacker. Kpassagnon is 6’7” with long arms, and he is athletic. He was moved around in Bob Sutton’s defense from defensive tackle, to defensive end, to outside linebacker. It appeared that the Chiefs had trouble finding a home for a good athlete in their old defensive system. Former General Manager John Dorsey spoke positively about Kpassagnon and the ability he possessed as a college defensive end. which is why he was drafted by the Chiefs with the 59th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Speaks was a defensive end in his final season at Oxford. He was one of the most improved defensive players in all of college football during his senior campaign, posting 67 tackles and six sacks across 12 starts. Speaks would go on to be selected 46th overall by the Chiefs in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was able to post 1.5 sacks in four starts for the team this season. Speaks will be transitioning back to his natural position as well, in Spanuolo’s new system. It will be an interesting offseason to see what personnel decisions are made along the defensive line for the Chiefs. The organization may stand pat with the players they have. This may include contract restructuring and signing existing players to new deals. Or the organization may move in a new direction with young players in house and new acquisitions via free agency and the draft. The first step will be key for the Chiefs pass rush.
Wrestling, Girls Swim & Dive Prepare for State Grain Valley High School (GVHS) Wrestling will send seven student athletes to the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships February 14-16th. Heading to Columbia are Mitchell Alexander (138), Caleb Benshoof (132), Ethan Grasher (152), Trent LeGrotte (145), Donovan McBride (HW/285), Hunter Newsom (170), and Jaden Worthington (220). GVHS Girls Swim and Dive are also preparing for state competition over the weekend. Divers Piper Barnard, Abigail Castle, and Hayden Meyer, and swimmer Rachel Turpin will head to St. Peters for the Girls Swimming and Diving Championships February 14—16th.
Upcoming Prep Events: Thursday, February 14th
Girls Basketball vs. Raytown South @ Grain Valley High School
JV plays at 5:30pm; Varsity plays at 7:00pm Thursday, February 14th – Saturday, February 16th
Girls Varsity Swim and Dive State Championships
Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships
Friday, February 15th
Boys Basketball vs. Raytown South @ Grain Valley High School
JV plays at 5:30pm; Varsity plays at 7:00pm
iStock photo.
Monday, February 18th Girls Basketball vs. Platte County @ Grain Valley High School JV plays at 5:30pm; Varsity plays at 7:00pm
Community Calendar February 14, 2019
Using Findmypast Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—3:00pm www.mymcpl.org/events
February 16, 2019
Basic Handgun— Handgun—Women Only Lake City Shooting Range 28505 E Truman Road 8:00am—11:30am Call 816-249-3194 to register.
Zumba Passport Party: Passport to the Caribbean Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:30am—11:30am www.mymcpl.org/events
February 18, 2019
President’ President’s Day City Hall Closed Grain Valley Schools Closed
February 19, 2019
Music with Mar Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway 10:00am Brain based music and movement program for children 6 months—5 years old. $5/family. Register: 816-847-0008.
February 25, 2019
Hands Only CPR Grain Valley Community Center 713 Main Street 6:30pm—7:15pm This is a free noncertification (no cards issued), educational opportunity made possible by a partnership with Grain Valley Parks and Recreation and Saint Luke’s East Hospital. Register online at http:// grainvalley.recdesk.com in person at the Grain Valley Community Center. Registration deadline Feb. 21!
Volunteer
Opportunities Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC) is in need of substitute drivers for the HomeHome-Delivered Meals program. Volunteers deliver meals daily to elderly, disabled, and home bound residents. Meals are picked up at the Grain Valley Price Chopper and routes are completed between 11:00am and Noon. For more information or to volunteer, please leave a message for Debbie King, 816-355-0328. For more information on the Grain Valley Assistance Council, visit www.grainvalleyassistancecouncil.org. Have a volunteer opportunity to share? Send information on your organization’s volunteer needs to news@grainvalleynews.org.
Building a Capsule Wardrobe Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:15pm www.mymcpl.org/events Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm
February 28, 2019
Grain Valley Schools Late Start
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The City of Grain Valley is now hiring for Seasonal Concession Attendants and Swim Instructors.
Apply online at https://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/employment/.
March 4, 2019
Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events
March 6, 2019
Grain Valley Senior Citizens Luncheon
Post your employment opportunities with Valley News; ads begin at only $5/week.
Reserve your ad by emailing news@grainvalleynews.com.
Neighborhood Views
11:30am – 1:00pm
Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main
Please RSVP by one week prior to each luncheon, by calling 816-847-6293 or send an email to
info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
March 11, 2019
Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm
March 21, 2019
Kindergarten Registration Event Held at all Grain Valley Elementary Schools 4:30pm—6:00pm Children must be at least five years old on or before July 31, 2019 to attend Kindergarten in 2019-20 school year.
Add your community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.
The sun made a rare appearance on February 13th, providing some warmth to walkers along the Butterfly Trail. Photo credit: Valley News staff Share the view from your neighborhood! Submit photos via Facebook (@grainvalleynews) or email to news@grainvalleynews.com.
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