July 12, 2018
Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
Vol. 1, No. 4
FREE
Four Officers Take Oath of Office at July 9th BOA Meeting Four new Grain Valley police officers were installed at the July 9th Board of Aldermen meeting. Theresa Osenbaugh administered the oath of office for Shawnda-Hayes Dunnell, Nathan Holt, Cameron Skinner, and Andrew Taylor. Interim Chief Beale welcomed the officers to the department and a family member of each officer was invited to pin their badges on their uniforms. The meeting also included a presentation about the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program. Sergeant Stratton updated the Board of Aldermen on the program and
Good News
their efforts to support the police in Grain Valley. Stratton emphasized the program saves the department in overtime costs and provides an “extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement”. The observation only program offers a number of services for residents, including business checks and vacation checks for residents who are out of town. VIPS volunteers physically check businesses and residences who request such services and report any suspicious activity to police. Four new Grain Valley police officers were installed at the July 9th Board According to Stratton, by engaging of Aldermen meeting. Pictured L to R: Cameron Skinner, ShawndaShawnda-Hayes Dunnell, Interim Chief Beale, Nathan Holt, Andrew Taylor. Photo Credit: Sara Nadeau, City of Grain Valley
Stanley the Bulldog was born with a Bilateral Cleft lip, a curved spine and deformities in his back legs. Despite these challenges, Stanley, along with his owner Deborah Pack, helps spread encouragement to children facing medical issues and works to promote tolerance and acceptance of differences. Mayor Todd issued a proclamation at the July 9th Board of Aldermen meeting in honor of Stanley’s service to the community and his message that “differences should be embraced, not judged”. Stanley and his family receive a proclamation from the Mayor honoring his service to the community.
volunteers in these activities, officers are able to stay on patrol on the streets. In other business, Alderman Bob Headley introduced an ordinance for a first reading which changes the zoning for approximately 12 acres in south Grain Valley from Commercial to M-1 Light Industrial, allowing the area to be developed as a light industrial site. The area lies off of
South Buckner Tarsney Road, near Casey’s General Store and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The ordinance will be introduced for a second reading and comment at the July 23, 2018 Board of Aldermen meeting.
MO DOT installing drains along 1-70 Missouri Department of Transportation began work this week installing drains under the I-70 bridge at Buckner Tarsney Road. Work is expected to continue through the end of the month. There
may be temporary lane closures during this project. Delays should be expected for drivers through this intersection.
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Local News
Grain Valley Schools Residency Verification Now Online Online residency verification for Grain Valley School District students is now available online via the district website. Verification that each student resides within school district boundaries must be done annually. In addition, the district also requires contact information on parents/guardians and emergency contacts be updated on an annual basis. If parents/guardians prefer to prove residency in person or need help with the online process for verifying emergency contact information, representatives from all schools will be on hand in the gymnasium at Grain Valley South Middle School on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 from 11:00 am-7:00 pm to assist families and to accept proof of residency documents. Several computers will be available for parent/guardian use to update the emergency contact information for students. The enrollment event on July 24th is also intended for new student enrollment. Families enrolling new students should bring the following items: certified birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, pre-enrollment form, and health information sheet. Forms and more information on new student
enrollment are available at http://grainvalleyschools.org/cms/ One.aspx? portalId=724447&pageId=1285691. Families who have previously enrolled a child to begin Kindergarten this fall do not need to do anything else unless personally requested by the child’s school to provide missing information. Students become eligible to receive a class placement and/or a class schedule only after proof of residency is provided and emergency contact information is updated. For more information and to complete the online residency requirement process, visit http:// grainvalleyschools.org/ for_families/ residency_verification/.
Grain Valley Band Parents Raise $25,000
According to Grain Valley Band Parents Association (BPA) President Ben Stowe, approximately $25,000 was raised as a result of the organization’s fireworks sale over the 4th of July holiday. Funds raised will go toward
purchasing equipment and supplies for the band program. The annual budget is approximately $40,000, so additional support from local businesses and residents is needed. For more information on the BPA, visit www.gvbpa.net.
Jackson County Food Inspections Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days: Grain Valley Truck Stop (Conoco Travel Center), 723 Main Street. The handwashing sink in the back kitchen was in disrepair and missing a pipe underneath it. Manager stated it would be fixed by maintenance today. Raw chicken gizzards were observed stored over potato slices. Corrected on site. Valid food handler permits were not provided for several employees. Sonic DriveDrive-In, 706 N Main Street. Soda nozzles had a build up of residue within them. Repeat. Corrected on site. Reinspection required. The top left reach in cooler next to the fryers in a set of four coolers was out of temperature. Internal thermometer had a reading of 52*F, as well as infrared ambient air. Chicken was at 46*F. Hotdogs and corndogs were between 48-49*F. Food was discarded. A reinspection is required. 2. The reach in cooler next to the grill, with the make table, was out of temperature. Internal temperature of 60*F. Tomatoes were at 63*F in the make table. Pickles were at 62*F. Potentially hazardous items were discarded. A reinspection is required. Multiple containers of food (chicken, hot dogs, corndogs) were not dated. Corrected on site. These items had to be discarded for an out of temperature cooler. A spray bottle of insect killer was sat on top of the ice machine.
Corrected on site. Lower storage shelf next to ice machine had greasy residue on it. Repeat violation. Cheezteak Company, 1452 SW Eagles Parkway. Soda nozzles were dirty. Corrected. The front, sides, and base under the gasket of the cooler drawers under the grill was dirty. 2. The handles (front & back) on the cooler drawers under the grill were dirty. 3. The base of the make table cooler had an accumulation of food debris along the back ledge under the lid. 4. The base of the make table cooler had an accumulation of food debris along the edge and under the cutting board. The interior of the make table cooler had an accumulation of liquid in the bottom. The hand sink and prep sink basin were dirty. Casey’ Casey’s General Store #2209, 1251 AA Highway Multiple containers of food on the sandwich make table were held over 7 days. Corrected. Manager discarded food. Failed to provide valid food handler permits for 10 employees. Charley’ Charley’s Roadhouse, 112 Eagles Parkway The base of the soda nozzle holder had an accumulation of build-up. Corrected. No covered wastebasket in the ladies restroom.
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
Education and Youth
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New Addition Provides Needed Space for Early Childhood Center by Cory Unrein
The Grain Valley School District recently completed an addition to the Early Childhood Center, located at 31604 NE Pink Hill Road. Shannon Jenkins, Associate Director of Grain Valley School’s Early Childhood Center, is excited to have all of the early childhood services under the same roof. Jenkins states, “Up until this time they have been spread out over three different buildings. We will be able to collaborate with all staff members to better serve the early childhood students throughout our district. We will gain an indoor commons area which will allow us an area for assemblies and classes to do activities together. The addition also allows for growth in the future to potentially expand our services,” Jenkins said. The Early Childhood Center provides a variety of services for pre -kindergarten students in the district who have a developmental delay. “In the center, we provide services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/ language therapy, and other services as deemed necessary,” Jenkins said. Due to the recently completed expansion, the district’s Parents as Teachers program will now be housed in the Early Childhood Center. According to Jenkins the pre-
kindergarten classroom is full for both the morning and afternoon sessions, with 15 students enrolled in each session. “For the Early Childhood Special Education classes, “I currently have 67 students enrolled. This number will grow throughout the year as we receive referrals from Missouri First Steps and as we screen and identify delays in children,” Jenkins said. Currently, 7 certified teachers, 2 full-time and 1 part-time speech/ language pathologists, 1 full-time occupational therapist, 1 parttime physical therapist, 1 nurse, 1 administrative assistant, 10 paraprofessionals, and Jenkins staff the Early Childhood Center. “I feel that our staff does an excellent job in outreach to the community by identifying and servicing children ages 3-5 years old. We strive to meet each child where they are at and work with them to meet their individual potential,” Jenkins said. The Early Childhood Center offers ongoing screenings throughout the school year for placement in their programs. Parents can request a screening by calling the Early Childhood Center at 816-994-4901.
Pictured top to bottom: front entrance of Early Childhood Center, hallway
and classroom in recently completed addition to the Center. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
Business News
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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.
Outdrive Your Competition
Grab your team and join us for a FUN FILLED day of great golf, amazing food, and friendly competition. As the ONLY fundraiser the Partnership does, we go to great strides to make this a great event. Please fill out the registration form below OR register on line at
www.growgrainvalley.org. Event calendar has the event and the link to register. Just go to the event date and click away. Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you have any questions, please reach out to Tasha at the Partnership office at 816-443-5162.
Welcome Our Newest 2018 Partners:
KC Baby Back Ribs and KADE Cleaning Systems, LLC Check out all of the Grain Valley Partnership’s partners by visiting
www.growgrainvalley.org.
Community Voices Looking Back
One Hundred Nine by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
The Class of 1963 presented Randol and Florene Wiggins with gifts recognizing their efforts as a driving force behind the alumni association for many years.
For 109 years, the Grain Valley Alumni Association has been celebrating the newest graduating class. The Class of 1909 had four members, Curtis Houston, Ora Morrison, Madge Butler and Lillie Ashcroft. They were the first to graduate from Grain Valley’s fouryear high school and the first to celebrate their alumni status. The story I’ve been told is those first graduates provided “punch and cookies” for the Class of 1910 as a way to welcome them to alumni status; and thus the tradition began. For a few years it became a custom for the previous graduates to provide refreshments after graduation for the new alumni. At some point in those early years, the refreshment became a dinner and reunion for the graduates to come together. With only two or three exceptions the dinner has continued. Once during WW I and for a couple of years (probably 1944 and 1945) during WW II the dinners were cancelled, however they still had refreshments for the new alumni after graduation. Sometime during the 1930’s a dance was added to the celebration. I remember my parents attending Alumni Banquets when I was young. It was always the one time each year I can recall my father buying my mother a corsage. I remember one year in particular, the corsage was a beautiful white orchid with a blue ribbon. Of course, Mom along with several others, wore their corsage to church the following Sunday morning.
Sometime during the 1980s the dances were discontinued. The dance bands of the 30s, 40s, and 50s had become DJs and I suspect the alumni attending the banquets weren’t overly fond of the “rock and roll” music they provided. But the annual Grain Valley High School Alumni Banquet lives on. I have always been told that Grain Valley has the oldest continuous alumni association in the State of Missouri. I don’t know how this can be proven, but I suspect that is true. At the 2018 Alumni Banquet Randol (1955) and Florene Brown Wiggins (1957) were presented with gifts from the Alumni Association purchased by the Class of 1963. In the photo above, the presentation was made by George Scarborough. For the past many years, Florene and Randol have been the driving force behind the organization. Florene’s “roll call” of alumni is phenomenal as she remembers nearly everyone’s first, middle and last names! And when she occasionally forgets, we all have a great laugh, including Florene. Florene first attended the banquet when she was in high school. In those days, it was an honor to be chosen one of the sophomore girls to serve the banquet. While the meal has been catered by Nadler’s from Wellington for many years, that wasn’t always the case. For many years the alumni officers planned and cooked the meal, soliciting additional cooking help from other members. When the school got a cafeteria in 1954, the cafeteria ladies were hired to cook the meal. The Historical Society is fortunate to have a nice collection of memorabilia from the Grain Valley schools which includes photos, yearbooks, school newspapers including The Broadcaster and The Eagles’ Cry, prom favors, and old text books, to name a few.
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Teens Invited to Event with Killer Itinerary
The Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch invites teens to sign up for a relaxing Caribbean cruise with a killer itinerary--literally. The Waves of Danger Murder Mystery program will be held at the Mid-Continent Public Library on Saturday, July 28th from 2:00pm—4:00pm. Join cruise director Jules McCoy and head of security Shaun Hardy for a voyage on the S.S. Carnage to help solve a murder mystery on the high seas. Are you a detective, an accomplice, or a murderer? This program is eligible for Teen Summer Learning Program points. Registration is required at mymcpl.org/events. The library’s free Beyond the Books magazine is coming out this week, which will have programming information for the entire Mid-Continent Public Library system. This edition lists library events for all 31 MCPL branches from August to October, including the Romance GenreCon on August 3-4 at the Woodneath Branch and the annual Veterans Salute on Saturday, September 22 at the Midwest Genealogy Center. Copies of the Beyond the Books magazine can be picked up at any local library branch.
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Health & Wellness
First Dental Visit Jitters by Dr. Garret Guthrie, DDS
When should the first visit occur?
Our dental office has been open for almost four months now! In this short time frame, we have received several questions from parents asking about their child’s first dental visit. Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Believe it or not, a child should have his or her first dental visit at one-year-old or when the first tooth erupts. Don’t worry, you generally do not have to be concerned about cavities at this first visit! This appointment is about introducing your child to the dental setting and establishing a positive routine at the dentist. Beginning visits at an early age will help children identify the dentist as a nonthreatening setting allowing for easy and fun visits as they get older.
What happens at the first visit?
A dental visit for children under the age of three is usually fairly short with the main focus on establishing trust. Oftentimes, a
child’s first dental visit consists of a “knee-lap exam”. For this exam, the parent or guardian sits in a chair holding the child facing the parent. The dentist sits behind the child knee-to-knee with the parent. The parent then lays the child back on the dentist’s lap allowing a perfect view of the baby teeth.
What if my child won’t cooperate?
That’s okay! Sometimes kiddos are too nervous to let the dentist look at their teeth. The goal of the first visit is to make the child comfortable at the dentist’s office so if it does not go exactly as planned, it is still a worthwhile appointment! Please give our office a call if you have any questions regarding your child’s teeth or would like to schedule the first visit to the dentist!
Garret Guthrie is dentist and owner at Guthrie Family Dental in Grain Valley. He can be reached at Guthriefamilydental@gmail.com. For more information, visit Guthriefamilydental.com or call (816) 443-5479.
Sports
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Football Players Train Next Generation of Eagles
Grain Valley Mavericks Baseball Tryouts Set for July 24 and 26 The Grain Valley Mavericks 11U AA Baseball team is looking for dedicated, coachable, and committed players and families to join them for fall/spring tryouts on July 24th and July 26th at Monkey Mountain Park. Tryouts will be held both days from 7:00pm—8:30pm. Players are
asked to check-in by 6:30pm. To register for tryouts or for questions, contact Coach John Whitaker, 816-695-2138 or johnfloydwhitaker@gmail.com.
Space Limited for Swim Lessons
Grain Valley High School Football is hosting a series of youth camps this week and next, teaching fundamentals to students interested in the sport. High school players worked with elementary age students on the field Tuesday morning. The Middle School camp is next week, Monday— Monday—Thursday, from 8:30am— 8:30am—10:30am 10:30am at the high school.
The deadline to register for Session 4 of swim lessons hosted by Grain Valley Parks and Recreation is Wednesday, June 18th. Session 4 will be held Monday—Thursday from July 23—August 2nd, and there are four different times available. Sessions are $45.00 per participant and all classes are 30
minutes in length. Some classes have reached capacity, but most still have openings for interested students. To register, call the Community Center at 816-847-6230, sign up in person at the Community Center, or visit http://grainvalley.recdesk.com/.
Chiefs Offensive Line Starters Share Common Traits by John Unrein The candidates vying for the five starting positions along the 2018 Chiefs offensive line share some common traits. Dr. Laurent Duvarney -Tardif, Parker Ehinger, Cameron Erving, Eric Fisher, Mitch Morse, Mitchell Schwartz, and Bryan Witzmann were all college offensive tackles at one time. Fisher made 28 of his 34 career starts at left tackle for Central Michigan before anchoring that spot for the Chiefs since he was the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ehinger, who will be competing in training camp for the starting left guard position, was a right tackle and right guard at Cincinnati before transitioning to left tackle as a senior. Witzmann will be joining the competition for the starting left guard position after holding down that spot most of last season. He started at tackle all 49 games of his college career for South Dakota State. Morse started 39 games for Mizzou. He shared time at center and right tackle before moving to left tackle as a senior in Columbia. He’s scheduled to return from a foot injury he sustained last year sometime during training camp. His challenger at center may be Erving, who started games at left tackle and center both during his time as a
Seminole at Florida State. Dr. Tardif (yes, that’s awesome to say) started 26 games at offensive tackle for McGill University in Canada after opening his collegiate career as a defensive tackle. Schwartz was a model of consistency for the University of California starting all 51 games possible at left tackle or right tackle for the Golden Bears. That has transitioned into the pros where he’s started all 96 games in which he’s played for the Browns and Chiefs in the NFL, an impressive streak to say the least. It’s obvious that former General Manager John Dorsey and current Head Coach Andy Reid valued talent that played and started a multitude of games at offensive tackle along the offensive line. The toughness and competitive experience that comes from starting games is an asset to carry as a pro. Why accumulate multiple players with experience at offensive tackle when there are three other positions along the offensive line? Wouldn’t the Chiefs have been better suited to draft players with experience at guard and center? That question may be answered by looking at the staples of the Chiefs offense. They are a zone running scheme team. They make hay or yards by executing inside and outside zone. This along with Kareem Hunt’s
special talent is why he went on to lead the NFL in rushing during 2017. To be an effective zone running team you must possess offensive lineman with athleticism. Tackle is where teams stash offensive lineman with the most athletic prowess. You must be able to climb to the second level off a double team or reach, rip, and run to successfully execute an inside zone or outside zone block respectively. All the players competing for starting spots along the offensive line possess these attributes. The Chiefs also attempted 543 passes last year with a competition percentage of 66.9%. This was well above their opponent’s completion percentage of 57% per ESPN. That high of a successful ability to complete passes is twofold. One was Alex Smith’s ability to scan a defense, make the correct read, and get rid of the football quickly. The other was the Chiefs ability to protect and keep their quarterback upright. Where do teams typically line up their best pass protectors? Offensive tackle. Players who are tall, possess punch in their hands, and have feet that look like sewing machines when stopping a defender’s pass rush are the prototype for success. It also doesn’t hurt to have long
arms, be strong, and possess the size to make it be a cab ride around you to get the quarterback. Once again, the players challenging for starting spots along the Chiefs offensive line fit this mold. Each one is 6’ 5’’ to 6’ 7’’ inches in height, weighs over 300 pounds, and boast impressive pre-draft measurables in bench press and agility testing. Not a bad group for offensive line coach Andy Heck and his assistant Corey Matthaei to work with collectively. The traits the Chiefs look for in offensive lineman will be put to the test this season. This group will be wearing a bullseye. They will be fighting for the success of rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a league that enjoys terrorizing young signal callers. Compounding the matter is defending Kareem Hunt’s rushing title as well as having the notoriety of being back to back AFC West Champions. The Broncos will boast a pass rush consisting of Von Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb. The Raiders have Khalil Mack. The Chargers round out the division with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. None of this is an assignment for the faint of heart. The Chiefs will have their work cut out for them up front this year.
Community Calendar July 14, 2018 Under the Big Oak Tree Presents: Local Honey 2:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library, Grain Valley Branch July 17, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main July 19, 2018 Paper making, 2:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library, Grain Valley Branch July 24, 2018 Grain Valley Schools Annual Residency Event and New Student Enrollment 11:00am—7:00pm Grain Valley South Middle School
July 26, 2018 Grain Valley Historical Society Ice Cream Social 6:00pm—8:00pm Armstrong Park Adults: $6, Children: $4 Join the Grain Valley Historical Society for its annual ice cream social featuring homemade ice cream and desserts. This annual event raises funds to help with the upkeep of the Historical Society building and its contents. July 28, 2018 Waves of Danger Murder Mystery 2:00pm—4:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library, Grain Valley Branch
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