Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
February 28, 2019
Taco Bell To Open in Grain Valley Grain Valley residents seeking a fourth meal will no longer need to travel to neighboring communities for their Taco Bell fix. The Planning and Zoning Committee approved site plans on
Vol. 2, No. 9
FREE
Good News
February 20th for a Taco Bell restaurant to be constructed in the area north of 1-70 and east of Buckner Tarsney Road. The restaurant is scheduled to be open before the end of the year.
Adjusted School Calendar, Testing Top School Board Agenda During their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 21st, the school board reviewed the school calendar for the remainder of the 2018-19 which has been adjusted due to the onslaught of snow days this winter. As of Wednesday, February 27th, inclement weather has resulted in students missing nine days of school this year. The Missouri formula that governs how missed days must be made up calls for making up the first
seven days in full, followed by making up one full day for every two additional days missed. The most days a district is required to make up is 10 days. Grain Valley Schools calendar includes 10 built in snow days. The following built in snow days are now being designated as student attendance days: Monday, March 11 Monday, April 22 Thursday, May 16
see SCHOOLS on page 2
Wayne’s World
Grain Valley High School Culinary Arts students took 7th place in the state competition on Friday, February 22nd. Photo credit: Holly Porter
Riding With the Grain Valley Police Department: A Chaplain’s View by Wayne Geiger
I have served as a volunteer Police Chaplain for the Grain Valley Police Department for almost three years now. My role is to assist the GVPD in its overall mission by serving the department and its citizens in proactive and reactive roles. I’ve always had a passion for law enforcement and have a son and son-inlaw who work in law enforcement. I remember my first ride in a police
car. I was 17 and living in another state. My friends and I, up to no good, had driven to an isolated, dark, back road. In the car was an illegal substance. Suddenly, we saw a light behind us illuminating the darkness and exposing our defiance of the law. “It’s the cops,” one of my friends said! That night, I was taken home in handcuffs to the shock and disappointment of my mother. The look
on her face haunts me to this day. Now, these many years later, they actually allow me to ride up front! The view is so much better—and so is the destination. As chaplain, I am able to ride along with the GVPD on occasion. It’s a role and ride I take seriously. I wait for the invitation to enter the vehicle and I touch nothing. The officer’s vehicle is not “just” a
vehicle. It is his office, his refuge, his lifeline. The vehicle is equipped with a large computer monitor that is practically in my lap. I accept that. After all, the car is built for one. The technological gadgets and hardware are there to enable the officer to do his or her job and there for protection. I am a foreign object.
see CHAPLAIN on page 5
Local News
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SCHOOLS continued from page 1 Friday, May 17 Monday, May 20 Tuesday, May 21 Wednesday, May 22 Thursday, May 23
Provided there are no additional snow days, the last day of school is Thursday, May 23rd. The board also reviewed the recent results from Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and district Annual Performance Reports (APR) for the 2017-18 school year. Dr. Beth Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services reviewed results with the board, and emphasized that high marks the district received is a testament to the efforts of teachers and administrators for managing during a period of transition in which Missouri schools are operating under their third set of state standards in five years.
The district earned a rating of 100% on the 2018 APR report, which evaluates academic achievement, subgroup achievement, college and career readiness, attendance, and graduation rate. Dr. Nick Gooch, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services reported the transportation department earned a 98% on the first pass of their annual fleet safety inspection with the MO State Highway Patrol, qualifying them for the Excellent Fleet Award from the State. Only one bus out of the fleet of 49 buses was cited with an item to correct. In other news, the district has hired a permanent English Language Learner (ELL) teacher for the 2019-20 school year. The number of students needing ELL services in the district has increased to the point that the addition of this position became necessary.
Rifle Range at Lake City Shooting Range to Close for Improvements by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will close for improvements the rifle range portion of the Lake City Shooting Range near Buckner starting Monday, March 11. All other target ranges at Lake City will remain open for public use including the pistol, trap, skeet, and archery ranges. “This closure will allow for construction work to make improvements to the overhead concrete baffles at the rifle range,� Kellie Bradfield, assistant outdoor education center manager said. During construction, visitors with rifles can use the pistol range, although
the target distance is limited to 25 yards. The construction project is scheduled to last 45 days. Lake City is scheduled to reopen the rifle range on May 15. However, the range will be reopened earlier if the project is completed ahead of schedule. MDC also operates the staffed Parma Woods Shooting Range at Parkville in the Kansas City Area. For information about the Lake City Range at 28505 E. Truman Road, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/lakecity. Information about the Parma Woods range is available at http://mdc.mo.gov/ parmawoods.
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of February 13-19, 2019. February 13, 2019 100 Block Sunny Ln 200 Block Yennie 1200 Blk Eagles Pkwy/ 1200 Ashley Ln 600 Block Walnut St 700 Block Crestview Terr 400 Block Cross Creek 200 Block Broadway
Standby to Prevent Burglary Suspicious Activity Civil Standby Alarm Area Check Alarm
February 14, 2019 600 Block BB Hwy 700 Block Main St 7600 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd OOIDA Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Logan 1000 Block Ryan Rd 300 Block Jefferson St
Burglary Fingerprints Agency Assist (JCSO) Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Harassment Alarm Alarm
Disturbance Check the Well Being Motor Vehicle Accident Alarm Animal Complaint Citizen Contact Disturbance Agency Assist (JCSO)
February 16, 2019 Sni-A-Bar and Sni-A-Bar 500 Block Main St 40 Hwy W of Sni-A-Bar Main & I-70 Greystone & Greystone Cir Main & 40 Hwy 300 Block Jefferson St 700 Block Main St Accident 500 Block Whitney Dr Main St & Eagles Pkwy Accident 1100 Block McQuerry 1400 Block Burr Oak Ln
Suspicious Party Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Open Garage Door Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Animal Complaint Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance
February 17, 2019
February 15, 2019 1800 Block Duncan Rd 1100 Block Blue Branch Dr 700 Block Main St 1000 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Hillside 1200 Block Eagles 800 Block San Kar 1500 Block RD Mize Rd
700 Block Main St 300 Block Walnut St 100 Block Eagles 600 Block Brome 100 Block Sunny Ln 700 Block Main St 1000 Block Magnolia Ln 1700 Block Helen Ct 200 Block Broadway 800 Block San Kar
Motor Vehicle Accident Burglary Area Check Motor Vehicle Accident Area Check Suspicious Activity Alarm Leaving the Scene of Burglary Leaving the Scene of Suspicious Party Alarm
700 Block Parr 500 Block Magnolia Cir 700 Block Main St 2100 Block Hedgewood Dr 700 Block Main St 600 Block Yennie Ave 500 Block Woodbury Dr 200 Block Memorial Dr BB Hwy & I-70 700 Block Harvest Dr 1100 Block RD Mize Rd
Alarm Alarm Warrant Surrender Disturbance Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Disturbance Prisoner Transport Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact
February 18, 2019 700 Block Main St 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct 700 Block Ginger Hill Accident 1000 Block Ryan Rd 700 Block Harvest Cir 1400 Block Burr Oak Ln 2100 Block Hedgewood Dr
Citizen Contact Property Damage Leaving the Scene of Alarm Theft from Auto Citizen Contact Civil Standby
February 19, 2019 600 Block BB Hwy 400 Block Whitney 700 Block Main St 1200 Block Pamela 700 Block Main St 400 Block Orion Dr
Burglary Parking Complaint Citizen Contact Animal Transport Harassment Citizen Contact
Additional calls: Suicidal Subject: 2
Order of Protection: 2
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
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).
MDC will close for improvements the rifle range portion of the Lake City Shooting Range near Buckner starting Monday, March 11. All other target ranges at Lake City will remain open for public use including the pistol, trap, skeet, and archery ranges. Photo credit: MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.
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Page 3 Mountain Lion Sightings in Area
Register to Vote by March 6th for April Election
Reports of mountain lion sightings on the north side of Grain Valley and reports of a dead mountain lion along 1-70 created debate amongst neighbors on social media recently. Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale reported receiving one call last week of a mountain lion sighting. Officer Iiams was dispatched to check out the situation and did not find any sign of a mountain lion. Bill Graham with the Kansas City Regional Office of the Missouri Department of Conservation heard the rumor regarding a dead mountain lion along 1-70 near Grain Valley and stated that an investigation of the corpse found it was a deer. “We hear rumors of mountain lion sightings all the time, but it is very unusual that a mountain lion sighting is actually confirmed in this area,” Graham said. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, only 74 reports have been confirmed since 1994. The only confirmed sighting in the region occurred in November 2010, when a photo taken by a private landowner in Platte County showed a treed mountain lion. The Conservation Department’s Mountain Lion Response Team (MLRT) confirmed the sighting using photos and other signs. Graham said that most mountain lion sightings are usually house cats who appear larger due to the distortion of distance, or bobcats who are not uncommon to the area. Expert trackers look for the following to identify mountain lion tracks: Three lobes at the bottom of the pad. Dogs and coyotes have one indent at the bottom of their pads. Teardrop-shaped toes. Dogs’ and bobcats’ toes are shaped like an oval. Between 3- and 3.5-inch-wide tracks. Bobcat tracks will be much smaller—less than 2 inches wide—which is smaller than the print of a 6-monthold mountain lion kitten.. No claw marks are usually visible, except in extremely rare occasions when mountain lions use them for extra traction or to build up speed. Claw marks are usually visible in dog and coyote tracks. Dogs leave a blunt, flat claw mark. When present, a mountain lion's claw marks are slender and sharp. The Conservation Department conducts field investigations only of those situations that involve human safety, or where there is substantial physical evidence—livestock damage or wildlife kill, scat or hair directly linked to a sighting, or confirmed tracks. Tracks that are characteristic of a mountain lion should be photographed and then covered with a bucket.
The deadline to register to vote in the April 2, 2019 election is March 6th. Residents in Jackson County outside of the city of Kansas City may register in person at the Jackson County Election Board office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64057 or a number of authorized locations in the county. In Grain Valley, residents may register at Grain Valley City Hall and the MidContinent Public Library Grain Valley branch.
Possible But Not Likely
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, only 74 reports have been confirmed since 1994. Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation Photos, plaster casts of tracks and other physical evidence such as hair or scat should be sent to the Conservation Department so that experts can examine them. To contact the MLRT send an email to mountain.lion@mdc.mo.gov
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Prospective voters may also print off and complete a Missouri Voter Registration Application form and deliver in person or mail to the Jackson County Election Board, P.O. Box 296, Independence, MO 64051. For registration forms and registration information, visit https:// www.jcebmo.org/voter-information/ registration/.
Business News
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Partnership to Host Meet the Candidate Forum 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.
The Grain Valley Partnership will host
a Meet the Candidates Forum on
Tuesday, March 19th at Grain Valley City
Hall. All aldermen will be present for the forum, but only those running opposed will be a part of the forum.
A reception begins at 6:00pm; the
forum begins at 6:45pm in the City Hall
Council Chamber. The forum will be
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
moderated by Tasha Lindsey and Pastor Darryl Jones of the Partnership.
Moderators will use pre-established
questions. The event will not be an open question forum.
Ward 1 candidates Dale Arnold and
Tom Cleaver, and Ward 2 candidates
Chuck Johnston and current Alderman Nancy Totton will participate in the
Upcoming Partnership Events:
forum discussion. Ward 3 Alderman Shea Bass is running unopposed and will not participate in the forum.
March Partnership Luncheon Tuesday, March 5, 2019 11:30am—1:00pm March Business After Hours Thursday, March 14, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm Thank you to the following businesses for supporting this tournament. If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Tasha Lindsey by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
March Coffee Connection Friday, March 15, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper April Partnership Luncheon Tuesday, April 2, 2019 11:30am—1:00pm Business After Hours Thursday, April 11, 2019 5:00pm—7:00pm April Coffee Connection Friday, April 19, 2019 8:00am—9:00am Grain Valley Cosentino’s Price Chopper
Grain Valley Partnership Businesses: As a part of your partnership, you are entitled to a sponsored article in the
Grain Valley Partnership Welcomes Hide and Seek Learning Center as a new Partner.
Business section of Valley News.
To schedule an interview to highlight
your business, contact Cory Unrein, cory@grainvalleynews.com.
Community Voices CHAPLAIN continued from page 1
The officer beside me resembles a warrior ready for battle. As society has changed, so has our law enforcement strategy, tools, and techniques. He is equipped with military gear designed to enable him to engage in any unexpected, potentially volatile situation in order to help him protect and serve others. He has his radio, gun, taser, ammunition, various gadgets, and a bullet proof vest. His hope is that he will not need any of it. My training has taught me to obey without question. Sometimes, I am permitted to exit the vehicle on a call. Sometimes, I am asked to remain in the car. As a civilian, I know my place and the last thing that I want to do is impair the officer from doing his or her job. Cruising around town, the officer’s eyes and ears are peeled for potential hazards and violations. The officer has sworn to uphold a law he has not created. He is the enforcer. Although we struggle with the law (as Sammy Hagar sang, “I Can’t Drive 55”), it is the foundation of an organized society and violations to the law must be dealt with. The officers know the law, have memorized every street in the city, know the heartbeat of the community, and know many of the citizens by name. They are invested. Part of the officer’s duty is reactive. They go from call to call responding to the needs of the community through a central dispatch. Another part of their job is proactive. “Did you notice that?” the officer says?” “I must have missed it,” I confess. Honestly, I have no clue what he’s talking about as I was admiring his stun gun. “That guy has a truck plate on his car.” I had no idea there was a difference. The officer switches lanes and pulls behind the vehicle. The driver glances in the rearview mirror with a sheepish look of concern and surrender. Part of me knows that feeling. There’s something a little awkward about having a police car behind you. In fact, even if
you’re not doing anything wrong, you have a sense of guilt. Perhaps it’s because of all the other times that we got away with it. Our officers also serve in a preventative role. For example, Officer Danny Iiams is one of our School Resource Officers (SRO). Officer Iiams is passionate about protecting our kids and helping them to grow up into responsible adults. Recently, at Prairie Branch Elementary, Iiams allowed me to assist in an exercise designed to help students understand the potential danger of putting harmful substances into their body. Today, the kids will experience simulated, impaired driving. We use two "Drunk Buster" carts (like a go cart with peddles) and special goggles that simulate what an impaired driver may experience when they get behind the wheel. Iiams, who has a wonderful sense of humor, laughs and jokes with the kids, but also reminds them that the message is serious. More serious than their 5th grade minds can comprehend. One by one, the kids put on the goggles and try to perform simple tasks like walking in a straight line, catching a ball, and even driving the Drunk Buster Cart around orange cones. Most of the kids moan and complain when putting on the goggles. “Everything looks weird,” shouts one student attempting to steer around the cones, “I can’t see anything!” As she mows over several cones, Iiams calls out, “Hey, you just ran over my birdbath!” It’s a fun day with a serious message. Hopefully, these students will remember this day for the rest of their lives and learn to say no to drugs. My service as chaplain comes with mixed emotions. Some time ago, at a particular school, a student recognized me and shouted, “Hey, I know you.” The student was waving frantically, smiling from ear to ear as he ran to meet me. Honestly, he looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him. I guessed he was part of our FUEL basketball league or had come to a Vacation Bible School in the past. He
blurted out, “Do you remember me?” I remembered his eyes, but it was the smile that threw me. My mind clicked and I was transported to a very dark time in his past when he was not smiling. His innocent eyes saw more than they should have seen. I remembered the anguish, tears, heartache, and the deep, unanswerable questions. As the chaplain on scene, I remembered trying to bring some semblance of comfort to this family whose husband and father had been taken from them far too soon. “You were there when my dad died!” he exclaimed as if we were old friends reunited by fate. He unapologetically and strategically moved in to embrace me. I felt a pit in my stomach and my heart ached for this little guy. I fought back the tears, smiled, and said warmly, “I do remember you! It’s so good to see you. How are you doing?” His demeaner changed and he looked down saying, “not too good. I miss my dad.” I was able to spend a few moments of time with him before it was time for him to head back to class. Upon his departure, the smile and joy returned to his face. “It was so good to see you!” he exclaimed as he joined the line with his friends to head back to just being a kid, waving all the way back. I believe that a career in law enforcement is a calling. These men and women certainly don’t do it for the paycheck. Daily, they face enormous challenges and stress. If you think about it, most of us get to experience joy and pain in our jobs, but for officers, much of what they experience is continual defiance, pain, and brokenness. They constantly see the worst in people because that’s when people call 91-1. These men and women have seen the unspeakable and through it all are expected to be professional. They are called to uphold a law they did not create, or necessarily even agree with, and keep
Page 5
their opinions to themselves. They have mounds of paperwork that must be filled out meticulously. In addition, they must perform at a high level or professionalism every day. Their life depends upon it. While the average citizen instinctively may run away from a violent situation, officers are trained to run into it. They are ready to give their lives on a daily basis. Generally, they have no one to talk to who understands. Their family is there to provide support and love, but there is no way them to totally understand. There is little opportunity for them to debrief. Sometimes, all blue has is blue. On top of it all, the national media is often against them and society, at times, makes them out to be the bad guy. Through it all, they remain professional and do their job—to protect us. Their diligence is not without repercussion. The human body can only push down or process so much. It’s tragic, but for the third year in a row, the number of officers who die by suicide is higher than those killed in the line of duty. Some of these warriors who are trained to withstand violent, physical, external threats succumb to the emotional, invisible ones. I pray for them regularly. Police officers are men and women, like us, who are people. They are people who serve in a profession. They have families, homes, hobbies, and friends. They have aspirations, goals, and dreams. At the end of the day, they just want to go home, like us, and be with the people they love. I guess what I’m saying is that in my three years as Chaplain, I have found that the men and women of our Grain Valley Police Department are a team of highlytrained, caring, proficient, professional people of integrity who have a passion to serve and protect our community. They are also human. They deserve, and desperately need, our prayers, respect, appreciation, and admiration.
Looking Forward to Spring
by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
I hope you’re safely weathering our recent round of snowy weather. After the winter we are experiencing, we will certainly appreciate spring this year. There is a hint of spring in the air at your Community Foundation as we gear up for our annual grants cycle. In 2018, our Competitive Grants program awarded more than $347,000 through 63 grants to nonprofits serving our community and a similar amount will be awarded in 2019. There are two separate grants programs available through THCF, the Community Grants program and the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children’s Education. Applications for Jelley Family Foundation Grants are due by Monday, March 18, 2019. Applications
for our Community Grants program are due by Monday, April 8, 2019. More information can be found on our website www.thcf.org. Please help us spread the word about this opportunity for local nonprofits. Giving money away is truly hard work. Last year’s grant requests totaled more than $817,000. Our grants committee has the challenging job of reviewing applications and deciding how to best invest grant dollars for impact in our community. We are grateful for the time and energy of our Board and Advisory Board members who serve on the committee, including our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) students. YAC students provide valuable insight, making site visits and reviewing grant applications from programs serving children and youth in our communities. Of the endowed funds that support our grants program, eight are the result
of charitable gifts made through a donor’s estate plans. For example, Dr. Carl Jelley left a very significant estate gift to the Community Foundation. His $1.6 million estate gift, with the instructions that it be used for “children’s education,” established the fund and the first grants were made in 2014. Since then, 39 grants have been awarded totaling $535,000 and the endowed fund has grown to $2.9 million. Dr. Carl Jelley’s generosity will continue to make an impact in our community year after year. That’s the power of an endowed fund, and your Community Foundation is honored to be entrusted with his legacy gift. If you are looking for warm thoughts during these dreary winter days, think about individuals like Dr. Carl Jelley, who support their community through their legacy gifts, and those using a donor advised fund or scholarship fund at THCF to make a difference in our communities.
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Truman Heartland Community Foundation is grateful to serve these generous individuals, as we strive to increase and enhance the impact of their charitable giving. And remember, spring training has started and soon enough the Royals will be back in town and spring will have sprung.
Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $43 million and annual grants surpassing $4 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org of call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
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Community Voices
Looking Back: William Rockhill Nelson Trust by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
From the will of Mr. Nelson: “Item 1 — All lands owned by me or belonging to said trust estate at the time of and after my death and situated in Sni-ABar township, in Jackson County, Missouri, shall for a period of thirty years next succeeding my death be held, used, managed and controlled by said trustees for the purposes of the material and social betterment of the public and particularly of the people of said Sni-A-Bar township and to promote and instill a better knowledge among them concerning stock breeding and especially of cattle.” And so, when Mr. Nelson died on April 13, 1915 the Nelson Trust went into effect. During the first ten years of operation of the Trust, it was under the direction of his daughter, Laura (Mrs. Irwin R.) Kirkwood. She authorized the purchase of purebred Shorthorns cattle, buying the best bulls available in the United States and Great Britain for the grade herd and top females in leading state, national and international sales for the foundation stock. Following the death of Mrs. Kirkwood, the administration of the entire estate (including his real estate holdings and The Kansas City Star) came under the direction of the
presidents of the University of Missouri, the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma, as trustees. They, in turn, appointed University Trustees to have charge of the entire estate, including the operation of Sni-A -Bar farms for the remainder of the thirty years. The first University Trustees appointed March 3, 1926, were J.Clyde Nichols, Herbert V. Jones and William Volker. The first two men served continuously; Mr. Volker resigned in 1929 and was succeeded by Arthur M. Hyde, then Secretary of Agriculture, who served until 1935. R. B. Caldwell was appointed in 1940. W. A. Cochel served as advisor to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Nelson was only able to get the grade cattle operation underway before his death. In 1922, Mrs. Kirkwood brought James Napier to the farm as herdsman to develop the second operation, the famous Sni-A-Bar show herd. He later became superintendent of all operations of land and livestock. Mr. Napier remained with the farm until the livestock dispersal sale in 1946.
Next week read about the Sni-A-Bar Farms Demonstration that brought more that 10,000 people to Grain Valley each year in October.
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, 10am— is open Wednesdays from 10am —3pm and by appointment. Society’’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow Visit the Historical Society the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
Transitions: Dee Jones
Dee Jones, 76, of Conway, Arkansas passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019. He was born September 17, 1942 in England, Arkansas to Clarence and Rachel (Furr) Jones. Dee enjoyed traveling in his truck, camper or on a cruise, cooking and he especially loved dancing. He was an over the road truck driver who earned
several awards, including the Million Mile Safety Award and was formerly on the Board of Directors for OOIDA. Dee felt it was important to share his faith with others and spent time as a missionary in Mexico. His love of God, country and family was evident in the actions of his everyday life. He is survived by his children, Sherry Jones, David Jones (Devonna), Stormi Funk (Alan), Misti Ryan (Joey), Sandi Martin (Bert); fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Frances Duncan, Albert Jones, Billy Jones and numerous other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ruth Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Conway Senior Center, 705 Siebenmorgen Road, Conway, Arkansas 72032. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Grace Bible Church, 701 Garland Street, Conway. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Woodson Cemetery, 6211 Woodson Lateral Road, Little Rock. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Sports
Page 7
Eagles Fight Hard on Senior Night in Loss to Cardinals; Win First District Match Against Blue Springs by John Unrein
The Eagles opened senior night on Friday, February 22nd with a spirited effort. Pressure off the full court press and determined drives to the middle of the floor resulted in a 15-14 lead for Grain Valley by the end of the first quarter. Senior Guard Kevin Gutierrez and Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick led the early scoring for the Eagles. Grain Valley Head Boys Basketball Coach Andy Herbert was confident in what his team was capable of doing on the evening. “We started the game how I thought we would. We were excited and played aggressive. Cole (Keller) then got
Keller with the post pivot and finish. Photo credit: Valley News staff
in foul trouble and they got a couple of run outs on us and that sunk us with them outscoring us the rest of the way. One lapse in concentration against a good team like Raytown South can be the difference.” The Eagles went into halftime down 2132, and the second and third quarters witnessed Raytown South Junior Mark Cann explode offensively. Cann led all scorers for both teams on the evening with 24 points. He consistently hit three pointers from behind the arc to widen the Cardinals lead. Keller tried to help his team match scoring under the basket. Seven of Keller’s ten points came in the 3rd quarter. However, turnovers and missed baskets close to the goal hurt Grain Valley’s comeback efforts. “Mark Cann for Raytown South was something. He played tremendous. He hit both open and guarded shots and is a load. Our team is full of competitors, and this is a game we thought we would win. We have been playing really well, and they came out and slugged us, and we didn’t respond the way we wanted to. It will be interesting to see how we respond to this and if we drag it into next week or learn from it,” Herbert said. The Eagles cleared their bench with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter so that the seniors could be on the floor together for their final home game during the regular season. This was followed by Kevin Gutierrez being summoned to the bench with 4 minutes left in the game.
The student body responded with a standing ovation and Gutierrez received hugs from the coaching staff as senior night wound down. “I’m glad our seniors got to play. I wish it was under different circumstances. They’ve put in four long years in this program. Basketball is a grueling season. You’re guaranteed 26 games. Everything our senior class has done, they’ve earned. A great group of unselfish kids who come to work hard every single day. I’m proud of them,” Herbert said. The Eagles came back strong to beat Blue Springs in the first round of district play on February 23rd, advancing to take on Blue Springs South on Thursday, February 28th at 5:30pm.
Senior Guard Kevin Gutierrez with the breakaway drive to the basket. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Junior Guard Caden Matlon guards the ball against a Blue Springs defender to keep possession for his team. Photo credit: John Overstreet
The GVHS Royal Talon Dance Team placed 5th at the State Competition in St. Louis on Saturday, February 23rd.
The Lady Eagles ended their season February 26th in a hard fought loss to No. 1 seed Blue Springs South Jaguars in District play. Pictured: GVHS Senior Kendra Sibert (left), Sophomore Sydney Williams (far right). Photo credit: John Overstreet
Upcoming Prep Events Basketball: Boys Varsity vs. Blue Springs South @ Truman Thursday, February 28th at 5:30pm
Soccer: Girls Varsity Jamboree vs. Pleasant Hill, St. Teresa’s @ Pleasant Hill High School Monday, March 11, 2019 at 5:00pm
Community Calendar March 2, 2019
Live Well Community Fair Timothy Ministries, 301 E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs. 9:00am—3:00pm
March 4, 2019
Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free. Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events
March 5, 2019
Stranger Reads Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events
March 6, 2019
Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am www.mymcpl.org/events Grain Valley Senior Citizens Luncheon 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 8, 2019
Teddy Bear Sleepover Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main Drop off and program 6:00pm—7:00pm Program includes craft, snack, and reading a story before leaving teddy bear or other stuffed animal overnight for their sleepover. Stuffed animals may be picked up Saturday, March 9th from 9:00am—10:00am at the Community Center. $9/stuffed animal. Pre-register by Monday, March 4th www.cityofgrainvalley.org
March 11, 2019
SelfSelf-Defense for Teens Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 6:30pm—7:30pm www.mymcpl.org/events Board of Alderman Meeting City Hall, 711 Main Street 7:00pm
March 12, 2019
Using a Mouse and Keyboard Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 2:00pm—4:00pm www.mymcpl.org/events
March 13, 2019
Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am www.mymcpl.org/events
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.
March 28, 2019
Petite Picassos Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S. Main 6:30pm—7:15pm $10/participant. Children 4 to 7 years with an adult will paint an 8x10 canvas. 816-847-6230
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