July 22, 2021 Vol. 4 No. 30
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
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Police discuss impact of social media, use of force topics in first of several planned Community Forums In the first of several planned Community Forums, Grain Valley Police Department staff presented information on use of force policies, body cameras, and the impact of social media on policing to residents on July 20th at First Baptist Grain Valley Church. Sergeant Shannon Carr discussed the impact of social media on policing, and tips for residents to report crimes or suspicious activity. Captain Palecek reviewed use of force policies, the complications and costs surrounding tools such as body cameras, segueing with Carr into a discussion on
Crisis Intervention Training (C.I.T.), and how officers are trained to respond to the individual needs of each person they encounter. Residents in attendance were able to talk with police department staff in an informal meet and greet after the program. The next session is scheduled for August 26th from 6:30pm—7:30pm and will discuss drug trends. Additional information on future community forums will be shared on the City and Police Department’s Facebook pages.
Remains of missing woman recovered from residence in Grain Valley The remains of 32-year old Kensie Aubry, the subject of a missing person investigation out of Independence, was recovered from a residence at the 4000 block of South Buckner Tarsney Road in unincorporated Grain Valley. A large police presence, including the Independence Police Department, FBI, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Grandview Police Department, searched the residential property in the morning hours of July 14th. Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale confirmed his department was not involved in assisting in the search. The property is
owned by Michael J. Hendricks and his spouse. Hendricks was charged in May with a series of felonies, including two counts of enticement of a child less than 15 years old, two charges of first-degree sexual misconduct, a third degree count of child molestation involving a child less than 14 years old, one count of tampering with physical evidence and three counts of tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution. Charges have yet to be filed related to Aubry’s death.
Missouri Trivia by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Previously, I have mentioned the ice cream cone, introduced at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, but here is some additional information about ice cream. In 2006, the Missouri legislature (SB 991) designated the ice cream cone as the official state dessert for the state of Missouri. Here is some additional trivia regarding ice cream. It takes 12 pounds of milk to produce
just 1 gallon of ice cream. The average number of licks to finish a scoop of ice cream is 50. “Brain freeze” occurs when ice cream touches the roof of your mouth. 1 in 10 people admit to licking the bowl clean after eating ice cream. 1 in 5 share with their pet. The perfect temperature for scooping ice cream is between 6° & 10°F. The most popular flavor is vanilla, then chocolate.
Left to right: Chief James Beale and Captain Jeff Palecek talk with residents following a Community Forum held July 20th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Good News: GVPD’s Camp Focus offers youth life lessons, mentoring, and fun The Grain Valley Police Department’s Camp Focus returns this week, with 18 campers from 6th—12th grades spending a week learning valuable life skills, participating in leadership and team building activities, and having quite a bit of fun along the way. Campers kicked off the week with Jackson County park rangers, learning about nature preservation as well as boat and ATV safety tips.
The campers have also received CPR training, practiced fire fighting skills with local firefighters, and learned about the dangers of the internet and mobile apps. The program, in its third year, was proposed by Chief James Beale as a way to connect with youth in the community and provide recreational and skill building experiences for youth in the summer months.
In This Edition: Looking Back: Ice Cream Socials
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Your Health: Five reasons to own an air fryer
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Sports: Sidearm delivery could be key to successful 2022 for Scholtz
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Cover Image: Grain Valley Marching Eagles began band camp this week at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Grain Valley Bands
Photo courtesy City of Grain Valley
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Jackson County joins lawsuit seeking to block new state gun law In an amended petition filed July 15th, Jackson County was added to a lawsuit with St. Louis City and St. Louis County that seeks to block the recently signed Missouri House Bill 85 (HB 85). The legal action is supported by County Executive Frank White, Jr., who asked the County Legislature to express their support through a resolution. The County Legislature last week voted 5-3 on Resolution 20708 expressing its intent for the County to join the litigation. “By voting to join our colleagues from the east side of the state, our County Legislature has made it clear that we will not stand by as our residents lives are put in jeopardy by Jefferson City,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “The residents of Jackson County deserve to have their voices heard, just like the people of St. Louis City and County.” “A recent national study found that Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of women murdered by men, a majority of them killed by guns,” said 2nd District At-Large Legislator Crystal Williams. “Because of that, domestic violence agencies in our community have every right to be concerned and terrified by
this law because as we’ve seen, the state legislature refuses to pass anything to protect victims of domestic violence. I refuse to sit back and do nothing while this unnecessary law puts more innocent lives in danger.” “You cannot do long-term undercover investigations and combat the violent crime happening in our community if you impair the ability of law enforcement to do their job," said 3rd District At-Large Legislator Tony Miller. In a release, Jackson County stated their intent in joining the lawsuit is to protect its interests, uphold federal gun laws and keep residents safe. The County stated it employs numerous law enforcement officers who regularly enforce federal gun laws and therefore, is at risk of civil penalty for upholding the laws of the United States. Jackson County and the City and County of St. Louis are seeking an injunction of unconstitutional provisions, and ultimately, for the law to be overturned on constitutional grounds. The entities will jointly argue that HB 85 violates the U.S. Constitution Supremacy Clause, which provides that federal law preempts state law and also is in contravention of other Missouri law.
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
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Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of July 7-12, 2021. July 7, 2021 11000 Block of Hiltop 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 1400 Block of NW High View 1200 Block of Persimmon Persimmon & Elmwood 1400 Block of Highview
Verbal Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact Alarm Citizen Contact Agency Assist-JCSO Suspicious Person
July 8, 2021 1100 Block of McQuerry 700 Block of Main 3000 Block of NE Jefferson 900 Block of NW Long DR 400 Block of N Main ST I 70 & Main ST 500 Block of Main ST 300 Block of Front ST 500 Block of Main ST
Stealing Warrant Confirmation Alarm Civil Standby Stolen Auto Motorist Assist Alarm Stealing Alarm
July 9, 2021 1100 Buckner Tarsney 1600 Block of Eagles Parkway 100 Block of James Rollo DR 600 Block of Yennie 100 Block of Rock Creek LN
700 Block of Main 1300 Block of Minter Way 800 Block of Willow 1200 Block of Eagles
Citizen Contact Burglary Past Stealing Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact via Phone Lost Property Citizen Contact Welfare Check Assault
July 10, 2021 1200 Block of Scenic 1200 Ashley 100 Block of Garden 40 HWY & Kirby
Outside Jurisdiction Suspicious Auto Shots Fired Shots Fired
700 Block of Main
100 Block of W Broadway 800 Block of SanKar 100 Block of Broadway 1100 Block of Pamela 100 Block of McQuerry 700 Block of Main 100 Block of S Main ST 200 Block NW Michael 400 Block of Woodbury 200 Block of W Walnut July 11, 2021 700 Block of Main ST 100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 700 Block of N Main
Suspicious Activity Assault Suspicious Activity Alarm Area Check Peace Disturbance Alarm Verbal Disturbance Parking Complaint Funeral Procession
1300 Block of NW Jefferson 1400 Block of Buckner Tarsney 700 Block of Main
Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact via Phone Alarm Alarm Agency Assist-BSPD
July 12, 2021 1400 Block of Golfview 1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 600 Block of Yennie 1600 Block of Andeon 100 Block of Sunny LN 600 Block of Walnut 200 Block of Concord 40 HWY 700 Block of Whitestone 400 Block of NE Coldwater Creek DR 900 Block of SW Foxtail DR
Alarm Area Check Area Check Citizen Contact Agency Assist-MSHP Assault Civil Standby Area Check Welfare Check Abandoned Auto Citizen Contact
Looking Back
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Looking Back: Ice Cream Socials by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society In a “normal year”, members of the Historical Society would be hustling around today to get their pies, cakes, and cookies baked and their ice cream made for the Moonlight Ice Cream Social. For over 30 years, the annual fund raiser took place in Armstrong Park on the fourth Thursday in July. Last year the event had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. This year, we are back, but with a new location, date and time. In celebration of the bicentennial, the Missouri State Historical Society is encouraging towns across the state to host an ice cream social on August 10, the actual date Missouri became a state in 1821. Ice cream socials are a traditional gathering, dating back to the 18th century in North America. The first one recorded in America was in 1744, when Maryland governor Thomas Bladen served ice cream for a dinner party. In 1784, George and Martha Washington purchased a “cream machine for ice” for their home at Mount Vernon. The first ice cream social in the White House was in 1802, with the 3rd U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. When ice cream became more available to the public in the 1860s, organizations such as schools and churches started hosting ice cream socials. Church events were often fashioned after the "ice cream gardens"
common in society at the time. Over the years, ice cream socials began appearing as fundraisers for various organizations. Early Americans enjoyed many of the same flavors we do today, including strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio. However, there were many other flavors served in the 1800s that aren’t as common today, like tea, parmesan, and even oyster flavored ice cream! This year, our Moonlight Ice Cream Social will be held August 10, on the patio between the Historical Society Museum (506 Main Street) and Iron Kettle Brewing (508 Main Street) from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. We hope you will join us.
Tickets are available at the museum or from members of the society: Adults, $6. Children under 12, $4.
At the 1994 Social, Paul Morganroth entertained the young and old with his calliope (musical organ) and musical toys. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society during its Missouri Centennial Celebration through August 15th. The museum, located at 506 Main, will be open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00am—4:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm—4:00pm. For more information on the Grain Valley Historical Society, visit www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
Erma (Baumgardner) Doty, GV Class of 1938 collected money from Isabelle (Napier) Clark, GV Class of 1933. The Ice Cream Social is a popular event for the “old timers” to get together and reminisce. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Barbara (Overall) Washburn, GV Class of 1956, visited with our “customers” at the 1994 social at Armstrong Park. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
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Business
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Earlier this month, the governor signed legislation into law raising the state’s gas tax for the first time in over two decades. Senate Bill 262 increases the gas tax by 2.5 cents per gallon beginning in October 2021, and continues to increase it annually for five years, until reaching a total increase of 12.5 cents per gallon. This additional revenue will be used to fix and maintain roads and bridges throughout Missouri. Now, I voted against this bill, not because it increased the gas tax, but because a similar proposal was voted down by Missourians at the ballot box in 2018. However, when you consider Missouri’s gas tax has not been increased since 1996 and realize the rising price of asphalt, steel, concrete and labor today, I think it is understandable to want to update the state’s gas tax. While I understand it’s important to maintain our roads and bridges, I also know the past year has been hard for many Missourians even without an increase in the gas tax. That is why I’m pleased to report that drivers have the opportunity to receive a refund for the additional taxes paid at the pump
through a rebate provision contained in SB 262. Individuals interested in receiving a refund need to keep their gas receipts and file for a rebate with the Department of Revenue. The department is working to create the forms needed to apply for the rebate, so until they become available, I simply encourage my constituents to keep their receipts. Please note, vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds are ineligible for the refund. All told, I’m hopeful SB 262 will help provide the resources needed to restore and improve our state’s aging infrastructure system. While no one likes tax increases, this legislation does provide interested Missourians with an avenue to recover the additional taxes paid at the pump. I am honored to serve the citizens of the 8th Senatorial District. If there is anything I can do to serve you, please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573) 751-1464. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation for the 2021 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.
Missouri Chamber launches COVID Stops Here campaign A new campaign will recognize Missouri workplaces that are leading the fight against COVID-19. The COVID Stops Here campaign celebrates Missouri employers that have achieved widespread vaccination among their staff members. Organizations that have achieved at least a 70% vaccination rate are eligible to receive a COVID Stops Here designation. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry developed the campaign as a way to highlight workplaces that are leading the fight to stop COVID-19 — and to encourage more organizations to join their ranks. Missouri employers can visit mochamber.com/ CovidStopsHere to apply for a designation. Employers with at least 70% of their staff members fully
vaccinated against COVID-19 will be approved for a designation and will receive materials to help celebrate their vaccination status. The website also includes resources for employers that are still working to achieve widespread vaccination among their staff members. “The COVID-19 vaccine is Missouri’s pathway to recovery and employers are truly on the front lines of the push to vaccinate our state. We are excited to recognize workplaces across Missouri that are leading on vaccination. Any workplace that has achieved widespread vaccination should be recognized and that’s our goal with the COVID Stops Here campaign,” Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber said.
For sponsorship opportuni es and to register, call Tasha at 816‐443‐5162 or email info@growgrainvalley.org. Silent auc on item dona ons are also welcomed. Please contact Tasha (816‐443‐5162) to do‐ nate an item for the silent auc on.
www.growgrainvalley.org
State News
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Parson announces vaccine incentive lottery with $10,000 prizes, picks new health director by Tessa Weinberg, Missouri Independent In a bid to increase vaccination rates to combat the Delta variant’s growing spread, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Wednesday an incentive program that will feature chances to win $10,000 for those who get a shot. Parson was also joined Wednesday by Donald Kauerauf, a former assistant director in the Illinois Department of Public Health, who will serve as the new director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The announcement comes just over three months since Randall Williams, the former DHSS director, resigned suddenly with little explanation. The unveiling of an incentive program to persuade Missourians to get vaccinated has been anticipated for weeks, as state officials have worked to finalize details and pin down funding sources. Parson himself had previously been hesitant to adopt incentives, questioning last month whether they would set a precedent to reward vaccinations. However, he has since turned to them as the state continues to see some of the highest numbers of new cases per capita, and has expressed his support for smaller-scale lottery prizes. Missouri’s incentive program is dubbed “MO VIP” and will be operated by the Missouri Lottery. Entries will be divided by Missouri’s eight Congressional districts. There will be separate drawings for those already vaccinated, those who have yet to be and receive a dose after July 21 and for minors who can win a $10,000 MOST 529 savings plan, an investment account that can be used to pay college tuition, among other educational expenses. Each drawing, there will be 180 winners — with eighty adults selected each for the category of those vaccinated before July 21 and those newly vaccinated after that date, and 20 youth between the ages of 12-17. In total, there will be 900 winners after the drawings are complete. The first drawing will be on Aug. 13. Drawings will occur every two weeks with the fifth and final drawing scheduled for Oct. 8. Winners will be responsible for paying all state and federal taxes on the original $10,000 prize. If residents who win owe money to state entities, like the state public defender, the amount they owe will be deducted from the winnings. If the amount exceeds $10,000, they will receive no prize money, per a FAQ section on the program. A schedule and additional details on eligibility can be found at MOStopsCovid.com/win. Parson reiterated the state would not be mandating vaccines. But he urged Missourians to cast aside “the doom and gloom scenarios that are out there across our state, all the misinformation” and turn to trusted community leaders, like residents’ doctors and clergy members, to seek out advice on getting a vaccine in order to make their own
judgment calls. “I’m depending on you and your families to make the right choices,” Parson said. Parson said he did not have a specific figure that would mark the incentive program as a success, but stressed its outcomes will be analyzed. Acting DHSS Director Robert Knodell said in crafting the program, the state hoped to achieve a “sweet spot” to give as many people prizes as possible throughout the state, opposed to only a few winners statewide. The incentive program’s launch previously hit a snag when it came to funding, with Missouri urging the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention on Friday to make an exception and waive a $25 per person limit for incentives paid for by federal funding to boost immunizations. The state will instead cover the costs of Missouri’s incentive program through a combination of state funds and unspent federal coronavirus relief funds, which the U.S. Treasury Department recently clarified can be used for cash payments and lotteries, “so long as such costs are reasonably proportional to the expected public health benefit.” In total roughly $9 million will be spent, Knodell said. Supplemental grant funding to boost immunizations will instead be made available to local public health departments to craft county-level incentive programs of their own. Local incentive programs will be approved by the state, and up to $11 million will be issued and able to be used through the end of the year. New director Kauerauf comes from Illinois, where he has spent three decades serving in primarily state government roles related to emergency response and public health. Kauerauf most recently served as the chair of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force within the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, where he had previously also served as the chief of the Bureau of Preparedness and Grants Administration. Kauerauf said he believes his background in emergency management helps him be effective at weighing all the options to make quick decisions to protect public health. Kauerauf also served as the assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, a position he had been appointed to in July 2016 by former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and held until his retirement in 2018. Kauerauf had worked in the department for a decade prior to that from 1994 to 2004, where he served in various roles, including chief of the department’s division of disaster planning and readiness, according to a news article at the time. He also oversaw “Safe2Help Illinois,” a school safety program that aimed to collect tips in an effort to prevent suicide,
bullying and school violence, and worked as an emergency management intelligence officer at Western Illinois University in the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center, according to a previous bio. Kauerauf does not have a medical degree. Williams, who was an obstetrician and gynecologist, was the first department director in recent years to have a medical background. One of his goals as the new department director will be to travel the state and meet healthcare providers, public health departments and businesses, Kauerauf said. Asked on how to best improve Missouri’s health outcomes, Kauerauf stressed the need for accessible preventative care and building on collaboration between health departments. “We need to take a holistic look at the public health system,” Kauerauf said. “That was going to be my plan on day one.” Kauerauf replaces Knodell, Parson’s deputy chief of staff, who has served as the acting director of DHSS since Williams’ resignation. The search extended longer than Parson had first hoped, as he previously anticipated a new director would be finalized within 60 days. Williams, who had been the highestprofile member of Parson’s cabinet, faced a tumultuous four years in the role and had often been embroiled in controversy. Parson’s office has refused to release Williams’ resignation letter, and the Attorney General’s Office has declined to take action, arguing the governor’s office is “a client.” Amid the pandemic, Williams and Parson left decisions on mitigation measures largely in the hands of local officials and faced outrage from residents and lawmakers over equitable distribution early on in the state’s vaccine rollout. Kauerauf, who is scheduled to assume his new role on Sept. 1, will inherit a summer surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations that has been fueled by the Delta variant and low vaccination rates throughout the state. State health officials have anticipated weeks of rising cases, with healthcare providers and local officials in hard-hit Springfield warning
Donald Kauerauf, Missouri’s new health director. Photo credit: Missouri Independent “the surge is coming.” On Wednesday, the state reported 2,995 additional COVID cases — the highest total since mid-January. Health officials in Springfield continue to struggle with record inpatient numbers, and have requested the state provide funding for an alternative care site to free up hospital beds for those most severely ill. Asked if there’s anything he would have done differently in Missouri’s pandemic response, Kauerauf said there was nothing. “Missouri has done a great job following CDC guidance,” he said. “This all comes back to, people need to get vaccinated.” Meanwhile, vaccinations have slightly increased across the state, most notably in Southwest Missouri. According to a June 19 analysis by Deloitte, a consulting firm hired by the state to aid its pandemic response, vaccine initiations for adults increased by approximately 3,000 last week — the highest number of weekly vaccine initiations since late May. As of Wednesday, 50 percent of Missouri’s adult population has completed vaccination, according to state data. But rates still remain stubbornly low, with the state’s seven-day average of vaccines administered hovering around 10,000, according to state data. Missouri has the 13th lowest number of doses administered per capita in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.missouriindependent.com
Your Health
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Five reasons to own an air fryer by Tara Sallee, MS, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian Summer is here! In addition to high temperatures, the summer season brings busy schedules filled with family-fun activities. This summer, spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. Using an air fryer, you can spend less time preparing meals while still providing healthy options that your family will love. What is an air fryer? An air fryer is an appliance that works like a more powerful countertop convection oven. It can do the job of multiple appliances in one, while taking up minimal countertop space. Air fryers can be found in a wide price range, available for every budget. Investing in an air fryer can offer you
and your family a variety of benefits. Here are five reasons to own an air fryer: Healthy Twist: Minimize your oil usage, while still getting a nice crisp finish on your favorite foods. By minimizing your use of oil, you will also be able to better control your calorie intake. Time Saver: Busy families can always benefit from time-saving appliances. Using an air fryer will be quicker and cleaner than cooking by oven or frying in a pan. Easy to Use: This appliance is very user friendly with only a few buttons needed to control it. They also often come with a user manual that gives you time and temperature guidance for a variety of foods.
Kid-friendly summer snacking (Family Features) Summer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long. For an option that quenches hunger (and thirst) without sacrificing nutrition, try an assortment of ways to enjoy watermelon. As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving) – an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection – than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Plus, it’s made of 92% water, meaning it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to rehydrate during some fun in the sun. Make watermelon part of a balanced snack plate with this Kids Charcuterie Snack Board including assorted watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced veggies, sliced fruits, crackers, pretzels and more. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the simplicity of this snack means children can help assemble it while showing off their creativity. Visit watermelon.org to find more kidfriendly recipe ideas.
Kids Charcuterie Snack Board Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board Cubed watermelon watermelon balls, skewered watermelon wedges watermelon sticks flower-shaped watermelon cutouts peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, halved ham and cheese pinwheels sliced veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers and celery sliced fruit pretzels crackers small bowl of candy (optional) Prepare watermelon, sandwiches, pinwheels, veggies, fruit, pretzels, crackers and candy, if desired. On large board or platter, arrange all ingredients.
Versatility: Air fryers come in a variety of sizes and can be used to cook almost any food including meats, fruits, vegetables and even baked goods. Keep Things Cool: It’s hot enough in the summer, so we don’t want to heat things up even more with our meal prep. The air fryer will cook your meal without creating a sauna out of your kitchen. Cooking at home is an important part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The air fryer can be a healthy and affordable way to help you with meal prep, making it easier to continue cooking at home. If you have more questions regarding your or your family’s personal nutrition needs, contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian. You can find out more about the nutrition services available at www.hy-vee.com/health.
The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Is your teen ready to try contacts? (StatePoint) Did you know that nearly four out of five teens prefer contact lenses over glasses? With a new school year comes new routines and new responsibilities, making this a good time of year to make the switch. Here’s what to know about glasses, contacts and your teen’s eyes: Get checked: Teens should have their vision checked before the school year begins whether they currently wear glasses or contacts or not. Correcting vision problems is a must for setting your child up for success at school, but glasses might not be your child’s first choice. Consider glasses grief: Many schools are continuing to enforce mask mandates or are recommending them. If your teen is masking up at school, they will likely experience foggy glasses. Convenience: Daily disposable contact lenses can be a good choice for young people. Because your teen will have a new pair of contact lenses each day, he or she won’t have to worry about cleaning and storing them. Know that moisture matters: Between texting with friends, scrolling through social media binge watching shows, gaming and school work, teens are online more than ever. All this increased digital device usage can contribute to a reduced blink rate that can lead to lens dryness.
Even with a return to in-person learning this year, you can expect teens to be doing a lot of work on electronic devices. In fact, technology usage for students has increased more than 60% over the past year. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to opt for daily disposables that maintain moisture. Comfort is king: A contact lens that can provide your teen with all day comfort can help them keep up with a busy day of school, homework and after school activities. Next steps: Ask your doctor if your teen is a good candidate for contact lenses, and take time to consider whether they are responsible in other areas of their life. If your teen is ready for contact lenses, select an option that’s great for first-time wearers, such as Biotrue ONEday daily disposables. Easy to insert and remove, and comfortable for all day wear, these lenses were created by the eye care experts at Bausch + Lomb and are designed to maintain their moisture for up to 16 hours, based on a laboratory study, and provide clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. For many teens, contacts are a natural choice, whether they’re gaming with friends or scoring goals, daily disposables can keep up with your teen’s lifestyle. This back-to-school season, consider making the switch.
Outdoors & Recreation
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MDC offers free canoe and kayak float trip classes July 30-31 in KC by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Cool water and scenery make floating Missouri’s Ozark streams a favored late-summer activity. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer both virtual and inperson classes in how to plan and enjoy float trips on July 30 and July 31. Both types of the free sessions will originate at MDC’s Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., in Kansas City. Virtual river floating sessions will be offered from 11:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30 to 2:30pm on Friday, July 30. MDC staff will share online their experience regarding good rivers to float, what gear and food to pack, and how to plan an outdoor adventure for you or your family. This class provides an introduction for anyone thinking about trying a new outdoor activity like canoeing or kayaking. The virtual classes are open for participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register
for the morning class, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZVK. For the afternoon class, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZVr. MDC will offer three in-person Float Like A Pro sessions on Saturday, July 31, at the Gorman Discovery Center. The time slots will be from 10 to 11:30am from 11:30am to 1:00pm, and from 1:30 to 3:00pm. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed. These classes will cover equipment, planning, canoe and kayak tips, safety, and where to go floating. Participants will have the knowledge necessary to plan and go on an Ozark float trip. To register for one of these sessions, visit the MDC events signup page, scroll to July 31, and click on the event. One person can register for a family or friend group. To register, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZVH. For more information about the Gorman Discovery Center, visit https:// mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter. To learn about Ozark float streams, visit https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZVV.
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Photo credit: MDC
Fred Arbanas Golf Course reopens Jackson County Parks + Rec has announced the reopening of the 18-hole Championship Course at the Fred Arbanas Golf Course. The course has been temporarily closed since April in an effort to successfully complete a laborintensive greens restoration project The course grounds crew has worked to complete the following improvements: Hand-working the 4,500 square feet of sod laid down in the first phase of the restoration; Replacing small, damaged areas using a “hand plugger” for more than 1,500 sod plugs on the greens; Top dressing the greens; Smoothing the greens surface using specially-designed machinery and handwhipping the sand to smooth out and
level the green surfaces. “I want to thank the golfing public for their continued support of the Fred Arbanas Golf Course. Our objective is always to offer a quality golfing experience,” Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman said. “I am pleased to announce that we have hired a new General Manager and Superintendent, Greg Addison, who served as General Manager for Great Life Golf in Kansas City, and Course Superintendent, Woody Moriarty, who comes to us from Blue Hills Country Club.” The Fred Arbanas Golf Course, located at 11100 View High Drive, is owned and operated by Jackson County Parks + Rec. For tee times and information, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/golf or call (816) 761-9445.
Sports
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Matlon seeking to catch a new college home by Michael Smith Grain Valley graduate Caden Matlon is looking for a new college team. This past spring, he didn’t get any playing time for Johnson County community college. The Cavaliers had a handful of other catchers competing for one spot, making it difficult for Matlon to earn any playing time. Before he decides where to transfer, Matlon has shifted his focus to the Ban Johnson Summer League, where he plays for the Creche Innovation Stars. He’s had a solid season for them, hitting .294 with three doubles, seven RBIs and .849 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. “It’s good to be playing baseball again,” Matlon said. “I am looking at Dodge City Community College and Maple Woods, Jesse is my connection there. “Johnson County had 47 guys. It wasn’t a good fit. They had three thirdyear guys at catcher.” Stars manager Kyle Clifton said he was impressed with the way that Matlon has crushed the ball after not playing at all during the spring. “In his first at bat he probably hit a ball (with a 90-plus exit velocity) right back up the middle,” Clifton said. “When
you have that kind of approach you know you’re a good hitter. For him, it was just about knocking the rust off.” And his approach has led to minimizing strikeouts as he’s only fanned four times this summer. “He doesn’t swing and miss. That’s his strength,” Clifton said. “He hits a lot of line drives. He’s compact and short to the ball.” At the beginning of the Ban Johnson season, Matlon struggled throwing runners out. Clifton said he noticed that Matlon was short-arming his throws, so he told the redshirt freshman to relax and just throw. Since then, Clifton has helped Matlon make adjustments and it’s helped decrease his release time and add velocity to his throws. “It looks like he’s throwing the ball a lot better,” Clifton said. “He’s gotten better at holding runners and catching people stealing. He should get better as he goes back to his college season.” Matlon is getting his first taste of college competition with the Stars. He said he noticed right away that facing college pitching would be a lot more difficult than batting against high school pitchers. “Pitchers are so much better (at the
Eaker tests positive for COVID-19 Grain Valley High School graduate
Eaker and fellow alternate Leanne
Kara Eaker, currently in Tokyo as an
Wong, who has also tested positive for
alternate with the US Gymnastic team,
COVID-19, have been placed in isolation.
has tested positive for COVID-19. Eaker
The Olympic games open Friday; the
was vaccinated and is the first American
women’s gymnastic team will begin
to test positive after arriving in Japan.
competing on Sunday.
Grain Valley graduate Caden Matlon is getting his first opportunity to play college ball in this summer’s Ban Johnson league. Photo credit: Cody Thorn college level),” Matlon said. “They have a lot more control over their pitches, especially their off-speed stuff.” But Matlon should play his first full season in college next spring. Matlon said he has no preference on where he
wants to go. He just wants to play baseball. “(NCAA Division I) is always the goal, but I just want to be as good as I can,” Matlon said.
Isaac Herbert wins Boys 10-11 division at MO Junior Amateur Championship in Smithville Grain Valley’s Isaac Herbert won the Boys 10-11 division in the 2021 Missouri Junior Amateur Championship on the Posse course at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville on July 14th. Bailey Burkett (Kansas City) and Dylan Comstock (Orrick) headlined the winners of the tournament. Burkett took home wins in both the overall championship and the 14-15 division, shooting a 9-over 76 and 77 for the two-day tournament. She and 14-15 division runner-up Lyla Louderbaugh (Buffalo) both outplayed the 16-18 division medalists, whose champion, Ella Overstreet (Jackson), shot 13-over. On the boys side, Comstock sat in control of the field from the outset, firing off five birdies on the front nine during Tuesday's first round. He completed day one with an eagle at the 18th to card a 7-under 65. He followed up with a steadfast performance in round two at 2-over 74 to finish the
tournament at 5-under with a six shot lead. Other notable performances include Anson Munzlinger (Columbia), who finished at the top of the boys 12-13 division with a 1-under 74 and 69 over two rounds. Winners by division: Championship (Girls) — Bailey Burkett (+9 // 76, 77) Championship (Boys) — Dylan Comstock (-5 // 65, 74) Boys 16-18 — Dylan Comstock Girls 16-18 — Ella Overstreet (+13 // 79, 78) Boys 14-15 — Jonathan Jordan (E // 72, 72) Girls 14-15 — Bailey Burkett Boys 12-13 — Anson Munzlinger (-1 // 74, 69) Girls 12-13 — Grace Tiedemann (+23 // 83, 84)† Boys 10-11 — Isaac Herbert (+23 // 48, 47)*† Girls 10-11 — Olivia Tiedemann (+43 // 55, 60)*† Boys 8-9 — Blaine Munzlinger (+2 // 38, 36)*† * Nine-hole rounds † Less than 10 participants
Sports
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Sidearm delivery could be key to successful 2022 for Scholtz by Michael Smith Grain Valley graduate and baseball player Jesse Scholtz has been trying to find his footing at the college level since graduating high school in 2019. Creche Innovation Stars manager Kyle Clifton of the Ban Johnson Summer Baseball League helped him along the way in doing so. Before playing for the Metropolitan Community College team this past spring, Scholtz had a threequarters delivery as a pitcher. Clifton suggested an adjustment to Scholtz’s pitching style earlier this summer, and judging from the way he’s pitched for the Stars, it looks like the change was a good thing. “Jesse started at a three-quarter angle, but he’s always had a downward tilt,” Clifton said. “I noticed he was at his best once his arm was more relaxed. So I just said, ‘Why don’t you just go to a sidearm delivery?’ It’s been an easy transition for him and he’s just been lights out.” The pitching style is uncommon at every level of baseball in the United States. A sidearm delivery is when a pitcher throws from a horizontal plane rather than a more common vertical one. The ball is often released level with the player’s shoulder or lower. It’s a technique a few Major League players use like Darren O’Day and Brad Ziegler, an Odessa High School Graduate. “I used to be a straight sidearm pitcher, but now I am a little under that,” Scholtz said. “It’s not a submarine delivery but it’s pretty far down there.” The throwing motion came natural to
Scholtz as he grew up playing shortstop, and throwing in a side arm motion is common when playing that position. “It wasn’t that big of a jump since I used to be a shortstop,” Scholtz said. “I had been tinkering with my throwing motion. When I dropped down, it took a little getting used to. But now, it feels comfortable for me.” Allowing the natural downward tilt to his pitching style has resulted in a breakout season for the Stars as he’s served as an emergency relief pitcher for the Stars. He’s pitched 23 innings and has a 1.52 earned-run average and a 1.26 walks-and-hits-per-inning pitched. Scholtz has also struck out 24 batters and has only walked 11 as he seems poised to be a Ban Johnson All-Star this season. “It’s been a really fun season. We are looking to get into the playoffs. We just have to win one of our next three games,” Scholtz said. “I have been throwing pretty well. When I am asked to pitch, I just give it my all like I am going to war with my teammates.” He utilizes a four-seam fastball, a changeup and a slider which has been effective for the former Eagle. His strength has been getting hitters to hit ground balls and limiting home runs. “I feel like I have gotten a lot more soft contact from hitters,” Scholtz said. “I wouldn’t say I am a strikeout pitcher. I usually just let my defense work.” He’s provided versatility to the Stars as Clifton has used him in a variety of situations, whether it’s serving as an
Grain Valley graduate Jesse Scholtz has seen great improvement after putting a sidearm delivery to work in this summer’s Ban Johnson League. Photo credit: Cody Thorn opener for a game, pitching as a closer or being the primary replacement for when another pitcher gets hurt. Scholtz has been a Jack of all trades. “If I have an emergency pop up, I can just throw him out there,” Clifton said. “He says he can get ready in a minute. He goes from cold to ready in a matter of seconds.” Scholtz struggled during his red-shirt freshman season with Metropolitan Community College, posting a 8.51 ERA in 24 1/3 innings. Now that he’s vastly improved with his sidearm delivery, a much better 2022 season could be in
store for the sophomore. And if he can increase his production following his 2022 season, Scholtz could move on and transfer to a four-year college and play two more years. He hopes he can land with any team after his sophomore year at MCC, whether it’s with an NCAA Division I program or a NAIA school. “Going down there to throw his pitches just helps his marketability,” Clifton said. “It’s something special he does. There’s definitely a market for it. I can see him playing after he’s done at MCC.”
Crews captures first career Lucas Oil POWRi Midget League victory by POWRi (Grain Valley, MO) The Denver, North Carolina native, Brent Crews grabbed the early lead and captured his first career Lucas Oil POWRi National Midget League Victory at Grain Valley Speedway. Driver behind the No. 86 also became the youngest driver to ever win a Lucas Oil POWRi National event. Crews outlasted the 30-lap main and captured CBIndustries second win on the 2021 season with the series. A field of 24 Lucas Oil POWRi National & West Midgets filled the pit area at Valley Speedway for the first night of racing this weekend. The program saw Kaylee Bryson, Jake Neuman, and Taylor Reimer capture heat race victories. Crews started out the 30-lap race
starting in the third position. At the drop of the green flag, the field saw Karter Sarff to the lead. Taylor Reimer and Crews battled it out behind him for the second position. Crews got passed Reimer and set his sights on Sarff for the lead. A few early race cautions kept the field bunched up. As the field went back green, Crews challenged Sarff for the lead and presumed the top position. Kaylee Bryson threw herself in the mix and followed Crews through to the second position. Most of the 24-car field were making laps on the bottom of the speedway, but Bryson stepped out and made things happen on the top side. Bryson caught
Crews and gave him all that she had, but Crews held on to win his first career Lucas Oil POWRi win. RESULTS Midgets Lucas Oil A Feature 1 (30 Laps): 1. 86-Brent Crews[3]; 2. 17-Tanner Berryhill[7]; 3. 71Kaylee Bryson[5]; 4. 5-Gavan Boschele[14]; 5. 3N-Jake Neuman[1]; 6. 67K-Cade Lewis[11]; 7. 01-Bryant Wiedeman[13]; 8. 21K-Karter Sarff [2]; 9. 08-Taylor Reimer[4]; 10. 85T-Ryan Timms[6]; 11. 444-Kameron Key[12]; 12. 51XJoe Walker[16]; 13. 44-Branigan Roark[17]; 14. 11A-Andrew Felker[8]; 15. 21F-Don Droud Jr [9]; 16. 28K-Kory Schudy[20]; 17. 21-Emilio Hoover[18]; 18. 56AP-Riley Kreisel[10]; 19. 9Brad Wyatt[22]; 20. 60E-Mark Billings[21]; 21. 33GC-George Campbell Sr[23]; 22. 97-Mason
Daugherty[19]; 23. 321-Chad Winfrey[15]; 24. 70-Cade Cowles[24] Advanced Racing Suspensions Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 71-Kaylee Bryson[2]; 2. 85T-Ryan Timms[3]; 3. 11A-Andrew Felker[4]; 4. 56APRiley Kreisel[5]; 5. 444-Kameron Key[7]; 6. 51X-Joe Walker[6]; 7. 44-Branigan Roark[8]; 8. 60E-Mark Billings[1] MVT Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 3N-Jake Neuman[6]; 2. 21K-Karter Sarff[8]; 3. 67K-Cade Lewis[1]; 4. 01-Bryant Wiedeman[4]; 5. 5-Gavan Boschele[5]; 6. 21-Emilio Hoover[2]; 7. 28KKory Schudy[3]; 8. (DNS) 9-Brad Wyatt Auto Meter Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 08-Taylor Reimer[4]; 2. 86-Brent Crews[7]; 3. 17Tanner Berryhill[5]; 4. 21F-Don Droud Jr[6]; 5. 321-Chad Winfrey[1]; 6. 97-Mason Daugherty[2]; 7. 33GC-George Campbell Sr [8]; 8. (DNS) 70-Cade Cowles
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Community Calendar
Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Mail: Grain Valley News: PO Box 2972, Grain Valley MO 64029
Monday, July 26, 2021
Solution to last week’s puzzle.
Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
We hope you will join us. Tickets are available at the museum or from members of the society: Adults, $6. Children under 12, $4.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
August 11, 2021
Creating videos for social media 6:00pm—7:00pm Join us for an hour-long discussion on the best practices to put in place when using video on social media. www.mymcpl.org/events
Sunday, August 1, 2021 Purple Peace Foundation’s “Cruise for Consciousness” Car Show 11:00am—3:00pm Armstrong Park, Grain Valley www.purplepeacefoundation.org.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Grain Valley Historical Society Moonlight Ice Cream Social 5:00pm—8:00pm Join us on the patio between the Historical Society Museum (506 Main Street) and Iron Kettle Brewing (508 Main Street) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
August 23, 2021 First Day of School Grain Valley Schools
September 6, 2021 Labor Day Grain Valley Schools closed Grain Valley City Hall closed
September 10-11, 2021 Grain Valley Fair www.grainvalleyfair.org
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