June 28, 2018
Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
Vol. 1, No. 2
FREE
Citizens Seek Information on Cross Creek Trail Plans The Citizen Participation portion of the June 25th Board of Aldermen meeting agenda was dominated by concerns regarding the Cross Creek Trail. City Administrator Ryan Hunt explained that the City sold approximately 45 acres of land near the creek to Terra Technologies, Inc. in 2013 as a part of a plan to build park trails in the area. Hunt indicated that the area is undergoing a 3 to 5 year process to eliminate native species and prepare the area to build trails. Resident Debbie Jones reported that while she understands the land is not theirs, she and her husband had taken steps over the years to beautify the Creek property behind their home, adding trees and grass to create a park-like atmosphere. Jones and other residents are concerned by the lack of progress in the area and lack of communication on the part of the land owner, Terra Technologies, Inc. Hunt assured Jones and other residents who spoke about the issue that a request has been made to Terra Technologies to have a representative attend the next Park Board meeting on July 17th. Other Business: Alderman Coleman discussed the need for a new City logo and branding identify. Coleman explained that based on a similar project
completed by the school district, the estimated budget for a rebranding, including an updated website would be approximately $10,000. City Administrator Ryan Hunt identified additional cooperative resources through Mid America Regional Counsel (MARC) and other membership organizations to which the City belongs that could be helpful in completing a rebranding project. Alderman West suggested seeking citizen input regarding such a project. While Coleman did not disagree that citizen input is important, he cited a consultant who recently evaluated Grain Valley and other surrounding communities in terms of their site selection appeal to prospective businesses, finding the City’s current branding materials to be weak. Mayor Todd suggested seeking out a variety of proposals from vendors for future discussion.
Dollar General Store #9597 EIE, LLC dba Whiskey Tango Grain Valley Truck Stop & Food Center dba Conoco Travel Center Impact Motor Sports, LLC dba Valley Speedway The Crow’s Nest Saloon, LLC dba Charley’s Roadhouse
efforts. During individual Alderman reports, Alderman Coleman indicated that speeding continues to be an issue along Hedgewood Drive in the Rosewood Hills subdivision. He asked if an additional speed bump could be installed, or if patrols could be added in the neighborhood.
The Board also approved a $40,000 allotment to the Grain Valley Partnership, the third payment of a 3-year agreement to support economic development
Good News
Liquor license approvals: Grain Valley Partnership JY Amigo’s Inc. El Tequilazo Cocina & Cantina LLC Liquor license renewals for 201820182019: Valley Pub & Patio Casey’s General Store #2209 Casey’s General Store #2808 Casey’s General Store #3325 Cosentino’s Price Chopper #325 Discount Liquor and Smokes
Mayor Todd honored K-9 Jaxx with a proclamation in honor of his recent retirement from the community of Grain Valley, serving with handler Sergeant Hedger for 8 years. The duo have handled 480 requests for narcotics detection, resulting in 186 narcotics seizures, 16 criminals located and arrested. Pictured (L-R) Interim Chief of Police James Beale, Sgt. Scott Hedger, Jaxx, Mayor Mike Todd
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Local News
Grain Valley Welcomes Arrival of OATS Transit Service The Grain Valley Partnership and City of Grain Valley welcomed OATS Transit to the community during a ribbon cutting held at the Grain Valley Community Center on June 18th. City administration and staff worked with OATS personnel over the last several months to identify the need for this service through surveys and reaching out to community members. Sara Davis, West Region Director for OATS Transit, reported that Section 5311 federal funds support delivery of the program in Grain Valley. OATS service began in Grain Valley on June 1st. Davis indicated that approximately 10 trips had been
scheduled to date, and interest in the service continues to grow. The transportation service offers door to door or curb to curb service for residents 65 years of age or older or ages 18-64 with a disability. The service is available weekly in Grain Valley on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Trips will be limited to the Grain Valley and Blue Springs city limits. The cost is $1.00 per one-way trip. Fare cards may be purchased for $10.00 (10 one-way trips or 5 round trips). To schedule a ride, call 816-380-7433 up to two weeks in advance between the hours of 8:00am – 3:00pm.
Board Appoints
Interim Chief of Police The Board of Aldermen has appointed James Beale as Interim Chief of Police, replacing Chief David Starbuck, who recently retired. Chief Beale has been with Grain Valley Police Department for nearly 10 years and has served in the capacity of Captain for 3 ½ years. He brings a combined 34 years experience in law enforcement to the Department. Former Police Chief David Starbuck retired after serving in law enforcement for 42 years. Starbuck worked for the Kansas City Police Department for 25 years and retired in 2001. He then went on to work in field intelligence for the National Drug Intelligence Center for 9 years before coming to Grain Valley. In late 2014, Starbuck was appointed Interim Police Chief and then became Chief of Police in January 2015. “Chief Starbuck served Grain Valley well in his time here and he will be missed greatly by colleagues, as well as members of the community,” Mayor Mike Todd said.
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 | Proofreader Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com
Mayor Mike Todd, along with officials from the City and Grain Valley Partnership, welcomed OATS Transit to Grain Valley at a June 18th ribbon cutting.
Education and Youth
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Parks & Rec Offers Youth Swim Lessons Wednesday, July 4 is the last day to pay & register for Session 3 of Swimming Lessons that will be held July 9 - July 19! All interested participants must officially register through GVPR by visiting http:// grainvalley.recdesk.com/ or by calling the community center at 816-8476230 ext. 9. Each level in our Learn To Swim program is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to learn to swim. Our instructors follow a plan for each level that introduces new swimming skills and builds upon previously learned skills. Students receive progress reports throughout the session. Classes Available: Shrimp (Parent & Child Aquatics) Nemo (Preschool Aquatics) Seahorse (Level 1) Starfish (Level 2) Guppy (Level 3) Flipper (Level 4) Detailed class descriptions can be found on the Parks and Recreation website (http://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/departments/parks-andrecreation/aquatic-center-2/classes-special-events/)!* 4 Class Date Options: Session 3: July 9 – July 19 (Last day to register is July 4) Session 4: July 23 – August 2 (Last day to register is July 18) 4 Class Time Options: 10:30am – 11:00am 11:15am – 11:45am 6:15pm – 6:45pm 7:00pm – 7:30pm Class Days: All sessions are two weeks in length with classes being held Monday through Thursday. The Friday of each week is designated as a rain out make up date if needed. All classes are 30 minutes in length. Fee: $45.00 Per Participant/Per Session Information Flyer: http://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/ Learn-To-Swim-Flyer-2018.pdf
Summer Activities Abound at Mid-Continent Public Library The Blue Springs South branch is temporarily closed for renovations. The Grain Valley branch will host several of Blue Springs South’s programs until October. Registration is required for the following programs. Contact the Grain Valley branch by phone at 816-228-4020 or register online at www.mymcpl.org. July 11 :
Amado's World Music Odyssey, 10:30 am
July 14:
Under the Big Oak Tree Presents: Local Honey, 2 pm
July 19th
Paper making, 2pm
July 21st
Meet a Guide Dog, 11 am
July 25th
Stories of Note W/Jay & Leslie, 10:30 am
July 28th
Waves of Danger Murder Mystery, 2 pm
Book Group is the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. The Blue Springs South Branch Book Group will meet in Grain Valley the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30ppm through October. Storytime at the Grain Valley branch is held every Wednesday at 10 am. Blue Springs South Storytime will be held at the Grain Valley branch each Thursday at 10am. Registration is not required for Book Group or Storytime programs.
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Business News 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.
Business Partner Spotlight of the Week Cheezteak Company
The Cheezteak Company is located at 1452 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Asma Shane is the owner and has been in business at this location for 3 years. Prior to moving to Grain Valley, she was in Independence by Costco. Asma is a resident of Grain Valley and she wanted to bring her business to her town. Asma is dedicated to her business and the community that she lives in and she takes great pride in making sure that each customer is made to feel welcome and very satisfied with their experience. Every sandwich and side are made fresh at the time of the order. Present the following coupon and try the Cheezteak Company this week:
Buy any sandwich and a side… receive a free drink This offer good from July 28, 2018—July 3, 2018
1452 SW Eagles Parkway—Grain Valley MO 64029
Welcome Our Newest 2018 Partners Adams Pointe Golf Club All About Comfort Bella Vita KC, LLC Cheezteak Company Grain Valley Eagles Booster Club
Grain Valley Medicare Health Insurance Guaranteed Rate Guthrie Family Dental Jeff Long Realty- REMAX -Heritage K9 Diversity Dog Training Pathways of Honor Pink Hill Development Purple Peace Foundation Randomly Beautiful Stateline Door and Lift, LLC Stewart Title ThriveOn Concepts YET Real Estate Check out all of the Grain Valley Partnership’s partners by visiting
www.growgrainvalley.org.
Community Voices
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$287,000 in Scholarships Distributed at Foundation Ice Cream Social by Phil Hanson, President and CEO
Truman Heartland Community Foundation Every year in the month of June, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation hosts one of my favorite events of the year, our annual Scholarship Reception. Earlier this month on June 6, we had the pleasure of welcoming more than 160 attendees to our annual scholarship reception, where the Foundation awarded more than $287,000 in scholarships was awarded to 218 students on behalf of our Scholarship Fund Holders. The annual event is an Ice Cream Social and was held at Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs. This event gives Scholarship Fund Holders the chance to meet face to face with the students they awarded scholarships to that year. It is an amazing display of generosity and gratitude that the Community Foundation is proud to be a part of. We received a record number of scholarship applications this year leading up to the event. There were 860 applications for the 98 different scholarship funds that we administer. The review process is rigorous and takes the effort of some very dedicated committee members. 222 people in our community participated in the review process by serving on one of our scholarship committees. We are very grateful for all the
work of our scholarship committee and the leadership provided by Dr. Kirk Nooks our board member who chaired this effort. Dr. Nooks who was serving as President of MCC Longview, recently relocated to Georgia to assume the role as President of Gordon State University. It’s a great opportunity for Dr. Nooks and his family but we will miss his leadership. Dr. Nooks is an advocate for education and was a key player in ensuring the scholarship review process ran smoothly. Dr. Nooks finished his term with THCF by completing his final year as scholarship chair before his move. He was greatly missed at this year’s celebration, and we wish him all the best. The best part of our celebration is the opportunity for our donors who fund scholarships to meet and get to know a little bit more about the students benefiting from their generosity. Some of our scholarships are renewable and the donors for those scholarships really get the chance to know their students and touch base with them at this annual event. This unique opportunity to make a connection with the students receiving scholarships is one of the reasons this event is so highly anticipated by both our donors and the students. It really is an inspiring and feel good event where everyone
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leaves excited about our future and the potential of a great group of student leaders. As the need for scholarships in our area grows each year, the Community Foundation is continuing to have important discussions with people about the new tax laws and charitable giving. Many of the conversations we’re having are focused on using the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from an IRA to create a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation. For people 70 ½ or older who have RMDs from an IRA, the best way to support charities is by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to the charity of your choice. You can contribute up to $100,000 from your IRA, and if your spouse has a separate IRA, they can
also contribute up to $100,000 from his or her IRA. The QCD satisfies the Required Minimum Distribution but does not show up on your tax return as income that can be taxed. Everyone with RMD’s should be talking to their IRA custodian about how to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). The important thing is that the contribution must go directly from your IRA custodian to your charity of choice. Utilizing a QCD to create a scholarship fund or add to your existing scholarship fund is a great way to enable more students like those we celebrated on June 6 to receive scholarships. If you are interested in learning more about scholarships at the Community Foundation, we would be pleased to have a conversation with you.
Health & Wellness
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Treadmill Workout by Sally Whitaker
The warm summer months are a great time to for walking and running, but when the temperature and heat index sore, it is time to take your workout indoors. This fun treadmill workout will keep you moving on days when you can’t get outside. Fun and treadmill don't typically go together for most people. One minute can feel like 1 mile, but the secret to survival is keeping it interesting. One simple trick is to keep an eye on the time while adjusting the resistance and speed, which will keep your mind engaged and help the time to pass quickly. By gradually increasing the incline you will not only be upping the calorie burn, but also targeting your inner and outer thighs as well as the glutes. The pace, incline and length are suggestions to be used as a starting point. Based on your fitness level, adjust them up or down. You can
also stay at each level for just one minute in order to shorten the workout.
You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.
Treadmill Hill Workout Minute
Pace
Incline
1
3.0
0
2
3.2
0
3-5
3.4
2.0
6-8
3.6
4.0
9-11
3.5
6.0
12-14
3.4
7.0
15-17
3.0
8.0
18-20
3.2
7.0
21-23
3.4
6.0
24-26
3.6
4.0
27-29
3.8
2.0
30
4.0
0
Begin at 3.5 pace and gradually decrease to 3.0 at a 0 incline. Cool down for 5 minutes.
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Sports
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Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Offers Preschool Instructional T-Ball Grain Valley Parks and Recreation is offering an instructional T-Ball program, Preschool Players, this summer. Preschool Players is a 6 week parent interactive program that focuses on skill development and fun! This program will rotate participants through stations that focus on major skills of the game. Parents/guardians will be asked to be station volunteers. Fee includes a t-shirt and a medal for each player! The program is open to boys and girls age 3 to 6 years.
When: Every Saturday from July 14— August 18 3 & 4 years: 9:00am—9:45am 5 & 6 years: 10:00am—10:45am Where: Armstrong Park Ball Fields Fee: $40.00 per participant (includes t-shirt and medal)
2. 3.
Call 816-847-6230 ext. 9 with your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. In person at the Grain Valley Community Center.
The last day to register for this program is Sunday, July 8th.
There are three ways to register for the Preschool Players program. 1.
Register online with a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover at http://grainvalley.recdesk.com.
Will Chiefs make selection in NFL Supplemental Draft? by John Unrein
Photo Credit: iStockPhoto
The National Football League (NFL) Supplemental Draft, which usually takes place in July, is designed to help teams take a look at players who have not participated in the main NFL draft due to various circumstances affecting their eligibility. The Supplemental Draft began in 1977, and while teams are not drafting large numbers of players this way, the last player having been selected in 2015, several players who have come out of the draft through the years have had great success. Wide receiver (WR) Chris Carter and eventual Hall of Famer was a Supplemental Draft pick who played for the Dolphins, Eagles, and Vikings. The Cleveland Browns selected another WR, Josh Gordon, in the 2nd round of the Supplemental Draft, and he finished well among the rookie receivers that year. Seven Pro Bowlers have emerged from the Supplemental Draft. In 1992 the Kansas City Chiefs selected Defensive Lineman (DL) Darren Mickell from the University of Florida in the 2nd round of the Supplemental Draft . He had missed his senior season for violation of team rules. Mickell would go on to have a
nine-year career with the Chiefs, Saints, Chargers, and Raiders. His best season was with the Chiefs in 1994, when he accumulated 7 sacks rushing the passer. Mickell would go on to compile 13.5 sacks during his 4-year tenure with the Chiefs. Not a bad return on the team’s investment. Why does the Supplemental Draft matter for the Chiefs right now? On paper the team appears to have three areas of uncertainty heading into training camp. Who will start at left guard (LG) along the offensive line? What will depth at the tight end (TE) position look like behind Travis Kelce with Demetrius Harris serving a one game suspension from the league? How will Steven Nelson and David Amerson hold up at cornerback (CB) on the outside with the announcement of leaving Kendall Fuller as the slot cornerback? It appears the most glaring of these positions is cornerback. Steven Nelson out of Oregon State enters his fourth year in the league after being drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2015. He missed time last year with a sports hernia before returning to action and playing admirably. Nelson has the respect of his teammates like Eric Berry and is often complimented by them for his leadership and enthusiasm for the game. Pro Football Focus gives Nelson a 76.8 overall grade or as an average CB in the league. He will be given the chance this year to start. This is exactly why you draft and develop players- for this type of
opportunity. Opposite of Nelson will likely be David Amerson. The Chiefs signed Amerson away from Oakland this offseason after his release from the Raiders. He missed eight games last year with a foot injury, along with starting six games in the Raiders secondary. No one disputes Amerson’s physical ability to play the position, as his predraft measurables were outstanding. He was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins out of North Carolina State in 2013. However, Amerson was also benched last year in the Chiefs October loss to the Raiders in Oakland. Pro Football Focus gives Amerson a 39.7 overall grade or as a poor CB in the league. So the organization must be confident that Amerson will rebound under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Emmitt Thomas and Al Harris, his defensive backfield coaches with the Chiefs. There are worse people to learn from. Sometimes it does take players who were drafted young like Amerson some time to find their way in the league. At the end of the day, Nelson and Amerson do provide the organization with two players who no doubt possess the ability to play press man as much as the Chiefs like to be in that coverage. The NFL Supplemental Draft provides two intriguing options at the cornerback (CB) position for the Chiefs to consider. They would be CB Sam Beal of Western Michigan and CB Adonis Alexander of Virginia Tech. Beal is listed at 6’1’’ and 185 pounds and appears to possess good awareness and physical characteristics for the position. Alexander is listed at 6’3’’ and 193 pounds with long arms and the ability to create pass breakups.
Both players have dealt with academic issues that have led them to the Supplemental Draft. Each has been projected as being selected anywhere from the 3rd to 6th by varying media outlets and prognosticators. The Chiefs do have an extra second round pick next year they acquired as part of the Marcus Peters trade to the Rams. Therefore, they could part with a second-round pick or lower if their scouting department feels that either Beal or Alexander could make an immediate impact with the team without losing a lot of draft capital for next year (teams lose the round of draft pick in the following years draft for where they selected in the Supplemental Draft). On the other hand, two young cornerbacks are already on the Chiefs current roster. Keith Reaser and Will Redmond were former San Francisco 49ers draft picks. They were taken in the 5th and 3rd rounds respectively. General Manager Brett Veach has spoken admirably about both and the talent they possess. Speedy Tremon Smith was selected by the team in the 6th round of this year’s draft out of Central Arkansas. Arrion Springs of Oregon and D’Montre Wade of Murray State are undrafted college free agents added to the roster after draft. All these players have had the opportunity to make an impression on the team during Organized Team Activities heading into training camp. The Chiefs will have to evaluate and decide if they stay with the status quo or dip into the Supplemental Draft to bring further depth to a potential position of need.
Community Calendar June 28, 2018 City of Grain Valley 12th Annual Community Development Event 5:00pm—7:00pm Armstrong Park, 711 Main ST Free event for families. July 9, 2018 City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall July 11, 2018 Amado's World Music Odyssey 10:30am Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch July 11, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center July 24, 2018 Grain Valley Schools Annual Residency Event and New Student Enrollment 11am—7:00pm Grain Valley South Middle School Visit www.grainvalleynews.com/
Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Looking Back The Story Behind E.E. Kirby Street
by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
Edward E. Kirby was the son of William Robert Kirby and Susan Rebecca (Capelle) Kirby. In the 1910 United States Census, Edward and his family resided in Grain Valley. However, by the 1920 census, he was the Jackson County Clerk and in 1930 the family’s official residence was in Brooking Township (Raytown).
Fireworks Discharge Dates for 2018 July 3rd—until 11:00pm July 4th—until 11:00pm July 5th—until 10:00pm July 6th—until 11:00pm July 7th—until 11:00pm Section 220.050 It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or place any fireworks, including pyrotechnic devices, in such a manner that the explosion of same will be likely to endanger or cause injury or damage to any person or property. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, use, shoot off, or discharge any device commonly referred to as a bottle rocket or night parachute in the City of Grain Valley.
