March 11, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 10
O n l i n e w e e k l y a t w w w. g r a i n v a l l e y n e w s . c o m
Grain Valley students find career paths at Fort Osage CTC There are multiple paths that may be taken that culminate in a successful career. Having the opportunity to explore potential career fields, while earning college credit, advanced certifications, and new friendships is the norm for 62 Grain Valley students who attend the Fort Osage Career and Technology Center in Independence, Missouri. The CTC blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences. Construction Trades Technology, Marketing, Welding, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, and CSI/Law Enforcement are among just some of the programs offered to the 526 students enrolled at CTC. The foyer to the main entrance of the CTC is adorned with the motto, “Explore. Create. Excite. Pursue.” A further walk around the building reveals a bright blue bulletin
board that has been coined the “50 for 50” board, highlighting the career success of 50 alumni from CTC over the past 50 years. These examples of getting students to think in a professional mindset is by the design of CTC Director Susie Gouldsmith and Recruitment and Placement Specialist Rebecca Brown. Both Gouldsmith and Brown have been with CTC for 23 and 5 years, respectively. The idea of students working along side professionals and learning by doing is at the heart of what Gouldsmith and Brown want for their students. Creativity for CTC leadership has become an important part of continuing to attract students during the current pandemic. Spring Open House and sophomore tours have been suspended for the 2020-2021 school year. However, YouTube and social media have become
see CTC on page 7
FREE
Metropolitan Community Colleges asks voters to approve levy on April ballot On April 6th, voters in eight metro school districts, including Grain Valley, will be asked to approve the attachment of their district to Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC). Approval of the measure would add a levy of approximately $.21 to property tax bills. The benefit to residents within MCC districts is a reduction in tuition for students residing in those districts of almost 50%. Currently, Grain Valley residents attending MCC pay $198 per credit hour; in-district tuition is currently $107.
The ballot question reads “For the purpose of providing greater affordable access to quality higher education by providing in-district tuition rates for residents within the Grain Valley R-V School District, shall the Grain Valley R-V School District be attached to The Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri, effective the 22nd day of April 2021?” According to MCC, in the 2019-2020 school year, 304 students from the 64029 zip code were enrolled at MCC campuses (2018-2019: 294, 2017-2018:
see MCC on page 7
2021 pavement maintenance program items approved by Board The Board of Aldermen met virtually Monday, March 8th, approving two resolutions to complete 2021 budgeted repairs as a part of the City’s pavement maintenance program. The first resolution authorized an agreement with Superior Bowen Asphalt Company
to provide edge mill and asphalt overlay to streets identified in the City’s CIP plan and 2020 Pavement Management Analysis Report at a budgeted cost of $909,142.50. The second resolution authorizes an agreement with Quality Custom Construction to complete 2021
see BOARD on page 2
Good News: Bicentennial Community Service Challenge Left to right: CTC Automotive Technology students Jaden Mason, Neil Schmidt, Nick Julien, and Ethan Haile. Photo credit: Valley News staff
In This Edition: Looking Back: Yesterday is history—Valley News
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Business: KCRVS, January Jobs Report
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State News: He was deemed a ‘security concern’ in the Missouri Capitol. He’s back proposing bills
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Your Health: Personalize your plate
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Sports: Eagles eager to sprint out of the blocks
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Cover Photo: From left to right: Tanner Barker, Gavin Parks, Dru Azcona, Sevi Aumua, Coach Bowman, Donovan McBride, and Hunter Newsom prepare for the state wrestling championship this weekend. Story on page 10.
Today the Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC) announced the Bicentennial Community Service Challenge. The Challenge encourages Missourians to volunteer for 200 hours this year in honor of the state’s 200th year of statehood. Those who complete the Challenge will receive a certificate for their service during Missouri’s bicentennial year. “Through the Bicentennial Community Service Challenge, we're observing this historic year for our state while recognizing the many Missourians who serve,” Scott McFarland, Executive Director of Missouri Community Service Commission said. “Volunteerism has played a key role in Missouri’s rich history, and it’s also vital in building a strong and prosperous future.” According to AmeriCorps, more than 1.5 million Missourians volunteer each year, totaling more than 130 million hours of service. These hours are
estimated to be worth billions of dollars in value for Missouri communities. Service projects can range from tutoring to disaster relief and more. “Missouri’s bicentennial is an opportunity to celebrate what makes our state great,” Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, Co-Chair of the Missouri Bicentennial Commission said. “The Bicentennial Community Service Challenge is a productive way to mark this milestone by joining the countless Missourians who volunteer their time to improve our communities.” Missourians who wish to take part in the Bicentennial Community Service Challenge can download a volunteer form to track their progress throughout the year. Completed forms are due by December 31, 2021, to be eligible for a certificate. Details on the challenge, including service opportunities, are available at ShowMeService.org.
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Police Blotter
BOARD
continued from page 1
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of February 25-March 2, 2021. February 25, 2021 200 Block of Valley DR Duncan & Dillingham 800 Block of Broadway 700 Block of Main 3300 Blk of S Outer RD 700 Block of Main 3300 Blk of S Outer RD 1100 Blk of Bkner Tarsney 700 Block of Main Front & Main
Noise Complaint Agency Assist Jackson County Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Person Burglary Property Damage Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident
February 26, 2021 300 Block of SW Eagles Pkwy Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Stolen Auto Recovery 800 Block of Shorthorn 911 Hang Up 300 Blk of NE Cold Wtr Cr Suspicious Person Woodbury & Duncan Area Check RD Mize & Long Area Check 600 Block of Yennie Missing Juvenile 1100 Block of Main Vin Verification 200 Blk of NW Amanda LN Stealing 700 Block of Main Odometer Verification February 27, 2021 1200 Block of Ashley 1800 Block of Willow 600 Block of Green DR 500 Block of Lakeview 40 HWY & Sni A Bar Young & Broadway 100 Block of SW 8th ST 600 Block of Green 700 Block of Albatross High View DR 700 Block of Eagle DR 1200 Block of Phelps CT Broadway & Young 800 Block of NW Willow Jefferson & I 70
Agency Assist Clay County Citizen Contact Alarm Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Area Check Agency Assist Oak Grove PD Alarm Agency Assist Oak Grove PD Traffic Complaint Assault Disturbance Area Check Residence Check Area Check
February 28, 2021 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 500 Block of S Main Woodbury & Whitney 1300 Block of Minter Way 1300 Block of NW Hilltop 1200 Block of RD Mize 500 Block of Lakeview 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Laura LN
Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Suspicious Person Suspicious Person Suspicious Vehicle Missing Juvenile Disturbance Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity
March 1, 2021 1200 Blk of NW Phelps DR 700 Block of N Main ST 400 Block of SW Laura LN 400 Block of SW Laura LN 1200 Block of NW Cedar LN BB & Woodbury 1900 Block of McQuerry 700 Block of Main 600 Block of SW Gateway 1200 Block of Graystone 500 Block of SW Lakeview 800 Blk of NW St Brook DR
Trespassing Auto Theft Area Check Area Check Alarm Suspicious Vehicle Area Check General Info Suspicious Activity Motor Vehicle Accident Verbal Disturbance Suspicious Vehicle
March 2, 2021 700 Block of Main 300 Blk of SW Eagles Pkwy 700 Block of N Main ST 1200 Block of Amanda DR 700 Block of Shorthorn DR 700 Block of Main 1300 Block of Jefferson 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Wolf Creek 300 Blk of SW Eagles Pkwy 900 Blk of Valley Woods CT 1400 Blk of NW Broadway 100 Block of Lee 800 Blk of Valley Woods
Citizen Contact Alarm Recovered Property Citizen Contact Vehicle Blocking Roadway Citizen Contact Disturbance Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Alarm Alarm Citizen Contact Agency Assist Buckner PD Civil Standby
budgeted concrete replacement and repairs at a cost of $190,000. Central Jackson County Fire Prevention District (CJCFPD) Chief Jeff Grote presented information on an April ballot issue requesting approval of bonds to build a new fire station on the north side of Grain Valley. Tasha Lindsey with the Grain Valley Partnership and Michael Todd with the
Grain Valley Fair board presented information on the proposed continuation of Grain Valley Fair Food Truck Fridays, set to resume in April pending Board approval. The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00pm.
Sustaining Members Thank you to our first sustaining members for their support of local news. Join them in supporting YOUR local news at https://www.grainvalleynews.com/store/p7/sustainingmember.html.
Cathy Allie
Marcia Napier
Rose and Steve Brashears
Mike and Tosha Todd
Dennis and Deborah Ellsworth
Sarah and Jerry Vaughan
Shannon Grubb
Courtney and Jeff Williams
Phillip Hanson
Wesley Wolski
Chuck Johnston
Jeff Wolff
Leon Maberry
John and Cory Unrein
Katherine McCarthy
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 John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @grainvalleynews Sign up at www.grainvalleynews.com to have Valley News delivered weekly to your inbox.
Looking Back
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Looking Back: Yesterday is history—Valley News by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society I always say “Yesterday is history.” This week will mark the end of a series of articles I have written to tell the story of the newspapers that have served Grain Valley since the early 1900s. The final and current newspaper is, of course, Valley News, Grain Valley’s Community Newspaper. What you are reading in the paper today will be history tomorrow. John and Cory Unrein published the first issue of Valley News on June 21, 2018. Since the first 8-page edition, readers have been given the opportunity to learn about our city, parks and recreation, business news, school news, health and wellness, and opportunities for youth and senior
citizens. And I have been privileged to write this column, Looking Back. Looking back in history, it was just three short years ago that Grain Valley welcomed OATS Transit to assist our senior citizens. Scott Overfield represented GVHS at the National Speech and Debate Tournament where he placed in the top 10% of 255 competitors in Original Oratory. A photograph in Volume 1, No. 5 of the Valley News was titled “Construction Underway at the High School.” We know the 30,000+ square foot addition is history when we drive by today and see construction currently underway on the new Fine Arts addition. 2018 was also the year Grain Valley moved to the Suburban Conference
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The Missouri state flag was created in 1909 and was adopted on March 22, 1913. The designer, Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the group responsible for the creation of a number of other state flags.
The flag features a triband design of red, white and blue bands. The red stripes symbolize valor, and white represents purity. The blue stripe has three different meanings: vigilance, justice and permanency. The design is also a nod to the influence of France during Missouri's earliest history.
Support Local News: Become a Sustaining Member Sustaining members receive the following: Name listed in each weekly edition for one year. 20% discount on all advertising and Valley News products. Valley News coffee mug and Roasterie coffee. Each sustaining membership is valid for one year from the date of payment.
Join online at www.grainvalleynews.com.
where they joined Grandview, Kearney, Platte County, Raytown South, Smithville, and Winnetonka in the Blue Division. Swimming and diving were added to the sports program. Three years ago we didn’t have a Taco Bell, a Captain’s Lounge, or a Quiktrip. However, Pilot, The Apple Market, and Posh are history! While we don’t have every edition, we have many copies of the Valley News in the archives along with copies of the other newspapers I have written about over the past few week. We hope you will visit the Historical Society at 506 Main Street and enjoys our history of yesterday!
Photo credit: Valley News file photo
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Business
KCRVS brings RV consignment and storage solutions to Grain Valley People tired of being cooped up due to the pandemic have hit the open road in RV’s (recreational vehicles consisting of motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers) trying to find a safe way to vacation in the United States. The appeal of getting away from restrictions by taking loved ones to scenic areas filled with the splendor of nature has produced a boom in the RV market within the past year. In July of 2020, the RV Industry Association claimed more than 40,000 RV’s were shipped to customers in June of 2020. This was a ten percent increase compared to the same month in 2019. RV dealers were also reporting that between 50-80 percent of travelers purchasing the vehicles were doing so for the first time, per KEYT.com. Motivations for these numbers can be found in people not wanting to fly or stay in a hotel. Instead, they could cook their own meals and sleep in their own bed within an RV. New RV owners will inevitably need storage, maintenance, and resale assistance solutions for their purchase. The I-70 eastbound corridor near the Grain Valley exit is ripe with RV dealers. Joining that market is JE Cornwell, owner and president of KCRVS. Located at 148 NE McQueery Rd in Grain Valley, Cornwell took over the property next to Matthews Elementary on February 1st. The frozen ground due to the inclement weather in late winter has made the move to Grain Valley challenging at times. However, KCRVS has found success with approximately 15 RV’s that are on the lot and 6 more arriving by mid-March. One of the first items of business for Cornwell has been having a grader drop fresh gravel on the lot and level it so that close to three of the five acres making up the property could be used immediately. Plans are underway for remodeling of the office and mechanical shed so that a grand opening to the public can happen sometime in April. In the meantime, Cornwell is promoting other parts of his business that include new model off road campers at the Open Season Sportsman Expo in Overland Park, Kansas from March 12th through March 14th. Cornwell also owns AMPR LLC which provides financing services for autos, marine, powersports, and RV’s.
Networking through 26 years in the finance business has led to Cornwell’s entrance into the RV consignment and storage market over the last 5 years. The original location of Cornwell’s RV consignment business was in Grandview, Missouri. A meeting by chance led to the move to Grain Valley. “COVID-19 had shut us down at our Grandview location for 101 days due to us being considered non-essential. We reopened the business at the end of June in 2020 to find a chokehold on the inventory of RV’s. Camping World, Jayco, and Olathe RV started running ads on consigning your RV with them. The year prior they did not want anything to do with that market,” Cornwell said. JE Cornwell, owner and president of KCRVS. Located at 148 NE McQueery Rd in Grain “It did, however, bring the idea and Valley, Cornwell took over the property next to Matthews Elementary on February 1st. term of ‘closed consignment’ to the Photo credit: Valley News staff forefront for the public. We have be here and feel this will be a huge here I filled out three applications for benefited from the public exposure that success for us. We definitely have room Grain Valley, Blue Springs, and Lee’s has brought.” to grow (due to the size of our 5 acre Summit Chambers of Commerce. This is Cornwell continued, “Grain Valley was lot).” a community based business. I want to not initially on my radar (as a spot for KCRVS can be reached by phone at build a relationship with customers as this business). The previous owner of 816-800-6100 or online at someone who wants to be a part of the this property had operated Country www.kcrvs.com. Grain Valley community. We are glad to Campers and been here since 1993. They drove by our business in Grandview and noticed how full our lot was in leading them to stop and start a conversation with me. We were eventually able to Missouri non-farm payroll 19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the negotiate a price that worked for both employment increased in January 2021, rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The us and here we are.” and the seasonally adjusted rate decreased monthly for the rest of The motivation for being in the unemployment rate decreased by a 2020, reaching 4.4 percent in December. consignment RV business is that it tenth of a percentage point. Benchmarking revisions caused provides an alternative for the owner in Employment, seasonally adjusted, Missouri’s unemployment rate to be a taking the RV to auction, as well as increased by 5,900 jobs over the month, tenth of a percentage point higher than providing a cheaper price to a potential but over-the year job losses were back the national rate in January and buyer to depreciation. Making the above 100,000 following benchmark February of 2020, so Missouri’s streak of marriage work between finding a good adjustments to 2020 estimates. The seasonally adjusted unemployment price for both the buyer and seller is state’s seasonally adjusted rates below the comparable national what makes the consignment market unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in rates is now 11 consecutive months. work in the eyes of Cornwell. January 2021, down from 4.4 percent in The estimated number of “Depreciation is a key word. New car December 2020. unemployed Missourians was 130,822 in values drop 15 to 20% when you drive it Missouri’s smoothed seasonally January 2021, down by 4,290 from off the lot. RV’s are around 25%. If you adjusted unemployment rate decreased December 2020’s 135,112. can come here and find a 2018 or 2019 by a tenth of a percentage point in The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted used model that has been well January 2021, dropping to 4.3 percent rate was 5.1 percent in January 2021, up maintained, with them only being used from a benchmarked December 2020 by 0.5 percentage points from the part time typically, it can be a savvy rate of 4.4 percent. Missouri’s December 2020 not-seasonally-adjusted option with a big price difference in unemployment rate was below the rate of 4.6 percent. The corresponding what we offer.” national rate of 6.3 percent in January. not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for “We have campers on this lot that Due to the lingering effects of the January 2021 was 6.8 percent. are over $200,000. We also have fifthCOVID-19 pandemic, the January 2021 A year ago, the state’s seasonally wheels that are $150,000. People rate was 0.7 percentage points higher adjusted rate was 3.6 percent, and the typically need financing when you are than the January 2020 rate. The rate had not-adjusted rate was 4.0 percent. dealing with that price range. We can reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in support them with that as well as July 2018, before gradually edging up to storage of their RV and maintenance.” 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then Cornwell concluded, “My first week to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-
January Jobs Report
State News
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He was deemed a ‘security concern’ in the Missouri Capitol. He’s back proposing bills by Tessa Weinberg, Missouri Independent During a recent hearing on his bill to establish the “Stop Social Media Censorship Act,” state Rep. Jeff Coleman repeatedly referenced experts sitting behind him in the audience who would be better able to address questions about the legislation’s legality. The first of these experts to testify was Chris Sevier, an Iraqi war veteran, Tennessee attorney and advocate who has pushed anti-LGBTQ and anti-porn legislation in statehouses across the country — and was deemed a “security concern” in the Missouri Capitol two years ago. Sevier may be best known for suing states that wouldn’t recognize his marriage to his laptop — a move to protest gay marriage. He’s also made headlines for past legal issues, including being charged with stalking and harassing country music singer John Rich and a 17-year-old girl. Sevier later pleaded guilty to reduced charges of misdemeanor harassment. In 2011, Sevier’s Tennessee law license was moved to “disability inactive status” due to being “presently incapacitated from continuing to practice law by reason of mental infirmity or illness.” Meanwhile, Sevier has been connected to controversial legislative efforts across the country for years — often leaving uneasy interactions in his wake. Last month, Sevier was escorted by security out of the Oklahoma Capitol after an altercation with a lawmaker. Three years ago in Rhode Island, a state senator withdrew a bill pushed by Sevier, citing its “dubious origins.” After Missouri Senate Administrator Patrick Baker sent an email to senators and staff with a photo of Sevier and the subject line “security concern” in 2019, Sevier filed a federal lawsuit against him alleging defamation. The lawsuit was dismissed the same month. The “Stop Social Media Censorship Act” is the latest of his legislative initiatives to find its way to Missouri. Social media posts and draft legislation uploaded online indicate Sevier has crafted versions of the bill, in addition to a handful of others, for all 50 states. He’s also been working to find lawmakers to sponsor his bills since the fall. Coleman, R-Grain Valley, said Sevier first approached him in late October or early November after seeing Coleman’s public complaints about social media censorship. The bill would allow Missourians whose political or religious speech is censored on large social media platforms to bring lawsuits against those companies. Opponents argue the legislation is unconstitutional and would impede platforms’ ability to remove objectionable content, while supporters say it’s necessary to give users a voice. “He asked me to carry that bill, and I agreed to it,” Coleman said, later adding: “In general, I think it’s a very good bill,
because we have to figure out something in order to stop what’s going on.” When reached by phone by The Independent Tuesday afternoon, Sevier said, “You can kiss my ass,” before hanging up. Coleman, who was elected in 2018, said he had previously never heard of Sevier. “As a legislator, you’ve got so many things going on, so many bills you’re trying to keep up with, you really don’t have time to do a background check on someone,” Coleman said. But after learning of Sevier’s past following his testimony at last month’s committee hearing, Coleman said he is moving forward without Sevier’s input and working to refine the bill. “He seems like a nice enough guy. But there’s enough out there that’s a concern that we don’t have him helping us anymore,” Coleman said, later adding: “We don’t need those distractions, because this is an important issue. We want to make sure that that’s the issue, not him.” Rep. Dottie Bailey, R-Eureka, is also sponsoring a version of the “Stop Social Media Censorship Act.” Bailey could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. ‘De Facto Attorneys General’ Despite detailing amendments and changes that he said would be made to Coleman’s House Bill 482, Sevier denied playing a role in writing the legislation when asked by Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, during the Feb. 22 hearing. “We have many lawyers. We would respectfully submit that the bills are written out of multi-state federal litigation so it would be different suggestions from judges and courts — it’d be language that’s pulled from different pleadings and opinions, if you will,” said Sevier, who said he was not a lobbyist. “So there’s many people that we support (on) this bill. Rep. Coleman is the author of this bill. We support his bill.” On the witness form he submitted to testify on the bill, Sevier did not list an organization that he’s affiliated with. But his connections to the bill and the groups he associated with aren’t hard to find. Sevier is listed on websites for the groups “Special Forces of Liberty” and “De Facto Attorneys General,” and has listed those same groups in lawsuits. In a December discussion with the New Jersey Constitutional Republicans, Sevier said the name “De Facto Attorneys General” comes from doing the work attorneys general should be doing, but aren’t. Through filing federal lawsuits challenging issues, Sevier said judges are “communicating in ways in their opinions,” which guides legislation. In the past, Sevier has filed a slew of federal lawsuits against companies like Apple for not restricting pornography on their products and to stop a Louisiana
city from holding “Drag Queen Story Time.” A decision in 2018 litigation referenced over a dozen lawsuits Sevier filed since 2014 challenging same-sex marriage. “And then from the federal lawsuits, we’ve been writing a litany of legislation for all 50 states that cover mainly the ‘culture war’ issues and hopefully to proliferate human flourishing, to restore the rule of law and to underscore constitutional supremacy,” Sevier told the New Jersey Constitutional Republicans. A website for the “Stop Social Media Censorship Act” that details bills filed across the country doesn’t indicate what groups are affiliated with it. However, the website domain is registered to “De Facto Attorney Generals” with an Alabama address. The bill language listed for Missouri, like many others linked from the website, shows suggested amendments in red text to House Bill 482 — some of which Sevier described during last month’s House hearing. And videos explaining the bill for each state are nearly identical. From Facebook posts and news stories, Sevier appears to have been crisscrossing the country meeting with lawmakers in recent months. Standing in front of the Missouri Capitol, Sevier said in a video posted on Facebook on Jan. 6 that Coleman was already a sponsor, and that he was “looking for prime sponsors for the other four bills.” In an October post to the Facebook page of Jenna Ellis, an attorney who served on former President Donald Trump’s legal team that tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Sevier shared a link to files of draft legislation he said he wrote for all 50 states, including talking points. “What I need is a letter from the President endorsing the legislation that I can take to the statehouses and give to the Majority Leaders and Speakers,” Sevier wrote. Both Coleman and Bailey’s bills have definitions that closely resemble those in bills filed across the country. For example, Bailey’s bill defines hate speech as “a phrase concerning content that offends an individual’s personal moral code.” It’s a similar definition used in bills on the topic in at least 11 states. Coleman is also sponsoring House Bill 1193, which would establish the “Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act,” another measure Sevier has pushed nationwide that would require a $20 fee for users to unblock access to websites facilitating human trafficking, prostitution or pornography. Coleman said a woman from St. Louis had approached him about that bill, not Sevier. In the lawsuit against Baker, Sevier claimed credit for authoring a similar version of the bill filed by Rep. Jim Neely in 2018. Similar bills have been filed in years past. A bill filed last year by Rep. Tom Hannegan, R-St. Charles, that included
provisions of both the acts was withdrawn a little over a month into the session. Hannegan said he did so because the bill wasn’t a good fit for what he was trying to achieve. “Somebody sent an email, I think, pretty randomly out and just was saying what it was,” Hannegan said. “And it looked like something that I might be interested in, but it just wasn’t the route that I wanted to go down.” Missouri Lawsuit In February 2019, staff in several Missouri Senate and House offices reported uncomfortable encounters with Sevier. As a result, Baker, the Missouri Senate administrator, sent an email to lawmakers and staff warning of “jittery and/or suspicious” interactions with Sevier and reminding them to notify Capitol Police any time they’re in situations in which they feel uncomfortable or threatened, according to The Kansas City Star. A week after Baker’s email, Sevier filed a lawsuit against him. In the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Sevier accused Baker of stalking him, deploying a hoax and colluding with the Democratic Party and media organizations who reported on the email, which the lawsuit argued resulted in defamation and emotional distress. Sevier asked for $36 million in damages and that Baker — who the lawsuit repeatedly refers to as “Dishonest Defendant Baker” — issue a retraction, apology and correction. Sevier argued there was no basis for the email and that Baker “floated this hit piece to cause legislatures to shun and avoid the Plaintiffs…” Both Sevier and another activist with Special Forces of Liberty were listed as plaintiffs. The lawsuit also listed a litany of other alleged motivations, such as hating Christians and supporting what Sevier’s proposed legislation is attempting to stop. “The evidence will show that Defendant Baker and others published the false and defamatory statements because they are proponents of child molestation,” the lawsuit alleged. The lawsuit was dismissed the same month it was filed. Asked about Sevier being back in the Capitol, Baker referred to his previous comments in 2019. Trevor Fox, a spokesman for the Missouri House, said there was no action taken by the House in 2019 regarding Sevier. Tessa Weinberg covers education, health care and the legislature. She previously covered the Missouri statehouse for The Kansas City Star and The Columbia Missourian, where her reporting into social media use by the governor prompted an investigation by the Attorney General’s office. She most recently covered state government in Texas for The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. www.missouriindependent.com
Your Health
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Personalize your plate by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD Spring Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie food groups and hydrate yourself healthfully without added sugars. Learn how to read the Nutrition Facts Panel so you can increase your knowledge of what is in the food you are eating. Avoid distractions while eating so that you can focus on your food and enjoy the company you are with. Choose healthful food that you enjoy. Plan Your Meals Healthy eating is much easier when you have a plan in place. Pick one day of the week to do your grocery shopping and shop from a list. Check out menus before you go to restaurants so that you have a chance to make a good decision before you get there and may be tempted by other items. Enjoy healthy snacks by stocking your refrigerator with lean protein, fruits and vegetables. March is National Nutrition Month®, which is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate.” There is not just one way to approach your nutrition and health. All bodies are unique and we all have different tastes and different goals which we are trying to achieve with our health and wellness. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) can help you achieve your optimal health and reach your goals. The following are some guidelines to get you started on healthy eating. Eat a Variety of Foods Make sure you include foods from all
Learn Skills to Create Tasty Meals Start with a simple recipe and build your skills. Watch a cooking show, or take a cooking class if you need help with the basics. Find a friend or relative who is a good cook to help get you started. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) If you need specific advice and don’t know where to turn, don’t rely on a friend, relative or the internet. Get professional guidance from a nutrition expert so you know the information you are getting is reliable. Find a RD/RDN who can meet your unique needs. Try this healthier twist on a Saint Patrick’s Day favorite.
Ingredients: 2 (12-oz) pkg. frozen riced cauliflower 1 (6.5-oz) pkg light garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin) 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil 1 pound ground turkey (white and dark meat) 2 cups chopped carrots 1 ¾ cup chopped zucchini 1 cup chopped yellow onion 1 cup frozen sweet peas ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish 1 ½ cups unsalted chicken stock ½ teaspoon black pepper Directions: Preheat broiler to high with oven rack in upper middle position Microwave cauliflower according to package directions until tender. Combine cauliflower and cheese in a food processor; process until smooth. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until turkey begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add carrots, zucchini, onion, and peas; stir to combine. Add salt, and cook, stirring often, 4 minutes. Add flour and 1 teaspoon thyme: stir to combine. Increase heat to high add chicken stock. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Spoon cauliflower mixture over turkey and vegetable mixture in skillet, smoothing top with a spoon; sprinkle with pepper. Broil until cauliflower topping is golden brown in spots, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with additional thyme leaves. Serve immediately Nutrition: Calories: 295, Fat 14 g, Saturated fat 5 g, Unsaturated fat 9 g, Protein 24 g, Carbohydrate 21g, Fiber 6 g, Sugars 8 g, Added sugars 0 g, Sodium 540 mg
Jackson County Health Department COVID-19 Testing Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations March 15-19: Monday: Lee’s Summit This is a Drive-Thru 505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063 Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210315751714852 Tuesday: Grandview This is not a drive-thru clinic The View: Grandview- The View Community Center 13500 Byars Rd., Grandview MO 64030. Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210316422714848
Wednesday: Blue Springs This is not a drive thru clinic Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210325345327852 Thursday: Lee’s Summit This is a drive-thru 505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063 Registration link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210315681414851 Friday: Independence Not a drive-thru Independence Uptown Farmers Market211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050 Registration Link: https:// jacohd.jotform.com/210324580814853
Education
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CTC continued from page 1 forums for displaying the 9th Grade information videohttps://bit.ly/ CTC9thGradeVideo, and for providing links for the application processhttps://bit.ly/CTCApp2021-2022. Arraya Ross is a Grain Valley High School student involved in the CSI/Law Enforcement program at CTC. Her time is split between calisthenics, classroom work, and field shadowing at the Fort Osage campus. Having time commitments or pull between two campuses is something Ross would not have any other way. “Honestly, this is a great program to go into. We do everything from simulating traffic stops, doing physical fitness, to book work. I am getting to explore if this is indeed what I want to do when I grow up. I would recommend this for anyone,” Ross said. “You learn teamwork and the value of having multiple eyes on a task. Those multiple eyes present different options for us to consider before negotiating the best solution. This program has made me want to continue in this field.” “Simulating a traffic stop has made me understand the balance between maintaining calm and being nervous or scared at the same time. You have no idea what it is like until you have to actually do it and putting the skills into application that I have learned has made a huge impact on me.” Ross concluded, “My first time hearing about CTC was when Ms. Brown visited my classroom during my freshman and sophomore years. I have always been fascinated by law enforcement. My parents were initially skeptical about what my experience would be like here. That has turned into them being excited like me about I am doing.” Another popular career pathway training offered at CTC is automotive technology. CNBC cited in 2019 that auto mechanics are and will for the foreseeable future be in high demand. The United States continues to put more and more drivers on the road. Congruently, more Americans are holding onto their vehicles longer due to the continuing escalating cost of new vehicle prices. ZipRecruiter reveals that the average annual salary for an automotive mechanic in Missouri is $35,959. Local car dealerships such as Blue Springs
Ford, Bob Sight Ford, and Lee’s Summit Volkswagen work with area career schools to find partnerships for intern placements at their dealerships. To graduate high school with the skills needed to become a certified mechanic with an internship and possible employment on the horizon without a large pile of student loan debt is appealing for students with mechanical aptitude. Grain Valley High School students Nick Julien, Jaden Mason, Ethan Haile, and Neil Schmidt currently take automotive technology classes at CTC. Each has their own reason why they were drawn to the program. The group collectively enjoys the hands on experience they gain and the confidence that comes along with it for their future endeavors. “I learn things here that are not available at my home high school. Everything we do is engaging and hands on. Even If I do not choose this profession, I will have a lot of good experience for later in life,” Julien said. Schmidt continued, “Being at CTC does not feel like school. I feel like I am at a job. The type of learning we do here is fun for me. This has created a passion for me. It started out with me being into dirt bikes and has grown into a possible career. Getting to be around my friends and have fun has been a plus also.” Mason added, “I am learning good things in large quantities for what I want to do in my career later on.” Haile finished, “I estimate that none of us are going to be doing anything with calculus after graduation. Here, I learn applicable skills that fascinate me and set me up for success. I can by sight or feel find a 3 /8 inch wrench in a tool drawer as opposed to solving a threestep equation.” Being in an environment where a car can be put on a lift and things being removed and put back holds the attention of the quartet. The consequences from doing something right or wrong in a shop setting is real and something the group claims sticks in their memory. Among examples cited were the differences between old and newer ignition systems, with the old being mechanically centered and the new being diagnostic or electronically driven. The spark of interest and route taken
MCC continued from page 7 292). Mentioned twice in the ballot language, Grain Valley Schools released a statement to district patrons via email last week distancing itself from the ballot language, clarifying that the district did not place the measure on the ballot, and revenue generated from the levy would go to MCC. The district stated it would not be taking a stance on the measure. An MCC informational flyer on the
proposed levy cites December 2020 estimates from Zillow Research that the average market value of a single family home in Grain Valley is $258,000. Using this estimate, the average homeowner would see an increase of $104.31 on their annual tax bill to support MCC. A simple majority (more than 50%) of voters must vote for approval in order for the attachment to pass.
Left to right: CTC Recruitment and Placement Specialist Rebecca Brown, GVHS/CTC student Arraya Ross. Photo credit: Valley News staff to the Fort Osage Career Technical Center has been different for each automotive student. “I was visited in 8th grade by CTC instructors. That interaction made the three hours we spend a day here sound fun. That is what pushed me here. I never wanted to go to college. I wanted to get an entry level automotive job. Instead, I am planning on going to college based to pursue something automotive based on my experiences here,” Julien said. “My parents were happy with me choice to come here and that I am doing something with my hands. They have been pleased to see me doing
something that makes me this happy.” Schmidt explained his motivations were not as complex as some of his classmates. “I saw the truck on the Dyno when I visited here and loved the sound the engine made. I was hooked,” Schmidt said. “My parents have been relieved that I am on a path instead of trying to find something for a career. Also, I have made friends here at CTC that I never would of thought that I had. We have a bond due to us working on the same things with the same interests continually.”
Outdoors & Recreation
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Intro to turkey hunting clinic March 20th in Blue Springs by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Hunting wild turkeys brings a deep connection with nature, and with the right skills, sometimes fixings for a turkey dinner. A free turkey hunting clinic will be offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) from 10:00am—Noon on Saturday, March 20, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. This program will teach turkey hunting basics and help hunters be more successful. “We take it from the basics to everything they need to know,” John Rittel, MDC community education assistant said. “We cover scouting your hunting area, how to hunt turkeys, and calling. They’ll have a hands-on chance to try out some turkey calls.” Tom turkeys gobble, strut, and fan in the spring to attract hens for mating.
Their courtship dances liven up the spring woods in the early morning hours. Turkeys are also extremely wary and elusive, so hunting them is a challenge. But with the right approach, hunters can have success. This program is for participants age 11 and older. Youths 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. COVID-19 protocols will be followed including physical distancing and face masks. Registration is required. To register, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZRX. For more information about wild turkeys in Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ ZRB.
The spring wild turkey hunting season is approaching, and MDC will offer an introduction course to turkey hunting March 20 at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Photo credit: MDC
MDC offers free spring migration birding program in Kansas City by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Spring brings some new bird chirps among the trees, grasses and wetlands, as migrating birds return or pass through on their way north. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free spring migration birding program from 11:30am—12:30pm on Saturday, March 20, at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. in Kansas City. This program is for participants age 8 and older, and this session is suited for youths interested in birds and birding. Participants will practice bird watching with Kristen Muelleman, MDC naturalist. They will also complete a birding scavenger hunt. Participants will look for signs of birds that may return such as old nests and woodpecker holes, evidence of spring such as trees budding, and they will spot birds that are in the Discovery Center garden. "My favorite thing about bird
watching in the spring is that the leaves on trees and bushes are only just starting to grow,” Muelleman said. “Birds that are returning from their wintering grounds or those special short-term visitors passing through on their way north are much easier to spot. Once the leaves fill in the branches, birds can be much more elusive.” This will be an all-outdoor program. Participants will need to dress for the weather. Also, COVID-19 precautions will be followed including physical distancing and face masks. Space in this program is limited. Registration is required. To register for this program, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZR8. To learn more about wild birds and birding in Missouri, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/Zhc.
Pine siskins like these may be just visiting on their way back north for the summer. MDC will offer a free spring migration birding program on March 20 at the Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. Photo credit: MDC
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Celebrate the Earth with a new vision on eye care (StatePoint) When it comes to recycling, you may not often think about something as small as your contact lenses. Did you know, though, that 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses flush anywhere between 1.8 and 3.36 billion lenses down the toilet or sink per year? As a result, contact lenses could be contributing to the trillions of microplastics in waterways that can harm marine wildlife and even enter our food supply. This Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is an excellent time to adopt new habits in an effort to go green. If you’re like many people, you’ve probably already made a few changes to your routine, from switching to reusable water bottles and reusable grocery bags, even to composting. There are everyday sustainable solutions for so many parts of our lives – did you know there’s even one to recycle our contact lenses and to help reduce microplastic exposure in our environment? Here’s what to know: Because of their small size, contact
lenses can get filtered out of regular recycling center facilities and end up in landfills. Understanding the impact this could have on the environment, Bausch + Lomb, the makers of Biotrue ONEday daily disposable contact lenses joined forces with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, to develop the first and only contact lens recycling program available in the U.S., the ONE-by-ONE Recycling Program. The program collects contact lens waste, which is then separated based on composition and melted into plastic that can be combined with other recycled materials to become playground sets and park benches. Most recently Bausch + Lomb took the program one step further by repurposing the recycled waste to create custom training modules that were donated to the Guide Dog Foundation, a national not-for-profit that trains guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. The modules, which were funded by the Bausch Foundation, included
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benches, tables, waste stations and an agility ramp used to train the dogs and to further enhance the organization’s Smithtown, N.Y. campus for those who visit. Launched in 2016, this first-of-itskind recycling initiative has already collected and recycled nearly 30 million contact lenses, blister packs and top foils and processed about 180,000 pounds -- the equivalent weight of six school buses. This free recycling program accepts used contact lens materials from Biotrue ONEday, as well as other brands. To participate, simply collect your used contact lenses, plus the blisters and foil they come in, and bring them to a participating eye care provider. There are over 5,600 eye care providers enrolled in the program nationwide. To find one near you, visit www.bauschrecycles.com. While this change may seem small, it has the power to make a big impact on global recycling efforts, making it an excellent habit to start adopting today.
Plastic waste from contacts truly adds up over time. Start recycling yours today. Photo credit: StatePoint
Sports
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Eagles getting ready to ‘take down’ competition at state by John Unrein The silhouettes of seven figures left shadows on wrestling mats as they approached the sun filled wrestling building at Grain Valley High School. The garage door to the structure was the entry used to return upon completing a game of ultimate frisbee to begin practice. Preparation was underway by the Eagles for the Class 3 District 7 state wrestling championship. Grain Valley Eagles head wrestling coach Jeff Bowman was joined by Gavin Parks (106 pounds), Dru Azcona (126 pounds), Tanner Barker (138 pounds), Sevi Aumua (151 pounds), Hunter Newsom (195 pounds), and Donovan McBride (285 pounds) for fundamentals and mat work as March 12th looms closer for the championship tournament to be held at the Independence Events Center. A sense of ease and excitement is present within the group. The Eagles have worked hard to get to this point. Aumua, Parks, and McBride will enjoy first round byes in the state tournament due to their qualifying first place finishes. Azcona, Barker, and Newsom will compete in the opening rounds of competition. Each has their own reason as to why they love wrestling. “I love the challenge that wrestling presents. Some days you love it and some days you hate it, but at the end of the day it is a relationship you don’t want to leave,” McBride said. Barker echoed McBride’s comments with, “This sport is hard, you have to push through it, and that makes it fun.” Newsom added, “You learn the life lessons of being physically and mentally tough in this sport. Day to day, you have to work hard in practice with intensity for an hour and a half at a time to become successful.” Parks contributed, “This is intense and different from any other sport. Wrestling is physically and mentally grueling. You have to learn how to push through it.” Azcona continued, “Gavin (Parks) is absolutely right. What he said. Wrestlers tend to grow up to be disciplined men and women.” Aumua finished, “You have to be dedicated to this sport. Wrestling against opponents is great, but this team gives me a second family to help me achieve my goals. A reminder is vocalized by the group at the start of practice that little things
From left to right: Tanner Barker, Gavin Parks, Dru Azcona, Sevi Aumua, Coach Bowman, Donovan McBride, and Hunter Newsom Photo credit: Valley News staff add up to big things. Training begins with the progression of working from ground up on the mats for the Eagles. Capturing legs, driving feet to finish shots, working on doubles, and competing in mat work from both top and bottom positions are all part of the preparation. Fine tuning consistency and execution is the reward given for high school wrestlers whose season continues in March. The lights and the size of the Independence Events Center does not weigh on the minds of Eagle wrestlers. Each claim to be aware that the task at hand is in front of them and not around them. A sentiment put into perspective by Newsom. “You learn to focus on things that you can do and what you have control over. For us, that is on the mat. Everyone will have nerves as it is a big tournament, but as Coach Bowman reminds us, ‘nerves mean you care.’ The more you keep your head down and focus, the faster you get off the mat and that is the goal.” Bowman’s wisdom is apparent in what is echoed by his team. Each stage of practice tends to bring a saying coined by the man at the helm of the Grain Valley Wrestling program. Some of the phrases come out with a serious tone, while others are done with a smile. The balance between what to take seriously and remembering that wrestling is a fun part of the total
student athlete experience leads to Eagle wrestlers defining their head coach with one word or phrase. A situation that Bowman ignored at first before breaking into a wry smile. “Mario. If you have ever played Super Mario Brothers, you understand why. The likeness is there. Past that he is a good guy,” McBride said. Aumua contributed, “Caring. He wants us to be motivated and notices when we are nervous. He matches high expectations with wanting to make sure we are okay. You know when someone cares, and he shows it.” Azcona added, “Family. This team is a big family, and he pushes that.” Newsom continued, “Balance. Coach knows how to set high expectations and drive us to that without forgetting about fun along the way.”
Barker concluded by raising his hand and snickering prior to unloading, “Ham. He is on us like ham in a bun. It is constant, but I appreciate it.” Barker’s final remark drew a raucous laugh from the group. The Grain Valley Eagles wrestling program is diligently preparing to “take down” the competition in front of them without the absence of fun. Update: Sevi Aumua placed 3rd in the MSHSAA State Wrestling Tournament on March 9th.
Sports
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Eagles eager to sprint out of the blocks by John Unrein Grain Valley assistant boys track coach Eric Stone has taken to social media recently publicizing the strong start to training displayed by members of the Eagles track team in the 100 meter dash. The mild early March weather has produced some robust handheld times. The top 5 times during early trials have included Logan Pratt (10.56), Tristan Pouncil (11.25), Dom Koryke (11.44), Trent Knox (11.60), and Carter Vrlenich (11.63). Stone, being mindful of motivation, asks questions with each post he makes such as, “If you are not on this list, what can you do to get on this list?” Or, “If you want to be higher on this list, what can you do to move up the list?” “Not having a track season last year, you can tell has lit a fire under this group. Understanding what can be taken away and this beautiful weather has led to some motivated runners,” Stone said. “Kids like Vrlenich, who were going to be first year track participants last spring are aware as seniors that this is their one shot at competing in track.” Stone finished, “Twitter has given us another way to celebrate success and push through not being satisfied with where we are at. Mindfulness about goals benefits us as a group and kids and parents when they see it, have had positive reactions as well.” Watching the sprint group that Stone coaches take off with the youthful exuberance that would potentially strain a middle age hamstring during a sprint
brings appreciation to the form and explosiveness needed to compete in this avenue of track. Some may be predisposed to the opinion that speed is genetic, natural, or God given. The trio of Pratt, Pouncil, and Vrlenich are ever conscious though of how the instruction and routine they go through may lead to improvement. “Boom booms are a drill we do in working on turning our feet over faster. Getting our feet off the ground as quick as possible with our leg parallel to our hip before putting our feet back down as fast as possible,” Pratt said. Pouncil added, “Doing 200 meter repeats makes us focus on our form past the length of 100 meters. It also builds our endurance.” Vrlenich concluded, “Gear switches help us find that extra push if we need it at the end of a race. By building up as we sprint, it also teaches us how to pace ourselves.” The smiles, laughter, and conversation among the Eagles sprint group make it apparent the strong social connection that exists among the group. The occasional clowning around at the end of practice by attempting an event not usually done by Pouncil like hurdles brings jokes and constructive feedback from peers. Some wanted, and some unwanted. The most noticeable thing about the group is their competitive nature. Each is interested in winning and being the fastest at what they do.
From left to right: Coach Eric Stone, Tristan Pouncil, Locan Pratt, and Carter Vrlenich. Photo credit: Valley News staff “There is something about finishing first and seeing everyone behind me,” Vrlenich said. Pratt continued, “My friends run with me. This is quick and easy for me. I love competing.” Pouncil finished, “Ditto. Everything they said. I don’t get to clown around too much, or the coaches will be on my head. Running fast and trying to finish ahead of people is fun.” Wanting to see growth by improvement in times as the season
progresses is the foremost goal for the triad of sprinters. Being aware of the work it will take to get there is not lost on the group as well. “Placing at State matters to us. Both as a relay team and individually. Starting below 11 seconds in the 100 (meter dash) is a good start. We are willing to do what it takes to get better,” Pratt said.
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Renovating Your Home? How to protect your investment (StatePoint) The increased time spent at home during the pandemic has resulted in many people deciding to tackle home renovation projects. From creating a new office space or virtual learning area, to larger projects like bathroom renovations, many homeowners are rolling up their sleeves to do the improvements themselves. And the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects the remodeling industry will be even stronger in 2021, up 3.8% compared to 2020. During the pandemic, homeowners have fixed up or added on decks, updated landscaping and installed new roofs, among other projects. According to HomeAdvisor’s latest annual State of Home Spending report, the number one completed project was interior painting – 35% of households painted in 2020, making a visual impact with a low investment. What’s on your to-do list? If you’re considering an upgrade but not sure where to start, check out the results of a national survey by Erie Insurance, conducted prior to the pandemic, which revealed what homeowners don’t have, but wish they did. Here are the top five: 1. Walk-in pantry: This topped the list with just under a third of respondents (30%) saying they wish they had one. Kitchen renovations are typically on wish lists, and Houzz reported that demand for kitchen remodelers was up 40% in June 2020 compared to the year prior. 2. Granite countertops: 17.8%
3. Kitchen island: 16.8% 4. Tankless water heater: 16.4% 5. Finished basement: 16.2% Regardless of the new features or upgrades you choose, it’s important to let your insurance agent know so you can make sure you have enough homeowners insurance coverage. “We understand how important the home is; that’s why we provide coverage to suit every home and budget,” says Bob Buckel, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance. “Our variety of optional endorsements helps you customize your policy without breaking the bank.” Consider expanding your coverage beyond the standard homeowners policy with endorsements – like equipment breakdown to cover that new tankless water heater. They can also cover stolen or misplaced jewelry, sewer or drain backups, cyber-crimes, identity theft and underground service lines. Adding these extra coverages to your home policy can provide you with the comfort knowing all the extra work you put into sprucing up your home will be protected. To make sure you have what you need for your home and everything in it, talk to an insurance agent or visit ErieInsurance.com. Making home updates can be as big or small an endeavor as you like. If you do take the plunge, be sure you protect your investment.
Community Calendar Friday, March 12, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events
Monday, March 22, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Virtual meeting via Zoom
Navigating an Excel Worksheet 1:00pm—1:15pm Learn ways to navigate in a worksheet to find a cell or a group of cells. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time. If you don’t see this program the first time or want to watch it again, visit the MCPL YouTube channel at youtube.com/MCPLMO.
Thursday, March 25, 2021 Grain Valley Historical Society Membership Meeting 7:00pm www.grainvalleyhistory.com
Saturday, March 13, 2021 Native Plant Sale Noon—2:00pm Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Rd Enhance your landscapes with native plants. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Green Thumb Gardens and City Roots Nursery will be on site with native plants for sale while supplies last. Pre-orders are suggested for Missouri Wildflower Nursery and will be available for pick up during event time. March 15—19, 2021 Spring Break Grain Valley Schools closed Saturday, March 20, 2021 Spring Migration 10:00am—11:00am Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO Registration required (ages 8+) As spring approaches, learn why birds migrate and what they need to survive. Young birders will practice bird watching with a naturalist and complete a scavenger hunt to find out which birds may be leaving the area, which will stay and which will return from a winter away! This is an all outdoor program so dress for the weather.
Saturday, March 27, 2021 Discover Nature: Aquatics 10:00am—11:00am Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64110 Registration required (ages 8+) Take a step off land and dive into the world of aquatic ecosystems. Learn how to identify macroinvertebrates and what they tell us about water quality. Discover the watershed you live in and how our actions can have an impact and get up close with aquatic wildlife. Discover Missouri's aquatic ecosystems and discover a world of wonder. This is an all outdoor program so dress for the weather. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor the day prior to the event if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events Friday, April 2, 2021 Easter Break Grain Valley Schools closed
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