Looking Back: Grain Valley Baseball

Capitol Report

Representative Jeff Coleman, District 32

Lawmakers Call for Special Session for ProLife Policies One of the issues left on the table from the 2021 legislative session is the renewal of a tax on hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmacies that accounts for more than $2 billion in funding for Missouri’s Medicaid program. Now, as the governor contemplates calling a special session to address the issue, members from both chambers are asking him to include strong pro-life provisions in any bill considered by the legislature. Thirty-eight legislators from the House and Senate signed a letter asking Gov. Parson to include “a general call to protect Missouri taxpayers and others from being forced to directly or indirectly fund abortion – such as by being forced to fund abortions or abortion access, to reimburse for abortion-causing drugs and devices, or to send tax dollars to organizations that perform or induce elective abortions and their affiliates.” Missouri’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program began as a voluntary program, but it was expanded and enacted into law as a provider tax in 1992. Hospitals provide funds to the state, and Missouri’s Medicaid program, which is now called MO HealthNet, uses these funds to earn federal matching dollars. The FRA is typically renewed each year by the legislature, but debate this session became bogged down in the Senate as lawmakers could not reach a final agreement on the inclusion of prolife language. The state has until September 30 to approve a renewal of the FRA. The governor has stated he will not call a special session on the issue until lawmakers reach an agreement and have a plan in place to renew the tax. The House Budget Committee Chairman said, “An FRA extension is critical to funding Missouri Medicaid, our state’s most expensive program. I’m interested in working with Governor Parson and my fellow legislators to reach an amicable solution as soon as possible.” The letter from the group of pro-life lawmakers concludes by saying, “Gov. Parson, we urge you to exercise responsible pro-life leadership by making a general call for a special session to prohibit direct and indirect funding of abortion and abortion-related services – leaving it to the Missouri General Assembly to best craft pro-life legislation to be sent to your desk for your signature. To echo the words of President Reagan from 33 years ago, let us unite as Missourians to protect the unborn with legislation that would stop all Missouri funding for abortion.”.

Discussion on Critical Race Theory Continues in Missouri General Assembly

Another issue that received extensive discussion but ultimately did not pass into law is a restriction on the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in Missouri schools. Now, the chairs for education committees in the House and Senate have issued a letter asking the governor to call a special session so lawmakers can pass a measure that will prohibit CRT and materials related to the 1619 project from being taught in public schools. The letter notes that “Over the last several months many parents and public school employees have expressed concerns that their schools are actively incorporating changes to their curriculum by teaching critical race theory and/or ‘The 1619 Project’. These curriculum changes are divisive and unnecessary.” The letter also notes there were attempts during the 2021 legislative session to add language that would “prevent or curtail the teaching of these radical concepts.” It adds that none of the efforts were successful. Supporters of critical race theory say it is meant to help understand and address inequality and racism in the United States. CRT recognizes that systemic racism is part of American society and challenges the beliefs that allow it to flourish. Opponents of CRT say it poisons discussions on racism. President Trump banned federal

see CAPITOL on page 4

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 26—June 1, 2021.

May 26, 2021 30000 Block of E Major RD Agency Assist-JCSD BB & McQuerry Area Check 100 Block of Sunny LN Disturbance 800 Block of Highland Agency Assist-CJC 300 Block of Old US 40 HWY Motor Vehicle Accident 1300 Block of Eagles Agency Assist-CJC 1000 Block of RD Mize Verbal Disturbance 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 1300 Block of SW Foxtail DR Welfare Check 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 1100 Block of NE McQuerry Motor Vehicle Accident 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact

May 27, 2021 1300 Block of Ashly DR Animal At Large 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 200 Block of Main Trespassing 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact Buckner Tarsney S Bound Motor Vehicle Accident 800 Block of SW Meadowwood DR Citizen Contact 1400 Block of Buckner Tarsney Motorist Assist

May 28, 2021 1200 Block of Phelps DR Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 200 Block of Hudson Agency Assist-BPD 1100 Block of S Sibley Agency Assist-BPD 900 Block of SW Ryan RD Alarm 100 Block of Nelson Suspicious Auto 24 & Blue Mills Agency Assist-JCSD 900 Block of S Minter Agency Assist-JCSD 900 Block of Dogwood Motor Vehicle Accident

May 29, 2021 1400 Block of Hilltop Open Door 600 Block of Graystone Burglary 800 Block of SanKar Noise Complaint 200 Block of Michael Assault 1400 Block of Eagle Ridge Fireworks 800 Block of SanKar Verbal Disturbance 1400 Block of S Minter Way Agency Assist-CJC 1000 Block of Ryan RD Traffic Control Main & Jefferson Area Check E B I 70 Ramp Area Check 500 Block of Hillside Stealing 1200 Block of Golfview Motor Vehicle Accident 1000 Block of Ryan RD Alarm

May 30, 2021 300 Block of Front ST Suspicious Activity 800 Block of SW Lee Ann Citizen Contact 800 Block of SW Mill Creek CT Fireworks 200 Block of SW Nelson Noise Complaint 1400 Block of Nolan Fireworks 2100 Block of Dillingham Area Check 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact

May 31, 2021 3300 Block of S Outerbelt RD Alarm 500 Block of Gregg Area Check 1400 Block of NW Eagle Ridge DR Noise Complaint 1400 Block of Golfview Alarm 700 Block of Main Warrant Confirmation 600 Block of SW Westview DR Welfare Check 700 Block of Main Civil Standby 700 Block of Main Citizen Contact 1300 NW Phelps Dr Agency Assist for CJC 1800 Block NW Rosewood Dr Noise Complaint

June 1, 2021 NE Amanda Jean Way Suspicious Activity 1300 NW Jefferson St Alarm 100 Block Cross Creek Dr Citizen Contact 600 Block NW Eagle Dr Agency Assist for CJC 500 Block SW Eagles Pkwy Citizen Assist US 40 Hwy / Main St Motorist Assist 1300 Block NW Walnut Ct Citizen Contact

Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 2 Domestic violence: 1

Valley News

Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print.

Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Michael Smith | Staff Writer, Sports 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: Grain Valley Baseball

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

Last Saturday morning, I selected this photo while anxiously awaiting the start of the Missouri State High School Class 5 State Baseball Championship game. Of course, I was hoping for a win, but second place is pretty darn good, too! You have to remind yourself that there are 60 plus Class 5 teams around the state that would have “given their right arm,” as the saying goes, just to have won their conference or district title. Hopefully, the historical society can secure a photograph of this year’s team, along with the girls’ soccer team. Both teams will go down in the history books of Grain Valley. If you follow high school sports, you know that all six spring sports were conference champions this year. That in itself must be a record for the history books. As I frequently remind you, history is yesterday! So hats off to all of the champions at GVHS this past year. The photo for this week is the 1936 Grain Valley High School baseball team. They are proudly posing with the 2nd place Western Missouri Conference Championship trophy. I cannot be sure which years Grain Valley had a baseball team. There are two pictures in our collection; the 1936 team and the 193637 team. The 1940 Treasure Chest (yearbook) has a photograph of the baseball team. As I’ve mentioned previously, we do not have a 1941 or 1942 yearbook so I cannot check, but there is no mention (or photograph) of a team in 1943. I do recognize Jim Hutchings, second from the left in the front row. Several names on the back are familiar, but I did not know any others. If you recognize a player, please stop by the Historical Society and let us know who they are. If I can snag (baseball term, “snag a ball”) a photo of this year’s team, rest assured, I’ll make sure I get the player names. It’s history! Visit the Historical Society on Wednesday or Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. We have new exhibits and extended hours through August 15, 2021, as we celebrate Missouri’s Bicentennial. Hope to see you soon. The 1936 Grain Valley High School baseball team poses with the 2nd place Western Missouri Conference Championship trophy. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society

CAPITOL continued from page 3

agencies from conducting racial sensitivity training related to critical race theory. His administration called it "divisive, anti-American propaganda." States such as Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Idaho have already passed laws to ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools. In addition to the call for a special session on the issue in Missouri, the state’s attorney general has joined with 19 other attorneys general from around the country to submit a letter to the United States Department of Education to oppose the teaching of CRT. Missouri’s attorney general said, “American history, civics, and historical literacy are a crucial facet of education in schools across the state and country. Reframing that history through the flawed and harmful lens of critical race theory and the 1619 Project would be a disservice to Missouri students.” Missouri Department of Agriculture announces 2021 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Missouri seniors in many parts of the state will now have access to fresh produce thanks to the Missouri Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The Missouri Department of Agriculture recently announced the program is now up and running for the summer. The program assists low-income seniors in obtaining fresh produce that is grown in Missouri. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services and generates more than $200,000 for the farmers’ market community. Through the program, more than 4,100 households may benefit. The director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture said, “We have focused on addressing food insecurity in creative ways and this is just one example of that work. By partnering with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, we will unlock potential for Missouri agriculture. Our farmers’ markets offer a unique opportunity to not only benefit farmers, but also to support the local economy.” Low-income seniors in the Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and MidMissouri regions can apply to receive vouchers that will allow them to purchase eligible foods from an authorized farmer at a Missouri farmers’ market. A total of up to 10 vouchers worth $5 each may be issued to each qualifying Missouri household. To identify the regions that contained the highest number of eligible citizens, the Department of Agriculture worked with the Missouri Department of Social Services. Seniors are encouraged to consider using a proxy to both apply for vouchers and purchase eligible foods at a farmers’ market. Each senior may designate one proxy on their behalf. The senior and the proxy must both sign the program application in order to receive the vouchers. Seniors may apply for vouchers at the following locations:  Springfield – SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging, (417) 862-0762  St. Louis County and St. Louis City – Aging Ahead, (636) 207-0847  Kansas City – University of Missouri Extension, (816) 380-8460 Columbia – Aging Best, (573) 443-5823

Vouchers will be available through Sept. 30 and must be redeemed by Oct. 31. Farmers interested in learning more about eligibility and participation should email the Department of Agriculture at FarmersMarket@mda.mo.gov.

Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions. If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-7511487, or email my office at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov. Best regards, Jeff Coleman

How will the global chip shortage affect me?

by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert

The COVID-19 pandemic has created chaos in the production of many products we use in our day-today life, including semiconductors. How does this affect you? Well, semiconductors are one of the important components in the electronics you use at home and work. Smartphones, computers, cars, and tablets are just a few of the items that rely on computer semiconductors and chips. Production slowed down some tech items, reducing supply. During the pandemic, demand suddenly increased on tech-related gadgets which created a shortage. When shortages occur, there's always the possibility that prices may skyrocket. Wondering what tech devices are affected? Check out this list of items that could be affected by the chip shortage and what you can do to save some money. There is very little produced in this smart and highly connected digital age that doesn’t need some embedded computer parts. Some people have wondered if the chip shortage is real. It is, but every company is affected differently. Many companies order computer chips far in advance to keep up with supply and demand. Other companies order only when the need occurs which causes problems because chip manufacturers have to keep the promises to their long-standing customers while casual customers have to wait their turn in line. You're probably thinking, ‘Why don't they just open a new factory to keep up with supply and demand?’ Easier said than done. Opening new production lines take months to build and costs billions of dollars. Here is a list of products that could be affected.

1. Household electronics. You probably didn't realize everyday items like microwaves, vacuum cleaners, TVs, smart home devices, and even appliances in your home or office have semiconductors or chips inside of them. Unfortunately, the life of most home appliances is 5 years or less. If you're in the market for home or office appliances, now might be a good time to make a purchase.

2. Desktop and Laptop Computers. Your Windows and Macintosh computers are made up of chips and semiconductors. Before you rush out and purchase a new computer, make sure you can't upgrade your current system. Upgrades such as solid-state hard drives (SSD), or more RAM can increase the speed of your slower, older computer. With that in mind, these items will be affected by the chip shortage, so act now.

3. Smartphones & Tablets. Your smartphone and tablet are essentially mini-computers and these devices are affected too. You could see a price increase for Android devices which are normally less expensive than Apple devices.

4. Gaming consoles. Fortunately, the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X saw releases last fall, and there are no new game systems on the horizon. If the chip shortage continues, you could see this affect the availability of these products as the holiday season approaches. If you're looking to purchase one of the latest gaming consoles as a holiday gift, you might want to get ahead of the holiday rush..

This is probably a good time to practice some preventive maintenance on your electronic devices to help them last a little longer. Some tips to use are as follows:

Purchase good surge protection. A power surge can fry a TV, computer, or any other electronic device that is plugged in for power. Make sure those items are plugged into a surge protector or consider a whole home surge protector that you can purchase from your energy provider.

Take care of your devices. This seems obvious, but it makes a big difference. This means get a case for that phone or tablet. Remove those dead batteries from your devices to keep them from leaking and ruining your devices. Also, take care of the cords used to power your devices. Only purchase manufacturer approved cords. Third-party cords can ruin your devices. Appliance care should be followed as well, especially if you have smart appliances.

Clean your devices. Dust out your computers and devices on a regular basis to prevent them from overheating. Also, clean out the files on your devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers to keep them running well.

The bottom line for this current chip shortage is if you need something, buy it now while you can get it at an affordable price. Currently, there's no solution, and chip and semiconductor supplies may run out. The good news is many brick-and-mortar and online stores usually keep stock to last a while for electronic items but that doesn't mean that prices won't rise for these items.. Also, it helps to make sure you're taking care of your devices to help them last for a long time.

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.

Overcoming Common Cash Flow Challenges

(StatePoint) A new study reveals that the majority of small business owners and the self-employed share pressing money management struggles. The 2021 State of Small Business Payments and Cash Flow report, released by Intuit QuickBooks, found that 75% of small businesses in the U.S. feel stressed about cash flow, and nearly a third aren’t using any tools to manage or forecast their cash flows. Not surprisingly, 56% of U.S. small business owners report having made a poor business decision due to concerns about insufficient cash flow. Part of the problem is that small business banking accounts often come with fees and minimum balance requirements, driving many small business owners to use personal checking accounts, even when a business checking account provides the specific features small businesses need to run their business and pay their employees. Small businesses can benefit greatly from one streamlined digital financial management solution that integrates all aspects of their business finances -- banking, bill pay, payroll, payments and more – end-to-end. Without this, small business owners can spend hours a week managing their cash flow. In fact, more than 60% of U.S. small businesses spend three hours or more a week managing money for their business. Rob Daniel, director, product management, Intuit QuickBooks, says that all-in-one digital banking platforms can be a lifeline for small businesses, helping them holistically manage and plan their finances affordably and efficiently. One example is QuickBooks Cash, a banking services solution aimed at helping drive small business efficiency through technology, which delivers what many other current business bank accounts don’t. It offers no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, planning and forecasting tools, and an overall banking experience that works seamlessly with QuickBooks’ additional offerings to enable small businesses to accept payments and pay teams and vendors with automatic reconciliation for easy financial management. Additionally, the bank account’s Envelopes feature makes saving easy, allowing for high-yield interest buckets for routine expenses or long-term goals. To learn more about new tools to help your business thrive or for more information about QuickBooks Cash (Intuit QuickBooks is not a bank, banking services provided by and the QuickBooks Visa Debit Card is issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc.), visit quickbooks.intuit.com. Achieving a perfect balance of money in and money out can be a challenge for small businesses. Fortunately, new digital tools are helping small businesses find their footing in a challenging economy.